River Falls Journal : River Falls

Public welcome at university event Tuesday

Cyndi Lesher, who serves as president of the Host Committee for the 2008 Republican National Convention and is a longtime energy-business professional, visits the UW-River Falls University Center at 2 p.m. Tuesday to talk mainly about the energy industry as well as the convention.

Businesses hit by burglars and other intruders

While many people got away to relax and have fun during school spring break last week, the bad guys kept River Falls police very, very busy.

Republicans visiting en masse

Business people and other interested community members will learn more about how the Sept. 1-4 Republican National Convention will impact the St. Croix Valley when they hear Cyndi Lesher, president and CEO of Northern States Power Company in Minnesota, speak Tuesday morning at a River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce business breakfast at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club.

School board candidates on display tonight

Three of the four school board candidates listed on the April 1 spring election ballot are expected to participate in a forum tonight at the high school library. A fourth candidate, Peggy Foster Harris, says she wants to drop out. Harris may also appear at the forum to publicly declare that she’s no longer a school board candidate.

Veterans memorial aims for wide embrace

Attorney Keith Rodli says creating a lasting sanctuary for service veterans at Greenwood Cemetery will be a meaningful lesson in “community.”

Rate hike up for review

The public can comment on a proposed 4% electric rate increase by River Falls Municipal Utilities. A telephone hearing with the PSCW on this request is set for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at the RFMU offices, 125 E. Elm St. Local citizens may attend and participate.

Suite addition...

River Falls Area Hospital’s new surgical suite looks like a set from a futuristic science-fiction movie.

Town hall meeting to focus on underage drinking

From 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, the River Falls Partnership for Youth is sponsoring a town hall open meeting. The topic is underage drinking. The location is the River Falls Public Library.

Tower Up

Three workers spent the better part of two days this week erecting this 197-foot wind test tower atop a hill on the western edge of the Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park, directly west of Minnesota Rubber and Plastics and the O’Keefe Cabinets buildings.

Meet your at-large council candidates

The April 1 elections will determine who takes the mayor’s seat and who will represent District 4 in the southwest part of the city. It also puts two unchallenged candidates into two, at-large City Council seats up for re-election this spring: David Cronk and Joleen Larson.

Catch candidates on cable

Prepare for the vote by watching city candidates discuss issues on River Falls’ RFC-TV16.

Juris prudence: It’s in his blood

It wasn’t until the ripe old age of 92 that his great-uncle decided to finally retire. Up to that point St. Paul attorney Melvin Silver had worked all his life in the hustle and bustle of that big city’s busy downtown.

St. Croix Co. Board candidates summarize positions

All 31 seats on the St. Croix County Board are up for election April 1, but there are races in only four districts.

West Wind expands catering

West Wind Supper Club owner Kevin Pechacek said his catering expansion started when a friend told him about a trailer full of equipment he’d seen.

Police Beat: Presidential threat; student stabbed; drinking on school grounds; adult movie; lots of noise and more…

Your local men and women in blue had a variety of challenging situations to handle. These included:

What’s the risk?

Steve Leitch and his associates at River Falls-based Leitch Insurance Agency make it their business to assess and manage risk. Judging by the company’s longevity, it must be doing something right.

Judge sends former Superior fire chief to prison

State News
A Douglas County judge is sending Superior's former fire chief to prison.

Area continues to lead state in population growth

State News
Recently released figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Wisconsin has gained 227,241 people since the 2000 census with an estimated population now at 5,374,399.

Stars and Stripes flying in Wisconsin now have to be American made

State News
Starting now, all government and public school facilities in Wisconsin will break the law if they put up American flags made by foreigners.

Editorial: Smoke-free in Wisconsin? Nope. Legislature caves, ignores public wishes

Timid state lawmakers again seem unable to pass an indoor smoking ban in public places, including bars and restaurants. Neighboring states, including Minnesota and Illinois, have passed similar bans. With a progressive tradition, Wisconsin has somehow fallen behind on this important health issue.

Let the games begin

Three Wildcats named All-BRC

Three members of the Wildcat girls basketball team have received postseason honors from Big Rivers Conference coaches.

He lifts heavy loads

Fifteen-year-old Alex Brettingen finished fourth in his weight class at the Wisconsin High School Powerlifting Association State Championships March 7-8 at South Milwaukee High School.

Badgers ready for sweethearts of NCAA tourney

State Sports
The University of Wisconsin men are gearing up to face the darlings of the NCAA Tournament so far.

No NFL retirement papers yet from Favre

State Sports
He insists he won’t try a comeback, but Brett Favre has still not filed his retirement papers with the NFL.

Brewers ramping up for opener

State Sports
The last week of preparation for the regular season is underway for the Milwaukee Brewers.