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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

Fatal, Officer-Involved Shooting in Oneida County Under Investigation

Published on 06/18/2026 under News An investigation is underway into a fatal, officer-involved shooting in Oneida County Wednesday morning. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading the probe. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. at a property on Lumen Lake Drive, off Fawn Lake Road in the Town of Lake Tomahawk. According to a DOJ news release, two Oneida County deputies were dispatched to the residence to arrest a subject in connection with an undisclosed felony investigation. Upon making contact with law enforcement, they said the individual discharged a firearm. A deputy returned fire, striking the individual, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The individual's name has not yet been released. No one else was injured during the incident. According to the news release, the involved law enforcement officers are fully cooperating with DCI. Per agency policy, both deputies will be placed on administrative assignment.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News What started as a desire to connect families affected by Down syndrome continues to grow across the Northwoods. The people behind Hope Beyond 21, a Tomahawk-based nonprofit, are preparing for their "Digging for a Difference" volleyball tournament this weekend. The fundraiser will help the organization continue its mission of supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout northern Wisconsin. Co-founder Hannah Wallis stopped by the WJJQ studios earlier this week to talk about the organization and this weekend's fundraiser. Wallis has a deep personal connection to the cause; a close friend of hers has a child with Down syndrome. The goal of Hope Beyond 21 is to build connections, celebrate milestones, and provide support for these families. While based in Tomahawk, the organization has drawn support from across the entire Northwoods region. For this weekend's volleyball tournament, they are teaming up with The Loop Hole to host the event on Saturday, with two other Nokomis locations, Holly's and Billy Bob's, offering additional courts. When we spoke with Wallis, more than a dozen teams had already registered. Space is still available, whether you already have a team or are looking to join one. For those who want to support the cause but stay out of the sand, the event will also feature food, entertainment, raffles, and merchandise sales. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, with the first matches starting at 11 a.m. and other activities running throughout the day. Wallis says the organization's goal is simple: ensuring individuals with Down syndrome and their families know they have a supportive community standing right behind them.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News As summer officially begins this weekend, one of Wisconsin's most important Northwoods research projects is celebrating a milestone of its own. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is marking the 80th anniversary of the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area, a world-renowned fisheries research site located on five lakes in Vilas County. (Escanaba, Nebish, Pallette, Spruce and Mystery Lakes) Established in 1946, the research area was originally created to study how fishing affects fish populations. Since then, every angler fishing the lakes has participated in a mandatory creel survey, creating one of the longest and most detailed fisheries datasets in the world. Today, researchers are tackling a wide range of issues facing Wisconsin waters, including the impacts of forward-facing sonar technology, climate change, fluctuating water levels, shoreline habitat projects and declining walleye populations. The Northern Highland Fishery Research Area has also become a training ground for future fisheries professionals and a hub for collaborative research involving state, tribal and national partners. DNR officials say the work conducted there continues to shape fisheries management decisions across Wisconsin and beyond. For anglers that would like to fish the lakes and contribute to the research; there is a check-in station located at the Escanaba Lake boat launch. Depending on the lake you fish, species may have tags and different ongoing study needs. That information is available on the DNR website.-Photo provided by Wisconsin DNR-

Published on 06/18/2026 under News Two people were injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Lincoln County over the weekend after swerving to avoid a deer. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were dispatched to Tannery Road near Green Box Road in the Town of Bradley on Sunday. The driver told deputies that a deer ran out in front of the vehicle, causing him to lose control and leave the roadway. Both the driver and a passenger were ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. Both occupants were initially transported to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital and later airlifted to another facility for further treatment of undisclosed injuries. No updates on their conditions have been provided. Vehicle-deer collisions are typically elevated in June. The Sheriff's Report noted that there were nine vehicle-versus-deer collisions reported on Lincoln County roadways this past week alone.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News For many men, a trip to the doctor is pushed to the bottom of the to-do list—often until a problem arises that can no longer be ignored. That is why June's Men's Health Month serves as an important reminder that staying healthy starts with regular preventive care and building a relationship with a trusted primary care provider. Aspirus family medicine provider, Dr. Alexander Trecartin says, "In our busy lives, men who feel healthy might not realize how much time has gone by since their last medical care." He continued, "As a result, it's easy to fall behind on needed screenings, conversations, and the direction required to maintain that state of good health long term." According to Aspirus, annual exams can help detect conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol before symptoms appear. Regular screenings for heart disease and certain cancers, along with discussions about nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress, also play a key role in long-term health. Dr. Trecartin added that mental health is another area many men overlook. With Father's Day this weekend, it is the perfect opportunity to remind the dads and men in your life to schedule a wellness visit and take proactive steps toward protecting their long-term health.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News Lincoln County is seeking to continue a program that helps keep at-risk youth in their communities and out of costly residential placements. At Tuesday's meeting, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution allowing the Department of Social Services to renew its Youth Justice Innovation Grant application and accept up to $75,000 in funding for 2027 if awarded by the state. The grant currently funds intensive supervision services for moderate- and high-risk youth. County officials say the program has shown positive results, noting that as of late May, no new youth offenders had been placed in high-cost out-of-home settings while receiving services through the program. The funding would cover roughly 71 percent of the cost of a case management position or contracted services that provide frequent supervision, behavioral interventions and skill-building opportunities for youth involved in the justice system. County leaders say helping young people remain safely in their homes and communities benefits youth, families and taxpayers while helping control rising placement costs. The resolution was approved ahead of a June 24 state application deadline.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Lincoln County is throwing its support behind a new initiative to safeguard agricultural land and strengthen the local farming economy. At Tuesday's meeting, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting the creation of the proposed "Copper River Agricultural Enterprise Area" in the Towns of Corning and Harding. These specialized agricultural zones are designated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as part of the Agriculture Enterprise Area program. They help protect farmland by allowing eligible landowners to participate in the state's Farmland Preservation Program, which offers tax credits in exchange for keeping acreage dedicated to agricultural use. Supervisor Julie DePasse, whose district includes the proposed zone, described the program as a valuable tool for supporting local farmers. She noted that these state tax credits are available to participating landowners without impacting the local tax levy. County officials say agriculture remains an important part of the Lincoln County economy, contributing an estimated $132 million annually. However, the resolution notes that the county has seen a steady decline in the number of farms over the past decade. Officials hope that protecting this land will help sustain existing farming jobs while attracting new agricultural businesses to the area. The measure passed on a unanimous voice vote with little discussion. The final decision on the Agricultural Enterprise Area designation will be made by the state.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News A major fundraising milestone is paving the way for a permanent, year-round Boys & Girls Club in Merrill. The Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area announced it has secured the $3 million needed to renovate the former Merrill National Guard Armory building into a full-service youth facility. For the past four years, the club has operated out of Prairie River Middle School, but leaders say a dedicated home will allow them to expand programming and serve more local children. Originally built in 1953, the armory has been used sparingly by the National Guard in recent years. The upcoming makeover will completely transform the space, adding four classrooms, a playground, a teaching kitchen, an art studio, a gymnasium, and an academic center. This expansion will allow the club to accommodate younger students and boost participation in STEM, academic support, leadership, and workforce readiness initiatives. The latest announcement builds on efforts that began last year when the City of Merrill, with financial backing from the Bierman Foundation, purchased the armory and invited the Boys & Girls Club to become its long-term tenant. While construction funding is officially complete, the organization is now shifting its focus toward raising the remaining operational funds required to open the doors. If everything stays on track, renovations are scheduled to begin this October. The new facility is expected to welcome its first students by next summer, perfectly coinciding with the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area's 30th anniversary. Visit the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area-Merrill webpage for more information, project designs, and donation opportunities.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Hundreds of bicyclists are spending the week on an annual tour of the state, following a route that mirrors the Wisconsin River. The ride is part of the Great Annual Bicycle Adventure Along the Wisconsin River, or GRABAAWR. Cyclists cover the 427-mile length of the river, pedaling along low-traffic roads and stopping at various communities along the way. The journey began over the weekend at the headwaters of the Wisconsin River in the Northwoods, with riders leaving from Eagle River. Their first checkpoint was approximately 70 miles south in Tomahawk. From there, Day 2 takes the riders to Mosinee. Ultimately, the tour will lead the cyclists to Southwestern Wisconsin, where they are scheduled to arrive in Prairie du Chien by the coming weekend. The event is organized by Bike Wisconsin and is one of a half-dozen rides planned for the summer months. The group will actually return to the area in just a few weeks for the Bike Northwoods Tour, which kicks off on the Fourth of July. With bike season in full swing, motorists are encouraged to be mindful of these and all cyclists on the road this summer.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Tonight (Wednesday, June 17), the state is laying out its long-term fix for a notoriously rough stretch of Highway 86 in Tomahawk. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting this evening to discuss permanent reconstruction plans for Somo Avenue/Highway 86 between Wisconsin Avenue and US 51. While local crews put down a temporary pavement overlay on a four block segment earlier this spring, the state's full overhaul isn't scheduled until 2030. Tonight's session starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Tomahawk High School Cafeteria, featuring a brief presentation followed by an open house where residents can view maps, ask questions, and provide feedback.

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