If you follow local headlines it’s been a fascinating last couple of weeks. One day we get news that the UW-System is likely getting gouged (again), this time to the tune of $300 million. The next, we get word that the governor’s budget proposal earmarks $15 million for the Confluence Project’s performing arts center. Just a week before those announcements, the group rehabbing the former Ramada into The Lismore comes to the surface with details and renderings of what the new downtown hotel would look like. A week later, City Council, in a rare moment of agreement, unanimously votes to support a state economic development grant application and (if successful) a partial matching loan from the city to help fund part of the former Green Tree Inn’s rising redevelopment cost (a project I’m involved in). All the while the former Post Office in downtown Eau Claire was tumbling to the ground making way for new development and the massive Confluence Crane continued to build the footings of the six-story mixed-use building. Forget the house fires, car accidents, and burglaries – this stuff is the real news in our community. And right now – except for the UW part – most of it’s good. Even here in the dead of winter there’s an energy out there of progress and momentum. Oh, and within the next couple of weeks you can expect to see the lineup for the new Eaux Claires Music and Arts Festival announced. And if you’re anything like me, you’re going to be thrilled. It’s a good time to be paying attention, let’s see if we can keep this train rolling.