Features - Pierce County Journal

The Community Folk Dance held Nov. 2 at Bay City Village Hall drew about 120 people, from ages 0-82.

Group aims to bring back community dances

BAY CITY – Community dances used to be a regular occurrence in tight-knit rural communities across the nation, a place to meet potential suitors and mingle with friends. They are making a comeback … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/11/26

ECSD Hall of Fame 2026 inductee William “Cubby” Huber, Distinguished EHS Alumni, Class of 1968, 1950-2025.

ECSD Hall of Fame to induct 3 new members

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Community School District Hall of Fame will induct three new members posthumously at this year’s second annual banquet, set for March 21. These individuals represent the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/11/26

Brooke Glaus, pictured with husband Erik, almost died after becoming septic after emergency surgery.

GoFundMe set up to support Glaus family after medical scare

ELMWOOD – A fundraiser has been set up by family friends for Elmwood School Board President Brooke Glaus, who is recovering from a life-threatening medical emergency. She and husband Erik are the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/11/26

The cast of Ellsworth Middle School’s “The Music Man Jr.,” with Director Isabella Devereaux-Hanson and Assistant Director Weston Morley.

‘The Music Man Jr.’ brings nostalgia to Ellsworth stage

ELLSWORTH – Nostalgia is about to hit the stage with Ellsworth Middle School’s debut of “The Music Man, Jr.” this weekend. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. Feb. 5-7 and 2 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Ellsworth … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/4/26

More than 100 people gathered in River Falls’ Veterans Park on Jan. 25 for a candlelight vigil to honor Alex Pretti, a man shot and killed by ICE on Jan. 24.

City, RFSD and local police share information regarding ICE’s Pierce County presence

An influx of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis has since led to ICE operations in nearby suburbs, including in Pierce County. Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda … more

By Andrew Harrington | 2/4/26

River Falls Fire Department Capt. Cody Peterson died Jan. 21 at age 36. A funeral service is set for Thursday, Jan. 29 in Pine City, Minn.

RF Fire Capt. Cody Peterson remembered for being mentor

The River Falls Fire Department announced the death of Firefighter and Captain Cody Peterson, age 36, on Wednesday, Jan. 21. According to a post on social media from RFFD: “Cody passed away … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/28/26

A benefit to help two local businesspeople, Erin Powers of Bo Jon’s Floral & Gifts, and Ray LeMay of Ray’s Hen House, is set for Jan. 31 at the River Falls Golf Club.

Fundraiser to support 2 RF families facing medical hardships

RIVER FALLS — A community fundraiser benefiting two local families will be held from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at the River Falls Golf Course. Proceeds from the event will be split evenly between … more

1/21/26

Red Wing native and “Chicago P.D.” actor Patrick John Flueger and his girlfriend, Reem Amara, visited River Bluff Human Society to help raise awareness for its mission.

Chicago P.D. star visits River Bluff Humane Society

RED WING, Minn. – Actor and animal lover Patrick John Flueger recently visited River Bluff Humane Society (RBHS) to help raise awareness about their mission to help homeless animals find … more

1/21/26

After graduating from River Falls High School in 2025, Parker Bruesewitz started a metal band called HOUSEOFNEGLECT that was eventually joined by fellow RFHS Class of 2025 member Connor Bamman.

RF Class of 25 duo making a name in the metal music world

Parker Bruesewitz, a 2025 River Falls graduate, has had a love of music from a young age. “I was about 4 or 5 years old, and I was walking through a mall and I saw a [Kiss band member] Gene … more

By Andrew Harrington | 1/21/26

Tiny Home Summit set for Jan. 29

RIVER FALLS – Every night in River Falls, people experience homelessness. The public is invited to join six River Falls churches in cooperation with Our Neighbor’s Place to learn about a project … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/21/26

Ellsworth High School Class of 2020 grad Faith Mitchell was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in December.

Help Faith’s fight against Hodgkins Lymphoma

ELLSWORTH – An Ellsworth High School alumna recently received a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis, and her family and friends are holding a benefit to help with her expenses. Faith Mitchell, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/14/26

McCoulter Eaton preserved a historic Prescott American Legion Post 61 sign. He is pictured with Mary VanSchoonhoven from the Pierce County Historical Association.

Prescott American Legion Post 61 preserves a piece of history

Prescott American Legion Post 61 recently replaced the sign out front of the post—but made sure its history was not lost in the process. With the help of local craftsman McCoulter Eaton, the … more

1/7/26

A hot air balloon flies overhead at Vino in the Valley.

Uniquely Wisconsin features three Pierce County staples in video series

Three different businesses, three different Pierce County locations, but they all share a love for the area and its people. Discover Wisconsin recently featured Pierce County’s Vino in the Valley, … more

By Andrew Harrington | 1/7/26

Michael Huffman has made a lot of footlong sandwiches in his time running the Ellsworth Subway, but he also wrestles under the name Michael Arc “The Devil’s Favorite Magician.”

Chokeslams, a magic man and cheddar with ham: Local Subway owner brings professional wrestling to Curdtown

ELLSWORTH — Many know Michael Huffman from running the Subway in Ellsworth and making their sandwiches over the years, but his double life is not as public. Huffman is a world champion magician … more

By Andrew Harrington | 1/7/26

Our Neighbors’ Place is located at 122 W. Johnson St. in River Falls.

Our Neighbors’ Place nearing capital campaign goal for new building

RIVER FALLS — Our Neighbors’ Place has been a non-profit in the heart of River Falls for over a decade, pushing to connect Pierce and St. Croix County residents with services to overcome housing … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/31/25

Moose Lodge Fraternity’s Chairman of the Board John Reiter welcomed River Falls Fire Chief Justin Wilson at its Dec. 9 meeting.

Moose International board chairman visits RF lodge

Moose Lodge #594, the River Falls location, hosted Chairman of the Moose International Board, John Reiter, Dec. 9 for an extra special meeting. With members of the State Board as well as River Falls … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/17/25

Kathy O’Keefe, President of HPAC presented Prescott Mayor Rob Daugherty with HPAC’s 2025 Art Hero Award on behalf of the city of Prescott for its broad support of the arts this year in addition to renovation work on city’s clock tower.

HPAC Gala raises $40,000 for 2026 programming

The Hastings Prescott Art Council (HPAC) celebrated its annual gala last Sunday, raising just over $40,000, which allows for several programs next year “to be already funded,” said HPAC President … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/17/25

Rich Schoenthaler, board chair, Red Cross of Northwest Wisconsin Chapter; Harm Bents, EMT with Allina Health EMS; MJ Thomsen, executive director, Red Cross of Northwest Wisconsin Chapter.

Allina Health EMT honored with national Red Cross Award

RIVER FALLS — An emergency medical technician (EMT) with Allina Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) received the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, a national … more

12/12/25

The CPKC Train is set to arrive in Hastings on Dec. 12 at 8:45 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Hastings Family Service.

Holiday Train to arrive in Hastings Dec 12 at 8:45 p.m.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train is already en route to Hastings! Residents can expect the train to stop in town this Friday, Dec. 12 around 8:45 p.m. As usual, the free event is a … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/11/25

Brad Jorgenson has been named the new Pierce County Emergency Management Director.

Jorgenson takes over county emergency management director role

Pierce County Emergency Management Director Brad Jorgenson always seems to have a smile on his face and it’s apparent he loves his role and helping others. Jorgenson was appointed the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/10/25