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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

Japanese Beetles Continue to Impact Local Plants

Published on 07/22/2026 under News While many insects help our gardens by pollinating flowers, one invasive beetle continues to give Northwoods gardeners plenty of headaches. Japanese beetles have been busy and hungry across Northern Wisconsin in recent weeks. According to UW Extension, the metallic green and copper-colored beetles feed on the leaves of more than 350 plant species. Their feeding leaves behind a distinctive lace-like skeleton of the leaf, weakening plants and making them more susceptible to disease and other stresses. Homeowners have several options to help protect their plants each with advantages and disadvantages. The simplest is through frequent plant checks, knocking the beetles into a bucket of soapy water. Commercial insecticides can also be effective, but may harm beneficial insects. Pheromone traps are available as well, but experts caution they can actually draw more beetles into your yard. Fortunately, Mother Nature may also lend a helping hand with a parasitic control. According to the University of Minnesota, the Winsome fly lays its eggs on the backs of Japanese beetles. When the larvae hatch, they feed on the beetle, eventually killing it within a few days. There is evidence of the Winsome fly eggs on beetles here in the Northwoods. So if you spot a Japanese beetle with these small white eggs on its back, you may want to let nature take its course.

Published on 07/22/2026 under News Community members and local growers can get an up-close look at the state's latest potato research during the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station's annual Summer Field Day this Thursday. The free event invites attendees to explore the station and see agricultural science in action. Station Superintendent Becky Eddy and university scientists will lead field wagon tours showcasing current crop research. Expert speakers will also share updates on UW–Madison potato projects, including the use of remote-sensing technology and the latest strategies for managing potato insects and plant pathology. A major highlight of the day is "Potato 2.0", a newly funded $3.8 million USDA project aimed at streamlining the potato breeding process using techniques similar to modern corn production. In addition to field demonstrations, the "Spudmobile" mobile education center will be onsite, making it a great event for families. The event runs from 9am to 1pm tomorrow at the Research station located on Camp Bryn Afon Road. Additional information and a schedule is available on their website.

Published on 07/22/2026 under News It's a summer Wednesday in Tomahawk, and that means another opportunity to enjoy live music. Tomahawk Music on the River enters the back half of its summer concert series tonight with week five of seven. Now in its nineteenth season, the series brings back another fan, and Jeff in the Morning, favorite. The Jimmys have become regulars here in Tomahawk, known for high-energy shows powered by a full horn section and keys. While most performers stick to the pavilion, members of the Jimmys have even been known to hop aboard a pontoon to literally play music on the river during past visits. The band comes highly decorated, boasting a lengthy list of Wisconsin Area Music Industry honors. After a summer spent dodging rain and wildfire smoke, the forecast is finally looking like a beautiful evening. The music kicks off at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Park in Tomahawk.

Published on 07/22/2026 under News A Medford man has died following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Taylor County. According to the Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call around 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning requesting a welfare check for 56-year-old Scott R. Williams after he failed to show up for work. Cell phone data initially placed his last known location along County Road M northwest of Medford. Shortly after, a passing motorist spotted a motorcycle and an unresponsive man in a ditch along County Road M in the Town of Hammel. That victim was identified as Williams, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation indicates Williams was traveling eastbound when his motorcycle left the roadway and entered the ditch, ejecting him. Authorities noted Williams was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office.

Published on 07/22/2026 under News Lincoln County supervisors are hitting pause on a proposed policy limiting photography and video recording in certain county buildings. Following a lengthy discussion Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board voted 13 to 9 to table a resolution that would prohibit recording in areas where confidential services are provided. Supervisors in favor of the resolution said the policy is needed to protect client privacy in areas handling confidential records, like the Health Department, Social Services, and court offices. Those opposed questioned whether the policy could infringe on First Amendment rights, arguing the public generally has the right to record government activity in public spaces, particularly the lobby of the Lincoln County Service Center which was included in the proposed resolution. After that debate, the resolution was ultimately tabled, meaning supervisors could eventually revisit with narrowed scope.

Published on 07/22/2026 under News Oshkosh is the place to be for aviation lovers this week as EAA AirVenture gets underway. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is using all the excitement around flying to highlight the Fly Wisconsin Passport Program. The initiative encourages pilots to visit general aviation airports across the state, from big city hubs to small local runways. Here's how it works: after signing up online, pilots get a passport booklet to take along on their flights. When they land at a municipal airport, they collect a stamp featuring that airport's official location code, for Tomahawk it's TKV. The program is a fun way to promote flight safety while boosting tourism in local communities. Wisconsin boasts over 120 participating airports and special aviation attractions, with milestone prizes awarded as pilots fill up their booklets. You can learn more and sign up by visiting the Department of Transportation website.

Published on 07/21/2026 under News A pair of Tomahawk High School students spent a week in the nation's capital for a national leadership conference and they returned to the Northwoods with some hardware. Earlier this year, members of THS chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) attended the state leadership conference. Three students qualified for the national event in Washington, D.C, including Aubrey Seubert and Emma Hoff, who joined nearly 8,000 students in attendance. Beyond educational sessions and networking opportunities, participants presented their projects. The Tomahawk contingent fared exceptionally well: Seubert earned a Gold Medal in Career Investigation, while Hoff brought home a Silver Medal in Promote and Publicize. Hoff attended last year's event as well, where she earned a bronze. During their downtime, the students explored the city, visited iconic national monuments, and made unforgettable memories. The Tomahawk School District congratulated both students on representing the community with excellence, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and outstanding accomplishments."

Published on 07/21/2026 under News The Northwoods is renowned for its lakes and rivers, and next month local residents will have a chance to help keep those waters healthy. Organizers are calling on volunteers for Wisconsin's annual Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Snapshot Day on Saturday, Aug. 8. The statewide effort mobilizes citizen scientists at dozens of locations to search for non-native plants and animals that threaten local ecosystems. After a brief training session, volunteers will be dispatched to scan designated waterways. Any findings are submitted to the DNR to guide ongoing conservation and early-detection efforts. Lincoln County will host a AIS Snapshot Day for a 5th consecutive year, focusing on Tomahawk specifically. While the effort is scheduled for August 8, the Lincoln County Land Services Department is encouraging interested community members to sign up early for planning purposes. Other participating Northwoods host locations include Lake Tomahawk, Manitowish Waters, and Crandon.

Published on 07/21/2026 under News Northwoods voters will have a unique opportunity to learn more about some of the candidates in the 7th Congressional District with a candidate forum featuring watch parties around the expansive district. The conversation is a joint effort of seven regional chapters of the League of Women Voters, along with three local tech schools. The live forum, held at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, will be broadcast directly to watch parties throughout the district. Here in the Northwoods, Nicolet College in Rhinelander or at the Kalmar Senior Center in Eagle River will hold watch parties. Organizers say the livestream format offers Northwoods residents a unique, interactive community setting to examine where candidates stand before heading to the polls for the August 11 primary. All congressional candidates appearing on the primary ballot were invited to participate. Five candidates accepted the League's invitation, a selection of both Democrats and Republicans. This includes Chris Armstrong, Nina Baum, Fred Clark, Kevin Hermening, and Ginger Murray. The forum gets underway at 6:30 p.m.

Published on 07/21/2026 under News Two Northwoods organizations are receiving state grants to help train workers and fill in-demand jobs. They Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced nine recipients will share in more than $890,000 in Wisconsin Fast Forward grants. The funds will to assist in training more than 340 workers in healthcare, customer service, technology, and manufacturing to help fill critical workforce needs. Locally, Opportunity Inc. in Marathon County will receive nearly $17,700 to train eight people as professional guardians for individuals with disabilities. The training will focus on legal requirements, ethics and person-centered planning. Meanwhile, Robbins Sports Surfaces in Langlade County was awarded $32,500 to train 18 workers at its new rough mill in White Lake. Gov. Evers called the grants a win-win-win for the workforce, economy, and communities. The Wisconsin Fast Forward program helps employers train workers for higher-skilled, better-paying jobs while addressing workforce shortages across the state.

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