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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 Fall Ride Preparation Underway at Area Businesses

Published on 09/14/2026 under News It's Fall Ride week in the Tomahawk area, and preparations are well underway. This marks the 45th year of the Tomahawk Fall Ride. Before the bikes roll into town, local businesses are gearing up for what is typically one of their busiest and most important weeks of the year. A quick drive through the community will find tents popping up outside numerous businesses to accommodate beer gardens, outdoor entertainment, and traveling vendors. That same transition is underway in the Nokomis area where fields are also being converted into temporary, large-scale campgrounds with early-bird campers already moving in over the past week. Fall Ride week typically begins slowly and builds towards the weekend as tens of thousands of motorcycles descend upon the Northwoods. Some of the highlights include the Chamber Brat Fry and Bon Fire at SARA Park on Thursday; Tomahawk Main Street will play host to the Friday Thunder Parade and Street Dance; and a weekend's worth of entertainment at SARA Park. As always stay tuned to WJJQ throughout the week for all of your Fall Ride news, updates, and reports.

Published on 09/14/2026 under News U.S. Representative and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany is recovering after a plane crash over the weekend in Marathon County. Around 8:50 Saturday night, while returning from La Crosse, the four-seat plane lost power as it approached the Wausau Downtown Airport, forcing the pilot to make an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau. As the aircraft began to submerge, Tiffany and the pilot called 911, exited the plane, and reached a shallow area where they awaited first responders. Both men were treated and released from Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tiffany required stitches above his right eye, but was otherwise unharmed. In a statement, the congressman praised the quick response of local emergency crews and expressed gratitude to the pilot, Len Boltz. He held a short press conference with first responders Sunday. His Democratic opponent in the governor's race, David Crowley, released a statement wishing Tiffany a quick recovery. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash.

Published on 09/14/2026 under News While many used the anniversary of the September 11th attacks as a moment of quiet reflection, a dedicated group of local volunteers used it as an opportunity to give back. Volunteers spent Saturday morning at the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw wiping down headstones, clearing off gravesites, and helping with general groundskeeping. The cleanup effort was part of a nationwide initiative led by Carry the Load, an organization focused on honoring the sacrifices of military members, veterans, and first responders. The group organizes volunteer service events across the country to inspire community action, on civic holidays throughout the year including: Memorial Day, Patriot Day, and Veterans Day. Saturday's work in Harshaw was part of a broader effort, with simultaneous Carry the Load events held at more than 140 cemeteries nationwide.

Published on 09/14/2026 under News A summer-long art scavenger hunt in downtown Antigo has wrapped up, and organizers are calling it a huge success. Coordinated by Antigo Visual Arts, the project brought together 32 local artists and 36 downtown businesses. Artists contributed paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures. Each piece was displayed inside or outside a participating business, turning the downtown district into an interactive, walk-through gallery. Antigo Visual Arts President Danna Gabriel says the event gave local artists a stage to share their creativity, while encouraging residents and visitors to explore downtown and support local shops. Participating business owners noted that the hunt was especially popular with families, with parents, kids, and grandparents teaming up to complete their lists and vote on their favorite pieces. Following the strong turnout and positive feedback, Antigo Visual Arts plans to make the scavenger hunt an annual tradition, with hopes to expand the event even further in 2027. Photo: Winning art piece created by Vicki Eldridge

Published on 09/14/2026 under News With archery and crossbow season now underway, the Wisconsin DNR is reminding hunters to make sure they properly identify their target before taking the shot. While white-tailed deer are far more common across the state, Wisconsin's elk population continues to grow. Though the state's two main elk herds are located in the Clam Lake and Black River Falls areas, young bulls often wander outside those zones during the fall mating season. The DNR points to three key differences to help hunters tell them apart: size, coloring, and antlers. An adult elk stands one to two feet taller than a whitetail. Elk are also darker brown with black legs and a dark mane, while deer are lighter tan with a white tail. Additionally, a bull elk's antlers sweep backward, while a buck's curve forward. Accessories are another clear sign; most elk in Wisconsin wear an ear tag or a bright GPS collar. Accidentally shooting an elk without a tag can result in heavy fines and the revocation of hunting privileges. Wisconsin's archery season runs through early January.

Published on 09/14/2026 under News Facility renovations will force the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office to temporarily relocate. Starting today, and during the renovation period, public operations will move down the road to the Lincoln County Human Services Building. Directional signage will be posted at both buildings to guide visitors.Just check in at the front desk, and a staffer will get you. Office hours will stay the same. Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz says that these updates are designed to enhance facilities for local veterans and their families. Officials appreciate the community's patience and encourage veterans to plan their service needs around the transition.

Published on 09/13/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad would split their four matches at the Waupaca Invite over the weekend, improving their record to 4-12 on their season. The Hatchets' two losses were to the host, Waupaca, and fellow Sectional opponent Wittenberg-Birnamwood. However, their two wins would be over Wisconsin Rapids and Two Rivers. The Hatchets' win over Two Rivers came in three sets, 25-16, 21-25, 16-14. The Hatchets' record now stands at 4-12 on the season and 0-2 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets resume Great Northern Conference play Tuesday at the Hatchet House against Merrill. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show will begin at 6:35 with first serve at 7:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth Tuesday night.

Published on 09/11/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Cross Country squads would finish in the top ten in the Nightfall Cross Country Classic in Neenah Friday night. Tomahawk's girls would place ninth overall, sandwiched in between Sheboygan Falls and Freedom. Charlee Lund would finish in the top ten overall, placing ninth with a time of 20:04. Elise Gibeault would finish second on the team with a time of 21:06. The Hatchet boys placed tenth overall, between Freedom and Edgerton. Jordyn Carew placed 50th overall with a time of 18:46. Connor Zorn was 52nd with a time of 18:48. The Hatchets' next Cross Country invite is the 9-Mile Invite, hosted by Wausau East next Saturday at 9:00 AM. Girls Results: Tomahawk - 9th Merrill - 17th Northland Pines - 20th Antigo - 22nd Boys: Tomahawk - 10th Northland Pines - 15th Antigo - 17th Merrill - 21st

Published on 09/11/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad came out on the right side of the scoreboard for the first time in 2026 as they would come from behind to defeat Antigo at Hatchet Field Friday night, 26-14. After trailing 14-7 at halftime, Tomahawk's second half got kick-started by a 56-yard kickoff return from Zander Zehner and was capped off with a six-yard touchdown run from Max Larson. The Hatchet back rushed for a career-high 161 yards in the victory. Lucas Haring would rush for 83 yards and two scores in the victory. Jack Reilly also threw his second touchdown pass of the season, a ten-yard strike to Braxton Stromberg. The Hatchets improve to 1-3 on the season and 1-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will have their first road GNC game next Friday as they head to Incredible Bank Field in Minocqua for a battle with the Lakeland Thunderbirds. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will have the broadcast. 11-Player Football: Wausau East 27, Lakeland 22 Medford 36, Merrill 0 Rhinelander 28, Mosinee 22 Shiocton 8, Northland Pines 0 Coleman 36, Crandon 0 Loyal-Greenwood 14, Abbotsford 12 8-Player Football: Thorp 66, Rib Lake 26 Laona-Wabeno 53, Three Lakes/Phelps 6 Phillips 46, Chequamegon 20 Assumption 54, Athens 20

Published on 09/11/2026 under News Two years in the making, a story covering more than 140 years of local history is finally ready for the big screen. Saturday night marks the official premiere of Tomahawk: City in the Pines. The 90-minute documentary was co-created by Tomahawk native Clay Schmit and Oscar-winning director John Newcombe. First announced in the summer of 2024, the two friends spent over a year connecting with community members, local organizations, and historians. Together, they gathered photographs, stories, and archival records to bring the town's history to life through narration, colorization, and video. The feature spans over a century of local history from early Indigenous lands and the city's founding in 1886; through the high-stakes river-logging era; and all the way to the present day. The film also highlights iconic local landmarks lost to history, like the grand Mitchell Hotel and the original Tomahawk Boat Company. Community members who received an early screening have given the film rave reviews. Now, it is ready for the public.The special premiere takes place Saturday night at the Tomahawk High School Auditorium. Showtime is at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Schmit and Newcombe will also follow up with an audience Q & A. The film is officially dedicated to those who lost their lives working in the local timber industry, and organizers encourage attendees to wear their favorite flannel to honor the town's logging roots.

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