Good morning, Eau Claire.

UW-Eau Claire student Lily Eisele won a national disability advocacy award for her efforts to create a safer and more inclusive campus.

She organized accessibility tours and set up a sensory space and mentoring programs—a recognition of her work ahead of continued improvements.

True armyworms have been spotted in western fields with sightings reported in Taylor, Dane, and Dunn Counties.

Agriculture experts warn farmers to inspect crops early to avoid serious yield losses—reports suggest the pests' feeding may continue into August.

The Town of Washington's petition to become a village was approved by Eau Claire County Circuit Court on Wednesday and now goes to a state review board for a 180-day review.

If approved, residents will vote in a referendum — a measure to stop extra territorial zoning — and the change will give locals more control over development — which aims to limit future annexations.

Mondovi Fire Department received 2,352 cans of emergency drinking water on July 23—donated by Anheuser-Busch and delivered by Pehler Distribution to help firefighters stay hydrated during wildfire responses.

The support aids volunteer firefighters who serve Mondovi and nearby townships.

Legislators met Thursday morning at Chippewa Valley Technical College during the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Eggs and Issues’ event to discuss the recently approved biennial state budget focusing on childcare and education funding—representatives debated public school aid, the impending closure of Klein Hall and a child care bridge program announced Wednesday.

Wisconsin governor Tony Evers announced yesterday he will not run for a third term in 2026—making it the first open race in the state in 16 years.

He said he is stepping away to focus on his family after 50 years in public service and his decision is expected to spark a competitive race among candidates from both parties.

Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire signed an agreement with Priority Health for strategic alignment—once regulatory approvals are complete, Priority Health will become the Cooperative’s governing member.

The new move is set to maintain current member coverage while supporting future growth and quality care for its 61,000 members.

Once More, Autumn Concert

9 p.m.-3 a.m. — Mousetrap Tavern — Free entry — Experience a night of indie and alternative sounds featuring Once More, Autumn, Green, and Two Castles.

Summer Sunday Concert Series: Petrichord Live

7-8 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful blend of original and cover folk tunes by sibling duo Petrichord on a summer Sunday evening.

Lyrical Hysterical Comedy Show with Maxwell Strozzi

8:00-9:45 p.m. — The Plus — $10 tickets, free drink for first 20 — Experience a unique blend of music and comedy with a local flair featuring Maxwell Strozzi.

1st Annual Gluten Free Bash

11 AM – 2 PM — Forage — Free entry — A gluten-friendly outing featuring savory eats, sweet treats, and community connections for food lovers.

We Care Eau Claire - Back to School Event

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Phoenix Park — Free entry — Help local families by donating and packing backpacks for children returning to school.

Grand Evening on the Bridge

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Grand Avenue Footbridge — Ticket options starting at $15 — Experience an evening of food, drinks, and community spirit at Eau Claire's premier fundraising event.

The String Cheese Incident - Campout Concert

Two epic nights — August 15-16 — The Pines Music Park — Ticket price online — Enjoy a weekend of music, camping, and activities surrounded by nature.

Zach Bryson Live Performance

7 PM – 1 AM — Leona's Pizzeria — Cost TBD — Come hang out in Eau Claire and enjoy original songs from Nashville-based artist Zach Bryson.

Exotic Pet Fair 2025

1-4 p.m. — Eau Claire Expo Center — Affordable pet supplies and adoption opportunities — Discover a variety of exotic animals and great deals on pet essentials.

Seymour Fever Fest

August 22-23 — Seymour Town Hall — Cost info not specified — Enjoy a family-friendly festival with inflatables, donkey baseball, live music, and a cornhole tournament.