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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

Lincoln County Receives Bierman Family Foundation Grant for K9 Program

Published on 08/24/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office K-9 program is adding new recruits thanks to a generous grant. During its meeting last week, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution accepting $35,315 from the Bierman Family Foundation to fund the acquisition and training of two new K-9 officers. The new dogs will replace K-9s Poncho and Nina, who both recently retired after years of service to the county. One of the new dogs has plenty of local experience already. Dasty, who spent five years as a K-9 with the Merrill Police Department, is moving to the Sheriff's Office along with his handler, Josh McCaskill. McCaskill previously worked for the Sheriff's Office in Corrections, prior to his 15 years with the Merrill PD. The Sheriff's Office recently highlighted Deputy McCaskill and Dasty. According to those discussions at the meeting, as part of an inter-agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), $5,000 will be provided to the City of Merrill. Acquiring a new K-9 and training a handler typically costs roughly $30,000. Bringing Dasty on board alongside a second new dog allows the department to rebuild its unit efficiently within the grant's budget—ensuring the program continues with zero impact on local tax levy dollars. The Lincoln County K-9 program was originally reestablished in 2014, also largely funded by a Bierman Family Foundation grant.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News A suspect is in custody following a hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian in Lincoln County last weekend. On Friday, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 28-year-old Edgar resident Brandon Karlen. He is charged with Hit and Run–Causing Great Bodily Harm. Early on August 16, responders were called to County Highway K near Lake Pesobic Road in the Town of Merrill, where they discovered a man lying in the road with severe head injuries. The victim was hit by a southbound vehicle while walking along the west side of the road. Rushed to a nearby hospital, he told officers he remembered little about the crash. Investigators recovered evidence at the scene pointing to a truck with passenger-side mirror damage, eventually identifying Karlen as the suspect. According to reporting from WSAW-TV, Karlen is a State Patrol Trooper who was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident. The State Patrol stated he is currently on paid administrative leave. A judge set a $10,000 signature bond during Karlen's initial court appearance on Friday. His bond conditions require absolute sobriety and prohibit driving at night. He is scheduled to return to court for an adjourned initial appearance on September 14.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News Three people were injured following a head-on, two-vehicle collision near Merrill on Friday. According to the Merrill Fire Department, responders were dispatched to County Road K, south of County Road FF in the Town of Scott. Upon arrival, crews found one vehicle blocking the roadway while the second had come to rest in the ditch. The driver of one vehicle was trapped inside and required extrication before being transported to a nearby hospital. Two occupants in the other vehicle were also treated and transported. Fortunately, several off-duty Merrill firefighters stepped up to staff a third ambulance, ensuring all three patients received immediate care both on scene and during transport. The road was closed for about half an hour while crews cleared the scene. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News With the fall hunting season right around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is sweetening the deal for meat processors participating in the state's long-running Deer Donation Program. Established in 2000, the program has seen hunters contribute over 100,000 deer, supplying Wisconsin food pantries with more than 4 million pounds of ground venison to combat food insecurity. DNR officials credit the program's long-term success to both the hunters in the field and the dedicated meat processors who turn those harvests into meals for neighbors in need. To encourage more local butcher shops and processing facilities to get involved, the DNR announced a $25 increase in reimbursement rates for every donated deer. Processors will now receive $125 per standard deer, and $135 if CWD testing is required. The rate increase aims to boost processor participation ahead of the fall hunt, ensuring even more venison reaches families in need. Hunters and processors interested in participating can find more information on the DNR website.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News Musky anglers gathered in Eagle River this past weekend for one of the largest musky tournaments in the country. The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin hosted the 40th annual National Championship Musky Open across seven local lake chains. Those waters accommodated more than 1,100 competitors from not only the Northwoods and Wisconsin, but more than a dozen other states. Bouncing back from a slower bite in 2025, participants caught and released 184 muskies this year. This year's largest catch was a tie at 48.5 inches, with Jeremy Falkowski of Wittenberg landing his fish first to win the tiebreaker, and the replica prize. West Allis resident Brett Strasser took home top overall honors, landing three muskies for a combined 117.5 inches. Tournament proceeds directly benefit the Musky Clubs Alliance and its ongoing mission to enhance and protect musky habitats and the fishery across Wisconsin. Following a successful weekend, organizers are already turning their attention toward next summer's 2027 event.

Published on 08/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Football squad opened up 2026 with a whimper at Hatchet Field Friday night, losing to the Luther Knights, 27-6. Tomahawk responded Luther's opening-drive touchdown with a two-yard run from Max Larson. However, the Hatchets would fail to find the end zone after the first quarter. Luther countered with two scores in the second quarter, including one right after a muffed punt with two minutes left. As a team, Tomahawk rushed for 136 yards on 43 carries. Hudson Evans led the way in rushing with 46 yards on seven carries. Larson had 44 yards to go with his lone score. The Hatchets lose their first season opener since 2023 to drop to 0-1 on the season. Tomahawk will go on the road for the first time next week as they head to Wittenberg-Birnamwood. 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 be in the broadcast booth from Charger Field in Wittenberg. Other Week 1 Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Northland Pines 14, Antigo 8 Lakeland 42, Hayward 14 Holmen 21, Medford 14 La Crosse Central 46, Merrill 16 Stratford 31, Mosinee 0 Rhinelander 20, Ashland 7 Wausau East 28, Shawano 0 Nekoosa 38, Crandon 0 Abbotsford 21, Markesan 8 8-Player Football: Athens 30, Niagara 8 Three Lakes/Phelps 28, Florence 12 Mellen/Butternut/Mercer 64, Prentice 28 Laona-Wabeno 12, Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas 6 Elcho/White Lake 22, Goodman-Pembine 6

Published on 08/21/2026 under News From Northern Wisconsin to Eastern Africa, members of The Rock Church in Tomahawk recently completed a mission trip. Now, the community has a chance to support their newest effort. Kayla Stelling from The Rock Church was part of a two-week mission to Kenya. She stopped by the WJJQ studios to talk about their trip and to preview a fundraiser taking place tonight. The nine-member, all-female team from Tomahawk, including three mother-daughter pairs, traveled to serve at the Ark Children's Home in Thika. The facility provides shelter, education, and care for 37 rescued children. During their stay, the team saw firsthand the daily challenges faced by the facility. Stelling noted that while the children receive dedicated care, the home has several urgent needs, including a clean water well, a security perimeter wall, solar power infrastructure, and a dedicated indoor kitchen and dining space. Those needs inspired the group to make a lasting difference, with plans for potential return trips in the future. To help raise funds, the mission team is hosting a community fundraiser tonight from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Rock Church. The event features an authentic, home-cooked Kenyan dinner, video presentations, and personal testimonies from the trip.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Overnight rain across the Northwoods brought a welcome sight to the region as drought conditions have continued to expand week by week. The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, shows a pocket of "D3 Extreme Drought" developing in Northern Wisconsin. This area covers northern Price County, much of Iron County, and small portions of western Oneida and Vilas Counties. The remainder of the Northwoods is categorized under D1 Moderate Drought or D2 Severe Drought classifications. Statewide, 91% of Wisconsin is currently classified as abnormally dry or worse, with 72% officially in drought. While the overnight rainfall will not entirely reverse the ongoing deficit, it provides a much-needed boost for lawns, gardens, and local farms, while helping to temporarily lower the risk of wildfires across the region.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Getting to a reported fire posed a unique access challenge for Pine Lake firefighters, though finding a source of water was no issue at all. Crews were dispatched to the south side of Estabrook Island at shortly after 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening following reports of smoke and flames. Firefighters launched an airboat packed with wildland pumps and tools from a nearby boatlanding on the Wisconsin River. Prior to the arrival of firefighters, a man and his son had paddled to the island in kayaks and used buckets to help douse the flames. The firefighters set up a portable pump to pull water from the river to quickly extinguish fire. It burned an approximately 10-by-10-foot area near the shoreline. The cause of the island fire remains under investigation by the DNR. Crews were on the scene for about an hour and a half. Officials expressed gratitude for the neighbors, as well as the Pelican Fire Department which provided a boat back up.

Published on 08/21/2026 under News Anglers are descending on the Eagle River area this weekend for one of the most popular musky tournaments in the country. It's time once again for the National Championship Musky Open, hosted each summer by the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce and the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin. Proceeds from the event support the Alliance's year-round conservation and outreach efforts for Wisconsin's state fish. By the numbers, the catch-and-release tournament ranks among the largest in the nation. Last year's event drew more than 1,100 anglers representing 14 states. Action on the water was a bit slower last year, with 117 muskies boated and released across the tournament lakes. While seasoned anglers have spent weeks or months scouting local waters, others enter simply for the experience, and a shot at an impressive prize. Every registered participant is automatically entered into a drawing for a fully outfitted fishing boat. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer Steve Heiting serves as the tournament's master of ceremonies. Regular WJJQ listeners will recognize Heiting, who shares his angling insights each weekend during our local fishing updates. Registration kicked off Thursday evening, with anglers officially hitting the water Friday through Sunday.

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