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.
Michael Perry returns to the Jensen Center May 2
The award-winning author will share his writing and his musical skills with his band.
Jensen Center Youth Soccer program offers new opportunities
A new season of Youth Soccer begins in mid-April.
Jensen Center theater receives an artistic upgrade
The Jensen Center theater has been named in honor of the largest donors to the 3Stage Expansion Project.
CREATE Portage County fosters creativity, connection, and collaboration
The former St. Joseph’s Convent chapel has been transformed into a gathering space for CREATE Portage County’s many events.
Community classes to be offered at TRSD STEAM Center
Woodcarving, woodworking, and other educational opportunities for the community will be available at the Tomorrow River Schools.
Buy Local: Bookstore connects curious readers with extraordinary books
Visitors to WIT Booksellers might find a curious face in the shop’s sign.
I’d Rather Be Wright II: In praise of the Village of Amherst’s public workers
Travis Stuczynski leads a crew of outstanding employees for the Village of Amherst and columnist David Wright shares his praise of their efforts.
Alumni News: Cathartic relief found with book release
An Amherst alumni, relocated to Australia, has collected her life story in an inspiring book.
Homecoming Week transfixes transfer student
One of Amherst’s foreign exchange students reflects on her time here.
Spanish Teacher Emilie Van Sluys receives 2025 WAFLT Frank M. Grittner New Teacher Award
Amherst High School teacher receives prestigious award.
Amherst Communications transitions to 100% employee ownership through ESOP
Family-owned utility gives control of the business to its employees.
Ground broken for Stage 3
The final part of the Jensen Center’s 3Stage Expansion Project broke ground in early November.
In Our Lobby: Art by Leo Snowbarger
Central Sands High School student Leo Snowbarger has won awards for his art and was kind enough to share a few of them with the Jensen Center.
Hall of Distinction induction ceremony held at Homecoming
Tim Pederson and Amherst’s 1959 cross country team were added to the school’s award wall.
No Rumors to dispel
Neil Simon’s comedy, Rumors, took to the Jensen Center stage for three performances in mid-October.
River Run nears two decades of fun, fundraising, and friendship
More than 700 runners and walkers participated in the 2025 River Run and plans are already being made for the event’s 20th anniversary in 2026.
Zanella, Amherst Communications, and Voss chosen for Spirit Awards
Sorting through the many nominations received, the Jensen Center Board of Directors has chosen its recipients of the 2025 Person of the Year, Business of the Year, and Junior Person of the Year.
Haferbecker to be inducted into WBCA Hall of Fame
Award-winning basketball coach and Amherst alumni Shelli (Yenter) Haferbecker is one of eight Wisconsin high school basketball coaches to be inducted into the 2025 Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). The group joins a selection of players, college coaches, assistant coaches, and friends of the game honored at a banquet in Wisconsin Dells September 28.
Stepping Stone Salon welcomes trio of specialists
Three new self-care specialist have joined Stepping Stone owner Terri Singer and her six-member staff.