Nothing encapsulated 2020 quite like the global pandemic that shut down everything we hold dear. That’s why Chippewa Vallians chose the local impact of COVID-19 as the year’s most memorable happening. On a more positive note, Mai Xiong became the first Hmong woman elected to the Eau Claire City Council. And, in traditional Wisconsin fashion, few things were as memorable as the record October snowfall in Eau Claire. Shovels up! –Rebecca Mennecke