News - Pierce County Journal

The approved Grow to Share lease takes up a chunk in the southeast corner of DeSanctis Park.

Grow to Share to move to DeSanctis, debate sprouts

RIVER FALLS — Residents spoke both in favor and against a lease to move the Grow to Share garden program from Hoffman Park to DeSanctis Park. Ultimately, the board approved the new lease … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/16/25

After a study done by MSA, the properties in red in the East End area were found to be blighted.

CDA discusses East End blighted properties, building vacancies

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Community Development Authority received blighted property evaluations during a July 14 meeting, the second of three regarding the East End Redevelopment Plan. On … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/16/25

Mary K. Brown, Durand, during her Dec. 6, 2022 arraignment hearing in Pierce County Circuit Court.

Nurse accused of cutting off foot gets fine, no jail time

A Durand woman accused of cutting off a hospice patient’s foot without his permission pleaded no contest to negligently abusing a patient and will receive no jail time. The patient’s … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/16/25

Emergency service workers of Ellsworth took to Bay City on July 9 to practice difficult extractions ahead of the Valley Springs Hill Climb.

Valley Springs Motoclimb to host French champion

BAY CITY — A 500-foot hill in Bay City has become a Midwest hill climbing monument. The hill is set to host the annual Valley Springs Motorcycle Club (VSMC) Motoclimb, featuring racers from all … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/13/25

A rendering of the Kwik Trip proposed for the Crossing Meadows area. The Village Board approved a CSM and Site Plan during the July 7 meeting.

Floodplain study tabled, Kwik Trip passes another hurdle

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Village Board tabled a proposed floodplain study in the East End Industrial Park, with board trustees citing too broad of a cost estimate and a lack of information. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/9/25

People returned from around the country to pack the church for Svea Lutheran’s 150-year anniversary.

Svea Lutheran celebrates 150 years with packed church

HAGER CITY — Celebrating 150 years since its original services at a schoolhouse in 1875 where the Trenton Town Hall now stands, Svea Lutheran Church saw people from around the nation return to … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/9/25

Two kids were all smiles after receiving beds from Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

‘This is really needed’: Sleep in Heavenly Peace seeks to build a bed for every child without one

Approximately 2-3% of children ages 3-17 in the United States do not have a bed, according to non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and the organization is doing everything in its power to change that. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/9/25

The theme for River Falls Days 2025, voted on by the community, is “Kinni in Bloom.”

RF Days 2025: ‘Kinni in Bloom’ set to blossom July 10–13

RIVER FALLS – Downtown River Falls will transform into a vibrant landscape as River Falls Days 2025 brings four days of celebration, community connection, and unforgettable entertainment July … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/9/25

UW-River Falls student Hailey James opened up for country mega-star Riley Green at Hoofbeat Festival in Cadott, Wis., at the end of June. James also sang a duet with Green.

Shoot your shot: UWRF student takes the big stage

Merle Haggard wrote the song "Mama Tried" in 1968. As one may suspect from the title and the year, it's a classic country song about not listening to your mother. Well, UW-River Falls student … more

By Greg Peters | 7/9/25

(From left): Joe Rohl, chair of the River Falls Rural Fire Association, Fire Chief Justin Wilson and Mayor Dan Toland.

City of River Falls, Rural Fire Association reach historic agreement

RIVER FALLS – The City of River Falls and the River Falls Rural Fire Association have signed a historic 20-year contract that will extend the city’s fire services to the … more

7/3/25

First National Bank of River Falls President and CEO Jeff Johnson will take over as chairman of the board for the bank.

New chairman for First National Bank of RF Board, same community focus

RIVER FALLS — After about nine years as chairman of the First National Bank of River Falls Board, Sandy Smith Wurm officially retired. Bank President and CEO Jeff Johnson will take over in the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/3/25

One of the most popular part of Cheese Curd Festival is the Cheese Curd Eating Contest, which had an upset in the men’s category this year. A great crowd cheered on all contestants.

GALLERY: Say Cheese! 2025 Cheese Curd Festival

Another Cheese Curd Festival has come and gone, and we're already looking forward to next year! A post on the Cheese Curd Festival Facebook page: "Every year, the vendors bring the … more

7/2/25

Trenton traffic stop turns into drug bust

What appeared to be a routine traffic stop in Trenton turned into a significant drug bust last week. Krystal Marie Larson, 42, Cannon Falls, Minn., was ordered to pay $2,500 cash bond June 24 in … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/2/25

Joe Hines (left) and Dean Hines (right) have worked for 102 combined years at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery.

‘We’ve only been taught one thing’: Hines brothers combine for 102 years worked at creamery

ELLSWORTH — With 102 years of hard work under their belts at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Joe Hines is now enjoying retirement and his brother Dean Hines is winding down his career. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/2/25

The intersection of Broadway and Wall streets in Ellsworth’s East End is home to many businesses, including Danny Dunn’s, Broz, Hair Traffic Control, Hines Insurance Agency and Snowball’s Bar.

East End Redevelopment planning process underway

ELLSWORTH — East End’s future has long been discussed by Ellsworth village representatives, business owners and community owners, but now, a plan for the area’s redevelopment has … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/2/25

Marlee May Erlandson was full of life and energy, bringing smiles to everyone she met during her short yet impactful life.

Marlee’s Bake Shop grand opening set for June 27

Many people in Ellsworth and the surrounding area are familiar with the delicious and detailed cookies baked by Josie Erlandson of Frosted Haven. Her next adventure, Marlee’s Bake Shop, is set … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/26/25

Spring Valley Elementary earns high honor from DPI

SPRING VALLEY – Spring Valley Elementary is one of 98 schools statewide to earn Wisconsin Schools of Recognition honors for the 2023-24 school year from the Wisconsin Department of Public … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/25/25

The Sycamore’s Veteran Wall of Honor, showcasing the senior living community’s many veterans. Dena Young of Dena June Creations completed the mural.

Mural enshrines decades of stories, memories from veterans

RIVER FALLS — The Sycamore, a River Falls senior living community, unveiled its Veterans Wall of Honor, showcasing residents’ years of service in the military. Pat Schmoller, one of … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/25/25

The Clare family has worked hard to take JM Watkins to the next level, and they are thrilled to be seeing things through.

Watkins Meats excited for what’s to come after opening new facility

PLUM CITY – JM Watkins Meats has put the finishing touches on its exponentially larger new facility at the corner of Highway 10 and County Road CC. They opened their doors to the public June 16 … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/25/25

Sarah Jenkins has been a realtor in River Falls since 2017, the last four years with Property Executives Realty.

Home is where the microphone is

When you walk into realtor Sarah Jenkins' office on Second Street in River Falls, it does feel like home. Her renovated office looks like a brand-new home from the outside, but on the inside, that's … more

By Greg Peters | 6/18/25