Features - Pierce County Journal

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

PJ Hines and daughter Allysha Hines are two of the volunteers from Plum City/Union’s 100% volunteer fire department.

The Night Shift: Plum City/Union Fire Department

PLUM CITY — The Plum City/Union Fire Department has been 100% volunteer led since 1911. Fire Chief PJ Hines said it is not about the money for them, but helping people and serving the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/25/24

The Adult Summer Library Program at River Falls Public Library is all about engaging in the community and learning what the library has to offer.

Adventures await at River Falls Public Library

RIVER FALLS – If you’re looking for fun things to do this summer, look no further than the River Falls Public Library’s Adult Summer Library program. From Bingo to walking, running … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/16/24

This graphic outlines the steps taken to select a family to own and live in a home built by St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat plans to build more homes in Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH – The mission of St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity is simple: To help people find a safe, affordable place to call home. And contrary to some people’s beliefs, that … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/16/24

Over 100 people gathered at the Elmwood Auditorium on July 11, many of whom spoke in opposition to a proposed Ridge Breeze Dairy expansion.

‘This is a factory, this is not a farm’: Locals speak in opposition of proposed Ridge Breeze Dairy expansion

ELMWOOD - With 140 people in attendance and more than 300 people signed up to join virtually, dozens of testimonies were given, largely in opposition of the expansion of Ridge Breeze Dairy on July 11 … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/16/24

Act 1, Scene 1 of “Disney’s Beauty & The Beast” shows Belle, played by Lindsay Bundgaard, interacting with the villagers.

A review: ‘Beauty & the Beast’ brings fairytale to life

SPRING VALLEY – The Spring Valley Stagehands have reached new heights with their rendition of Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast.” The good news is you still have time to see … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/16/24

Patrol Sergeant Logan Dohmeier of the River Falls Police Department shares his story, the differences between the day and night shift and how departments can gain support from the community.

The Night Shift: River Falls Police Department

When the streetlights come on in Pierce County, it signals the waning hours of the day for the majority. For others, the day is just getting started. Ensuring safety of the community is a … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/10/24

Wes Dopkins, who attended school in Prescott, went missing in Wyoming during a kayak trip in the Grand Tetons.

Former Prescott man goes missing in Wyoming

“It’s something in the back of your mind as a parent. Anything can happen. We’re no different than anybody else. Tough stuff happens to everybody.” The words of … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/10/24

Community members enjoy hot dogs at the Fourth of July celebration in Diamond Bluff.

Volunteers help Diamond Bluff host community events

Festivals and community events have grown to extreme popularity in the Midwest, bringing people together in both the most and least populated communities. In Diamond Bluff, a group of volunteers have … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/10/24

Flooding of the Mississippi River has overtaken Saratoga Park and the Bay City Campground, as pictured on Saturday, June 29. It looks like children will have to wait to swing or play basketball.

A wet June causes widespread flooding

The National Weather Service issued yet another flood warning at 9:03 p.m. Monday, July 1 for the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, in effect until Sunday afternoon, July 7. According to the … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 7/3/24

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kristie Smith share speeches on affordable housing at a build site in River Falls on June 11.

Lieutenant governor visits site of Habitat for Humanity build in RF

RIVER FALLS — St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity’s modular home build site played host to Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez on June 11, as Rodriguez spoke on affordable housing at South Apollo … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/19/24

Randy and Lori Larson in front of their house at LoRan Rolling Acres.

Annual Dairy Breakfast heads to Plum City

PLUM CITY — The Pierce County Dairy Breakfast is returning for another year of food, fun and dairy education when it heads to LoRan Rolling Acres in Plum City on June 15. LoRan Rolling … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/12/24

Claire John may be a young woman of few words, but she doesn’t need to be chatty to connect with her beloved horses.

A girl and her horse: Claire John’s special bond with all things equine

RIVER FALLS – There’s a saying that dogs are man’s best friend, and while that may be true for some, horses can also be a girl’s best friend. Just ask River Falls High School … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/12/24

Elsie’s Barnyard found Mandy Fleming greets attendees of the first ever Animal Fashion Show Sunday, June 2, which raised money for the nonprofit organization that caters to children who face adverse medical conditions. The goal was to raise $10,000, and they met their goal.

GALLERY: Elsie’s Barnyard raises $10,000 in fashion show

Elsie’s Barnyard is a non-profit organization dedicated to “restoring and strengthening the hearts, minds and souls of children and families facing adverse medical conditions through … more

6/12/24

Members of the Eau Galle-Rush River Sportsman’s Club have been planning a 50th anniversary celebration. Pictured are (from left): Arby Linder, Lin Linder, Scott Kiefer, Lanette Place and Bruce Place.

Eau Galle-Rush River Sportsman’s Club celebrates 50th Anniversary

Great ideas can be born in the middle of the night. Just ask the members of Eau Galle-Rush River Sportsman’s Club, who are about to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of their organization. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/12/24

Pierce County’s Bob Traynor was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in April at a ceremony in Wisconsin Dells.

Traynor inducted into Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame

MADISON — Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development is excited to announce the 2023 & 2024 Hall of Fame Laureates including 10 volunteers, supporters and staff who have impacted Wisconsin 4-H. … more

6/12/24

From Prescott grad to west coast director

Pierce County has hosted many people that have reached high heights in many different fields. One of those people, Prescott High School Class of 2016 member Andrew Taylor, is finding a place in film, … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/5/24

Mark Stoesz (left) and Tim Conway (right) take in the sunrise during their walk from Ellsworth to River Falls to raise awareness and money for Wyatt Nelson’s medical journey.

Former principals walk to RF to raise awareness for Ellsworth graduate

ELLSWORTH — After about 13 miles, over four hours and roughly 28,000 steps, Mark Stoesz and Tim Conway completed their journey of walking from Ellsworth to River Falls High School that started … more

6/5/24

Coby Clark with his lawnmower after the Make-A-Wish celebration May 24 at DeSanctis Park.

Wish comes true for 10-year-old River Falls boy who battled brain tumor

RIVER FALLS — If you could wish for anything, what would it be? Some people would say money, a new car or an extravagant vacation, but for Coby Clark, a 10-year-old from River Falls, it was the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/5/24

River Falls School Resource Officer Chris Gottfredsen

10 questions for an officer: School Resource Officer Chris Gottfredsen

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

5/29/24