Features - Pierce County Journal

A rendering of the redesigned youth and teen areas of the library remodel project.

RF library remodel project headed to bidding stage

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls Public Library is moving along in its process seeking a major remodel, heading to the bidding stage shortly to determine exact costs of each portion of the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/13/25

ECSD Hall of Fame introduces inaugural class

The Ellsworth Community School District will welcome the following people to inclusion in the newly formed Hall of Fame. These individuals represent a wide array of community supporters, pillars of … more

3/5/25

Prescott Legion Membership Chairman Al Behrendt (left) giving former Commander Jerry Klasen (right) a lifetime membership status certificate.

How community and volunteerism saved the Prescott Legion building

PRESCOTT — Many American Legions have faced declining enrollment across the nation. Prescott’s (American Legion Post 61) on the other hand is thriving after the community helped save the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 2/26/25

The Pierce County Fair and Pierce County 4-H are collaborating to provide this informational event to potential and veterans fair exhibitors.

Event will teach people to ‘Prepare for the Fair’

ELLSWORTH – Have you ever thought it might be fun to enter something in the Pierce County Fair, but were unsure where to start? Or maybe your child is involved in FFA or 4-H but wants to try a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/18/25

Mike "The Piano Man" Lesmeister has been a hot air balloon pilot for over 27 years.

Experiencing an ‘affair with hot air’

For many Pierce County residents trudging north on their Friday morning commute, they may have witnessed an army of hot air balloons floating their way east down the I-94 corridor as the sun's rays … more

By Greg Peters | 2/14/25

The Martell Schoolhouse, built in 1905, still stands proudly on Highway 63 near the Rush River, thanks to the efforts of a nonprofit group called Friends of the Martell Schoolhouse.

Martell Board ‘investigating options’ regarding future of schoolhouse

TOWN OF MARTELL — The approximately 120-year-old Martell Schoolhouse building has established itself as one of Pierce County’s most recognizable buildings. Its future, though, is not as … more

By Andrew Harrington | 2/5/25

Sarah Jarocki, breast cancer survivor, serves on the Pierce County Relay For Life leadership team.

Cancer changes us, but we can change cancer

It's virtually impossible to transition from Greg Focker in the movie "Meet the Parents" to a news article about two local breast cancer survivors and the Pierce County Relay For Life this April, … more

By Greg Peters | 2/5/25

Plum City physical education teacher Michael Merritt recently earned a pilot’s license, putting it to good use by taking a pair of district staff and a student on a flight.

Plum City teacher scores pilot’s license, takes district staff for a spin

PLUM CITY — Michael Merritt, a physical education teacher in the Plum City School District, got his pilot’s license to open the year and put it to good use, taking a pair of teachers and … more

By Andrew Harrington | 1/29/25

Jeffrey the Snowman stands 49 feet tall. Proceeds from free-will donations benefit college scholarships for Polk County high school students.

‘Jeffrey the Snowman’ built in memory of RF man

There have been famous snowmen through the decades. "Frosty the Snowman" first appeared in 1950. It was a song written by Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson. "Sam the Snowman" was voiced by Burl Ives and … more

By Greg Peters | 1/29/25

The cast of this year’s Great River Road Theatre’s production, “Death by Chocolate,” coming to the stage beginning Jan. 31.

‘Death by Chocolate’ hits the stage Jan. 31

PRESCOTT – “Members of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort are dropping like flies, including famed chef Edith Chiles! On the eve of the grand re-opening, this is not the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/22/25

River Falls Sports Broadcasting's Kevin Westhuis (left) presents an $11,000 donation check to CVTC Development & Grants Officer Emily Kovatch-Erickson (middle) and CVTC Campus Manager Melissa Wilson (right) at Tarnation Tavern in River Falls earlier this month.

CVTC receives Man-Up Movement $11,000 donation

Some may say Emily Kovatch-Erickson is selling blue sky and dreams. Kovatch-Erickson would disagree. She is the development and grant officer at Chippewa Valley Technical College in River Falls. It's … more

By Greg Peters | 1/22/25

Mary Waters (right) with other members of the Power of 100 Women - River Falls group. The group has raised over $300,000 for local nonprofits since 2018.

Mary Waters named RF Citizen of the Year

Mary Waters, a 76-year-old long-time River Falls resident who has made a positive impact in many ways in the city, was named the Citizen of the Year by the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism … more

By Andrew Harrington | 1/15/25

Former local newspaper editor dies at 75

Longtime former River Falls Journal Editor Judy Wiff unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 6 at her home while sleeping in bed. She was 75 years old. Friends said Wiff always referred to Harshaw, … more

By Greg Peters | 1/15/25

River Falls senior football player Jack Silloway receives care from RFHS Athletic Trainer Tina Montepetit. "This is where I'm supposed to be," said Montpetit.

Tina the Trainer: ‘This is where I’m supposed to be’

It was a perfect night for high school football in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; the Wildcat season opener for 2024 in late August. Gametime temperature at kick-off was 73 degrees. Like a Bob Ross … more

By Greg Peters | 1/2/25

Jan Anderson, her family and supporters attend a Jan. 18 Prescott riverfront improvement project public information meeting and listened as Alderperson Pat Knox speaks to those gathered.

2024 Year in Review: Looking back on an eventful year

Wow, 2024 was quite the year. At the Journal, we added two new reporters with Ellsworth native Andrew Harrington and River Falls business owner/volunteer/broadcaster Greg Peters. As your … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/2/25

Kinni Cohousing hosting informational event to find interested community members

RIVER FALLS — Cohousing is a foreign concept to many, with Kinni Cohousing looking to change that by gathering interested community members to construct a cohousing project in River Falls. To … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/26/24

Pictured are (from left) Dr. Keith Bratulich from Hudson Physicians, Dr. Chris Tashjian of MHealth Fairview and co-founder of the Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties, Dr. Bob Johnson.

New leadership takes over as founders step down from Free Clinic of Pierce & St. Croix Counties

PIERCE & ST. CROIX COUNTIES — After 17 years of dedicated service, the Free Clinic’s founding partners, Dr. Bob Johnson and Mary Conroy-Johnson are stepping back (but not away) from … more

12/18/24

Becoming a full-time newspaperman: Peters joins Journal staff full-time

'Tis the season for gift giving! I recently received one from Pierce County Journal owner John McLoone and News Editor Sarah Nigbor. It wasn't a Red Ryder BB Gun like Ralphie received on his ninth … more

By Greg Peters | 12/18/24

Winner of the 2024 Arts Heroes awards were Amy and Bill Sylvander and Chris Falteisek (left), pictured with HPAC board member Casey Johnson.

HPAC celebrates the arts, looks forward to opening of new art space

The Hastings Prescott Arts Council held its Gala for the Arts Sunday evening at the Hastings Arts Center. The event gave the organization the opportunity to update attendees – both in-person … more

By John McLoone | 12/12/24

Parishioners built a new ramp in January 2024 at Tabor Lutheran Church. Next on the list is painting the church, located between Bay City and Maiden Rock on Highway 35.

Tenacious Tabor: A country church’s heart lives on

BAY CITY – Tabor Lutheran Church may be small but its congregation, led by 99-year-old Pastor Gene Hasselquist, is mighty. The public is invited to a special Christmas service at 10 a.m. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/11/24