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Rhinelander Chamber Director Receives 'Rising Star' Tourism Award Published on 03/21/2022 under News

A Northwoods chamber director has been dubbed a 'Rising Star' by the state's tourism department.

At the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism, eight individuals and organizations were presented with Tourism Awards. Among them was Lauren Sackett from the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce. Sackett received one of two 'Rising Star' awards.

In the announcement panel said of Sackett, "Her leadership played a crucial role in helping many local tourism businesses survive through the pandemic. Described as the perfect blend of local pride, fearless advocate and compassionate peer, Sackett works tirelessly to bring tourism in the Northwoods to the next level."

In addition to her position with the Rhinelander Chamber, Sackett also contributes to the Northwoods Tourism Council.

Tourism secretary-designee, Anne Sayers. "As tourism continues to rebound, it's the inspired work and brilliant execution from these individuals and organizations that keep Wisconsin on the right path toward recovery. Congratulations to our award winners and all of this year's nominees."

2022 Governor's Tourism Awards winners:

Arts, Culture and Heritage Award - Create Waunakee Committee, Village of Waunakee 

The Village of Waunakee and its "Create Waunakee" Committee celebrate its innovators, creators and artists that make Waunakee a vibrant place to live and explore. Since February 2020, this committee of nine dedicated community volunteers and four village staff members has gone above and beyond to bring amazing programs, ideas and opportunities to Waunakee. Examples include, "Waunakee is Home", a series of monthly interviews with local community members, and the Waunakee Artisan Market, which emphasizes the talents of local artists.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Award - Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, Door County Maritime Museum and Lighthouse Preservation Society 

As a recent expansion of the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, the landmark Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower offers ten floors of interactive educational exhibits highlighting maritime history, people and industries. The space is designed to provide accessibility to a lighthouse experience that can accommodate everyone regardless of physical abilities and provides a must-see maritime experience that will draw visitors and create a significant economic boost to the region.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Award - Unique Unites, VISIT Milwaukee 

Unique Unites is an ongoing campaign designed to highlight Milwaukee's eclectic and diverse community with a focus on inclusivity and representation for all who live, work and visit the city. The campaign encourages visitors and locals alike to branch out, explore the city, learn about its diverse community and find their Milwaukee. With this initiative, visitors from all walks of life can feel like they belong in a city where they are represented and included. 

Innovation Award - Wisconsin River Trail Organization 

The Wisconsin River Trail Organization (WRTO) Board formed in 2014 to create a 20-mile hiking and biking trail in the Boscobel/Woodman/Wauzeka area. In addition to the trail creation, there are plans to continue to reinvent the community by converting old feed buildings into a hostel, brew pub, theater, indoor farmers market and much more. The WRTO is made up of community members including nurses, insurance representatives, teachers and secretaries who together serve as mentors in the community and will leave a legacy that will be built upon for years to come.  

Rising Star Award - Amy Albright, Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Amy Albright continuously displays her passion for Oshkosh while leading the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau to ensure economic development through tourism. She has elevated the marketing strategy for the Oshkosh area by jumpstarting its presence on social media, radio and other media outlets. Her unwavering commitment to establish partnerships and foster relationships have longstanding impacts throughout the community.

Rising Star Award - Lauren Sackett, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce 

Since becoming Executive Director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber in June 2018, Lauren Sackett has served as the Treasurer of the Oneida County Tourism Commission and has worked to uplift the entire area by advocating for increased commitment in tourism investment. Her leadership played a crucial role in helping many local tourism businesses survive through the pandemic. Described as the perfect blend of local pride, fearless advocate and compassionate peer, Sackett works tirelessly to bring tourism in the Northwoods to the next level. 

Service Excellence Award - The Racine Zoo 

The Racine Zoo is a 28-acre, accredited zoo along the shores of Lake Michigan that works to create a safe, fun, enriching and educational place for all ages. The Zoo incorporates animals and wildlife conservation education into every part of their work. From guided scout hikes and preschool classes to summer camps and special events, they strive to connect the community with nature. As a result of its ongoing efforts to remove barriers to access, the Racine Zoo recently became the first certified sensory inclusive zoo in Wisconsin.

Legacy Award - Sherry Quamme, Mississippi River Parkway Commission/WI Great River Road 

Sherry Quamme has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving and uplifting numerous municipalities, including her own community of Ferryville. She has been a driving force for tourism and economic development in southwest Wisconsin and has collaborated with more than eight destination marketing organizations to promote the region. She has served on the Mississippi River Parkway Commission/Wisconsin Great River Road, including as Chair, since 2008. Quamme led the efforts to author Wisconsin's first successful All American Road application to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, with the designation being awarded in 2021. No matter the project, Quamme is a forward-thinking leader, and her efforts go above and beyond.

In Other News

Rhinelander Church Collecting Unused Wheel Chairs for Global Distribution

Published on 10/20/2026 under News Throughout this week, a Rhinelander-area church is collecting unused wheelchairs and mobility equipment to send to developing nations. For individuals with limited mobility, a wheelchair is a vital tool—yet it is something many take for granted. The organization Wheels for the World is working to change that by partnering with Calvary Baptist Church in Rhinelander for a local collection drive. According to Pastor Rod Ankrom, volunteers take used wheelchairs and restore them to like-new condition before distributing them overseas. Ankrom noted that in many developing nations, people with mobility challenges are often left isolated simply because they lack a way to get around. In addition to complete wheelchairs, the church is accepting crutches, canes, and wheelchair parts that can be used during the refurbishment process. Drop-offs are being accepted at Calvary Baptist Church on Lincoln Street in Rhinelander from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, as well as Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Anyone unable to make those times can arrange an alternative drop-off by calling the church directly.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News In-person absentee voting gets underway across Wisconsin today, marking exactly two weeks until Election Day. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 20, municipal clerks can open early voting sites, allowing voters to request and complete their absentee ballots in a single visit. Locations and operating hours vary by municipality. Just like on Election Day, voters will need to present an acceptable photo ID to cast their ballot. State election data shows that over 173,000 mail-in absentee ballots have already been returned, though more than 191,000 requested ballots remain outstanding. Local numbers reflect that statewide trend: in Lincoln County, just under 1,300 ballots were requested and about 650 have been returned so far. In Oneida County, roughly 1,500 of the 2,800 absentee ballots sent out have come back. State officials note that overall mail-in requests are down compared to four years ago, signaling that more residents may plan to vote early in person before Nov. 3. More than 2.6 million Wisconsinites are expected to cast ballots in this year's general election. Voter information, including sample preview ballots, is available on the state's official website at MyVote.wi.gov.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News With beautiful fall weather in the forecast, it is a great time to get the yard ready for winter, but health experts warn that seasonal chores come with hidden injury risks. Raking leaves and cleaning gutters put unique strains on your body. Raking involves repetitive twisting and pulling, which frequently leads to lower back and shoulder injuries. To protect yourself, treat yard work like exercise: do a quick dynamic stretch before starting, keep your knees slightly bent, and switch sides often to balance the workload. If you are tackling chores that require a ladder, such as trimming branches or clearing gutters, keep safety top of mind. Officials advise placing ladders on firm, level ground, maintaining three points of contact at all times, and never overreaching. Always wear supportive shoes with soles clear of mud or debris that could cause a slip, and stay facing the ladder whenever you climb up or down. And in general, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and listen to your body so your yard gets prepped without an unexpected trip to urgent care. As a reminder, the City of Tomahawk will conduct its annual curbside fall yard waste collection next week.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News A congratulations go out to the Tomahawk High School one act-play for advancing out of the district competition. This fall, THS is performing, "Lost in the Woods" by Stephen Murray. The play follows a group of tech-free wilderness campers who get lost and encounter mysterious forest creatures and an eccentric counselor before help arrives. On Saturday, the judges advanced Tomahawk on to the sectional competition. Tomahawk is aiming to secure its 11th consecutive trip to the state festival next month.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News A Tomahawk man was arrested twice in three days for domestic disturbances at a residence on County Highway E in the Town of Bradley. On Saturday, Oct. 17, Lincoln County deputies responded to a report of an argument where 20-year-old Spencer Johnson was allegedly intoxicated, brandishing household items as weapons, and threatening others. He was arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to the Lincoln County Jail. Then on Monday morning, deputies were called back to the same address. Authorities say Johnson, out on bail, was damaging the home and threatening to stab a family dog, forcing the occupants to lock themselves in a bathroom for safety. Deputies detained Johnson at the scene and booked him into the Lincoln County Jail on multiple charges, including three counts of disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony bail jumping.____ One other note from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the number of vehicle versus deer collisions continues to rise. That is common at this time of year. There were 13 reported on Lincoln County roadways this week.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News With Halloween right around the corner, a Rhinelander student organization is bringing back its annual community service project to help restock the local food pantry. The project, known as "Trick or Can," puts a philanthropic spin on traditional trick-or-treating: instead of collecting candy, students collect non-perishable food items. The drive is organized locally by the school's combined FBLA/DECA chapter, joining similar efforts conducted by student groups in neighboring communities. Over the weekend, Rhinelander students began distributing collection bags to select neighborhoods across the community. Next Sunday, Oct. 25, they will return to those same streets to pick up filled bags, bringing the food drive directly to residents' doorsteps. During last year's event, students collected more than 700 food items for the Rhinelander Food Pantry.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Students in Tomahawk are about to get a big boost when it comes to managing their money and planning for the future. Tomahawk District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry announced the district has been awarded a $7,500 Financial Literacy Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. That money is bringing the Junior Achievement program into local classrooms, building a hands-on financial curriculum for students from kindergarten through graduation. The goal is to give students real-world practice with things like budgeting, saving, making smart money choices, and exploring future careers. Quesinberry noted that the program will allow additional opportunities to connect classroom learning with the local business community. He says, "By exposing students to real-world financial situations and career opportunities, we can help them better understand the relationship between education, personal responsibility, and future success." The grant covers all program fees, workbooks, and instructional materials, introducing this high-impact opportunity at zero cost to local taxpayers. Overall, 29 school districts will share in nearly $300,000 to support personal finance education. These courses will help districts meet a new, mandatory half-credit financial literacy requirement starting with the Class of 2028.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News The City of Merrill honored a dedicated public servants this weekend with the dedication of a new honorary street sign celebrating former Mayor Patricia "Patsy" Woller. Originally from North Carolina, Woller relocated to Merrill in 1962 after meeting her husband, Denvert, while he was stationed at Fort Bragg. She later entered the workforce at the Merrill Foto News, a role that sparked her deep interest in local government. Woller began her public service in 1986 as Sixth Ward Alderperson, eventually becoming Council President and stepping in as acting mayor when the sitting leader faced health challenges. Woller made history in 1992 when she became Merrill's first female mayor, going on to serve six years in office along with 17 years on the Lincoln County Board. Her influence reached well beyond city government, helping launch the Merrill Courier, author two books, and repurposed an old gas station into the beloved Grand Stand ice cream shop. Her new honorary sign stands right outside the Grand Stand at Division and Wright streets. Organized by the Historic Preservation Committee, the dedication is part of Merrill's initiative to honor residents who left a lasting mark on the community. Two more sign dedications are scheduled for later this year.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Drivers in Lincoln County should prepare for a temporary road closure starting next week. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that the County Highway M bridge over the south branch of the Copper River, located about a quarter-mile west of Forks Road, will close for emergency repairs on Monday, October 26th, at 7:00 AM. The closure is expected to remain in place for about a month. Highway officials note that once repairs are complete, the weight limit restrictions currently on the structure will be removed. They hope to have the road re-opened November 20th. Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time while work is underway. We'll continue to reminder drivers as the project draws closer.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News A routine fall yard cleanup took a dangerous turn in Oneida County this weekend after a piece of lawn equipment burst into flames. Responders were dispatched around 4:00 p.m. Saturday to a residence on Lakeshore Drive following reports of a lawn tractor fire. The homeowner was using a leaf-bagging attachment when the machine caught fire near the treeline, sending flames 10 to 12 feet into the air and igniting surrounding vegetation. Crews from the Pine Lake Fire Department arrived quickly and were able to contain the blaze before it could spread further into the nearby woods. Additional mutual aid was initially called, but was then canceled once crews got the situation under control. They were on the scene for about a half an hour, no injuries were reported. The Oneida County Sheriff's Department and local ambulance personnel also responded to the scene.

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