Good morning, Eau Claire.

Meg Gilmartin is nominated as the favorite Starbucks barista for her friendly service at the drive thru on Gateway Drive — she is noted for remembering regular orders and energizing every visit.

Authorities reported a fatal crash occurred Friday morning on Highway 53 in Altoona when a truck lost control in heavy rain while entering a construction zone—police found the driver deceased alone in the vehicle near River Prairie Drive.

The 5th annual Garding Against Cancer golf fundraiser—hosted by Bob and Janet Lesniewski at Hickory Hills golf course—raised over $100,000 on Friday for cancer research at UW Carbone Cancer Center.

Over nine years, community efforts have raised more than $9 million and the event featured gift baskets and auction items from local sports teams.

Residents of Chippewa Valley gathered outside Mayo Clinic on Friday afternoon to protest proposed Medicaid funding cuts — organizers from Chippewa Valley Indivisible and health care workers warned that a cap on provider taxes could push up costs for Badger Care.

Students and staff at UWEC are working on vibrating gloves that may help ease the shaking from Parkinson’s disease.

The project builds on a study from Stanford and is part of a master’s thesis in Kinesiology as tests are planned for later this week or next.

On-Site Tour of Sky Active Living

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Oakwood Hills - Sky Active Living — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living with nutritious dining and engaging activities.

Blue Ox Music Festival 2025

11 AM – 5 PM — The Pines Music Park — Ticket info TBA — Enjoy cozy bluegrass vibes hosted by Pert Near Sandstone in a scenic setting.

Chippewa Valley Air Show

12-4:15 p.m. — Chippewa Valley Regional Airport — $12 adv, $15 door; FREE for children 6/under — Experience high-flying aerial performances featuring the Blue Angels and more.

Heather Shaw Live Comedy Show

7:30 p.m. — The Plus — $15 adv, $20 door — Enjoy a night of laughs with seasoned comic Heather Shaw, noted for her Jim Carrey resemblance and social media fame.

f-EAU-rth of July 5K

8 a.m. — Hibbard Lot — Registration fees apply — Celebrate Independence Day with a fun 5K run for runners, families, and their furry friends in Eau Claire.

Chippewa River Paddle

10 AM – 4 PM — Hobbs Landing — $75 — Paddle through the picturesque lower Chippewa River while learning about local conservation efforts.

Wisconsin Warrior Natural Classic Pro/Am

10 AM – 1 PM — Pablo Center at the Confluence — VIP $65, Adult GA $45, Kids under 15 $20 — Witness extraordinary transformations and dedication in the only Natural bodybuilding event in the area.

Country Jam USA

July 16-19 — Country Jam USA Festival Grounds — Ticket options available — Experience euphoria with headliners Bailey Zimmerman, Cole Swindell, and Sam Hunt in an unforgettable country music weekend.

Country Jam USA - Wisconsin

3:30-5:30 AM — Country Jam, Eau Claire — Tickets start at $314 — Experience top country artists including Bailey Zimmerman and Chase Rice at this summer festival.

Country Jam USA - Wisconsin Featuring Cole Swindell, Dylan Scott, and Sara Evans

1-5:30 a.m. — Country Jam, Eau Claire, WI — Tickets starting at $314 — Enjoy an exciting night of country music with top artists in a vibrant atmosphere.