Shortcuts | July 7, 2011

condensed local news about civic and cultural goings-on

V1 Staff |

Changes Coming to Eau Claire Voting Wards

Due to population changes, it looks as if the City of Eau Claire may be creating five new voting wards and making changes to some existing wards. Based on an indefinite map approved by the Eau Claire County Board, five new wards will be added and some current boundaries will change. So what does that all mean for us? Here’s a likely summary: Some voters are going to be placed into different wards. If you live on the south side, get ready to be shuffled around when the city adds three wards to your neck of the woods, which they plan on doing. Residents on the east side of Eau Claire might see their districts grow in size to compensate for a lack of population growth in their area. Most voting poll sites won’t change, however. The County Board will vote on the final district map in August.

North HS Brings Home First State Title In Over 20 Years

Want to see some real winners? After 10 appearances and three second-place finishes, the North High School varsity baseball team finally took first place at the Division I State Tournament on June 16. The Huskies crushed the Neenah Rockets 11-1 in the school’s first state championship since the girls golf team in the 90s. Starting pitcher Mitch DeGrasse allowed only five hits and one run, while the Huskies leaped ahead with a six-run third inning. The team finished the season 23-3, thanks to coach Bob Johnson and some spectacular players. Tyler Hermann, the Huskies shortstop, was recently named Player of the Year by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association. The senior hit .569 with 30 runs, four doubles, a triple, seven home runs and 33 RBIs this season. He is also a member of the all-state team, along with pitcher Jacob Jenneman and DeGrasse. 

Menomonie Schools Begin Search For New Mascot

The late Menomonie Indians laid their controversial mascot to rest earlier this month. Now the school board needs to establish a committee whose responsibility will be collecting mascot suggestions and managing the submission process. Menomonie School District is asking students, alumni, and local residents to submit their ideas for a new mascot and logo. After the mascot selection committee narrows down the suggestions, students will be able to vote during the first week of school this fall. If you’re interested in being part of the mascot selection committee, contact Executive Assistant Patty Woodford at 232-1642, ext. 10111, or visit her at the Administrative Service Center, 215 Pine Ave., Menomonie. 

Fairfax Pool To Get Updates

The proposed $1 million renovations to the Fairfax Pool has had people buzzing about a possible fee increase, but it looks as if you might get to cool off this summer for the same prices as last season. The Fairfax Pool Work Group’s recommendation will not include an admission increase. Individuals of the work group think that in the current economy, an admission increase to help pay for the renovations would be counterproductive and actually cause a decrease in attendance. It sounds like the only definite plan so far is to improve the mechanical room and replace the pool’s filter system with the project money. The Fairfax Pool Work Group will review its recommendation on July 11 before presenting a final draft to the Eau Claire City Council for approval.