After a long process of hiring, Eau Claire's City Council has appointed Russ Van Gompel as the city manager. He should start his position on Nov. 5. Brian Amundson – who's been the interim manager since Mike Huggins left last year – will continue until then.

Van Gompel is currently the village manager for Brown Deer, Wis. and before that worked in Little Chute and Wayzata, Minn.