Columns - Pierce County Journal

Rep. Warren Petryk: Stay prepared, Severe Weather Awareness in WI

April 8-12 is Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week. During this week Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are partnering to raise awareness of the need to … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 4/10/24

Woodworking again: Interminable garden bounty

One of the many lessons we’ve learned among the joys and sorrows of being unquashable planters, is that if you’re devoted to putting seeds in the ground and oohing and aahing at the … more

By Dave Wood | 4/10/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: The people's work undone

Last Tuesday the 2 nd of April was the spring election. It was clear based on the referenda questions on ballots throughout Wisconsin that something isn’t right. Headlines throughout the past … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 4/10/24

From the editor's desk: When childhood was fun

I don’t think it’s any secret that our kids are growing up much differently than we did. I’m sure I grew up much differently from my mom and uncles, who grew up in the 50s and 60s. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/10/24

A photo of crocuses in Chris Hardie's yard. Some of them were planted years ago by his mother.

Back Home: Spring captured in a flower

One certainty that I have learned over my long years is that nature moves at her own pace. Yes, we’ve done our worst to mess with the climate and destroy ozone, but nature slowly responds … more

By Chris Hardie | 4/10/24

My View: Keeping an eye on things here

On Monday, April 8, you people are all going to be wearing goofy glasses and staring at the sun for four minutes. I’m going to be wearing the goofy glasses I wear every single day and keep … more

4/3/24

Woodworking again: April is cruel

If you’re like me, you always look forward to April, thinking it’s going to be much better than the previous gloomy months, though we’ve been warned often enough by the privileged … more

By Dave Wood | 4/3/24

Rep. Warren Petryk: Voting to fix our roads

Spring is always a wonderful time of the year as the tulips emerge from the ground and the snow starts to melt. Besides tulips, another “flower” is starting to show itself as well, the … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 4/3/24

Sen. Jeff Smith column: Inexcusable

On Feb. 28 Gov. Evers signed Senate Bill 1015 into law. This bill moved $15 million that had been targeted for HSHS to expand behavioral health services into a new fund for helping with the HSHS … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 4/3/24

From the editor's desk: Creepy costumes

My family and I went to a buffet in a nearby city on Sunday for Easter dinner. It was definitely a treat to not have to cook or do the dishes. This way everyone got to eat exactly what they wanted … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/24

Woodworking again: The Wild Blue Yonder

Recently Ruth and I eschewed the doldrums of automobile trips to the deep South (not enough restrooms with elevated seats we oldsters need) and actually flew on a silver bird, Sun Country’s … more

By Dave Wood | 3/27/24

From the editor's desk: SNOW DAY!

I am in the wrong business. Just kidding, but I am the only person in my household who doesn’t get a snow day today (I’m writing this on Monday). My husband is a teacher, so he is about … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/27/24

My View: Heed the warning

I knew the weekend snowfall was going to come before most of you. In fact, I knew about it before many so-called weather experts. A few weeks ago, I attended a high school basketball game. … more

By John McLoone | 3/27/24

Rep. Warren Petryk: Session recap – making UW-Eau Claire Science Hall a reality

It has been my focus to make sure that western Wisconsin continues to be a leader in educating the next generation of medical professionals. That is why I collaborated with my local Republican … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 3/27/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Is your healthcare at risk?

We were hit hard in west central Wisconsin with the announcement that Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) would permanently close Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, St. Joseph’s Hospital in … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 3/27/24

Back Home: A strange spring indeed

One of the benefits of starting my seventh decade of life in Wisconsin is experiencing all kinds of weather and seasons – sometimes occurring on the same day. There’s usually one day … more

By Chris Hardie | 3/27/24

American Family Field, formerly Miller Park, might be getting some company in town if the MLB chooses Nashville for their impending expansion.

Column: The MLB is looking to expand, and WI stands to benefit

As the MLB considers expansion, there is a decision to be made on what locations should be chosen. There are six main cities being considered for a new franchise: Portland, Charlotte, Nashville, … more

By Joe Peine | 3/20/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Who wants to serve?

In the five years since taking office, Gov. Evers has offered appointments ranging from cabinet secretaries to numerous boards and commissions for confirmation in the Wisconsin State Senate. The … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 3/20/24

Rep. Warren Petryk: Spring legislative update

The 93rd Assembly District's constituents have benefited greatly from the current two-year legislative session. As your State Representative, I have read and received more than 3,000 … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 3/20/24

Woodworking again: Trots

How many of you readers out there used Cliff Notes when you were in school? C’mon now! Fess up! The pamphlets were everywhere back in the 1960’s. Yellow and black. The bane of English … more

By Dave Wood | 3/20/24