Schaefer named editor of Star Journal

Longtime local journalist Heather Schaefer is the new editor of the Northwoods Star Journal, beginning with this issue.

Born and raised in Rhinelander, Schaefer has covered news here for 24 years, starting as a crime/courts and general assignment reporter before becoming an editor.

"I've always considered it a special honor to tell the stories of the people who live in my hometown, those who built and nourished it and made it what it is today," Schaefer said. "While I've been at this for many years, I'm still learning new things about my hometown and the endlessly interesting people who call it home."

While she's covered countless stories over the years, she said two stand out as favorites — interviewing Walter Wendt, a local veteran who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, and a feature on the Ellis/Estabrook family, who collected cans and donated the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House in honor of their toddler daughter Ashley, who died of brain cancer in 1989.

"My sister is a cancer survivor, and the Ronald McDonald House provided her with support and respite while she was being treated in 1993," Schaefer said. "It was an absolute honor to tell the story of this remarkable local family whose unimaginable tragedy inspired them to help others, including my sister."

She also said being in the newsroom on 9/11 and interviewing residents outside of St. Augustine's Church is an "indelible memory."

Schaefer's work hasn't gone unnoticed, having won a first-place Wisconsin Newspaper Association award for her coverage of the PFAS contamination in the Town of Stella and recognition for her crime/courts, local government, and education reporting.

"We are very excited to have Heather on staff," said Tim Schreiber, Multi Media Channels (MMC) North Central Region general manager. "Her years of experience and dedication to keeping the community informed will serve her well in her new role at the Star Journal."

Schaefer replaces former editor Eileen Persike, who retired in December 2024 after 19 years with the paper.

"I'm a longtime admirer of Eileen's work," Schaefer said. "We crossed paths many times over the years and I’ve always considered her a role model, an example of a true community journalist. I’m grateful for the opportunity to follow in her footsteps at MMC."