We are living in a special time for area celebrity status. For decades, a “local celebrity” could have been a commercial pitchman or quirky person walking our streets. This year’s Favorite Local Celebrities have national footing. Musician Chris Kroeze of The Voice has built a tremendous live following in the Chippewa Valley and places first for the second year, while Justin Vernon’s band Bon Iver recently put out a Grammy-nominated album and takes runner-up. Ryan Ruebl of “Meanwhile In Wisconsin” rides broad social media virality to a debut in third place. – Luc Anthony