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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

Election: Republican Incumbents Prevails; School Referendum Results

Published on 11/06/2024 under News Tuesday was election day, and that means Wednesday is election results day. Taking a look at some of the races here in the Northwoods; it was a good night for the Republican incumbents. In the US House of Representatives, congressman Tom Tiffany cruised to victory over his Democratic challenger Kyle Kilbourn by collecting 64% of the vote. Meanwhile, Mary Felzkowski secured another term in Madison. The 12th district state senator received two out of every three votes against Andi Rich. And in the State Assembly, Rob Swearingen topped Dennis Nitzel in the 34th and Calvin Callahan outpaced Elizabeth McCrank in the 35th. Both winners received more than 64% of the vote. Election: School Referendum Results:Several area school districts asked for additional dollars via referendum. It was good news for districts that are part of the Great Northern Conference. Antigo voters supported their $54 million referendum, which includes funds to construct a new elementary school Medford voters approved a $22.6 million referendum for campus improvements including upgrades to their tech ed facilities. And down in Mosinee, funding a $20 million middle and high school modernization easily passed. For one district, however, it looks like it's back to the drawing board. Preliminary results show the operational referendum in Prentice was narrowly defeated. They were asking for $1.2 million each of the next four years.

Published on 11/06/2024 under News Officials have identified the man arrested after a high speed chase in Oneida County earlier this week. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, 51 year old Daniel Thunder of Neopit is being held in the Oneida County Jail. They are recommending 20 charges and citations including 2nd degree reckless endangerment, 1st offense OWI, hit-and-run, and fleeing. The incident began Monday afternoon on Highway 17 north of Rhinelander. The reporting party indicated their vehicle had been struck by another vehicle attempting to overtake in a no passing zone. They said their vehicle was struck a second time while attempting to pull over, and the other driver was escalating the situation. As deputies arrived on the scene, they said Thunder fled in his vehicle,at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. They said he led them on a chase through the City of Rhinelander. Deputies attempted several maneuvers to disable the vehicle. Eventually, the vehicle proceeded east out of Rhinelander to County C and down a small logging road. Eventually, Thunder surrendered without further incident. A date for an initial court appearance wasn't immediately available.

Published on 11/06/2024 under News The Price County Sheriff's Office offered a few more details on a suspicious death investigation, while putting out a call for any clues or tips from the public. According to the Sheriff's Office, a body was recovered along State Highway 13 near the intersection of Whitby Road in the Town of Hackett. That's just north of Prentice. The body was located Sunday evening at shortly before 9pm. In the update, Sheriff Brian Schmidt is looking for any motorists traveling in the area between 8pm and 9pm who may have noticed anything suspicious. They're also locating for anyone whose vehicle is equipped with a dash cam. Those with information can contact the Sheriff's Office. No information on the victim or manner of death is being provided at this time. Officials indicated there is no threat to the public.

Published on 11/06/2024 under News An inmate in the Lincoln County jail will likely face additional charges after an altercation with another inmate. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened on Thursday. According to the investigation, the two inmates were having a discussion that eventually turned into a physical fight. During the course of the fight, several punches were thrown before corrections officers were able to intervene. Both of the involved men are from Wausau, ages 40 and 20. According to the report, the investigating deputy spoke with the older of the two men, while the younger described as the primary aggressor chose not to speak with the deputy. According to the report, charges of battery, disorderly conduct, and strangulation along with bail jumping are being recommended for the 20 year old. ____ A couple of other notes from the Sheriff's Office...a 20 year old Gleason man was booked on several charges including 1st offense OWI following a traffic stop. The number of vehicle/deer crashes remains elevated, another 14 were reported on Lincoln County roadways this past week.

Published on 11/06/2024 under News The Rhinelander Food Pantry is better stocked thanks to a group of students, and the generosity of the community. Ahead of Halloween, the student members of the Rhinelander High School FBLA/DECA participated in their annual Trick-or-Can food drive. Instead of the traditional Food Drive where students sit at a table and wait for the community to bring the food to them, Trick or Can brings the food drive to the community's door, while also raising awareness for an issue in our community. The students distributed collection bags in select neighborhoods around the community. Then the day before Halloween, around a dozen students went door-to-door to collect. They weren't after candy, but non-perishable food items. In the end the students were able to deliver around 550 items to the Rhinelander Food Pantry. Trick-or-Can is actually a statewide campaign, and the Rhinelander students were once again near the top of collections in Wisconsin. They hope to get more people and neighborhoods involved next October.-Photo provided by the Rhinelander School District-

Published on 11/06/2024 under News It's that time of year when millions of people are signing up for health insurance in the marketplace. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin is reminding consumers to be aware of scammers during open enrollment. Scammers are opportunistic, and they often use real events or deadlines to target their victims. The health insurance sign up period is one of those opportunities. They'll typically portray an agent looking to assist in the enrollment process. They may try to entice you by offering cheap plans, or plans with better benefits. However, they're typically just looking for your personal information. A few red flags to look for...Unsolicited calls as legitimate navigators or assistants cannot initiate the assistance. They're also not able to charge for services. Be wary of gift offers. And if going online, make sure to use the .gov suffix; medicare.gov and healthcare.gov As for key dates ...open enrollment began November 1. December 15 is the deadline to enroll or change plans in order to begin coverage in the new year.

Published on 11/05/2024 under News It's a rainy Election Day here in the state of Wisconsin... After months of candidates campaigning, it's time for voters to weigh in. Many didn't wait for Election Day. According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, more than 1.5 million early or absentee ballots have already been cast. That's approximately 41% of active, registered voters. As for what's at stake, there are a pair of high profile and hotly contested races at the top of the ballot. The presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and the US Senate race between Tammy Baldwin and Eric Hovde. Down ballot there are additional races. For the US House-District 7 Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany is seeking another term, facing Democratic challenger Kyle Kilbourn. In the state legislature, a trio of Republicans are looking to remain in office. Mary Felzkowski serves northeastern Wisconsin in the 12th State Senate district. She faces Andi Rich. In the 34th Assembly, most of Oneida and Vilas Counties, Rob Swearingen faces Dennis Nitzel. While the 35th, mostly Lincoln and Langlade Counties, Calvin Callahan is matched up with Elizabeth McCrank. Both Lincoln and Oneida Counties have some county level races, but each is uncontested. And depending on your voting local, there may also be a school referendum on your ballot. That includes voters in Antigo, Medford, and Prentice. Voters can visit MyVote.Wi.Gov to view their specific ballot.

Published on 11/05/2024 under News While awaiting the election results over what could be the next few days, mental health experts are reminding people to take care of themselves as well. The election isn't the only stressor impacting our mental health, but also the 24/7 news cycle and social media. For some that can create a sense of anxiety. Data from the American Psychiatric Association backs that up, with recent surveys showing 43 percent of adults feeling more anxious than last year. Janet Wimmer is a clinical therapist at Aspirus. She notes these stressors can increase people's fears and leads to a feeling of loss of control. She did offer a few tips to improve mental health. It also starts with limiting news consumption. You don't have to avoid news entirely, but rather set a specific times to check rather than constant exposure. The same goes for social media and what can lead to 'doom scrolling' on certain topics. Wimmer also noted that physical health can impact mental health. She recommends focusing on a balanced diet, hydration and quality sleep. Try and get outside to connect with nature with a hobby or activity. Not only is the physical exertion healthy, spending time outdoors has been known to improve moods and reduce stress. Seek socialization with friends, family, and loved ones. Lastly if you become overwhelmed, don't be afraid to seek help.

Published on 11/05/2024 under News A driver was arrested after a high speed chase in Oneida County that passed through Rhinelander. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, deputies initially responded to a two vehicle accident on Highway 17 north of Rhinelander. The reporting party indicated their vehicle was struck by another vehicle attempting to pass in a no passing zone. They said their vehicle was hit a second time while pulling over and that the other operator was escalating the situation. As deputies arrived at the scene, they said the suspect vehicle fled and pursuit followed reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. The chase continued into the City of Rhinelander where officials noted the driver failed to observe traffic signs and signals while driving recklessly. During the chase, deputies attempted several maneuvers to disable the vehicle. Eventually the vehicle proceeded east out of Rhinelander on Timber Drive to County C and down a small logging road. The driver then surrendered without further incident. The name of the individual was not immediately released.

Published on 11/05/2024 under News Severe weather in Wisconsin changes with the season, and the National Weather Service is offering an opportunity to learn more about winter storms before the snow begins to fly. Known as Skywarn Storm Spotter classes, they are typically offered in the spring and focus on thunder storms, lightning and tornadoes. Our NWS office in Green Bay will be offering three winter versions in the coming weeks. They said the main focus will be on cold weather headlines, changes, as well as snow squalls. Storm spotters provide a valuable link to the meteorologists at the National Weather Service by offering an 'eye to the sky' during severe weather events. As for the upcoming class, there are three opportunities, the morning of November 19, that's a Tuesday, then evening sessions on November 22 and 23. They'll take place online and take less than an hour. We'll include a link for those interested in signing up.

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