Columns - Pierce County Journal

May 1 is Law Day: Help us support the cornerstones of democracy

Democracy and the rule of law seem to be in retreat throughout the world: not only in Iran, Russia, and Hong Kong but also in countries such as Mexico, Poland, and Hungary. What has happened to … more

By Margaret Wrenn Hickey and Larry J. Martin | 5/4/23

From the editor's desk: We have to start somewhere

I try to be a positive person, but sometimes it’s hard to feel positive. Especially with the events occurring around our nation, county and towns. It seems like every day brings another story … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/4/23

Back home: A surprise spring lesson

I’m putting the blame squarely on Mother Nature’s shoulders, but it’s happening again this year, despite my best efforts to prevent it. Despite a brief tease of spring … more

By Chris Hardie | 5/4/23

Sen. Smith: We have become uncomfortably numb

There are many issues that grab headlines. Too often the hot topics hold our attention for a day or two and then are relegated to the back pages or disappear entirely. These are the issues that … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 5/4/23

Woodworking again: Horticultural economics

The snow has disappeared from our garden and I’m aching to get in and plant lettuce, but BW shouts “too early!” and I have to be content with remembering garden adventures of years … more

By Dave Wood | 4/27/23

Rep. Petryk Spring Budget Survey now online

The debate over Wisconsin's budget and the state's priorities for the following two years has already begun. My goals in this budget are to continue to support our excellent schools, maintain … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 4/27/23

Sen. Smith column: Life-saving emergency services, who pays?

When you call 911, you expect with rock-solid confidence there will be someone to answer the call. You also expect help is on the way. Confidence in the midst of a catastrophe is taken for granted … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 4/27/23

SCEDC column: Prom is still da bomb

For better or worse, another rite of passage for senior high students is prom. Just like the first robin in mid-March, residents of Wisconsin’s St. Croix Valley will soon witness well-dressed … more

By Bill Rubin | 4/27/23

From the editor’s desk: 'Flooded’ by memories

I feel for the people living along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers who are affected by the flooding. A drive along the Great River Road last week was eye-opening. Homes and businesses in many … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/27/23

Back home: More winter storm memories

Can anyone honestly say they are really surprised that Old Man Winter isn’t quite done? As of this writing on the morning of April 17, there are 14 inches of snow outside driven by a … more

By Chris Hardie | 4/27/23

Your Right to Know: End Wisconsin’s secretive ‘pocket veto’

Recently, Wisconsin Watch revealed how members of the Wisconsin Legislature’s powerful budget committee secretly hold up projects or programs they don’t like. They often … more

By Dee J. Hall | 4/20/23

Woodworking again: My idea of a great book

Books of both fiction and non-fiction are various and appeal to different readers with different tastes. I, for one, am attracted to books about places and things with which I'm already acquainted. … more

By Dave Wood | 4/20/23

Sen. Smith column: Power, balance and the status quo

The English language has many words loaned from Latin, and the phrase “status quo” is one of the most recognizable. “Status quo" is Latin for “existing state,” and in … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 4/20/23

From the editor's desk: Morning madness

It’s hard being a morning person in a family of non-morning people. Because I become the one who has to get the grumpy ones up. Thank goodness for our dog and cat, because they are cheery in … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/20/23

MU law pollster Franklin says this state Supreme Court race will be copied

In the wake of liberal Janet Protasiewicz's double-digit percentage win over conservative Daniel Kelly comes a variety of predictions: Wisconsin will turn blue in a big way; Republicans won't win … more

By WisPolitics.com | 4/20/23

Back home: Late season snow memories

Late season snow storms always take me back to March 24, 1979 in the tiny town of Franklin in Jackson County. My feet were wet, and I was beginning to shiver as the three of us stood at the dark back … more

By Chris Hardie | 4/13/23

From the editor's desk: Barn cats and Grandma didn’t mix

My animals never cease to entertain me. Trapper the Bagle hound and Snuggles the cat are a comedy show in themselves. I keep telling them to get a job to earn their keep; maybe I need to hire them an … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/13/23

Op ed: Ideas from a Dark Sky Advocate

International Dark Sky Week “Discover The Night” is April 15-22, 2023 and is a reminder to turn off unnecessary exterior lights in the evening and marvel at the infinite grandeur of the … more

By Helen Crary Stassen, Oak Grove Township | 4/13/23

Petryk column: Reimagining unemployment insurance

Following the overwhelming support at the polls on Tuesday, April 4 from Wisconsin voters to ensure that the state continues to focus on assisting people in finding work, we are reintroducing … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk By Sen. Romaine Quinn | 4/13/23

Woodworking again: Despair over motel chains

D'you know what's wrong with most large motel chains? We found out recently on a trip that began in Wisconsin Dells, moved on to Madison, and ended miles later in my home county of Trempealeau, hard … more

By Dave Wood | 4/13/23