The United States has designated a poet laureate since 1937, and Wisconsin followed suit in 2000. On April 13, Eau Claire City Council named Nadine St. Louis our first poet laureate, after two local men suggested it to the council. A retired UWEC English professor and the author of two books of poetry, Zebra (2008) and Weird Sisters (2000), St. Louis also helped pioneer the Chippewa Valley Book Festival, which looks ahead to its 11th year this fall. Attached to the honor, however, is a job description. When the city wants to mark an important even, they will anticipate St Louis’s commemorative verse. Kerry Kincaid, city council president, clarified the reason behind the commissioned writing. “[We want] poems to make the city think,” she said, “… poems that add to the lovely side of city life.” St. Louis said she was honored to promote poetry and culture through the new appointment.