Columns - Pierce County Journal

Rep. Warren Petryk: Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

As your state representative, I want to draw attention to the significance of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day which occurred recently. This day offers our community a vital chance to get together … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 1/26/24

Woodworking again: 'Is he a little off?'

A half century ago when first I married the B.W., I made a big mistake by almost irritating my new mother-in-law Elsie Pirsig, a fine lady, but one I certainly didn’t want to alienate. So what … more

By Dave Wood | 1/26/24

My View: A kinder, gentler winter

I might go outside this week. It seems like it’s getting back to being my kind of winter. El Niño is my friend. The weather pattern sweeps warmer waters our way, making winter more … more

By John McLoone | 1/25/24

KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS: New Year, New Legacy: 6 Resolutions for Smart Estate Planning

Every day, I hear the words “we should have done this years ago.” Estate Planning is extremely important for asset protection, ensuring your legacy, and protecting your family. It’s … more

By Sidney Shaffer | 1/25/24

Crews began demolishing the former Ellsworth Junior High at 254 S. Chestnut St. Monday, Jan. 22. Demolition is expected to take about two months. The Ellsworth Community Development Authority is working on the wording for an RFP, looking for potential developers of the 2.35-acre site. The CDA, at its Jan. 18 meeting, said its open to all housing development ideas, whether it’s multi-family, condos, single-family, mixed types, etc. Village President Becky Beissel said the village has requested a cost estimate for saving some of the decorative brick from the building.

From the editor's desk: Love of historic buildings

If only walls could talk, think of the stories they would have to tell. This was the thought running through my head as I drove by the old Ellsworth Junior High as its demolition began on Monday. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/25/24

Chris Hardie's snowblower was up to the task after a recent repair job and some friendly persuasion.

Back Home: It's snow fooling around

As we settle into winter and the appearance of that four-letter word that is both cherished and hated, I’d like to take a moment to thank J.W. Elliot. It was Elliot, hailing from Toronto, … more

By Chris Hardie | 1/25/24

From the editor's desk: I'll take winter any day

Well, well, well, it looks like winter has finally arrived! For this winter season, I am considering my official winter start date to be Jan. 12, 2024. That is when it actually snowed more than 1 … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/17/24

The new left hip is being tested within hours of being replaced.

Back Home: On the road to recovery

All journeys begin with a step. I thought about that as I ventured outside for the first time since my left hip was replaced eight days ago. Slowly, one foot in front of the other, I walked … more

By Chris Hardie | 1/17/24

Woodworking again: No good deed goes unpunished

“No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” … more

By Dave Wood | 1/11/24

Rep. Warren Petryk: Expanding opportunities in apprenticeship and Youth Apprenticeship

During this legislative session, our primary focus has been on passing impactful legislation to ensure that our local businesses thrive by having access to necessary talent. In collaboration with … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk By Rep. Loren Oldenbug | 1/11/24

From the editor's desk: What is your Sisu?

In past columns, I’ve talked about my Finnish heritage. I am half Finnish (on my dad’s side) and one-quarter Swedish, one-quarter Norwegian on my mom’s side. I grew up knowing … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/11/24

Woodworking again: The words of Edgar Guest

Any ink-stained wretch (what fancy folks called a newspaper columnist) will tell you that his word hoard occasionally runs dry, and that’s what happened to me recently; fortunately, I am … more

By Dave Wood | 1/4/24

My View: A few good years left

I’ve kind of been at a loss for words. I’m coming off a one-year hiatus from writing this column, so you better watch out. I’m back, and do I have some exciting stories to tell … more

By John McLoone | 1/4/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: New year, new opportunities

The New Year is a time to look ahead, set goals, and make changes for the better. The best way forward is to glance backward, taking stock of what went well and what can be improved. Then, with … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 1/4/24

From the Editor's Desk: Wisconsin's card game

I may be in the minority (or am I?), but I am not liking this brown winter. My bald tires appreciate the dry pavement and getting new tires is first on my list for 2024, but I would be thrilled with … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/4/24

Chris Hardie poses for his 60th birthday photo.

Back Home: Aging not so gracefully

“Those who love deeply never grow old, they may die of old age, but they die young.” —Benjamin Franklin “By the time you’re 80 years old you’ve learned … more

By Chris Hardie | 1/4/24

Woodworking again: Paper route at Christmas

For years here in River Falls, I’ve been struggling with the fecklessness of our paper delivery person. Until a year ago, we received the Star Tribune only about half the time. As a pensioner … more

By Dave Wood | 12/28/23

Sen. Jeff Smith: A bipartisan bedrock to build on

While this is the time of year for reflection, it’s also a time when we should look forward. Families may have celebrated weddings, births and other life changing events – these are the … more

12/28/23

From the editor's desk: My Christmas wishes

It’s two days before Christmas and I have plenty left to do. Grocery shopping (which you know I hate), present wrapping, cooking, baking, cleaning, writing my Christmas cards (yes, I am behind) … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/28/23

Back Home: Learning about AI

Back in the days when I ran newsrooms, I was fond of telling folks that the simplest definition of news is “what people are talking about.” I was reminded of that when I stopped in … more

By Chris Hardie | 12/28/23