Good morning, Eau Claire.

Chip's Barbershop hosted its 7th free haircut event yesterday at the Eau Claire Barber College to help local kids start school with fresh cuts.

The barbers used an appointment-only system and plan to repeat the event next year (bookings open early).

On Aug. 24 at 4:15 p.m., about 1,500 gallons of sewage spilled near Farwell St. and E.

Lake St. after an aging sewer main broke during a construction project — city workers spent three hours flushing and cleaning with high-pressure water to reduce public contact.

A women's entrepreneur group launched its new Small Business Sister Circle chapter in the Chippewa Valley on August 25 at Tilly's Coffee Shoppe in Fall Creek (the group plans a follow-up meeting on Sept.

8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and will host twice-monthly virtual sessions for members).

Irvine Park Zoo in Chippewa Falls has welcomed two young lynx brothers (Tobias and Bjorn) into the former tiger enclosure that once housed Lulu.

The zoo expects the new additions to draw visitors as the playful kittens grow in their cozy space.

With school year starting today, Altoona School District is teaching students to use AI properly in academics to support learning, said Superintendent Heidi Eliopoulos in response to growing use of AI tools.

Parents are advised to discuss proper usage with their children.

This fall, CVTC students in the Foundations of Teacher Education program will transfer to UW-Eau Claire’s Education Studies program through an agreement that sets a clear path with 62 credits from CVTC and 60 credits from UW-Eau Claire.

Tuesday, Sen. Jesse James and state Senate candidate Michele Magadance Skinner held a press conference outside the former HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital to address hospital closures and healthcare challenges in the Chippewa Valley.

Skinner (an Altoona resident) highlighted her local work and plans to seek new solutions with state lawmakers.

Governor Tony Evers toured Chippewa Valley Technical College Tuesday to discuss the $168 million Workforce Solutions Initiative supporting small business and student training — he hosted a roundtable with state and business leaders at the college to address post-pandemic challenges.

Altoona boys soccer will open its season at home against Barron + the match marks the team’s first game of the year and a competitive start for local fans.