Feb. 2, 2022

At the Tuesday, Jan. 25 River Falls City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved a development agreement with LB River Falls, LLC for a brewery, multi-function event space, restaurant and taproom on a 4.3-acre lot north of Tattersall Distilling on Paulson Road. The project will involve constructing a 48,000-square-foot building.

A Plum City family had the unexpected experience of helping to rescue an injured bald eagle on Wednesday, Jan. 19. After a territorial battle with another eagle, the bird went down in a field near the family’s home.

On Jan. 15, the Wisconsin Choral Directors Association recognized River Falls High School choir director and vocal teacher Sarah Plum as the 2022 Outstanding Young Choral Director.

A much anticipated Jan. 25 vote by the River Falls School Board on whether it would continue to require students and staff to wear masks in school buildings was tabled upon Superintendent Jamie Benson’s recommendation. This means masks are still required in River Falls School District buildings.

Feb. 9, 2022

While the regular spring election will be held Tuesday, April 5, three local boards had enough candidates to warrant a primary, to be held Tuesday, Feb. 15: River Falls City Council Alderperson-at-Large, Elmwood and Spring Valley school boards.

A passerby reported a housefire in the town of Martell the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 30 and unfortunately, the home was a total loss.

The River Falls Comprehensive Plan is undergoing an update, alongside two other city plans for Bike & Pedestrian and Outdoor Recreation. The City of River Falls is encouraging community input and feedback during the writing and updating process.

The River Falls Public Library is hosting a series of mental health sessions, provided by local businesses that focus on mental wellness and holistic healing.

Feb. 16, 2022

The Prescott City Council at its regular meeting on Feb. 14 approved several new ordinances, discussed the city administrator performance review and made comments about potential applications and future ordinance changes.

A new business is about to open on the Great River Road in Bay City and it all started with a grandson’s innocent question to his grandpa. “Hey Grandpa, can we open a hotdog stand together?” grandson Cameron asked Bay City businessman Bruce Andrews. While the hotdogs are on the horizon (and they are coming), travelers can rejoice in the soon-to-be open Sunrise Coffee on 35, located at W6442 Highway 35 in the former Flat Pennies Ice Cream building.

The River Falls Forward Education Foundation will be hosting a murder mystery dinner on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Tattersall Distilling (1777 Paulson Road).

There’s a new news source in town for Ellsworth Elementary School students, and it’s not The Journal. Fifth grade teacher Jeff Fahrendorff is heading up an after-school club called EES School News.

Feb. 23, 2022

As the Pierce County American Rescue Plan Act Ad Hoc Committee works to decide how to spend the $8.3 million it will receive, it wants project submissions from the public. At the present time, it looks like broadband expansion is a main contender on the list.

Bodhi Studio owner, Cortney Franklin, is opening her own yoga studio in Prescott this coming fall. The name Bodhi is after the Bodhi tree. It means to be awakened or enlightened.

Members of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce gathered together for the first time in two years for the annual awards banquet, held Monday, Feb. 21 at Kilkarney Hills Golf Course in River Falls. The theme, “Under the Big Top,” paid homage to the circus the world has felt like the past two years.

Pierce County resident Briana Larson has been chosen to compete in the Special Olympics this summer representing Team Wisconsin. The games will be held in Orlando, Fla., and competitors from all over the nation will take part.

Tony Birkel poses with wife Roxy Birkel after receiving the Ellsworth Chamber Community Leader of the Year award Monday, Feb. 21 at the annual awards banquet. The Birkels have been instrumental in raising funds for the new Ellsworth Public Library project. Photo by Melissa Thorud