RAGSTOCK MOVES INTO MALL

Old school Eau Claire-ians will remember the 80s, when Ragstock occupied a corner store downtown and then moved to Hamilton Square, but the city has been Ragstockless for the better part of two decades. That will change Nov. 19 when Ragstock opens at Oakwood Mall. Corie Meyer, Director of Stores for Ragstock, says the store will open with 70-80 percent new and seasonal clothing, but adds that they will be expanding their used selection as they go. She and Store Manager Maxine Hult are planning on stocking staple items like hoodies, flannel, winter accessories, and affordable organic cotton tees while keeping an ear open for what locals want. And if you didn’t get a chance to make any of last year’s ugly sweater parties, Meyer promises that Ragstock will have you covered. For more information, check out ragstock.com. 

 PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS TO APPEAR ON ANIMAL PLANET

The Chippewa Valley Paranormal Investigators are at it again. November 19 will mark the second time the local group of occult sleuths have been featured on Animal Planet’s The Haunted (Frank Smoot appeared in the first episode). The half hour segment, titled “Dead in the Water,” centers around a family home in the Chippewa Valley and a boy who is terrified to stay in his room when there is frost on the ground. We can’t give away the ending, but co-founder of the CVPI, Chris Wiener, thinks the issue was resolved. “We dug up so much history,” said Wiener. “It is really a compelling story.” Though they are becoming somewhat of a staple on the show, the group stresses that their main mission is and always will be to assist to those in need. “Our key thing is to help people find answers – not to be on TV,” said Wiener. The CVPI provide a free and confidential service to those in need of an investigation. Their mission is to find an explanation – be it logical or paranormal. 

 BBQ FRANCHISE OPENS IN EC

A new American BBQ-style eatery chain has decided to sweep the Midwest and beyond, with its first location planned for right here in Eau Claire. This Spring, the fast-casual restaurant Rock On! plans to break ground at the high traffic location on 311 East Clairemont Ave. Founder Mike Stone is anticipating to open more locations soon afterward throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, and Florida. The Rock On! menu will be made up of traditional American BBQ items including signature dishes like the Po-Boy Sandie, the Hot Beef Sando, 4-Bone Dinner, and more. They promise to fill the stomach and be kind to the wallet. Currently, consumers can purchase Rock On! products such as sauces and seasonings at local grocery stores. 

VOLLEYBALLERS FALL AT STATE

Local high school girls’ volleyball teams from Eau Claire North and Chippewa Falls McDonell both appeared at the WIAA State tournaments earlier this month. The Chippewa Falls Macks (40-7), the defending State Champs from the Western Cloverbelt Conference, were defeated in the Division 4 Semifinal by the Highland Cardinals (31-1) in three sets. It was the Galloping Ghosts (31-7) from Kaukauna that beat the Eau Claire North Huskies (31-7) of the Big Rivers Conference in Thursday’s Division 1 Quarterfinal. After losing the first set, the Huskies came back to win the second, but were unable to win either the third or fourth. The Macks and Huskies opponents both went on to win the State Championship.