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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

54th Mission of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight Heads to Washington

Published on 10/27/2025 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans are in Washington DC Monday to visit the monuments and memorials built in their honor. This is the fourth and final mission of the year for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Today's flight features 99 veterans including five from the Tomahawk area. All vets on this flight served during the Vietnam era. Today's flight has been named the 'Arthur B. Riiser Memorial Flight' in honor of the WWI veteran after his family made a generous donation to sponsor all participants on today's mission. It's the 54th mission overall for the Northwoods chapter of the Honor Flight. Since it's founding 20 years ago, they've now transported more than 5,200 vets to the nation's capital. But organizers note this is only around 50% of eligible veterans in the area. They once again encourage any area veteran who served prior to May 7, 1975 and hasn't participated in the Honor Flight to get on their waiting list. Back to today's mission...the public, as usual, is invited to welcome the veterans home this evening. Officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30pm.

Published on 10/27/2025 under News A Northwoods hospital has been recognized for their efforts to promote the gift of sight through eye donations. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital was the recipient of the 2025 Crystal Vision Award by the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. Each year the Crystal Vision Awards have honored champions who go above and beyond to bring hope and healing through the gift of sight. Past recipients have included hospitals, surgeons, funeral homes, and community leaders. Robert Towne, BSN, RN, is manager of the Emergency Department at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. He called the award a profound honor for their team. He says, "It reflects the compassion and dedication our caregivers bring to every patient interaction, especially in moments that involve the gift of life and sight." Last year, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital had 29 referrals and 11 were medically suitable to donate. It was part of a larger mission of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin which supported more than 1,200 donor heroes, restoring sight for 882 people across 40 countries. Michael Katz, with the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin says, "Behind every number is a story — a person who can now see their loved ones again, a student who can continue their education, a grandparent who can watch a grandchild grow. Your impact reaches further than you may ever know."

Published on 10/27/2025 under News Bats and Halloween go hand in hand, and throughout this week wildlife officials are celebrating the flying mammals and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. The week leading up to Halloween is International Bat Week. According to the DNR, Wisconsin is home to eight bat species, though four are considered a threatened in the state. Bats are, of course, known for their voracious appetite and ability to control bug populations. Experts note a single, adult bat can eat up to a thousand mosquito-sized insects an hour. Wisconsin's bat populations had been on the decline to factors including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fatal fungus that affects hibernating bats. In a bit of good news, DNR conservation Biologist Jennifer Redell noted that hibernation surveys over the past three years have show a small rebound in bat population numbers, but she noted there's still a long way to go. People can make a few small improvements around their yard to make it more bat friendly. Consider hanging a bat house, plant native plants, and limit the use of insecticides and pesticides. There are also opportunities for both education and citizen science monitoring through the Wisconsin Bat Program. We'll include a link with additional information.

Published on 10/27/2025 under News The Oneida County Health Department has been making it easier for people to stay protected from the flu. Over the past month, has been offering a mobile flu shot clinic, making more than a dozen stops at community locations including schools, senior centers, libraries and other public spaces. That effort wraps up today with a visit to the Nokomis Town Hall, where they'll be set up from noon to 1pm. Flu season typically runs from October to May, with peak activity between December and February. Oneida County residents who missed out on the traveling flu clinics, the Oneida County Health Department also offers walk-ins with no appointment needed on weekdays from 8:30am to 4pm

Published on 10/27/2025 under News It was a pleasant weekend to get a little yard work done. For City of Tomahawk residents who took advantage, It's time once again for the annual fall yard waste pick up. Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, the city picks up lawn waste placed at curbside. Pick up will take place over the week. A few quick reminders from the city... Brush should be neatly piled with cut ends of limbs facing the street. Yard waste should be placed in plastic bags and set in the terrace area of the street. The bags should only include yard waste, other rubbish should be placed in your regular garbage pick up. As always, yardwaste can also be dropped off at the city collection site, for city of Tomahawk residents only.

Published on 10/27/2025 under News With November right around the corner, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is urging residents to make arrangements ahead of the winter heating disconnection moratorium. During the moratorium, which runs from November 1 to April 15, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting residential customers who fall behind on their bills. While Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting the service during the winter months, consumers currently disconnected must make arrangements to pay any outstanding bills and have their service restored prior to Friday. Energy assistance is available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Most utilities will also work with their customers to provide payment plans.

Published on 10/24/2025 under Sports On Friday night, the Tomahawk Hatchet Football Team won their ninth game of the season, with a 41-14 Level One WIAA Playoff victory over Omro. Tomahawk dominated the line of scrimmage all night, as they rushed for 290 yards and had over 35 minutes of possession offensively. On the other side of the ball, Tomahawk held Omro to just 39 yards rushing. Rex Reilly had three rushing touchdowns, and carried the ball 13 times for 59 yards. Jonah Dickens also had three touchdowns, two touchdown catches, both from Jett Reilly, one from 43 yards out the other from ten. Dickens also added a nine yard touchdown run. Jett Reilly, along with those two touchdown passes and 72 yards through the air, had 76 yards on the ground. Tomahawk is now 9-1 on the season and will host Spencer/Columbus Catholic on Friday night at Hatchet Field. Spencer/Columbus defeated New Holstein 31-12. The #1 seed Hatchets and #5 seed Spencer/Columbus will play at Hatchet Field on Friday night at 7:00 pm. Northwoods 92-5 will have the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:10 pm, and the opening kickoff at 7:00 pm. In other scores from Level One action: In D-5: Stratford beat Richland Center 41-9 In D-4: Mosinee defeated Turner 41-7 In D-3: Merrill defeated Lakeland 38-12, Rhinelander lost to Edgewood 35-7, Wausau East lost to Mount Horeb/Barneveld, and Medford lost to Grafton 49-14

Published on 10/24/2025 under Sports The Tomahawk Hatchet boys and girls cross country teams competed in the Division Two WIAA Sectional Meet at the MARC in Merrill on Friday. The Hatchet girls will have an individual qualifier at the WIAA State Meet next Saturday at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids, as Freshman Charlee Lund in fifth place overall and will competed at state. The Hatchet girls finished in fourth place overall, Abbie Rosenmeir was 18th, Lydia Shaney finished 20th, Faith Derleth was 35th, and Elise Gibeault was 38th. Wittenberg-Birnamwood finished first and Shawano was second. On the boys side, Tomahawk was fifth. Lakeland ran away with the boys race scoring 45 points and Shawano qualifies for state with their second place finish. Caiden Reichelt let Tomahawk and finished just one place out of qualifying. Reichelt was 10th overall, Connor Zorn was 37th, Jordyn Carew was 39th, Dawson Jones 42nd and Ryan Montag was 48th. The WIAA Division Two Girls State Race will be at 2:25 pm next Saturday and will feature Hatchet freshman Charlee Lund.

Published on 10/24/2025 under News Downtown Tomahawk will be celebrating the season with the return of the annual Tomahawk Main Street Fall Fest on Saturday. The district has been decorated with scarecrows, pumpkins and cornstalks in the lead up to the award-winning October celebration. While they try to offer something for everyone, the event is certainly geared towards families. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz noted Fall Fest is just another way for the district to give back to the people who support their businesses throughout the year. She says, "Fall Fest provides families and friends an opportunity to get together, make memories and enjoy our beautiful downtown." And people turn out...Turkiewicz estimated more than 1,000 people attend Fall Fest each year. More than a dozen businesses are either hosting or sponsoring activities like pumpkin decorating, crafts, and plenty of fall-themed treats. This year Tomahawk Main Street set up a seasonal photo setting in the pocket park next to their office. Fall Fest not only celebrates fall, but also Halloween. After a few year absence, they're bringing back the costume parade to start the day, and participating businesses will host trick-or-treating into the afternoon. Turkiewicz says seeing all of the costumes is one of her favorite parts of the day. In recent years, she say more families have been wearing themed costumes including one that dressed as the Incredibles family. Line-up for the costume parade begins at 10:45am. Events continue until 3pm. Tomahawk Main Street has a full list of activities, locations and sponsors on their Facebook Page.

Published on 10/24/2025 under News A Northwoods grocery leader was recently recognized by his peers. Bob Jaskolski, current president and CEO of Trig's was the first ever recipient of the Wisconsin Grocer's Association-Lifetime Achievement Award. He was presented with the award at the WGA Innovation Expo. According to the announcement, the honor celebrates a career serving with excellence, innovation, and service to those who made a lasting contribution to the grocery industry and their communities. Jaskolski has more than 40 years of experience between his time at Trigs and previously SuperValu. They highlighted his efforts both in store and in the community particularly programs that tackle food insecurity. They wrote "His strategic vision has helped Trig's stay ahead of industry trends, developing innovative shopping experiences, and unique programs for guests." Mike Semmann, WGA CEO/President says, "Bob's leadership has strengthened not only Trig's and the stores he has worked with, but the Wisconsin grocery industry and the Wisconsin Grocers Association. Back in 2020, Jaskolski was also recognized as the WGA Grocer of the Year.

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