News - Pierce County Journal

EFD responds to deck fire, residents evacuate

ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Fire Department was dispatched to a deck on fire in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 16. At 1:10 a.m., firefighters responded to 435 Golf Course Lane and … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 5/16/24

Prescott approves lease with Leo’s landing for this year, will take legal action to affirm land ownership

The City of Prescott issued the following statement regarding Leo’s Landings actions late Tuesday morning: “At Monday night’s meeting, the City Council formally approved the … more

5/16/24

THE CAPITOL REPORT: Even with new maps, the number of legislators leaving falls short of past years

The number of lawmakers retiring or running for other offices is poised to fall short of what it was two years ago, despite the uncertainty caused by the new maps. As of May 3, 20 members of the … more

By WisPolitics.com | 5/16/24

Michael Gilmer, dean of students at UW-River Falls, interacts with a student during a Mental Health Mondays event at the university. Gilmer has spent much of his time during his first semester at UWRF helping address programs regarding student mental health.

Meeting the challenge: New UWRF dean of students helps address mental health needs

RIVER FALLS – When Michael Gilmer accepted the job as dean of students at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, he expected to learn, bit by bit, how to best ensure and enact services to … more

5/16/24

Raph and Pat Ptacek with Prescott School District Athletic Director Andrew Caudill at the Cardinal Pump at Ptaceks in Prescott.

Ptaceks Family Market supports local athletics with fundraising initiative

PRESCOTT – Ptaceks Family Market, a pillar of the Prescott community, is proud to announce its latest initiative in support of local athletics. Starting May 2, Ptaceks Family Market will donate … more

5/15/24

Ellsworth High School’s Forensics team (back, from left): Jonathan Dawley, Axel Simonson, Lilly Clark, Cyrus Cook, Josie Pechacek, Katie Pederson, Mason Tri, Lander Levers; (middle, from left): Madelynn Flynn, Carolyn Trannel, Taylor Franklin, Ngoc Nguyen, Madeline Saver, Rebecca Dendinger, Kendra Aufderhar, Maya Bueso; (front, from left: Andrea Esterby, Piper VanNocker, Breana Blanch, Bridget Dendinger, Lily Vesely, Emma Helgeson and Nora Novek.

State Speech Contest announces school awards

LA CROSSE – Thirty-one Wisconsin schools received recognition for their overall performance at the Wisconsin State Speech Festival. The event was held this year at DeForest Area High School as … more

5/15/24

Ellsworth School Board at its May 13 organizational meeting. Pictured are (front, from left): President Julie Lundstrom, Vice President Susan Beck, Steve Mark; (back, from left) Mark Stoesz, Treasurer Michael Petersen, Gary Kressin and Clerk Kurt Buckner.

Ellsworth SB approves projects including scoreboard, reorganizes

The Ellsworth School District Board of Education approved 2024-25 action for maintenance, technology, transportation and athletics projects during the May 13 meeting. The projects include … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/15/24

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

Pictured are the Spring Valley FFA officer team with Tony Shafer. (Back row, from left): Maddie Shafer, Addison Neidermyer, Tony Shafer, Kianna Nelson, and Jordan Lamb; (front row) Abby Thompson, Jaci Mader, and Megan Wentlandt.

Shafer surprises Spring Valley FFA with grant

Recently local farmer, Tony Shafer, surprised Spring Valley FFA with another $5,000 grant through Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities. The America’s Farmers Grow Communities is … more

5/15/24

Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 Commander Jerry Thompson presented Elmwood High School senior Ryan Rupakus a $1,000 scholarship May 1.

Elmwood American Legion, Auxiliary award scholarships

ELMWOOD – Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 and Auxiliary Unit 207 participated in the Elmwood High School Awards Banquet the evening of May 1 to present scholarships and awards. Legion … more

5/15/24

Members of the Hearts and Minds group that has pushed to provide supplies and comfort items to schools in Ukraine.

EHS students fundraise for students of two Ukrainian schools

ELLSWORTH – The Hearts and Minds group at Ellsworth High School is aiming to assist students in Ukraine by sending school supplies and comfort items to a pair of Ukrainian schools during a time … more

By Andrew Harrington | 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

RF couple charged in business burglary

A River Falls couple arrested in April in connection with a string of burglaries has added more burglary-related charges to their rapsheet. Dylan James Nestor, 32, Askov, Minn., posted a $10,000 … more

Pierce County Journal newsroom | 5/15/24

RF City Council takes step toward affordable housing in Mann Valley

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls City Council April 23 voted to issue a limited term letter of site control to a development company interested in building affordable housing adjacent to Mann … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/8/24

RF City Council reorganizes after election

RIVER FALLS – The River Falls City Council April 16 organizational meeting began with oaths of office being administered to newly re-elected Mayor Dan Toland and alderpersons Scott Morrissette, … more

By Sarah Nigbor | 5/8/24

Alison Page announces campaign for Assembly District 30

RIVER FALLS — River Falls resident Alison Page announced her candidacy May 7 for the new 30th Assembly District which includes the cities of River Falls and Hudson, the Village of North Hudson, … more

5/8/24

UW-River Falls honors outstanding alums, special contributor

RIVER FALLS – Four University of Wisconsin-River Falls alums and a long-time supporter of the university were honored at the UWRF Evening of Excellence, Friday, May 3, in the Riverview Ballroom … more

5/8/24

Chippewa Valley Technical College President Sunem Beaton-Garcia, left, and UW-River Falls Chancellor Maria Gallo converse during Tuesday’s Reaffirmation Day in Eau Claire. The annual event reaffirms the commitment by UWRF and CVTC to work together to allow students to access programs at both institutions and transfer more easily.

Reaffirming a commitment to students: Partnership between UWRF, CVTC provides additional educational options

RIVER FALLS – Shortly after enrolling at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) last year, Holly Hufnagle learned she might not receive college credit for some of the Advanced Placement (AP) … more

5/8/24