News - Pierce County Journal

Retirees this year from the Ellsworth Community School District are (from left): Vicki Boyd, Anita Peterson, Lynne Hamilton, Lynn Loesch and Barry Cain. Not pictured: Mary Hanson.

ECSD honors six retirees, celebrates years of service

The Ellsworth Community School District honored its six retirees, as well as celebrated years of service milestones and a former school board member during its Recognition Dinner on May 21 at the … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/29/24

Ellsworth’s Class of 2024 moves their tassels to symbolize their official status as high school graduates.

GALLERY: Ellsworth Class of 2024 waves goodbye to high school, enters next chapter

Ellsworth High School Class of 2024 held its commencement ceremony Friday, May 24. more

5/29/24

Cain column: Referendum projects move forward as designs begin

Since the passage of the facilities referendum in April, our staff, construction professionals, and finance professionals have been working hard to move the project forward. We have great … more

By Barry Cain | 5/29/24

Ellsworth High School students went to Elsie’s Barnyard to help construct a play area for the goats.

Students take to the community for intergenerational interaction and more

ELLSWORTH – Alternative education students at Ellsworth have taken to the community to make an impact in many ways, including playing pool at the Ellsworth Senior Center and building a play … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/29/24

River Falls School Resource Officer Chris Gottfredsen

10 questions for an officer: School Resource Officer Chris Gottfredsen

The Pierce County Journal appreciates the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities. We also want to help you get to know the men and women behind the badge in … more

5/29/24

Water rushing under a bridge over Lost Creek at 450th Avenue.

GALLERY: Stormy weather brings high water levels and rushing rivers

A string of storms Tuesday, May 21 dumped several inches of rain on Pierce County, leaving area rivers and streams overflowing their banks. more

5/29/24

CAPITOL REPORT: Johnson tries to steer state GOP on abortion policy

Democrats are again counting on the abortion issue to help their candidates in the fall. And Republicans are trying to blunt the power of the issue. U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, who barely survived … more

By WisPolitics.com | 5/29/24

The River Falls Veterans Memorial, located at Greenwood Cemetery, was dedicated Monday, May 27 during the Memorial Day observance hosted by Fletcher-Pechacek Post 121 at Meyer Middle School. The ceremony moved from the cemetery to MMS due to the weather.

‘Our Veterans Memorial’ dedicated in River Falls

RIVER FALLS – Rainy weather may have forced American Legion Post 121 to move its 2024 Memorial Day program from Greenwood Cemetery to the Meyer Middle School gymnasium, but it didn’t … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/29/24

Former colleagues and good friends Kelly Johnson (left) and Jean Halverson with their children’s book, “Grandma and Grandpa’s Great Loop Adventure.” The pair will present their book at Freedom Park on June 2.

Adventure of a lifetime culminates in children’s book

PRESCOTT – The adventure of a lifetime has culminated in a children’s book, written and illustrated by two former Prescott teachers and good friends. Kelly Johnson and Jean Halverson … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/29/24

Francisco Lugo Valencia and Rose Caulum stand in front of their second Fiesta Rosita location.

Fiesta Rosita opens its doors, brings authentic Mexican food to Ellsworth

ELLSWORTH — When looking for a place to eat in Ellsworth, there are a variety of places to choose from that span many food types. The list just got one name longer, as Fiesta Rosita, an … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/29/24

Easton Bundy hoists a worm he dug from the ground.

How a 2-year-old’s passion sparked a self-service nightcrawler shack

ELLSWORTH — What started off as a 2-year-old’s enjoyment for digging up nightcrawlers has become a local stop for fishers to pick up bait, lures and jigs before they hit the water. … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/29/24

Elsie Fleming loves playing with the kittens on the farm at Elsie’s Barnyard. On Friday, May 17 she was chasing them all over the place.

Elsie’s Barnyard to host Animal Fashion Show

ELLSWORTH – What’s cuter than fuzzy animals in costume? Not much. Elsie’s Barnyard is hosting an animal fashion show in June sure to register a 100 on the cuteness scale. And … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/22/24

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

Construction special assessment framework laid out, public hearing to follow

ELLSWORTH – A public hearing on special assessments including sidewalk, gutter, curb and driveway apron construction will be held June 3 after the resolution was heard by the Ellsworth Village … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/22/24

Tom Bauer of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office brought this emergency vehicle to the Ellsworth Elementary Touch A Truck event Wednesday, May 15. Mrs. Olson’s second graders enjoyed seeing the vehicle.

Hands-on learning brings smiles, opportunities

The Ellsworth Elementary School parking lot was a busy place Wednesday, May 15 as kids lined up to visit 10 different vehicles during the Touch a Truck event. According to organizer Tami Place, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/22/24

Ellsworth Middle School students raised more than $11,000 for the EMS Parents Club by gathering pledges for the annual Color Run. Students took off at the starting line at 2:45 p.m. Friday, May 17.

GALLERY: EMS Color Run raises record amount

Ellsworth Middle School students raised money for the EMS Parents' Club by gathering pledges for the annual Color Run. Principal Oran Nehls said a record amount of $11,799 was raised. This was … more

5/22/24

Dawn Koch has taught at St. Francis School for 39 years, primarily teaching second grade and kindergarten.

‘A cornerstone’: Koch retires after 39 years at St. Francis

ELLSWORTH – Since 1985, students have entered the doors of St. Francis School every day to learn from teacher Dawn Koch. This ranges from students still attending the school to people currently … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/22/24

Rep. Warren Petryk writes letter announcing retirement

"To everything there is a season…" Ecclesiastes 3:1 After much prayer and thought, and numerous conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and mentors, I have decided to announce my … more

5/22/24

CAPITOL REPORT: Biden seeks to turn Foxconn negatives into positives for Dems

Back when GOP Gov. Scott Walker was governor, the Foxconn project in Racine County was announced with soaring rhetoric. Then-President Donald Trump predicted it would become the eighth wonder of the … more

By WisPolitics.com | 5/22/24