Features - Pierce County Journal

PRESCOTT – Prescott is the next community in the region to become home to a Power of 100 Women organization and the inaugural impact meeting will be held Oct. 3 at The Old Ptacek’s Event … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/11/24

Junior Fair Flowers & Houseplants Superintendent Krista Klecker oversees the judge and an entrant during judging on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Champions: Pierce County Junior Fair results for 2024

Congratulations to the 2024 Pierce County Junior Fair champions! Your hard work and dedication paid off. Dept. 1J – Registered Dairy Cattle Class A – Junior Champion Registered … more

9/4/24

Lisa Nelson Johnson has been named the 2024 Prescott Daze grand marshal. She is known throughout town for her dedication to community service.

Johnson named 2024 Prescott Daze grand marshal

PRESCOTT – Prescott Daze 2024 is right around the corner, and Grand Marshal Lisa Nelson Johnson is ready to proclaim that “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere,” the theme for … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/4/24

Dispatcher Wendy Fleury fields a call during the night shift at the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.

The Night Shift: Pierce County Dispatch

ELLSWORTH — When people are facing some of the worst or most stressful moments of their lives, it is often up to a 911 dispatcher to remain calm, get the necessary information and get the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/28/24

Located on a private driveway near Zywiec’s the Smallidge farm once hosted a Russian tour group, resulting in a visit to the Soviet Union to teach farming.

CG farmer tells story behind mystery sign at Prescott Community Club

Gene Smallidge knows a thing or two about farming. Now 84 years old and a farmer for 64 years (including 55 years at his current location), Smallidge comes from a farm family, the tradition starting … more

By Joseph Back | 8/22/24

With the bird flu popping up in nearby states, the Pierce County Fair took precautions to avoid a spark.

Pierce County Fair proceeds with caution amidst bird flu outbreaks

ELLSWORTH — With dairy herds in 12 states, including Minnesota and Iowa, being detected for bird flu (H5N1) according to the Wisconsin State Journal, the Pierce County Fair and other Wisconsin … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/21/24

Those who served during the Vietnam era (1955-1975) were honored with a thank you certificate and commemorative pin by the Pierce County Veterans Service Office Sunday, Aug. 11 at the Pierce County Fair.

Ceremony honors, thanks Vietnam era vets

ELLSWORTH – A few tears were shed as Vietnam era veterans were honored and thanked for their service during a ceremony at the Pierce County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 11. The ceremony, led by … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/21/24

The Pierce County Connect & Thrive kick-off event will feature music by Half Shebang.

ADRC plans series of events and partnerships to combat social isolation

According to the Administration for Community Living, prevalence of social isolation and loneliness in the nation has surpassed smoking and obesity. Act on Alzheimer's says these issues can be major … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/21/24

The Power Wheels competition for kids kicked off the 59th annual Ellsworth Demo Derby at the Pierce County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 10.

Ellsworth Demo Derby is back and better than ever

ELLSWORTH – It was a packed house at the Ellsworth Demo Derby Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Pierce County Fairgrounds. The crowd was electric, the vehicles were roaring and fans were cheering as the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/21/24

The barns of the fairgrounds held showcases of animals including pigs, goats, cows, horses, llamas and more.

GALLERY: 'Small Towns, Big Hearts' at the 2024 Pierce County Fair

The four best days of summer, known as the Pierce County Fair, have come and gone. Screams emitting from the tilt-a-whirl, the smell of kettlecorn and burgers frying, the lows of cows as they get … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 8/14/24

Don Fritz, of Elmwood, received the 2024 Most Admired Senior Citizen Award at the Pierce County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 11.

Don Fritz named Most Admired Senior Citizen

Elmwood resident Don Fritz, who is devoted to serving his community, was named the Most Admired Senior Citizen for 2024 at the Pierce County Fair. Each year, the fair honors person(s) age 60 and … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/14/24

Curt & Judy Dumermuth built their El Paso home 26 years ago overlooking the Rush River and the El Paso parade route.

Dumermuths named 2024 El Paso honorary citizens

TOWN OF EL PASO – Longtime El Paso residents Curt & Judy Dumermuth have been designated the 2024 El Paso Days honorary citizens. The pair built and designed their home 26 years ago on … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/9/24

Larry & Linda Traynor are the 2024 El Paso Days grand marshals. They talked about their El Paso roots in the El Paso Bar & Grill last week.

Traynors chosen as El Paso Days grand marshals

TOWN OF EL PASO – Did you know Honeycrest Farms on County Road BB is a suburb of El Paso? Well, if you didn’t, you do now. At least according to this year’s 2024 El Paso Days grand … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/8/24

10 questions for an officer: Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda

The Pierce County Journal appreciates the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities. We also want to help you get to know the men and women behind the badge in … more

8/2/24

Honoring the first PA technician at the Pierce County Fair

Another face will be added to the Memorial Wall in the Kenny Hines Building this year at the Pierce County Fair: The fair’s first public address system technician Raymond Koller. The ceremony … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/31/24

Bailey Sherwin, Pierce County Fair Sheep Superintendent

Meet some of the new 2024 Pierce County Fair superintendents

The Pierce County Fair is known for it’s plethora of 4-H and Open Class exhibits, all of which would not happen without the volunteer superintendents who head each department. This year, … more

By Noah Windsor | 7/31/24

Steve & Sue Galoff on their Cady Creek Valley farm, which has been in Steve’s family for more than 100 years. They will be honored at Century Farm ceremonies at both the Pierce County and Wisconsin State fairs.

Galoff’s ‘KD Ranch’ to be honored as a Century Farm

As you drive through the Cady Creek Valley, tall trees tower like sentinels over the scene, clinging to the rocky bluffs the Elmwood are is known for. Fertile farms fields stretch across the valley … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/31/24

River Falls Fire Department welcomed nine new members to its ranks Monday, July 15 with a ceremony at Glen Park.

River Falls Fire welcomes 9 new members

RIVER FALLS – On Monday, July 15, the River Falls Fire Department welcomed nine new firefighters to its roster during a badging ceremony in the Glen Park Pavilion. The ceremony, led by Fire … more

7/31/24

This year’s new ride at the Pierce County Fair is the 60-foot pendulum called the Viper. It was built in the Netherlands and shipped to the United States by ship.

The magic behind Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway

The magic of the Midway at the county fair is a memory that lasts a lifetime. The lights, the screams as thrill seekers try new rides, the smell of pronto pups and funnel cakes, the heat of a summer … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/31/24

Both Gary Eloranta and Gene McKahan have served with the River Falls Fire Department for 50 years. They were recently honored July 15 for their service.

River Falls Fire Department celebrates a century of service

RIVER FALLS – On Monday, July 15, River Falls Fire Department members past and present gathered at Glen Park to celebrate a rare milestone in the fire service. Firefighters Gene McKahan and … more

7/25/24