Not the city's problem.

THE CITY HANDS OFF 2 S. BARSTOW ... FINALLY

Alright, so it’s not a bed and breakfast or a cultural center, but the city is still considerably pumped that 2 S. Barstow may finally rejoin the tax roll. After spending several years empty, the “mural building” is now in the hands of mega-developer John Mogensen. The city Redevelopment Authority approved the sale agreement on Dec. 15. It involves the city selling it for $5 and giving up 15 parking spots in downtown lots. In turn, Mogensen will sink $800,000 into the renovations for two stories of loft apartments and commercial space on the ground floor. Mogensen has until April 1 to close the deal, and will start paying taxes on it by Jan. 1, 2013.

AREA WHIPCRACKER WINS MORE NATIONAL ACCLAIM

Adam Winrich graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a math and physics degree. We can probably call that the most average thing Winrich has done in a while. The whipcracking master is included in the 2011 Guinness Book of World Records with “most cans cut in half in 3 minutes” and “most bullwhip cracks in one minute,” both of which he set last year – putting his total world records at seven. Whip antics have taken the Fall Creek native all over the world, most recently to Las Vegas and the world championships of the Wild West Performance Arts Society where he won the knife throwing and whip cracking categories and the overall performer of the year award.

MR. DEWEY WINS AWARD, ADDRESSES UWEC GRADUATES

This year’s UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association’s Lifetime Excellence Award was given to 1975 graduate and actor, Patrick O’Brien. Most notably of Saved By The Bell fame, O’Brien also delivered the commencement address during the morning and afternoon ceremonies Dec. 18 in Zorn Arena, addressing the 839 graduates with the old Hollywood aid of an applause sign, which he riffed on. O’Brien has been a bit of a hometown hero, even name-dropping a popular Water Street hangout in his speech during a one-man comedy routine. O’Brien centered his talk on the fact that, although he has found success in his field, he is not considered an “A-list” celebrity and is usually recognized as “that guy.” The actor stressed the need for the unsung heroes of any given field. O’Brien ended his speech imploring the graduates to “start performing” their individual stories.

THE CITY TURNS TO SOCIAL MEDIA

City officials are now up and coming with technology. In the past month the City of Eau Claire has ramped up its use of Facebook and Twitter to better reach residents. Assistant City Manager Dale Peters said they are using the social networks to release notices on weather related activity. “It’s a new way for us to connect with the community,” Peters said. “We are still learning the medium and generally it’s been a positive experience.” Peters said users went from 29 to about 900 in a matter of three weeks. The department is going to continue using this new method for other notices. “We are excited to use and improve this service,” Peters said. “We encourage people to check us out, sign up, and give us feedback on what they would like to see."

LONG-TIME LOCAL RADIO HOST SWITCHES GEARS

It’s been 22 years since a nervous George House first started working at WAXX 104.5. “It was a little shaky at first,” George said. “It was nice learning about country music and interviewing the stars.” As the new year begins, so is George’s new challenge as he retires from the country station. “I will always love WAXX,” George said. “I want to thank all the managers, staff, and listeners who have become my friends.” In February, George will join sister station BOB-FM 99.9 as a morning host and is excited to “start a small business with music, media, and marketing,” he said. “At this point I wanted to make a change,” George said. “I’m very excited about what the future holds.”