Lovable Pup, Lifesaving Nose

Mon. Mar. 19th, 2018

Cassandra Kyser

Caleb Bicknell’s family welcomed a new member in February, an English Labrador puppy named Buddy. At just 2½ months old, Buddy is starting the long training path to be a service dog for 7-year-old Caleb, who has ...

Charlie Thompson Slides Into Icy Competition

Mon. Mar. 19th, 2018

Rachel Witthoft

Charlie Thompson, a competitive curler and freshman at Memorial High School, has been out on the ice ever since he was 3 years old. His father, Jeff Thompson, introduced him to curling when he was ...

Have No Fear, Spring Break Is Nearly Here!

Mon. Mar. 19th, 2018

V1 Staff

It's hard to believe, but spring break is right around the corner. Public school districts in the Chippewa Valley offer varying dates for spring break, so take a look at the list below and get these dates on ...

Essay Contest Asks Teens What Diversity Means to Them

Mon. Mar. 19th, 2018

V1 Staff

An essay contest about equity, diversity, and inclusion will award cash prizes to Chippewa Valley high school students. The Mahmoud S. Taman Foundation recently announced its 2018 essay contest for students in ...

Giving Homeless Kids a Helping Hand

Fri. Mar. 16th, 2018

Hope Greene, photos by Andrea Paulseth

It’s easy to have the thought that there’s something shameful about being homeless. It’s presented in movies, in TV shows, in news programs, and social talk; that homelessness is a problem for ...

Take a Snow Day: Here's When Locals Are off School

Fri. Jan. 26th, 2018

V1 Staff

It is hard to believe the holidays are over and the much-needed long breaks associated with the first semester are done and over with. But don’t fret! There are a few breaks built into each public school ...

Post Holiday Season Un-Decorate Responsibly!

Fri. Jan. 26th, 2018

V1 Staff

Not a big fan of letting this year’s Christmas tree rot in the backyard? We don’t blame you. Do you cringe every time you hear the burnt-out strand of lights hit the bottom of the garbage can? So do we ...

Collaboration & Creativity via Project-Based Learning

Fri. Jan. 26th, 2018

Laura Lash, photos by Laura Lash

Beth Duellman’s fourth-grade class at Sam Davey Elementary School is deep into its second trimester researching the theme, “How does geography affect industry in a particular region?” Four desks are pushed ...

Sharing stories to help end bullying

Fri. Nov. 3rd, 2017

Marie Anthony

I struggled a lot with my own self confidence and feeling worth anything. Growing up, I endured a lot of bullying. I was called stupid. I was called ugly. I went through so much of it that I wanted to take my own life at the age of 16.

United Way Blazes Trails to Success

Fri. Nov. 3rd, 2017

by Lauren Fisher

To emphasize and encourage early childhood development, the United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley installed 11 Born Learning trails in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties this summer.

So Many Little Lanterns Lighting up Downtown Eau Claire

Fri. Nov. 3rd, 2017

Emily Kinzel

The second annual Light Up Eau Claire Little Lantern Parade will be on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 4:30pm. Attendees toting small, lighted lanterns will parade from the museum down Grand Avenue and across the footbridge before circling back.

Chippewa Valley Treat-or-Treating Times

Wed. Sep. 20th, 2017

V1 Staff, photos by Randy Lee

In downtown Eau Claire, the bonanza of treats from generous businesses will run from 3-5pm on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Costumed kiddos (and their grown-ups) will find treats up and down Barstow and Farwell ...

Project SEARCH: Gaining Skills, Earning Successes

Wed. Sep. 20th, 2017

Marie Anthony

I don’t even know this bright-eyed young woman, but every time I hear her squeal of joy and see the pride spill out of her between bursts of laughter, my heart tingles and I get that “I’m so happy for you, I could cry” lump in my throat.

Get Ready for a Colorful Crossing

Wed. Sep. 20th, 2017

Tom Giffey

Beginning in September, the iconic 526-foot Phoenix Park footbridge in downtown Eau Claire will be ablaze with thousands of LED lights capable of displaying millions of colors and “dancing” in time to music on special occasions.

Making Halloween Less Scary for Kids with Food Allergies

Wed. Sep. 20th, 2017

Susan Krahn

One in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy – that’s about two children in every classroom. For these children, a tiny amount of their allergen has the potential to cause a severe – even life-threatening – reaction. Chances are a child in your neighborhood has a food allergy.

Feeding Hungry Kids of All Ages

Wed. Sep. 20th, 2017

Emily Kuhn

According to Feed My People Food Bank, one in five children in west-central Wisconsin experience food insecurity. For some, this means that at times they don’t know where or when they will have their next meal.

A New Place to Play Pops up Outside Museum

Mon. Jul. 3rd, 2017

Jacqueline Van Hemert, photos by Andrea Paulseth

For the second year in a row, Eau Claire has been named an official “Playful City USA” through KaBOOM!

Back-To-School Prep Time

Fri. Jun. 30th, 2017

Emilee Thornton

I can’t believe it is already July. As we start thinking about school I have a few teacher perspectives/tips to share ...

Peek at the Past at the Cook-Rutledge Mansion

Fri. Jun. 30th, 2017

Haley Wright, photos by Andrea Paulseth

A tour of the Cook-Rutledge Mansion at 505 Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls – which is offered at 2pm Thursday through Sunday during the months of June, July, and August, as well as during the Christmas season.

Back in Session: School Start Times for Fall

Fri. Jun. 30th, 2017

James Johonnott

We know, it's STILL summer. But just in case you are ambitious and want to mentally prepare yourselves. Here are the start dates for local schools in the Chippewa Valley!

Up to 12 'Born Learning Trails' to Be Installed Throughout Chippewa Valley

Wed. Jun. 21st, 2017

V1 Staff, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Ten area communities in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties have approved the installation of Born Learning Trails in their area parks. These are in addition to the Born Learning Trail installed last year at Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls. One more trail is pending approval.

Sweet Inspiration

Wed. May. 31st, 2017

Mike Paulus, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor opens in downtown Eau Claire

A cold, rainy, Wisconsin afternoon doesn’t sound like the ideal conditions for opening an ice cream shop. But on Saturday, May 20, despite her best efforts, not even Mother Nature could dampen the opening ...

Gaze Beyond the Screen: Hobbs Observatory

Tue. May. 23rd, 2017

Bert Moritz

Hobbs Observatory is a unique public observatory located in Beaver Creek Reserve. The observatory boasts two large, main telescopes, each located under a large dome. The larger of the two is a 24-inch Newtonian telescope and it was installed in 1987.

The Big To-Do: May/June 2017 Installment

Tue. May. 23rd, 2017

V1 Staff

Looking for some family-focused fun in May and June? Check out our 5 family event picks. We receive a number of event submissions on a daily basis and you can find the most current happenings ...

Hanging up Her Apron

Wed. May. 17th, 2017

Katy Macek, photos by Andrea Paulseth

planning retirement, owner wants to sell Eau Claire’s legendary Sue’s Bake Shop

After nearly 20 years of owning Sue’s Deluxe Bake Shop – and a lifetime in the baking industry – Sue Ranney is planning to off the apron and pass it along to someone else ...

Local Cap and Gown Recycling Program

Fri. May. 12th, 2017

V1 Staff

Do you have a cap and gown from graduation in the back of your closet or in a box somewhere? Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association (“ECAHMAA”) is working to establish a Cap and Gown Recycling Program ...

Foster Homes Change Children's Lives

Wed. May. 10th, 2017

Chelsea Higley & Mechele Pitt

All humans share the desire to belong, to be a part of a family, and to have a place to call home. Every child deserves these things; yet, many children in the foster care system don’t have them ...

Children's Legacy Luncheon Celebrates Movers and Shakers

Wed. May. 10th, 2017

Tom Giffey, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Now in its 16th year, the Children’s Legacy Luncheon has a new organizer but a continued commitment to honoring Chippewa Valley residents who work tirelessly in the community to improve the lives of children.

Badgeworthy Art: Boy Scouts Get Artistic

Wed. May. 10th, 2017

by Jerry Poling

The Chippewa Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America brought 13 boys from seven troops to UW-Stout’s graphic communication labs for three nights to help them earn their merit badges in graphic arts.

6 Chippewa Valley Farmers Markets

Wed. May. 10th, 2017

James Johonnott

From savoring produce at the peak of freshness to meeting the people who actually grow your food, there are countless reasons to support farmers markets. Grab your shopping lists and canvas carrying bags ...

Learn About the Women’s Giving Circle

Wed. May. 10th, 2017

Tom Giffey

Are you connected to a nonprofit in the Chippewa Valley that works to improve the well-being of local women and children? If you answered yes, you should know about the Women’s Giving Circle, a fund of the Eau Claire Community Foundation.

School's out, Baby! Here's When Summer Starts

Wed. May. 10th, 2017

V1 Staff, photos by Andrea Paulseth

The long-awaited summer vacation is about to begin, so parents mark your calendars and start planning those trips, bucket lists, and beach days. And kids can look forward to time outdoors in the sun, not in the classroom.

Good Reasons to Give

Tue. May. 9th, 2017

Hillary Bell

gala brings together three charities for music, dancing

In a combined effort to provide more benefits for kids and families, three of the Chippewa Valley’s nonprofit organizations are coming together and holding a fun and exciting spring fundraiser ...

Spotted in Eau Claire: Community Care Cabinet

Fri. Apr. 7th, 2017

Mike Paulus, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Check out this thoughtful "Community Care Cabinet" set up right outside Smiling Moose Deli across from the Downtown Eau Claire Farmers Market in Phoenix Park. A note on the door reads …

Parents Are Key to Stopping Underage Drinking Before It Starts

Fri. Mar. 24th, 2017

Rachael Manning

Some people ask, “What’s the big deal about underage drinking?” While some parents and adults may feel relieved that their teen is “only” drinking, it is important to remember that alcohol is a powerful ...

Boys & Girls Club Opening Again in Menomonie

Fri. Mar. 24th, 2017

Tom Giffey

An after-school option for elementary students in Menomonie is up and running again as of Monday, Feb. 13, thanks to generous community donations and an agreement with the Menomonie school district ...