Good morning, Eau Claire.

The Sojourner House in Eau Claire is asking for donations as temperatures drop.

They need warm socks, hand warmers and emergency sleeping bag survival sacks (six for $19.99) to help those without shelter.

Due to bitter cold later this week, Sojourner House will use overflow mode to offer warm shelter, meals, and a safe place to sleep when temperatures drop below 15°F.

Guests check in at 7 p.m.+ and leave by 8 a.m.

The Chippewa Valley Tool Library received a $15,000 grant from the Pablo Foundation + it will use the funds for rent and buildout at its future Putnam Street space near the Community Table.

The nonprofit will prepare its space in the coming months and hold an opening ceremony in April.

Residents were displaced from a 1.5-story home at 117 Cass Street on Friday morning after a fire broke out in the attic; firefighters & police ensured a safe evacuation and the Red Cross is providing temporary housing.

DeShawn Gilles won the local Idea Challenge held Thursday and will receive $5,000 to support his new venture, Summit Ridge Co.—a business that aims to help outdoor enthusiasts explore further with tech-enhanced gear.

Gilles plans to use the funds to secure his patent.

The Eaux Claire Music and Arts Festival returns this summer on July 24 and 25, 2026 after it was last held in 2018.

Details remain scarce as organizers prepare for the event.

Peaceful Forest brought its energetic taiko drumming to Robbins Elementary today as part of a national tour stopping at local schools.

The group will perform at additional schools and host live shows at Forage and the Heyde Center next week.

Chippewa Valley Regional Airport marked one year of its renewed United Airlines partnership as increased passenger volume (about 48,000 travelers—a 15% jump) supports daily SkyWest flights to Chicago O'Hare, and Sun Country Airlines will add seasonal routes from end of January.

Health officials in Eau Claire reported an increase in flu hospitalizations with two residents already admitted this season (public health nurse Allison Gosbin noted) and urged the community to get their flu shot amid lower immunization rates.

Cross-country ski trails at Pinehurst, Northwest, Fairfax, and Carson Park are now available, while crews work to open ice skating rinks the day after Christmas if the weather holds.

The Pinehurst warming shelter will open Monday (Dec. 15) with weekday and weekend hours for skiers and sledders.

Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas Extravaganza

7-8:30 p.m. — Pablo Center at the Confluence — Price TBA — Experience the joy of the season with Blue Violin's spectacular Candlelight Christmas concert.

Ben Katzner Live Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — The Plus — $15 adv, $20 door — Experience the unique humor and storytelling of comedian Ben Katzner.

Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour

8-10 p.m. — Sonnentag Complex — $49.50+ — Experience a high-energy celebration with a blend of virtuosic violin, dance, and holiday favorites.

Sunday Funday – Late-Night Board Games

8:30-11 p.m. — The Plus — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxed evening with a vast library of board games and themed activities.