DISCOVER MEDIAWORKS PARTNERS WITH LINCOLN COUNTY TO WIN REGIONAL EMMY FOR DOG SLED SEGMENT

A partnership that started two years ago between Lincoln County and Discover Mediaworks has led to a regional Emmy award for Outstanding Achievement for Human Interest for a local sled-dog kennel. The two partnered to produce a series of video features for Uniquely Wisconsin. One of the episodes produced, titled ‘The Heart of Wisconsin Mushing,’ features Melissa Omernick of Gleason, her family and their beloved sled dogs. Released in December of 2024 with a goal to tell the story of a location through its people, the episode has since garnered almost 10,000 views on YouTube.

The episode has now won a regional Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement for Human Interest. Josh Ostermann from Discover Mediaworks stopped by the Lincoln County Board meeting to talk about the win. He pointed out that earning an Emmy from the Chicago chapter is no small feat — it’s one of the toughest regions in the country, right up there with New York and California. He said their hope with every project is to spark views, likes, and reactions, and noted that Lincoln County has actually been exceeding the statewide average when it comes to growth in direct visitor spending.

Board members even got to pass around the famous winged-angel statue for a closer look. Board Chair Jesse Boyd joked that they’ll now have to come up with a display case so the community can enjoy it too.

This is the third Emmy Discover Mediaworks has picked up for its Uniquely Wisconsin series. Past honors include a feature on Stoney Acres Farm in Athens and its well-loved summer Pizza Nights.