WHO: Sarah Stokes
AGE: 35
WHAT: Soon-to-be former anchor,
WEAU 13 News
LIVES: Eau Claire
IN EAU CLAIRE: Since 2005

After brightening newscasts with her best-in-the-Chippewa Valley smile for eight years, WEAU anchorwoman Sarah Stokes will sign off the airwaves for the last time Dec. 6. The accomplished newswoman plans to start her own business and be a full-time mom to the two children (Kanyon, 2, and Kaydence, 1) she has with her husband and co-anchor, Chris Herzog. Before she came to WEAU, where she co-anchors the 5, 6 and 10pm newscasts, the Alexandria, Minn., native worked in TV and radio news in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Missouri. Stokes recently talked to Volume One about sharing a TV studio with her spouse, who her dream interview subject is, and what life is like with two toddlers.

What place in town considers you a “regular”? We used to be Wednesday lunch regulars at El Patio. They would see our car pull up and put in our usual order before we got in the door! It was awesome. Now we have kids who nap during lunchtime.

What is the best cultural experience you’ve had recently in the Chippewa Valley? We have really enjoyed going to several area parades and took Kanyon to his first high school football game this fall. He loves the marching bands and is fascinated by UWEC’s band! We made it to almost every parade this summer and fall!

What frustrates you about the Chippewa Valley? Potholes.

What’s the weirdest bit of local news you’ve had to report on? The weirdest was also really awful. Not “PG” enough for this! Plus, I kind of want to erase it from my brain.

If you could interview any Chippewa Valley figure, living or dead, who would it be? I’d like to interview John Menard because he is a bit of a mystery, not doing many interviews. I’ve never interviewed a billionaire.

Briefly, what have been the advantages and disadvantages to working with your spouse, especially in a high-profile position? The chemistry is natural, which is nice. I know Chris has my best interest at heart and the viewers have told us they love seeing us joke around with each other. We are truly able to be ourselves in the studio. The only disadvantage showed up when we had our babies. Having two parents working 2-11pm is tough with a young family.

You won “Favorite TV Smile” in Volume One’s annual poll. What’s your secret? I am a blessed woman. I am so grateful and I think that must be what comes out. I have so much to smile about!

What local activities and/or attractions has parenthood opened you up to? Such a good question! Having worked so late at night for so many years, we’ve often missed the morning festivals and activities. Now we are up before the rooster crows anyway so we’ve made it to many area events! We love to show our toddlers new things and see them enjoy the experience of those sights and sounds.

What is your favorite piece of local trivia? That Dear Abby lived here!

Water Street or Downtown? I laughed at this one! If it’s for “going out” I hear my co-workers go to both, but we’re the “old people” in the newsroom and go home to the kids. If it’s for shopping, I hit both areas!

What book, TV show, or movie would you recommend to the members of the City Council? This goes for any team/group: StrengthsFinder 2.0. I wish everyone in my world could take this so I could learn more about their work and communication style! It’s eye-opening!

If you could rename Eau Claire with a different French name, what would it be? Beauté Généreuse (generous beauty) because people here are so giving, and it truly is a beautiful place!