River Falls Journal

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Falcon Rocketeers were named Grand Champion of the 2026 NASA Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium Collegiate Rocket Launch Competition, held April 24-25 at Richard Bong State Recreational Area in Kansasville. The team received a $3000 prize and a VIP Tour of Sierra Space in North Freedom. “I am very happy with the rocket team's performance,” said Team Lead Brook McLaird, a senior physics major from Kansas City, Kan.

Willard Herman Fredrickson, age 94, of New Richmond, WI passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Orchard View Terrace in New Richmond. Preceded in death by; wife, Marilyn; parents, Herman and Inga Moe Fredrickson.

The River Falls Social Club will hold its fourth annual summer picnic from 5-7 p.m. on July 23 at Glen Park Pavilion. The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the group. A meal and beverages will be provided for a donation. The River Falls Social Club thanked its sponsors for the event: The Sycamore of River Falls, Family Fresh Market, Kwik Trip, Ptacek's, River Falls State Bank and Best Maid.

Music in the Park regulars since 2015, the Flannel Brothers deliver joy to people through three-part harmonies, guitars, mandolins, percussion and grooves. The Community Arts Base (CAB) of River Falls is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating arts-related events and projects in and around the community of River Falls, Wisconsin. Beginning in 1994, Music in the Park is CAB’s longest-running event. Date: 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, July 16. Location: Veterans Park, 1 N.

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The River Falls Fighting Fish survived a back-and-forth affair with Centennial, Minn. in their final game before the 4th of July weekend break, and there are more challenges ahead as they begin the final month of the regular season. The Fish begin a six game homestand Wednesday night that will include four games against St. Croix Valley Baseball League opponents as they look to keep their perfect SCVBL record intact.

Marion A. Olson, age 100 of Hudson, passed away July 1, 2026, peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born on January 27, 1926, in Redwood Falls, MN, the daughter of John and Louisa (Alex) Schmid. Marion grew up and attended school in Redwood Falls, MN. Later, she moved to St. Paul, MN with her family. She graduated from Wilson High School in St. Paul. In 1946 she and Bill Olson were married. They made their home in Hudson. Marion’s first job was a telephone operator in Hudson.

Hailey James was 14 years old when she heard something on the radio that set her on her life’s path. James always loved to sing but never thought she would go anywhere with it. “I feel like I had an aha moment when I heard Carrie Underwood for the very first time,” said James, a December 2025 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Robert Arnold Ulrich, 88, of River Falls, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Sycamore of River Falls. He was born on December 10, 1937, in Owen County, Indiana, to Charles and Ethel (Minnick) Ulrich. His family moved to Michigan, where he graduated from Coopersville High School in 1956. He went on to attend Purdue University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture in 1961. He farmed for a time in Lowe, Michigan before moving to Minnesota.

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