Features - Pierce County Journal

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

Some of the actors and directors for the upcoming “Love, Lies & the Lottery” show put on by the Great River Road Theatre.

Humorous play coming to the Prescott spotlight in ‘Love, Lies & the Lottery’

PRESCOTT – The Great River Road Theatre, a non-profit group out of Prescott that brings musicals and plays to the stage for the community, is ready to present their work again, showing … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/10/25

‘Hadestown’ hits the stage at RFHS

RIVER FALLS – River Falls High School Theatre will perform “Hadestown: Teen Edition” starting Dec. 5 for two weekends, so make sure to get your tickets now. The show is unlike any … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/3/25

Mason Singel at 545 Devin Lane was one of the participants in last year’s Light Up River Falls Contest.

Light Up River Falls accepting entries

RIVER FALLS – Tis the season to get out your holiday lights and go all “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” for the Third Annual Light Up River Falls Contest and a chance … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/25/25

Young Princess Fiona (Irene Babcock) dreams about the day a prince will rescue her from her prison tower in Prescott Middle School’s production of “Shrek Jr. The Musical” Sunday, Nov. 16. Little does she know it will be a green ogre named Shrek.

GALLERY: ‘Shrek’ turns Prescott into a fun-filled swamp

Prescott Middle School students invited everyone into the "Swamp" for a magical performance of "Shrek Jr. The Musical" Nov. 14-16. Cast list Shrek: Sam Martin Donkey: Landon Brazzale … more

11/19/25

Willy Wonka (Adam Capatske) is introduced to the audience at “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” at Ellsworth High School on Saturday, Nov. 15.

GALLERY: EHS packs the house with ‘Charlie & the Chocolate Factory’

Golden tickets, stunning scenery and the talent of the Ellsworth High School cast of "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" made for many magical evenings in the EHS Auditorium. Cast & … more

11/19/25

Adoray Home Health & Hospice Veteran Volunteers assembled and delivered more than 500 Veterans Day appreciation baskets.

Adoray continues proud tradition of honoring, serving local veterans

BALDWIN — There’s no way to truly thank our nation’s veterans enough for the sacrifices they’ve made for our freedom. Each year, Adoray Home Health & Hospice makes … more

11/19/25

UWRF student and staff veterans reflect on service, Veterans Day

RIVER FALLS – When Robin Cunningham graduated from high school in 2001, he did not picture himself going to college. No one in his family had pursued education beyond high school. … more

11/12/25

Discover Together participants will make paint brush ornaments at the next gathering on Nov. 18 at Brush Strokes Paint Party and Art Supply.

EPL hosts Discover Together Tuesday: Paint Brush Ornaments

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Public Library is excited to announce the next Discover Together Tuesday event will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Brush Strokes Paint Party and Art Supply … more

11/12/25

Ellsworth High School Gift Box program coordinators (from left): Lillie Rewolinski, Maggie Pechacek, Adam Capatske, Aubrey Marks and Sophia Place.

Gift Box Program seeking sponsors

ELLSWORTH – Five Ellsworth High School students turned elves are heading up this year’s Ellsworth Gift Box program, which provides holiday gifts to families in need within the Ellsworth … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/12/25

Ray’s Hen House has become a favorite in the River Falls community, as 11-year-old Ray LeMay has offered everything from chicken, quail and duck eggs to chicks and hatching eggs.

Eleven-year-old fighting diabetic ketoacidosis to return to egg stand

Ray LeMay, an 11-year-old known throughout the River Falls community for his egg stand, is fighting diabetic ketoacidosis with the help of many supporters backing him. Ray runs Ray’s Hen … more

By Andrew Harrington | 11/12/25

Terry Budworth, a veteran and Prescott American Legion member, is the featured speaker at the Prescott Veterans Day program.

Budworth is Prescott Veterans Day speaker

PRESCOTT – Veteran Terry Budworth’s message is simple yet powerful: “I think everybody has a duty to do something for their city, and mine is the American Legion. You … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/5/25

Marvin John Siebold, WWII veteran and River Falls/Prescott native, enjoying a beer on the canal in Hampton Bays, NY.

Veteran Marvin John Siebold celebrates his 100th birthday

Marvin John Siebold, born on Nov. 18, 1925, is the son of Henry and Kathy Siebold, who owned a farm in River Falls. Like many families during the Great Depression, his family lost their farm and he … more

By The Siebold Family Special to the Pierce County Journal | 11/5/25