Columns - Pierce County Journal

From the editor's desk: The Wisconsin Goodbye

Have you ever heard of the term “the Minnesota Goodbye?” It should also be called the Wisconsin Goodbye, because it’s just as prevalent here and I honestly cannot stand it. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/4/24

Woodworking again: The fabulous 'fifth quarter'

I’ve been turning stomachs lately during conversations about food favorites on my dining list. People say stuff like “ugh,” and “uff-da,’’ and … more

By Dave Wood | 9/4/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: In vitro fertilization, family and politics

Raising children is expensive, and solving infertility can be a fortune. Couples trying to conceive experience the joy of a positive pregnancy test and the horrendous heartbreak of miscarriage. … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 9/4/24

Woodworking again: Fun with words

MALAPROPISM—a confused use of words in which an appropriate word is replaced by one with a similar sound but a ludicrously inappropriate meaning. From the French “mal a … more

By Dave Wood | 8/28/24

Rep. Warren Petryk: Continuing to invest in our community schools

In a few days, students across the 93rd Assembly District will return to the classroom. They will be greeted by our dedicated teachers, eager to help them learn and begin the new school year. And … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 8/28/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Labor stats reveal gaps

We all know that Wisconsin’s minimum wage is stuck in the last century. I mean, who can actually afford to live on $7.25 an hour? That’s $1,160 a month at 40 hours a week, which is hardly … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 8/28/24

From the editor's desk: Turning a blind eye

Growing up, my best friend made fun of me for coming down with strange illnesses that most kids we knew didn’t get. I was the one out of all of us to get pneumonia, the Beijing flu, mono. What … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/28/24

Back Home: Summer vacations remembered

The summer season is winding down but August was usually the month for our family vacations – which were difficult to come by when you lived on a dairy farm. It was a month after the … more

By Chris Hardie | 8/28/24

Woodworking again: Ishy food I have known

Over the years I’ve discovered that my Norwegian ancestors have taken a bad rap in the international culinary world for their passion for that dreaded dish—Lutefisk, created long ago to … more

By Dave Wood | 8/22/24

Rep. Petryk: Prioritizing workforce development and

Every September we join other states in celebrating National Workforce Development Month. During this month we aim to spotlight the vital role that workforce programs play in connecting people with … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 8/22/24

Know Your Legal Rights: Disagree with land use zoning decisions? Here’s what you can do

Many people become upset when their local government enacts new zoning ordinances or makes zoning decisions that can alter the neighborhood or community, such as by allowing commercial businesses in … more

By Kathleen Henry | 8/22/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Forever chemicals need to go

Over the past few years, you’ve no doubt heard of the expansive PFAS problem contaminating our drinking water and surface waters in Wisconsin and throughout the country. But what exactly are … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 8/22/24

From the editor's desk: The unforgettable Kam

My mother’s best friend Kam was like a second mother to me growing up – or maybe more like a fun aunt. Some of my earliest memories are from her house on Fourth Street in River Falls, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/22/24

Woodworking again: Elsie Pirsig earned her stripes

The Beautiful Wife and I recently sloughed off months of depression worrying about the upcoming presidential election. We’re sad, but glad that Joe Biden bowed out, and also joyous that … more

By Dave Wood | 8/22/24

Veteran Views: Pierce County Veterans Golf Tourney coming up

The Pierce County Veteran Service Office had a very successful and amazing four days at the Pierce County Fair to honor and pay tribute to all Pierce County Vietnam Veterans and their … more

By Pierce County Veterans Service Office | 8/22/24

From the editor's desk: The four best days of summer

Well, another Pierce County Fair has come and gone. I’m sad it’s over, but relieved at the same time. So is my wallet. We couldn’t have lucked out with the weather anymore than … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/14/24

An old bell once used to summon farm workers to dinner still stands outside Chris Hardie's back porch.

Back Home: Bell ringing conjures memories

“Do you know where you are going?” My assignment as an 11-year-old on a hot summer day was to rake hay. The sun was shining, the hay was cut and we were going to bale hay. … more

By Chris Hardie | 8/14/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Let's help kids get back to school

As summer fades away and the new academic year begins, the ritual of going back to school takes on renewed importance. I remember growing up and feeling the flutter of anxiety as I gathered … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 8/14/24

Becky Beissel, Ellsworth village president

Village president column: Taking responsibility for our assumptions

As we enter the final 90 days before the 2024 presidential election, the nation’s collective tension seems to be rising by the day. Unfortunately, the charged political climate is beginning to … more

By Becky Beissel | 8/14/24

Woodworking again: Ellen Corby's fruitful career

As a fellow who has frittered away more than a good share of my spare time, I’ve taken a good deal of guff from friends and foes for spending so much of my time in front of the silver … more

By Dave Wood | 8/8/24