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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

“Main Street Mania”: Downtown Tomahawk Celebrating Successful Summer with Cookout, Sales

Published on 08/14/2026 under News As another successful summer season winds down in Tomahawk, local businesses are celebrating strong crowds with a refreshed downtown event. "Main Street Mania," a newly rebranded celebration that kicked off Thursday and runs through Saturday, combines the town's traditional sidewalk sales and annual customer appreciation day into a single three-day festival. Throughout the weekend, downtown merchants are featuring outdoor sidewalk sales, vendor meet-and-greets, and exclusive store specials. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz notes that downtown foot traffic remained strong all summer, with both locals and visitors filling the district. For organizers, Main Street Mania is both a celebration of a successful season and an open invitation for newcomers to discover what the historic district has to offer. Turkiewicz says, "We want to say thank you for helping keep our downtown vibrant. And for folks who aren't familiar with our downtown, what an amazing opportunity to come take a walk around and see what we have to offer." Today is an ideal day to attend, as organizers are hosting a community picnic and family activities from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. As Turkiewicz puts it, "There's a little something for everybody."

Published on 08/14/2026 under News Between school, sports, and busy schedules, getting the entire family around the dinner table can be tricky. However, healthcare providers at Aspirus Health emphasize that families don't need a nightly, formal routine to see real results. Research shows that sharing just three meals together a week, whether a quick Monday breakfast or a weekend pizza night, can make a big difference. While gathering around the table can improve physical health, the benefits extend far beyond nutrition. Sitting down face-to-face helps kids build crucial social skills, navigate conflict, and unplug from screens in an increasingly digital world. Dr. Gretchen Karstens, an Aspirus pediatrician says, "Kids tend to have a significantly lower risk for depression, anxiety, and disordered eating habits when they are able to eat together," says. Kids aren't the only ones who benefit. Studies show that 91% of parents report that family meals reduce stress in their household. Dr. Karstens emphasizes that the atmosphere matters far more than the menu. Simple sandwiches or takeout provide the exact same mental and emotional benefits as an elaborate home-cooked meal.

Published on 08/14/2026 under News Over the past decade, a dedicated group of community organizers has turned a simple backyard cookout into one of the largest regional fundraisers for children facing critical illnesses. The annual Wishes for Kids Pork Roast returns this Saturday to Surewood Forest on Lake Alice. The family-friendly event serves as the organization's primary fundraiser, benefiting the northern chapter of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Last year alone, the single-day event drew around 500 attendees and raised a record $30,000. Since its inception, Wishes for Kids has raised over $211,000 and granted wishes for 32 children living right here in the Northwoods. Organizer Dave Duranceau, "We have a beautiful community here that helps make all of this work." For organizers, the heart of the event is captured on the "Wall of Wishes" inside Surewood Forest, which displays framed photos, letters, and stars sent back by wish recipients and their families. While many children request trips to theme parks or sporting events, organizers say other wishes are deeply personal such as wheelchair-accessible home decks or local hunting trips. Festivities for tomorrow's event get underway at 2:00 p.m. with games, raffles, and live entertainment. The cookout-style meal follows at 4:00 p.m., featuring food donated by local sponsors to keep the ticket price locked at $10.

Published on 08/14/2026 under News Lake Minocqua is buzzing all summer long with boats of every shape and size, but this weekend, paddlers hit the water for a purpose. Marking "a decade of the dragon," the 10th Annual Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival takes place this Saturday. Since launching in 2016, the free, family-friendly event has drawn thousands of spectators and hosted more than 100 teams from 13 states and Canada. Powered by 20 side-by-side paddlers, a steerer, and a rhythm-keeping drummer, the 45-foot-long dragon boats will race in heats across Lake Minocqua. The competition features a variety of divisions, including competitive clubs, community teams, and a breast cancer survivors division. Beyond the spectacle, there is a clear mission behind the paddling. Having raised over $1 million for regional healthcare initiatives over the past decade, this year's festival is raising funds for a remote trail ambulance to support local emergency medical services. Festivities actually get underway later today with team practices, food vendors, and live entertainment. The main action takes place throughout the day on Saturday, kicking off at 8:30 a.m. with the opening ceremony, the traditional "Awakening of the Dragon." They race out of Torpy Park in Minocqua, and admission is free for all spectators.

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Published on 08/14/2026 under News Four local agricultural leaders have been named statewide finalists for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation's prestigious 35 Under 35 Award. Presented by the Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Program, the awards recognize outstanding young farmers and industry professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the future of agriculture across five categories. Out of 35 finalists selected across Wisconsin, four represent the Northwoods. From Langlade County, Samantha Solin is a finalist in the Sustainable Future category, which honors those dedicated to preserving generational success and farm sustainability. Fellow Langlade County native Mary Fronek is a finalist in Sustainable Service, recognizing leaders who serve the agricultural industry through trade skills or advisory roles. In the Sustainable Environment category, both Ben Sosnovske (Lincoln County) and Nathan Utecht (Marathon County) are in the running. Ashley Lisowe, Chair of the YFA Program says, "We are excited to recognize these outstanding young leaders who are making a difference on their farms and in their communities." The overall category winners will be announced during the WFBF Annual Meeting and YFA Conference this December.

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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.

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