News - Pierce County Journal

Melissa “Mei Mei” Abdouch, front, and a crew of volunteers assembled 200 meals and gifts to donate to patients, families and caregivers at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital last month.

A mission to give back: Mei Mei leads local businesses in donating 200 meals

RIVER FALLS – On Monday, Aug. 25, Melissa "Mei Mei" Abdouch of Mei Mei's Cookies & Creamery in River Falls delivered and served 200 meals and gifts to patients, families, and caregivers … more

9/10/25

Natalia Moiseeva, violin, and Ivan Konev, piano, perform during UW-River Falls Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series in 2024. The 2025-26 series will include eight free concerts on select Fridays at noon beginning Sept. 12.

UWRF hosting free Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin–River Falls has released the 2025-26 schedule for the free Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series featuring a wide variety of musical performances … more

9/10/25

Blane Huppert has been selected as the first director of the University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Blane Huppert named director of UW-River Falls University Business Collaboration Center

RIVER FALLS – Blane Huppert has been selected as the first director of the University Business Collaboration Center (UBCC) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. The newly created … more

9/10/25

Shawyn Domyancich-Lee, associate professor of social work

UWRF faculty recognized with awards for excellence, professional development

RIVER FALLS – Six University of Wisconsin-River Falls faculty members have been recognized with awards to support research, professional development and innovation in education. The awards were … more

9/10/25

A July 31 image of North Grant Street in Ellsworth during its reconstruction project.

PCEDC Municipal Survey results put emphasis on housing, business

The Pierce County Economic Development Corporation released results from the 2025 Municipal Survey, where community leaders were tasked with sharing their “vision for economic growth.” … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/10/25

Local woman arrested for hurting senior citizen, taking drunken ATV ride

A local woman is accused of hurting a senior citizen who attempted to prevent her from driving an ATV drunk in the town of Martell. Mikayla Kayelyn Miller, 29, Goodhue, Minn., posted a $5,000 … more

Staff report | 9/10/25

East End Park is a busy place Thursday nights in the summer for the Summer Fun Series.

Potential East End Park Plan tabled till October

ELLSWORTH — A proposed agreement with MSA to develop an East End Park Master Plan was tabled to the October agenda during the Sept. 8 Ellsworth Village Board meeting. The proposal was to … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/10/25

The Renaissance Charter Academy in River Falls recently constructed a new building, increasing their offerings to students.

Renaissance Charter continuing to expand opportunities and provide another way to learn

RIVER FALLS — The Renaissance Charter Academy has been a part of River Falls for about 20 years. They broke ground for a new building in 2022 and Principal Peggy Webb is entering her second … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/10/25

David Zlesak, professor of horticulture, lectures students outdoors on the UW-River Falls campus. The UWRF Plant and Earth Science Department received a 2025 Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award.

UWRF Plant and Earth Science Department honored with Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award

RIVER FALLS – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Plant and Earth Science Department has been honored with a 2025 Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award. … more

9/3/25

Council passes workshopped Strategic Initiatives

RIVER FALLS — During a brief River Falls City Council meeting Aug. 26, the council approved strategic initiatives for 2025-27. “This is not meant to be aspirational or stretch, these … more

By Andrew Harrington | 9/3/25

Director Sheri Marnell stands in front of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls. The SCVBIC is now taking applications for micro-grants to support area businesses with growth expenses, supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center to help businesses grow with micro-grants supported by WEDC

RIVER FALLS –The St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls will use a $100,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to help area businesses … more

9/3/25

Superintendent’s column: Kicking off the 2025–26 School Year: Patience, progress, and priorities

As we embark on another school year, I’d like to highlight a couple themes that are guiding the start of the 2025-26 school year. Although it can be hectic, this truly is an exciting time for … more

By Supt. David Bell | 9/3/25

Mrs. Karen Pesik, new St. Joseph Parish School second grade teacher.

St. Joseph Parish School hires new teacher

PRESCOTT – St. Joseph Parish School welcomes Karen Pesik this school year as the new second grade teacher. Karen Pesik Hometown: River Falls College attended/work experience: … more

9/3/25

Jessica Olson, Rylee Green, Krista Barker, Brianna Mikla, Superintendent Jim Reif, Emilia Krueger, Amy Marquardt, Vicki Rudolph - School Board Member and Ceceilia Groh.

Prescott welcomes new Cardinals to the nest

Prescott School District is pleased to announce the addition of the following new staff members for the 2025-26 school year. Krista Barker Position: Seventh grade life science teacher … more

9/3/25

Noah Collins recently completed his Eagle Scout project, painting the old gearhouse at Mercord Mill Park.

Prescott City Council amends impact fees, applauds Eagle Scout project

PRESCOTT – The Prescott City Council held a public hearing during its regular meeting on Aug. 25 to discuss amendments and additions to Chapter 352 of the city’s impact fee ordinance. … more

By Danielle Boos | 9/3/25

The storms on Aug. 9, 2025 created a 1,000-year flooding event in southeast Wisconsin. The phrase refers to the probability of an event of that magnitude happening, not the actual frequency of its occurrence.

Fiscal Facts: Flood damage rises with rainfall

Over the past 45 years, Wisconsin has seen a dramatic increase in damage caused by flooding, as the climate has warmed, extreme rains have become more common, and urban development has continued. … more

9/3/25

CAPITOL REPORT: Job no. 1 for governor candidates -- name ID

The No. 1 challenge for 2026 gubernatorial candidates will be ensuring Wisconsin voters know them well enough that they can advance to the general election, Marquette University Law School Poll … more

By WisPolitics.com | 9/3/25

Lindsey Augustine is the new second grade teacher at St. Francis School in Ellsworth.

St. Francis School says hello to new year

ELLSWORTH – St. Francis School is pleased to welcome the following new staff members for the 2025-26 school year. Lindsey Augustine Position: Second grade teacher Hometown: … more

9/3/25

St. Croix County Jail: Aug. 25-31, 2025

Monday, Aug. 25 Thomas Allen Jensen, 66, Hudson, by Baldwin police, misdemeanor bail jumping. Michael James Bauermeister, 45, New Richmond, by SCSO, cause injury/OWI. James Anthony … more

9/3/25

River Falls Police Department reports: Aug. 1-9, 2025

The following incidents were reported to River Falls Police Department Aug. 1-9, 2025. Friday, Aug. 1 Police responded at 8:22 p.m. to Kwik Trip (1536 Cemetery Road) for someone who tried … more

9/3/25