Champion Cutting Pedigree

The original inhabitants of the area were the Ojibwa Indians, who referred to the area as zhede (g), meaning pelican. This was translated into various spellings, such as Sheetak, Shetak, Shetuk, Chetack, until the first post office was opened in 1872. The spelling was then standardized to "Chetek." In 1872, the Omaha Railroad began service to Chetek, the Knapp-Stout logging camp was established, and the first log schoolhouse was built. Other important dates: 1881 – Medical care became available 1882 – The Chetek Alert began publication, a newspaper still serving the area 1891 – Became a city 1903 – Telephone service was introduced 1904 – Fire Department began 1960 – Roselawn Elementary opened 2010 – School District of Chetek consolidates with Weyerhaeuser School District 2017 – EF3 tornado swept through the town, killing one and injuring 25, as well as damaging and destroying structures.