Good morning, Eau Claire.

Sherman Creek Park now displays educational memorial signs honoring Altoona teen Aylen Bain and inspiring youth to explore nature.

A memorial dedication occurs today at 1 p.m. with a guided *tour* by teachers who helped create the project.

Chippewa Falls nonprofit Mentor Chippewa got a $17,000 gift from the Amanda Geissler Memorial Foundation — the donation will fund mentor recruitment, training and educational activities for 2026-2027 programming.

Altoona's The Yard Container Park is now open for reservations for meetings, events and community gatherings.

Local organizations, clubs and businesses can reserve the space for private or public functions—ranging from family celebrations to nonprofit fundraisers—by contacting the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

UW-Eau Claire has joined the UW system's Direct Admit program that automatically admits eligible Wisconsin high school seniors, aiming to boost enrollment and graduation rates at the campus.

Xcel Energy resumed work on the Cedar Falls Hydro Project to strengthen the historic dam near Menomonie, installing rock anchors and pouring concrete.

Crews will install a new spillway gate in 2027 while residents are advised to follow posted safety signs + expect increased construction traffic.

Farmers in the Chippewa Valley report reduced yields as drought conditions cause smaller corn cobs and lower alfalfa quality—experts say some fields may see a one-third drop, prompting emergency chopping measures.

The impacts could challenge profit margins this season.

Mosquito numbers are down this season due to dry conditions that limit water for larvae, according to a UW-Madison entomologist.

Officials advise residents to continue using repellent to lower the risk of West Nile virus.

The City of Altoona is shifting its 80-acre land plan from affordable housing to a commercial and light industrial park because high infrastructure costs made the original plan unfeasible; officials will gather community feedback as they prepare new proposals + continue funding other housing programs.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed 17 cases of E. coli and Salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts (including brands Calco and Everything Sprouts) with one hospitalization, and officials advise Eau Claire residents to check their homes and discard any suspect sprouts as the investigation continues.

Eau Claire City-County Health Department reports whooping cough cases among local residents and urges those exposed to see a doctor for testing and early treatment with antibiotics—officials stress vaccination for infants, pregnant women and people with lung conditions.

Prep football kicked off Thursday night in Wisconsin — Chippewa Falls beat D.C.

Everest, Eau Claire North battled Superior, Eau Claire Memorial played New Richmond, and Menomonie lost to Wausau West.

The prep football season opens today with Eleva-Strum hosting Glenwood City, while Gilman plays Phillips in an 8-player game + Bloomer hosts a CloverCroix girls golf match.