Columns - Pierce County Journal

Sustainability Matters: Planning for resilience

Does the price of groceries have you thinking about planting your own vegetable garden? Are you wishing you knew how to keep your lawn mower or chainsaw in tip-top shape? Do you love cooking with … more

By Robin Boles | 12/18/24

Woodworking again: Toys of my childhood

I’m a sucker for watching cable shows like “American Pickers.” My sister-in-law assures me it’s a total fake. Nevertheless, I learn something every time I watch pickers Mike … more

By Dave Wood | 12/12/24

Your Right to Know: Long waits undercut records law

The other day, in my role as an advocate for open government, I heard from a Wisconsin resident who has waited more than five months for records he requested from a local law enforcement agency. He … more

By Bill Lueders | 12/12/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Celebrating all traditions this holiday season

For most of us, this time of year is for celebrating. Once December hits we’re in the holiday season—Thanksgiving leading up to Christmas and then New Year’s celebrations. … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 12/12/24

From the editor's desk: Stubborn admissions

I’ve been accused of being stubborn, like it’s a bad thing. I personally feel it is part of my fine character. A more flattering term might be persevering, or perhaps determined. Anyway, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/12/24

Village President’s column: Leadership, advocacy, and Small Business Season

This month’s column covers a little bit of everything, so thank you for bearing with me! I’m excited to share that I’ve been appointed by League President Danny Helgerson to … more

By Becky Beissel | 12/11/24

Woodworking again: Plymouth & the real William Bradford

Years ago, my cousin Elsie sent me a copy of our genealogical past. First it seemed like a lot of folderol, with too many dates and funny names like Ezra and Ezekiel. But I kept at it, admiring … more

By Dave Wood | 12/4/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Spring turkey deadline approaching fast

Many people are probably sick of turkey at this point, others may still be finishing up those leftovers in the fridge, but others are thinking about turkeys in another way. The deadline to apply for … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 12/4/24

From the editor's desk: Alas, gun deer season is past

The 2024 gun deer season has drawn to a close and so sink my husband and sons into a deep depression. Well, not quite, but I know they cherish the nine days together hunting. This year my husband … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/4/24

Woodworking again: Riposte

Riposte—noun, A quick, sharp return in speech or action; to reply or retaliate. ~ Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary If you’re anything like me, you’d like to be a master of … more

By Dave Wood | 11/27/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Moving forward together

“I just want you to get along and get things done.” I have heard several versions of that statement over the years from countless citizens. But rarely does the legislature satisfy that … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 11/27/24

From the editor's desk: Taking Madison by storm

There’s no question that this has been a tough year for our family, but we have much to be grateful for. When I'm feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, I remind myself of all the blessings that … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/27/24

Bill Barth: Let the Constitution be senators’ guide

“Elections have consequences. I won.” – Barack Obama, Oct. 25, 2010 “Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and … more

By Bill Barth | 11/27/24

Woodworking again: Family saga continued

Last week I revealed that I discovered my great grandpa’s 57 years of diaries, but found them not very revealing of his character, so resolved to discover his acquaintances still alive who knew … more

By Dave Wood | 11/20/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Perspective is important after elections

I know this is a time of recovery after a long and grueling election season. It’s when we all need to take deep breaths and resolve ourselves to accept the results no matter how we voted. Some … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 11/20/24

From the editor's desk: Something skunky

I have some new neighbors of whom I’m not particularly fond. No, they don’t have loud parties. They don’t store ugly rusting cars in their yard. They’re of no certain … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/20/24

Back Home: Nature is calming medicine

My preparations for the upcoming gun deer season took me on a walk through the woods the other day. While my purpose was to prepare my deer stand, I also needed the walk for therapeutic reasons. … more

By Chris Hardie | 11/20/24

Sustainability Matters: The American Bald Eagle, a symbol of resilience

At the Second Continental Congress in 1782, the American Bald Eagle was chosen to be the symbol of the United States of America. With outstretched wings, the eagle was given a place of honor at the … more

By Robin Boles | 11/20/24

Sustainability Matters: What is a Climate Action Plan?

As I write, parts of the South are still without safe water and other essential resources after not one but two deadly hurricanes in as many weeks. If these types of weather events teach us … more

By Robin Boles | 10/23/24

Sustainability Matters: Why is it important?

What is sustainability? What does it mean to be sustainable and why is it so important? How might sustainability impact our lives on a day-to-day or long-term basis? What can you or I do to be more … more

By Robin Boles | 9/25/24