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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 Selected for Pilot Initiative on Outdoor Recreation, Upcoming Public Input Opportunities

Published on 10/07/2026 under News Lincoln County's popularity is growing as an outdoor recreation destination. Local leaders continue to look for ways to enhance and promote these opportunities. The county was recently selected to participate in the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation's Technical Assistance Program, alongside support from UW-Stout's Center for Sustainable Communities. This state pilot initiative brings local, state, and federal partners together to help communities strengthen recreation assets, support area businesses, and maximize the economic benefits of local trails, waterways, and parks. Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation, joined our Morning Conversation earlier this week to share details on what this selection means for our area. She emphasized that local input is key to finding practical solutions for recreation infrastructure, trail access, and business growth. There are actually a couple of opportunities later this month for the public to get involved. The teams will be holding a pair of community input workshops, one in Tomahawk and one in Merrill, on October 21 and 22. We'll have a bit more coverage as those dates draw near. And you can hear that conversation with Sara in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 10/07/2026 under News It's Fire Prevention Week, and area firefighters are working overtime to teach local youth essential fire safety lessons. Crews from the Tomahawk, Nokomis, and Little Rice Fire Departments are teaming up to visit classrooms and community stops, including local libraries and childcare centers. Merrill firefighters are leading a similar outreach program in their community. The goal is to reach students at a young age to help them build lifelong safety habits. In addition to core fire safety basics, Fire Prevention Week highlights a distinct focus area each year. This year, departments are emphasizing a modern concern: the safe charging and use of household electronics. Beyond educating kids, local departments are raising awareness about the ongoing need for volunteers, particularly at rural departments across the Northwoods. The Tomahawk Fire Department will wrap up Fire Prevention Week with its annual open house and family day on Saturday. Attendees will have a chance to tour the station and inspect the department's brand-new fire engine, which arrived last month and will be officially put into service later October.

Published on 10/07/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk has taken another step toward revamping how it spends a key category of visitor dollars. The city currently collects a 4% room tax, which is administered through a partnership with the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce. At its meeting last night, the Common Council introduced a pair of ordinances aimed at establishing a seven-member Tourism Commission to provide added oversight for those funds, while an amendment increased the room tax rate to 5%. State law dictates how room tax revenue can be spent, requiring the vast majority to be earmarked for tourism promotion and development that drives overnight visitors to the area. Both ordinances were recommended by the City's Finance Committee following a special meeting last month and approved by the Council with minimal discussion Tuesday. Implementation of the new Tourism Commission was delayed until January, as several neighboring townships are also exploring room tax proposals.That could ultimately lead to a cooperative committee or commission among participating municipalities.

Published on 10/07/2026 under News Candidates competing for Wisconsin's open 7th Congressional District seat are facing off tonight in their first and only scheduled debate. Republican Michael Alfonso and Democrat Fred Clark will meet tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. to pitch their vision to replace outgoing Congressman Tom Tiffany, and represent the Northwoods in Washington. In an unsual twist, tonight's debate won't actually take place on Wisconsin soil. Broadcast partner WDIO is hosting the event live from its television studios just across the state line in Duluth, Minnesota. In addition to airing on WDIO, the forum will be streamed on their website as well as Wisconsin Eye. The Debate comes as absentee voting is already underway in Wisconsin.

Published on 10/07/2026 under News As Wisconsin prepares for the upcoming election, Northwoods residents are invited to get an inside look at how local elections are run. The League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is hosting a free, nonpartisan community conversation giving voters a chance to hear directly from municipal clerks in Vilas County who oversee their local elections. The panel features clerks from Arbor Vitae, Lac du Flambeau, and Winchester. They will address common voter misconceptions, explain what happens to a ballot after it's cast, and share practical steps residents can take before Election Day to ensure a smooth voting process. Organizers say the goal is to give both first-time and long-time voters factual, reliable information so they can participate with confidence. It'll take place at 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Arbor Vitae Town Hall You can learn more about local civic resources and voter education initiatives by visiting the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods online, or check with your municipal clerk's office for general election guidance.

Published on 10/07/2026 under News Aspirus Wausau Hospital has reached a major milestone in heart care. The hospital's cardiovascular team recently completed its 1,000th WATCHMAN procedure. The minimally invasive treatment helps reduce stroke risk for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation or afib, a common heart rhythm disorder, offering a safe alternative to long-term blood thinners. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Colleen Lane praised the dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and support staff, noting that the milestone reflects years of growth and the trust placed in Aspirus by patients across central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.

Published on 10/06/2026 under Sports Tomahawk Volleyball Ends Regular Season GNC Play Winless In the final Great Northern Conference match of the season, Tomahawk's volleyball squad came up short, getting swept by Northland Pines at the Hatchet House Tuesday, 25-19, 26-24, 25-13. The loss by Tomahawk has them finish winless in Great Northern Conference regular season play. Lexi Palmer would finish with 22 assists. Lauren Reibe tied a career-high with 16 kills. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-25 on the season and 0-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court for their final regular-season match of the season Thursday against Wittenberg-Birnamwood. First serve is at 7:00. Gibeault Places in Top 5, Hatchet Girls and Boys XC Place in Top 8 The Hatchet cross country squads would each finish in the top eight of the Northland Pines Invitational in Eagle River Tuesday afternoon. The Hatchet girls placed third overall in the meet, placing behind only Three Lakes/Phelps and Rhinelander. Three Hatchet girls placed in the top ten, led by a fourth-place finish from Elise Gibeault. Ellie Micke placed 13th and Abbie Rosenmeier would finish 19th. As for the Hatchet boys, they would place eighth overall. Three Hatchets placed in the top 40. The highest finisher was Dawson Jones, placing 28th. Luke Morrison and Ryan Montag would place 32nd and 33rd respectively. The final meet of the regular season for Tomahawk is their home meet, which will be at the old Hatchet Baseball Field Saturday. Live updates from the meet will be provided on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Premeet Show will begin at 9:40 and opening events begin at 10:00 with Alex Koch in the broadcast booth. Girls Team Results: Rhinelander - 1st Three Lakes/Phelps - 2nd Tomahawk - 3rd Merrill - 4th Northland Pines - 5th Antigo - 6th Medford - 7th Boys: Rhinelander - 1st Laona-Wabeno - 2nd Florence/Niagara - 3rd Medford - 4th Northland Pines - 5th Crandon - 6th Tomahawk - 8th Antigo - 9th Merrill - 10th

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A bicyclist is crisscrossing Wisconsin this month to raise awareness for a popular conservation program whose funding ended this year, while highlighting the state's growing trail network. Sarah Widder is currently making her way through the Northwoods as part of her "Great State Trails Adventure." Her ambitious goal over the next three weeks is to pedal approximately 2,500 miles across 44 state bike trails, 6 non-state trails, and their connecting corridors. Widder is drawing attention to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which lapsed this past June after funding local parks and trails for nearly four decades. Widder notes, "Land stewardship is such an important part of what makes Wisconsin such a great place to live, work, and play, creating outdoor opportunities whether for biking, off-road trail riding, fishing, hunting or conservation. Widder is blogging daily during her ride, discussing the importance of the program while showcasing the trails and communities along her route. Yesterday's 128-mile ride passed through Park Falls and Minocqua. This morning, she is heading south on the Bearskin and Hiawatha Trails through Tomahawk to Prentice and then Medford. Widder's ride concludes October 22 with a public celebration at Lucette Brewing Company in Menomonie. Those interested can follow along online at knowlesnelson.org

Published on 10/06/2026 under News There's a popular phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child." Here in Lincoln County, local organizations are teaming up to ensure new parents have that village behind them when bringing a baby home. The Lincoln County Health Department and its community partners are hosting the annual fall Community Baby Shower this Tuesday afternoon. Now in its fourth year, the event alternates between Tomahawk and Merrill each spring and fall. Organizers describe the shower as a "one-stop shop" connecting expecting parents and families with young children to essential local resources. Attendees can meet with local agencies to get guidance on safe sleep, child development, nutrition, mental health, and early literacy, alongside hands-on demonstrations like CPR training and car seat safety checks. The Community Baby Shower is free and open to expecting parents, grandparents, and caregivers of children up to 18 months old. It runs drop-in event, though some supplies may be limited. It's from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. this Tuesday at the Merrill Enrichment Center, with no registration required.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News An investigation is underway into the death of a man following a reported shooting over the weekend in Price County. According to the Price County Sheriff's Office, responders were initially called to a residence near County N and Big Falls Road in the Town of Kennan at just before 11pm, Sunday. The caller reported a man had shot and injured another individual at the residence, then left the scene. A short time later, a second 911 call reported that same man was causing a disturbance at a second location. The Sheriff's Office says when officers arrived, the suspect was found dead. The man's name was not immediately released. No update was provided on the condition of the first victim. Authorities say there is no further threat to the community. Because the investigation is active, no other information is being released at this time.

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