At Sentinel & Rural News, we believe every community has a story worth celebrating.
Since our founding in 2014, we’ve been dedicated to bringing the good news of rural Wisconsin to the forefront — one article, one event, and one voice at a time.
Rooted in Owen, Wisconsin, and growing across Clark County, Taylor County, Rusk County, and beyond, we are proud to be recognized as a leading independent news source for Central Wisconsin’s rural communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple yet powerful:
To inform, inspire, and connect the communities of rural Wisconsin by highlighting the people, businesses, and innovations that shape our shared future.
We aim to tell the stories that often go untold — stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, community spirit, and quiet excellence — delivering news that builds trust, strengthens connections, and uplifts rural life.
Our Story
Sentinel & Rural News began as a vision shared by Nicole and Travis Rogers.
In March 2014, with the talents of Judy Vollrath and Kris Leonhardt, we launched as a print-only weekly newspaper right here in Owen, WI.
Early on, we received advice from a retired editor-in-chief of the Seattle Times:
“Create the newspaper you want to read. There will be enough people who want the same.”
That guidance shaped our philosophy — but we made it our own.
Instead of chasing conflict, we chose to spotlight the good news: the achievements, milestones, innovations, and human stories that breathe life into rural Wisconsin.
We quickly grew from a local newspaper to a trusted voice across Clark County, Taylor County, and Central Wisconsin, sharing the good news from communities like Thorp, Owen-Withee, Greenwood, Abbotsford, Colby, Medford, Stanley, Gilman, and more.
Today, Sentinel & Rural News is not just a publication — it’s a community movement dedicated to uplifting rural voices.
What We Cover
Our editorial mission is as expansive as the rural heartland we serve.
We cover:
- Agriculture and Rural Economy — the backbone of Wisconsin life.
- Business Growth and Entrepreneurship — the startups and family-owned enterprises driving our communities forward.
- Technology and Innovation — how rural Wisconsin is embracing new ideas, from agritech to broadband initiatives.
- Education and School Achievements — celebrating the future of our youth.
- Community Events and Local Features — the fairs, festivals, and gatherings that connect us.
- Health News and Rural Wellness Trends — because access to good information saves lives.
- Government Affairs and Civic Engagement — keeping communities informed about policies and opportunities.
- Religion, Faith, and Spiritual Life — the cultural heartbeat of many of our towns.
- Obituaries, Public Notices, and Announcements — honouring milestones and memories.
- Sports, Athletics, and Youth Programs — showcasing achievement at every level.
- Entertainment, Arts, and Rural Lifestyle Features — the vibrant creativity alive in rural Wisconsin.
- Opinion Columns and Editorials — fostering thoughtful dialogue on community issues.
- Informational Articles — from business strategies to technology tips, empowering our readers with practical knowledge.
At Sentinel & Rural News, we don’t limit ourselves —
If it matters to our communities, it matters to us.
Our Focus in Numbers
- 70% of our reporting highlights rural and local news.
- 90% of our content is created by local contributors living in the communities they write about.
- 95% of our editorial mission centres on positive storytelling — the good news you won’t always find elsewhere.
We believe that strong communities are built through shared information, celebrated achievements, and trusted relationships.
Our Team
Our success is built on the dedication of a talented, diverse team, including:
- Nicole Rogers, Editor
- Kris Leonhardt, Editor
- Travis Rogers, Jr., Editor-in-Chief and Columnist
- Alyssa Van Duyse, Anne Gajewsky, Kitara Mills, Riley Hebert — Reporters and Contributors
- Carrie Classon, Darleen Jarocki, Derek Entrekin, Don Wyeth, Dr. Jess Rohde, Dr. John Briggs, Joe Smoczyk, Mark Tobola, Michael Tidemann, Michelle Behm, Pastor Asafa Rajaofera, Pastor Elizabeth Bier, and many others — Columnists
- Jed Cordwell, Photographer
Each member of our team brings a unique voice, a passion for local storytelling, and a commitment to community-centred journalism.
Our Commitment to Trust and Quality
- Experience: Our local writers know the communities they cover because they are part of them.
- Expertise: Our contributors include respected professionals from across journalism, education, healthcare, faith, and business.
- Authoritativeness: We are recognised across Central Wisconsin as a trusted source of rural news and perspectives.
- Trustworthiness: Every article we publish undergoes independent verification for accuracy and fairness.
We proudly operate with full editorial transparency —
When we say something matters, you can trust that it does.
Connect With Us
📍 Address: 425 Altenberg Ave, Owen, WI 54460
📞 Phone: (715) 271-7471
📧 Email: sentinelruralnews@gmail.com
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Sentinel & Rural News
Your Community. Your Stories. Your News.