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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

Hatchet Wrestling Teams Compete at Nekoosa Invite

Published on 01/19/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's wrestling squads finished at the top of the Nekoosa Papermaker Punisher Invite Saturday. The Hatchet boys placed 46.5 points ahead of second-place Princeton/Green Lake. Tomahawk had five first place finishes in the invite, all coming from 144-190 pounds. They included Wally Horabik, Fletcher Baumann, Zander Zehner, Hudson Evans, and Nathan Norman. The Hatchet girls placed seven points ahead of second-place Shiocton. Tomahawk's girls' top finishers were Aubrey Tollefson and Kaylee Roberts. The Hatchet girls are back in action with their home invite Tuesday. The invite will be broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Pre-Invite Show at 5:10 and opening events beginning at 5:30. Tomahawk's boys will have another Great Northern Conference dual with Antigo coming up Thursday. The dual will be broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show at 6:10 and opening events beginning at 6:30.

Published on 01/19/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey team's winning streak continued Friday night as they completed a 4-0 record this week with a 5-3 victory at Altoona against RAM. Tomahawk scored the first goal of the night, Beau Stromberg lit the lamp on an assist from Cole Peterson. RAM would tie the game 00:15 later and would add a second first period goal with 4:01 remaining and led 2-1 after the first. The Hatchets would tie the game at 2-2, when Jake Albert scored a power play goal on assists from Jett Reilly and Brayden Lamer. Lamer would give Tomahawk a 3-2 lead with two minutes remaining in the second. The Lamer goal was assisted by Jett Reilly and Jake Albert. RAM would score with under a minute to go in the second, and the game was tied 3-3. The game remained tied at 3-3 until Jake Albert scored a power play goal with 3:37 remaining in the game. The Albert goal was assisted by Jonah Dickens. Jett Reilly added an empty netter, assisted by Jonah Dickens and Tomahawk skates to the 5-3 win. The win puts Tomahawk at 14-3 on the season. Tomahawk outshot RAM 44-17 and Hudson Seymour gets the win in the net for the Hatchets. The Hatchets return home for a Great Northern Conference showdown with Waupaca Tuesday night. The opening faceoff at SARA Park Arena is at 7:00 pm.

Published on 01/19/2026 under Sports The Hatchet basketball squads would lose to Medford Friday night. The Hatchet boys would lose to the Raiders at home, 86-25. Tomahawk's loss drops them to 2-10 on the season and 0-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchet girls lost on the road to Medford, 73-30. Anita Ziert led the way with 11 points. Tomahawk's girls now stand at 8-5 on the season and 3-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Both teams will be back in action Monday night for a doubleheader at Prentice. Alex Koch and Aaron Nieman will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show begins at 5:05 and tip off is at 5:30.

Published on 01/19/2026 under News It's been six months since Tomahawk Kinship moved into their new location, and they're inviting the community to check out the new space.The local mentorship program will be hosting an open house this evening, fitting since January is National Mentorship Month. We recently spoke with Kinship Director Patti Hilgendorf and Board President Cheryl Brickner. The youth mentorship program had quietly been on the hunt for a larger space to accommodate their growing needs. In April, Hilgendorf approached the board about exploring the former Bradley Bank on Main Street. Brickner noted there was a little bit of skepticism initially, but they soon hit the ground running. They kicked off a three month fundraising blitz. Hilgendorf recalled, "It's amazing to think we received more than $400,000 in less than 90 days." And while they received a number of large donations and grants, Hilgendorf was impressed by the number of smaller donations and support. Fundraising was just the tip of the iceberg...by July the Kinship board signed purchase papers and they began phase 2, retrofitting the former bank into a kid-friendly space. Hilgendorf says they are about 90% done with the initial interior work. This spring they'll begin work on the back lot include a new green space. As for how the move has been, Hilgendorf said, "It's crazy, it's busy, it's fun. We picked right up where we left off." She says they've been growing by leaps and bounds. Now that they've settled into the new space, they're opening up their doors for an open house this evening from 5pm to 8pm. They'll be offering tours of the building as well as an opportunity to learn more about Tomahawk Kinship and even the different ways people can get involved.

Published on 01/19/2026 under News The Three Eagle Trail connecting Three Lakes and Eagle River continues to grow in popularity, while benefiting the two communities. The Three Eagle Trail was one of five participants in the latest Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation; Do-It-Yourself Economic Impact Program. The summer study helps communities quantify attractions such as multi-use trails while also providing support and analysis. Based on their summer survey, an estimated 10,659 people used the Three Eagle trail between May and October. Surveys showed a near-even split between visitors, seasonal residents, and permanent residents. According to the report, the trail-use generates about $2 million in total local business activity. And while the trail is primarily used for biking, running or walking; segments are also used for snowmobile and cross-country skiing during the winter months. Jacqui Sharpe with the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau says, "This report reinforces what we've long understood: the Three Eagle Trail draws people to our communities and supports both economic activity and quality of life." Sharpe added, "These insights give us a strong foundation to strengthen partnerships, improve trail infrastructure and thoughtfully expand biking and recreation opportunities to continue to benefit our communities." Some of the improvement plans including some additional amenities to the existing trail, while also collaborating with local partners for additional opportunities including a possible connection to the nearby Heart of Vilas System. This was the second year the Office of Outdoor Recreation has offered this program. Other participants this summer included: the Heart of Vilas bike trails, Peninsula State Park, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and fishing in Oconto County.

Published on 01/19/2026 under News With frigid temperatures here in the Northwoods for the next week or so, health officials are reminding residents of the dangers of extreme cold. One of the biggest risks when temperatures drop is frostbite which is damage to body tissue caused by the cold. People, and animals, are most susceptible to frostbite in the extremities like ears and nose; fingers and toes. According to the National Weather Service, frostbite is based on a formula calculated with windspeeds and temperatures. When windchills drop to a range of 20 and 30 below zero, as we saw Monday morning, frostbite can occur in as quickly as a half an hour. One of the best way to avoid frostbite is to simply stay indoors in extreme cold, but this isn't always possible. If you must be outdoors for an extended period of time, officials with Ready Wisconsin say your clothing choices can make a big difference. Minimize exposed skin, dress in layers, stay dry, and avoid the wind. Modern synthetic materials wick moisture and dry more quickly than natural fibers. Covering your mouth and nose can reduce the amount of cold air entering your lungs. Even your diet, nutritious foods and staying hydrated, promotes circulation and blood flow. Keep a winter weather kit in your vehicle. And it's also a good idea to check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors.

Published on 01/19/2026 under News Officials are monitoring a manure spill in Northern Marathon County. Late Thursday evening, the DNR was notified of manure discharging from a livestock site to a tributary to Black Creek. The livestock site is located on Creekview Road in Athens. According to the announcement, the spill occurred while the farm was actively transferring manure between waste storage facilities when the transfer system failed, resulting in manure being discharged from the transfer line. They did not immediately have an estimate on the volume that was released. The farm is actively cleaning up the discharge, while working with DNR Staff and the Marathon County Department of Conservation, Planning & Zoning. For more information on manure spills and prevention, visit the DNR's Manure Spills webpage.

Published on 01/18/2026 under News One person is dead, another arrested following a snowmobile crash in Northern Wisconsin over the weekend. According to the Iron County Sheriff's Office, responders were called to trail 17 in the Town of Oma on Friday evening at around 8pm. The initial call indicated a male party with serious injuries following a crash involving two snowmobiles in the same riding party. While parties on scene attempted life-saving measures; the 52 year old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Based on the preliminary investigation, the victim had stopped his sled on the trail and was struck by another member of his riding party who had been following. According to the news release, the operator of the second snowmobile, a 20 year old male, was taken into custody for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated and homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. The incident remains under investigation. This is the fourth fatal snowmobile crash this riding season, and the second in Iron County.

Published on 01/16/2026 under News Whether tip-ups, jigging, or casting a line; Wisconsin anglers can hit the ice for some fishing this weekend without a license. The DNR has brought back their OutWiGo Winter Free Fishing weekend. Coupled with a summer free fishing weekend in June, the campaigns are an attempt to introduce new participants to the sport of fishing and provide former anglers a chance to renew their interest. Landing a fish is fun, but officials note the sport is about more than the catch. It allows participants a chance to make memories, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the state's natural resources. Coinciding with the license waiver, some fishing clubs and organizations are hosting fishing clinics or activities on select waterways. The DNR also has loaner equipment available at some state properties. (check the DNR website for availability) While you don't need a license, anglers must still follow all other fishing regulations including size and bag limits. For those heading out, the DNR did offer a reminder to dress appropriately for the chilly weather in the forecast and remember no ice is 100% safe.Among gear to consider include a rescue rope, ice claws, a life jacket, and a cell phone in a waterproof case.

Published on 01/16/2026 under News Some of the fastest snowmobiles in the world are converging in the Northwoods for an iconic race weekend. World Championship Snowmobile racing at the classic ice oval in Eagle River is back for a 63rd edition. Following a successful Vintage Derby last week, the older sleds are making way for more powerful and contemporary machines over the next few days. In a typical year, tens of thousands of sled-heads travel to the Northwoods to not only take in the races but ride themselves bringing a much needed boost to the local economy. As we shared Thursday, the 'Ride with the Cup' tour has been passing through Northwoods communities. They're back at it again today, and are scheduled to arrive at the Derby track this evening, just in time for the opening ceremonies. Races continues across multiple classes, with the World Championship Race Sunday afternoon. This year's field features a number of past champions among the approximately 30 contenders. Last year saw a first time winner in Zach DeWald. The previous six Derbys were won between four-time winner Blaine Stephenson and two time winner Matt Goede.

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