News - Pierce County Journal

City of RF receives DNR Urban Forestry grant

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the second round of Urban Forestry Grant Program recipients for the 2024 grant year. The program helps fund projects … more

3/20/24

Participants in the Community Action Poverty Simulation event at UW-River Falls in January 2023 discuss challenges related to trying to pay for living expenses on a limited income. This year’s poverty simulation event at the university is scheduled for March 27 and is intended to raise awareness about the growing number of people struggling to pay for basic life expenses.

UWRF to host poverty simulation event March 27

RIVER FALLS – Even in the St. Croix Valley, a part of Wisconsin where the population is increasing along with economic development, many people struggle to make ends meet financially. … more

3/20/24

The River Falls Fire Department has received federal funds to renovate its fire station, built in the 1950s.

City of RF receives more than $1.4M for fire station renovations

RIVER FALLS – The City of River Falls received $1,401,000 in the federal appropriations legislation signed into law by President Biden on March 9, 2024. This funding, which was secured by Sen. … more

3/20/24

CAPITOL REPORT: No Congressional remapping this year likely maintains GOP edge

State legislative lines have been redrawn for 2024 and signed into law by Democrat Gov. Tony Evers. So, shouldn't congressional lines be redrawn too, given that Republicans hold a 6-2 partisan … more

By WisPolitics.com | 3/20/24

CAPITOL REPORT: Lawmakers filed for more taxpayer-paid expenses in 2023 than 2021

Lawmakers spent more time in the Capitol than they did two years ago as per diems were up in 2023 compared to the last time they hammered out a budget, according to records from the Senate and … more

By WisPolitics.com | 3/13/24

Six UW-River Falls students presented their research projects Wednesday at the state Capitol as part of the 20th annual Research in the Rotunda event that showcases undergraduate research by Universities of Wisconsin students. Pictured front row, left to right, are UW-River Falls Chancellor Maria Gallo, and students Nhi Nguyen, Lindsey Johnson, Katelyn Marano, and Hailey Beilke. Back row, left of sign is student Chase Syverud. Back row, right of sign are student Jordan Cioni and Molly Gerrish, who oversees UW-River Falls Research in the Rotunda students as director of the university’s Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity program.

UWRF students showcase academic, presentation skills at Research in the Rotunda

RIVER FALLS – In the weeks leading up to the 20th annual Research in the Rotunda event, as she worked on her research studying tiny materials dating to the age of dinosaurs, Katelyn Marano … more

3/13/24

On Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers signed into a law a change in Wisconsin-Minnesota tuition reciprocity regulations that will provide additional revenue for UW-River Falls and other Universities of Wisconsin schools. UW-River Falls Chancellor Maria Gallo, in red directly behind Evers, attended the bill signing ceremony and has strongly backed the funding change.

Gov. Evers signs into law tuition reciprocity change that will benefit UWRF

RIVER FALLS – University of Wisconsin-River Falls Chancellor Maria Gallo joined others Wednesday at the state Capitol in Madison as Gov. Tony Evers signed into law a change in … more

3/13/24

Superintendent’s column: History will record public investment

There are times in life when our individual and collective actions change the course of history. In the case of voter support for our two referendum questions, history will record this as a time of … more

By Supt. Jamie Benson | 3/13/24

UW-River Falls student Brandi Weiland and others have restarted a university chapter of Active Minds as part of efforts to address student mental health on campus. On Monday Weiland, wearing a pink sweatshirt, spoke with students visiting the Active Minds booth, an effort to connect with students and make them feel less alone.

Active Minds, Mental Health Mondays addressing mental health needs at UWRF

RIVER FALLS – Two years ago, as one aspect after another of her life unraveled, Brandi Weiland felt like she hit rock bottom. Her brother died in 2020, and that incident seemed to … more

3/13/24

Future condo development in Prescott at impasse over parking

PRESCOTT – The March 4 Prescott Planning Commission focused on challenges of the proposed Riverfront Mixed Use Development at 214 Front St. and 20 Orange St. including the inadequate sized turn … more

By Danielle Boos | 3/13/24

Alexi Schommer followed her dream and opened Ooh Ahh Massage & Spa at 1380 North Acres Road in Prescott.

Ooh Ahh Massage & Spa owner persisted in chasing dreams

PRESCOTT — Alexi Schommer, owner of Ooh Ahh Massage and Spa, was born and raised in Prescott. "My dream was always to open something in Prescott, nowhere else, always something in … more

By Riley Dorau | 3/13/24

Speeding stop turns into cocaine, meth bust

A Minnesota man pulled over for speeding in Prescott failed to hide his cocaine and meth stash after being arrested and taken to Pierce County Jail. Daryale Donte Harris, 28, Apple Valley, … more

Pierce County Journal staff | 3/13/24

Blomberg facing new felony charges after jail fight

An Ellsworth man in jail for felony bail jumping after a December mistrial on sexual assault charges has racked up new felonies thanks to an altercation with another inmate. Wyatt James Blomberg … more

Pierce County Journal staff | 3/13/24

Crews are working to prepare the infrastructure for fiber installation in the next construction phases of SwiftCurrent Connect, the fiber-optic internet service powered by PPCS.

PPCS awarded $7.96 million for broadband expansion

ELLSWORTH – On March 7, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) awarded Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) $7.96 million to fund three projects across St. Croix, Pierce, and … more

3/13/24

Superintendent’s column: Physical education areas at EHS

The high school's current physical education fitness area and weight room lack the space needed for our physical education program and athletic programs. In addition, the current gymnasium lobby and … more

By Barry Cain | 3/13/24

Neenah woman arrested for Martell burglary

A Neenah woman driving by a house she had burglarized the day before was pulled over and arrested during a traffic stop. Renee L. Schroeder, 47, posted a $15,000 signature March 6 in Pierce … more

Pierce County Journal staff | 3/13/24

Retaining walls along Highway 35 between Green and Chestnut streets in Maiden Rock will be replaced.

Retaining wall replacement on WIS 35 in Maiden Rock to start

To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Gov. Tony Evers has signed an $846,790 contract with prime contractor Pheifer Brothers Construction Co. of Neenah for the replacement of … more

3/13/24

Traffic stop turns up more than 2 pounds of marijuana

A Hager City man probably regrets passing a plow driver on a double yellow line since it resulted in a drug bust and a felony charge. Gabriel David Greenberg, 43, posted $750 cash bail Feb. 23 … more

Pierce County Journal staff | 3/13/24

Ave Maria Academy Middle School class: Braydon Diesing, Seth Holmstadt, Weston Bocksell, Bristal Books, Mary Peterson and Ava Bocksell.

Ave Maria Academy recaps ‘Hawaiian Luau Gala’

PLUM CITY – The weather was perfect as guests arrived at Molly’s on Main for the 2024 Hawaiian Luau Gala sponsored by Ave Maria Academy on Saturday, March 2. Guests were greeted in … more

3/13/24

For Tucky Bandaranaike, The Arbor at Young Acres is more than just a business - it's a manifestation of a lifelong dream, a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the simple joys of sharing a meal with loved ones.

A nomadic family settles down at an orchard oasis

PRESCOTT – Tucky and Rachel Bandaranaike and their Wolfegang, now 4 years old, had been living an unconventional life, traveling the county in an RV. They moved from their home in Orange … more

By Riley Dorau | 3/13/24