ELLSWORTH – The Pierce County Board meeting Oct. 27 was a packed house with people standing along the back wall, many waiting for their turn to speak about election concerns during public comment time.

Prior to the meeting, a group of 25 GrassRoots Organizing Western Wisconsin members rallied in front of the courthouse celebrating their freedom to vote.

Several GROWW members addressed the Pierce County Board, voicing concerns about potential election interference, their support of Pierce County Clerk Jamie R. Feuerhelm and all poll workers who make voting possible, and asked Pierce County board members to be ready to publicly show support for election officials and outcomes should it be necessary.

The first person to speak was Prescott Bergh, from Four Winds Farm in the town of Martell. He noted that 85 years ago, his father was called to serve in World War II and was involved in the liberation of Italy.  

“Each of you have taken an oath to defend our constitutions against enemies both foreign and domestic,” Bergh said. “The upcoming election has been tainted by threats and others in power. Should disruptions come to pass, we are calling on our elected officials to support our local and county, state election workers.”

He and others who spoke asked board supervisors to sign a Freedom to Vote Protection Pledge, promising to uphold the state and national constitutions and respecting election results no matter what the outcome.

Tonya Schmitt, River Falls, said voters should choose leaders, leaders should not choose voters. She expressed concern about eligible people being kept from voting and potential manufactured chaos to change election results.

“We ask that you refuse to comply with any unlawful executive orders or data requests that restrict voting, regardless of party,” Schmitt said.

Maria Shea, a licensed counselor from Prescott, said clerks and poll workers may face demands for voter data, fast-moving misinformation or people disrupting the election process by claiming authority they don’t have.

“What is the plan? Do they know exactly what to do and who to call? Have we practiced it? Do they have what they need? Staffing, security, legal guidance? What is YOUR plan? How will defend the voters; what will you say and how quickly will you say it?” Shea asked.

Supervisor Mike Kahlow, River Falls, thanked them for speaking and said even if supervisors don’t sign the pledge, that doesn’t mean they don’t their oaths seriously.

“We all take this very seriously. I know my colleagues all take this very seriously,” Kahlow said. “That is the hill I will defend if need be, the last one. Even if we don’t sign it. Regardless of politics, we all feel the same.”

Fairgrounds internet

The board approved on first reading a resolution to accept a donation of fiber infrastructure, equipment and labor from Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services/SwiftCurrent Connect for the installation of high-speed internet and Wi-Fi at the Pierce County Fairgrounds. PPCS/ SwiftCurrent Connect will donate all fiber optic lines, hardware equipment, and installation labor required to construct a comprehensive high-speed network across the grounds. The substitute resolution came back to the board after questions arose at previous board meetings about the term “donation.”

The board also approved on first reading a resolution authorizing Pierce County to enter into an agreement with PPCS/SwiftCurrent Connect for ongoing sponsorship and maintenance service for the high-speed internet and Wi-Fi system.

Pierce County Fair Manager Liz Dietsche said adding the high-speed network will significantly increase the commercial potential of the fairgrounds, drawing modern event organizers who expect high internet speeds and reliable point-of-sale connectivity.

“With SwiftCurrent Connect infrastructure and maintenance support in place, the Fairgrounds can actively target and host additional non-Fair revenue-generating events year-round,” a memo states.

These include trade shows, conventions, expos, agricultural shows, community events, concerts and festivals.

Supervisor Barry Barringer asked if the project will be completed by the 2027 Pierce County Fair. Dietsche said the next steps, which include drafting a formal agreement to address specific details that do not exist in these resolutions, will determine the timeline.