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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 Launching New Emergency Alert System, Enrollment Open

Published on 06/15/2026 under News Lincoln County residents now have a new way to receive emergency notifications. Lincoln County Emergency Management announced that Lincoln County Alerts, a new emergency alert system, will officially go live on June 19th, and public enrollment is currently open. The system, powered by CodeRED, is designed to provide timely information from local public safety officials during emergencies and disasters. Officials say alerts may be issued for severe weather, flooding, evacuation orders, shelter-in-place notices, missing vulnerable persons, active shooter incidents, public health emergencies, road closures, and other safety concerns. Lincoln County Alerts will also provide additional keyword enrollment for specific special events. The first will be this weekend's rodeo. Emergency Management Director Tyler Verhasselt says, "Lincoln County Alerts gives residents and visitors a direct way to receive emergency information from the people responsible for protecting this community." He added, "When seconds matter, people need information from trusted local public safety officials. In a large rural county, redundancy matters. This system helps us reach people faster, more clearly, and through more than one channel." Public enrollment is now open with several ways to sign up including an online option or by texting LINCOLN to 36475. Lincoln County Emergency Management has additional information on their website.

Published on 06/15/2026 under News A deteriorating state highway running through Tomahawk is finally getting a long-term plan, and local residents are being invited to weigh in. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced a public involvement meeting this Wednesday to discuss a future project on Highway 86 (Somo Avenue) between Wisconsin Avenue and US 51. WisDOT staff will kick off the meeting with a brief presentation detailing the scope and timeline of the upcoming project. The remainder of the evening will transition into an open-house format, allowing community members to look over project maps, ask questions, and submit feedback. The road has been an issue for a number of years, and is scheduled for 2030. Earlier this spring, as a temporary solution, the City and Lincoln County partnered to put down a pavement overlay on a four-block segment. The public involvement meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Tomahawk High School Cafeteria. The DoT has additional information on their project website.

Published on 06/15/2026 under News Over the past week, we've been looking at the tourism impact numbers along the Highway 51 corridor. Our last stop is up in Vilas County...small in population, but large in tourism. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released record-setting data for both the state and counties last week. Up in Vilas County, visitor impact is estimated at $402 million last year. That is up from the previous year and ranks just behind Oneida County for tops in the Northwoods. Collette Sorgel, Director of Vilas County Tourism & Publicity, says, "Vilas County has long been a place where people come to unplug, reconnect, and make lasting memories, and it's exciting to see that appeal continue to grow." Tourism is Vilas County's largest industry, supporting 2,147 jobs. Visitor spending in the county accounted for $27 million in state and local sales tax revenue last year. Sorgel says, "Whether someone is returning to a favorite family cabin, discovering our trails and lakes for the first time, or exploring one of our vibrant communities, visitors continue to find experiences here that keep them coming back."

Published on 06/15/2026 under News Sunday was World Blood Donor Day, and two local partners used the opportunity to celebrate local donors while offering a reminder of the ongoing need for donations. The Community Blood Center and Aspirus Health released a joint message emphasizing the importance of blood donations not only during awareness events, but throughout the entire year. Summer is traditionally one of the most challenging times for blood collection. School breaks, family vacations, outdoor activities, and extreme weather often reduce donor turnout and cause blood drive cancellations. At the same time, the demand for blood frequently rises during the summer months for those very same reasons. Danielle Espinoza, with The Community Blood Center, said of the donation process, "It's quick, it's easy, and it can save up to three patient lives. Whether you're a first-time donor or returning, World Blood Donor Day is a great moment to show support." Aspirus Emergency Department Manager David Lehman added that blood is a resource hospitals need every day and one that cannot be manufactured, making regular donations critical to patient care. The Community Blood Center conducts more than 100 mobile blood drives each month. Donors can visit their website to find a collection event nearby.

Published on 06/15/2026 under News A Wausau man has pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding nearly 190 investors out of more than $14 million. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, 64-year-old Stanley Pophal admitted to operating a years-long investment fraud scheme through his company, Bright with Silver Incorporated. Between 2019 and 2025, prosecutors say Pophal promised investors returns of at least 20 percent through ventures involving cryptocurrency, real estate, artificial intelligence, precious metals, and gemstones. Instead, authorities say Pophal used most of the money to fund his personal lifestyle, including travel, mortgage payments, a private plane rental, and the purchase of hundreds of snowmobiles, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Investigators seized more than 600 items allegedly purchased with investor funds, including hundreds of snowmobiles stored in a rented warehouse. Pophal also admitted to making Ponzi-style payments to earlier investors using money from new victims. He is scheduled to be sentenced September 2nd.

Published on 06/12/2026 under News Wisconsin is officially celebrating its status as "America's Dairyland" this June with a month-long tribute to the state's iconic industry. With more than 5,500 dairy farms and 1.2 million cows across the state, June Dairy Month focuses on three pillars: meeting the farmers, enjoying the dairy, and celebrating Wisconsin's heritage. Organizations like the Farm Bureau and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin are highlighting the innovation and commitment required to supply the nation with milk, cheese, and ice cream. Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin says, "June Dairy Month is one of the best times of the year to experience Wisconsin dairy." He added, "These events give families an opportunity to visit local farms, meet dairy farmers, enjoy great food and learn more about the care, commitment and innovation that go into producing the dairy products they enjoy every day." One of the most popular ways to celebrate is through the more than 75 dairy breakfasts being held in farming communities statewide. This Sunday, it's Lincoln County's turn. Organizers in Merrill will once again serve up a feast fit for a farmer. All proceeds from the meal help fund agriculture-related scholarships and local youth programming right here in the county. The breakfast runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon this Sunday at the MARC in Merrill.

Published on 06/12/2026 under News It is Friday, which means a steady stream of weekend visitors is bound for the Northwoods. For many, the destination is Oneida County, which is celebrating another record-setting year for tourism. According to new economic impact data released by the state, travelers spent an impressive 314 million dollars in Oneida County last year. That is up roughly 11 million dollars from the previous record set in 2024. Jacqui Sharpe, chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council, says while the lakes, trails, and outdoor recreation draw people in, it is the locally owned businesses and welcoming communities that keep them coming back. That steady stream of visitors supports an estimated 2,200 tourism-related jobs across the county. The booming hospitality industry also generated more than 25 million dollars in state and local tax revenue last year. Sharpe noted that tourism touches nearly every corner of the local economy, bringing immense value not just to the visitors, but to the people who live and work in the Northwoods every day.

Published on 06/12/2026 under News The City of Merrill's effort to recognize residents who helped shape the community continues this morning with the dedication of an honorary street sign for Leslie "Ches" Kienitz. Mayor Steve Hass announced that members of the Merrill Historic Preservation Committee will unveil the sign at 10 a.m. Friday near the Kienitz family home on West 10th Street, near Chippewa Street. According to the Historic Preservation Committee, which oversees the Memorial Street Sign Program, Kienitz's decades of local service spanned nearly every corner of city life. He served as the drum major for the Merrill City Band for nearly 50 years, served in the US Army during World War II, spent over two decades with the Merrill Police Department, retiring as a captain, and later worked at Council Grounds State Park. He was also a dedicated conservationist, planting more than 100,000 trees with his family, and was even nominated for Wisconsin Tree Farmer of the Year in 1986. The sign is located near the Kienitz family home on West 10th Street. The dedication was originally scheduled for last year but was postponed due to inclement weather. City officials say four additional honorary street signs are scheduled to be dedicated later this year. We'll share the honorees as they are announced.

Published on 06/12/2026 under News A campaign is returning in Marathon County encouraging kids to wear helmets this summer when riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards. The Helmet Hero' program is a partnership of Aspirus Health, Safe Kids Marathon County, and several local law enforcement agencies. To help encourage safe riding, groups will work with the Mosinee, Wausau, and Metro Bay Police Departments to keep an eye out for kids properly wearing their helmets in the community. When a kid is 'caught' wearing a helmet, the officer may hand out a ticket for a free ice cream at Briq's Soft Serve. If they find a child in need of a helmet, they also have some vouchers that can be exchanged for a free helmet. Amanda Tabin coordinates the program for Aspirus. She notes that nearly half of children hospitalized for bike-related injuries are diagnosed with a head injury, yet less than half of children wear helmets. And while the program is designed for children, they're hoping it creates life-long habits. Jeff Zwicky with the Mountain Bay Metro Police Department. "Just like wearing seatbelts in a motor vehicle, making helmets part of your routine during wheeled sports helps keep everyone safe."

Published on 06/12/2026 under News Just a reminder for those traveling on Highway 51 in Marathon County on Friday, the State Patrol is conducting an aerial speed enforcement. As we shared previously, the troopers will take to the skies to watch for speeders and those driving aggressively. When a violation is identified, they communicate with a ground-based unit to initiate a traffic stop. They noted in the news release that the aerial enforcement missions are publicly announced to improve public safety through voluntary compliance rather than to simply stop drivers and handing out citations.

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