News - Pierce County Journal

Course designer and organizer Andrew P. Reese standing in front of the Sterling Hill Disc Golf Course map in River Falls.

Rapidly growing RF disc golf community sees another course open

RIVER FALLS – Disc golf has become a wildly popular activity over the past decade and the Sterling Hill Disc Golf Course was created in River Falls to accommodate that. The course is free … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/22/23

Carissa Pfaffe, a familiar face to many in the area, has joined the ranks at Hair Traffic Control in Ellsworth’s East End. She’s offering discounts for the summer to celebrate her return to hair.

Hair Traffic Control has a new stylist

ELLSWORTH – Ever since she was a little girl, local hair stylist Carissa Pfaffe knew she wanted to help people feel better about themselves. After taking a brief break from the profession, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/15/23

One of the timberframe structures completed through Star Hill Timberworks. The structures use hardwood pegs rather than screws or nails.

Star Hill Timberworks builds a community through a traditional construction method

ELLSWORTH – For many, woodworking involves lots of nails and screws, but for Jon Anderson of Star Hill Timberworks, the process involves neither of these. Star Hill Timberworks builds … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/15/23

John McHugh, director of corporate communications for Kwik Trip, accepted the Workforce Development Innovation Award from the Pierce County Economic Development Corp. Pictured with McHugh (center) are PCEDC Executive Director Joe Folsom and President Nate Boettcher.

Businesses, individuals honored at Pierce County Economic Development event

No one can make it alone! Partnerships and collaboration were the theme that tied together all the award winners at the Pierce County Economic Development Corp. Awards Breakfast Friday, June 9 … more

By John McLoone | 6/15/23

Owned by the Anderson family, Leo’s Landing Marina is a full-service marina and indoor storage facility bought in 1984 by Dick Anderson who passed away in 2017. Photo

Prescott City Council’s decision on Leo’s Landing lease sparks public outcry

Residents of Prescott are in an uproar over the Prescott City Council’s recent decision to not renew the lease of Leo’s Landing Marina after December of this year. Hearing of the city … more

By Danielle Boos | 6/8/23

Simon Loga, 13 and Payton Bleskacek, 14 were not only stepbrothers, but best friends. Both died from injuries received in a car crash on May 29 in Barron County.

Two Elmwood boys die after Memorial Day crash

The Elmwood community is reeling after a tragic Memorial Day car crash in Barron County claimed the lives of two teens. A celebration of life will be held for Simon Loga, 13, and Payton Bleskacek, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/8/23

As a volunteer at the Cheese Curd Festival Block Party, Victoria Lynner helped guide festival guests on a taste tour of the best cheeses from our state.

Cheese Curd Fest: Volunteers make it happen

ELLSWORTH – The countdown is on for Ellsworth’s Cheese Curd Festival. Taking place on Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, the event is one of the region’s largest events drawing … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/8/23

The current view of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and Jail, located at 555 W. Overlook Drive, from the southwest.

Committee says new court facility is needed

ELLSWORTH – A Pierce County Ad Hoc committee is taking the first steps toward a possible new judicial facility adjacent to the sheriff’s office at 555 W. Overlook Drive in Ellsworth. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/1/23

Sailer’s owner Jake Sailer along with son Sam, wife Leslie, daughter Morgan, mother Mary and father Ric in front of portraits of the four generations of owners.

Sailer’s keeps family business values through 100-year history

ELMWOOD – When driving through Elmwood, it is not difficult to notice a local meat market called Sailer’s. After walking in, one can browse over 100 awards on the wall, but what may … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/1/23

Wisconsin Sen. Jeff Smith discussing voucher school changes during a budget presentation at the River Falls Public Library Monday, May 22.

State Sen. Jeff Smith fields questions on funding for RF schools

RIVER FALLS - Wisconsin State Sen. Jeff Smith fielded a variety of questions on the future funding of the River Falls School District after a May 22 presentation discussing Gov. Tony Evers’ … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/31/23

Teacher Mike Thomley watches over as student Avery Braun drills a hole for a birdhouse.

Middle school STEM students raise hundreds through birdhouses

PRESCOTT – Teacher Mike Thomley and the STEM students at Prescott Middle School rose to the challenge when they were tasked with creating 40 bluebird houses for local visitor center Freedom … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/25/23

The Pathfinders, a group of students from River Falls School District, presented their plans to American Legion Post 121 members to restore Old Mann Valley Cemetery.

Pathfinders plan to restore old cemetery

RIVER FALLS – A group of determined kids have big plans to restore an abandoned and long-neglected cemetery outside of River Falls, thanks to the leadership of a retired Army veteran. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/25/23

(From left): Doug Weiss, Ty Fisher, Samantha Bowen, and Nancy (Matzek) Weiss are asking people to sign a petition asking Pierce County for a 12-month moratorium on CAFO expansions.

Petition aims to put moratorium on CAFO expansion

TOWN OF SALEM – Imagine being inexplicably ill for years with vomiting, stomachaches, headaches. You go to doctor after doctor, but they can’t figure out what’s wrong. Your children … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/18/23

Bryce Lindevig at the shooting range for motorcade training on a live range with Emergency Response Team and Counter Assault Team members.

River Falls’ Secret Agent is living his childhood dream

When former River Falls resident Bryce Lindevig was a young boy, he fantasized about being one of the guys in the dark suits and shades protecting the president of the United States. As he grew … more

By Beth Cedarholm | 5/18/23

PHOTOS: St. Croix County Sheriff's Deputy Kaitie Leising's Funeral at Hudson High School

5/13/23

The 2023 RFHS Forensics team celebrating its state tournament victory with a classic River Falls fire truck welcome home.

RFHS Forensics: Winning titles and building confidence

RIVER FALLS – For many, the term “forensics” brings to mind visions of detectives examining evidence from a crime scene. But the 60 or so members of the River Falls High School … more

By Beth Cedarholm | 5/4/23

As Clifton Town Chair, LeRoy Peterson spent countless hours leading meetings in the schoolhouse that houses the town hall. After 50 years, someone new will take up the gavel.

End of an era for Clifton Township

LeRoy Peterson isn’t quite sure if he has served on the Clifton Town Board for 50 years or 52 years. “I can’t remember if I started in 1971 or 1973,” he says thoughtfully, … more

By Beth Cedarholm | 4/27/23

Chad Johnson was officially sworn in as Chief of the Prescott Area Fire Association at the Prescott City Council meeting Monday, March 27. He took over as chief in November, but a state audit reported he was never officially confirmed by the city council.

Prescott purchases Badger Books to help with election

PRESCOTT – The Prescott City Council at its meeting Monday, March 27 approved the purchases of three Badger Book electronic devices to help poll workers and streamline the election process. … more

By John McLoone | 4/6/23

Pierce County April 2023 election results

Here are the unofficial election results of the April 4, 2023 nonpartisan election. Election results are not official until they are canvassed. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk*. Winners are … more

Staff report | 4/5/23

Burnsville woman sentenced in deaths of Dalton Ford and Taylor Garza

A Burnsville, Minn. woman was sentenced to 15 years in prison Friday, March 24 in Dakota County District Court for her role in the deaths of two former Prescott residents, Tayler Garza and Dalton … more

By Bruce Karnick | 3/30/23