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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

Tomahawk School Board Approves Final Budget for 26-27 School Year

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Tomahawk School Board has finalized the district's budget and tax levy for the 2026–27 school year. The board held a special meeting Tuesday to approve the spending plan after finalizing student enrollment and state aid figures. The newly approved tax levy stands at 15.3 million dollars, approximately 250,000 dollars below the maximum allowed under state levy limits. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry noted that over the past five budget cycles, the board's decision to consistently underlevy has saved local taxpayers roughly 1.7 million dollars. As a result, Tomahawk's equalized tax rate drops to 5 dollars and 15 cents per thousand dollars of property value, the lowest rate in district history. Quesinberry says, "We believe the approved budget strikes an appropriate balance between supporting the educational needs of our students, maintaining a strong and competitive workforce, and remaining mindful of the financial responsibility placed on our local taxpayers." The board achieved those tax savings despite continued challenges. State-required payments for students attending private schools through Wisconsin's voucher program jumped nearly 33 percent, costing local taxpayers over 323,000 dollars. Additionally, the district continues to see a 15% annual decline in general state aid,another $225,000 drop from last year. Budget season continues across the Northwoods as municipalities and counties work to finalize their spending plans for the upcoming year.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News As communities across Northern Wisconsin work to expand their trail networks, a new state grant is helping showcase the Minocqua area as a year-round destination for bicyclists. The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau received a $39,550 marketing grant from Travel Wisconsin. The state funding kicks off a three-year plan to connect and promote the area's many biking options including paved paths, gravel routes, mountain bike trails, and winter fat-tire biking. The project aims to connect trail networks in Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Hazelhurst, and Woodruff directly to downtown business districts, hotels, and local restaurants. "Outdoor recreation has always been at the heart of what makes the Minocqua area such a special destination," said Visitors Bureau President Krystal Westfahl. She noted that the goal is to build on existing trails while finding ways to grow and make improvements. First-year efforts will focus on studying trail traffic to guide future efforts, updating local trail signs and maps, and launching a marketing campaign to promote the Minocqua area as a top cycling spot in all four seasons.Photo left to right: Melissa Doering, Managing Director; Chris Jennings, Regional Tourism Specialist, Travel WI; and Kailey Barutha, Marketing Director

Published on 10/29/2026 under News Election Day is less than a week away, but students at Rhinelander High School just got a hands-on look at what it actually takes to run an election behind the scenes. Yesterday, the high school transformed its social studies classes into a full simulated polling place in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods. Rather than just learning about government from a textbook, students stepped into every role of the voting process. Trained student volunteers ran the election under the guidance of League mentors; working check-in stations, handing out ballots, and overseeing voting booths for their classmates. While their votes cast Wednesday won't count in the actual election, the mock ballot featured major real-world races. League President Debra Durchslag noted that giving young people a peek behind the curtain helps demystify the voting process. Organizers hope this nonpartisan experience builds civic confidence and inspires students to become active, lifelong voters once they become voting age.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Wisconsin Department of Transportation relaunched a public safety campaign Wednesday aimed at increasing seat belt usage and curbing distracted driving across the state. Known as "Buckle Up, Phone Down," the initiative highlights two critical driving safety factors. According to WisDOT data, nearly half of all traffic fatality victims were not wearing seat belts, while distracted driving played a role in more than 9,000 crashes statewide last year. WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman emphasized that distraction-related crashes are entirely preventable, pointing out that seat belts remain the single best defense against severe injury or death on the road. She noted that the campaign brings both habits together to help drivers stay focused and safe behind the wheel. Cell phone use remains one of the primary drivers of distraction, which triggers all three major forms of distraction simultaneously: • Visual: Taking your eyes off the road • Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel • Mental: Taking your mind off driving The DoT and their partners have been using the Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign since 2021.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Hodag Country Music Festival is still more than 250 days away, but organizers of the summer staple gave fans a sneak peek this week at some of the artists set to take the stage. The lineup will once again feature a blend of iconic country names and rising stars. Hodag mainstay Neal McCoy will headline opening night on Thursday alongside Brantley Gilbert. Saturday night brings another mix of classic and modern country with Wynonna Judd and Dan + Shay. Closing out the festival on Sunday is American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. Hodag 2027 is scheduled for July 8–11. Fans can visit the Hodag Country Fest website to view the full list of confirmed performers.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The 2026 bear harvest totals were up this year, led by strong numbers here in the Northwoods. The Department of Natural Resources announced preliminary results for the season, which wrapped up earlier this month. Hunters harvested 4,275 bears this year, about 500 more than last year and slightly above the five-year average. Wisconsin's black bear population is estimated at more than 24,000 animals, with the highest concentrations located in the northern half of the state. Natural food sources and weather played key roles in the season's success. DNR large carnivore specialist Randy Johnson noted that an abundant acorn crop in the southern half of the state reduced the effectiveness of baiting. Meanwhile, bears in the north changed their movement patterns due to widespread, ongoing drought. Statewide, about 28% of hunters successfully harvested a bear, aligning closely with the five-year average success rate of 30%. However, Northwoods hunters saw much higher success rates. Zones A and B, divided by Highways 51 and 64, reported success rates of 73% and 52%, respectively. More than 146,000 people applied for a bear hunting license or preference point for the 2026 season, setting an all-time record. The DNR reminds hunters that the application deadline for next season is December 10.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Wastewater Department is taking steps to address a persistent and costly problem in the city's sewer system. Residents who repeatedly violate flushing rules could eventually see the costs passed on to their utility bills. At Tuesday night's meeting, the Board of Public Works discussed ongoing lift station backups caused by improperly flushed items, including wipes labeled "flushable," feminine hygiene products, and other non-biodegradable debris. Despite previous outreach efforts, including warnings on utility bills and notices distributed through door hangers, the problem remains widespread. Earlier this year, they shared the "No Wipes Down Pipes" campaign on social media. City staff can isolate problem areas, with Esker Heights identified as one of the neighborhoods experiencing frequent calls. However, pinpointing the individual households responsible remains a challenge. To encourage compliance, board members revisited a proposal to impose a surcharge for repeated service calls to the same locations. While no surcharge was formally approved, the board directed wastewater staff to calculate potential costs ahead of the next meeting. The city also plans to communicate with residents through a mailer serving as a final warning. Additionally, officials will verify that lift station alarm systems are fully operational, with both audible and visual alerts to help identify problems early. Tomahawk isn't the only Northwoods community dealing with the issue. Earlier this month, the City of Rhinelander issued a similar warning about proper waste disposal and what should and shouldn't be flushed.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News A jury returned a split verdict in the trial of a teenager charged in connection with the fatal attack of a Lincoln Hills youth counselor. After approximately two hours of deliberation, 18-year-old Javarius Hurd was found not guilty of the most serious charge, reckless homicide, in the death of Corey Proulx. However, following the six-day trial in Merrill, the jury did find Hurd guilty of one count of battery by a prisoner. The charges stemmed from a June 2024 incident at the Lincoln Hills juvenile facility. Prosecutors alleged that Hurd threw soapy water at a female officer. When Proulx pursued Hurd, an altercation broke out, causing Proulx to fall, strike his head on a hard surface, and suffer fatal injuries. Hurd's legal team maintained that the incident was an escalation rather than intentional reckless homicide. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Friday.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News Bats and Halloween go hand in hand, and throughout this week, wildlife officials are celebrating these flying mammals and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. The week leading up to Halloween is International Bat Week. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state is home to eight bat species, four of which are currently considered threatened. Bats are best known for their voracious appetites and ability to control insect populations. Experts note that a single adult bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects per hour. Wisconsin's bat populations have declined over the years due to factors including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fatal fungal disease that affects hibernating bats. In a bit of good news, DNR Conservation Biologist Jennifer Redell noted that hibernation surveys over the past few years have shown a slight rebound in population numbers, though she emphasized there is still a long way to go. Property owners can make a few small adjustments around their yards to create a more bat-friendly environment: consider installing a bat house, plant native species, and limit the use of insecticides and pesticides. Residents interested in getting involved can find educational resources and citizen-science monitoring opportunities through the Wisconsin Bat Program.

Published on 10/28/2026 under News A local firefighter has earned statewide recognition for his work keeping the Merrill community safe. Merrill Fire Department's Joe Bozinski was named Fire Inspector of the Year Thursday night at the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association conference in the Wisconsin Dells. Nominated by Chief Josh Klug, the award came as a complete surprise to Bozinski, who was joined at the banquet by his family and fellow department members. Hired in 2021 as Merrill's first dedicated fire inspector in its 138-year history, Bozinski has reduced local fire code violations by 54 percent. With over two decades of fire service experience—primarily with the Village of Maine—along with a private sector background at Crystal Finishing Systems and Greenheck, Bozinski is known for building positive relationships with local business owners. Accepting the award, Bozinski said his goal has always been to inspire safety, not just conduct inspections, adding that he feels fortunate to serve the Merrill community.

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