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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

Hatchet Football Wins 3rd Straight, Handles Rhinelander

Published on 09/25/2026 under Sports Make it three wins in a row for Tomahawk Football as they would travel to Mike Webster Stadium and upend the Rhinelander Hodags Friday night, 28-14. After the two teams traded touchdown drives in the first five minutes, the Hatchet defense bent but did not break against the Hodag aerial attack. Tomahawk would force three turnovers, including the first interception of the season for Rhinelander quarterback Abe Gretzinger. Colin Black filled in a quarterback after Jack Reilly left the game after the first quarter due to injury. Black had 40 yards passing and 20 yards receiving. Miles McGowan finished with an interception, a fumble recovery, a 20-yard passing touchdown, and a two-point conversion. Max Lason found the end zone twice, and Zander Zehner scored his first touchdown of the season. The Hatchets now sit at 3-3 on the season and 3-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk returns home for the Homecoming Game next Friday against Medford. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be on the call with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00. 11-Player Football: Wausau East 19, Mosinee 0 Medford 37, Lakeland 0 Merrill 32, Antigo 27 Crivitz 35, Northland Pines 14 Manawa 36, Crandon 8 8-Player Football: Hurley 58, Chequamegon 8 Rib Lake 28, Three Lakes/Phelps 20 Athens 26, Alma Center Lincoln 24 Niagara 47, Goodman-Pembine 16

Published on 09/25/2026 under News Ceremonial shovels hit dirt in Tomahawk yesterday to kick off a major construction project aimed at addressing a community housing. Local officials, community partners, and representatives from real estate developer S.C. Swiderski gathered Thursday morning in a celebratory atmosphere to officially break ground on a new 72-unit apartment complex located off Comfort Drive. Before the photo op, speakers briefly addressed the crowd, highlighting that projects of this scale do not happen overnight and require significant time, planning, and teamwork from instrumental community partners. The speakers emphasized two central themes for the project: an investment in Tomahawk's long-term future and opportunity for individuals and families looking to make the city their home. And with year's of work behind the scenes, some local project planners were excited to see dirt finally being moved. The development aims to relieve pressure on Tomahawk's rental housing inventory. The Mosinee-based developer worked closely alongside the City of Tomahawk and the Community Development Authority to secure the property and reach a developer's agreement with tax revenue-generated incentives. When finished, the completed complex will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. S.C. Swiderski currently manages residential property holdings in more than 30 communities across Wisconsin, including Athens, Eagle River, Merrill, Medford, and Wausau.

Published on 09/25/2026 under News A Tomahawk woman accused of fatally stabbing her husband in January 2025 has reached a plea agreement in Lincoln County Court. Michelle Sanderson entered a plea of no contest on Thursday to an amended charge of first-degree reckless injury and a misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer. As part of the agreement, two additional charges were dismissed, but will be considered during sentencing. The charges stem from the January 2025 death of 50-year-old Richard "Ricky" Sanderson. Authorities were contacted after he was brought to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital with a severe chest wound and later died. Investigators filed charges after a witness reported seeing Michelle stab her husband with a steak knife inside their residence following an argument. The case was originally set to go to trial early next year. Now Sanderson, who remains jailed, will be sentenced February 15.

Published on 09/25/2026 under News "See Tracks, Think Train." It's a simple message, but a vital reminder to use caution near any railroad crossing. This week, local railroads, law enforcement agencies, and safety organizations like Operation Lifesaver are partnering to raise awareness about the inherent risks of rail lines. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the state features more than 3,300 miles of active train tracks and over 4,000 public crossings including several right here in Tomahawk. Wisconsin averages around a dozen train-related injuries or fatalities each year, most of which are entirely preventable. Safety officials emphasize that modern trains are much quieter than older models, meaning you may not hear an approaching train until it is too close. Additionally, a train traveling at speed can take up to a mile or more to come to a complete stop, making extra caution important for both motorists and pedestrians. Drivers and pedestrians should always stick to designated crossings and obey all posted signals, gates, and flashing lights. When warning devices activate, stop at least 15 feet back from the nearest rail. At un-gated crossings, always look both ways before proceeding, even if no warning lights are present. Finally, never stop or linger with a vehicle on the tracks, even if there is no train in sight.

Published on 09/25/2026 under News The School District of Rhinelander is celebrating a major milestone in environmental education: 50 years of hands-on learning at the Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom. Also known as CAVOC, the 160-acre facility, located on South Shore Drive, has served as a central hub for K-12 ecological studies, outdoor leadership, and recreation since its founding in 1976. The district notes that hands-on environmental education gives students a direct connection to the ecosystems that define northern Wisconsin. Originally established through an 80-acre land exchange with the Boy Scouts' Samoset Council, the district has doubled the property in size over the past five decades. Today, teachers across the district K-12, integrate the property's trail systems, outdoor labs and learning spaces, and specialized facilities into year-round science coursework and experiential field lessons. The district is hosting a public anniversary event Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CAVOC grounds, featuring guided facility tours, nature activities, and demonstrations highlighting the evolution of the district's outdoor curriculum since the 1970s. *Just a reminder, the Run for Our Heroes 5k that was before the open house has been cancelled due to low registration.

Published on 09/25/2026 under News Fall in Wisconsin means hunting season is in full swing, with almost weekly openers. This coming Saturday marks the start of the Northern Zone duck season. Highway 10 serves as the boundary between the northern and southern zones across most of the state. Hunters in the Northern Zone get to start a week earlier, giving them better opportunities ahead of the fall migration. The spring survey indicated stable population numbers and strong habitat conditions for migratory birds. Surveyors estimated the state's breeding duck population at 571,000 birds—a slight increase over last year's totals, the 10-year average, and long-term historical averages. Mallards are the most abundant species in Wisconsin, accounting for roughly 32% of the state's total duck harvest. Hunters are reminded to review all current regulations and safety guidelines before heading out. The statewide daily bag limit is six ducks, with additional species-specific restrictions. Opening day shooting hours begin 30 minutes before sunrise, and the Northern Zone season will run through late November.

Published on 09/25/2026 under News The mouthwatering smell of slow-roasted beef will once again fill the Northwoods air this Saturday as downtown Minocqua hosts the annual Beef-A-Rama festival. A beloved local tradition for over six decades, the streets will once again be packed for bovine-themed fun, live entertainment, and plenty of delicious food. The festivities kick off early Saturday morning with a pair of races, the Rump Roast Run and Calf Mile, followed by the Prime Choice Craft Fair. Throughout the day, dozens of roaster teams will line the streets to compete for bragging rights in the annual roaster cooking competition. Attendees looking to grab a bite have three official beef sandwich varieties including shaved prime rib, brisket, and shredded beef. With an estimated 10,000 attendees each year, event organizers will once again offer park and ride shuttle services, including a handicap-accessible shuttle at the Trig's RV Lot. For full schedules, shuttle routes, and event maps, visit the Minocqua Visitor's Bureau website. They've also got a dedicated Facebook Page and even a Beef-A-Rama App.

Published on 09/24/2026 under Sports Hatchet Cross Country Places in Top 5 at Three Lakes Tomahawk's cross country squads finished in the top three of the Three Lakes Invitational Thursday afternoon. The Hatchet girls placed second out of nine teams in the invite, placing only behind GNC Favorite Lakeland. Charlee Lund and Elise Gibeault each finished in the top five individually. Lund placed fourth with a time of 20:19. Gibeault was fifth with a time of 20:49. As for Tomahawk's boys, they would finish tied for third with Laona-Wabeno in the invite. The Hatchets only placed behind Florence and Lakeland. Three Hatchet boys placed in the top 20. They were Jordyn Carew at 14th, Connor Zorn at 15th, and Dawson Jones at 20th. The Hatchets' next meet is next Thursday as they head to Athens. Events begin at 4:00. Girls Team Results: Lakeland - 1st Tomahawk - 2nd Three Lakes/Phelps - 3rd Northland Pines - 4th Antigo - 5th Boys Team Results: Lakeland - 1st Florence - 2nd Tomahawk 3rd Laona-Wabeno - 4th Northland Pines - 5th Antigo - 6th Crandon 7th Tomahawk Girls Swimmers Suffer Narrow Loss to Antigo The Hatchet Girls swimmers came up just short in their Great Northern Conference Dual Thursday in Antigo, losing to the Red Robins, 68-56. Despite the loss, the Hatchets had six first-place finishes in the GNC Dual meet. Kaylee Roberts would place first in the 50 and 100 Freestyles. Roberts would finish with times of 35.84 seconds and 1:17.67, respectively. Aubrey Tollefson took first in the 400 freestyle with a time of 5:44.29. Kourtney Busterud placed first in the 200 Freestyle and 100 backstroke. The final first-place finish came from Sloane Eisenmann in the 100 breaststroke. The loss drops Tomahawk to 0-7- in Dual action. The Hatchets are back in the pool Tuesday for a double dual with Wausau East and Medford. Events begin at 5:30. Hatchet Volleyball Upsets Prentice at Home, Goes 1-2 at Quad Tomahawk's volleyball squad would go 1-2 in their home quad Thursday night. The Hatchets would start the night off with an upset of #5 in Division 5 Prentice in three sets. After the victory, Tomahawk would get swept in straight sets by defending Division 5 State Champion Newman Catholic and #3 in Division 3 Marathon. The Hatchets now stand at 5-16 on the season and 0-4 in GNC Play. Tomahawk heads out on the road this weekend for an invite at Abbotsford. Their matches will be against Mondovi, Adams-Friendship, Abbotsford, Spencer, and Rosholt. Matches begin at 9:00.

Published on 09/24/2026 under News Over the past six years, the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop has handed out more than a quarter of a million dollars to support local non-profits. But now the group is looking for a little community support. While the volunteer-run organization usually hands out grant checks twice a year, recent unexpected building repairs have forced them to temporarily shift funds to address immediate maintenance. Work has included heating, air conditioning, water heater, and masonry work. To ensure long-term stability, board members Joe and Bonnie Trapp are focusing on building up a dedicated building, and if all goes well could potentially raise enough to purchase their building. Supporters can contribute through donation jars at the registers, by scanning the digital donation link on the shop's Facebook page, or simply continuing to shop at the store. In addition to construction campaign, they are also accepting applications for the volunteers that keep the store running, especially with winter coming as many of their staff are snowbirds who head south for at least a portion of winter. Despite these sudden expenses, the shop remains committed to its core mission: their winter grant period will still run from November 1st through the end of December. That conversation with the Trapps is available in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 09/24/2026 under News Some retired medical equipment right here in Tomahawk is getting a second life, helping train the next generation of healthcare workers. Aspirus Health announced they have donated two ultrasound systems, previously in service at the local hospital, to Concordia University's sonography program. Instead of simply decommissioning the machines during recent technology upgrades, health leaders decided to pass them along to students for real-world practice. Aspirus Imaging Manager Laurie Lemke says they wanted to ensure the equipment kept providing value by giving students hands-on time with the exact tech they'll use in their future careers. Along with the ultrasound units, Aspirus is sending over extra probes and transducers—helping build a stronger pipeline for future imaging professionals across northern Wisconsin.

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