WJJQ Radio

Story Details

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

Rhinelander Food Pantry Bringing Summer Youth Meal Programs to Elcho, Tomahawk Kinship

Published on 06/22/2026 under News The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry is expanding its successful summer meal program this year, bringing the Hodag Food Wagon to new communities. This expansion includes a partnership with Kinship of Tomahawk aimed at supporting local youth and families. Last summer, the program provided 12,760 meals to children and teens over an eight-week period. Executive Director Courtney Smith emphasized the impact, stating, "This is a program that benefits kids. We're all about full bellies, and we want to support those working households with kids." The Hodag Food Wagon will return to Rhinelander after the Fourth of July holiday, offering free weekly meal bags that contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches for children ages 18 and under. In addition to meal distribution, the Rhinelander site will feature weekly activities, nutrition education, community resource visits, and hands-on programs through its Healthy Hodag Adventure series. Building on its local success, the pantry is taking the program on the road with two new locations. The first, dubbed the Hornet Food Truck, is a partnership with the Elcho Area Community Food Pantry. The second is right here in Tomahawk, in collaboration with Kinship of Tomahawk. Smith noted that the Tomahawk site will operate under closed enrollment, focusing specifically on providing weekly meal bags to "Kinskids" and their families. These distributions will take place on Thursdays following their regular mentoring activities. According to Smith, strong community support was vital to making this year's expansion possible. With the addition of Elcho and Tomahawk, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry anticipates providing more than 33,000 meals to children and teens during the eight-week summer program.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News A Harshaw man sustained life-threatening injuries following a weekend UTV crash in Oneida County. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, emergency crews were dispatched to the intersection of Highway 51 and Oneida Street in Hazelhurst at approximately 11:00 PM Saturday night. A preliminary investigation indicates the operator of the UTV, a 69-year-old man, was traveling on Oneida Street when he failed to stop at the Highway 51 stop sign. The UTV then struck the side of a southbound pickup truck. The UTV operator was rushed from the scene with life-threatening injuries. There is currently no update on his condition. The driver of the truck was uninjured, while a passenger in the truck was treated for minor injuries. The accident report is being completed by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News The Tomahawk School District is among a select group of schools receiving funding from Marshfield Clinic to support student mental and behavioral health programs. Marshfield Clinic recently announced 60 total grants for both its b.e.s.t. Universal Screening program (33 grants) and its Life Tools program (27). Tomahawk was one of only a handful of districts selected to receive funding for both initiatives. The b.e.s.t. program is an online screening tool that helps educators identify students who may need behavioral health support while providing strategies to promote emotional well-being in the classroom. Life Tools is an early-intervention program that helps students build coping, communication and social-emotional skills through structured group sessions. Jay Shrader, Marshfield Clinic's vice president of Community Impact, says the programs help schools and families bridge gaps in care and ensure young people have the support they need to stay healthy, connected and ready to learn. This marks the 12th year Marshfield Clinic has offered b.e.s.t. grants and the seventh year for Life Tools. Since their launch, the programs have supported hundreds of thousands of student screenings and helped more than 1,000 students through targeted intervention services.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News While catching a glimpse of a bald eagle is a standard part of daily life in the Northwoods today, it wasn't always that way. This past Saturday marked National Eagle Day, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources used the opportunity to highlight the bird's dramatic comeback from the brink of extinction as one of the state's greatest conservation triumphs. According to the DNR, a survey in 1974 found only a small number of bald eagle nests, all located in northern Wisconsin. At the time, the species was listed as endangered and faced significant challenges across the country. Over the following decades, a combination of factors helped the population rebound, including the nationwide ban on the pesticide DDT, federal and state protections, cleaner waterways, and nest monitoring efforts led by the DNR and conservation partners. By 2019, the last year the DNR conducted a statewide survey, bald eagle nests were found in every Wisconsin county. DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Director Drew Feldkirchner calls the bald eagle an iconic Wisconsin conservation success story and says the recovery demonstrates what can be accomplished through long-term habitat protection and wildlife management efforts. The DNR notes that residents can support ongoing recovery efforts for other rare and endangered species through Wisconsin's Endangered Resources license plate program, which helps fund conservation work across the state.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News With summer officially underway and more people spending time outdoors, health experts are reminding residents that some medications can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. According to Aspirus pharmacy resident Marissa Harle, a side effect known as photosensitivity can cause redness, burning, tingling, or rash-like irritation after sun exposure. Certain antibiotics, acne treatments, and other skin-care products are among the medications most commonly linked to the condition. Some allergy medications, antifungals, and pain relievers may also increase sun sensitivity. Harle says patients should check prescription labels for warnings and talk with their pharmacist if they have questions about potential side effects. While photosensitivity doesn't mean people need to avoid outdoor activities, Harle recommends wearing sunscreen, covering exposed skin, and limiting time in direct sunlight during peak hours. Anyone experiencing severe sunburn, swelling, spreading redness, or worsening symptoms after sun exposure should contact a pharmacist or health care provider.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News Bulls and broncs, cowboys and cowgirls will once again take center stage as the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo returns to the Merrill Festival Grounds this weekend. The three-day event, now in its 37th year, attracts competitors and spectators from across the Midwest and remains one of Lincoln County's largest summer traditions. Rodeo Vice President Brian Moody notes that the weekend provides a major economic boost for Merrill and the surrounding area, drawing visitors who pack local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. This year's rodeo features all the fan-favorite events, including bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, and steer wrestling. Earlier this week, trick rider Spencer Rose stopped by the WJJQ studios to preview the rodeo, and talk about the acrobatic stunts she performs on horseback between events. She was joined by her young daughters, Lottie and Dolly, who are already becoming crowd favorites with their own riding routines. There's also plenty of other food, vendors, and entertainment on the grounds throughout the weekend. Each performance features a unique theme:Friday: Military Appreciation Night and WJJQ Night: While our station staff won't be on horseback, we will be down at the festival grounds greeting listeners, meeting rodeo fans, and giving away WJJQ prizes.Saturday: "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" Night, dedicated to raising cancer awareness and supporting researchSunday afternoon: Family Day to close out the weekend

Published on 06/19/2026 under News Time may have stopped temporarily, but help is on the way for one of Lincoln County's most recognizable landmarks. The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved accepting a $99,000 grant from the Bierman Family Foundation to restore the historic clock atop the Lincoln County Courthouse. The courthouse clock, which recently stopped working, is one of the most recognizable features in the county, so closely tied to local identity that it is prominently featured in the county's official logo. Built in 1903, the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That means any repairs must preserve the clock's original historic character, and requires special expertise. The restoration work will be performed by Wind Me Up Clock Shop of Rhinelander in partnership with The Tower Clock Company of Ohio. Supervisors unanimously approved the resolution, accepting the foundation funding to move forward with the restoration project. Once completed, the repairs are expected to return the iconic timepiece to working order while preserving a piece of Lincoln County history for future generations. A repair timeline wasn't immediately provided.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News A Tomahawk family is creating a new gathering place centered around good food and community connection to honor the memory of their daughter. Jim and Diane Alber are preparing to launch Kelly's Farm to Table, a new event venue and wood-fired pizza destination on their family farm southwest of Tomahawk. The venture is named in honor of their daughter, Kelly, who passed away five years ago at the age of 36. Diane shares that Kelly was known for her kindness, generosity, and joyful outlook on life. By building a welcoming space where people can come together, the family hopes to continue her legacy. The farm has been in the Alber family since 1917, and Jim notes that Kelly's Farm to Table is a wonderful way to share their deep family heritage with the community while honoring their daughter. The Albers envision hosting community events, family gatherings, and special occasions featuring wood-fired pizzas and other menu items. The farm boasts a large outdoor gathering area, deck seating, an indoor event space, and a custom brick pizza oven. The project has been a year in the making, and the Albers have been receiving guidance along the way from family friends who are local restaurateurs. They will be offering a special preview this weekend with an open house on Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the property, learn more about the new venture, and meet the family behind the project. Listen In: You can hear the full conversation with the Albers in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News As Northwoods residents head outdoors to enjoy the first weekend of summer, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging everyone to keep an eye out for invasive species. It is Wisconsin Invasive Species Awareness Weekend, and the DNR, along with its partners, is hosting more than 30 events across the state. These programs are all aimed at educating the public about the invasive plants, animals, and diseases that threaten the state's natural resources. Activities include guided hikes, educational programs, invasive species control workshops, and volunteer field projects. Many of these events are designed for all ages, offering hands-on opportunities to learn how invasive species spread and what can be done to stop them. A full list of events is available on the DNR website. Even if you don't attend an organized event, the DNR reminds outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of transporting invasive species, both this weekend and throughout the year. Often referred to as "hitchhikers," these pests can cling to everything from boots to boats. To help protect our woods and waters, it is always a good idea to inspect and clean your clothing, gear, equipment, and pets before and after any outdoor outing.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News A recent rainy stretch has significantly improved drought conditions and offered a much-needed reprieve for Northwoods firefighters, who were busy throughout early spring. According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, the abnormally dry conditions previously covering the Northwoods have largely cleared out. Lincoln and Marathon counties are no longer designated as abnormally dry, while only small segments of Vilas, Oneida, Langlade, and Price counties remain on the list. The wet weather has also allowed local lawns, plants, foliage, and trees to green up after a dry start to the spring. That's offered a break for area wildfire crews, the DNR wildfire tracker reported zero wildfire responses in the area over the past week. The Northwoods is currently the exception to the rule, as 70 percent of Wisconsin remains classified as abnormally dry. This includes two distinct pockets of Moderate Drought (D1) near Madison and La Crosse.

+ Read More