What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
Vice President JD Vance rolled into Plover last Thursday, bringing national political attention to a precision machining facility just south of the Northwoods. The visit to Pointe Precision wasn’t just another campaign stop—it highlighted the ongoing tug-of-war over manufacturing jobs, economic policy, and what the future holds for working folks in central and northern Wisconsin.
The event drew supporters who braved the cold and protesters who questioned whether the administration’s promises match reality. For those of us who call this region home, it’s a reminder that our communities sit at the intersection of national politics and everyday economics.
Pointe Precision isn’t some random backdrop. This facility makes components for aircraft, medical devices, and industrial equipment—the kind of high-precision work that requires skilled hands and sharp minds.
Founded back in 1995 after a major Stevens Point plant closed, the company kept nearly 100 local workers employed when they could’ve scattered to the winds. That’s the Northwoods spirit—find a way forward when the bottom drops out.
Today the facility spans over 100,000 square feet and cranks out parts with tolerances down to 0.0001 inches. We’re talking fuel nozzles for planes and life-critical medical components. This is the kind of manufacturing that matters when you’re flying to visit family or sitting in a hospital.
Vance spent his time on stage pushing familiar themes from President Trump’s recent State of the Union. No taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security—policies credited to Representative Derrick Van Orden, who’s running for reelection in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District.
The Vice President also threw his weight behind Tom Tiffany’s gubernatorial run. “We grow things and we make things in Wisconsin,” Tiffany told the crowd, tapping into that identity many of us share up north.
“It feels like the election in November is really far away but if anything, the State of the Union should have showed us that we cannot give power back to congressional Democrats.” — VP JD Vance
For supporters like Wisconsin small business owner Angie Hall, the message resonated. “We stood outside ’til our toes were freezing, but it was so worth it,” she said. That’s dedication, no matter which side of the aisle you’re on.
Not everyone in Plover rolled out the welcome mat. Protesters gathered outside to voice concerns about deportation efforts and economic policies they believe hurt working families.
Lyn Ciurro, one of the organizers, framed it as bigger than party politics. “This isn’t a liberal or a conservative thing. This is a class thing, a working-class thing,” she explained. That sentiment probably rings true for plenty of folks in the Northwoods who just want decent jobs and stable communities.
Critics from the BlueGreen Alliance pointed to sobering numbers: over 100,000 manufacturing jobs lost nationally during Trump’s second term so far. Senator Tammy Baldwin also showed up nearby, urging Vance to address Wisconsinites “left behind” by current policies.
The economic reality check matters because manufacturing jobs have been the backbone of communities like ours for generations. When those jobs disappear, everything from the local diner to the school district feels the squeeze.
Plover sits in Portage County, right where central Wisconsin bumps up against Northwoods territory. The facility’s success story offers hope for rural manufacturing, but the bigger picture is more complicated.
Here’s what Northwoods residents should keep an eye on:
Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District includes parts of the Northwoods and has flipped between parties. Polls show Democrat Rebecca Cooke leading Van Orden heading into the August primary, making this one of the races to watch as November approaches.
The Plover visit kicks off what promises to be an intense campaign season in Wisconsin. Both parties see manufacturing policy as a winning issue, and central Wisconsin’s swing status means we’ll likely see more visits, more promises, and more debates about what actually helps working families.
The primaries hit August 11, with the general election November 3. Between now and then, expect plenty of rhetoric about bringing jobs back, supporting local businesses, and who deserves credit or blame for economic conditions.
For Northwoods folks, the real question isn’t who gives the best speech at a factory. It’s whether policies translate into paychecks, whether our kids can find good work close to home, and whether our communities thrive or just survive.
That’s the conversation worth having over coffee at the diner—not just during election season, but year-round. Because up here, we know that actions speak louder than campaign stops, and results matter more than promises.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
NewsThe Mosinee Indians girls basketball team rebounded from a 5-4 start to win the Great Northern Conference title and earn a #3 playoff seed. Now they’re chasing the school’s first state championship since 2000.
NewsThe Up North Community Expo returns to Rhinelander’s Hodag Dome March 5, bringing 91 exhibitors, 29 hiring businesses, and free family activities across seven Northwoods counties.
NewsOver 100 women gathered in Crandon for the first Northwoods Women’s Leadership Conference, challenging small-town expectations and building connections that strengthen rural communities across Forest County.
NewsAntigo senior Olivia Hofrichter defends her state wrestling title this week in Madison, chasing her sister’s three-championship record while inspiring the next generation of Northwoods female wrestlers.