Features - Pierce County Journal

Freedom Park Executive Director Linda Schenk introduced some of the people who played a role in the Freedom Park Visitor Center’s 20 years, including the people who set the work into motion, those who have kept progressing it forward and the current board that has allowed it to thrive.

Freedom Park celebrates 20 years on the Great River Road

PRESCOTT — What is now Freedom Park Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center has come a long way since its public opening as Scenic Tourist Park in 1918. In 1981, the park was chosen as the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/20/26

A fisherman enjoys the benefits of a Trackchair at a Kinnickinnic River Land Trust outing.

Limitless Cycling pedals the healing power of storytelling

“Social isolation and loneliness are leading concerns in our community. The opportunity for our riders to share their stories with us is one of our guiding principles. Storytelling is healing. We … more

By Tom Lindfors | 5/20/26

Jeanette, Don and Jenna Juetten with Jeanette’s mother Kathy Hetzel.

Hetzel’s legacy of giving lives on through family’s food pantry endowment

RIVER FALLS — Kathy Hetzel was always a silent giver in the community. When she passed away in August 2025, it was important to her daughter, Jeanette Juetten, to make sure that her money went … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/20/26

Charles White and Doc Holberg at the River Falls American Legion Post 121 Memorial Day ceremony in Greenwood Cemetery.

2026 Memorial Day observances honor those who served

Memorial Day allows us the opportunity to remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the freedoms they fought for. “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/20/26

River Falls native Annie Frisbie finished in the top 10 at the Boston Marathon with a personal best 2:22:00 time.

Frisbie can fly: RF native finishes top 10 at Boston Marathon

From afar, River Falls native Annie Frisbie seemingly went from high school runner, to collegiate All-American, to top 10 finisher in the Boston Marathon overnight, but there were years of hard work, … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/20/26

Tyler Frye, of Casco, fills a water glass in this 2024 photo. Frye and his wife discovered years ago that their well was contaminated with high levels of nitrates and chose to install a reverse osmosis system to make the water safe to drink.

Mississippi River groups tell feds to act on nitrate contamination

Mississippi River conservation groups are among a broad coalition urging the federal government to take action against nitrate contamination in drinking water, which they say has reached "crisis … more

By Madeline Heim Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | 5/14/26

The Glen Park Swinging Bridge was built 100 years ago in River Falls, a landmark that has stood the test of time.

Celebrating 100 years of the Swinging Bridge!

RIVER FALLS – The iconic Swinging Bridge in River Falls celebrated its 100 th anniversary Saturday at Glen Park with a presentation on its history, photos of the bridge throughout the years … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/13/26

UW-River Falls senior and Alice in Dairyland finalist Gabby Huitema stands with Goober, a five-year-old Holstein cow, at the university's Mann Valley Farm. Two UWRF alums, Michelle Stangler and Jessica Moor, are also finalists.

Falcon Futures: Student 1 of 3 Alice in Dairyland finalists with UW-River Falls ties

RIVER FALLS — The University of Wisconsin-River Falls will be well represented when Wisconsin’s next Alice in Dairyland finals are held May 14-16 in Marathon County. Half of this year’s … more

5/6/26

Volunteers Yolanda O’Brien (left) and Clair Wuebben stage diapers at the Operation HELP Resource Center.

Operation HELP provides hope by facilitating change

“The basic purpose of non-profits is to create change, to address a problem, to make things better. We are in the business of change. Letting people know that change is possible is hope,” said … more

By Tom Lindfors | 4/22/26

Glass Valley Cemetery, located on County Road E in the town of River Falls, has had requests for green burials, according to Cemetery Committee Chair Jerome Rodewald.

Green burials present alternative option after death

According to the Green Burial Council, “A green burial (or natural burial) is an eco-friendly funeral practice designed to allow a body to decompose naturally and return to the earth, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/22/26

The River Falls Public Library renovations brought a ton of changes to the building, but the fan favorite may be the addition of the book return window.

RF Library anchoring community sustainability efforts through renovation practices, Earth Fest event, landscaping plans

A library is often a pillar of the community, and the River Falls Public Library is no different. The City of River Falls is filled with residents focused on sustainability, and the library reflects … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

River Falls High School freshman Claire Miller has taken first place the last two years in the WI Land+Water Youth Education Committee Annual Conservation Awareness Poster Contest in grades 7-9.

RFHS student combines art and conservation into amazing talent

A River Falls High School freshman has won first place in a state conservation poster contest two years in a row, representing Pierce County and Wildcat Pride. Claire Miller was the first-place … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/22/26

The aftermath of the Walker Farm April 6 barn fire that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of ducks and chickens, three dogs, a pony and cats.

‘We’re not giving up’: Walker Farm to hold public memorial after tragic barn fire

RIVER FALLS — After coming home from football practice April 6, the Walker family discovered a small kitchen fire in their home caused by a package of scissors left on a burner that was … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/15/26

Bethel’s Basement Blessings was the recipient of the Power of 100 – Ellsworth Spring Impact Award of $10,000. Their group is pictured with the Power of 100 – Ellsworth core team, including (back row, from left) Melissa Ryden, Kaydi Sobottka, Kayleen Jakes, Emily Langer, Katie Feuerhelm, Crystal Raleigh and Amy Loberg.

Power of 100 – Ellsworth awards $10K to Bethel’s Basement Blessings

The Power of 100 – Ellsworth group held its annual Spring Impact Meeting Thursday, April 9, where members voted to award $10,000 to the nonprofit group Bethel’s Basement Blessings. The other two … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/15/26

Tabor Lutheran Church, located at N1298 530th St., Bay City, remains a beacon of hope and community along the Great River Road between Bay City and Maide Rock.

A beacon of hope on the hill: Tabor Church marches on

BAY CITY – As visitors ascend a steep hill on the Great River Road between Bay City and Maiden Rock, a white steeple comes into view. The bright white country church has been a beacon of hope and … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/8/26

Ellsworth junior Trevor Doherty is now an Eagle Scout. Along the way Doherty has done a lot of good for the community including creating a Cairns Woods trail sign.

Doherty’s years of work earn him Eagle Scout nod

Ellsworth junior Trevor Doherty has made it to Eagle Scout after years of hard work climbing the ranks. “It’s a sense of accomplishment. I’ve been working toward this, and many people work … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/1/26

Jesus (Riley Hackbarth) preaches to his followers after performing one of many miracles.

GALLERY: ‘The Passion of Christ’ begins Holy Week

SPRING VALLEY – The story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection unfolded before the eyes of the audience at the Spring Valley Stagehands theater the past two weekends, bringing Christ’s story … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/1/26

All are encouraged to purchase an inscribed 4-inch by 8-inch paver for the American Legion Post 61’s incoming Veterans Memorial. To purchase, use the attached barcode.

Severson inspires Legion Post 61’s Veterans Memorial

PRESCOTT — Over the last 20 years, Navy veteran Jerry Severson and his wife Rose have placed flags in the Prescott Cemetery for all the community's veterans. Severson, who died in October at age … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26

(From left): Julie Severson Magee, Rose Severson and Gordy Magee received a shadow box March 19 from American Legion Post 61 in recognition of their work caring for veterans’ graves.

Prescott American Legion embraces Flag Memorial Project

For more than a decade the Severson family has ensured veterans buried in Prescott’s cemeteries are remembered each Memorial Day. A veteran himself, Jerry Severson — who served in the U.S. Navy … more

3/25/26

Stephanie Huppert, a 2026 Honorary Survivor, grew up on a dairy farm in Pierce County. After graduating from Prescott School District, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She lived in Ellsworth for many years before returning to Prescott. In November 2024, she began experiencing abdominal pain. After seeing my doctor and being referred to a surgeon, a CT scan revealed a mass on the head of her pancreas, leading to a suspicion of cancer.

‘Second chance at life’: Honorary cancer survivors to speak at Relay For Life

RIVER FALLS — Relay For Life has become one of the most powerful community events in the area over the years, stuffing the River Falls High School Gym year after year as community members hear from … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26