Features - Pierce County Journal

Sheriff Koranda commends officers for saving life

Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda recently issued a letter of commendation to Pierce County Deputy Cale Huppert and Wisconsin DNR Warden Joe McMahon for their actions that resulted in a life being … more

5/15/24

10 questions for an officer: Derek Hokkanen

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

5/15/24

Pictured at the Spring Valley war memorial groundbreaking May 8 were (from left) Jon Tanberg, Joan Good, Dan Tully, Larry Sorenson, Jaden Sorenson, Scott Gallatin; (front, holding shovels) Post Commander Pete Esanbock and Boy Scout Kendan Schapley.

SV Legion breaks ground for new war memorial

SPRING VALLEY – Spring Valley American Legion Post 227 held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, May 8 for a new veterans’ war memorial off Highway 29 near Park Drive. Legion … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 5/15/24

Patrick (Pat) McKernon is pictured fishing, one of his favorite hobbies.

$1.7M gift to benefit Elmwood High School students forever

ELMWOOD – Patrick (Pat) McKernon was beloved. Family, friends and colleagues remember him as an uncommonly kind, caring and generous person. When he died in September 2023, his final gift of … more

5/15/24

The Ellsworth Public Library, founded in 1924, spent its first official year in the Fireman’s Opera House, which was located on the northwest corner of Kinne and Chestnut streets.

Ellsworth Public Library plans Centennial celebration week

ELLSWORTH – A 100 th anniversary is a big deal, which is why the Ellsworth Public Library has a full week of celebrations planned for May 15-22. The Centennial Planning Committee, which … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/8/24

River Falls Police Chief Deputy Matt Kennett

10 questions for an officer: River Falls Chief Deputy Matt Kennett

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

5/8/24

County Symposium focuses on youth mental health

St. Croix County Health and Human Services encourages residents to attend the county’s third annual Mental Health Symposium on May 1. Themed “Supporting Young Minds: Understanding Mental … more

5/1/24

River Falls High School senior Payten Kusilek with Judson University Bowling Coach Vice Biondo. Kusilek signed her scholarship letter of intent this past weekend in Elgin, Ill.

Time to find our lane: RFHS senior conquers dyslexia, earns bowling college scholarship

Driving south down Main Street in River Falls the past few weeks, you may have noticed the St. Croix Lanes bowling sign congratulating the Co-op girls' fifth-place finish at the 26th annual High … more

By Greg Peters | 5/1/24

River Falls Public Library is hosting the Student Art Show through May 2. Art Beat: Student Art Show a must see through May 2. Two seniors split Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” in two.

Art Beat: Student Art Show is astounding

The following information was submitted to the submit news form on www.piercecountyjournal.news: first name: Margreth last name: Downing address: 555 N Main city: River Falls … more

By Margreth Downing | 4/24/24

Over 2 months last summer, the healthy soil in the Mittag's pasture was able to demolish the cotton on these briefs. Healthy soil means more nutrients are recycled back to the plants and more rainwater is infiltrated into the ground instead of running off the farm.

River Falls beef farmers win 'Soil Your Undies' contest

RIVER FALLS - The Soil Your Undies contest combines crude humor and crude science to help farmers see how the management choices they make impact the soil they work in. For two years now, local … more

4/24/24

UW-River Falls Bee Club members Autumn Frederick (left) and Lucy Cahn staffed their club booth Saturday, April 20 during Earth Fest in the University Center. They handed out information on pollinator habitat and No Mow May.

Striking gold: Efforts to improve sustainability net UWRF its highest ranking

RIVER FALLS – From helping stage Earth Fest in conjunction with Earth Day, to creating a bee hotel and a surrounding pollinator-friendly garden, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls … more

4/24/24

Have A Heart Director Wanda Burnley (in jean jacket) accepts the $10,000 Power of 100 Women – Roberts/Hammond award on April 18.

Have A Heart welcomes new director

TOWN OF RIVER FALLS – Have A Heart Inc. recently welcomed a new program director and the future looks bright for this nonprofit organization dedicated to adults with physical and developmental … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/24/24

Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival celebrates not only delicious cheese, but the culture and heritage behind the tasty morsel.

Cheese Curd Festival named #3 Best Specialty Food Festival

The Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival has been recognized as the #3 Best Specialty Food Festival in the USA Today’s 10Best Competition. Kim Beebe, an Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 4/17/24

A new train cam has been installed on the deck of Scab’s Place in Prescott overlooking the lift bridge. You can view it at ottertailchannel.com

Prescott railroad featured on new train cam

PRESCOTT – For a Perham, Minn., man, trains have a mystical draw that can’t really be explained. He loves everything about them, even the sound of them rumbling past his home in the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/17/24

What could possibly go wrong in “The Play That Goes Wrong” at Ellsworth High School. Well, a little of everything.

'The Play That Goes Wrong’ debuts this weekend

ELLSWORTH – Who doesn’t need a little laughter after the doldrums of winter? At least, that’s what Ellsworth High School Dram Director Kimberley Catron thinks and we’re … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/10/24

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kristie Smith and Pastor John Lestock introduce Taylor Johnson and her two children at the Panther Drive groundbreaking in Ellsworth Wednesday, March 27.

Habitat breaks ground on Ellsworth home

ELLSWORTH – The late March snowstorm and icy temperatures didn’t stop St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity from holding a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, March 27 on Panther Drive in … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/24

Members of the Lost Creek Ranch family, including Ruth Harper (middle with hat), founder Lynette Weldon (second from right) and Claire John (far right).

Lost Creek Ranch: A home and haven for all

BELDENVILLE – When River Falls High School senior Claire John discovered Lost Creek Ranch, she was severely depressed and anxious all the time. She didn’t know what to do. Her parents … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/24

715 Motorsports & Promotions will be teaming up with the Ellsworth Funsters for this year's 59th annual demolition derby in Ellsworth.

715 Motorsports returns to Ellsworth demo derby

ELLSWORTH – Tim “Hollywood” Myer of 715 Motorsports & Promotions is thrilled to be partnering once again with the Ellsworth Funsters for the much anticipated 2024 Demolition … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 4/3/24

The UW-River Falls Stage and Screen Productions will present “Urinetown, the Musical” at the university April 3-7 in the Blanche Davis Theatre in the E.H. Kleinpell Fine Arts building.

Stage and Screen Productions to present ‘Urinetown, The Musical’ at UWRF

RIVER FALLS – Stage and Screen Productions at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will present “Urinetown, the Musical” on April 3-7. The production, with music by Mark … more

3/27/24

The E-Town Arts Committee is raising money for its next mural, Thank You for Your Service, which will honor military service men and women.

Mural honoring veterans will grace East End

East Ellsworth will soon be home to another mural and the public can have a meaningful role in its completion. People will have the opportunity to include a loved one’s name on the … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 3/27/24