Columns - Pierce County Journal

Sen. Jeff Smith: Unpacking the funding gap

Over the past decade, you’ve probably noticed more and more referenda questions on your ballot to help fund your local school districts. While there are many reasons for why a school would … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 9/26/24

A box of Cortland apples picked from a tree on Chris Hardie’s farm.

Back Home: The seasons of life

I sat on the back stoop on the cusp of autumn, coffee in hand, and bade goodbye to summer. “Seems like I hardly knew you,” I said. Summer sighed, reluctant to move on. But … more

By Chris Hardie | 9/26/24

Woodworking again: Pierce County Historical Association newsletter

For the past year I’ve been laboring over my hometown’s history writing historical pieces to celebrate the town’s sesquicentennial. It’s an onerous task because until … more

By Dave Wood | 9/26/24

From the editor's desk: Why, oh why?

Sometimes I fear readers will become sick of reading about my not so exciting, work- and chore-filled life or the next episode in what seems like a medical soap opera like “General … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/26/24

Rep. Warren Petryk: Helping students get a workforce credential

As Chairman of the Workforce Development Committee, I have worked to ensure that our state invests in programs and ideas that will make an impact on our workforce shortage crisis. One way I have done … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 9/26/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Harm reduction kiosks save lives

Fentanyl is an extremely powerful synthetic opioid, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin, and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is typically used to treat severe pain following major … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 9/26/24

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

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