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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 Hockey Team Loses at Superior

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad would lose their third out of their last four games Saturday afternoon, losing to Superior, 7-1. The Hatchets were shut out until the 4:17 mark of the third period, suffering their worst loss of the season. Tomahawk's lone goal came on a power play from Jake Albert in the third. The Hatchets were outshot 30-18, including allowing 19 shots in the second period alone. Three of Superior's seven goals came on the power play. The loss drops Tomahawk to 9-3 on the season. The Hatchets begin a four-game week Monday night at SARA Park against Antigo. Puck drop is at 7:00.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' swim squad traveled to Ashwaubenon for the Jaguar Invite Saturday and finished 12th as a team. Despite the low finish, the Hatchets made tremendous improvement in the meet, setting 15 personal records. The highlight of the meet was Bruce Peetz, who finished fifth in the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:14.11. Peetz's time was just one second off of the school record. The Hatchets finished ahead of Notre Dame, Neenah, and Oshkosh North. Tomahawk is back in the pool Tuesday night against Lakeland. Events begin at 5:30.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News January is Radon Awareness Month, and local health departments are encouraging residents check their home levels every few years. Radon is a colorless and odorless gas found naturally in soil and rock. It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes. The Lincoln County Health Department says radon is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. It occurs in as many as 1 in 10 Wisconsin homes. There are areas of the state that are more susceptible including a pocket in North Central Wisconsin. Lincoln County environmental health specialist Michael Mandli noted "Winter is the ideal time to test your home for radon." He notes, "Homes are sealed tight during winter, allowing radon to accumulate more easily." This allows for more accurate testing. A basic test can be purchased for around $15 at most home improvement stores. Both the state and local health departments have additional information including further testing and mitigation solutions if the readings come back elevated.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News Students from around North Central Wisconsin competed in chess while also supporting a good cause. Edgar hosted an annual chess tournament dubbed 'Checkmate to Homelessness.' In addition to the games on the chess board, the students raised awareness and support for homelessness in the community. The competitors even collected monetary donations and items of need that will be donated to local shelters. Sara Sternberg, Marathon Chess Coach, said, "The turnout was fantastic, and it's exciting to see middle and high school students connecting and cheering each other on." She added, "Students from different schools are meeting, building camaraderie, and demonstrating great sportsmanship." The tournament was held in collaboration with the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation and featured students from ten schools around Northern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls basketball squad's winning streak would stop at five Friday night as they would lose at home to Great Northern Conference foe Lakeland, 55-45. After going into halftime tied at 18, the Hatchets would allow a 16-0 run to begin the second half. Tomahawk also struggled defensively after Freya Alberg fouled out with eight minutes remaining. Lizzy Arnott led the way in scoring for the Hatchets, putting in a career-high 15 points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 7-3 on the season and 3-2 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Monday night for a non-conference showdown against Northland Lutheran.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys basketball squad would start 2026 with a sour defeat at the hands of Lakeland in Minocqua, losing 65-18. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-8 on the season and 0-4 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court Tuesday for another Great Northern Conference showdown at home against Mosinee.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News The Lincoln County Veterans Service Office announced the continuation of an outreach program in Tomahawk. While their office is located in Merrill, this service provides a convenient location for veterans in the Northern half of the county to meet with the veteran's service officer to receive assistance with benefits and services such as compensation, education and training, healthcare, and housing assistance. According to LCVSO Matthew Pultz, the decision to continue these visits was made in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback from veterans in the community. He says they recognize the importance of making services easily accessible to all veterans. This outreach program is just one way they are working to achieve that goal. The service is hosted at Tomahawk City Hall every other Thursday. The next opportunity is January 22. While they will accommodate walk-ins if time allows, vets are encouraged to call the Veteran's Service Office to schedule an appointment.

Published on 01/12/2026 under Sports The Hatchet girls' wrestling squad would go 2-2 in their Duals at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Friday night. Tomahawk finished 13th out of 16 teams in the meet. The Hatchets would lose their first two matches of the day to Holmen, 42-21, and Bonduel, 48-24. Tomahawk would bounce back and defeat Kickapoo/La Farge, 54-12. The Hatchets would then end the day with a 42-30 victory over Eau Claire North. Tomahawk's dual record now stands at 4-3 on the season. The Hatchets' next time on the mats is Tuesday in St. Croix Falls.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin teen who killed a prison guard during a fistfight has pleaded guilty to reckless homicide but is claiming he's not responsible for his actions because he was mentally ill. Court records indicate 17-year-old Javarius Hurd entered the plea Friday. He also pleaded guilty to one count of battery by a prisoner. Prosecutors dropped a second battery count in exchange for the pleas. The next step for Hurd is a February jury trial to determine whether he's legally responsible. According to court documents Hurd was an inmate at the state's youth prison when he attacked two counselors in June 2024. One of the counselors fell during the fight and later died.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News Marshfield Clinic has announced some temporary visitation restrictions at their birthing facilities. According to the Friday announcement, this will impact outpatient and inpatient obstetrics, all newborn nurseries across Marshfield Clinic region, and the NICU at Marshfield Children's Hospital. They said, "These measures help protect our most vulnerable patients, infants under 6 months, who face the highest risk-No visitors under age 18 (including siblings) -Labor and Delivery: Up to two support people allowed -Hospitalization: Only two support people (including grandparents) allowedThe Wisconsin Department of Health currently lists both COVID and flu activity high and rising in Northern Wisconsin.

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