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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

2026 Election: Alfonso Wins 7th Congressional District

Published on 11/04/2026 under News Despite a strong blue wave across the country, seats in Northern Wisconsin are staying red. Starting in the 7th congressional district, twenty-six-year-old Republican Michael Alfonso defeated Democrat Fred Clark, holding the seat for the GOP. Alfonso becomes the youngest member of the House, making history as the first Gen Z member of Congress born in the 21st century. In a statement following his victory, Alfonso thanked voters across the Northwoods, emphasizing his primary goal of keeping the region affordable so young families can stay, work, and thrive. He also noted that his age provides a fresh perspective on the issues facing everyday Americans. While new to Capitol Hill, Alfonso enters office with family ties in this district. His father-in-law, former Congressman Sean Duffy, represented the Northwoods for eight years before stepping down in 2019. Alfonso succeeds outgoing Congressman Tom Tiffany, who did not seek re-election, instead turning his attention towards his ultimately unsuccessful bid for governor. It ends a fifteen year stretch representing Northern Wisconsin across the State Assembly, State Senate, and U.S. House. Wisconsin's overall congressional delegation now stands at 4-4 after Democratic flips in District 1 and 3. Republican incumbents also won a pair of local assembly seats with Calvin Callahan defeating Elizabeth McCrank in the 35th district, while Rob Swearingen surpassed Merlin Van Buren in the 34th.

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Published on 11/04/2026 under News We are still roughly 50 days from Christmas, but Northwoods volunteers are already busy preparing a global gift-giving outreach. While simple in concept, Operation Christmas Child makes a massive impact on children around the world. Ahead of every holiday season, volunteers fill shoeboxes with small gifts, school supplies, toys, and hygiene items, which are then distributed to children in need. Maria Nakala is the regional coordinator overseeing collections across six Northwoods counties. She stopped by the WJJQ studios this week to drop off supplies and talk about the program, which she has been part of for roughly 25 years, getting involved, she says, simply "to bring joy." Nakala noted that everyday items we often take for granted, like a washcloth or a notebook, can be deeply meaningful to a child. Even what she calls a "wow item" can be as simple as a stuffed animal or a soccer ball. When it comes to packing the boxes, Nakala added that hosting a packing afternoon is a great group activity for friends and family, noting that she often packs boxes alongside her own children and grandchildren. To ensure all gifts arrive in time for Christmas, local effort is already underway. Instructional pamphlets are available now at the WJJQ office, and full details can be found online at the Operation Christmas Child website. The Rock Church on Kaphaem Rd will serve as a local collection point.

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Published on 11/04/2026 under News Quick action by the Merrill Fire Department saved three pets and contained a residential structure fire over the weekend. Crews were dispatched to a house fire on South Foster Street at around 7:30 p.m.Sunday. Upon arrival, firefighters spotted smoke coming from the rear of the home. The crew forced entry into the residence, quickly extinguished the flames, and ensured no lingering hotspots. Firefighters rescued three cats from inside the home. No injuries were reported, though the occupants were displaced due to the damage. The family is working with the Red Cross and other local partners for temporary lodging and needs. The Merrill Police Department and Wisconsin Public Service also assisted at the scene. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial findings suggest it was unintentional.

Published on 11/04/2026 under News Disaster recovery efforts following the severe April 17th tornado in Marathon County are moving into their final stages. The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin announced the disaster relief fund is shifting from immediate response to long-term rebuilding. Local support has been strong—more than 880 donors contributed over $455,000 to aid recovery efforts across the area. Officials are reminding the public that key support programs are drawing to a close. Residents applying for the foundation's Recovery Grant, which offers up to $4,000 per household for rebuilding expenses, have until December 4th to submit their applications. Looking ahead to next year, the foundation will open its final funding stream, the Last Dollars Emergency Fund Grant, on January 1st. According to Foundation President Tim Parker, this final phase is designed to close remaining financial gaps as families settle insurance and federal disaster claims. More information on the grants and application deadlines is available on the Community Foundation's online portal.

+ Read More Local Voters Head to Polls

Published on 11/03/2026 under News Polling places across the Northwoods are officially open today as local residents step into the voting booth to decide local, state, and national contests." At the top of the ballot, an open governor's seat features Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and current 7th District Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. Tiffany's run leaves an open seat in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, where Republican Michael Alfonso faces Democrat Fred Clark. Statewide, voters will also decide races for Attorney General, Treasurer, and Secretary of State, along with three proposed constitutional amendments. In the state legislature, a pair of local rematches are on the ballot. District 35 Republican Calvin Callahan faces Democratic challenger Elizabeth McCrank, while District 34 Representative Rob Swearingen takes on Democratic challenger Merlin Van Buren. Sheriff races in Vilas, Oneida, Lincoln, Langlade, and Marathon counties are also up for election, though each incumbent or candidate is running unopposed—with Lincoln and Langlade counties set to welcome new sheriffs following a pair of retirements. Finally, voters in the Athens, Edgar, and Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lakeland school districts are among those deciding on local school referendum funding. Voters can visit MyVote.wi.gov and enter their address to view their specific sample ballot and polling place details before heading out to vote.

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Published on 11/03/2026 under News An 80-year-old Grafton man made his initial appearance in Lincoln County Court Monday following a wrong-way chase and crash on Highway 51 last week. Rory Hofmann is formally charged with recklessly endangering safety, second-offense OWI causing injury, and two counts of fleeing an officer causing bodily harm. The charges stem from Thursday evening after dispatchers received reports of a vehicle driving southbound in the northbound lanes in northern Lincoln County. Hofmann failed to pull over leading deputies on a short pursuit, before a patrol lieutenant maneuvered his squad into the vehicle's path to stop it. The crash damaged the squad car and a civilian vehicle, injuring both the lieutenant and the civilian driver. The judge at yesterday's hearing set a combination one thousand dollar cash and nine thousand dollar signature bond. Release conditions require absolute sobriety, a prohibition on driving, and installation of a personal sobrieter device. Future court dates will be set at a later time.

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