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.

Garrett Ryan 9/1/25 Garrett Ryan 9/1/25

Word Smatter: Iola Rock Festival 1970 — Lucy was in the sky

by “Dangerous” Bob Sauer

[Editor’s note: The following testimonial is true. “Dangerous” Bob assures us that he took no journalistic liberties with his recounting of the following events.]

Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/25 Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/25

Tomorrow River Veterans Memorial dedicated

The local VFW dedicated its Memorial August 2 with a special ceremony.

Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/25 Brent Frankenhoff 9/1/25

Mark Croft Band to perform at Jensen Center November 8

Award-winning singer/songwriter Mark Croft and his band will be at the Jensen Center November 8.

Garrett Ryan 8/1/25 Garrett Ryan 8/1/25

Flying saucers over Amherst?

The opening of Wikipedia’s entry on Raymond Alfred Palmer (August 1, 1910-August 15, 1977) describes him as “an American author and magazine editor.” It adds that he was “influential in the first wave of science fiction fandom.” With his first story, “The Time Ray of Jandra,” published in the June 1930 issue of Wonder Stories, 2025 marks multiple anniversaries for the publishing pioneer.

How many folks in central Wisconsin knew him as more than the owner of Palmer Printing in Amherst? How many know he has a more than 13,000-word Wikipedia entry?

Garrett Ryan 8/1/25 Garrett Ryan 8/1/25

New Hope’s July 4 Firecracker Celebration 2025

The annual New Hope July 4 celebration brought an array of talent to the grassy area under the pines on the grounds of the historic South New Hope Church.

Garrett Ryan 7/1/25 Garrett Ryan 7/1/25

“Tunes on the Terrace” supports Jensen Center’s 3Stage Expansion Project August 1

Music lovers and community supporters alike are invited to gather at the Jensen Community Center on Friday, August 1, for “Tunes on the Terrace,” an outdoor concert experience designed to bring the community together — and get closer to completing funding for the third stage of the Jensen Center’s 3Stage Expansion Project, an addition to the theater’s backstage and storage space.