Government - Pierce County Journal

Pierce County Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Rohl administered the oath of office to the new Pierce County Board, which convened Tuesday, April 16. Those elected are as follows (incumbents are … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/24/24

Gerrard Corporation is planning to build a 54-unit apartment building off Alexander Avenue in Crossing Meadows Business Park in Ellsworth.

New apartment building proposed for Crossing Meadows

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Village Board meeting April 16 saw not only board reorganization, but plans for a new housing development in Crossing Meadows. The board approved a Certified … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/24/24

The River Falls City Council voted April 9 to annex two parcels totaling 22.66 acres from the Town of River Falls south of Larson Park.

City annexes 22 acres from Town of River Falls

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls City Council voted unanimously April 9 to annex 22.66 acres from the Town of River Falls and zone it R-2 Multiple Family. The annexation petition, submitted … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/18/24

This graph taken from Wisconsin Realtors Association data shows both number of homes sold by year as well as median sales price (in $1,000). Low inventory plus high costs are adding to the challenges communities are facing as they look to the future.

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity receives $500,000 in federal funds

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity has received $500,000 to support construction of affordable workforce housing in Pierce County, thanks to efforts by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D). In this … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/17/24

River Falls Mayor Dan Toland presented 2023 Officer of the Year Steven Thomas with a plaque at the March 26 River Falls City Council meeting.

2023 Officer of the Year honored

RIVER FALLS – The 2023 Officer of the Year was honored at the March 26 River Falls City Council meeting: Steven Thomas. Chief Gordon Young touted Thomas for promoting the department’s … more

4/10/24

Ellsworth water rate application will go to PSC

Village of Ellsworth residents will be seeing an increase in their water bills, but the amount is not yet known due to multiple factors. At the April 1 Ellsworth Village Board meeting, Brian … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/10/24

At the March 25 meeting, the Prescott City Council was excited for the future improvements of Magee Park.

Alderpersons debate police station options

At the March 25 Prescott City Council meeting, Alderperson Pat Knox shared his hope for the future of Prescott. “I know we had talked about two meetings ago having Cedar Corp start … more

By Danielle Boos | 4/3/24

County Board authorizes 2 new dispatcher positions

The Pierce County Board unanimously approved an emergency staffing request to add two more 911 dispatcher positions at its March 26 meeting. The dispatchers, for the remainder of 2024, will cost … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/24

A group of concerned citizens protested outside of Ellsworth Village Hall on Thursday, March 28 prior to the Community Development Authority and special village board meetings.

Protesters stand against proposed digester

ELLSWORTH – A group of protesters against a proposed anaerobic digester in Ellsworth is making sure their voices are heard. As yellow “No Manure Digester” signs have popped up in … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/24

Prescott Lift Bridge inspection to result in lane closures on US 10

Motorists on US 10 crossing the Prescott Lift Bridge, which carries traffic over the St. Croix River between Pierce County and Washington County, Minn., will encounter lane closures between 7 a.m. … more

3/27/24

Larry Langer, an Ellsworth resident who lives on Halls Hill, became emotional during his pleas for the Ellsworth Village Board to vote against the proposed anaerobic digester. He called for common sense to prevail.

Residents implore board to say no to digester

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Village Hall was packed Monday, March 18 for a special board meeting on the proposed anaerobic digester, along with roughly 60 attendees tuned in online. Many people … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/20/24

PSC to study Ellsworth’s water rates

ELLSWORTH – At the March 4 Ellsworth Village Board meeting, the board learned that current water rates do not cover the cost of operations and maintenance nor any potential system upgrades, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/20/24

Retaining walls along Highway 35 between Green and Chestnut streets in Maiden Rock will be replaced.

Retaining wall replacement on WIS 35 in Maiden Rock to start

To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed an $846,790 contract with prime contractor Pheifer Brothers Construction Co. of Neenah for the replacement of … more

3/13/24

Magee Park’s recycling receptacles will find their new home on Ryden Road.

BNSF Railway leases space at Prescott Police Department

PRESCOTT – The City of Prescott approved a lease agreement between BNSF Railway and the City of Prescott to lease a cubicle of office space for the resource protection officer within the … more

By Danielle Boos | 3/6/24

Rendering of Well #3 water treatment project addition and renovation.

City Council approves plans, specifications for City Well #3 Water Treatment Project

PRESCOTT – At the Feb. 26 Prescott City Council meeting, City Administrator Matt Wolf gave a brief history regarding City Well #3 that hasn’t been in use since 2021. In September 2021, … more

By Danielle Boos | 3/6/24

The current Pierce County courthouse is located at 414 W. Main St. in Ellsworth. A new judicial facility next to the sheriff's office at 555 W. Overlook Drive will be home to new courtrooms and department office space.

Pierce County moves forward with new judicial facility

The Pierce County Board voted 15-1 Feb. 27 to authorize the borrowing of funds not to exceed $30,475,000 and issuance of bonds for a new judicial facility adjacent to the Pierce County … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/6/24

St. Croix County public safety referendum on the ballot

HUDSON – St. Croix County continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in Wisconsin. As we continue to grow, the demand for public safety services rises with it - creating a need for … more

2/28/24

RF Business Leaders’ request prompts discussion on fees

A set of requests from the River Falls Business Leaders group for special events prompted city council discussion on whether groups should be charged for city labor and materials when hosting these … more

Sarah Nigbor | 2/21/24

Cheryl Brownell expressed her concern over the potential sidewalk maintenance for her property at the Feb. 12 Prescott City Council meeting.

Residents question sidewalk placement on Elm Street

Greg Adams, City Engineer with Cedar Corporation, presented the preliminary special assessment report and assessment schedule for the Elm and Washington Streets Project to the Prescott City Council … more

By Danielle Boos | 2/21/24

Looking over Ellsworth last week (Pierce County Courthouse and Fairgrounds are in the center), it doesn’t look like February. No snow has fallen so far this month and temperatures reached nearly 60 degrees.

Village reps will travel to Denmark to tour digesters

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Village Board voted Monday, Feb. 5 to send two board members and the administrator/clerk-treasurer to Denmark to tour Bigadan’s anaerobic digester facilities. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/14/24