News - Pierce County Journal

The flyer for a Community Concert being put on by Quinn Motors of Ellsworth on Wednesday, July 17.

Quinn Motors of Ellsworth to celebrate 105th anniversary with first-of-its-kind community concert

ELLSWORTH – Quinn Motors of Ellsworth is celebrating its 105th anniversary on Main Street in Ellsworth on July 17, 2024. The car dealership that Matthew Quinn opened with Alfred Larson in 1919 … more

7/3/24

Chris Kamrath looks to build relationships with students, staff and the community as he begins his time as Plum City district administrator.

Kamrath finds new home as Plum City district administrator

Plum City is welcoming a new district administrator and MS/HS principal, Chris Kamrath, to lead the school district for years to come. Kamrath, 41, grew up in Chetek, Wis., where he ultimately … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/3/24

Flooding of the Mississippi River has overtaken Saratoga Park and the Bay City Campground, as pictured on Saturday, June 29. It looks like children will have to wait to swing or play basketball.

A wet June causes widespread flooding

The National Weather Service issued yet another flood warning at 9:03 p.m. Monday, July 1 for the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, in effect until Sunday afternoon, July 7. According to the … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 7/3/24

Ellsworth Village Board talks winter parking, street improvements and more

ELLSWORTH — Winter parking regulations, the Grant and Piety Street improvements and increasing sewer rates were all on the table as the Ellsworth Village Board and Water and Sewer Committee … more

By Andrew Harrington | 7/3/24

Man convicted in EMS student shooting death

An 18-year-old Bay City man has been convicted of homicide resulting in the death of an Ellsworth Middle School eighth grader last year. Riley James Lacroix was convicted of felony homicide by … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/3/24

The interior of Beav’s Restaurant and Tavern in Plum City, after a fire gutted the building on June 29.

Beav’s Restaurant & Tavern burns, owner says she’ll reopen

PLUM CITY – More than 80 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to a restaurant fire in downtown Plum City early Saturday morning. While no one was inside at the time or hurt, the restaurant … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 7/3/24

Ellsworth Community School District office staff surprised Superintendent Barry Cain with a fishing themed retirement party in May.

End of an era: Cain retires as Ellsworth superintendent

Ellsworth Community School District Superintendent Barry Cain considers himself lucky to have spent a big chunk of his career in his hometown. But all good things must come to an end: Cain’s … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/27/24

Angie Whelan addresses the crowd assembled May 15 for the reveal of YB Urban?’s makeover, courtesy of the Wisconsin Main Street Makeover contest.

Future is bright for YB Urban?, Ellsworth’s East End

The atmosphere was electric in Ellsworth’s East End Business District on Wednesday, May 15 and Angie Whelan, owner of YB Urban? at 243 N. Broadway St., hopes to keep the momentum going. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/27/24

Brianna Bucholz, founder of BB Benefit Group and Syngergos360.

Local employee benefits business partners with tech company

A local business owner has embarked on a new business venture, one that has been noticed and highlighted by Yahoo Finance. Brianna Bucholz, founder of BB Benefit Group and Synergos360, has begun a … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 6/26/24

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

(From left): Landen McDonough, Nathan Winger and Luke Battaglia with a giraffe in the background.

EPC science students head to Africa

Not many people can say they’ve assisted scientists in Africa on a rhino horn trimming study – but a group of Elmwood/Plum City students can. Led by Elmwood High School science … 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

Vino in the Valley, on the edge of the Rush River southeast of Ellsworth, attracts over 30,000 people to their outdoor dining pavilion each season.

Pierce County tourism grows economic impact 7.8% in 2023

ELLSWORTH – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2023 economic impact data, showing Pierce County tourism grew its total economic impact in 2023, generating $63 million and contributing … more

6/20/24

River Falls Class of 2024 throws their caps in the air in celebration of their graduation June 2.

River Falls Class of 2024 turns the page at graduation ceremony

Another class of high school students saw their time at River Falls High School come to a close Sunday, June 2 with a pool of graduates celebrating their step into the next chapter of their lives. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/19/24

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kristie Smith share speeches on affordable housing at a build site in River Falls on June 11.

Lieutenant governor visits site of Habitat for Humanity build in RF

RIVER FALLS — St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity’s modular home build site played host to Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez on June 11, as Rodriguez spoke on affordable housing at South Apollo … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/19/24

Ptacek’s is headed to River Falls after the purchase of Dick’s Fresh Market and Dick’s Hometown Liquor.

Ptacek’s brings community-driven approach to incoming RF location

Online rumors that swirled about what was happening at the Dick’s Fresh Market and Dick’s Hometown Liquor location in River Falls can be put to rest as Ptacek’s is coming to the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/19/24

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

Former Pierce Co. Sheriff dies at age 87

Former Pierce County Sheriff James “Jim” Hines died Monday, June 12 with his family by his side. He was 87 and had been living at Prescott Nursing & Rehabilitation. According to … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 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