Good morning, Eau Claire.

Eau Claire is now the seventh largest city in Wisconsin with a population just over 74,039, overtaking Waukesha, according to the latest state report.

The city faces rising costs and housing challenges as growth continues — it is on track to become the fifth largest city by 2030 if trends hold.

Local animal rescue Moses Ark Rescue and Sanctuary will celebrate its grand reopening and fundraiser this Saturday from 1—5 p.m. in Menomonie as a local family takes over operations after the director plans to retire—this event will offer food, a silent auction and kid activities to raise funds and help animals find new homes.

After years of discussion, work on Carson Park is coming to fruition as the Eau Claire City Council approved $1.6 million with additional local donations to fund upgrades.

The park will receive new dugouts and bleachers with construction on the dugouts starting this fall and further improvements planned for fall 2026.

On Friday, 23-year-old Makayla Patterson pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and resisting an officer after video showed she threatened and resisted police on Water St.—she signed a release that clears the city if she pays $886 in court fees by year’s end—and Keyana Robinson pleaded no contest to underage tavern entry and was fined $452.

On July 27th, 2024, 23-year-old Makayla Patterson pleaded guilty in Eau Claire to disorderly conduct and resisting an officer on Water Street—she now owes $884, must provide a DNA sample and pay per-count surcharges, and her cases are eligible for expunction once her obligations are met by the end of 2025.

In 1901, a thunderstorm led to the burial of Ella the elephant from the Wallace Circus in the Third Ward, with her remains uncovered during later racetrack construction.

Her story is featured on the Chippewa Valley Trolley Tour — and will be highlighted in a children's exhibit opening this fall.

Chippewa Valley Technical College hosted its first Welcome Day event on Monday (about 1,000 new students attended) as students from Eau Claire and River Falls met peers and explored clubs before classes begin.

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.

Fever Fest 2025

4-10 p.m. — Seymour Ball Club — General Admission starting at $1.93 — An evening of local and national musical acts raising funds for youth sports.

Driftless Revelers Chuck Wagons West Tour Kick Off

8 PM - 2 AM — The Plus — $10 — Celebrate the Driftless Revelers' departure for their west coast tour with live music and new album releases.

Peter Antoniou Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — The Plus — $20 adv, $25 door — Experience mind-reading mixed with sharp wit and comedy from an international sensation.

Live Music: 40 Fingers

2-5 p.m. — River Bend Winery & Distillery — Free entry — Dance to the upbeat sounds of 60s–80s hits performed by the talented 40 Fingers band.

Signature Eau Claire Trolley Tour

6-7:30 p.m. — Volume One & The Local Store — Ticketed event — Experience a charming trolley ride through Eau Claire’s historic neighborhoods and scenic sites.

Stand-Up Comedy Night with James Stanley

7:00 PM — The Plus — $10 adv ($15 door) — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising star James Stanley, known for his sharp writing and impressive stage presence.