Good morning, Eau Claire.

Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity is hosting its first Community Appreciation Party on Saturday, Oct.

3 at the ReStore from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the free event will feature food trucks, music, a bounce house for kids, and raffle prizes to support the organization’s mission.

Jack Hajewski is competing for the national “Super Dad” title while raising money for Children's Miracle Network; vote for him until 9 p.m. today + if he wins, he will appear in an Ace Hardware commercial and donate part of the $25,000 prize to local nonprofits.

Local hemp and CBD businesses face closure when new federal restrictions on hemp products take effect Dec.

11. Owner Chris Buske of Wonders of Nature said his downtown shop will stop selling most products (used for pain, arthritis, and sleep) as the law, which limits THC levels, removes a vital option for customers.

Sun Country Airlines will resume nonstop flights from Chippewa Valley Regional Airport to Las Vegas on Friday, Oct.

2. The inaugural flight features a terminal celebration for departing passengers and provides a direct route to Harry Reid International Airport, according to Airport Director Charity Zich.

The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire's Blugold Marching Band was surprised with an invitation to perform in the 2027 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — the first collegiate ensemble from Wisconsin in the parade.

Macy's also provided a $10,000 check to help fund the roughly 400-member band's trip to New York.

The Wisconsin Economic Summit is happening today in Eau Claire where business leaders meet to address economic challenges.

John Miller from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation said western Wisconsin has shown resilience after hospital closures and urged small business owners to work together.

Small business owners can improve their financial skills at the L.E.

Phillips Memorial Public Library Friday at 10:30 a.m.—UW-Eau Claire Entrepreneurship Program Manager Rebecca Rouse will share tips on managing cash flow and debt for those looking to start or grow a business.

On Wednesday, Cooke for Congress sent a cease and desist letter to Derrick Van Orden over his AI deepfake video (which falsely shows her making controversial remarks) and demanded he stop publishing the misleading content to protect her reputation in Eau Claire.

At the Fill the Gap Winter Essentials Drive on Wednesday at The Community Table (320 Putnam St.), invited speaker David Recine criticized lawmakers for focusing on re-election instead of easing rising living costs.

The drive will accept donations for families until Nov. 2.

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is offering free flu shots for all ages at clinics in Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek (and Eau Claire) through November.

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.

Wisconsin health officials have issued new vaccine guidance for flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

They recommend getting annual flu and COVID-19 shots + a one-time RSV dose for adults 75 and a timely dose for pregnant individuals between Sept. 1 and March 1, advising residents to speak with their doctor.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, UW-Eau Claire hosted Northwestern in volleyball, while UW-Stout played UW-La Crosse and the Blugolds’ women’s soccer team traveled to Wartburg — SportScene also spotlighted Colfax/Elk Mound girls golfer Clara Kongshaug.