News - Pierce County Journal

Artist Swoon to speak at UW-River Falls Nov. 11

RIVER FALLS – Internationally acclaimed artist Caledonia Curry, known professionally as Swoon , will visit the University of Wisconsin-River Falls as the fall 2026 Wyman Visiting Professor in Art. … more

11/4/26

The concept plan for the final phase of Fairy Wonderland Park, located in the St. Croix Bluffs neighborhood at the corner of Canton and Pearl streets.

Final phase of Fairy Wonderland receives DNR grant

PRESCOTT – A set of approvals made at the Oct. 28 Prescott City Council meeting will advance the next and final phase of Fairy Wonderland Park. The council approved two resolutions: a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/4/26

The Collective, proposed for 216 N. Broad St. in Prescott. In the last couple decades, the site has been home to The Courtyard, the Brickyard and Lucille's.

Council approves development agreement for ‘The Collective’

PRESCOTT – The proposed project called “The Collective” at 216 Broad St. continues to take steps toward becoming reality with another pair of approved city resolutions. The Prescott City … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/4/26

Winners from the costume contest included, from left, grand prize winner Nova Valorshon, of Hager City, dressed as a Mushroom Queen (ages 9-17); Jill Halvorson, of Hager City, and Layla Ingli, of River Falls, dressed as Dumb and Dumber (group costume); Christy Aufderhar, of Beldenville, as Little Shop of Horrors (adult category); and Sydney Hove, of Ellsworth, as a giant Dachshund (ages 8 and under). Not pictured: Zach Sloan, of Beldenville, dressed as Freddy (ages 9-17 finalist).

GALLERY: First Haunted Fairgrounds is ‘spooktacular’

ELLSWORTH - The inaugural Haunted Fairgrounds Festival, the brain child of Melissa and Gregg Nelson of Ellsworth, drew thousands of visitors to the Pierce County Fairgrounds Saturday, Oct. 31 for a … more

11/4/26

Rachel Gentry, owner and baker at Amma’s Pies, displays one of her handcrafted pies at her shop in Ellsworth’s East End Commercial District. Gentry is one of Ellsworth's local entrepreneurs being celebrated during Small Business Season, Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.

Small Business Season invites Ellsworth to put thought into action

The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce is joining chambers across the country in celebrating Small Business Season, Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. This year’s theme, “It’s the Thought That Counts,” … more

11/4/26

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys celebrates second round of Otto Bremer Trust Awards

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys (UW Valleys) is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund award process. Through this initiative, Otto … more

11/4/26

SVSD budget approved, childcare proposal presented

SPRING VALLEY — The Spring Valley School Board approved the district’s annual budget and levy at the Oct. 28 board meeting. The district will levy $4,500,015 with a $7.15 mill rate. That number … more

By Andrew Harrington | 11/4/26

Citizens ask county supervisors to support election officials

ELLSWORTH – The Pierce County Board meeting Oct. 27 was a packed house with people standing along the back wall, many waiting for their turn to speak about election concerns during public comment … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/4/26

For Operation Green Light, Pierce County Courthouse and Office Building will be lit in green to honor veterans.

Shining a light on the service of local veterans – Operation Green Light

Each year on Veterans Day, Americans come together to honor the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. Their sacrifices have protected the freedoms we enjoy and helped preserve the … more

11/4/26

CVTC district board approves levy; tax rate decreases

EAU CLAIRE – The Chippewa Valley Technical College District Board approved the College’s 2026-2027 fiscal year tax rate and levy on Wednesday, with the tax rate decreasing to approximately … more

11/4/26

County Board gets first look at 2027 budget

ELLSWORTH – Inflation is not the friend to any municipality during budget season this year and Pierce County is no exception. County Administrator Jason Matthys presented recommendations to … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/4/26

Hager City man arrested after leading police on chase

TOWN OF OAK GROVE – A high speed pursuit winding through Oak Grove township resulted in the arrest of one Hager City man during the early morning hours of Oct. 25. Randy Ray Wilkens, 41, was … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 11/4/26

Broz Bar and Grill Owner Jason Marks addresses the board about issues that have arisen during the East End reconstruction.

East End business owners express frustrations with reconstruction process

ELLSWORTH — Multiple East End business owners spoke at the Nov. 2 meeting of the Ellsworth Village Board, voicing concerns and disagreements they have had with how the East End Reconstruction … more

By Andrew Harrington | 11/4/26

The Creamery at Cedar partners breaking ground on a new multi-use building in River Falls.

Creamery site’s history to be honored through new space on Kinnickinnic River

RIVER FALLS — Ground has been broken on a new stop along the Kinnickinnic River as Creamery at Cedar, a three-floor multi-purpose building, is expected to open in the summer of 2027. The building … more

By Andrew Harrington | 11/4/26

Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda thanked voters Wednesday morning on his Facebook page for re-electing him for another four years.

Koranda re-elected as Pierce Co. Sheriff, other local results

The unofficial results are in for the 2026 Mid-term Election, held Nov. 3, 2026. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk*. Governor David Crowley (D) – 1,421,738 (54.1%) ☑ Tom … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 11/4/26

Seats up for grabs in Assembly Districts, 28, 29 and 30

Besides the state offices on the Nov. 3 ballot, voters will also see races for their local Assembly Districts, which in Pierce County, there are three. Members of the Wisconsin State Assembly … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/28/26

Spring Valley President Theresa Linder has vacated the position, with Trustee Nate Pelz set to fill in until the April election.

Pelz to fill vacant SV President position until April election

SPRING VALLEY — Spring Valley Board Trustee Nate Pelz was voted to fill the vacant village president position left by Theresa Linder. Pelz is filling in pro tempore, meaning he will fulfill the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 10/28/26

Hager City man gets 25 years in prison for child sex 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. Please take care when reading. A Hager City … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/28/26

Ellsworth High School’s “Mamma Mia” hits the stage for opening night Nov. 6 at the EHS Auditorium.

EHS Performing Arts presents ‘Mamma Mia!’

ELLSWORTH – With winter well on its way, what better way to lighten up the gray days than a visit to a beautiful Greek Island with the Ellsworth High School Performing Arts students? “Mamma … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/28/26

Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and Ellsworth public officials celebrated a ribbon cutting to mark the completion of the East End Reconstruction Project on Thursday, Oct. 22.

East End opens its streets to new era

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, village officials, business owners and community members marked the completion of the East End Reconstruction Project with a ribbon cutting … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/28/26