Government - Pierce County Journal

Proposed rate-driven revenue versus current rate-based revenues for River Falls water utility.

Finance director presents proposed electric and water rate increases at RF CC

After a presentation from Finance Director Josh Solinger, River Falls City Council approved electric and water rate case applications to the Public Service Commission on June 25. According to … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/3/24

Former Alderperson Pat Knox was on the other side of the podium as he asked the Prescott City Council to repair the boat launch.

Prescott City Council greenlights purchase of Flock Camera System

The Prescott City Council approved the purchase and installation of a four camera Flock Camera System for the police department at a cost of $29,000, along with an annual subscription cost of $3,000 … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/3/24

Alison Ennenga (left) shows the next upcoming phase of Fairy Wonderland Park to the Prescott City Council while Bethany Christianson shares updates and future goals.

Fairy Wonderland Park seeks approval for parking lot and Bathroom Expansion

Fairy Wonderland Park, founded in 2019 by Alison Ennenga and Bethany Christianson, is a way to honor and commemorate the lives of their daughters, Ava Christianson and Ellery Ennenga who died and to … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/3/24

Ellsworth School District bus drivers have expressed concern about the width of the street in front of St. Francis Church & School.

Street and Sidewalk Committee hears from public over proposed Woodworth Street dimensions

ELLSWORTH — The Village of Ellsworth Street and Sidewalk Committee heard from a handful of the village’s bus drivers during June 27 discussions of the reduction of Woodworth … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/3/24

Public hearing to be held for CAFO expansion

During the public comment portion of the June 25 Pierce County Board meeting, a representative of GROWW asked supervisors to consider attending a public hearing about a proposed CAFO expansion. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/3/24

Ellsworth Village Board talks winter parking, street improvements and more

ELLSWORTH — Winter parking regulations, the Grant and Piety Street improvements and increasing sewer rates were all on the table as the Ellsworth Village Board and Water and Sewer Committee … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/3/24

New Wisconsin alcohol laws bring new challenges for local businesses

Local businesses, such as The Garage Bikes + Brews in River Falls and The Barns of Lost Creek wedding venue in Beldenville, are struggling to interpret new alcohol laws in Wisconsin which make things … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/26/24

The 2024 FEMA Evaluated 2024 Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant - Radiological Reception Center for Residents and Emergency Workers exercise took place at Elmwood High School on June 20 where emergency workers were trained and evaluated on procedures in the event of a radiological emergency.

Pierce County performs emergency response drill

If there is ever a nuclear power plant accident at Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, which is not likely said Emergency Management Director Christine McPherson, Pierce County is well-prepared … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/26/24

Concerns over structural curb issues on Cherry Street and Kinnickinnic Street caused the Prescott City Council to hire Harmon Concrete and Construction, Inc for replacement.

Prescott City Council sets sights on future development and growth

At the Prescott City Council meeting on June 10, City Administrator Matt Wolf described the past repairs for Cherry and Kinnickinnic streets. In March 2024 the council approved the mill and overlay … more

By Danielle Boos | 6/20/24

Road construction season in full swing in Pierce County

As the warm weather returns to the state of Wisconsin, so does the time for residents to find detours as road construction season returns. At the June 12 Pierce County Traffic Safety Commission … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/20/24

The plan for the Public Square Tennis Courts/Pickleball Courts would be to be reconstructed in 2025.

Court Clash: Pickleball courts gain ground over tennis courts in recent recreation trends

The Prescott City Council heard a brief recap of the May 20 Parks and Public Works Committee meeting concerning the concept plan for Public Square Park tennis/pickleball courts at the council meeting … more

By Danielle Boos | 6/19/24

A rendering of the 66-unit multi-family development Sisu River Falls.

Multi-family development plan forwarded by RF Plan Commission

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls Plan Commission voted 4-0 to forward a plan for a 66-unit multi-family and personal storage building project to city council during the June 4 meeting. Kamp … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/12/24

An engineering technician from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) stands on the rim of a sinkhole in Pierce County.

Pierce County Land Conservation Department developing sinkhole map

ELLSWORTH - Sinkholes develop when the ground collapses into cracks and caverns that have formed below the ground surface. Formation of sinkholes is common in western Wisconsin because of the readily … more

6/12/24

CAPITOL REPORT: Dems see Barca's run in southeastern Wisconsin's1st Congressional District as an opportunity

Two years ago, GOP U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil of Janesville cruised to victory in the redrawn 1st Congressional District over an underfunded Dem opponent, Ann Roe, a Janesville businesswoman. This … more

By WisPolitics.com | 6/12/24

Residents return to speak on sustainability at second consecutive RF CC meeting

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls City Council heard public comment May 28 from Mike Noreen, who was a major topic of discussion during the public comment portion of the May 14 meeting. Noreen was … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/5/24

City of RF chosen for National Park Service rivers, trails & conservation assistance program

RIVER FALLS - In May, the City of River Falls received an award of technical assistance from the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) in support of the … more

6/5/24

‘This may be my last meeting’: Board trustee walks out during Village Board public hearing

Through about an hour of listening to comments from the public, Board Trustee Tom Schutz walking out the door and a pair of amendments, the Ellsworth Village Board approved Grant Street and Piety … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/5/24

The playground at Nugget Lake County Park is one of many amenities the park offers the public.

Pierce County is updating its Outdoor Recreation Plan

The Pierce County Board heard a first reading May 28 on a proposed 2024-2028 Outdoor Recreation Plan, which will be voted on at the June meeting. According to Land Management Director Andy … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/5/24

CAPITOL REPORT: Johnson tries to steer state GOP on abortion policy

Democrats are again counting on the abortion issue to help their candidates in the fall. And Republicans are trying to blunt the power of the issue. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, who barely survived … more

By WisPolitics.com | 5/29/24

People crowded into River Falls City Council Chamber Tuesday, May 14 to address the departure of Mike Noreen and a mountain bike trail project.

Public raises concern of the future of sustainability in RF

A 30-minute public comment period saw many River Falls residents walk to the podium to share topics of concern which included the sustainability coordinator position and a mountain bike trail during … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/22/24