RIVER FALLS – On Saturday, June 22 the Republican party of Pierce County opened its Victory Center at 715 N. Main St. in River Falls. An estimated 50 people attended the grand opening which included various speakers.

Rep. Derrick VanOrden was warmly welcomed as he highlighted his first term in the US House of Representatives. He commented on his trip to Israel the week after the conflict began and the carnage he saw firsthand and the need to support Israel. He addressed the concerns of farmers that he saw as a member of the House Ag Committee. The number one concern he has heard is energy costs followed by increased regulations on farmers, both of which have been compounded by the present administration in Washington.

State Assemblyman Shannon Zimmerman addressed the situation in Madison and how attempts at election reform and election security passed by both the Assembly and the Senate have been vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers. He explained the challenges of working on the Joint Finance Committee.

State Sen. Robert Stafsholt addressed the new district lines in Wisconsin and how he now represents Pierce County as well. He expressed the need to keep majorities in the state legislative branches.

Pierce County Sheriff Chad Koranda talked of the opportunity to serve Pierce County for the last 1 ½ years, the concerns about rising crime spilling over from the Twin Cities into western Wisconsin and the upcoming Judicial Center now being designed.

The Victory Center will be open noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 6:30 p.m. most days. Weekend hours are also planned.

It is the source for yard signs, bumper stickers and advertising materials for our candidates.

It is planned that the Center will be available for rally meetings, meet the candidate sessions, and discussions through the November election.

Submitted by Stephanie Potton, Pierce County Republican Party Chair