Even the heartiest among us were crying out for mercy during last year’s endless, snowy winter – which dumped a record-shattering 97.9 inches of snow on Eau Claire and felt like it lasted 97.9 months. By comparison, the winter of 2020 seems relatively mild so far (although we may have just jinxed it – sorry). Voters also determined that several high-profile incidents of racism at UW-Eau Claire were among the Most Disappointing Things of the year; we hope a newly formed campus task force will foster ways to ensure UWEC is an inclusive place for everyone, regardless of race. And, demonstrating that they have a deep, abiding love for a particular jovial weatherman, voters ranked meteorologist Drew Williams’ departure from WEAU 13 News as the third most disappointing occurrence of 2019. – Tom Giffey