TOWNSEND – On October 30, 2025, www.nicolet.express launched as an online resource for local news and information from nonprofit organizations, area businesses and community members in Lakewood, Mountain and Townsend. We started with minimal website traffic and just three Facebook followers.
One year later, the website has welcomed visits from more than 26,000 unique IP addresses in the past month alone, and our Facebook following has grown to more than 1,200. What began as a digital outlet has also become a monthly printed publication serving five Northwoods communities.
Publisher/Editor
The idea for a print edition took shape earlier this year after Peggy Christianson contacted me on behalf of the Northwoods Community Assistance Coalition in Lakewood. NCAC connects volunteers and resources with people who need assistance in Lakewood, Townsend, Mountain, Wabeno and surrounding areas.
Peggy shared a significant challenge: reaching people who could benefit from NCAC’s services, particularly seniors who are not online or using Facebook. Individual direct-mail pieces were not financially practical, even at nonprofit postal rates. Meanwhile, free publications that once served the region, including the Pioneer Express and the Beacon, were no longer available.
That conversation stayed with me. After much reflection, I decided to explore whether a free monthly publication, mailed directly to area residents and businesses, could help fill that gap.
Over the years, I had done freelance work for several print publications, creating content to fit their formats. This time, I would be developing a publication of my own.
I contacted Christensen Printing Partners in Shawano, drawing on a working relationship with Rod Christensen that dates back to his ownership of the Shawano Leader. Rod and his team helped turn my vision into reality.
The first print edition of Nicolet Express was published April 24, 2026, and mailed to residents and businesses in Lakewood, Mountain and Townsend. Although the website offers worldwide access, the response to a publication delivered to local mailboxes was strong. That support led us to expand distribution to Wabeno and Laona.
Keeping a free monthly publication in print depends on the continued support of our advertisers. They are the true heroes behind every issue, helping make local news and community information accessible to readers both online and in print.
Please support our advertisers and thank them for supporting Nicolet Express. Their investment helps connect residents, businesses and visitors throughout Lakewood, Laona, Mountain, Townsend, Wabeno and the surrounding area.
As we celebrate our first year, thank you to everyone who has read, shared, contributed to or advertised with Nicolet Express. You have helped turn a small online beginning into a growing community resource.
Sincerely,
Bob Strazishar
Publisher/Editor
Published on: Oct 30, 2026 at 8:20 am