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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

Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Returns to Merrill This Weekend

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.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News One of the premier annual art exhibits in the region has returned to the Northwoods for the summer. The Northern National Art Competition hosted a gallery opening reception Thursday to kick off the 39th year of the competition and exhibit. It's sponsored by the Northern Arts Council and hosted in the Nicolet Art Gallery. Each year hundreds of pieces are submitted from around the country. From those, approximately 100 works have been selected and featured in the exhibit, with cash prizes also up for grabs. Organizers noted the quality and caliber of the artwork makes it one of the premiere annual exhibits in Northern Wisconsin. And each year brings a different judge and their unique lens, which organizers noted makes every Northern National special. This year they welcomed Darrell Taylor, curator and assistant director at the Waterloo Center for the Arts in Iowa. Taylor's work, spanning performance, photography, drawing, and collage, has been showcased nationally and internationally. Going forward, the exhibit will be open and free to the public during regular gallery hours through July 31.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News An investigation is underway into a fatal, officer-involved shooting in Oneida County Wednesday morning. The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading the probe. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. at a property on Lumen Lake Drive, off Fawn Lake Road in the Town of Lake Tomahawk. According to a DOJ news release, two Oneida County deputies were dispatched to the residence to arrest a subject in connection with an undisclosed felony investigation. Upon making contact with law enforcement, they said the individual discharged a firearm. A deputy returned fire, striking the individual, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The individual's name has not yet been released. No one else was injured during the incident. According to the news release, the involved law enforcement officers are fully cooperating with DCI. Per agency policy, both deputies will be placed on administrative assignment.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News What started as a desire to connect families affected by Down syndrome continues to grow across the Northwoods. The people behind Hope Beyond 21, a Tomahawk-based nonprofit, are preparing for their "Digging for a Difference" volleyball tournament this weekend. The fundraiser will help the organization continue its mission of supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout northern Wisconsin. Co-founder Hannah Wallis stopped by the WJJQ studios earlier this week to talk about the organization and this weekend's fundraiser. Wallis has a deep personal connection to the cause; a close friend of hers has a child with Down syndrome. The goal of Hope Beyond 21 is to build connections, celebrate milestones, and provide support for these families. While based in Tomahawk, the organization has drawn support from across the entire Northwoods region. For this weekend's volleyball tournament, they are teaming up with The Loop Hole to host the event on Saturday, with two other Nokomis locations, Holly's and Billy Bob's, offering additional courts. When we spoke with Wallis, more than a dozen teams had already registered. Space is still available, whether you already have a team or are looking to join one. For those who want to support the cause but stay out of the sand, the event will also feature food, entertainment, raffles, and merchandise sales. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, with the first matches starting at 11 a.m. and other activities running throughout the day. Wallis says the organization's goal is simple: ensuring individuals with Down syndrome and their families know they have a supportive community standing right behind them.

Published on 06/18/2026 under News As summer officially begins this weekend, one of Wisconsin's most important Northwoods research projects is celebrating a milestone of its own. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is marking the 80th anniversary of the Northern Highland Fishery Research Area, a world-renowned fisheries research site located on five lakes in Vilas County. (Escanaba, Nebish, Pallette, Spruce and Mystery Lakes) Established in 1946, the research area was originally created to study how fishing affects fish populations. Since then, every angler fishing the lakes has participated in a mandatory creel survey, creating one of the longest and most detailed fisheries datasets in the world. Today, researchers are tackling a wide range of issues facing Wisconsin waters, including the impacts of forward-facing sonar technology, climate change, fluctuating water levels, shoreline habitat projects and declining walleye populations. The Northern Highland Fishery Research Area has also become a training ground for future fisheries professionals and a hub for collaborative research involving state, tribal and national partners. DNR officials say the work conducted there continues to shape fisheries management decisions across Wisconsin and beyond. For anglers that would like to fish the lakes and contribute to the research; there is a check-in station located at the Escanaba Lake boat launch. Depending on the lake you fish, species may have tags and different ongoing study needs. That information is available on the DNR website.-Photo provided by Wisconsin DNR-

Published on 06/18/2026 under News Two people were injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Lincoln County over the weekend after swerving to avoid a deer. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were dispatched to Tannery Road near Green Box Road in the Town of Bradley on Sunday. The driver told deputies that a deer ran out in front of the vehicle, causing him to lose control and leave the roadway. Both the driver and a passenger were ejected from the vehicle during the rollover. Both occupants were initially transported to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital and later airlifted to another facility for further treatment of undisclosed injuries. No updates on their conditions have been provided. Vehicle-deer collisions are typically elevated in June. The Sheriff's Report noted that there were nine vehicle-versus-deer collisions reported on Lincoln County roadways this past week alone.

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