News - Pierce County Journal

(From left): Salvation Army Ellsworth Volunteer Coordinator Rita Niesen, James Okrutny, Amy Okrutny, Nilssen’s Store Manager Shawn Eggen, and Margaret Volenec celebrate the Okrutny’s plaque from Salvation Army for their 50 hours of service.

Sometimes doing good for others is the key to feeling better about one’s own circumstances. Such is the case for an Ellsworth couple who dedicated the holiday season to making people smile. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/14/24

Gary Lubich accepting Citizen of the Year Thursday, Feb. 8 at the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau annual dinner.

RF Chamber talks tourism, honors award winners for 2023

RIVER FALLS – “Little did we know when we planned on the theme back in November that we’d actually be able to golf in February,” joked Executive Director Russ Korpela as he … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/14/24

The Ojibwe Drumming and Singing Group Tomahawk Circle from Lac Du Flambeau has performed all over the United States and Canada over the past 17 years. They have performed in California, New York, Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, Arizona, Washington, and 16 other states. Their performance last Saturday drew about 200 attendees.

Ojibwe Drumming Group visits PHS

Thank you for supporting us To the editor, I would like to thank the Prescott Foundation, the St. Croix Valley Foundation, and the Building an All Inclusive Community (BAIC) Group for … more

2/8/24

Brandon Fuhrman booking photo, PIerce County Jail.

Former EHS band teacher pleads guilty to felony sex assault charge

A former Ellsworth High School band teacher pleaded guilty to a felony sex charge and will be sentenced May 20 in Pierce County Circuit Court. Brandon A. Fuhrman, 24, Yuma, Ariz., (formerly of … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 2/7/24

Hager City woman charged in medication theft

Traci Ann Zaborowski, 55, Hager City, was charged Jan. 30 with a felony count of theft of a schedule 1 or II controlled substance, in Dakota County, Minn. Circuit Court. According to the … more

2/7/24

Brian Webster, a local farmer, died by suicide in August after living with depression. His family shares his story in order to help others.

FFA, Webster family shine light on farmer mental health

Bay City area farmer Brian Webster had a big heart and loved to help people. He didn’t like being the center of attention, but his family is hoping that by sharing his story, others will be … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/7/24

The Wisconsin DOT performed a speed study along a stretch of Highway 35 in Bay City Oct. 10-12. Their results indicate no speed limit change is needed, but some people disagree.

Bay City wants its speed limit lowered: Will the state listen?

BAY CITY – Bay City residents and business owners in favor of lowering the speed limit on Highway 35 through town are being asked to vocalize that support at the Feb. 14 village board meeting. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/7/24

U.S. Rep Derrick Van Orden (right) with River Falls Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Russ Korpela at a Chamber Conversation event Friday, Jan. 26 at River Falls City Hall.

Van Orden working to help veterans and protect emergency services

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden is dedicating much of his time representing Wisconsin’s 3 rd Congressional District to helping provide economic opportunities for veterans. Van Orden visited … more

By Jack McLoone | 2/7/24

Jeff Erickson is pictured with his wife Leah and their kids Lila, Blaise and Teddy.

Ellsworth piano tuner has found his calling

Not many people can say they know how to tune a piano, but rural Ellsworth resident Jeff Erickson can. His interest was piqued at a young age. “When I was a kid, I was playing piano and … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 2/7/24

This suspect is wanted in connection with an armed robbery Feb. 2 at BP in River Falls (700 N. Main St.)

RFPD seeks public assistance in ID’ing armed robbery suspect

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a recent armed robbery. In an effort to gather crucial … more

2/4/24

RF teen arrested for armed robbery

A River Falls teen is facing serious charges after jumping another teen, brandishing a knife and stealing property in a downtown park. Cody Graham Buschmann, 17, was ordered to pay $5,000 cash … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 1/31/24

“Just as a reminder, voting is in April,” Alderperson Bailey Ruona (right) reminds meeting attendees after expressing her opinion on the financial and maintenance agreements. From left: Alderperson Pat Knox, Alderperson Maureen Otwell.

Prescott City Council frustrated over STH 35 and USH 10 Project agreements

Prescott City Administrator Matt Wolf reviewed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s requested financial and maintenance agreements for the STH 35 and USH 10 projects with the Prescott … more

By Danielle Boos | 1/31/24

The cast of the Great River Road Theatre’s “Sin, Sex and the CIA” practice at The Old Ptacek’s Event Center. Pictured are (front, from left) Rebecca Denn, Judy Johnson, Krista Christiansen, Mark Andrle, Missy Kowalchyk; (back) Ken Roen, Aaron Denn, Scott Halverson. Not pictured: Marie-Anne Haudegand-Deiss.

‘Sin, Sex and the CIA’ will tickle your funny bone

PRESCOTT – One thing is certain: The cast of “Sin, Sex and the CIA” knows how to have fun. And audiences are sure to too when the Great River Road Theatre group takes the stage for … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/31/24

Shout out to Plum City honor roll students!

PLUM CITY – Plum City Middle/High School is pleased to announce second quarter honor roll recipients for the 2023-24 school year. A honor roll Seniors: McKenzie Bauer, Parker Bechel, … more

1/31/24

This map shows the location of a proposed anaerobic digester on the Peterson property at W10322 Highway 29 in the town of River Falls. The property is located in the River Falls Extraterritorial Zoning District.

RF City Council approves permit for anaerobic digester

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls City Council approved a special use permit Jan. 23 for an anaerobic digester, located at W10322 Highway 29, despite citizen pleas not to. Council members made … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/31/24

Jan Anderson, her family and supporters attend a Jan. 18 Prescott riverfront improvement project public information meeting and listened as Alderperson Pat Knox speaks to those gathered.

Leo’s Landing supporters rally around Anderson family

PRESCOTT – Supporters of Leo’s Landing Marina used a Jan. 18 Prescott riverfront improvement public information meeting to speak on behalf of the Anderson family’s business. The … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/31/24

The Pierce County Courthouse, built in 1905, is on the National Register of Historic Places. While beautiful, court officials say the 118-year-old building isn’t functional for today’s courts.

Sheriff, judge, DA speak in favor of new judicial facility

While the Pierce County Board did not vote Jan. 23 on bond issuance for a proposed judicial facility or to use funds toward its design, those in attendance heard from county officials on why the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 1/31/24

Prescott softball will be first high school team in state with a videoboard

The Prescott Cardinal softball complex will become the first at a high school in Wisconsin to have a video board. The Prescott School Board unanimously approved a plan at its Wednesday, Jan. 17 … more

By John McLoone | 1/25/24

Ellsworth Chamber Board Treasurer, Raynee Farrell, presents Jason Marks, Broz Bar, with Best Restaurant, Bar & Tavern Award at last year’s Awards Banquet. 2023’s poster design theme was Movin’ & Groovin’, which is what our local businesses do every day of the year to serve our community. 2024’s Award theme is “Ellsworth AllStars.”. Each award winner will receive a personalized and framed version for display at their business. The design was inspired by this year’s Ellsworth Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner theme, “Game Time!,” a play on the teamwork, discipline, and resilience it takes to be successful in business today.

Voting Now Open for Ellsworth’s ‘Best of 2024’ Awards

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce “Best of 2024’”Awards Competition is now underway. The community is invited to acknowledge favorite local businesses with … more

1/25/24

Prescott School District voters to see $1.2 million operating expense referendum on spring ballot

The Prescott School Board unanimously passed a resolution at its meeting Wednesday, Jan. 17 to ask voter permission in an April 2 referendum for an additional $1.2 million annually. If approved, … more

By John McLoone | 1/24/24