News - Pierce County Journal

Students at Ellsworth’s Reality Check went from table to table to budget their futures based on the career path they are looking to go into.

EHS students explore futures through simulation experience

ELLSWORTH — Reality Check has been put on at Ellsworth High School in recent years, allowing students to go through a simulation experience of what their life and budget might be like under … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/18/24

Becoming a full-time newspaperman: Peters joins Journal staff full-time

'Tis the season for gift giving! I recently received one from Pierce County Journal owner John McLoone and News Editor Sarah Nigbor. It wasn't a Red Ryder BB Gun like Ralphie received on his ninth … more

By Greg Peters | 12/18/24

Ellsworth man arrested for string of mystery vehicle damages

An Ellsworth man has been arrested in connection with a string of cases in Ellsworth and surrounding areas for causing damage to vehicles with suspected paintballs and other objects. Ellsworth … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 12/18/24

Kris Tjornehoj, a longtime music professor at UW-River Falls, leads UW-River Falls musicians during a performance in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building on Oct. 6 as part of the university’s homecoming celebration. Tjornehoj, who is active in other regional music endeavors, is retiring after 31 years at the university and 44 teaching music.

Concert to celebrate retirement of longtime UW-River Falls music teacher

RIVER FALLS – An upcoming music concert at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will provide attendees with holiday cheer and also serve as a tribute to longtime music Professor Kristin … more

12/12/24

THE CAPITOL REPORT: Court decision on Act 10 spurs memories, speculation

Scott Walker's Act 10 more than 13 years ago spurred massive protests on the Capitol Square in Madison and helped the former Republican governor make a national name for himself. Now a Dane County … more

By WisPolitics.com | 12/12/24

Nominate a Prescott Teacher of the Year!

PRESCOTT – The Prescott Chamber of Commerce recognizes local individuals who make a difference in our community each year. Please consider nominating an educator from the Prescott School … more

12/12/24

Winner of the 2024 Arts Heroes awards were Amy and Bill Sylvander and Chris Falteisek (left), pictured with HPAC board member Casey Johnson.

HPAC celebrates the arts, looks forward to opening of new art space

The Hastings Prescott Arts Council held its Gala for the Arts Sunday evening at the Hastings Arts Center. The event gave the organization the opportunity to update attendees – both in-person … more

By John McLoone | 12/12/24

Ellsworth Village President Becky Beissel read an official proclamation supporting the vibrant small business community during Small Business Season during the Village's December board meeting. Shopping small means more than just boosting the local economy—it’s about supporting the families who make our community thrive. Tom Holdorf and Brent Spriggle of The Thirsty Badger, Angie and Chris Whelan and family of YB Urban?, Jenni, Adam, and Addi Hines of Studio 2.0, and Casey and Kayla Waltz and family of Waltz Ace Hardware, joined her to showcase the faces behind Ellsworth’s beloved small and local businesses.

Ellsworth Chamber urges shoppers to support local businesses this holiday season

As we embrace the holiday shopping season, the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce encourages the community to recognize the impact of shopping small and local. Behind every small business are … more

12/11/24

Mike Domitrz speaks to Ellsworth High School students about how to approach intimacy in a consensual and respectful manner.

Can I Kiss You?: Speaker educates Ellsworth students on consent and sexual assault

Editor’s note: This article may contain disturbing content not suitable for children and/or those who are survivors of sexual or domestic violence. ELLSWORTH — In 1989, when Mike … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/11/24

League of Wisconsin Municipalities welcomes new board member Beissel

The League of Wisconsin Municipalities welcomes Becky Beissel as a new member of the League board. Beissel serves as the President of the Village of Ellsworth, where she leads with a … more

12/11/24

Seating at Public Square Park in Prescott funded by Pierce County Public Health.

PC Public Health funds over $100,000 in projects to promote physical activity

Pierce County Public Health (PCPH) is looking to make a difference in the county’s outdoor physical activity, allocating over $100,000 in funds to local non-profits for seven community-led … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/11/24

Parishioners built a new ramp in January 2024 at Tabor Lutheran Church. Next on the list is painting the church, located between Bay City and Maiden Rock on Highway 35.

Tenacious Tabor: A country church’s heart lives on

BAY CITY – Tabor Lutheran Church may be small but its congregation, led by 99-year-old Pastor Gene Hasselquist, is mighty. The public is invited to a special Christmas service at 10 a.m. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/11/24

Colleen Gehring and Fred Barr, owners of Tarnation Tavern in River Falls, recently bought Paddy's Pub and are changing it back to "Streeters," as it was known for almost 30 years.

Barr bought another bar: Streeters opens in River Falls

RIVER FALLS – Lifelong River Falls resident Mike Kealy strutted into the old "Mainstreeter" building in River Falls a couple weeks ago. It smelled like fresh new paint as the color "Expressive … more

By Greg Peters | 12/11/24

About 60 people squeezed into the Maiden Rock Town Hall Monday, Dec. 9 as a highly anticipated CAFO operations ordinance passed.

Town of Maiden Rock approves ordinance for added oversight and checks on CAFOs

TOWN OF MAIDEN ROCK — The Maiden Rock Town Board of Review swiftly approved an ordinance that binds Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) to oversight and checks regarding several … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/11/24

This house on Kettering Road in River Falls is one of many entered into the Light Up River Falls holiday light display contest.

Light Up River Falls contest is going strong

RIVER FALLS – The determination of a River Falls man has inspired a partnership with River Falls Business Leaders to keep the Light Up River Falls lighting display contest going. Jasen … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/11/24

School District of River Falls received two awards at the WSPRA conference earlier this month. Pictured are Lauren Kaminski, Program Assistant (left) and Jenny Ames, Director of Community Education and Communications.

SDRF earns Spectrum Awards for excellence, merit in school communications

The School District of River Falls was recently honored by the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) with two Spectrum Awards for its work in school communications. WSPRA … more

12/5/24

RF contractor facing felony charges for not completing work

A River Falls contractor is accused of cashing thousands of dollars of customers’ checks, but failing to produce any results on home remodeling projects. Bret Aron VanBlaircom, 60, posted … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 12/5/24

UWRF celebrates holiday season with vintage musical, ‘A 1940's Radio Christmas Carol’

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Music and Stage and Screen Arts Department invites the community to experience a heartwarming holiday treat with its presentation of … more

12/5/24

SDRF earns ‘Exceeds Expectations’ rating on 2023-24 DPI Report Card

The School District of River Falls received an “Exceeds Expectations” school report card rating from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the 2023-24 school year. … more

12/5/24

City property purchase passes after facing pushback

RIVER FALLS — A 5-2 vote saw the River Falls City Council approving the purchase of 0.33 acres at 132 Vine St. from Nick Wilson at the Nov. 26 meeting. The property will help the city … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/5/24