Columns - Pierce County Journal

From the editor's desk: The black screen of death

Sunday morning started off splendidly. I had two cups of coffee without having to rush. I actually had time to chat with my husband, uninterrupted, which rarely happens. It was shaping up to be a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/26/23

THE CAPITOL REPORT: Public school advocates want high court to limit taxpayer money to private schools

Lawsuits and court decisions appear to be an increasing option for those upset with state policy and the big GOP majorities in the Legislature. The efforts to bypass the GOP-run Legislature and go to … more

By WisPolitics.com | 10/26/23

A puffball mushroom about the size of a golf ball from Chris Hardie's yard.

Back Home: Foraging for fall fungi can be a real kick

The football was set. The lines were down. One second was left in the game. The Green Bay Packers trailed by two points. The ball was snapped. Channeling my best Chester Marcol impersonation, I … more

By Chris Hardie | 10/26/23

Woodworking again: All is not wasted from TV

Ever since Covid struck and we’ve been locked into our abode on Walnut Street, my Beautiful Spouse has been complaining that I’ve been watching too much TV. She hasn’t gone so far … more

By Dave Wood | 10/19/23

Rep. Petryk: October is Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin

Every October, Wisconsin takes time to recognize our incredible manufacturing industry that supports our state's economy. In fact, with over $68 billion in annual economic output, or 20% … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 10/19/23

Sen. Jeff Smith: Your voice, your vote

Over the past several weeks, I joined several colleagues in the State Senate and State Assembly in introducing legislation to remove barriers to voting. From encouraging young voters’ … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 10/19/23

From the editor's desk: Return on investments

I didn’t know I was living on Wall Street. Listening to my four children this weekend made it feel like it. Who knew we were raising future stockbrokers? My daughter received a … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/19/23

Back Home: Building his own bridge

Last week I wrote about the remaining covered bridges in Wisconsin but I missed one that has a story to tell. Ted Behncke of Fennimore contacted me after reading my story in the Jefferson Daily … more

By Chris Hardie | 10/19/23

Woodworking again: The South Fork sages

Twenty-five years ago my wife and I relocated to River Falls, a town I knew little about, so I visited the fount of all knowledge, the South Fork Café. I sat alone on a stool at the counter, … more

By Dave Wood | 10/12/23

Rep. Warren Petryk: Electronic info security awareness in WI

Since 2004, Congress has designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. During this time, people and businesses are asked to take inventory of their cybersecurity practices and to raise public … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 10/12/23

Sen. Jeff Smith: The shell game of politics

If you’re not familiar with the phrase “shell game,” it’s a trick as old as the hills. A fast-talking swindler places three shells (or cups) on a table and places a ball … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 10/12/23

From the editor's desk: Police blotter humor

People who know me know that I have a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. I appreciate irony and clever wit. I often find things hilarious that some people might not. I also always seem to … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/12/23

Opinion-Editorial: Civic education secures our future

Right now, there are children being born in America who will live to see the 22nd century. What kind of nation will they inherit? Under what form of government will they live? In a recent Pew … more

By Michael Blauw and Kate Ullman | 10/12/23

The Horton Covered Bridge crosses the Amicon River in Amicon Falls State Park.

Back Home: Covered bridges still part of the landscape

A year ago I wrote about some of the historic or memorable bridges that I have crossed or traveled to – including a few located near my home in western Wisconsin. The topic was a hit with … more

By Chris Hardie | 10/12/23

Woodworking again: Good old magazines

Folks used to ask why I took 10 years to write my doctoral dissertation and I usually reply “Because I hated my topic about 18 th century British five-act comedies by author Henry … more

By Dave Wood | 10/5/23

Rep. Warren Petryk: Wisconsin Blue Books now available

I always like having thoughtful conversations with people I see along the way as I go around the 93rd Assembly District and value the chance to answer any questions about how their government … more

By Rep. Warren Petryk | 10/5/23

Sen. Jeff Smith: The workers united will never be defeated

This past weekend, I was proud to stand with United Auto Workers in Hudson, who are among those striking for fair wages and better working conditions. I was inspired and galvanized to be there as … more

By Sen. Jeff Smith | 10/5/23

From the editor's desk: The best week to celebrate

It’s a good week, celebrating two of my favorite things: National Newspaper Week and National 4-H Week. And last week was National Coffee Day. Wow, a hat trick for me! I was a shy seventh … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 10/5/23

Americans depend on newspapers to stay informed about their communities

Nearly 220 million American adults turn to their local newspapers regularly for news and information they need to stay informed, feel more connected to their neighbors and improve their lives and … more

By Benjy Hamm Director, Institute for Rural Journalism, University of Kentucky | 10/5/23

The squash harvest all gathered on the Hardie's porch.

Back Home: Squashing the harvest

Did you know that the word squash comes from the Narragansett Native American word askutasquash, which means “eaten raw or uncooked?” And did you know there are more than 100 … more

By Chris Hardie | 10/5/23