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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

Pollinator Week Places Emphasis on Creating Habitat

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Property owners can play a critical role in protecting the world's declining pollinator population. This week marks National and State Pollinator Week, and a number of local agencies are educating the public on the vital role that pollinators play while encouraging people to create their own pollinator habitats. All week long, groups will be hosting pollinator events, seminars, and workshops. While much of the focus is typically on bees and butterflies, other key pollinators include moths, native fly species, beetles, hummingbirds, and even bats. These pollinators are crucial not only to our food chain but to our entire ecosystem. Pollinated plants also help feed local wildlife, clean the air, and stabilize the soil. Over the years, there has been a concerted effort to expand pollinator gardens and habitats across the Northwoods. These natural spaces are filled with native plants that attract pollinators by providing both food and shelter. They are simple projects that can easily be created in backyards and home gardens by leaving small, natural areas undisturbed. We'll have more details on how to create your own pollinator space tomorrow.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Another generation of peregrine falcons has taken to the skies of North Central Wisconsin. No longer balls of fluff, Wisconsin Public Service announced that all four chicks at the Weston Power Plant near Wausau have successfully taken their first flights. This year's cast of falcons were named after local television and radio personalities: Kyle Prey-zorski, Matt Tweet, Featherson Lehmann, and Jade Eggshell. The young peregrines will spend the next month sharpening their flying and hunting skills before heading off on their own. Each bird is carrying a solar-powered tracking tag, allowing researchers to follow their travels after they leave the nest. This is the first time WPS has used the technology, and only the second time it has been used with peregrine falcons in the United States. The successful fledging season continues a conservation success story that has helped peregrine falcons recover from near-extinction in Wisconsin. Since the early 1990s, WPS and We Energies have banded and named 476 peregrine falcons at their facilities across the state.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for public input as it develops a new master plan for the Langlade County portion of the Wolf River State Trail. The planning effort follows the end of a cooperative management agreement between the DNR and Langlade County earlier this year. The state agency has now assumed planning authority for the trail and will update a management plan that was originally created in 2006. The 44-mile Wolf River State Trail follows a former railroad corridor through Langlade and Forest counties. In Langlade County, trail users currently enjoy activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV and UTV riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Residents are invited to learn more and share their ideas at a public meeting July 15 at the Antigo Public Library. An open house begins at 5:30 p.m., with a DNR presentation scheduled for 6 p.m. Public comments and survey responses will also be accepted through July 31 as the DNR works to guide future management and recreational use of the trail.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News Governor Evers made a stop in the Northwoods Tuesday, shovel in hand. The Governor is once again on his annual Pothole Patrol tour, a campaign designed to highlight state funding for roads. Yesterday, he made his way to Antigo. Joined by city officials and the local street crew, he helped fill several potholes along South Dorr Street. While the actual filling of the potholes is symbolic, the Governor is also using the tour to discuss efforts to boost local infrastructure funding. Since Evers took office, the state has improved more than 9,600 miles of roads. Officials note that this is enough distance to drive from Wausau to Disney World in Florida and back three times, with miles to spare. They said these investments ensure that the state's infrastructure can meet the needs of a 21st-century workforce and economy, which remains a top priority for the administration. The Pothole Patrol Tour has been an annual tradition for Governor Evers since he took office, dating back to 2019. Yesterday's visit to Antigo was one of two stops on the day, along with a visit to Montello.

Published on 06/24/2026 under News A Spring Valley man was arrested following a brief vehicle pursuit in Lincoln County on Sunday. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy initially attempted a traffic stop for speeding on Taylor Street in the City of Merrill. The deputy reported that the driver initially sped off, resulting in a brief chase before eventually pulling over and stopping. The driver was taken into custody for fleeing or eluding an officer in a vehicle. He was transported to the Lincoln County Jail. Also on Sunday, a driver was injured and arrested following a crash in the Town of Corning. According to the Sheriff's Report, deputies were dispatched to South Branch Road and Natzke Road for a single-vehicle crash. The driver told deputies she swerved to miss a deer, causing her to lose control of the vehicle, which ultimately wound up in the ditch. The deputy noted signs of impairment when speaking with the driver and requested field sobriety tests. As a result of those tests, she was placed under arrest for a first-offense OWI. She sustained minor injuries in the crash. The number of vehicle-versus-deer collisions remains elevated, with 13 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Health officials are reminding Northwoods residents and visitors to watch for blue-green algae blooms as warmer summer weather returns to area lakes and waterways. The Lincoln County Health Department says blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is naturally present in many Wisconsin waters but can rapidly multiply under the right conditions. Warm temperatures, sunlight, calm water, and nutrient runoff can all contribute to blooms, which are most common from mid-June through mid-September. Environmental Health Specialist Mike Mandli says people should stay out of any water that resembles split-pea soup or spilled paint. Despite its name, blue-green algae can also appear white, red, or brown. Exposure or ingestion can lead to illness, including skin irritation, rashes, headaches, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In addition to humans, pets can also be affected. The Health Department recommends showering or rinsing off immediately if you have been in affected waters. Eating fish caught in areas where a bloom is present should also be avoided. While some popular swimming areas like beaches may be monitored for algal blooms, it is typically up to swimmers to be on the lookout. The Health Department campaign uses the slogan, "When in doubt, stay out!"

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Lightning can strike in the blink of an eye, prompting safety officials to remind everyone: "When thunder roars, head indoors!" Tuesday marks Lightning Safety Awareness Day across Wisconsin. Local emergency management teams are joining ReadyWisconsin to ensure residents and visitors alike understand the risks of lightning. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, around 200 people are struck by lightning in the United States each year. Tragically, Wisconsin experienced a fatal lightning strike this past April in Waukesha. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle emphasized that lightning is both unpredictable and dangerous. However, he noted, "The good news is lightning-related injuries and deaths are preventable when people know the risks and how to take action during storms." Officials recommend remembering the 30-30 rule: If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately, and stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Additionally, lightning can strike even under seemingly sunny conditions, a phenomenon known as a "bolt from the blue." Lightning strikes frequently occur during common outdoor activities such as fishing, visiting the beach, camping, and farming. If you cannot get inside a sturdy building when a storm begins, officials recommend seeking shelter inside a hard-topped vehicle. ReadyWisconsin warns that hiding under a tree is incredibly dangerous, and open structures like gazebos, baseball dugouts, tents, or picnic canopies do not offer adequate protection. If someone is struck by lightning, they need immediate medical care. Call 911 and perform CPR right away if necessary. Do not be afraid to touch a lightning victim; the human body does not hold an electrical charge, and delaying help can be fatal.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News In addition to a full agenda, last week's Lincoln County Board meeting included an early discussion on priorities supervisors may pursue over the next two years. During an agenda item titled "County Board Strategic Goals," supervisors shared ideas for issues they would like to address during the current term. The 22-member board is elected every two years. Among the topics raised was the growing issue of data centers, which has become a subject of discussion in communities across Wisconsin as developers look for potential sites. Supervisors also identified several long-standing priorities, including expanding broadband access, increasing housing opportunities, and improving roads and infrastructure throughout the county. Board members further suggested continuing efforts to promote Lincoln County as a destination for tourism and recreation. County leaders noted that similar initiatives in recent years have contributed to increased visitor spending and tourism activity. Board Chairman Don Friske pointed out that the county board's two-year election cycle provides just 24 regularly scheduled meetings to accomplish its goals, with 21 meetings remaining in the current term. The discussion remained at a broad, brainstorming level, with few specifics on how the priorities would be pursued. Supervisors did not discuss whether the topics would be assigned to existing committees or handled through the creation of special ad hoc committees.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Northwoods residents are being asked to share their experiences with health care access as part of a new survey being conducted by the NAMI Northwoods. The organization, a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is gathering feedback from residents in Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Taylor, and Price counties about their experiences accessing physical health care, mental health services, and substance use treatment. Survey organizers say they want to learn more about what is working well and where improvements may be needed. Topics include appointment availability, travel distances for care, telehealth services, and experiences with local providers. NAMI Northwoods is encouraging residents to participate regardless of whether their experiences have been positive, negative, or somewhere in between. The information collected will help the organization better understand health care access challenges and opportunities across the region. The survey is available online through the NAMI Northwoods Facebook Page or we'll include a link at NAMI Northwoods Health Care Access Survey.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Known throughout the winter as one of the Midwest's premier cross-country ski destinations, Minocqua Winter Park is proving there's plenty to do on Squirrel Hill during the summer months as well. The park has announced the return of their Northwoods speaker series known as 'Walk on the Wildside' featuring free presentations on wildlife, fisheries, conservation and natural history. The programs will be held inside the chalet and are designed for all ages, combining science, storytelling and hands-on learning. Topics include the secret lives of Northwoods fish, aquatic organisms hidden beneath lake surfaces, efforts to reduce lead poisoning in wildlife, wolf ecology, deer behavior and the remarkable comeback of sandhill cranes. The series begins this Saturday, June 28 with a presentation by fisheries researcher Stephanie Shaw. She'll discuss fish research, reproduction, and life cycles including how fish survive winters in the chilly Northwoods. Those interested can visit the Minocqua Winter Park website for the full schedule and registration which is encouraged, but not required.

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