Note from the Editor | May 1, 2014

It’s an optimistic time of year. The rivers flow strong with the sheddings of winter. Short bursts of warmth, though still too few and far between, remind us of what’s to come. And trails throughout the community have begun to come alive ...

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The Playing Field

finding some roots in a wide open space

I grew up on Eau Claire’s west side, almost directly across the street from a huge empty lot. The lot was mostly covered by a field of tall grass, but it contained a few small pockets of woods and an old dead tree just laying on its side out ...

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On the Cover | May 1, 2014

learn about this issue's cover art by Angela Rae Barribeau

“This piece is one of approximately 70 in a series that I did after taking an online class from an Arkansas artist, Mindy Lacefield. Using layers of marks, words, letters, numbers, quotes, scribbles, paint, paper, collage, alcohol inks ..."

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Opening Shot | May 1, 2014

ON WITH THE BOW! No Brand Con 2014, the Chippewa Valley’s premiere event for Anime, cosplay (above), tabletop and video gaming, and general geekery ran April 25–27 at The Plaza Hotel & Suites.

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Bucky the Bridesmaid

Badgers’ football, basketball success welcomed, but championships remain elusive

By the time you read this article, I presume your nightmares about Aaron Harrison shooting a 3-point basket seemingly from the upper deck of AT&T Stadium have sufficiently subsided that we can talk about the Wisconsin Badgers’ ...

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End Notes

symphony season’s final concert features last works

If you haven’t been able to experience the wonder that is the Chippewa Valley Symphony orchestra during its 2013-14 season, then you had better listen up because time is running out. The theme of the symphony’s final concert of the season ...

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Rock Kings

Pullman’s EP Monarchs features new band lineup

Jim Pullman got his musical start in fifth grade and shortly afterward began playing with his close friends. They were together throughout their school years, but after his buddies moved away, Pullman began his own band, The Jim Pullman Band ...

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Great Scott

alt-rock icon Weiland still alive and grunging

I’ve always admired the work of other Scotts. In the art world they seem to be passionate people and do amazing work. Be in Scott Joplin, Scott Bakula or even Chachi himself – Scott Baio – the work of artsy Scotts cannot be denied ...

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Examining the Infinite

new set of monologues takes on the big questions

Through a series of fictional monologues from non-fictional historic figures, Jack Bushnell has written a new play – The Infinity Monologues – in an attempt to bring life to the moments leading up to life-or-death situations.

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UWEC Prof 'Walks' to Victory in Fiction Contest

Once again, UW-Eau Claire professors have been proven to be awesome. This time the honors are going to English professor emerita Karen Loeb for her new fiction story “The Walk to Makino.” Loeb won first place in Wisconsin People and Ideas ...

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Book Details St. Croix Riverway Hikes

The pristine waters that shape the state border may define the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, but the area offers recreation to more than just paddlers. A new book describes more than 70 hiking trails along the riverway, with an emphasis ...

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Out-of-This World Sequel

Who doesn’t love a good story that challenges traditional beliefs and has a slightly apocalyptic tone to it? That’s what Chippewa Valley author S.E. Meyer offers in his new book, The Crossing. A sequel to his debut novel, Origins, which was ...

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Landscapes & Lovecraft

eclectic Servoss excels with pencils, paint

While he is well known for his colored pencil work, artist Allan Servoss is actually a painter by trade. His work has been featured in galleries and museums across the country as well as in several magazines and books ...

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Run Amok

Waiting in the express line at Copps, I read the latest tabloid / headlines and learn that the world’s monsters are out of control, and / while top scientists can’t explain it, I think I know why Nessie has ...

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Living Up

exploring loft apartments in downtown Eau Claire

Exposed brick walls. Architectural elements from a 1950s dental office. Big windows and high ceilings. A small patio that looks over the city ...

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Questioning the Locals | Jerry Staniszewski, Eau Claire police chief

get to know your neighbors, one question at a time

Eau Claire Police Chief Jerry Staniszewski may have a complicated name (it’s prononounced “Stan-ih-sheh-ski”), but his reasons for going into law enforcement were simple: “I believe that there is nothing more honorable and noble than to serve ...

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River Users Rejoice

EC City Council OKs plan for river overlook, trail

Eau Clairians will have a new way to enjoy the view of – and get to and from – the Chippewa River near Water Street as early as this summer. The Eau Claire City Council voted nearly unanimously April 22 to OK plans by the Water Street Business ...

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Grape Developments: The Chippewa Valley's Wine Bars

Valley wine bars are popping up all over

At many Chippewa Valley nightspots, the wine selection is limited to a few lonely single-serving bottles (red and white, if you’re lucky) sitting on the back bar behind the Bacardi bottles and beer taps. However, shifting consumer tastes ...

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5 Wisconsin Wine Regions

tasting your way through the state

If you think the only good wine comes from Napa, or some other name-brand locale, think again. Right here in Wisconsin winemakers are creating a wide variety of world-class bottles. The Winemaker’s Association of Wisconsin breaks the state up ...

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Tiny Tots Playhouse Is Ready to Have Fun

Chippewa Valley kiddos now have a new, fun, and educational place to play: Tiny Tots Playhouse in Fall Creek will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, May 1. Tiny Tots – which bills itself ...

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Voyageur Visions

CF living history event brings back fur trading days

Imagine traveling back in time to the 1700s and 1800s during the fur trade and lumber era in the Chippewa Valley. What you’re imagining probably looks a lot like The Past Passed Here, a living history event that will delight and educate both ...

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Look to the Sky

the stars are waiting at UWEC’s annual Astronomy Day

Space…the final frontier. These are the voyages of the L.E. Phillips Planetarium and the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society. Their mission: to teach people about outer space, to seek out new demonstrations to show the public, to boldly go ...

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The Birds Are Back in Town

citywide count of feathered fliers planned for May 14

Among the streets and houses, in a quiet neighborhood, on a warm spring day, under the clear cobalt sky, something moves in the trees above, a restlessness between the leaves. If you stop and look up, you see a throng of color flutter from ...

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The Birds Are Back in Town

citywide count of feathered fliers planned for May 14

Among the streets and houses, in a quiet neighborhood, on a warm spring day, under the clear cobalt sky, something moves in the trees above, a restlessness between the leaves. If you stop and look up, you see a throng of color flutter from ...

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Orfield's New Jam

sax star aims high with cable TV music show

The latest program at Chippewa Valley Community Television is called The Sue Orfield Show, but it might just as well be called Sue Orfield Can Play With Anybody ...

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Look to the Sky

the stars are waiting at UWEC’s annual Astronomy Day

Space…the final frontier. These are the voyages of the L.E. Phillips Planetarium and the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society. Their mission: to teach people about outer space, to seek out new demonstrations to show the public, to boldly go ...

Add a Comment »