Columns - Pierce County Journal

Back Home: We need more visiting in the world

The 1970s were certainly economically challenging times for our country. We went from a recession to stagflation to high unemployment and high interest rates. Time has a way of easing … more

By Chris Hardie | 4/16/25

Woodworking again: Homemaking – Town and Country

In the first half of the last century, roles of women changed rapidly. Rural women slopped the hogs, collected the outpouring of eggs from her chickens, which financed the rural church down the road … more

By Dave Wood | 4/9/25

From the editor's desk: The master of April Fool's

Normally I don’t get into April Fool’s Day, but this year, I woke up with a mischievous glint in my eyes. Maybe I’m starting to feel like myself again. Or maybe I’m just sick … more

4/9/25

Join or die: The power of community connections

I recently watched the documentary Join or Die , which follows the work of Robert Putnam, a social scientist who spent decades studying what makes communities thrive. Early in his career, he … more

By Becky Beissel | 4/9/25

My View: Skating away

I thought you were supposed to get wiser as you get older. I think I’m getting dumber by the decade. For days last week, weather alerts were popping up on my mobile device alerting me … more

By John McLoone | 4/3/25

From the editor's desk: 'Hard work never hurt anybody'

My great-aunt Betty Larson recently turned 101 and our reporter, Andrew, did a great job interviewing her about her life and wisdom. She was married to my grandma Thelma’s brother, Irvin, and I … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/25

Rep. Kreibich column; WI State Assembly votes to protect women’s sports

Recently in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Assembly Bills 100 and 102, which together make up the Saving Women’s Sports Act, were passed with bipartisan support, which is rare to see in the … more

By Rep. Rob Kreibich | 4/3/25

Woodworking Again : ‘A Kook Flew over a Pierce County Nest’

(A serio-comic account of two weeks’ time spent in a western Wisconsin hursing home.) I’ll admit it! I am the Kook, and I am the fool who ignored my Beautiful Wife’s admonition … more

By Dave Wood | 4/3/25

Woodworking again: Croquet story

I guess I’m not particularly looking forward to Spring on the horizon when it’s inevitable I will be traveling over to Minnesota to join our croquet-playing group at Carlson’s … more

By Dave Wood | 3/27/25

From the editor's desk: Surviving teenhood

I’m trying to be patient and understanding, I really am. Unfortunately, patience isn’t my strong suit. My grandmother preaching to me that “Patience is a virtue” just never … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/27/25

Back Home: Spring day clears the mind

There comes a day every year in the midst of the dance of the seasons when winter allows spring a brief interlude. Since we live in Wisconsin, that day may come in late February or late … more

By Chris Hardie | 3/27/25

From Horseplay to Heroes: All Mine to Give

I'm not a psychologist, but I think grief is an emotion meant to be shared. Sharing stories and remembering loved ones can lift us up. It is love’s way of evening the score. For there can be … more

By Greg Peters | 3/27/25

Woodworking again: Band blues

One of the things I’m reminiscing about while I’m lolling in my recuperation abode is getting together with my old band buddies and having a great time while playing ridiculously bad … more

By Dave Wood | 3/19/25

Corporate America: No Friend of Sustainability

Allow me to step onto my soapbox for a moment… America is in the midst of an identity crisis. Who are we, and what do we stand for? In times past, discussions of our identity … more

By Robin Boles | 3/19/25

From the editor's desk: It's Sunshine Week March 16-22

Each year in mid-March, newspapers and media outlets across the country celebrate Sunshine Week, and this year is the 20 th anniversary. Sunshine Week, which coincides with James Madison’s … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/19/25

My View: Road tripping

My kids have changed. First of all, they aren’t kids anymore. They’re adults. It used to be at this time of the year, we’d be scheming some kind of a family trip. Now, our … more

By John McLoone | 3/13/25

Woodworking again: Cleanliness is next to ...

Until recently I was a clean guy. For years, for example, I had the routine of getting up at 6:30 a.m. to make my way to the local Y, where I was required to take a hot soapy shower before I could … more

3/13/25

From the editor's desk: Going on holiday

Last week when I wrote about my eventful spring break road trip to North Carolina, it brought back memories of other road trips I’ve been on. Heading down the highway in my vehicle is my … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/13/25

Ellsworth: A relationship worth nurturing

I spent my Sunday afternoon diving into a new book, Your City is Sick by Jeff Siegler. The overarching theme of the book is about the relationship we have with our communities; how they shape us, how … more

By Becky Beissel | 3/13/25

Woodworking again: Rosanne redux

A couple weeks ago, I pored (or was it BORED?) you with what amounted to a doctoral dissertation explaining how and why comic strips sometimes grow up and others stop in their tracks. This week … more

By Dave Wood | 3/5/25