2025 in Portage County

PORTAGE COUNTY — As 2025 comes to a close, so does a busy year of news for Portage County.
• On March 16, Amherst man, Justin Wojtalewicz shot his brother on Mill Street in Amherst. His brother survived the incident with a serious injury and was transported to Wausau for medical care. A Nov. jury trial found Wojtalewicz not guilty of attempted homicide, but guilty of Aggravated Battery, Mayhem – Use of a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon. His sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2026.
• On April 3, the Stevens Point paper mill switched ownership once again, falling under new ownership of Ahlstrom. Pixelle Specialty Solutions had operated the Stevens Point paper mill since 2020. Ahlstrom announced that an agreement has been executed to acquire the Stevens Point facility. This transaction will be financed through a $600 million senior secured financing package, with excess funds available for general corporate purposes. Ahlstrom is based in Finland, but operates in more than 20 countries.
• In May, Portage County began installing temporary installations to test the safety of roads and drivers. Separated bike lanes, curb extensions, and optical speed bars were put to the test. From 2017 to 2021, Portage County had a reported 7,382 crashes that included 31 fatalities. On all county roadways from 2019 to 2023, there was one reported fatality of a bicyclist. Kristen Johnson, Planner for the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department, said “Our goal is to achieve zero deaths on our roads by 2050.” The temporary installations were taken down by fall.
• In June, the City of Stevens Point approved an agreement for Door2Dreams to begin constructing a housing community for residents with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The housing will be located on the empty parcel of land next to the former Sisters of St. Joseph Convent (presently Berkshire at The Grove apartments) on the corner of Maria Drive and Union Street. Door2Dreams is a non-profit organization based in Wisconsin that aims to create independent housing options for IDD individuals, helping them to live, thrive, and work in their community.

• On July 6, two individuals were found deceased from gunshot wounds in the Town of New Hope. John Shulfer was shot and arrested in connection to the death of his parents, Dale and Paula Shulfer. While in the hospital, Shulfer told investigators he shot Dale and Paula, and was in possession of a pistol when shot on scene by a deputy. Shulfer remains in custody on a $2,000,000 cash bond while awaiting to be deemed competent to continue court proceedings.
On Aug. 18, the common council approved the construction of a new city hall, costing over $17 million dollars, in an 8-3 vote. The new city hall will reside on 1039 Ellis Street
• On Sept. 11, a six year old Village of Almond girl was reported missing. An Amber Alert was issued the same evening, stating the girl was potentially with her uncle, Jordan Coyle. Coyle was found and taken into custody on Sept. 13 near Almond School Forest. The missing six year old was found safe and unharmed near Coyle. The child’s mother, Chelsie Lehmann, is in custody and facing charges. District Attorney Cousins announced Coyle, who is a registered sex offender, had been residing with Lehmann and her minor children when he was not allowed to. A warrant was issued for his arrest, leading to him fleeing law enforcement. Lehmann is facing charges of Aiding or Harboring a Felon and Encouraging a Violation of Probation, Extended Supervision, or Parole.
• On Nov. 18, the Portage County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the County to borrow up to $160,000,000 through general obligation promissory notes to finance construction of a new Jail/LEC and Courthouse safety and security improvements. The approved projects are Phase 1 of the County’s plan. A full remodel of the Courthouse will be considered as part of Phase 2 of the project.
• On Dec. 2, after months of mixed community feedback the common council approved a mixed income housing and childcare proposal that will move into the old Shopko lot in downtown Stevens Point. Downtown business owners voiced concern over the course of several meetings about the potential loss of customer parking they may face if an apartment unit and childcare center took over the empty lot. Some business owners stated that on their own count they counted 140-150 cars in the Shopko parking lot over the course of several days. Ultimately, the housing proposal was met with a 6-2 approval vote. The developer, Commonwealth Development Corporation based in Middleton, has provided a revised plan that includes a total of 76 parking stalls, a four story building of mixed income units, and 6,000 square feet for a potential child care center run by UW-Stevens Point. According to Commonwealth, construction would start no later than Sept. 2027 and be completed by early 2029.