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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

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Recognizes Man for Life-Saving Actions

Published on 02/06/2026 under News Earlier this week, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office recognized a Tomahawk man for previous life-saving actions. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Mason Webster was presented with a Sheriff's Recognition Award for commendable courage and selfless action. The honor is based on Webster's actions on December 22, 2023 after another man fell through the ice on the Spirit Flowage. They wrote:"Fully aware of the extreme danger posed by the unstable ice and frigid water, Mason did not hesitate to act. He located the individual, contacted 911, and placed himself at significant personal risk by entering the hazardous environment and physically supporting the man above the water and ice for approximately 38 minutes until emergency responders were able to safely remove him." They credited Webster with changing the outcome of the situation, saying "Mason's willingness to risk his own safety to save another reflects exceptional courage and brings great credit to himself." At a short ceremony at Tomahawk City Hall, Sheriff Ken Schneider presented Webster with the award.

Published on 02/06/2026 under News Students in both Tomahawk and Merrill competed in a fun and friendly art competition while getting an education on the region's environment. The Lincoln County Conservation Program recently announced the winners of their annual poster contest. This year's theme was "Soil, Where It All Begins." This highlights the essential role soil plays in sustaining life and maintaining a healthy environment and economy. From helping crops grow in local fields to filtering water and providing nutrients for plants, soil is the foundation of Wisconsin's natural resources. The science and environmental topics are incorporated into the classroom curriculum to pair with the poster contest. In the end, it was a clean sweep for Tomahawk students with Logan Fishbeck, Finley Koppa, and Logan Winter claiming first, second, and third places respectively. Top 3 students will advance to a 9 county regional competition with a chance for state and national contests as well.

Published on 02/06/2026 under News With the calendar now turned to February, the Nicolet College Foundation has officially opened their scholarship application period. Foundation Executive Director Heather Schallock says they expect to award several hundred scholarships ranging in value from $250 to $10,000. She says, "Scholarships made available through the Nicolet College Foundation have supported countless students over the years. Our goal is to continue providing opportunities for current and future students to achieve their academic and personal dreams." Among recipients is recent Nicolet graduate Emma Edinger said, "I applied for scholarships every single semester. It helped me tremendously to have that weight lifted off me and pursue my studies fully. These scholarships are available for both new and continuing, part-time and full-time students enrolling at the college for the upcoming Fall 2026 term, as well as the Spring and Summer terms of 2027. The application period is open through March 2 and can be done online. If students need help with their application, Nicolet will host a 'scholarship workshop' on Tuesday, February 17. Students can stop by the Lakeside Center between 11am and 5:30pm.

Published on 02/06/2026 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages snowmobile riders to bring a friend along on their next snowmobiling adventure. Saturday marks the start of 'Take a Friend Snowmobiling Week', which aims to recruit new snowmobilers to the sport. While on the trails, support a local business, soak in the views and show your ride-along friend why so many people are passionate about snowmobiling in Wisconsin. DNR off-highway vehicle administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw says, "Not only is it safer to ride with others, but it's also more fun. Plus, it can be exciting to share your passion about this outdoor sport with someone who has never experienced seeing the state's beauty while riding on a sled." This weekend also wraps up the current Sled Safe campaign which features additional wardens and law enforcement on the trails sharing snowmobile safety messages while also watching for violators.

Published on 02/06/2026 under News It's looking to be a beautiful weekend to get out and enjoy some winter activities. Lincoln County will be offering an opportunity to enjoy a hidden gem at no cost. Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks announced that they will be bringing back their Free Trail Pass Weekend for the Underdown Recreation Area. It is currently scheduled for this coming weekend. This will include opportunities to check out the park's cross-country ski, fat-tire bike, and snowshoe trails without the typically required pass, saving users $25. (Winter passes are $25; year-long passes are $35) After a couple of mild winters, the silent sports have been enjoying a snow-filled start to winter. Underdown features more than 20 miles of groomed ski trails, along with cleared snowshoe and bike paths. Coinciding with the event, the Northwoods Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance will host a guided snowshoe hike in the Underdown area of the Lincoln County Forest starting at 10:00 am

Published on 02/06/2026 under News Lake Alice near Tomahawk will be buzzing with activity again this weekend. Tomorrow is the first Saturday of February and that means the return of the always popular Alice in Winterland ice fishing tournament. The annual event is hosted by the Lake Alice Association. They'll be offering cash prizes for the top three fish in each of six species of fish, along with some kids prizes as well. While base on a fishing tournament, Alice in Winterland is for more than just anglers, it's grown into a family-friendly, fun day on the lake with other activities. That includes raffles and drawings, and the organizers noted the community has been incredibly generous, contributing thousands of dollars worth of packages large and small. A few of the big ticket items are a Blackstone pizza oven, an ice fishing package, and a kayak. They'll have same-day registration with a headquarters under the tent. They'll be set up Horseshoe and Angler's Avenue boat landing.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News As winter begins to wind down, officials are once again reminding drivers about snowplow safety. The message comes after 13 separate accidents involving vehicles and county snowplows around the state this winter. These crashes resulted in vehicle damage and forced several plows out of service, temporarily reducing highway department abilities to clear roads efficiently. The DoT and the Wisconsin County Highway Association teamed up to share this message. In many cases, they note snowplows have been struck from behind, highlighting the need for drivers to remain alert and adjust their driving behavior in winter conditions. WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden says, "Every time a snowplow is hit, it puts operators at risk and takes critical equipment off the road. Drivers need to slow down, stay back and be patient." They note that snowplows will travel at slower speeds to more effectively apply liquid brine or road salts. Following too closely or attempting to pass an active plow puts everyone at risk. Snowplows have flashing amber or green warning lights to increase safety, enhance driver awareness and improve visibility of maintenance vehicles.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News Earlier this week, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry released their annual impact report which showed just how instrumental they are in the community. According to the report, they were able to distribute more than 940,000 pounds of food providing food assistance to more than 2,300 neighbors experiencing food insecurity. In addition to shopping at the food pantry, they also provide nutrition through their Hodag Monster Meals, the summer Hodag Food Wagon, and monthly Senior Stock Boxes. Even some 90,000 pounds of food they weren't able to distribute was redirected to local animal rescues like Wild Instincts or farmers. Their mission is only possible through the community. They note that 75% of their funding comes from donations and fundraisers. As for volunteers, more than 350 people provided approximately 19,600 volunteer hours. Executive Director Courtney Smith says, "We are inspired by what is possible when a community comes together with purpose and compassion. Your generosity and commitment fuel our mission." The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry turned twenty years old in 2025.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk is seeking some outside funding to help as they continue to plan for a PFAs treatment facility. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved an agreement with engineering firm MSA to submit an application for the state's Safe Drinking Water program. The city has already been working with MSA on this project. Applications do require pilot studies which are also currently ongoing. Back in 2023, routine testing of the city water in Tomahawk came back just over the PFAS threshold which required advisories be sent to residents. With tightening regulations, the city has been exploring a treatment facility. A 1,000 gallon per minute Granular Activated Carbon, or GAC facility was identified as the most cost efficient option that would meet the city's typical water demands. It still carries a hefty price tag, more than $6.2 million. The Safe Drinking Water program could cover up to half the construction costs of the project. The deadline to apply for the current cycle of the Safe Drinking Water program is in June.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News The Lincoln County Humane Society worked with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for an unusual animal rescue this week. The teams were called to a property after the owners had moved, leaving behind 28 chickens and a turkey. Fortunately the Lincoln County Humane Society has already been able to re-home the birds. They did use this situation as a good example to seek help if you can't care for your animals. They said, "If the owners had reached out... it's possible we could have assisted with finding homes for (the birds) before they were left in such extreme outdoor conditions, with little protection from the elements." Even if you have an animal that LCHS can't easily house like farm animals or exotic pets, they do have connections and contacts to other rescues or resources that may be of assistance. They noted that Lincoln County residents are not charged a surrender fee.

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