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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

Tomahawk School District Changes 2027 Graduation Date Due to Track Conflict

Published on 08/13/2026 under News Though the new school year hasn't started yet, the Tomahawk School District is already planning ahead for spring 2027. At its meeting Tuesday, the school board approved a calendar update moving the 2027 high school graduation ceremony up one week, from May 28 to May 21. The change was made to avoid a scheduling conflict with the WIAA track and field postseason—a clash that would have forced senior student-athletes to choose between competing or attending their own commencement. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry explained that administrators discussed several options with staff before bringing forward a recommendation. Considerations included moving the ceremony back to Saturday( where it had been held in the past) or keeping the Friday night setup on a different weekend. Ultimately, administrators recommended keeping the Friday tradition on May 21. The shift to Friday night graduation seven years ago has been popular with local families because it gives out-of-town guests the full weekend to travel and celebrate. Because track sectional dates rotate between divisions annually, district officials anticipate this scheduling conflict will come up every few years and require similar adjustments down the road.

Published on 08/13/2026 under News Ceremonial shovels hit the ground in Rhinelander today as local leaders kicked off work on a major housing initiative. City officials and project partners broke ground on a 3.7-acre Boyce Drive lot, the future site of the Riverview Senior Housing Development. Located near local parks and the Pelican River, the mid-rise building will feature 48 affordable apartments, including six units set aside for aging veterans, alongside space for senior and veteran support services. Local leaders say Riverview delivers a dual benefit for the Northwoods: providing accessible, low-maintenance living for older adults while potentially freeing up single-family homes for young families moving to the area. Tony Pharo, Executive Director of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation, praised the years of collaboration behind the project. He called it "much more than turning over a shovel of dirt," describing it as the exact persistence and partnership the region needs. With Oneida County facing an estimated deficit of 1,500 homes in the near future, officials view the development as a crucial step forward. Construction is expected to wrap up late next year.

Published on 08/13/2026 under News An investigation is underway in Marathon County after a man was found dead and a woman was critically injured Wednesday afternoon. According to the Sheriff's Office, responders were called to a residence in the 600 block of Main Street in the Village of Marathon shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Those on the scene found a 26-year-old woman unconscious outside the home with life-threatening injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment; no update on her condition was provided. Officers then entered the home and found a 25-year-old man deceased inside. His name has not been released. Investigators believe this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public. No other information was provided on the incident. The Marathon County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation at the request of the Marathon Police Department. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office or submit information to Crime Stoppers.

Published on 08/13/2026 under News A statewide bird-watching effort has raised big dollars for bird-related projects and organizations. Earlier this year, we told you about the 15th annual Great Wisconsin Birdathon. The effort is organized by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, and participants include individuals, teams, bird-related organizations, and local libraries. That included 15 classrooms that incorporated the event into their curriculum. There are two parts to the Birdathon: first, organizers encouraged participants to break out their binoculars to spot and record as many bird species as possible, and second, participants collected pledges in exchange for sightings. And it was a record-setting year across the board, bringing together 83 teams and more than 660 birders. Together, they identified 284 bird species around the state and raised just shy of $134,000. Those funds will go toward various organizations and projects dedicated to bird-related causes, from habitat improvement and protection to bird-tracking projects and putting binoculars into the hands of new birders. For those looking to participate next year, the 2027 Great Wisconsin Birdathon kicks off on April 15.

Published on 08/13/2026 under News The nearly century-old Crandon Fire Response Ranger Station is among the projects approved for state funding. The Wisconsin State Building Commission met this week, approving approximately $374 million in state-funded projects statewide. Among the approved projects is a brand-new facility in Crandon to replace the current station, which has been in service since the 1930s. Officials say the new, modern facility will better support the Department of Natural Resources by protecting vital forestry, wildlife, and law enforcement equipment. Crucially, it will help streamline emergency response times across five surrounding counties: Oneida, Florence, Marinette, Oconto, and Langlade. This project is part of a broader list of infrastructure investments around the state, which also includes repairs to veterans' facilities, university campuses, and state parks. Governor Tony Evers praised the vote, stating the projects will strengthen state facilities for decades to come. The Wisconsin State Building Commission is made up of six legislators and a citizen member. The Northwoods is well-represented, with both State Senator Mary Felzkowski and State Representative Rob Swearingen serving on the committee. Continuing a past tradition, the commission met at the Wisconsin State Fair.

Published on 08/13/2026 under News While summer routines and vacations can lead to a drop in donations, the demand for life-saving blood across Northwoods hospitals never slows down. Today, The Community Blood Center is hosting its final community stop of the summer on its "STAT"—or Summer Tour for All Types—collection drive. Donors can roll up their sleeves at the Northwoods Veterans Post in Merrill until 4:30 p.m. In keeping with tradition, the Blood Center will make a monetary donation to local veterans' organizations for every unit collected today. All donors receive a meal, a limited-edition STAT t-shirt, and first-time donors will get a gift card. If you miss today's collection in Merrill, you'll have one more chance to give next month. The Community Blood Center is teaming up with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers for a special bobblehead blood drive at Fox Cities Stadium on Saturday, August 22nd. To make an appointment, visit communityblood.org.

Published on 08/12/2026 under News As quickly as it began, Tomahawk's summer concert series comes to a close this evening, and organizers are bringing back a local favorite to wrap up the season. The Cougars will perform tonight at the seventh and final week of Music on the River at Memorial Park. The six-piece band, a series regular, features a unique lineup with three female lead singers and lively blend of rock, pop, and a touch of country. The Cougars were originally scheduled to kick off this year's concert series, but their performance in June was postponed due to rain. Now, they get to close out the summer instead. Throughout the summer, fans packed the waterfront, whether in lawn chairs in the park or pontoons on the shoreline. Tonight offers one last chance to catch the music on the water. The free concert begins at 6:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Tomahawk.

Published on 08/12/2026 under News Voters across the Northwoods turned out in steady numbers on Tuesday to choose their candidates for the fall election. The most closely watched contest was at the top of the ticket. With Governor Tony Evers not seeking re-election, the open seat drew heavy statewide attention. A local candidate will anchor the Republican ticket, as current 7th District Congressman Tom Tiffany cruised to the GOP nomination as expected. On the Democratic side, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley mounted a dramatic comeback after re-entering the race last month. It appears Crowley after he narrowly defeated state Representative Francesca Hong, who led polling through much of the campaign. Tiffany's run for governor also left an open seat in Northern Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District. On the Republican side, Michael Alfonso emerged victorious from a field of five candidates. For the Democrats, former state Representative Fred Clark won a tight three-way race in which every candidate captured at least 30 percent of the vote. The primary winners now advance to the November 3 general election.

Published on 08/12/2026 under News In just a few short weeks, Northwoods students will head back to the classroom, meaning back-to-school shopping is in full swing. With rising costs, a little extra planning can go a long way in preventing sticker shock. According to the National Retail Federation, parents of K-12 students anticipate spending a little over $400 on basic supplies and clothing alone. That figure climbs even higher when factoring in electronics or college-bound students. However, consumer experts say smart habits can lead to significant savings:Stick to the List: Start with your district's official classroom supply list—and stick to it. Keeping purchases focused on essential items prevents costly impulse buys.Shop at Home First: Before heading to the store, check closets and desks. Supplies left over from previous school years can often be reused.Buy in Bulk: Team up with neighbors, relatives, or classmates to purchase items in bulk, then divide the supplies and split the savings.Shop Sales and Closeouts: Keep an eye out for weekly back-to-school sales. While driving to multiple stores requires extra effort, those small discounts add up quickly.Finally, take advantage of local community organizations that host school supply drives and distribution events. On Wednesday afternoon and early evening, Tomahawk Kinship is teaming up with several area churches to host a free backpack and school supply giveaway at the Kinship House on Main Street.

Published on 08/12/2026 under News While school staffers have been busy preparing campuses for the return of students, administrators and school board members have been hard at work on district budgets. The preliminary spending plan for the Tomahawk School District was on the board's agenda Tuesday, with District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry providing a brief overview. As previously reported, rising local property values and declining enrollment mean Tomahawk no longer qualifies for state general aid. That funding is expected to decrease annually, shifting more of the tax burden locally. Quesinberry noted that unreimbursed special education costs also remain a major financial hurdle. On the local tax front, a significant jump in overall property values could potentially lower the district's mill rate by 35 to 40 cents, even with a slight increase in the tax levy. As he does each August, Quesinberry cautioned that the preliminary budget is subject to change. School districts rely on placeholders for categories like student enrollment and state aid until official figures are finalized after the school year begins. Quesinberry reassured the board that the district remains in a strong financial position, describing the proposal as a "good, strong budget." The plan will be formally presented to the public at the district's annual meeting next month, with final board approval expected in late September or early October.

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