Business - Pierce County Journal

Harley Hotchkiss of Diamond Bluff owns and operates Premium Plots LLC, which specializes in growing strong food plots, tree removal, stump grinding, lawn services and snow removal.

Diamond Bluff veteran turns love of hunting into a career

DIAMOND BLUFF – Diamond Bluff native and Prescott High School Class of 1999 graduate Harley Hotchkiss comes from a long line of veterans, which inspired his path to join the service at age 17. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/5/25

Elmwood veteran Dean Marsh rides in the ring at Lost Creek Ranch in Beldenville

Lost Creek Ranch gives veterans chance to connect with horses

BELDENVILLE – A couple of weeks after the Pierce County Fair, Dean Marsh took his first horse ride at Lost Creek Ranch. He was hooked. The Elmwood veteran went to the ranch’s Beer, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/5/25

Eagle Eye Farm in rural River Falls is home to multiple alpacas, known for their gentle nature, curiosity and hypoallergenic fleece.

Eagle Eye Farm set to host ‘Pasture Palooza’

RIVER FALLS – The countdown is on for a new fall tradition: Pasture Palooza at Eagle Eye Farm, an all-day celebration of community, agriculture, and family fun, set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/22/25

Mother daughter due Linda Parenteau (left) and Melissa Persico have opened Margaret Rose Afternoon Tea at 367 W. Kinne St. in Ellsworth.

Margaret Rose Afternoon Tea opens in Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH – “New careers can start at any age, especially if done for fun.” This quote kept Linda Parenteau going throughout her years in the manufacturing industry. She … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/15/25

The Maiden Rock Mercantile, located at 497 County Road S, celebrated its opening in June with a ribbon cutting.

Maiden Rock Mercantile aims to be community hub

MAIDEN ROCK – A place to gather, connect and celebrate community: That is what the Gerends brought to Maiden Rock with the opening of the Maiden Rock Mercantile in June. The … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/1/25

Three generations of Langer men at the Big River Corn Maze on their family land (from left): Bailey Langer, Ken Langer Sr., and Ken Langer Jr.

Big River Corn Maze is a family affair, set to open Sept. 26

PRESCOTT – A new fall attraction is set to open for business on Friday, Sept. 26 along the Great River Road on a farm that’s been in the Langer family for four generations. Kenny … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/24/25

Melissa “Mei Mei” Abdouch, front, and a crew of volunteers assembled 200 meals and gifts to donate to patients, families and caregivers at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital last month.

A mission to give back: Mei Mei leads local businesses in donating 200 meals

RIVER FALLS – On Monday, Aug. 25, Melissa "Mei Mei" Abdouch of Mei Mei's Cookies & Creamery in River Falls delivered and served 200 meals and gifts to patients, families, and caregivers … more

9/10/25

A July 31 image of North Grant Street in Ellsworth during its reconstruction project.

PCEDC Municipal Survey results put emphasis on housing, business

The Pierce County Economic Development Corporation released results from the 2025 Municipal Survey, where community leaders were tasked with sharing their “vision for economic growth.” … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/10/25

Director Sheri Marnell stands in front of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls. The SCVBIC is now taking applications for micro-grants to support area businesses with growth expenses, supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center to help businesses grow with micro-grants supported by WEDC

RIVER FALLS –The St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls will use a $100,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to help area businesses … more

9/3/25

SV Chamber looking to regroup after mass board resignation

SPRING VALLEY – The Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce was left without a board in June when the entire board resigned, accusing village staff and the village board of being anti-business, a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/13/25

River Falls' Eli and Nolan Condon run "Bomb Squad," a professional pooper-scooper business in the area.

The Feculent Fighting Fish Bomb Squad

Fishmeal, by definition from Merriam-Webster, is partly made from fish waste and manure and used as fertilizer. River Falls Fighting Fish pitcher Eli Condon's stuff on the mound has been nothing … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/16/25

Dr. Greg Miller has opened Cascade Primary Care in River Falls.

Cascade Primary Care brings patient-centered direct primary care to RF

RIVER FALLS – Cascade Primary Care with Dr. Greg Miller is proud to announce the launch of its Direct Primary Care (DPC) practice in River Falls, offering a groundbreaking subscription-based … more

7/16/25

First National Bank of River Falls President and CEO Jeff Johnson will take over as chairman of the board for the bank.

New chairman for First National Bank of RF Board, same community focus

RIVER FALLS — After about nine years as chairman of the First National Bank of River Falls Board, Sandy Smith Wurm officially retired. Bank President and CEO Jeff Johnson will take over in the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/3/25

Joe Hines (left) and Dean Hines (right) have worked for 102 combined years at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery.

‘We’ve only been taught one thing’: Hines brothers combine for 102 years worked at creamery

ELLSWORTH — With 102 years of hard work under their belts at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Joe Hines is now enjoying retirement and his brother Dean Hines is winding down his career. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/2/25

The intersection of Broadway and Wall streets in Ellsworth’s East End is home to many businesses, including Danny Dunn’s, Broz, Hair Traffic Control, Hines Insurance Agency and Snowball’s Bar.

East End Redevelopment planning process underway

ELLSWORTH — East End’s future has long been discussed by Ellsworth village representatives, business owners and community owners, but now, a plan for the area’s redevelopment has … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/2/25

Marlee May Erlandson was full of life and energy, bringing smiles to everyone she met during her short yet impactful life.

Marlee’s Bake Shop grand opening set for June 27

Many people in Ellsworth and the surrounding area are familiar with the delicious and detailed cookies baked by Josie Erlandson of Frosted Haven. Her next adventure, Marlee’s Bake Shop, is set … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/26/25

The Clare family has worked hard to take JM Watkins to the next level, and they are thrilled to be seeing things through.

Watkins Meats excited for what’s to come after opening new facility

PLUM CITY – JM Watkins Meats has put the finishing touches on its exponentially larger new facility at the corner of Highway 10 and County Road CC. They opened their doors to the public June 16 … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/25/25

Sarah Jenkins has been a realtor in River Falls since 2017, the last four years with Property Executives Realty.

Home is where the microphone is

When you walk into realtor Sarah Jenkins' office on Second Street in River Falls, it does feel like home. Her renovated office looks like a brand-new home from the outside, but on the inside, that's … more

By Greg Peters | 6/18/25

River City Stitch reveals brand new addition

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce usually holds their monthly "Coffee and Chat" at Ptacek's IGA in Prescott. "It's a time to come and chat with members and have some donuts and coffee,” … more

By Greg Peters | 6/11/25

Nearly 100 people took to the Bay City Village Hall to hear from GrassRoots Organizing Western Wisconsin on the status of the contested case with Ridge Breeze Dairy regarding its expansion.

‘We aren’t giving up’: Residents continue to push back on Ridge Breeze expansion

Area residents gathered in Bay City to hear from GrassRoots Organizing Western Wisconsin (GROWW) leaders on the contested Ridge Breeze Dairy expansion permit’s status and the latest news with … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/4/25