Business - Pierce County Journal

Charity Lubich, PPCS VP of Member Relations & Human Resources (left), and SwiftCurrent Connect Customer Relations Representative Donna Taranto (right), present Ellsworth High School students (left to right) Aubrey Marks, Sophia Place, Adam Capatske, and Maggie Pechacek, with a $1,500 check to support the Ellsworth School Foundation Gift Box Program, helping families in need during the holidays.

Pierce Pepin Cares announces 1st Quarter grants

ELLSWORTH –Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) is proud to announce the recipients of the Pierce Pepin Cares grants for the first quarter of 2026. Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by PPCS members … more

3/3/26

DBA members help prevent local ordinance in Rock Elm

ROCK ELM — Members of the Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, demonstrated the positive impact farmers can have when they come together to prevent unnecessary … more

3/3/26

Pictured in the EHS Greenhouse are (back, from left:) EJ Morgan, Sam Richards, Deb Hampton, Josh Miller, Grace Borscheid, Linda Donnelly, Mariah Davi, Traci Lewis, Marcy Burch, Joe Emery; (front, from left): Katie Christenson, Rachel Gesmer, Cameron Sears, Robinson Galvao, Adam Capatske.

Purina donates $10K to Ellsworth FFA, ag education

ELLSWORTH – Team members from Purina in Hager City presented a $10,000 donation to the Ellsworth High School agricultural education department and FFA Chapter on Friday, Feb. 27. The money … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/3/26

During her senior year in high school, Elise Foley, now 22, was preparing to attend Hamline University in Minnesota, where she would play collegiate volleyball. She never got that chance. When her health sidelined her, she was called in another direction.

When one door closes: RF woman’s health journey changes her education, perspective

RIVER FALLS – At the age of 18, Elise Foley was driving home from volleyball practice when her life changed in an instant. The River Falls High School senior had a seizure, which began a … more

By Alyssa Van Duyse Chippewa Valley Technical College | 2/25/26

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys names Morrissette II as new executive director

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys (UW Valleys) has announced the appointment of Randy Morrissette II as its new executive director, following the retirement of Executive Director Steve … more

2/25/26

Prescott High school technical education teacher Kyle Schmidt was named Educator of the Year at the annual Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on Feb. 11. Schmidt started the R5 manufacturing class and has redefined Prescott’s technical education courses.

Prescott Chamber celebrates Hawaiian style

PRESCOTT - The Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce brought sunshine to February with its Hawaiian-themed annual dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at The Old Ptacek's Event Center. The … more

2/19/26

2025 River Falls Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Sheri Carlson, honored Feb. 12 at Kilkarney Hills.

‘Currents & connections’ honored at RF Chamber Annual Dinner

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau invited members to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments with a “Currents and Connections” themed annual dinner … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/18/26

Rachel Love Gentry of Amma’s Pies accepts the Best New Business of 2026 award at the Feb. 16 Ellsworth Chamber Dinner from board member Barry Cain.

Ellsworth Chamber members ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’ at annual dinner

Kilkarney Hills Golf & Event Center came alive Monday, Feb. 16 with the 50’s themed Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner, where the Best of 2026 awards were announced. The … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/18/26

This year’s Best of 2026 commemorative poster design, The Big Hits, shines a spotlight on the Ellsworth businesses and organizations that resonate with our community. The design celebrates the businesses that continue to make a lasting impact through excellence, service, and local investment. Each award winner will receive a personalized, framed version of the poster to proudly display in their business. The design ties into the Ellsworth Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner theme, Shake, Rattle ’n Roll, honoring our business community’s energy, action, and community spirit that keep Ellsworth thriving and growing.

Final voting underway for Ellsworth Chamber’s 2026 Best of Awards: The Big Hits

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has opened the final round of community voting for the 2026 Best of Awards, an annual campaign recognizing the businesses and organizations that … more

2/4/26

Josie Erlandson and son Boone stand in Marlee’s Bake Shop (355 W. Main St., Ellsworth), set to open in mid-February.

Marlee’s Bake Shop storefront to open in February

ELLSWORTH – Marlee’s Bake Shop, a popular dessert food trailer, will be debuting its new brick and mortar location on Ellsworth’s Main Street in mid-February. Owner/baker Josie Erlandson, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/28/26

Courtesy Auto is located at W7598 US Highway 10 just outside of Ellsworth.

Paider passes on Courtesy Auto, new ownership remaining committed to community-first mentality

ELLSWORTH — When Bill Paider founded Courtesy Auto in 1993 and opened the current shop Dec. 9, 1995, it was always about keeping a community-first mindset. Now, as new ownership took over Dec. 9, … more

By Andrew Harrington | 1/21/26

Ellsworth Chamber Board Member, Jack McLoone, presents River Road Coffee with the Best Customer Service award at last year's Awards Banquet. 2025's poster design theme was Ellsworth's High Rollers, a tribute to the local businesses who take a chance on success. Accepting the award for River Road Coffee is Bailee Cheever and owner, Megan Gooselaw.

Voting opens for Ellsworth’s 2026 Best of Awards: Celebrating ‘The Big Hits’

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of the 2026 Best of Awards competition, an annual community-wide celebration recognizing the businesses and organizations … more

1/21/26

Telemachus Awsumb and Mariah Smith are committed to making the Flatstick Restaurant at the Spring Valley Golf Course a community hangout spot.

New managers welcome customers at Flatstick Bar & Grill

SPRING VALLEY – Past the towering pines of the Spring Valley Golf Course, tucked inside the clubhouse you’ll find a cozy restaurant with a welcoming feel and a new lease on life. Welcome to the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/21/26

Mother-daughter duo Kendra Kern and Steph Kern at Kern’s Hometown Café in Elmwood.

Kern’s Hometown Café is community hub for all

ELMWOOD – Once a successful bar and grill, Kern’s Kurbside in Elmwood has been transformed into Kern’s Hometown Café, a vision shared by the mother-daughter duo of Steph Kern and Kendra Kern. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/21/26

Security Financial Bank accepting Applications for college scholarships

RIVER FALLS – Security Financial Bank (SFB) is currently accepting applications for scholarships it awards to graduating high school students continuing their education. Each year, SFB awards … more

1/14/26

Rachel Love Gentry has opened Amma’s Pies at 246 N. Broadway St. in East Ellsworth, a lifelong dream come true.

Amma’s Pies opens in East Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH – Rachel Love Gentry is living a lifetime dream. It’s not a fancy mansion on the beach or a penthouse in the city. Her dream is to operate her own pie shop, a goal she accomplished when … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/14/26

Prescott Winterfest brings January cheer

PRESCOTT – Chase those winter blues away this coming Saturday, Jan. 10 at Prescott’s Winterfest. The day-long event features snowball races, live music, shopping specials, card tournaments, meat … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/7/26

St. Croix EDC announces 2025 Business of the Year Award Winners

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation has announced the winners of the 2025 Business of the Year awards. The awards honor outstanding businesses for their exceptional growth, community impact, … more

1/7/26

Marshfield Clinic, Security Health Plan supports 19 organizations providing community-led solutions for food insecurity

the awardees of nearly $180,000 to funding initiatives aimed at supporting innovative, community-driven projects that address food insecurity and promote healthier lives across Wisconsin and … more

1/2/26

Incoming restaurant The Corner Italian is expected to open in late January or early February at 202 Broad St. in Prescott.

Italian restaurant coming to Prescott

PRESCOTT – Kevin Champlin, a graduate of Prescott’s Class of 1995, is returning home to open The Corner Italian, a restaurant setting up at 202 Broad St. If you have ever wanted to sip on wine … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/31/25