Government - Pierce County Journal

New Wisconsin alcohol laws bring new challenges for local businesses

Local businesses, such as The Garage Bikes + Brews in River Falls and The Barns of Lost Creek wedding venue in Beldenville, are struggling to interpret new alcohol laws in Wisconsin which make things … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/26/24

The 2024 FEMA Evaluated 2024 Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant - Radiological Reception Center for Residents and Emergency Workers exercise took place at Elmwood High School on June 20 where emergency workers were trained and evaluated on procedures in the event of a radiological emergency.

Pierce County performs emergency response drill

If there is ever a nuclear power plant accident at Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, which is not likely said Emergency Management Director Christine McPherson, Pierce County is well-prepared … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/26/24

Road construction season in full swing in Pierce County

As the warm weather returns to the state of Wisconsin, so does the time for residents to find detours as road construction season returns. At the June 12 Pierce County Traffic Safety Commission … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/20/24

The plan for the Public Square Tennis Courts/Pickleball Courts would be to be reconstructed in 2025.

Court Clash: Pickleball courts gain ground over tennis courts in recent recreation trends

The Prescott City Council heard a brief recap of the May 20 Parks and Public Works Committee meeting concerning the concept plan for Public Square Park tennis/pickleball courts at the council meeting … more

By Danielle Boos | 6/19/24

A rendering of the 66-unit multi-family development Sisu River Falls.

Multi-family development plan forwarded by RF Plan Commission

RIVER FALLS — The River Falls Plan Commission voted 4-0 to forward a plan for a 66-unit multi-family and personal storage building project to city council during the June 4 meeting. Kamp … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/12/24

‘This may be my last meeting’: Board trustee walks out during Village Board public hearing

Through about an hour of listening to comments from the public, Board Trustee Tom Schutz walking out the door and a pair of amendments, the Ellsworth Village Board approved Grant Street and Piety … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/5/24

The playground at Nugget Lake County Park is one of many amenities the park offers the public.

Pierce County is updating its Outdoor Recreation Plan

The Pierce County Board heard a first reading May 28 on a proposed 2024-2028 Outdoor Recreation Plan, which will be voted on at the June meeting. According to Land Management Director Andy … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/5/24

People crowded into River Falls City Council Chamber Tuesday, May 14 to address the departure of Mike Noreen and a mountain bike trail project.

Public raises concern of the future of sustainability in RF

A 30-minute public comment period saw many River Falls residents walk to the podium to share topics of concern which included the sustainability coordinator position and a mountain bike trail during … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/22/24

Village of Ellsworth is asking residents to fill out an online outdoor/recreation survey.

Ellsworth: Make your voice heard in outdoor survey

ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth residents, now is your chance to have your opinions heard (and not just on the Ellsworth WI Community Happenings Page). The Village of Ellsworth is completing an Outdoor … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/22/24

A rendering of Red’s Place, a proposed supportive housing facility for adults with autism.

RF CC to hear proposal of supportive housing for adults with autism

The River Falls Plan Commission unanimously forwarded a final plat that would create 32 lots including 30 single-family housing units, a project to provide supportive housing for adults with autism … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/22/24

Prescott City Administrator Matt Wolf (right) updates the city council on the EPA’s newest PFAS standards while Prescott Police Chief Eric Michaels (left) listens.

EPA announces new PFAS standards

PRESCOTT – Prescott City Council members accomplished a lot in a short amount of time while newly elected alderpersons Adam Granquist and Michael Gerke attended their first meeting April 22. … more

By Danielle Boos | 5/1/24

Pierce County Board sees four new faces

Pierce County Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Rohl administered the oath of office to the new Pierce County Board, which convened Tuesday, April 16. Those elected are as follows (incumbents are … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/24/24

Gerrard Corporation is planning to build a 54-unit apartment building off Alexander Avenue in Crossing Meadows Business Park in Ellsworth.

New apartment building proposed for Crossing Meadows

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Village Board meeting April 16 saw not only board reorganization, but plans for a new housing development in Crossing Meadows. The board approved a Certified … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/24/24

The River Falls City Council voted April 9 to annex two parcels totaling 22.66 acres from the Town of River Falls south of Larson Park.

City annexes 22 acres from Town of River Falls

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls City Council voted unanimously April 9 to annex 22.66 acres from the Town of River Falls and zone it R-2 Multiple Family. The annexation petition, submitted … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/18/24

This graph taken from Wisconsin Realtors Association data shows both number of homes sold by year as well as median sales price (in $1,000). Low inventory plus high costs are adding to the challenges communities are facing as they look to the future.

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity receives $500,000 in federal funds

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity has received $500,000 to support construction of affordable workforce housing in Pierce County, thanks to efforts by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D). In this … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/17/24

River Falls Mayor Dan Toland presented 2023 Officer of the Year Steven Thomas with a plaque at the March 26 River Falls City Council meeting.

2023 Officer of the Year honored

RIVER FALLS – The 2023 Officer of the Year was honored at the March 26 River Falls City Council meeting: Steven Thomas. Chief Gordon Young touted Thomas for promoting the department’s … more

4/10/24

Ellsworth water rate application will go to PSC

Village of Ellsworth residents will be seeing an increase in their water bills, but the amount is not yet known due to multiple factors. At the April 1 Ellsworth Village Board meeting, Brian … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/10/24

At the March 25 meeting, the Prescott City Council was excited for the future improvements of Magee Park.

Alderpersons debate police station options

At the March 25 Prescott City Council meeting, Alderperson Pat Knox shared his hope for the future of Prescott. “I know we had talked about two meetings ago having Cedar Corp start … more

By Danielle Boos | 4/3/24

County Board authorizes 2 new dispatcher positions

The Pierce County Board unanimously approved an emergency staffing request to add two more 911 dispatcher positions at its March 26 meeting. The dispatchers, for the remainder of 2024, will cost … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/24

A group of concerned citizens protested outside of Ellsworth Village Hall on Thursday, March 28 prior to the Community Development Authority and special village board meetings.

Protesters stand against proposed digester

ELLSWORTH – A group of protesters against a proposed anaerobic digester in Ellsworth is making sure their voices are heard. As yellow “No Manure Digester” signs have popped up in … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/24