News - Pierce County Journal

Pierce County Circuit Court: Jan. 21-26, 2026

Initial appearances Terri Lee Casello, 34, East Bethel, Minn., was ordered to pay $500 cash bond Jan. 26 on felony criminal damage to property (over $2,500), theft-movable property and four … more

2/4/26

Pierce County Land Transfers: Jan. 26-30, 2026

The following property transfers were recorded by the Pierce County Register of Deeds Jan. 26-30, 2026. Monday, Jan. 26 River City Roundabout LLC to Kinni Storage LLC, 1396 Cemetery Road, … more

2/4/26

Ellsworth Police Department reports: Jan. 26-Feb. 1, 2026

The following incidents were reported to Ellsworth Police Department Jan. 26-Feb. 1, 2026. Monday, Jan. 26 Police were notified of a business alarm at 8:53 a.m. at 412 W. Kinne St. … more

2/4/26

Residents speak against ICE at Pierce County Board meeting

ELLSWORTH – Two Pierce County residents used the Pierce County Board’s public comment time Jan. 27 to express their concerns about the actions of federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/4/26

Plum City HS presents Quarter 2 honor roll

Plum City High School is pleased to recognize the students named to the Quarter 2 Honor Roll for the 2025-26 school year. Congratulations! A Honor Roll Seniors: Katie Bauer, Nick DeLong, … more

2/4/26

Elmwood MS/HS released Quarter 2 Honor Roll

Elmwood Middle/High School is pleased to announce the Quarter 2 Honor Roll recipients for the 2025-26 school year. Congratulations! Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0 GPA) Seniors: Taylor Asher, … more

2/4/26

This map shows where a proposed solar project in the town of Hartland could go.

Hartland board drafts framework for renewable energy land use ordinance

TOWN OF HARTLAND — When AES sought to build a 75MWac solar facility on about 550 buildable acres and 1,000 total acres in the Town of Hartland, community pushback brought the town board to … more

By Andrew Harrington | 2/4/26

The cast of Ellsworth Middle School’s “The Music Man Jr.,” with Director Isabella Devereaux-Hanson and Assistant Director Weston Morley.

‘The Music Man Jr.’ brings nostalgia to Ellsworth stage

ELLSWORTH – Nostalgia is about to hit the stage with Ellsworth Middle School’s debut of “The Music Man, Jr.” this weekend. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. Feb. 5-7 and 2 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Ellsworth … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/4/26

About 75 people took to the Rock Elm Town Hall Saturday, Jan. 31 for a public hearing on a CAFO operations ordinance.

Packed house in Rock Elm to measure public opinion on CAFO ordinance

ROCK ELM — Residents and non-residents alike took to the Rock Elm Town Hall to speak at Saturday’s public hearing both in favor and against an ordinance that would impose further regulations on … more

By Andrew Harrington | 2/4/26

It was a full house in the council chambers as the River Falls City Council honored the UWRF National Champion football team, remembered Fire Captain Cody Peterson and heard public comment from many community members.

Residents urge council to take action regarding immigration enforcement in the city

RIVER FALLS — River Falls City Hall was filled to the brim and then some with community members as the council heard public comments largely about immigration enforcement in the city, honored … more

By Andrew Harrington | 2/4/26

More than 100 people gathered in River Falls’ Veterans Park on Jan. 25 for a candlelight vigil to honor Alex Pretti, a man shot and killed by ICE on Jan. 24.

City, RFSD and local police share information regarding ICE’s Pierce County presence

An influx of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis has since led to ICE operations in nearby suburbs, including in Pierce County. Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda … more

By Andrew Harrington | 2/4/26

Ellsworth Elementary School is located at 445 S. Piety St., Ellsworth

UPDATE: Ellsworth police chief details 911 calls received resulting in school lockdowns

Ellsworth schools were placed on lockdown Friday morning following numerous 911 calls to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office indicating a potential school shooter at Ellsworth Elementary School. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/30/26

Students listen as UW-River Falls Physics Professor Lowell McCann teaches one of the first classes held in UWRF’s new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) on Monday, Jan. 26. The community will be invited to tour the facility during a grand opening celebration March 31 from 4-6 p.m.

Science and Technology Innovation Center opens, ushering in a new era of STEM education at UW-River Falls

RIVER FALLS – Monday, Jan. 26 marked a day years in the making when the University of Wisconsin-River Falls new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) opened for its first day of … more

1/28/26

Students work together to solve a crime scenario as part of the “Forensics” event at the 2026 Science Olympiad Border Battle held Saturday at UW-River Falls. Around 800 high school students from across Wisconsin and Minnesota vied for individual medals and team trophies in the annual STEM competition. Students from Delano (pictured) were part of the team that won this year's pivotal Spirit Award Trophy for good sportsmanship, positive energy and enthusiasm for learning.

UW-River Falls hosts 800 high school students for Science Olympiad Border Battle

RIVER FALLS – Braving frigid temperatures, around 800 students from 31 high schools across Wisconsin and Minnesota gathered at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Saturday to flex their … more

1/28/26

UW-River Falls academic and athletics staff discuss creating a balance between success in the classroom and in athletics during UWRF’s spring 2026 opening meeting on Jan. 20. UWRF is home to the reigning NCAA Division III football and women’s hockey national champions. Pictured: Jodee Schaben, an assistant professor of health and human performance and faculty athletics representative; Matt Walker, head football coach; and Joe Cranston, head women’s hockey coach.

UWRF celebrates athletic, academic success at spring 2026 Opening Meeting

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is kicking off the 2026 spring semester on a high note. Fresh off the Falcon football team’s first-ever NCAA Division III National … more

1/28/26

River Falls Fire Department Capt. Cody Peterson died Jan. 21 at age 36. A funeral service is set for Thursday, Jan. 29 in Pine City, Minn.

RF Fire Capt. Cody Peterson remembered for being mentor

The River Falls Fire Department announced the death of Firefighter and Captain Cody Peterson, age 36, on Wednesday, Jan. 21. According to a post on social media from RFFD: “Cody passed away … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/28/26

The Prescott City Council tabled a raze order for 915 Canton St., which had a structure fire on Feb. 10, 2025. During an inspection, city officials also found an unpermitted living unit in the industrial-zoned building.

Council votes to table 915 Canton St. raze order

PRESCOTT – Prescott City Council voted Jan. 26 to table a raze order for 915 Canton St. upon recommendation from its legal counsel after the property owner’s attorney read a letter on her behalf. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/28/26

The Ellsworth High School December Students of the Month (from left): Wyatt Peterson, Addie Sabby, Amilya Hre, Aliana McChane.

EHS honors December Students of the Month

Ellsworth High School is pleased to announce the December Students of the Month: Aliana McChane (freshman), Amilya Hren (sophomore), Addie Sabby (junior) and Wyatt Peterson (senior). Congratulations … more

1/28/26

St. Croix County Jail: Jan. 19-26, 2026

Monday, Jan. 19 Adam John Buss, 29, Hudson, by Hudson police, probation hold. Tuesday, Jan. 20 Ashley Dawn Nott, 38, address not listed, by SCSO, warrant. Nika Margishivili, 32, … more

1/28/26

River Falls Police Department reports: Dec. 25, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026

The following incidents were reported to River Falls Police Department Dec. 25, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026. Thursday, Dec. 25 Police were dispatched to a verbal domestic at 10:36 p.m. at 213 S. … more

1/28/26