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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 Board Supports Agricultural Enterprise Area Designation in Towns of Harding, Corning

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.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Good news for Northwoods forests: a destructive tree-eating caterpillar population is expected to remain at very low levels again this year. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says forest tent caterpillar populations remain low across northern Wisconsin, extending a remarkable 23-year trend. Spring surveys found very few caterpillar egg masses, meaning widespread tree damage is unlikely in 2026. These caterpillars have typically shown strong growth cycles every ten to sixteen years according to forest health specialist Paul Cigan. The caterpillars feed on a variety of trees, including aspen, oak, maple, birch and basswood. During these low-population periods, defoliation remains localized and light in intensity, usually going unobserved and unreported. They did highlight an area in northern Taylor County that saw heavier defoliation last year, and could once again. The low population levels are welcome news for aspen stands that have already been stressed by drought and past insect outbreaks. However, DNR officials caution that forest tent caterpillar populations naturally rise and fall in cycles and say a future population increase is still expected. Landowners are encouraged to watch for and report any significant caterpillar damage to the DNR. 622p" target="_blank">They have a guide that can differentiate between defoliators including the eastern tent caterpillar, the forest tent caterpillar, and the spongy moth caterpillar, which all look similar to the untrained eye.

Published on 06/17/2026 under News Residents interested in the future of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are being invited to help shape upcoming local projects. Forest officials are actively recruiting members for a new Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). This 15-member committee will review and recommend projects funded through the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, fostering collaboration across the 12-county region encompassed by the national forest. To ensure a balanced perspective, the committee will represent a wide array of interests and stakeholders. Openings are available for recreational users, environmental groups, tribal representatives, local elected officials, school administrators, timber industry professionals, and members of the general public. Applicants must be Wisconsin residents, with preference given to those living within the forest's 12-county footprint. The committee is expected to meet two or three times a year, typically at the forest headquarters in Rhinelander. Applications for the four-year terms are being accepted through July 31. Those interested can find more information and application details by visiting the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website.

Published on 06/16/2026 under News Those eager for the kickoff of Tomahawk's Music on the River will have to wait an extra week. With heavy rain in the forecast throughout the day on Wednesday, the opening night of the summer concert series has been postponed. The Cougars were scheduled to play the first show of the year; they will now return on August 12 to close out the 19th season instead. While SARA Park typically serves as a backup rain location, organizers noted they always prefer for bands to play at Veterans Memorial Park. Remaining at the outdoor venue preserves the atmosphere and true spirit of the event's name, Music on the River. Opening night also traditionally features the WJJQ Community Cookout. That event has been rescheduled for July 1, coinciding with a performance by Ember, which organizers hope will be a great way to kick off the Fourth of July holiday week. So once again, to update your calendars, Wednesday's Music on the River concert has been postponed due to the rain. Opening night will now take place June 24 with B.D. Greer with The GentsThe WJJQ Community Cookout is now July 1And the Cougars will now play August 12

Published on 06/16/2026 under News Tomahawk's signature downtown flower baskets are once again in place, bringing a burst of color to Main Street just as the summer tourism season gets underway. More than 2,000 wave petunias grown by Cerny's Greenhouse now fill the hanging baskets and flower boxes throughout the downtown area and should be in full bloom shortly. This year's display features a patriotic red, white, and blue theme in recognition of America's upcoming 250th birthday celebration. According to Cerny's Greenhouse, the vibrant display has been months in the making. The petunia seeds were started in late February, transplanted in April, and finally delivered to downtown Tomahawk this past week. Tomahawk Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz noted that the flowers have become one of the community's most recognizable features, helping create a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Maintaining the flowers is a community effort. Turkiewicz credited local grower Justin Cerny for helping select the plants and providing expert knowledge on their care. The dedication extends to the volunteer "Rainmakers" crew, who are out bright and early each morning to keep the plants hydrated, while additional volunteers assist with weeding and general upkeep throughout the season. Turkiewicz added that volunteers are always welcome to help. Community members can also support the flower program's expenses through financial donations or by participating in local fundraising efforts, such as purchasing "North for the Fourth" t-shirts. With the colorful baskets now fully in place, the flowers are set to provide a bright, beautiful first impression for the thousands of visitors passing through Tomahawk during the busy summer months.

Published on 06/16/2026 under News A Langlade County conservation volunteer is being recognized statewide for her efforts to protect Northwoods forests and natural areas from invasive species. The DNR and the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council have named Terrie Pohjola as one of nine recipients of the 2026 Invasive Species Action Awards. Pohjola serves as Forestry Chair for the 2,400-acre Knight Templar Club Reserve on Duck Lake and is also a Wisconsin Master Naturalist. According to the DNR, she developed comprehensive maps and management plans to identify and control invasive species across the property. As a result, known populations of garlic mustard have been eliminated or brought under control, while tansy has been removed from environmentally sensitive areas. Pohjola also works closely with the reserve's Junior Naturalist Program, helping educate the next generation about conservation and stewardship. The Invasive Species Action Awards are presented annually during June, which is designated as Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin. This year, nine individuals and organizations were honored for their outstanding commitment to preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals and protecting the state's natural resources. To read more about this year's recipients

Published on 06/16/2026 under News It's graduation season, and eight interns recently celebrated a major milestone after completing Goodwill North Central Wisconsin's Project SEARCH program in Rhinelander. The 2026 class graduated from the program's site at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, capping off nine months of workplace training designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for employment. Project SEARCH provides participants with hands-on experience through rotations in various hospital departments, including radiology, environmental services, food service and other support areas. The internships are intended to build job skills and confidence while exposing participants to a variety of career paths. Shana Herzfeldt is the director of mission operations. She says, "This program shows how a partnership with a shared vision can lead to a future full of opportunities for these students. Herzfeldt added, "It is extremely rewarding and inspiring to see their remarkable progress and achievements." Following graduation, Goodwill NCW continues to work with participants through individualized job searches, helping them secure employment either with the host organization or elsewhere in the community. The Rhinelander program operates through a partnership between Goodwill NCW, the School District of Rhinelander, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, TMG, Lakeland Care and Inclusa.

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