🌱 How one man’s generosity still shapes Eau Claire’s everyday life
Good morning Eau Claire! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How one man’s generosity still shapes Eau Claire’s everyday life
- Could your Eau Claire middle schooler be Wisconsin’s next civics champion?
- Are you risking a ticket under Eau Claire’s winter parking rules?
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Eau Claire? Post it to Eau Claire photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, with a high of 38 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Wednesday: Cloudy, temps: high: 34, low: 31.
- Thursday: Snow and rain, with a high of 36 and low of -7 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Who was Eau Claire's L.E. Phillips? (wqow.com) — Eau Claire residents see the L.E. Phillips name on libraries, UW–Eau Claire buildings, and community centers, but may not know the man behind it. This story traces Lewis Edward Phillips’ journey from immigrant to local business leader and philanthropist, showing how his family foundation and gifts helped shape Eau Claire’s science education, youth programs, and community institutions still thriving today. 
2. Submissions open for 2026 National Civics Bee as Eau Claire Chamber prepares for state (leadertelegram.com) — Middle schoolers in Eau Claire and across Wisconsin can now submit essays for the 2026 National Civics Bee, with the state competition set for May 9, 2026 at South Middle School in Eau Claire. The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the contest, which builds on the city’s recent streak of state champions and invites students to tackle local issues with civic-minded solutions.
3. Recent snowfall brings alternate side parking challenges (wqow.com) — Eau Claire drivers are being reminded to follow alternate side parking rules after heavy snowfall, especially in the Randall Park neighborhood where uncleared streets are forcing plows to make multiple passes. Cars on the wrong side can get $30 tickets, and vehicles left over 24 hours risk more fines and towing, with regulations in effect through May 1.
4. Winning $50,000 Powerball ticket sold at Eau Claire Kwik Trip (weau.com) — A $50,000 winning Powerball ticket was sold at the Kwik Trip on 2327 N. Clairemont St. in Eau Claire for the Saturday, Dec. 13 drawing, as the jackpot climbs into record territory. Three Wisconsin tickets hit at least $50,000, and players are reminded of drawing times and purchase deadlines if they plan to try their luck.
5. Enjoy ‘Winter in Wisconsin' with Kathryn Ryan's debut album (spectatornews.com) — Eau Claire native Kathryn Ryan has released her debut album, much of which she recorded locally before moving to Colorado. She celebrated with a release show at The Lakely and collaborated with several area musicians. The nine-song record, including “Winter in Wisconsin,” reflects her transition from longtime cellist to singer-songwriter and hints at an even more ambitious concept album planned for 2027.
📸 Around Eau Claire
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📣 Eau Claire Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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Wrestling: Girls Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools vs. Abbotsford/Colby (Away)
Abbotsford High School
4:00 pm -
Wrestling: Girls Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools vs. Abbotsford (Away)
Abbotsford High School
4:00 pm -
Basketball: Boys Middle School Game vs Unity (Home)
Bloomer Middle School , FULL GYM , Bloomer
5:00 pm -
Eau Claire Area Christmas Gathering
The Florian Gardens Conference Center , 2340 Lorch Ave , Eau Claire
5:00 pm -
Basketball: Girls JV Game vs Regis (Away)
Regis High School
5:45 pm -
Basketball: Boys JV2 Game vs Barron (Home)
Bloomer Elementary School , Gym , Bloomer
5:45 pm -
Basketball: Boys JV Game vs Barron (Home)
Bloomer High School , Gym , Bloomer
5:45 pm -
Taco Tuesday and Sokups Meat Raffle
Heartbreakers , 1705 County Hwy OO , Chippewa Falls
6:00 pm -
CEDC Christmas Gathering
The View , 17779 Co Hwy X , Chippewa Falls
4:30 pm -
Basketball: Boys JV2 Game vs McDonell Central Catholic (Away)
McDonell Central Catholic High School
4:30 pm -
Basketball: Boys Middle School Game vs Spooner (Home) (Rescheduled from 12-09-25)
Bloomer Middle School , FULL GYM
5:00 pm -
Basketball: Girls JV2 Game vs Cameron (Home)
Bloomer High School , Gym
5:45 pm
Tuesday December 16
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Fixes or replacement?
My dad’s manual lever recliner chair that he sleeps in broke in this recline position. Does anyone know of possible fixes or a cheap replacement… (Nextdoor North River Fronts) - THIS IS HOW I FEEL SOMETIMES!
Please share your lighthearted photos with commentary. (Nextdoor North Riverfronts)
- Menards posted a job opening for Warehouse Team Member in Eau Claire. Apply here.
- PeopleReady posted a job opening for Material Handler in Eau Claire. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Eau Claire here.
Ok Eau Claire! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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