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

Retired Panel from Traveling Vietnam Memorial Exhibit Coming to Nicolet College

Published on 04/21/2026 under News A lasting tribute to Vietnam veterans will soon have a permanent home in the Northwoods. Nicolet College is set to dedicate a retired wall panel from The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Nicolet College hosted The Wall That Heals in May 2023, serving as one of just 31 sites nationwide selected for the traveling exhibit, which honors the more than three million Americans who served during the Vietnam War. College officials say that sense of connection is part of what makes the permanent display so significant. Specialist Casey Lehmann, an Army veteran and Nicolet College employee who helped coordinate the visit, says the exhibit brought people together in remembrance and gratitude for those who served and sacrificed. The wall panel was gifted to Nicolet College by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in appreciation for hosting the exhibit. It will be mounted on a custom steel base created by veterans participating in a Nicolet College community education welding class. To commemorate the arrival, Nicolet will be hosting a ceremony a week from Thursday (April 30) at 1pm at the Lakeside Center Patio.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News Spring and summer bring plenty of outdoor projects, and residents and professionals alike are reminded to always use Digger's Hotline before breaking ground. April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month. The goal is to serve as a reminder to call 811 before every digging project, large or small. Officials say this will prevent injuries, while avoiding repair costs and potential fines that occur when underground gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines are damaged. PSC Chair Summer Strand says, "No matter the size of a project, a free call to 8-1-1 before digging can keep our communities safe and connected." While major projects may be obvious, Diggers Hotline should also be used for smaller work such as installing a fence, a mailbox, a patio, trees or hedges. They recommend a call or schedule an appointment online at diggershotline.com three days before you begin.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News Just a heads up from the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office, they will be closed next week. Staff will be attending a training session, which they noted is essential for professional development and required for continuing education. Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz says, "These efforts ensure we continue to provide the highest level of service and expertise to our local veterans." For urgent matters, vets can use online resources provided by the WDVA or VA. Non-urgent inquiries can be submitted via email or voicemail and will be addressed promptly when staff returns. The office will resume regular hours on Monday, May 4.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News We're in spring wildfire season in Wisconsin, the DNR is urging residents to use caution with outdoor burning, especially after a week of severe storms. Despite recent heavy rain, officials say more than 50 wildfires were reported across the state last week. A dry forecast this week, combined with low humidity, breezy conditions, and an increase in downed trees and debris from recent severe weather, will likely lead to elevated fire danger. As of Tuesday, the entire state is listed either moderate or high fire danger. The DNR says light vegetation can dry out quickly, making it easy for fires to spread, particularly when storm debris is burned. Instead of burning, consider safer alternatives such as community yard waste collection or brush drop-off sites. (The City of Tomahawk will be conducting their annual spring curbside pick up next week). Storm debris can also be piled to create natural wildlife habitat. For property owners that plan to burn, the DNR encourages checking current fire danger levels and burn restrictions. It may also help to wait a few weeks until plant life greens up.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News Throughout the year, the DNR leans on citizen scientists to be their eyes and ears in the outdoors, tracking everything from deer to aquatic invasive species. Now they've put out a call for volunteers to be on the look out for rare plants. It's part of their Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program, which provides their largest source of rare plant data. Jessica Ross is the coordinator. She says, "Whether you have botanical knowledge, a commitment to conservation or are just passionate about plants, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference." Over the past decade, volunteers have covered nearly every county in the state. In 2025, nearly 100 trained volunteers from around the state submitted 427 reports of rare plants, including 74 new populations. Ross says their volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, however their efforts all play a significant role in understanding the state of rare plants on how to conserve them. Although formal plant identification training isn't required or included, successful volunteers often have previous experience. They've got some training opportunities which help volunteers in surveying, estimates, habitats, and establishing GPS coordinates.. That includes a session at the North Lakeland Discovery Center May 2. Additional information is available on the DNR website.

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Baseball team would win of the wildest games in recent memory Monday night at Athletic Park in Merrill, coming from behind to defeat the Blue Jays, 18-13. After surrendering eight runs in the third inning and falling behind, 10-2, the Hatchets rolled off ten runs in the fifth inning, capitalizing on mistakes by Merrill pitching. Cash Olsen finished three for four with two doubles and four runs scored. The go-ahead hit was a two-out, two-run double by Brody Hilgendorf to complete the comeback. Hunter Hilgendorf picked up his first win of the season on the mound while Olsen nailed down his second save. Tomahawk improves their record to 3-3 on the season and 3-1 in Great Northern Conference Play. The Hatchets hit the diamond Thursday back at TK Field against Antigo. First pitch is at 5:00.

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad suffered their second straight GNC defeat Monday night on the road in extra innings, losing to the Rhinelander Hodags, 5-4. The Hatchets led 4-2 heading into the seventh inning before Rhinelander's Ruby Pramann tied the game with a two-run double. Pramann would then deliver the walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory. Anita Ziert finished two for four with a couple of singles. The Hatchets' lone extra-base hit came on a first-inning double from Averi Petta. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-3 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Tuesday for another GNC showdown, this time at home against Merrill. Tune in for the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:35 and first pitch at 5:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 04/20/2026 under News Cleanup is continuing across north central Wisconsin after powerful storms moved through the region late Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornadoes touched down around 4:45 p.m. The stronger of the two struck parts of Marathon County, including Kronenwetter and Ringle. It has been rated an EF-3, with estimated wind speeds of 145 miles per hour. The tornado was about 600 yards wide and stayed on the ground for 13 and a half miles in roughly 17 minutes. Officials say around 75 homes were damaged in that storm. Anyone looking to help can donate to a relief fund through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, which is supporting both immediate and long-term recovery efforts. A website has also been established at www.wi4ringle.com/ to connect residents and resources. At the same time, a second tornado touched down in northern Marathon County and moved into southeastern Lincoln County. That storm was rated an EF-1, with winds near 110 miles per hour. It was about 100 yards wide and remained on the ground for just over four miles. Despite the damage, no injuries have been reported. The storms also brought heavy rain, strong winds, and hail larger than an inch in diameter. Widespread power outages also impacted the area. The severe weather caps off an active week across Wisconsin. So far this year, 24 tornadoes have been confirmed statewide; already surpassing the annual average of 23.

Published on 04/20/2026 under News After a week of stormy weather across Wisconsin including heavy rain in the Northwoods, the DNR is encouraging private well owners to monitor their drinking water to ensure it is safe. Officials say significant rainfall and flooding can introduce bacteria and other contaminants into private wells, increasing the risk of waterborne illness. Wells located in basements, pits, or low-lying areas are especially vulnerable. The DNR advises homeowners who notice changes in taste, color, or sediment, or who experienced flooding near their well, to assume the water may be contaminated. In those cases, residents should stop drinking the water immediately, switch to a safe alternative source, and have the well disinfected, ideally by a licensed professional. Water should also be tested before it's used again. Even without visible flooding, contamination is still possible. The DNR recommends annual testing of private wells for bacteria and nitrates as a routine safety measure. For those on public water systems, officials say those supplies are designed to keep contaminants out, but anyone with concerns should contact their local provider. Additional guidance on well safety and flood recovery is available through the DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Published on 04/20/2026 under News Local Scouting groups wrapped up another successful community food drive here in the Tomahawk community. Members of Boy Scout Troop 548 and Cub Scout Pack 548 spent Saturday morning canvassing select neighborhoods. A team of 27 scouts went door-to-door to collect donations directly from residents' porches. While the door-to-door approach makes it easier for citizens to donate, the collection also provided scouts with awareness of food insecurity and community service. In the end, the effort resulted in more than 700 pounds of food donations that will be distributed to the local food pantries. The scouts expressed their sincere thanks to the Tomahawk community for their continued generosity. They also extended their gratitude to the food pantry volunteers who worked side-by-side with the scouts to sort and organize the incoming donations.

+ Read More