News - Pierce County Journal

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

Ender Göçmen at the Hudson Farmers Market representing Barbell Coffee.

What is specialty coffee?: Barbell Coffee strives to provide fresh, organic coffee

HUDSON — There are many different types of coffee in the world, from caffeinated to decaf, light roast to dark roast and commodity to specialty. Ender Göçmen, a founder and co-owner … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/12/24

Randy and Lori Larson in front of their house at LoRan Rolling Acres.

Annual Dairy Breakfast heads to Plum City

PLUM CITY — The Pierce County Dairy Breakfast is returning for another year of food, fun and dairy education when it heads to LoRan Rolling Acres in Plum City on June 15. LoRan Rolling … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/12/24

Claire John may be a young woman of few words, but she doesn’t need to be chatty to connect with her beloved horses.

A girl and her horse: Claire John’s special bond with all things equine

RIVER FALLS – There’s a saying that dogs are man’s best friend, and while that may be true for some, horses can also be a girl’s best friend. Just ask River Falls High School … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/12/24

Members of the Eau Galle-Rush River Sportsman’s Club have been planning a 50th anniversary celebration. Pictured are (from left): Arby Linder, Lin Linder, Scott Kiefer, Lanette Place and Bruce Place.

Eau Galle-Rush River Sportsman’s Club celebrates 50th Anniversary

Great ideas can be born in the middle of the night. Just ask the members of Eau Galle-Rush River Sportsman’s Club, who are about to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of their organization. … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 6/12/24

Pierce County’s Bob Traynor was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in April at a ceremony in Wisconsin Dells.

Traynor inducted into Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame

MADISON — Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development is excited to announce the 2023 & 2024 Hall of Fame Laureates including 10 volunteers, supporters and staff who have impacted Wisconsin 4-H. … more

6/12/24

From Prescott grad to west coast director

Pierce County has hosted many people that have reached high heights in many different fields. One of those people, Prescott High School Class of 2016 member Andrew Taylor, is finding a place in film, … more

By Andrew Harrington | 6/5/24