Columns - Pierce County Journal

An old bell once used to summon farm workers to dinner still stands outside Chris Hardie's back porch.

Back Home: Bell ringing conjures memories

“Do you know where you are going?” My assignment as an 11-year-old on a hot summer day was to rake hay. The sun was shining, the hay was cut and we were going to bale hay. … more

By Chris Hardie | 8/14/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Let's help kids get back to school

As summer fades away and the new academic year begins, the ritual of going back to school takes on renewed importance. I remember growing up and feeling the flutter of anxiety as I gathered … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 8/14/24

Becky Beissel, Ellsworth village president

Village president column: Taking responsibility for our assumptions

As we enter the final 90 days before the 2024 presidential election, the nation’s collective tension seems to be rising by the day. Unfortunately, the charged political climate is beginning to … more

By Becky Beissel | 8/14/24

Woodworking again: Ellen Corby's fruitful career

As a fellow who has frittered away more than a good share of my spare time, I’ve taken a good deal of guff from friends and foes for spending so much of my time in front of the silver … more

By Dave Wood | 8/8/24

From the editor's desk: It's PC Fair time!

As I write this column, I am sitting in the Silver Barn at the Pierce County Fairgrounds Tuesday morning, trying to multitask by attending the rabbit show to support my daughter and fellow 4-H club … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/8/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Every vote counts

Voting is just like exercise. The more you do it, the stronger you become. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of participating in elections, especially … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 8/8/24

Woodworking again: Grandma bids me fond farewell

After my mother died in 1945, my father remarried in 1947 and I was removed from my grandma’s and grandpa’s tender care in their big old house and resettled with my new family on the edge … more

By Dave Wood | 8/8/24

From the editor's desk: A better spectator than athlete

I have never been accused of being even remotely athletic, so I am in absolute awe of any athlete who excels at their sport(s). God did not see fit to bless me with coordination, speed or grace; my … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/8/24

Rep. Warren Petryk: Community engagement and volunteerism

As your state representative for Wisconsin's 93rd Assembly District, I am continually inspired by the spirit of community that defines our area. From the bustling streets of River Falls to the … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 8/8/24

Jeff Smith column: Consequences for JFC inaction again

When a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? How about when the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) removes an agency’s funding request before it even sees the … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 8/8/24

Mayor's Message: Tolerance is crucial to our society

It is finally summer! After about nine months of cool, sometimes cold, and wet weather, we are finally into the heat - which is the best part of the year. Just remember to get out and enjoy it as … more

By Mayor Dan Toland | 7/25/24

Embracing the summer travel season at The Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center

As the warmth of summer envelops the Midwest, the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center is thrilled to welcome travelers exploring the picturesque Great River Road Highway 35. This season, our … more

By Linda Schenk | 7/25/24

Woodworking again: Another fish tale

Recently the Kinnikinnick Society of Tasty Hamburger Questers met at the 66 th restaurant we have evaluated in the past, this one called Muddy Waters in Prescott, and found one of the tastiest yet, … more

By Dave Wood | 7/25/24

From the editor's desk: A needed vacation

I finally took Dave Wood’s advice and I went on vacation last week. I spent five days camping with four teens/tweens, a dog and my husband, no running water and no indoor bathroom. Maybe not a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/25/24

Barth column: Courts to presidency, crashed by partisans

Most of the time these columns stick pretty close to home, on topics about the people and places around the region and state. This one ranges a little farther afield, about the current state of … more

By Bill Barth | 7/25/24

Back Home: The work and fun of baling hay

I had a dream the other night. It was a hot summer day and I was in the hay mow stacking bales. I could feel the chaff on my sweaty skin, hear the chatter of the elevator chain bringing … more

By Chris Hardie | 7/16/24

Sen. Jeff Smith: Shameless politicians

Since 2017, the University of Wisconsin System has been under what we might call a restructuring. It began with integrating the UW two-year campuses with UW four-year institutions and assigning … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 7/16/24

Rep. Warren Petryk: Protecting your voice in Madison through referendum questions

People have been asking me about the two referendum questions that are on ballots for the Aug. 13 election. Despite their peculiar wording, the questions address your fundamental right to be heard … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 7/16/24

THE CAPITOL REPORT: Rare lopsided Supreme Court decision backs Evers

The 4-3 liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is doing a lot of the expected things -- restoring absentee ballot drop boxes, taking up abortion cases and the like. What may not … more

By WisPolitics.com | 7/16/24

From the editor’s desk: Confessions of a mischievous imp

When I was a child, I might have looked like a curly golden-haired angel, complete with innocent blue eyes magnified by my giant, plastic 80s glasses (which for reasons I cannot fathom are making a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/16/24