Shortcuts | Nov. 1o, 2011

condensed local news about civic and cultural goings-on

V1 Staff |

EAU CLAIRE COACH EARNS ACCLAIM FROM THE PACKERS

Most of the time, showing appreciation for a football coach means dumping some Gatorade on him, or picking him up and awkwardly carrying him around the field. Around here, though, we take it a little further. Paul Kling, coach of the Memorial High School Old Abe football team, was recently named the Coach of the Week by the Green Bay Packers, an honor which includes recognition on the Packers’ website and a $2,000 donation to the school’s team. In three years, Mr. Kling transformed an 0-9 team to this year’s group, who had a nearly undefeated season (8-1). Unfortunately, the Old Abes lost a heartbreaker in the first round of playoffs this fall, but if the Packers think so highly of the coach, we can look forward to many more winning seasons.

UWEC PICKS UP ST. BEDE’S

St Bede’s Monastery and Retreat Center, including over 100 mostly wooded acres and 80,000 square feet of existing building spaces, has been purchased by a subsidiary of UW-Eau Claire Foundation recently. Initially for sale in 2007 for $4.3 million, the deal closed with an actual purchase price of $1 million. A big decision, and an even bigger savings, as the property changes hands yet will retain its focus as an educational institution. Located a few miles south of campus in the Town of Washington, about one third of the property will become the new home of the Children’s Center, with the remaining space available for other programming. UWEC Chancellor, Brian Levin-Stankevich, states, “properties such as St Bede’s become available once in a generation, if that. We are grateful to the Sisters of the Order of St Benedict for their vision to create, nurture, and sustain such a special place.” Children’s Center Building Committee Chair Jodi Thessing-Retter is looking forward to utilizing the “green spaces for free exploration and learning.” Room to roam and endless possibilities for future community and kids’ programming – now that’s a big deal we can all celebrate.

CHIPPEWA TO GET A NEW MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT?

Chippewa Falls officials are considering preliminary plans to tear down a three-story eyesore occupying downtown to make space for new apartments and retail. Warren Loveland Property Management of La Crosse met with the Chippewa Falls City Council to discuss and consider financial possibilities with the project, with plans calling for retail on the main floor and apartments on the second and third levels. Loveland has already exhibited success its redevelopment of the Shoe Factory Apartments, also in Chippewa Falls. The building that occupies the spot is in rough shape, currently boasting a leaky roof, broken elevator, and several unoccupied spaces. However, the building’s owners don’t agree with the claims of dilapidation.