Features - Pierce County Journal

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

The cast and crew of Ellsworth High School’s “Around the World in Eighty Days!”

EHS presents ‘Around the World in Eighty Days!’

ELLSWORTH – Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with Ellsworth High School’s rendition of “Around the World in Eighty Days!” hitting the stage March 27-29. Journey along with … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/25/26

Plum City FFA and ag students at the Quad County Soil Judging Day.

Plum City FFA Alumni group sparking up to support students’ futures

PLUM CITY — Kayla Clare, who owns Clare Repair in Plum City along with her husband, is looking to start an FFA alumni group to support students in the organization. The group is welcoming any … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26

Award-winning author Michele Payn will be speaking at The Farm to Table Connection, an event at UWRF University Center on March 21 that will highlight where food comes from.

Farm to Table Connection event to show consumers where their food comes from

RIVER FALLS – With food at the grocery stores being covered in labels, some self-explanatory, others not so much, award-winning author Michele Payn hopes to clear the confusion when speaking … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/18/26

St. Francis School fifth grade students received 250 brown trout eggs in November for their Trout in the Classroom project, made possible by an EXCELL Grant from the Ellsworth Community School District Foundation.

Taste of Tuscany helps give students a little extra

ELLSWORTH – If you’re looking for something to look forward to, especially after last weekend’s March blizzard, mark Thursday, May 28 on your calendar, the date for Ellsworth Community School … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/18/26

John "Jack" Hines, a longtime community leader in numerous Ellsworth and Pierce County organizations, died March 13, 2026 at age 89.

‘An incredible heart for Ellsworth:' Community, business leader Jack Hines’ dedication remembered

If Jack Hines hadn’t worked so hard to make the greater Ellsworth area as strong as it is, it would be tough to sustain a loss like this. John “Jack” Jerome Hines - the man who made … more

By John McLoone | 3/18/26

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Pastor Sam Crass has served the Prescott congregation for just over one year.

‘The apple doesn’t fall from the tree:’ St. Paul’s Pastor Sam serves his flock

PRESCOTT – Pastor Samuel Crass, who prefers to go by Sam, has been at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Prescott for just over a year and has grown to love the community. He began serving … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/11/26

Six-year-old Sofie Killam has lived with degenerative epilepsy since infancy. A fundraiser will be held March 28 at Ellsworth Elementary to raise money for her medical expenses.

‘Sundaes for Sofie’ fundraiser set for March 28

ELLSWORTH – Thirteen-year-old Grady Larson wants the world to know about his cousin Sofie Killam and is asking the community to help her family. Sofie is 6 years old and has degenerative … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/25/26

(From left): Megan Hausch, director of development, United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys; Trica Trowbridge, 211 program director, United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys; Lori Novak, 211 community resource specialist, United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys.

Give Big Valleys returns April 28, uniting 6 counties for one day of local giving

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys (UW Valleys) is inviting nonprofit organizations and community members across Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties to take part in … more

2/11/26