In honor of National Newspaper Week, the Vilas County News-Review and Three Lakes News wanted to take a moment to introduce, or in some cases re-introduce, the hard-working people who make the paper come together each week.
From the sales team that takes care of advertising, to the editorial department responsible for brainstorming and writing content, to the customer service representatives in the front office who keep it all running smoothly and the drivers who deliver newspapers to area businesses, the newspaper is a well-oiled machine.
In addition to the Vilas County News-Review and Three Lakes News, staff here also puts out the weekly North Woods Trader as well as a number of free special publications throughout the year. These publications include Action Tracks winter fun guide released ahead of the snowmobile season; the informational Headwaters Guide that comes out in April; the 12-week Vacation Week released throughout the summer highlighting local businesses, events and family-friendly activities; Senior Focus which highlights stories and topics important to our senior community; Military Salute which comes out ahead of Memorial Day and focuses on those who have given their lives for our country; and more.
“Keeping up with what’s happening in our community is a big job, and we couldn’t do it without input from our readers,” said Editor Michelle Drew. “So if you have a story that needs telling, contact us. We are always happy to chat about story leads or help you meet your advertising needs.”
Michelle Drew has worked at the News-Review for about seven years. She started part-time as lifestyle editor in 2017 before becoming full-time assistant editor under Gary Ridderbusch. She took over as editor upon his retirement and maintained that role until spring of 2024. Following a pause for about 1.5 years, she came back in early August to again helm the paper.
Although not formally trained in journalism, Drew has always had a strong grasp of grammar, spelling and punctuation which is what originally drew her to the job. She was able to learn a lot from both Ridderbusch and then-publisher Kurt Krueger, and developed a passion for storytelling.
“One of my favorite things about this job is that you never know what the day will bring,” said Drew. “Some days you’re off on an adventure taking pictures, other days you’re covering a tense board meeting or interviewing someone. It’s never a dull moment!”
She also appreciates getting to know the community and receiving the feedback provided. “We have a great and supportive readership here that are very loyal and dedicated to the News-Review. It’s neat to be a part of something that has been a big source of pride for so many years.”
Drew can be reached at mdrew@mmclocal.com with story/feature idea submissions, photos, letters to the editor, or queries about content.
Christina Brandmeier joined the News-Review in April 2023 as a production assistant and was promoted to lifestyle editor later that year. In 2024, she worked at another MMC publication, the Northwoods Star Journal in Rhinelander, before returning to the News-Review as lifestyle editor.
A Chicago native, she studied media arts at Emerson College in Boston and worked in television and radio before turning her focus to writing and making northern Wisconsin her full-time home — a place she grew up visiting and has always loved.
“To have a creative job like this, getting to cover lifestyle in Eagle River and the surrounding communities, is a joy, as is being able to tell locals’ stories,” she said.
Christina Brandmeier is available by emailing cbrandmeier@mmclocal.com for all community announcements, feature stories and town events.
Jacob Heid has been the sports editor at the News-Review since 2024, but was previously the sports editor for the Portage County/Stevens Point Gazette for about two years out of college, starting in 2022.
“I had the pleasure of covering five different schools around the Stevens Point area, including multiple state championship teams,” he said.
Heid moved here with his family after graduating from high school in the Milwaukee area in 2018. He then lived in Stevens Point before finding his way back up north.
“I’m back now and couldn’t be happier. I enjoy the North Woods, and being able to cover the thing I love most is the cherry on top,” he said. “The coaches, athletes and athletic directors have been nothing short of great, which makes my job not only easier but more enjoyable as well.
“I hope to run into community members at different sporting events, and if you see me, please don’t hesitate to say ‘hi’.”
When not covering local sports, Heid said he enjoys spending time with his family, taking walks with my wife and husky named Jax, and going to the gym. He also moonlights at The Heid Out Bar and Grill in Eagle River, helping his parents during the week and on weekends.
For sports-related topics, contact Heid at jheid@mmclocal.com.
Kathy Paul, in her role in sales and marketing, thrives on connecting with local business owners. She is a passionate advocate for the “shop local” movement, actively promoting it within the community.
Paul and her family were long-time residents of the Eagle River, and after three years of traveling to 29 states as full-time RVers, the North Woods drew them back, and they recently bought a home in Sugar Camp.
She truly believes the North Woods is a special place, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and a strong sense of community. She said she loves the role the local newspaper plays in keeping the community informed on local events, great business and school news, and sports.
For advertising needs, Paul can be reached at kpaul@mmclocal.com.
Brianna Rivest is part of the marketing team at the Vilas County News-Review and Northwoods Trader, where she enjoys helping local businesses grow with personalized and unique ways to reach their community.
A North Woods native, she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, decorating cakes, and finding creative outlets in and outside of work.
To discuss advertising opportunities, email brivest@mmclocal.com.
Mike Hollihan recently took over as the general manager for the Vilas County News-Review where he also helps out in the sales division.
He graduated from Lakeland University in 1989 and has been in the newspaper industry ever since.
“I love everything about the industry. I started collecting newspapers from around the United States back in 1984. I enjoy seeing how each community delivers their news. You can learn a lot from that,” Hollihan said.
He is thrilled to be in his new role at the News-Review, calling it an “honor.”
“In a time where social media and the internet can produce a lot of uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we report local news in a fact-based manner,” he said.
He resides in Green Bay where he also serves as general manager for the Press Times. He can be reached via email at mhollihan@mmclocal.com.
Mary Jo Adamovich (madamovich@mmclocal.com) is a staple of the News-Review’s front office and has been with the paper for most of her life.
“I believe our paper is an important link from our area to residents and visitors,” Adamovich said. She enjoys her job because she gets to meet and chat with so many of the News-Review’s readers. “I also have a great group of coworkers that help make my job fun and never boring,” she said.
When she’s not taking classified ads and keeping the front office in order, Adamovich enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. “When inside, my happy place is my kitchen. I enjoy cooking, baking and coming up with new recipes.”
Adamovich is available via email at
Amber Arndt Johnson (ajohnson@mmclocal.com) has worked at the News-Review for more than a decade. She began her career here in the mailroom stuffing the papers before moving to the front office where she wears many hats.
She is a wife and mother to three beautiful monsters. Juggling both home and work keeps her busy, crazy, and out of trouble.
Dawn Molnar (dmolnar@mmclocal.com) has worked at the News-Review since 2022, where she performs accounting tasks as well as customer service.
A long-time vacationer to Vilas County, Molnar and her husband of 28 years, Joe, moved to Star Lake in 2002. She loves spending time with her dogs and chickens, gardening, kayaking, snowshoeing, hunting, and fishing, or anything that involves being outdoors. She celebrated bagging her first bear in September.
The News-Review office is located at 425 W. Mill St. in Eagle River. To contact staff, either use the emails listed above or call 715-479-4421. General inquiries can also be directed to newsreview@mmclocal.com.
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