News - Pierce County Journal

Jesus (Riley Hackbarth) preaches to his followers after performing one of many miracles.

GALLERY: ‘The Passion of Christ’ begins Holy Week

SPRING VALLEY – The story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection unfolded before the eyes of the audience at the Spring Valley Stagehands theater the past two weekends, bringing Christ’s story … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/1/26

SVSD approves communication plan ahead of village’s annexation decision

SPRING VALLEY — After open and closed session discussions, the Spring Valley School Board approved administration to carry out a communication plan with the village on why they feel annexation of … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/1/26

Chad Zess (left) was named River Falls Firefighter of the Year, and Alex Sather (right) was named River Falls Police Officer of the Year at the March 24 City Council meeting.

Sather, Zess named RF Officer and Firefighter of the year

RIVER FALLS — River Falls Police Officer Alex Sather and River Falls Fire Captain Chad Zess were named the city’s officer and firefighter of the year for 2025 at the March 24 City Council … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/1/26

Wade and BobbieJo Olson have opened up BW’s Tavern on Broadway Street in Ellsworth, bringing a remodeled look with a friendly neighborhood feel.

BW’s Tavern opens doors to packed house of happy customers

ELLSWORTH — A long-time dream has come true for BobbieJo Olson and her husband Wade, purchasing a bar at 252 N. Broadway St. that they named BW’s Tavern, honoring each of their names. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/1/26

NWS issues Winter Storm Warning for Pierce County

Winter Storm Warning issued April 1 at 3:11AM CDT until April 2 at 12:00PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN ...MESSY SPRING SYSTEM BRINGS FREEZING RAIN, SLEET, AND SNOWTO PORTIONS OF MINNESOTA … more

4/1/26

River Howze is the Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for March 25.

Prescott Community Club Student of the Week: River Howze

The Prescott Community Club Student of the Week for March 25 is Prescott High School freshman River Howze, nominated by teacher Zachary Bisson. “River is an attentive and lively student,” … more

3/25/26

All are encouraged to purchase an inscribed 4-inch by 8-inch paver for the American Legion Post 61’s incoming Veterans Memorial. To purchase, use the attached barcode.

Severson inspires Legion Post 61’s Veterans Memorial

PRESCOTT — Over the last 20 years, Navy veteran Jerry Severson and his wife Rose have placed flags in the Prescott Cemetery for all the community's veterans. Severson, who died in October at age … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26

(From left): Julie Severson Magee, Rose Severson and Gordy Magee received a shadow box March 19 from American Legion Post 61 in recognition of their work caring for veterans’ graves.

Prescott American Legion embraces Flag Memorial Project

For more than a decade the Severson family has ensured veterans buried in Prescott’s cemeteries are remembered each Memorial Day. A veteran himself, Jerry Severson — who served in the U.S. Navy … more

3/25/26

Staff members of The Student Voice newspaper at UW-River Falls pose with awards from the 2025 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation Collegiate Better Newspaper Contest. (Back row, from left): Johan Harworth, Michaleen Lovett, Fionn O’haodha; (front, from left): Kristy Moore, Alison Keeler, Sawyer Johnson.

Student Voice wins nine awards in statewide collegiate journalism contest

RIVER FALLS - The Student Voice, the student-run newspaper at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, received nine awards at the 2025 Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation Collegiate Better … more

3/25/26

RFHS pick-up/drop-off area rework included in 10-year Capital Project calendar

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls School Board heard and approved the 10-year summer capital maintenance cost plan, including a variety of indoor and outdoor projects throughout the district during the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26

Eight UW-River Falls undergraduate researchers traveled to Madison March 11 to present their scholarly work at the 22nd annual Research in the Rotunda event at the Wisconsin State Capitol. They joined around 125 Universities of Wisconsin students from across the state. From left: Director of Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Molly Gerrish, Evelyn Ashbach, Samantha Imes, Anna George, Hayden Banks, Ruth Kosterman, Elena Fuglestad, Rebecca Gill, Anthony Fuchs, Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth and Interim Provost Wes Chapin.

UW-River Falls students present research at Research in the Rotunda in Madison

RIVER FALLS – Eight undergraduate researchers from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls joined around 125 students from across the Universities of Wisconsin to … more

3/25/26

River Falls Municipal Utilities Director Kevin Westhuis to speak at UW-River Falls April 8

RIVER FALLS – The University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will host the third guest speaker in the Innovators Speaker Series Wednesday, April 8. … more

3/25/26

The Ellsworth Fire Department received a donation of grain bin rescue equipment from Corteva Agriscience, the parent company of Pioneer Seed.

Corteva/Pioneer donates grain bin rescue equipment to EFD

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Fire Department recently received a donation of grain bin rescue equipment from Corteva Agriscience, a parent company of Pioneer seed. “Grain bin entrapments are an … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26

(From left:) Katen Achenbach, Amelia Dopp, Trevor Doherty and Hayden Turner, the Ellsworth High School February Students of the Month.

EHS honors February Students of the Month

Ellsworth High School is pleased to highlight the February Students of the Month: freshman Katen Achenbach, sophomore Amelia Dopp, junior Trevor Doherty and senior Hayden Turner. Katen Achenbach … more

3/25/26

Stephanie Huppert, a 2026 Honorary Survivor, grew up on a dairy farm in Pierce County. After graduating from Prescott School District, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She lived in Ellsworth for many years before returning to Prescott. In November 2024, she began experiencing abdominal pain. After seeing my doctor and being referred to a surgeon, a CT scan revealed a mass on the head of her pancreas, leading to a suspicion of cancer.

‘Second chance at life’: Honorary cancer survivors to speak at Relay For Life

RIVER FALLS — Relay For Life has become one of the most powerful community events in the area over the years, stuffing the River Falls High School Gym year after year as community members hear from … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26

The preliminary plat of Walnut Circle, a nine-lot development near Walnut and Dexter streets.

Prescott City Council approves Walnut Circle prelim plat

PRESCOTT – The Prescott City Council approved a trio of items March 23 related to a new development in town that will provide improvements to the Coulee River Trails project. The council … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/25/26

The cast and crew of Ellsworth High School’s “Around the World in Eighty Days!”

EHS presents ‘Around the World in Eighty Days!’

ELLSWORTH – Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with Ellsworth High School’s rendition of “Around the World in Eighty Days!” hitting the stage March 27-29. Journey along with … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/25/26

Plum City FFA and ag students at the Quad County Soil Judging Day.

Plum City FFA Alumni group sparking up to support students’ futures

PLUM CITY — Kayla Clare, who owns Clare Repair in Plum City along with her husband, is looking to start an FFA alumni group to support students in the organization. The group is welcoming any … more

By Andrew Harrington | 3/25/26

During the replacement of C-47-2 and C-47-5, WIS 65 will be closed to through traffic, which will be detoured via US 10, US 63, WIS 29 and WIS 35. Access to homes and businesses in the area will be maintained.

Gov. Evers approves WIS 65 and US 10 culvert project

To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed a $2.15 million project replacing two culverts on WIS 65 between River Falls and Ellsworth and repairing one culvert and … more

3/25/26

Prescott and Wauwatosa West High School students presented March 13 at the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies State Conference at the Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison.

Prescott students present at State Social Studies Conference

Students from Prescott High School recently had the opportunity to teach educators from across Wisconsin about the power of experiential learning. On Friday, March 13, eight Prescott students joined … more

Staff report | 3/18/26