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Hi Eau Claire, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: A Golden Apple for a standout teacher, a polar plunge for Special Olympics, and a salmon tasting menu + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Spotlight on classroom excellence: Putnam Heights Elementary first grade teacher Melissa Rueber was honored with a Golden Apple on February 23, celebrating her passion and guidance for young readers in Eau Claire classrooms — get all the details.
Campus transformation details emerge: In Chippewa Falls, the state will demolish five Northern Wisconsin Center buildings after environmental review, with abatement and utility work, finishing by fall as officials weigh the site’s future — get all the project details.
Lifeline after a hard year: Enrollment is open now through April 17 for $12 billion in USDA bridge payments, including support for corn, soybeans, wheat and specialty crops, aiding farmers across the Chippewa Valley — see how and when to apply.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Burger cravings, solved: Valley Burger Co.serves craveable, no-fuss burgers with quality beef, clever toppings, and crispy fries that vanish first. When the week’s doing the most, a quick stop delivers a reliable reset your brain and stomach will appreciate.
Skate night, anyone? Whether you’re reviving old moves or teaching the next generation the wobble, High Roller Skating Center keeps wheels spinning with friendly staff, tasty concessions, and occasional Adults Only nights. Trade scrolling for rolling, share a few laughs, and glide past the week’s stress.
History, but make it fun: Whether you grew up here or just think you did, Chippewa Valley Museum weaves local stories with rotating exhibits (hello, tattoos) into those “oh wow, I never knew that” moments that make Eau Claire feel more like home. Ideal for a midweek curiosity break.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Eau Claire for grown ups
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🌿 Plant Bingo! @ Green Oasis | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Whether you kill succulents or name your pothos like a grandchild, classic bingo with a leafy payout awaits. Thirty-five bucks gets you a card and a full session, extra cards are five, two sessions, and every round sends someone home with a plant. RSVP: https://gardencenterandboutiquecalendar.eventcalendarapp.com/plant-bingo
🌈 3rd Annual End of the Rainbow Craft & Vendor Fair @ Best Western Plus Eau Claire Conference Center | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – The 3rd Annual End of the Rainbow Craft & Vendor Fair takes over the Best Western Plus Eau Claire Conference Center, with local makers, handmade finds, and zero mall chaos. Come browse, chat with neighbors, and snag gifts you’ll swear are for others, then keep.
🛍 Sissy’s Vintage Shop Hop 2026 @ Sissy’s Treats & Treasures | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Sissy’s Vintage Shop Hop is serving 15% off everything, a VIP drawing when you buy, and seasonal sips and treats. Come hunt for real-deal vintage, catch up with friends, and snack while you pretend you only came for one little thing.
🍓 The Story of Wisconsin Cranberries: From Marsh to Market @ L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library | Saturday (3/7) at 10:30 AM – Only in Eau Claire do cranberries get a keynote. Multi-generational grower Jim Bible walks you from marsh to market, covering local history, Ocean Spray’s co-op, sustainability, and a quick hit on cranberries in your diet; register at ecpubliclibrary.info/cranberry, and yes, the Garden Club approves.
☘ How to Catch a Leprechaun @ Hope Lutheran Church | Saturday (3/7) at 10:30 AM – Kid-and-caregiver fun is turning recycled odds and ends into leprechaun traps, decorating an Irish hat to wear home, storytelling, and games. Thirty bucks covers you both, light snacks and drinks included, and just enough glitter to find in the car next week.
🍽 Superior Fresh Salmon Tasting Menu @ Forage | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – Kitchen Technique is serving a multi-course love letter to Superior Fresh salmon, sustainably raised in Hixton and clean enough to eat with your conscience. Think sashimi-grade brightness, seasonal touches, and polished technique, plus beer, wine, and NA options. Seats are limited, tickets are $60.
🍕 Pizza Buffet and Open Mic Fundraiser @ The Plus | Sunday (3/8) at 3:00 PM – Finally, a fundraiser where your stage time and pizza habit actually help people. Hit The Plus on Barstow for an afternoon open mic and all-you-can-eat slices for $15, free soft drinks, and kids five and under eat free, supporting UWEC’s Fostering Success for Blugold students.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Eau Claire report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 50°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 2%
Partly sunny, with a high near 50. East wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 56°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 91%
Rain showers. Mostly cloudy. High near 56, with temperatures falling to around 53 in the afternoon. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
The Bush plan, one of C&M Construction’s newest and most spacious designs, blends modern comforts with sleek stainless appliances and custom cabinetry. Focus on Energy certification boosts efficiency without sacrificing style, and meticulous detailing shines throughout. The design is customizable, with options for landscaping and a finished basement to suit the site and plans.
Take a peek inside →
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