Good morning, Eau Claire.

The Siyavoush Soleimani Group will open a dual-branded restaurant at 4745 Golf Road on Oct.

28—combining Applebee's and IHOP to provide a new local dining option. The eatery will serve food with friendly service for the Eau Claire community.

Chippewa Falls native Seymour Cray, born in 1925, experimented with early electronics in his home and later joined the army as a radio man and code breaker during World War II—he returned to his hometown to create Cray Research, which developed super computers that changed modern computing.

Xcel Energy said natural gas customers in Wisconsin will pay about 15% more for winter gas, with average monthly bills rising from $112.08 to $128.72; 8% of the increase is from higher gas costs — the rest is due to rising infrastructure expenses.

The Eau Claire Area School District announced on October 9 that it will switch to Standards-Based Grading for grades six through twelve next school year—using a numbered four-point scale tied to clear learning standards.

The change will include teacher training, a new Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum, and early November meetings for parents, while high school final grades will convert to letter grades and a 4-point GPA for college applications.

Ornithologist Steve Betchkal, the committee's vice chair, said outdoor cats kill wild birds and other small animals.

The Sustainability Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday to study new rules that could ban unrestrained cats, require spaying or neutering, and raise fees to fund a shelter—steps aimed at protecting wild birds.

City officials in Eau Claire received a $300,000 donation from the Jane Honadel Estate to upgrade Mt. Simon Park; new playground equipment will start arriving Monday—construction will take just over a week—and a pavilion will be built next year.

On Monday, Wisconsin's top golfers competed at University Ridge Golf Course in the Division 1 and Division 2 state championships (Belle Kongshaug led Division 2 and Hudson's Ava Swavely led Western Wisconsin in Division 1).

Chippewa Falls swept New Richmond on the volleyball court and UW-Eau Claire football began preparing for its game with UW-Oshkosh.

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.

Sesame Street Live - Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM — The Sonnentag — $45+ — Celebrate the magic of Sesame Street with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster in Eau Claire.