Government - Pierce County Journal

Prescott Planning Commission backs survey of city-owned Jewel Street property

PRESCOTT – The City of Prescott is moving ahead with a certified survey map for a city-owned property at the end of Jewel Street, a step that could eventually allow the approximately 1.2-acre … more

By Danielle Boos | 8/13/26

Community member Dan Rhy recently presented an alternative option for the Glade Avenue bridge, which the Spring Valley Village Board is considering.

Civilian presents pitch for Glade bridge project

SPRING VALLEY — In wake of the July public hearing regarding the Glade Avenue bridge’s future, the board heard from community member Dan Rhy at the Aug. 5 meeting about another option that could … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/11/26

Mobile bookstore coming to Elmwood

ELMWOOD — Gilda Bour had a request to park a book trailer store at 116 S. Main St. in Elmwood a few times each month approved at Monday’s meeting of the Elmwood Village Board. “My goal is … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/11/26

Officer Madelin Cody (center) is pictured in October 2025 at the swearing in ceremony with (from left) Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Brad Roy, Village President Becky Beissel, Officer Kyler Castano, and Police Chief Eric Ladwig.

Ellsworth officer recognized for lifesaving efforts

ELLSWORTH – Madeline Cody, who was hired full-time by the Ellsworth Police Department in October, saved a resident’s life at 4 a.m. after he went into cardiac arrest just before the end of … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/5/26

The Prescott City Council approved the installation of four historic interpretive signs along the riverfront. Each will detail the city’s ties to the rivers, railroad, bridges and timber industry, as well as steamboats and ferries.

New historic signs will line Prescott’s riverfront

PRESCOTT – Visitors and residents may notice new sign installations around Prescott soon, which the city council approved at the July 27 meeting. City Administrator Matt Wolf provided some … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/5/26

RF doing ‘due diligence’ on purchase of St. Croix Gas

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls City Council gave staff the go ahead to do due diligence on the purchase of St. Croix Gas during the July 28 meeting. Utility Director Kevin Westhuis presented to … more

By Andrew Harrington | 8/5/26

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

New internet proposed for Fairgrounds

ELLSWORTH – Pierce County Fair Manager Liz Dietsche asked the board to consider a proposal from Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services/Swift Current Connect to install high speed wireless internet at … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 8/5/26

The Spring Valley Community Center filled up in a hurry for a public hearing ahead of an August decision on the future of the Glade Avenue bridge.

Public urges SV board to spend on bridge replacement

SPRING VALLEY — Residents packed the Spring Valley Community Center for a public hearing with the village board regarding next steps on the Glade Avenue bridge July 21. A new “middle-ground” … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/29/26

Temporary ordinance blocking data centers in Ellsworth approved; Village Board votes to defend Hines in injunction

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Plan Commission unanimously approved an interim zoning ordinance amendment that prevents the establishment of a data center in the village Monday. “Our ordinance … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/22/26

Final clarifications made before passing of city electric bicycle ordinance

RIVER FALLS — After River Falls City Council members clarified a few final questions, they unanimously passed the electric bicycle and scooter ordinance at the July 14 meeting. As described in … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/22/26

Prescott Plan Commission to hold public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance amendments

The City of Prescott will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, to gather public input on proposed amendments to Chapter 635, Zoning, of the City of Prescott Code of Ordinances. … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/15/26

Greg Johnson of Nottingham Construction and Hearth Development discusses plans for a proposed 59-unit assisted living facility at 445 Court St. during the Prescott Plan Commission meeting on July 8.

Prescott Plan Commission recommends approval of assisted living facility on Court Street

The Prescott Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit and site plan for a proposed assisted living facility at 445 Court St. during its July 8 meeting, advancing a … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/15/26

Prescott Council gives final approval to assisted living facility

The Prescott Common Council approved the final plans for a new assisted living facility at 445 Court St. during its July 13 meeting, clearing the way for the project to move forward. Council … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/15/26

The Creamery at Cedar faces one final council vote July 28 before the multi-use building is fully approved.

Council to take on final vote on new restaurant, changes to fence ordinance

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls Plan Commission forwarded a pair of items to the City Council that will be considered at the July 28 meeting. The first item was the Specific Implementation Plan (SIP) … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/15/26

Coulee River Trails connection moves forward with trail design

PRESCOTT – The Prescott Common Council has approved two resolutions authorizing agreements with Cedar Corporation to continue planning efforts for major community projects, including the next phase … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/15/26

A map of the Glen Park proposal, with boxes around the items discussed at the June 17 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting.

Park Board tweaks Glen Park’s second phase to remove ball field, reallocate funds to other amenities

RIVER FALLS — City Conservation and Parks Manager Brooks Ostendorf presented Glen Park’s second phase to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board June 17, with the board deciding to make some … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/8/26

Parking continues to be a topic of discussion in the East End Redevelopment Project.

Options weighed on East End parking, property demolition and alley

ELLSWORTH — As the East End Redevelopment Plan’s construction phase continues, the Village Board took on a trio of topics affecting the area’s future. First on the docket was the approval … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/8/26

The Glade Avenue bridge in Spring Valley has been closed for safety reasons after a recent inspection.

Public hearing on Glade Ave. bridge set for July 21

SPRING VALLEY — A large crowd gathered to hear an update on the Glade Avenue bridge project at the July 1 Spring Valley Village Board meeting. Attendees were informed that there would not be a … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/8/26

Prescott wastewater plant receives lower State compliance score

PRESCOTT – The Prescott City Council reviewed the city's 2025 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR), an annual report required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that evaluates … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/1/26

Prescott Mayor Michael Gerke, center, reads a proclamation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States during the Prescott City Council meeting on June 22. Joining him at the council table are Alderperson Adam Granquist, right, and Alderperson Dar Hintz, left.

Prescott Mayor issues proclamation honoring nation's 250th Anniversary

PRESCOTT – At its regular meeting on June 22, the Prescott City Council heard a proclamation from Mayor Michael Gerke commemorating the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the United States of America … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/1/26