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 4th of July Parade Includes ‘Sensory-Friendly’ Segment

Published on 06/29/2026 under News For many people, the sounds of a Fourth of July parade are part of the celebration. But this year in Rhinelander, organizers are also setting aside a quieter stretch of the route so even more people can enjoy the holiday tradition. The Rhinelander Fourth of July Committee has announced it will designate a sensory-friendly area along this year's parade route, extending from City Hall to Rives Street. Parade participants are being asked to avoid using sirens, loud horns and confetti cannons while traveling through that section of the route. Music from parade units and marching bands, however, will still be welcome. The committee says the sensory-friendly area is intended to better accommodate individuals with sensory concerns, helping make the community celebration more accessible and inclusive. Organizers are asking all parade participants to honor and respect the request as the parade makes its way through the designated quiet zone.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News With the Northwoods' first real stretch of summer heat settling in this week, many residents will be looking for ways to stay cool without sending their electric bills soaring. Wisconsin Public Service is offering several simple, low-cost tips to help keep homes comfortable while reducing energy use. One of the easiest ways to beat the heat is to keep the sun out by closing blinds or curtains during the day. WPS also recommends keeping windows closed while outdoor temperatures are highest, then opening them overnight to let cooler air inside. Ceiling and portable fans can helps circulate cool air. WPS reminds homeowners to make sure ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise during the summer, creating a cooling downdraft. Another tip is to avoid creating extra heat indoors during the daytime hours. Instead of using the oven or stove, consider grilling outside, and swap the dryer for a clothes line. For those looking to save money over the long term, WPS recommends choosing energy-efficient appliances when it's time to replace older models and installing a programmable smart thermostat to help manage cooling costs more efficiently.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News A Fourth of July cookout in Wisconsin is expected to cost a little more this summer, according to the annual Wisconsin Farm Bureau Market Basket Survey released this past week. To determine the average cost, the survey tracks the prices of a dozen cookout essentials—including burgers, hot dogs, buns, and sides—at a sample of grocery stores across 20 communities statewide. This year, the survey found that the average cost to host a typical summer cookout for ten people is around $75.50, a 7.5% increase from last year. This total is roughly two dollars higher than the national average and marks the highest cost since the survey was established in 2013. Farm Bureau spokesperson Cassie Sonnentag says, "From availability to inflation, we are seeing increases across many of the food items on the shopping list." This includes supply chain issues and rising fuel costs. The largest jump was in ground beef, up 23% from last year. The spike is driven largely by the cost of ground beef, which is up more than 23% from last year due to supply chain price increases, particularly rising fuel costs. However, there are still ways to save. Sonnentag noted that identifying local brands, taking advantage of sale prices, buying in bulk, and shopping in season can significantly reduce overall spending. Other cookout tips include creating a menu beforehand, sticking to your grocery list, and spreading the cost by inviting guests to bring a dish to pass. In addition to its summer cookout report, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau also conducts an annual Thanksgiving dinner survey.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News Two people were found dead in a Lac du Flambeau home on Saturday evening. Responders were called to the residence at around 9:00 p.m., where they discovered a man lying on the garage floor and a woman inside the home. The male subject, identified as Gilbert "Barney" Chapman, was already deceased. Life-saving efforts were attempted on the woman, identified as Natalie Poupart, but were ultimately unsuccessful. In a statement, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police said, "While the causes of death are unknown at this point, there is no indication that either victim sustained any sort of physical injury, nor is there any indication that there is any threat to the community." Autopsies will be performed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News One person was injured in a motorcycle and truck crash in Oneida County over the weekend. According to the Pine Lake Fire Department, responders were dispatched to that crash on River Road near Forest Point Drive. The call came in early Sunday morning at shortly after midnight. Officials say the operator of the motorcycle was transported by ambulance to Aspirus Hospital for injuries sustained from the accident. The driver of the truck was not injured. No other information was provided, crews were on the scene for around an hour.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News With action picking up on area waterways, a popular awareness campaign returns to remind boaters about simple steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The DNR will team up with local volunteers and lake organizations for the annual Great Lakes Landing Blitz. It's a regional collaboration that includes all Great Lakes states and provinces. Here in Wisconsin, the Clean Boats, Clean Waters teams will be offering tips during boat landing inspections to help keep our waterways clean. Many Northwoods boaters are already familiar with these volunteers at local landings during the boating season. Erin McFarlane is a Clean Boats, Clean Waters coordinator. She says, "With so many people hitting the water over the Fourth of July, we have a major opportunity to practice good stewardship." She added, "The Great Lakes Landing Blitz is a great reminder that small actions – like draining a livewell or removing plants from a boat trailer – add up to a massive positive impact for our shared environment." The two-week Landing Blitz kicks off today and runs through July 12.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News The Tomahawk Fall Ride is still a few months away, but the milestone event officially has its new look. Earlier this year, the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce held a logo design contest to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the annual motorcycle rally, which brings tens of thousands of riders to the Northwoods each fall. After considering all of the submissions, the chamber selected the winning entry from John Rogers and Dylan Turpanjian. According to Chamber Executive Director Charis Lau, the winning logo captures the heart of the Fall Ride by highlighting themes of Wisconsin pride, patriotism, Northwoods beauty, and a tradition that has remained "rolling strong" for 45 years. The design is packed with local symbolism. The background features an outline of Wisconsin in green and gold, a nod to the Packers,divided by a red Fall Ride ribbon representing the Badgers. The southern half of the state includes an American flag, while the northern half showcases Northwoods trees and a soaring eagle. Right in the center is a motorcycle wheel, which the artists say symbolizes the enduring legacy of the event. Rogers and Turpanjian drew inspiration for the piece after participating in past Fall Ride events, including last year's Thunder Parade. They wrote in the submission, "The genuine sense of community and the good-old-days is present everywhere in Tomahawk from the very personable WJJQ DJs broadcasting local happenings to the welcoming Chamber representatives and small business owners all over town and throughout the surrounding hamlets of the Northwoods." In its announcement, the Chamber stated that the enthusiastic response to the contest showcased the creativity and passion that have helped make the Fall Ride a beloved Northwoods tradition for generations. The new logo will be featured on everything from event signage to commemorative merchandise this September.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News Summer is officially ice cream season, and a new limited-edition flavor dreamed up by local kids is starting to roll out across the state. Each year, Wisconsin-based Cedar Crest Ice Cream partners with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation to host a flavor creation contest. The competition challenges 4-H clubs from all over Wisconsin to come up with a unique theme and flavor profile. The winning entry is then manufactured by Cedar Crest and sold throughout July to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. This year's winning flavor was created by the Pesobic Pathfinders 4-H Club out of Merrill. Remarkably, this marks the second time in three years that the local club has won the statewide contest. Their creation, "Hold Your Horses," features espresso-flavored ice cream packed with chocolate-covered toffee pieces and a rich caramel ribbon. "Hold Your Horses" is beginning to arrive at ice cream parlors and scoop shops around the state. The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe in Nokomis teased the arrival of the new flavor in its latest shipment. They typically post their daily ice cream selections on Facebook, so locals can keep an eye out for when the new flavor enters the regular rotation. While the winning 4-H flavor is typically a July exclusive, Cedar Crest has been known to make popular winners permanent additions to their lineup. In fact, the Pesobic Pathfinders' previous winning creation, "Paul Bunyan," was so well-received that it is now a permanent Cedar Crest flavor.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News Pollinator Week is wrapping up, but officials hope local efforts will continue and inspire people to take action throughout the year. All week long, we've been highlighting the important role that pollinators play in our everyday lives. Property owners can easily do their part, and getting started may be simpler than it seems. The Department of Natural Resources notes that property owners can attract pollinators and provide crucial habitat with very little effort—simply by leaving a portion of their yard natural. Uncut grass, brush, and woody debris all serve as homes for various pollinating insects. Providing a small, shallow water source can also make a yard much more welcoming. For those with a green thumb, planting a diverse selection of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the summer is highly beneficial. When choosing what to plant, try to focus on native species. Even if you don't have a lot of yard space, officials note that a few potted plants on a porch or patio can still make a meaningful difference. For more tips and step-by-step instructions, the DNR offers comprehensive guides on creating pollinator habitats on its website.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News A man wanted in connection with a Milwaukee homicide has been arrested after being spotted in the Northwoods. On Thursday, the Vilas County Sheriff's Office asked the public for assistance in locating the suspect, Michael Garcia Carroll. According to the initial news release, deputies from Vilas and Oneida counties made contact with Carroll at a gas station in Arbor Vitae earlier that day. Authorities said he initially fled on foot and was able to elude law enforcement. In an update provided Thursday evening, the Sheriff's Office announced that Carroll had been apprehended and is now in custody. No further details regarding the arrest have been released at this time. The Milwaukee Police Department had been seeking Carroll for his alleged connection to a homicide that occurred in the city on June 18.

+ Read More