News - Pierce County Journal

Ellsworth High School students are hoping to earn Ellsworth "Tree City USA" status from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Ellsworth looking into becoming Tree City after EHS students’ presentation

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Village Board approved the sale of general obligation promissory notes and decided to look into becoming a Tree City during the Monday, May 5 meeting. Ehlers … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/7/25

Ellsworth resident Maria Reyes stocked her store in River Falls, Maria’s Tienda y Boutique Mexicana, with authentic Latino goods, much of which she brought from Chicago.

RF Mexican boutique owner decides to close store

RIVER FALLS – Despite the struggles she and her family have faced, Maria Reyes has faith. Faith in the Lord’s protection, faith in the community, faith that good will prevail, faith in … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/7/25

Elijah Haug came home with a share of the Valedictorian award as well as the Academic Excellence Scholarship at the Spring Valley Senior Awards presentation at the April 30 school board meeting.

SV announces Class of 2025 senior award winners

SPRING VALLEY — The Spring Valley School Board heard presentations on timelines for referendum projects and the referendum interest and financing outlook after announcing senior award winners … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/7/25

The new concession stand in the main area will face the opposite direction from the gym doors, preventing people waiting in line from crossing over with people entering the gym.

Ellsworth, RF referendum builds moving along swiftly

The Ellsworth and River Falls districts are each taking on significant construction over the summer after passing referendums in 2024. Both projects are already moving along as the districts intend … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/7/25

River Falls Community Food Pantry Executive Director Candice Anderson stands before the dairy case at the food pantry, which is noticeably sparse when it comes to eggs and milk.

Government funding cuts hit River Falls Community Food Pantry

RIVER FALLS – According to River Falls Community Food Pantry Executive Director Candice Anderson, funding cuts that will affect the pantry’s stock didn’t really come out of nowhere, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/7/25

Patti Lindquist has tended bar for over 38 years at Johnnies Bar.

From Horseplay to Heroes: ‘Personal Jesus’ Patti Lindquist

This week's "Horseplay and Heroes" column is going to be the written version of taking the scenic route to tell the story. It will take longer, but you're going to read some things not typically … more

By Greg Peters | 5/1/25

Justin Wilson has been selected as the new River Falls Fire Chief, effective May 19, 2025.

City of River Falls names Justin Wilson as New Fire Chief

RIVER FALLS – The City of River Falls has appointed Justin Wilson as its new chief of the River Falls Fire Department, effective May 19, 2025. A longtime River Falls resident, Wilson has … more

5/1/25

Ellsworth’s ‘State of the Village’ showcases new developments

ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce members heard a “State of the Village” update from Village President Becky Beissel and Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Brad Roy at the April … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/30/25

The community is rallying around the Rohl family after Mackenze, Mabel and John were in a crash Easter Sunday.

Mabel Rohl recovering from ‘life saving brain surgery’ after Easter Sunday crash

On April 20, Easter Sunday, Mackenze, 46, John, 16, and Mabel Rohl, 19, were struck by another vehicle at the intersection of Highway 10 and County Road QQ. John and the four passengers of the other … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/30/25

Leah Gavin, celebrating her 65th birthday at Freeman Drug, was named the 2021 Citizen of the Year by the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

RF’s Leah Gavin leaves behind loving legacy

Editor’s note: In November 2022, I had the privilege to interview Leah Gavin about Freeman Drug’s 150 th anniversary. Gavin died Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/30/25

The recipients of the 2025 Empower Ellsworth grants, which were awarded Thursday, April 17.

Six student projects receive support through Empower Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH – Service learning is an important part of character education in the Ellsworth Community School District, apparent by the number of thoughtful projects presented to a panel of judges … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/24/25

Waystone Coffee Co. on Walnut Street in River Falls is one of the businesses involved in Seasonal Spotlight, pairing with Oxheart Farm for fresh spinach and yogurt.

Seasonal Spotlights pairs local restaurants, farms to offer seasonal dishes

Earth Fest 2025 may be a one-day event, but the goal is for the impact of the day to last significantly longer. One way is through the Seasonal Spotlight initiative, pairing local food service stops … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/25

River Falls senior Gage Brunkhorst has developed into a top-tier baker, now selling his baked goods through his business.

RFHS senior owns thriving baking biz

RIVER FALLS — River Falls senior Gage Brunkhorst has always had a love for cooking and baking, eventually turning that spark into his own baking business. Ever since Brunkhorst was young, … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/22/25

Mayor Dan Toland (left) has been serving as River Falls' mayor for a record 13 years. Councilman Scott Morrissette (right) is in his 15th year serving on the city council.

River Falls’ record-setting mayor: Toland is longest tenured

River Falls was founded in 1848 by Joel Foster. In 1885, 140 years ago, the "City on the Kinni" became an incorporated city. Abraham Andrews was the first mayor. It is not known what happened, but … more

By Greg Peters | 4/22/25

Mino and his caretaker Em Loerzel this past fall 2024. To Loerzel, the ponies are family members.

The Humble Horse brings Ojibwe ponies to Earth Fest

Visitors to Earth Fest in River Falls will have the opportunity to meet Ojibwe ponies from The Humble Horse, a nonprofit organization currently based in Spring Valley dedicated to the preservation, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/22/25

New River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau CEO Rosa Magnus introduced herself, thanking the gathering at the State of the Chamber breakfast, sponsored by the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday, April 10 at Westwind Supper Club.

River Falls Chamber celebrates community, vision at ‘State of the Chamber’ breakfast

The River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual State of the Chamber breakfast on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the West Wind Supper Club, bringing together local business leaders, … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 4/17/25

Birth to 3 helps families support the growth and development of their infants and toddlers who are delayed or have a diagnosed medical condition known to cause a developmental delay.

Public Health Director presents on county’s frozen grant funding

ELLSWORTH — Federal grant funding is up in the air for Pierce County Public Health as county leaders look to plan for what is to come. “I emailed all of you last week that we had had … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/16/25

Plum City HS releases 3rd quarter honor roll

Plum City High School is pleased to share the names of students who made the third quarter honor roll for the 2024-25 school year. A honor roll Seniors: Carter Fetzer, Yoselin Gea, Daisy … more

4/16/25

Vehicle thief crashes car trying to evade police

A stolen vehicle, a pursuit and a crash landed one man in the hospital and in court with felony charges. Dean Edward Sunderland, 32, New Richmond, was ordered to pay $1,000 cash bond April 7 in … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 4/16/25

Community members spoke for about an hour April 8 about the proposed Isabelle Creek Solar Project in Hartland.

Residents push for sunset on Isabelle Creek Solar Project

TOWN OF HARTLAND — About 100 area residents had the Hartland Town Hall bursting at the seams to oppose the proposed Isabelle Creek Solar Project during the April 8 monthly town meeting. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 4/16/25