Good morning, Eau Claire.

The conference Empower Freedom—hosted by Fierce Freedom—kicked off Friday morning to share survivor stories about sextortion and child sexual assault and to help break the cycle of abuse.

Advocates stressed that parents must educate teenagers to safeguard them from online exploitation.

Business students from across the country gathered in Eau Claire today for the 19th annual Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up where over 80 top sales students pitched their skills to national sponsors — the event offers key career connections as winners will be announced Saturday night.

UW-Eau Claire marked the upcoming Indigenous Peoples’ Day by hosting Ho-Chunk artist Christopher Sweet, who unveiled a new painting that honors the sacred land and original Council Oak—his work was inspired by family ties as his cousin, former Poet Laureate Dee Sweet, read poems during the ceremony.

Friday was warmer than usual with morning lows in the mid to upper 40s and gusty afternoons, and today is sunny with highs in the mid to upper 60s—Sunday will be a bit warmer with increased southeast winds and a chance of scattered showers into Monday morning, while fall colors in the Chippewa Valley are nearing peak intensity. Explore Fall forecasts indicate that even if colors have not reached full peak today, they will soon.

The City of Altoona received a national EPA award for turning a polluted rail yard into The Yard, a container park with local restaurants and shops—using state grant funds to clean up the site.

Assistant City Administrator Roy Atkinson said the park has drawn steady attendance since its July opening.

Chippewa Valley residents will soon have access to a new on-demand ride service—developed by Carepool Transportation Software and the Mayo Clinic—that offers fully accessible transportation for daily travel and medical appointments.

The service is designed for aging adults and people with disabilities, charging $22.50 for a 3 mile ride plus $2.95 per mile, and it will hire 50 drivers.

The UWEC Blugolds face the UWL Eagles today at Roger Harring Stadium in La Crosse with kickoff set for 11:40 a.m.—tune in to watch the game live.

Belle and Clara Kongshaug led the Colfax/Elk Mound girls golf team to its first sectional title and a spot in the WIAA state tournament in Madison this season.

Belle—a two-time state champion and senior—competed with her freshman sister Clara, who plays more reserved while learning an aggressive style, as both cheered each other on throughout the season.

Chippewa Falls hosted Hudson in a Big Rivers Conference football game on Oct.

10—other week eight matchups saw Eau Claire North face Marshfield, Eau Claire Memorial play Wausau West, New Richmond match Wisconsin Rapids, Rice Lake face Superior, and Menomonie travel to River Falls.

On Friday, October 10th, area football teams played important games in the Cloverbelt and Middle Border Conference as they sought playoff spots.

New Auburn’s Trojans topped Siren—clinching a playoff berth—and received a $25,000 check as a T-Mobile finalist.

Technique Tuesday - Jewelry Classes

6-8 p.m. — Decadent Gifts & Gallery — $40 per session — Explore jewelry making techniques in a supportive, creative environment.

Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein (West End Version)

Multiple shows — Pablo Center at the Confluence — Tickets available online — Experience the hilarious monster musical comedy from the creators of The Producers.

Benjamin Hinz: Artist in Residence

9 PM – 12 AM — The Plus — $10 cover — Experience the kickoff of an innovative artist residency with live performances every Saturday in October.

Beatles vs Stones - A Musical Showdown

7:30-9 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — Ticket Price Online — Witness an on-stage mash-up duel featuring tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction as they determine the greatest British rock band.

UW-River Falls Falcons vs. UW-Eau Claire Blugolds Football

12-5 p.m. — Carson Park — Ticket prices may vary — Experience an exciting football matchup with pre-game festivities and a concert.

Vitamin String Quartet Concert

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $27.03 - $65.26 — Experience the classical crossover magic of Vitamin String Quartet, known for their enchanting covers.

2025 FEED Summit

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Lismore Hotel Eau Claire — Early Bird Registration available — Engage in business workshops, networking, and explore local food businesses in scenic Eau Claire.

Saving Abel Live Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $12 - $47 — Experience explosive Southern rock with hard-hitting anthems and raw emotion.

Halloween Extravaganza at Mabel Tainter Theater

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Historic Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — A spooky celebration featuring a costume contest, new music arrangements, and interactive games.

The Over Unders Live at Graham Jams

7-11 p.m. — Leona's Pizzeria — No cover charge — Experience the energetic alt-rock vibe of The Over Unders, a local duo from Eau Claire.