The Community Spirit

The Jensen Community Spirit is our local, monthly newspaper put out by the staff of the Jensen Community Center with several area residents providing entertaining, thought-provoking columns. The Spirit focuses on positive news and achievements in Amherst and surrounding communities, as well as providing a venue for the Tomorrow River School District to share news and updates. The newspaper, with a readership of over 10,000, has been published in the area since 2003. You can find recent articles below.

Brent Frankenhoff 10/1/26 Brent Frankenhoff 10/1/26

Save the date(s) for the Jensen Center!

Theater lovers will have plenty of performances to choose from when they open in the Dallas & Edith Pankowski Theater at the Jensen Center over the coming months.

Brent Frankenhoff 10/1/26 Brent Frankenhoff 10/1/26

Quartet of concerts planned for Jensen Center

Copper Box returns to the Jensen Center November 28 as part of the Center’s 2026-27 concert series.

Brent Frankenhoff 10/1/26 Brent Frankenhoff 10/1/26

Buy Local: Nostalgic Amherst supper club reopens under new owner

Maria Kildahl has reopened the Tomorrow River Supper Club, offering traditional supper club favorites with some updates.

Brent Frankenhoff 10/1/26 Brent Frankenhoff 10/1/26

I’d Rather Be Wright II: Saving an entangled loon of Sunset Lake

David Wright shares the story of a local bird that was entangled in discarded fishing line.

Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/26 Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/26

Variety Productions announces second annual fall production: But Why Bump Off Barnaby?

Rehearsals are underway for this fall’s community theater production.

Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/26 Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/26

2026 Hidden Studios Art Tour returns October 2-4

Encaustic paintings by Jessie Fritsch of Buzz In Art Studios is just one of the many pieces featured in this year’s Hidden Studios Art Tour.

Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/26 Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/26

I’d Rather Be Wright, II: Comparative gardening and storytelling. Men of the soil

Columnist David Wright really digs into this month’s column and gets down and dirty.

Brent Frankenhoff 8/3/26 Brent Frankenhoff 8/3/26

Local Catholic church celebrates restoration

Saint Mary of Mount Carmel — Fancher recently completed a major restoration of its worship space.

Brent Frankenhoff 8/3/26 Brent Frankenhoff 8/3/26

James and Rose Berto family reunion held

Area family catches up.

Brent Frankenhoff 8/3/26 Brent Frankenhoff 8/3/26

New Hope Firecracker Celebration held July 4

Highlights from the annual gathering of fun and frivolity.

Brent Frankenhoff 7/2/26 Brent Frankenhoff 7/2/26

Steve March-Tormé and the Murphy Brothers return to Jensen Center

A talented trio graces the Jensen Center stage this summer.

Brent Frankenhoff 7/2/26 Brent Frankenhoff 7/2/26

Portage County Fair — Amherst opens July 16

The Portage County Fair — Amherst has a number of new and expanded events and activities this year. See what’s in store for the annual event, scheduled for July 16-19.