News - Pierce County Journal

Spring Valley High School Class of 2026 graduate Addison Neidermyer is the recipient of a $3,000 renewable college scholarship from the Boyd Midwest Family Private Foundation.

SV grad awarded renewable college scholarship

SPRING VALLEY – The Boyd Midwest Family Private Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of Addison Neidermyer as the recipient of a $3,000, renewable college scholarship, beginning with the … more

7/22/26

Farmer mental health focus of Brian Webster Memorial Picnic

In an agricultural county like Pierce, it’s important to address farmers’ mental health, which is not something that used to be talked about much. Farming is not only physically demanding, but it … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/22/26

Temporary ordinance blocking data centers in Ellsworth approved; Village Board votes to defend Hines in injunction

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Plan Commission unanimously approved an interim zoning ordinance amendment that prevents the establishment of a data center in the village Monday. “Our ordinance … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/22/26

WISPOLITICS-STATE AFFAIRS: Musk and his electioneering now before a district attorney

Some stories just have a life of their own. Here’s one that popped up recently, a summer story that stirred memories of the first frantic months of the second Trump administration. Donald … more

By WisPolitics-State Affairs | 7/22/26

Final clarifications made before passing of city electric bicycle ordinance

RIVER FALLS — After River Falls City Council members clarified a few final questions, they unanimously passed the electric bicycle and scooter ordinance at the July 14 meeting. As described in … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/22/26

Superintendent David Bell, Zac Solum (Maintenance Tech), Joe Haselman (Director of Building & Grounds), Lynette Coy (Director of Finance & Facilities), Ron Giordan (Focus on Energy), Marcus Hawkins (Commissioner) Todd Burnap (Transportation Director), Jenny Ames (Director of Community Ed & Communications), Stacy Johnson Myers (School Board Chair).

River Falls schools earn statewide energy efficiency honor

RIVER FALLS – The School District of River Falls was recently recognized by FOCUS ON ENERGY® with a 2026 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award for its commitment to saving energy, improving district … more

7/22/26

Hall seeks restraining order against Hines

A temporary harassment restraining order request against an Ellsworth public official was denied last week by Pierce County Court Commissioner Phillip A. Helgeson. According to Pierce County … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/22/26

Raynee Farrell of CCFBank is celebrating 50 years in the banking industry this month with a celebration July 26 at Ellsworth Country Club. On the left is a photo taken her first day of work in 1976.

‘Bank Lady’ Raynee Farrell hits 50-year milestone

ELLSWORTH – “Bank Lady” Raynee Farrell shows no signs of slowing down, celebrating 50 years this month in the banking industry. She serves as a commercial banker at CCFBank in Ellsworth’s … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/22/26

Prescott School Board considers ‘bell-to-bell’ cell phone ban

PRESCOTT – The Prescott School Board heard a first reading of Policy 5136: Personal Communication Devices at its July 16 meeting; staff is asking for cell phones to be locked up and inaccessible … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/22/26

The UFO Days raffle drawing will be held after Sunday’s grande parade. Those who purchase a button also get a raffle ticket.

Alien Alert: UFO Days 2026 kicks off this week

ELMWOOD – The 2026 Elmwood UFO Days is almost upon us, complete with new events and merchandise celebrating the village’s ties to the unexplained. In its 48 th year, UFO Days promises a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/22/26

UW-River Falls political science student Madeline Nelson (left), stands with Congressman Tom Tiffany in the U.S. Capitol in 2025. Financial support from the UWRF Political Science and International Studies Internship Fund helped Nelson complete an internship working in Tiffany’s Washington D.C. office.

Scholarship supports internship opportunities for UW-River Falls political science and international studies students

RIVER FALLS — In 2023, University of Wisconsin-River Falls Political Science Professors Moira Lynch and Davida Alperin (now retired), recognized a need. “Political … more

7/15/26

Winners of the UW-River Falls Chancellor’s Employee Excellence Awards. Top row L-R: Rachelle Harolds, Becky Pribnow, Joni Rose. Bottom row L-R: Steve Stocker, Jolene Summers, David Toles, Dan Waletzko.

UW-River Falls staff recognized with Chancellor’s Employee Excellence Awards

RIVER FALLS — Seven University of Wisconsin-River Falls staff members have been honored with the Chancellor’s Employee Excellence … more

7/15/26

A bid was approved for the addition of a parking lot on the back side of River Falls High School as well as safety improvements. An intention of the design, laid out by Bray Architects, is to reroute vehicles during school events.

RFSD approves bid for high school parking lot, pedestrian safety improvements

RIVER FALLS — The School District of River Falls’ Board of Education approved a bid that would use 2024 referendum dollars for pedestrian safety and an additional parking lot at the high school … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/15/26

Fourth grader Caden Schuman’s “Bee City Pollinator Garden” artworks was chosen to grace a utility box at DeSanctis Park.

Art Beat: Utility boxes get new art pieces

Please welcome the two latest pieces of utility box art to River Falls. RF city workers attached two exciting pieces of pollinator art to their permanent homes by shrink wrap procedure recently. … more

By Margreth Downing | 7/15/26

Prescott Plan Commission to hold public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance amendments

The City of Prescott will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, to gather public input on proposed amendments to Chapter 635, Zoning, of the City of Prescott Code of Ordinances. … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/15/26

Greg Johnson of Nottingham Construction and Hearth Development discusses plans for a proposed 59-unit assisted living facility at 445 Court St. during the Prescott Plan Commission meeting on July 8.

Prescott Plan Commission recommends approval of assisted living facility on Court Street

The Prescott Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit and site plan for a proposed assisted living facility at 445 Court St. during its July 8 meeting, advancing a … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/15/26

Prescott Council gives final approval to assisted living facility

The Prescott Common Council approved the final plans for a new assisted living facility at 445 Court St. during its July 13 meeting, clearing the way for the project to move forward. Council … more

By Danielle Boos | 7/15/26

ECSD prepping for strategic plan creation, potential 2027 referendum

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Community School District Board is in the planning stages of the creation of a strategic plan and a potential referendum vote in April 2027. The strategic planning … more

7/15/26

Jeff & Ann Bechel are this year’s Plum City Summerfest Parade grand marshals.

Plum City Summerfest brings nostalgic fun

PLUM CITY – The 68 th annual Plum City Summerfest is set to take place July 17-19 with a full slate of events celebrating what makes the little village with the trout pond special. Summerfest … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/15/26

Mike Semmann, president/CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, presents the Friend of Grocers award to Rep. Rob Kreibich.

Rep. Kreibich receives ‘Friend of Grocers’ award

MADISON – State Rep. Rob Kreibich (R-New Richmond) has been recognized by the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) with its “Friend of Grocers” award. The award was presented to Rep. Kreibich in … more

7/15/26