Good morning, Eau Claire.

Opportunity WI gave out 100 free kids Halloween costumes to local families Thursday to help ease rising costs — the group reported that the average shopper was expected to spend $11 more per person this season.

Mr. Kitty's Cat Café and Boutique in Eau Claire has opened a new pet pantry called Craig's Closet next to the café that offers food, litter and toys to pet owners in need.

Craig Spehle built the resource after 13 months of fundraising and construction—café staff will distribute a week's supply of essentials and host a ribbon-cutting on November 5 at 11 a.m.

At Eau Claire Fire Station 10 on Thursday morning, the Eau Claire Fire Department held a memorial ceremony honoring 140 firefighters who lost their lives in 2024 nationwide—each name was followed by a single ring of the memorial bell.

The event also remembered four local firefighters who died on active duty or in the line of duty since 1956.

Ronald McDonald House dropped—Charities—from its name while it keeps its mission to care for families with sick children.

CEO Nick Mueller explained the change on WEAU Thursday at noon.

A small electrical fire occurred in UW-Eau Claire's Schneider Hall on Thursday around 10 a.m. and was quickly extinguished by staff with the help of the Eau Claire Fire Department—no one was injured as the building remains closed and electrical service is interrupted while plans are made for students and staff to retrieve personal items.

Multiple emergency units from Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls gathered at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport as a precaution when an incoming plane drew responders after 7:30 a.m. and landed safely just before 8 a.m.—no injuries were reported and units left after checking the scene.

The Eau Claire-based Torch Sisters bring a mini-circus carnival to local communities, offering unique performances & showcasing local talent that reflects a growing cultural trend in the Chippewa Valley.

The event connects residents with engaging art & provides an accessible way to enjoy a traveling carnival experience.

Over 100 middle and high school students from local districts attended the 13th SAFE Student Program training at the Dakota Ballroom at UW Eau Claire where they learned how to be role models for safety, mental health, and good relationships—experts from NAMI and Mothers Against Drunk Driving gave talks. They will bring these lessons back to their schools to help improve their communities.

Health experts in Eau Claire are raising awareness about pregnancy and infant loss by explaining that miscarriages, stillbirths, and infant deaths differ and most cases have no clear cause.

Marshfield Clinic nurse Jenny Eckardt said regular prenatal visits and monitoring fetal kicks can help in some cases—about 100 pregnancies in Wisconsin face these losses each year.

Local angler Nick Trim widened his tournament lead after catching a 21-pound bass on Day 1 at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance—he said his strong catch boosted his confidence as the contest continues.

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.

Blugold Marching Band Performance

7-9 p.m. — The Sonnentag — Free entry — Experience a lively performance featuring the Blugold Marching Band with a dress rehearsal and dinner beforehand.

First Fridays Faculty Recital Series: Under the Influence

7:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — $5-$15 — Experience an evening of chamber music inspired by diverse composers performed by UW-Eau Claire's talented faculty.

11th Annual Gatsby's Gala

7:00 PM — W.R. Davies Student Center — $20 students, $35 GA, $150-$250 VIP — Experience the allure of the roaring 20s with big bands and vintage ballroom decor while supporting jazz studies scholarships.