Government - Pierce County Journal

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

Fiscal Facts: School referenda passage rates on pace to decline

Voters across Wisconsin approved 62 of the 103 school district referenda held in this year’s spring elections, the February primary and April general election. If fall 2024 referenda fare … more

4/17/24

CAPITOL REPORT: Another big election for school spending issues

The spring election of 2024 was another winner for school spending issues, showing voters are willing to spend on education in their local districts. Voters approved more than $956.5 million of the … more

By WisPolitics.com | 4/17/24

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

Members of GROWW celebrate veto of bill threatening local control

On March 29, GROWW (Grassroots Organizing Western Wisconsin) joined community groups across Wisconsin celebrating a decision by Gov. Tony Evers to veto Assembly Bill 957 and protect a cornerstone of … more

4/17/24

Federal emergency food and shelter supplemental funds available in St. Croix and Pierce counties

St. Croix County and Pierce County have been awarded federal funds from the Department of Homeland Security under Phase 41 of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. St. Croix County … more

4/17/24

Watch out for Adopt A Highway crews as they clean up our roadsides this spring.

Watch for Adopt-A-Highway crews on Wisconsin roadsides

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is reminding drivers to stay alert and give space to Adopt-A-Highway volunteers, who routinely collect trash and recyclables along state highways. … more

4/17/24

Alderperson Pat Knox (left) expresses his concern over discouraging businesses from coming to the City of Prescott while Alderperson Maureen Otwell (center) and Alderperson Bailey Ruona (right) agree.

Prescott City Council disagrees over controversial Small Box Discount Store Ordinance

At the April 8 regular Prescott City Council meeting, alderperson disagreed on an amendment to city code dealing with small box discount stores. Alderperson Dar Hintz said the addition … more

By Danielle Boos | 4/17/24

CAPITOL REPORT: Group launching a second recall effort against Vos

The strange election-year recall effort targeting the longest serving speaker in Wisconsin history has gotten stranger. The group seeking to recall Robin Vos has now launched a new attempt targeting … more

By WisPolitics.com | 4/10/24

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

Code enforcement: River Falls has taken proactive approach

RIVER FALLS – Tyler Galde, planning and engineering technician, updated the River Falls City Council recently on how code enforcement is going in the city. In June 2021, the council … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/10/24

Village President column: Charting a path forward

In recent times, the call for Village Board members to "listen to the residents" has echoed persistently throughout Ellsworth. Yet, amidst these demands lies a perplexing question: which segment of … more

By Becky Beissel | 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

CAPITOL REPORT: New maps forcing many incumbents to make tough decisions about reelection plans

Lots of incumbent state legislators are having to make some tough decisions these days. Those decisions will help determine who controls the Assembly after the November elections. Since Democratic … more

By WisPolitics.com | 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

CAPITOL REPORT: April 2 school issues total $1.4 billion

Once again, voters across the state will be asked to sign off on school ballot issues to pay for buildings, renovations, maintenance and operational costs. The total on April 2: $1.4 billion. That is … more

By WisPolitics.com | 3/27/24

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

Income tax reciprocity bill signed into law

MADISON – Sen. Rob Stafsholt (R – New Richmond) released the following statement after his Wisconsin and Minnesota Income Tax Reciprocity bill, authored along with Rep. Shannon … more

3/27/24