Shortcuts | September 3, 2009

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NEW DOG PARK IN CHIPPEWA
Dogs of Chippewa Falls will now be allowed to run free, within the confines of a fenced-in dog park, that is. The new dog park has been approved by the Chippewa Falls City Council, said Parks and Recreation Director Bill Faherty, and will be located at South Avenue and Alexander Street. The Parks and Recreation Department is still working to raise money, along with the help of volunteers, for an entrance gate and driveway. They hope to have the park up and running sometime this fall and are still considering the cost to use the park.

EAU CLAIRE AMONG FASTEST GROWING CITIES IN STATE
The Wisconsin Department of Administration just released its population and housing estimates, and the City of Eau Claire has the third largest population gain in Wisconsin! With almost 600 new residents settling down in Eau Claire during 2008, the city is only behind the cities of Madison (weighing in with 1,050 newcomers) and Waukesha (tolling in with 770 new inhabitants). This represents a whopping 0.9 percent growth which trumps the states average of 0.2 percent per city. With an estimated 65,950 residents in 2009, Eau Claire is now the eighth largest community in Wisconsin.

GOVERNOR RACE HEATING UP!
When Democratic Governor Jim Doyle announced in mid-August, that he wouldn’t be perusing a third four-year term next fall, a handful of promenade Wisconsinites jumped at the chance to throw their name into the hat as a potential successor. With Doyle out of the race, the Democratic field is likely to be crowded. Among the names mentioned are Rep. Ron Kind, Lt. Gov. Barb Lawton, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. Several Republicans, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Rep. Mark Neumann, are already running for the spot, and former Gov. Tommy Thompson and General J.B. Van Hollen haven’t ruled out bids.

LEINIE’S GETTING AN ADDITION
Work started Aug. 24 on a new addition to Leinenkugel’s Brewery in Chippewa Falls. The addition will house a new pasteurization machine, which will replace the brewery’s current unit from 1955. The new machine will help with water and energy savings. Hopes are that the new extension to the building will be completed by the end of the year, and the company will begin to use the new equipment next year. Business at the brewery will go on as usual during the construction of the addition ad the installation of the new equipment.