News - Pierce County Journal

UWRF building up job interview systems through increased face-to-face, AI opportunities

The University of Wisconsin River Falls Career Services team has long been tasked with preparing students for the job interview process. Through a trio of artificial intelligence tools and increased … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/16/26

Gov. Tony Evers (far left) presented First National Bank of River Falls with the Legacy Award in recognition of Financial Literacy Month. Pictured are Evers, Kaydi Sobottka (VP - Human Resources Officer), Jeff Johnson (President, CEO & Board Chairman), Amy Weiss (VP - Marketing Officer), First Lady Kathy Evers, Financial Literacy Ambassador.

First National Bank of River Falls received Legacy Award

RIVER FALLS – In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, First National Bank of River Falls has been named one of 11 organizations statewide to receive a 2025 Governor’s Financial Literacy … more

4/16/26

Amy Clark, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UW-River Falls.

UWRF names Amy Clark Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

RIVER FALLS — The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has named Amy Clark, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor … more

4/16/26

Payge Haupt is the Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for April 15, 2026.

Prescott Community Club Student of the Week: Payge Haupt

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for April 15 is Prescott High School junior Payge Haupt, nominated by social studies teacher Rob Glazebrook. “Payge has demonstrated excellent … more

4/16/26

Senior Gathering Place activities: April 15-23, 2026

PRESCOTT – Welcome Spring! Buds on the tulips, warmer temps and the grass turning green. Of course, that also means we will soon be mowing lawns and planting, but I would rather be … more

4/16/26

Prescott High School juniors (from left) Lilly Hillebrand, Payge Haupt, Brooklyn Macheska spoke about their Lac du Flambeau experiences at the Wisconsin Indian Education Conference.

Prescott students present at state education conference

“It’s really difficult to put into words the impact those four days had on me and to have an opportunity to share those experiences with others was incredible,” said Prescott High School junior … more

4/16/26

THE CAPITOL REPORT: Liberals again dominate Supreme Court race with their eyes on another seat next year

Liberal Justice-elect Chris Taylor won in a blowout, even winning in traditionally Republican counties like Ozaukee, Jefferson, Oneida and Vilas. She and her allies outspent conservative rival … more

By WisPolitics-State Affairs | 4/16/26

Ann Huppert (center) with Sticky Sweet employees Alexander Perez Rangel and Ava Acker.

Sticky Sweet aims to create smiles and happy memories

ELLSWORTH – One day while driving down Main Street, Ann Huppert looked at the building at 335 W. Main St. and wished she could turn it into a place for kids to visit and hang out. Little did she … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/16/26

St. Francis annual gala, Fiesta Loca, will be held Saturday, April 18.

¡Viva la Fiesta! St. Francis Gala supports a great cause

ELLSWORTH – Nurturing hearts, inspiring minds, and embracing faith—this is the mission that has guided St. Francis School, a proud pillar of Catholic education in Ellsworth, for more than 78 … more

4/16/26

Ruby's Pantry closed all its distribution sites, including Ellsworth's, citing unsustainable financial issues.

Ruby’s Pantry suddenly ceases operations, including Ellsworth site

ELLSWORTH – A nonprofit organization that has provided county residents with affordable food shares for the past four years has ceased operations. Ruby’s Pantry announced the sudden closure of … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/16/26

EMS Assistant Principal role reduced to Dean of Students

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Community School District Board approved a pair of job descriptions during the April 8 meeting, one of which was a reduction in the middle school assistant principal role … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/16/26

Poellinger named Development Director of St. Croix Valley Food Bank  

HUDSON – The St. Croix Valley Food Bank (SCVFB) announced April 9 that Brandi Poellinger has been hired as the organization’s development director. In her new role, Poellinger will … more

4/15/26

An additional “slow no wake zone” is being considered by the Pierce County Board at the recommendation of the Wisconsin DNR from the Bay City Boat Launch to the Wisconsin Channel.

Pierce County Board increases Sheriff, Clerk of Court salaries

ELLSWORTH – The Pierce County Board unanimously passed a resolution March 24 that will increase the salaries of the elected Clerk of Court and Sheriff positions for the 2027-30 term. According … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/15/26

Plum City HS recognizes 3rd quarter honor roll

Plum City High School is pleased to announce the students named to the third quarter honor roll for the 2025-26 school year. Congratulations and keep up the great work! A Honor Roll … more

4/15/26

Gov. Evers approves pavement marking project in 16 counties

To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed a $2.08 million contract with prime contractor Century Traffic of Pewaukee for pavement marking in 16 counties … more

4/15/26

Plum City School District currently has 45 middle school students and 24 high school students in band or choir.

Fundraiser supports your back AND Plum City students

PLUM CITY - If you or someone you know is in the market for a new mattress, now is the perfect time. Plum City Music is excited to announce it will host a one-day mattress fundraiser from 10 a.m. to … more

4/15/26

The aftermath of the Walker Farm April 6 barn fire that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of ducks and chickens, three dogs, a pony and cats.

‘We’re not giving up’: Walker Farm to hold public memorial after tragic barn fire

RIVER FALLS — After coming home from football practice April 6, the Walker family discovered a small kitchen fire in their home caused by a package of scissors left on a burner that was … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/15/26

Prescott mayoral candidates Mike Gerke (left) and Bailey Ruona (right) shake hands after a coin toss to break the election’s tie.

Tails never fails: Gerke takes Prescott mayor seat on coin toss tiebreaker

PRESCOTT — As the April 7 election night results flooded in, communities found out who would be the next representatives of their municipality. Well, that list excluded the Prescott mayor position, … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/15/26

Bethel’s Basement Blessings was the recipient of the Power of 100 – Ellsworth Spring Impact Award of $10,000. Their group is pictured with the Power of 100 – Ellsworth core team, including (back row, from left) Melissa Ryden, Kaydi Sobottka, Kayleen Jakes, Emily Langer, Katie Feuerhelm, Crystal Raleigh and Amy Loberg.

Power of 100 – Ellsworth awards $10K to Bethel’s Basement Blessings

The Power of 100 – Ellsworth group held its annual Spring Impact Meeting Thursday, April 9, where members voted to award $10,000 to the nonprofit group Bethel’s Basement Blessings. The other two … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/15/26

The Spring Valley Village Board approved the removal of the Glade Avenue bridge between Oak and S Third Streets.

SV board approves Glade Ave. bridge removal, bus garage annexation

SPRING VALLEY — The Spring Valley Village Board heard and approved a Glade Avenue bridge removal proposal and returned from closed session to approve the school district’s annexation of the bus … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/9/26