Business - Pierce County Journal

Ridge Breeze seeks $18 million in public financing for expansion

TOWN OF SALEM — Ridge Breeze Dairy is working to finance its plan to quadruple in size by selling public bonds for an $18 million loan. A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 6 … more

3/5/25

Cecelia Steiner, Maci Mlynarczky and Emilia Steiner take part in a birthday party activity at WonderWorks Theatre in River Falls.

WonderWorks Theatre inspires kids’ creativity

RIVER FALLS – “My goal isn’t just to teach acting and theatre—it’s to help kids discover their creativity, their ability to express themselves, and their place in a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/5/25

Ridge Breeze Dairy, located at W2686 390th Ave., Maiden Rock, plans to expand its herd from 1,700 cows to 6,500.

‘We’re good operators, and we’ll prove ourselves’: Ridge Breeze Dairy’s permit for expansion approved by DNR

After a process spanning over a year, Ridge Breeze Dairy in the Town of Salem saw the approval of its permit for expansion from a 1,700-cow dairy farm to 6,500. The Nutrient Management Plan for the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/5/25

Ridge Breeze Dairy is located at W2686 390th Ave., Maiden Rock. The Wisconsin DNR is allowing the CAFO to expand from 1,700 to 6,500 cows.

DNR approves Ridge Breeze expansion; community says it’s not over

Pierce County, Wis. — On Feb. 20, the Wisconsin DNR announced their decision to issue a permit for Ridge Breeze Dairy to expand. Despite the DNR’s green light, many local people and … more

2/26/25

A rendering of the proposed Loberg Law Office building in Crossing Meadows.

Housing development proposal returned for changes, judicial center addition forwarded

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Plan Commission had a packed agenda Feb. 19, hearing the Judicial Center addition proposal, a new law firm building plan, more items on the C&E Wurzer apartment … more

By Andrew Harrington | 2/26/25

Local businesspeople who contributed to the “love boxes” distributed to area seniors pose in Blooms for Happiness with Tim Jennings (in the King of Hearts costume) and Tiffany Dux (just right of Jennings.)

Flowers and the farmer: Spreading cheer to RF nursing homes

RIVER FALLS – Their friendship started out thanks to a barn. Now, a local River Falls businesswoman and farmer team up during holidays to bring a spark of joy to senior living facilities. Throw … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/26/25

Deb Radle (left) and Harriet Rothe are pictured with the official pen and certificate of the first branch bank in the state of Wisconsin from 1967.

Lock this story in the 135-year-old vault

Driving into Plum City on this crisp 4-degree February day, church bells playing "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" can be heard signaling the noon hour. The hills surrounding the town serve as … more

By Greg Peters | 2/26/25

Kim Beebe (right) presents Donna Constant with the 2025 Ellsworth Community Leader of the Year award Monday, Feb. 17.

Ellsworth Chamber celebrates local excellence at 2025 Awards Banquet

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce brought the business community together for an unforgettable evening at its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Awards Banquet, The Chamber Royale. … more

2/18/25

Charity Lubich (right), PPCS vice president of member relations and human resources, presented Claire John and her horse Huck with the Live Better Community Service Award on Feb. 4.

Live Better Community Service Award presented to Claire John

ELLSWORTH – Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services is pleased to announce Claire John as the Live Better Community Service Award winner for the first quarter of 2025. John received the award and a … more

2/14/25

Snø Hill Chapel, located at N3699 730th St., Ellsworth, begins a new chapter in its 118-year-old existence as a community gathering place.

Snø Hill Chapel brings new life to former church

SNOWS CORNER – When Bethlehem Lutheran Church closed its doors for the last time in September 2023, the congregation didn’t know what would become of the little country church. But as the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/12/25

Megan Hausch has been appointed the interim CEO of the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.

Korpela to resign from RF Chamber, Hausch appointed interim CEO

River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Russ Korpela announced his resignation last week from the role he’s held for the past five-plus years. In an announcement to chamber members, Board … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/6/25

Citizen of the Year Jeremy Raverty is presented a plaque honoring the accomplishment from Chad Steger and Lisa Nelson Johnson.

It was a ‘Wild’ night at Prescott Chamber dinner

The Prescott Area Chamber of Commerce transformed the Old Ptacek’s Event Center into a scene from the Wild West Jan. 15 for its annual awards dinner. A big crowd on hand in support of the … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 2/6/25

This year’s ‘Best of 2025’ Awards poster design, 'Ellsworth’s High Rollers,' celebrates the bold spirit of our local businesses and their commitment to taking chances, making strategic moves, and investing in the community. Each award winner will receive a personalized, framed version to showcase their recognition. The design ties into the Ellsworth Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner theme, ‘The Chamber Royale,’ a nod to the risks and rewards of business ownership and the entrepreneurial drive that keeps Ellsworth thriving.

Final voting underway for Ellsworth's 2025 Best of Awards

ELLSWORTH –The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the finalists for the 2025 Best of Awards competition. After a highly competitive first round of voting, the community has … more

2/5/25

Best friends Sina Hill (right) and Beth Bible have opened Sarcastic Sisters gift shop at 355 W. Main St., Ellsworth.

Sarcastic Sisters opens in Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH – Sometimes best friends are as close as sisters, maybe even closer. Just ask Sina Hill and Beth Bible. These two feisty gals have teamed up to open a unique gift and … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/29/25

Pierce County Meats ‘ready-to-eat’ products recalled

ELLSWORTH – Pierce County Meats Inc. in Ellsworth has issued a voluntary Class II recall for packaged Ready-To-Eat (RTE) meat products. The affected products carry a mark of inspection for … more

1/29/25

Matthew Pawlikowski has opened Pawlikowski Consulting in the Ellsworth area, an IT consulting company.

IT consulting company comes to Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH — A new business owner has been welcomed to Ellsworth as Matthew Pawlikowski opened Pawlikowski Consulting, an IT consulting company. Pawlikowski spent 14 years in IT for a pet … more

1/29/25

The ALCIVIA train shuttle loading facility in Hager City is changing the landscape with plans to open April 2025.

ALCIVIA's Hager City facility will open doors to new customer opportunities

COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. – ALCIVIA, a member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative, is proud to announce the completion of several major construction milestones at its cutting-edge train shuttle … more

1/29/25

Jamie Benson, former River Falls School District superintendent

Former RF supt. takes on new role

Vogel Bros. Building Co., a construction management firm in south-central Wisconsin, announces the hiring of Jamie Benson as its education specialist. Benson brings 39 years of experience in … more

1/22/25

Ellsworth Creamery launches new logo, comprehensive rebranding initiative

ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Creamery, a renowned leader in the dairy industry and the “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin,” is proud to unveil its new logo and announce a comprehensive … more

1/22/25

Ellsworth Chamber Vice President Trent Nyhus presents The Thirsty Badger crew with the Best Restaurant, Bar & Tavern Award at last year’s Awards Banquet. 2024’s poster design theme was Ellsworth All Stars, which was a play on the teamwork, discipline, and resilience it takes to be successful in business. Accepting the award from Thirsty Badger is Reegan Spriggle, Bridget Armbruster, Dennis Armbruster, and Tom Holdorf.

Voting now open for Ellsworth’s 2025 Best of Awards: Celebrate Our High Rollers

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to kick off the 2025 Best of Awards competition. This annual event celebrates the businesses and organizations that make Ellsworth … more

1/22/25