Walking into one of the Chippewa Valley’s many live comedy venues — and hearing a roar of laughter — is a special kind of magic. Oh Claire Improv has become a staple ensemble for these kinds of moments; it’s no surprise they were voted the best in this category. Cullen Ryan, a vet in the business of local laughter and founder of Clear Water Comedy, has risen to second place this year. Jake Lee — the self-described local comic, door guy, welder and “aggressively passive” comedian — takes third place (and the treasure chest… get it?). —Evelyn Nelson