Ripon, WI News: Exploring The Ripon Commonwealth & More!
Can a community's spirit truly be captured within the pages of a local newspaper? The Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express, a venerable institution in Ripon, Wisconsin, has not only chronicled the town's history but has also, in many ways, helped to define it.
Established in 1864 as the Ripon Commonwealth, the publication has a rich history. Its evolution reflects the changing landscape of Ripon itself. The newspaper's story is intertwined with that of its community, a narrative woven through countless articles, editorials, and photographs. The paper's evolution, including the 1957 merger with the Ripon Weekly Press (originally the Ripon Free Press, founded in 1870), signifies not just a business consolidation, but a strengthening of the local voice. Riponpress.com continues this legacy, offering new content daily and acting as a key component of how the people of Ripon stay informed.
Our beat reporters are on the ground providing coverage of local government, schools, sports, business, and culture. They offer a unique perspective, allowing residents to understand the important details that shape daily life.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Publication Name | Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express |
| Original Founding Date | 1864 (as the Ripon Commonwealth) |
| Merged with Ripon Weekly Press | April 25, 1957 |
| Predecessor of Ripon Weekly Press | Ripon Free Press (est. 1870) |
| Primary Coverage Area | Ripon, Wisconsin, and the Green Lake area |
| Online Presence | Riponpress.com |
| Focus Areas | Local government, schools, sports, business, culture, education, public safety, sports updates, editorials, columns, letters, obituaries, and photo reportage |
| Additional Coverage | Ripon College |
| Historical Archives | Near continuous coverage from 1853 to present day |
| Online Archives (2005+) | Available through Badgerlink |
The Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express offers more than just news; it is a hub for community dialogue. The newspaper is more than a source of information; it is a reflection of Ripon's residents, their concerns, and their triumphs. It offers editorials and columns, and space for people to express their views, from letters to obituaries. The publication's commitment to local storytelling has fostered a sense of shared identity and collective memory.
The impact of local businesses is often highlighted. This week's editorial reflected on the influence of Webster's Marketplace and the Webster family on Ripon over the past 37 years. Community events are consistently covered, the recent annual stock the pantry food drive, which was sponsored by Websters Marketplace and the Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express, saw its goal of $37,000 exceeded. The final amount reached was $38,410.86, according to Candie Webster, the owner of Websters Marketplace.
The publication is a witness to local happenings. Recently, the Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express and the Ripon Chamber of Commerce put on Ripon's citywide rummage sales, which saw residents opening their homes to the public for a weekend of community engagement.
The newspaper is an important source of information for residents. Accessing archives can be a fascinating journey. With coverage dating back to 1853, the archives are a trove of local history. News from 2005 onward is available through Badgerlink, making the past more accessible.
Beyond news coverage and community happenings, the Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express offers a crucial service. It gives voice to local concerns, as seen with the submission of questions for the candidates to the Ripon Commonwealth in place of a planned forum. Official statements and announcements will be found in the newspaper, making it a crucial source of information.
The Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express has also reported on local businesses and their growth. Stories, like the one about Ben Krings opening a new business with iron works, showcase local entrepreneurship. In the past, the newspaper has also highlighted the role of Ripon women who helped displaced persons, showing that the paper also covered topics beyond local government and school. The newspaper isn't just a collection of facts; it is a living, breathing account of the community it serves.
Sadly, the newspaper has had to report on passing within the community. The newspaper reported the passing of Heather Gurke, age 51, of Ripon, who passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Ripon Community Hospital surrounded by her family. Heather was born on June 29, 1973, at home in Ripon to Melody (Baumann) and Dennis Gurke. The newspaper also reported the passing of Miller, age 86, of Ripon, WI, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Anchor Communities in Brandon, WI. These reports are more than just announcements. They are moments of acknowledgment that show the value of the paper in a smaller community.
The Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express is a key part of life in Ripon. The newspaper's coverage stretches from local government to community events to family news. Its commitment to keeping its citizens informed and connected is a testament to the value of local journalism. By continuing to report on the present while maintaining a connection with the past, the Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express reinforces its role as an important part of the Ripon story.
