News - Pierce County Journal

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially approved the Kinnickinnic River Feasibility Report and Finding of No Significant Impact that recommends the removal of two dams to restore the natural flow April 10. Pictured is the Junction Falls dam below the Winter Street bridge.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approves feasibility study for Kinnickinnic River dam removal

RIVER FALLS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced it has approved the feasibility study for removal of both dams along the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls. The study examined … more

4/22/26

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for April 22 is PHS senior Cayden Riley.

Prescott Community Club Student of the Week: Cayden Riley

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for April 22 is Prescott High School senior Cayden Riley, nominated by band teacher Jason Canfield. “Cayden has been involved in Garage Band all … more

4/22/26

THE CAPITOL REPORT: Questions remain after Rothman firing

The controversy burst into the Capitol conversation, and then in rapid fashion the normally low-profile University of Wisconsin board of regents fired its president. Jay Rothman is out, and the … more

By WisPolitics-State Affairs | 4/22/26

Ways to reduce your energy bill

Looking to reduce your energy bills? It's best to take it day by day. There are 24 hours in a day. Make the most of those hours with these 24 simple ways to reduce your daily energy use. Morning … more

4/22/26

Volunteers Yolanda O’Brien (left) and Clair Wuebben stage diapers at the Operation HELP Resource Center.

Operation HELP provides hope by facilitating change

“The basic purpose of non-profits is to create change, to address a problem, to make things better. We are in the business of change. Letting people know that change is possible is hope,” said … more

By Tom Lindfors | 4/22/26

Eight-man football decision roadmap laid out

ELMWOOD — Eight-man football was back on the agenda for both the Elmwood and Plum City school boards on Monday night, as the timeline was laid out for community input, a board recommendation and a … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

Elmwood MS/HS names 3rd Quarter Honor Roll recipients

Elmwood Middle/High School is pleased to announce the students whose grades landed them on the third quarter honor roll for the 2025-26 school years. Congratulations! Principal’s Honor Roll … more

4/22/26

The former Elmwood nursing home is located at 232 E. Springer Ave. The village is looking to sell it.

Elmwood still pushing forward with nursing home sale

ELMWOOD — Action regarding the village-owned nursing home has been a top priority for the Village of Elmwood in recent years, and the process of its sale is on the agenda at nearly every monthly … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

Examples of texts or messages that appear to be from the Wisconsin DMV, but they are scams.

Fraudulent phishing scams continue to target Wisconsin DMV customers

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning consumers of another wave of fraud attempts where scammers pretend to be from WisDOT. Some scams … more

4/22/26

Glass Valley Cemetery, located on County Road E in the town of River Falls, has had requests for green burials, according to Cemetery Committee Chair Jerome Rodewald.

Green burials present alternative option after death

According to the Green Burial Council, “A green burial (or natural burial) is an eco-friendly funeral practice designed to allow a body to decompose naturally and return to the earth, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/22/26

Mayor Dan Toland honored the UWRF women’s hockey team for winning a third consecutive National Championship in his final council meeting as mayor.

Mayor, pair of councilmembers celebrated in final meeting

RIVER FALLS — The April 14 City Council meeting marked the final meeting for Mayor Dan Toland and Alderpersons Jeff Bjork and Scott Morrissette. The vast majority of the meeting was spent … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

Prescott R5 Manufacturing students raised $5,425 at their open house fundraiser, which is split 50/50 between the students and the program. Their craftsmanship is visible throughout the space, from the walls to the tables and floors, reflecting their professionalism, care, and pride.

PSD explores adding virtual online academy

PRESCOTT – At the April 15 Prescott School Board meeting, High School Principal Josh Fiege presented on his work exploring the possibility of a virtual charter school option coming to Prescott. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/22/26

UPDATE: Man reached agreement in cat gassing case

TOWN OF CLIFTON – A town of Clifton man is accused of killing his daughters cats without permission by using car exhaust while pet sitting them. Ramon Guerney Curtis, 63, River Falls, posted a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/22/26

Fully grown lettuce from the River Falls High School indoor hydroponic growing towers.

Agriculture students continue pushing to new heights through school farm

The River Falls school farm has provided a hands-on learning opportunity that most schools cannot provide, and those lessons have been taught alongside a focus on sustainable practices in the field. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

The River Falls Public Library renovations brought a ton of changes to the building, but the fan favorite may be the addition of the book return window.

RF Library anchoring community sustainability efforts through renovation practices, Earth Fest event, landscaping plans

A library is often a pillar of the community, and the River Falls Public Library is no different. The City of River Falls is filled with residents focused on sustainability, and the library reflects … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

Natural Resources Coordinator Levi Myers (left) and Conservation and Parks Manager Brooks Ostendorf are two of the City of River Falls staff members hired to focus on sustainable development in the city.

City staff duo focusing on sustainability of natural resources, both short- and long-term

City of River Falls duo Conservation and Parks Manager Brooks Ostendorf and Natural Resources Coordinator Levi Myers have both placed a heavy emphasis on sustainability and conservation in their time … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

Mei Mei’s Cookies and Creamery is a staple of the River Falls community, with owner Melissa “Mei Mei” Abdouch (right) making an appearance on Minnesota Live back in 2024.

Mei Mei’s Cookies and Creamery: one of many RF businesses zeroed in on sustainable practices

RIVER FALLS — President of the River Falls Business Leaders and recent River Falls City Council electee Melissa “Mei Mei” Abdouch has long focused on sustainable business practices, a message … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/26

River Falls High School freshman Claire Miller has taken first place the last two years in the WI Land+Water Youth Education Committee Annual Conservation Awareness Poster Contest in grades 7-9.

RFHS student combines art and conservation into amazing talent

A River Falls High School freshman has won first place in a state conservation poster contest two years in a row, representing Pierce County and Wildcat Pride. Claire Miller was the first-place … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/22/26

Motorists on the Prescott Lift Bridge, which carries US 10 traffic over the St. Croix River between Pierce County, Wis., and Washington County, Minn., will encounter lane closures in both directions between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, April 21-23 as bridge engineers from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation inspect the structure.

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

PRESCOTT - Motorists on the Prescott Lift Bridge, which carries US 10 traffic over the St. Croix River between Pierce County, Wis., and Washington County, Minn., will encounter lane closures in both … more

4/17/26

UW-River Falls art major Flynn Lenzen sets up artwork for the 2026 Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates art exhibition. Seven senior BFA candidates will display their artwork April 13 to May 1 in Kleinpell Fine Arts Gallery 101, 420 E. Cascade Ave., River Falls.

Exhibition features work of UW-River Falls BFA candidates April 13-May 1

RIVER FALLS — Senior BFA candidates at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will showcase their Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibitions April 13 to … more

4/16/26