Business - Pierce County Journal

Steve Pfeiffer is the new Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First National Bank of River Falls.

First National Bank of RF announces new Senior VP-CFO

RIVER FALLS – First National Bank of River Falls (FNBRF) is pleased to announce Steve Pfeiffer as its new Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Pfeiffer joined FNBRF on February … more

3/19/25

ALCIVIA cut its ribbon at the Hager City rail loading terminal March 12, opening its doors to area farmers to tour and learn about the facility.

Grain to train: ALCIVIA opens new grain terminal

HAGER CITY — ALCIVIA’s long-awaited 40-acre grain rail loading terminal with 3.9 million bushels of storage space was unveiled to the area’s farmers March 12, showcasing an … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/19/25

my Radunz, Ellsworth, was elected to NCBA’s Region III Federation of State Beef Council’s Vice President position.

Ellsworth beef producer named VP of Federation of State Beef Councils

The 2025 Cattle Industry Convention was recently held in San Antonio, Texas, and a number of Wisconsin cattle farmers attended to participate in Beef Checkoff programs and meetings. Checkoff … more

3/19/25

Ridge Breeze public financing up in the air after backlash

Ridge Breeze’s application for $18 million in public financing through the Public Finance Authority is up in the air following public backlash and questions about what the money would be used … more

3/19/25

St. Croix EDC announces the Scale-Up Challenge

ST. CROIX COUNTY – The St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), in partnership with the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center and the UW-River Falls Small Business Development … more

3/13/25

PPCS staff Becky Bradburn (left) and Barb Bee (right) presented Neil Kline of the Family Resource Center of St. Croix Valley with a $1,000 check to support their Special Events and Play & Learn series.

Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services awards first quarter grants

ELLSWORTH –Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) recently awarded first-quarter grants to local non-profits. The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved $2,000 through the Federated Youth … more

3/13/25

Through our Panther Pride Pumps initiative, 3¢ from every gallon purchased at the Consumers Cooperative/Cenex store in Ellsworth will be donated to support the school district.

Consumers Cooperative fuel pump program to support Ellsworth schools

ELLSWORTH – Consumers Cooperative Oil Company (Consumers Cooperative) is excited to announce a new partnership with the Ellsworth Community School District, reinforcing its commitment to … more

3/13/25

The Pierce County Journal received first place for its government reporting at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest.

PCJ honored at Wisconsin Newspaper Association banquet

MADISON – The Wisconsin Newspaper Association honored the work of newspapers across the state during its 2024 Better Newspaper Contest Awards Banquet on Friday, March 7, 2025 at The … more

3/12/25

Midwest author to speak on effects of ‘factory farms’

BAY CITY – At 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, GrassRoots Organizing Western Wisconsin (GROWW) members and other locals are speaking with Minnesota author and farmer’s daughter Sonja Trom … more

3/12/25

Artist Randi Hoyt created a mural at The Garage Bikes + Brews honoring Liv Cycling founder Bonnie Tu, in honor of Women’s History Month.

RF businesses showcase Women’s History Month

RIVER FALLS – If there is one thing River Falls is known for, besides the Kinnickinnic River, it’s a supportive and welcoming business community. This month, local businesses in the City … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/12/25

Riders stop at the Nauti Hawg in Hager City during a previous Flood Run.

Flood Run back for 60th year, moves to three-day event for historic ride

The Flood Run has become one of the most popular motorcycle riding events, spanning the Minnesota and Wisconsin border as far north as Hudson and south as Winona. The route has been renowned for its … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/12/25

From left: Samuel Richards (Purina), Liz Zolondek (River Bluff Humane Society), Debra Hampton (Purina), Rachel Gesmer (Purina).

Purina delivers $20,000 to River Bluff Humane Society

HAGER CITY – Team members from Nestlé Purina in Hager City recently presented a $20,000 donation to River Bluff Humane Society to upgrade the shelter’s HVAC system. The donation … more

3/10/25

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