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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

Back to School Day for All Tomahawk Students

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Published on 09/01/2026 under News Ice Age Trail volunteers returned to the Northwoods last month for another trail-building effort. During a four-day project in early August, the crew added nearly a mile of new footpath along the Underdown Segment in Lincoln County. The new 0.9-mile section replaces a road segment. Along with clearing the path, volunteers built two stone steps, three wooden boardwalks, and a designated rustic campsite; the first along this 30-mile stretch of trail. According to the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the campsite is located atop a high ridge, offering overnight backpackers scenic views of the surrounding glacial landscape. Favorable weather allowed crews to finish early and assist the local Northwoods Chapter with grooming existing sections of the nearby trail. Organizers noted that the event also served as a training session for 14 new volunteers, who worked alongside experienced trail builders to learn proper techniques. The Ice Age Trail Alliance has kept busy in the Northwoods this summer, following two trail-building weekends in Langlade County. The group will head to Taylor County this fall for its another volunteer trail effort.

Published on 09/01/2026 under News When a cardiac emergency strikes, the first person on the scene is rarely a paramedic, but rather a neighbor, coworker, or family member. To ensure residents can act fast during those critical opening minutes, the Little Rice Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a free Community CPR Class on Saturday, September 12. American Heart Association-certified instructors will provide hands-on instruction in CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. Fire Chief Larry Mathein says, "We want people in our community to feel confident that they can step forward and help." Mathein added, "CPR is a skill we hope someone never has to use, but when it is needed, knowing what to do can make an enormous difference." The training runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Lynne Town Hall. The class is free, but organizers request advance registration to ensure adequate space. Call or Text "CPR" to 715-966-0250

Published on 09/01/2026 under News One person died following a boating incident in Vilas County over the weekend. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, a resident on Sumach Lake in Arbor Vitae called 911 around 2:30 p.m. Sunday after spotting a capsized boat and two men in the water. One of the men swam to shore for help. A good Samaritan assisted in pulling the second man from the water, and they immediately began CPR until first responders arrived. The 75-year-old victim was initially conscious and speaking, but he suffered a medical emergency and became unresponsive. He was transported to Aspirus Howard Young Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld pending family notification. The Wisconsin DNR is investigating the incident.

Published on 09/01/2026 under News Officials are offering their annual warning to parents about sharing too much back-to-school information on social media. Over the next week or so, social media feeds will be filled with kids holding 'first day of school' signs or chalkboards. The photos provide a memorable look at a child throughout their school years. While it can be a fun way to celebrate and share these milestones with friends and families online, it can also provide private information to scammers and other unsavory characters. Officials say you should limit the amount of personal information shared on social media, especially when it comes to kids. That means leaving off information about their school, teacher, and address. That information can be used to gain a child's trust, is frequently used for online security questions, and can be manipulated using AI. Another tip they offered if you do want to share with friends and family...turn on the privacy settings to limit who can see posts.

Published on 09/01/2026 under News With the calendar flipped to September, the fall hunting season is officially underway, starting with the early goose season that opened at daybreak. According to the DNR, this two-week early season offers an increased daily bag limit of five Canada geese compared to the traditional season. The early hunt targets Wisconsin's resident goose population before the broader fall migration crosses the state. Based on spring surveys, the current population estimate for Wisconsin-breeding Canada geese sits at 114,000 birds. That figure is slightly lower than last year and the five-year average, but still well above the long-term baseline. The regular goose season will follow immediately after the early season ends, opening on September 16. State wildlife officials remind all hunters to keep safety a top priority whenever heading into the field this fall.

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