News - Pierce County Journal

At 11:46 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash with injuries on State Road 29 near Couty Road I in the town of Gilman. A 2015 Kia Forte, … more

12/31/25

Pierce County Land Transfers: Dec. 19-25, 2025

The following property transfers were recorded by the Pierce County Register of Deeds Dec. 19-25, 2025. Friday, Dec. 19 Clare Repair LLC to Clare Properties LLC, 603 Wildcat Drive, 3.1 … more

12/31/25

Ellsworth Police Department reports: Dec. 15-21, 2025

The following incidents were reported to Ellsworth Police Department Dec. 15-21, 2025. Monday, Dec. 15 Officers assisted Pierce County deputies with a resisting subject during a … more

12/31/25

Two people die in town of Trenton crash

One Ellsworth woman and one Amery woman died as the result of a car crash on icy roads south of Ellsworth yesterday. At 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office responded … more

12/31/25

Our Neighbors’ Place is located at 122 W. Johnson St. in River Falls.

Our Neighbors’ Place nearing capital campaign goal for new building

RIVER FALLS — Our Neighbors’ Place has been a non-profit in the heart of River Falls for over a decade, pushing to connect Pierce and St. Croix County residents with services to overcome housing … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/31/25

Eighth grader Max Beck with the fall baseball team after they shaved their heads to honor Max during his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma.

Looking back on 2025: A year in review

The staff at the Pierce County Journal wishes our readers a peaceful, prosperous and happy New Year! Thank you for your loyalty and for supporting local journalism. Looking back over the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 12/31/25

Incoming restaurant The Corner Italian is expected to open in late January or early February at 202 Broad St. in Prescott.

Italian restaurant coming to Prescott

PRESCOTT – Kevin Champlin, a graduate of Prescott’s Class of 1995, is returning home to open The Corner Italian, a restaurant setting up at 202 Broad St. If you have ever wanted to sip on wine … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/31/25

Mark Meydam and Katrina Larsen, both UW-River Falls alumni and former longtime staff members, stand on the steps in the University Center in December. The couple recently announced an estate gift estimated at $1.5 million to support scholarships for agricultural education students and professional development for UWRF Athletics staff.

$1.5 million estate gift will support UWRF ag ed students, athletics staff

RIVER FALLS – When Mark Meydam, a 1985 University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduate and former staff member of nearly 40 years, was being inducted into the … more

12/26/25

UW-River Falls marketing communications students raised $3,500 for Have a Heart, Inc. at their Gift and Thrift event on Dec. 9.

UWRF students raise money for local charity with fifth annual Gift and Thrift event

RIVER FALLS – University of Wisconsin-River Falls marketing communications students raised $3,500 to benefit River Falls-based charity Have a Heart, Inc. at the fifth … more

12/26/25

UW-River Falls students and staff celebrate earning first place in the Focus on Energy Higher Education Kit Challenge for the second time. The win reflects the strong campuswide commitment to sustainability, and the university received a $5,000 award to support a future energy efficiency project. The award was presented Dec. 10.

UWRF wins statewide sustainability challenge from Focus on Energy

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by winning the Higher Education Kit Challenge for the … more

12/26/25

A Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials chart shows the history of special education reimbursement percentages in Wisconsin districts.

State special education reimbursement trending downward from approved lofty increase

RIVER FALLS — After the state increased special education reimbursement funding for schools, many celebrated what would come as a relief for districts in Wisconsin. That relief has begun to turn … more

By Andrew Harrington | 12/26/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Energy costs loom as a 2026 campaign issue

Seems like a lot of household costs are rising. Your insurance rates, your groceries and your utility rates. And the latter is becoming more and more of a political issue as we enter the pivotal … more

By WisPolitics-State Affairs | 12/26/25

Superintendent’s column: Community Survey Results

I am writing to provide you with an update and results from our community survey efforts in relation to the upcoming operational referendum in the spring of 2026. The current operational referendum … more

By Brian Nadeau Ellsworth Community School District | 12/26/25

St. Croix County Jail: Dec. 15-20, 2025

Monday, Dec. 15 Chicagie L. Eastwood, 61, Somerset, by Hudson police, felony bail jumping, possession of narcotic drugs, possess drug paraphernalia. Loegan Lucas Aguirre, 18, New Richmond, … more

12/26/25

River Falls Police Department reports: Nov. 23-Dec. 2, 2025

The following incidents were reported to River Falls Police Department Nov. 23-Dec. 2, 2025. Sunday, Nov. 23 Police were dispatched to a disturbance at 1:06 p.m. at a home in the 200 block … more

12/26/25

Pierce County traffic & forfeitures: Dec. 15-19, 2025

Ella Grace Barthel, 18, Monticello, Minn., hit and run – unattended vehicle, $263.50. Aida Lynn Bonneson, 18, Afton, Minn., underage drinking – possess alcohol, $263.50. Genesis A. … more

12/26/25

Pierce County Jail: Dec. 15-19, 2025

Monday, Dec. 15 Gloria Maria Japon Japon, 35, Ellsworth, by PCSO, operate without valid license, released on $500 signature bond. Franklin Vincent Masterson, 45, River Falls, by PCSO, … more

12/26/25

Pierce County Circuit Court: Dec. 11-15, 2025

Initial appearances Tyler Allen Berg, 22, Prescott, pleaded not guilty and posted a $500 signature bond Dec. 15 on an operating while revoked (alcohol related). A status conference is slated for … more

12/26/25

Pierce County Land Transfers: Dec. 15-17, 2025

The following property transfers were recorded by the Pierce County Register of Deeds Dec. 15-17, 2025. Monday, Dec. 15 Creative Homes Inc. to Jeffrey Dunn, 372 Laurel Place, Lot 84, Oak … more

12/26/25

CVTC selected for initiative to close manufacturing gaps

Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) is one of only 18 colleges in the nation to join a new initiative to close advanced manufacturing industry gaps through the EmployED Initiative. Managed … more

12/26/25