Government - Pierce County Journal

City exploring increase to permitted driveway width

RIVER FALLS — The first reading of an ordinance change that would change the maximum driveway width at the right-of-way line in R-1 zoned districts from 25 feet to 30 feet was heard by the River … more

By Andrew Harrington | 10/1/26

The City of River Falls is looking ahead to the revitalization of its historic downtown.

River Falls recognized as Gold Tier in WEDC’s Connect Communities Downtown Revitalization Program

RIVER FALLS - The City of River Falls has been recognized as a Gold Tier member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Connect Communities Program, an initiative that works with … more

9/30/26

Todd Langenfeld, who owns a building at 220 Broad St. in Prescott, addresses the Prescott City Council about flooding in his building.

Langenfeld threatens legal action against city

PRESCOTT – During public comment time at the Sept. 14 Prescott City Council meeting, property owner Todd Langenfeld, who owns 220 Broad St., was not “a happy camper.” His disdain centered … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/24/26

The Prescott City Council approved a raze order for the property at 915 Canton St., which has remained unrepaired after a February 2025 structure fire.

City approves raze order for 915 Canton St.

PRESCOTT – On Sept. 14, the Prescott City Council voted unanimously to continue with a raze order for 915 Canton St. The building, which has been used for industrial storage, is owned by … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/24/26

Former Pierce County DARE Officer Brette Huppert was let go Feb. 10, 2026, after an investigation revealed she had been falsifying timecards.

DARE officer fired for falsifying timecards

The reason behind the firing of the former Pierce County DARE officer Feb. 10, 2026 has been revealed. According to a public records request filed by “The Journal” June 23, former Pierce … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/16/26

Members of the River Falls Fire Department and the Legion Honor Guard took to City Hall for the mayor’s proclamation of a day of remembrance regarding the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Mayor Page makes proclamation for remembrance on 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

RIVER FALLS — In remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the lives lost, River Falls Mayor Alison Page made a proclamation at the Sept. 8 River Falls City Council meeting. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/16/26

Tennis Sanitation, L.L.C. is a second-generation family owned and operated trash and recycling company based in St. Paul Park, Minn.

Ellsworth making the switch to Tennis for refuse and recycling services

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Village Board made the approval for Tennis Sanitation to take over refuse and recycling services at the start of the new year. The bid was one of four the city received … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/16/26

Spring Valley Village Trustee Matt Huepfel

Petition presented to reinstate Huepfel to village committees

SPRING VALLEY — Resident Dianne Thomas presented a petition to the Spring Valley Village Board Sept. 2 to reinstate Trustee Matt Huepfel to committees he had been removed from. Huepfel was removed … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/9/26

Residents ask for a moratorium on data centers

ELLSWORTH – The Pierce County Board 16-1 approved an ordinance Aug. 25 amending the zoning code and table of uses regarding data centers and contractor yards. Supervisor Claire McCarty (District 5, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/2/26

This rendition depicts Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services/Swift Current Connect as a Pierce County Fairgrounds sponsor, if the county agrees to an internet partnership.

Fairgrounds internet proposal sent back to F&P

The Pierce County Board voted to send a resolution concerning a proposed partnership between SwiftCurrent Connect (SCC) and the Pierce County Fairgrounds for internet service back to the Finance … more

9/2/26

This is one concept for the East End Master Park Plan, which shows what it would look like with a restored stream.

Park Board zeroing in on final East End Park Plan

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Park Board took on items from the two draft East End Park Master Plans at the Aug. 26 committee meeting. Engineering firm MSA will now take into consideration the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/2/26

During the Aug. 24 Prescott City Council meeting, new Public Works Director Ryan Newland introduced himself. “I’m really excited to be here and to be involved in the community here and hopefully make and continue to have a really good public works department,” Newland said. He comes from a background in county public works, residential and civil construction.

Council approves alley/storm sewer improvement plan

PRESCOTT – Megan & Troy Langer are looking to redevelop the property at 216 Broad St. (formerly Lucille’s) since purchasing it; however, one issue needs to be fixed first. “One of the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 9/2/26

RF to restructure Park Impact Fee model

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls City Council approved a motion that removes specific park designations from Park Impact Fees, instead forming a single fund to go toward all the parks at the Aug. 25 … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/2/26

A listening session put together by Bridget Faricy and Julie Noyes in River Falls at the River Falls Public Library addressed residents’ questions about Flock cameras.

Koranda fields questions on Flock at community meeting

RIVER FALLS — The Pierce County sheriff, the River Falls mayor and multiple members of the city council joined dozens of community members at the River Falls Public Library on Aug. 18 to informally … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/26/26

Rep. Rob Kreibich (R-New Richmond) receives the WEDA Champion of Economic Development Award for his work at the State Capitol to boost economic growth in the 28th Assembly District and across Wisconsin. From left: Melissa Hunt, WEDA President and CEO; Rep. Rob Kreibich; and Micheal Welsh, WEDA VP of Legislative Affairs.

Kreibich recognized as a WEDA Champion of Economic Development

MADISON – The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) recently presented state Rep. Rob Kreibich (R-New Richmond) with its Champion of Economic Development Award for his leadership … more

8/26/26

Elmwood submits water rate app to PSC

ELMWOOD – On July 28, the Village of Elmwood Municipal Water Utility submitted a conventional rate case application to the Public Service Commission to adjust the village’s water rates. This is … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/26/26

Prescott City Council approves Public Works study

PRESCOTT – At the exceptionally short Aug. 10 meeting, the Prescott City Council approved the 2026 Public Works Organizational Study. City Administrator Matt Wolf said Public Works Director … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/19/26

Ellsworth Village Board met Friday, Aug. 14 to discuss confusion over the Morse Street construction plans.

Morse Street miscommunication settled by Village Board

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Village Board met for a special board meeting Friday, Aug. 14 to discuss miscommunication with engineers on the Morse Street design. The blue building, which includes … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/19/26

The Pierce County Circuit court ruled in favor of the City of Prescott in a land dispute with Leo’s Landing, giving the Anderson family until Nov. 30 to remove its marina structure. The family is likely to appeal the decision according to their attorney.

Court rules in favor of City of Prescott in legal dispute with Leo’s Landing

PRESCOTT — The Pierce County Circuit Court fielded a case between the City of Prescott and its riverside marina Leo’s Landing back in April, with a ruling in favor of the city being signed Aug. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/19/26

Zoning amendments advance after public hearing

PRESCOTT – Proposed amendments to the City of Prescott’s zoning code moved forward on Aug. 3 following a brief public hearing before the Planning Commission. The hearing, held as part of the … more

By Danielle Boos | 8/13/26