RFPD was outgrowing its Elm Street police station.
The city hired St. Paul-based
Wold Architects and Engineers in 2017 to conduct a space needs assessment for the police department, which ultimately recommended the construction of a new station.
Plans were underway and funding approved for a $7.5 million construction project to begin in 2022; however, City Administrator Scot Simpson suggested refurbishing the property on Prairie Drive instead.
The building, constructed in 2004, was formerly home to the RiverTown Multimedia newspaper group, including the Star-Observer and River Falls Journal. River Falls Public Montessori Elementary also used the building for the 2019-2020 school year while its campus was being renovated.
1 dead, 1 injured in River Falls house explosion late Monday, Feb. 1, 2021
The investigation into the cause of the explosion was ongoing, according to River Falls Police Chief Gordon Young. Written By: Michael Brun | ×
One of two residents died from injuries sustained in a house explosion Monday night, Feb. 1, 2021, on River Hills Road in River Falls, Wisconsin, authorities announced Feb. 2. Photo courtesy of Michael Rowland
RIVER FALLS A 75-year-old woman died following a house explosion Monday night in the 400 block of River Hills Road, according to authorities.
Martha Gaustad, one of two people at home when the residence exploded, died after being transported to the hospital. The other victim, identified by police as 42-year-old Kari Gaustad, was in stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 2, according to River Falls Police Chief Gordon Young.
1 dead, 1 hospitalized after home explosion in River Falls
Police chief says a 75-year-old mother died and her 42-year-old daughter is still in the hospital with significant burns. Author: Diane Sandberg (KARE11), Jennifer Hoff Published: 4:31 AM CST February 2, 2021 Updated: 10:21 PM CST February 2, 2021
RIVER FALLS, Wis. One person has died after what police are calling an explosion and fire at a home in River Falls, Wisconsin Monday evening.
According to a press release from police, River Falls Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of a fire in the 400 block of River Hills Road.
Upon arrival first responders learned two people were in the home at the time of the explosion, and that neighbors helped pull them out.