Authorities in Rusk County are urgently searching for 14-year-old Alexandria Kuntz, last seen at her Glen Flora home late on December 27, 2025.

 

Alexandria disappeared overnight, leaving behind her phone and laptop. Investigators suspect she left on foot and may have ties to Racine and Kenosha.

 

She is described as 5'3", about 170 pounds, with shoulder-length brown hair and hazel eyes. Alexandria was last seen in gray pants, a gray shirt, a black coat, cream Converse shoes, and carrying a pinkish-red Coach purse.

 

The Rusk County Sheriff's Office asks property owners near N5246 County Highway B, south of Glen Flora, to check their land and cameras for clues.

 

Those who saw anyone walking in the area late on December 27 or early December 28 should come forward.

 

Search efforts include the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the FBI. Community tips are vital for Alexandria’s safe return.

As 2025 ends, the Chippewa Valley celebrates a year of bold achievements and local progress.

 

Economic development took center stage in May, with the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation highlighting new partnerships and launching key broadband projects to fuel innovation.

 

The July opening of the Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire ushered in a new era for sports and community events, replacing the beloved Zorn Arena and becoming home to the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds and the Eau Claire Axemen.

 

The Eau Claire Area Chamber’s inaugural Business Day and November’s Startup Keynote energized professionals and sparked entrepreneurial ambition across the region.

 

Major news in healthcare arrived with plans for a $55 million hospital in Lake Hallie, while Cascades’ $6 million expansion in Eau Claire promised 36 new jobs, strengthening local industry.

 

Despite a lightning strike damaging the historic David Drummond House, community efforts showcased unwavering resilience and pride in Eau Claire’s heritage.

 

The Valley enters 2026 driven by growth, innovation, and unity.

Dive into the holiday season at Irvine Park's Christmas Village in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where over 250,000 lights and vintage holiday scenes transform the park into a magical winter wonderland.

 

Stroll on foot or drive through to experience dazzling displays inspired by Victorian traditions and local history.

 

The Christmas Village is open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM, from Thanksgiving night until January 1, with free admission making it a favorite tradition for the community.

 

Elevate your visit with horse-drawn wagon rides through the glowing park and downtown, running select evenings in December and departing from Leinenkugel’s Barn.

 

Tickets are $8 and can be picked up at the Family Fare Service Center.

 

Don’t miss the festive Bridge to Wonderland Parade on December 6, as well as family celebrations at the YMCA, including a New Year’s event.

 

Create enchanting new memories this winter in the heart of Chippewa Falls.

Hobbs Ice Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin invites families and community members of all skill levels to its welcoming open skate sessions.

 

Located at 915 Menomonie Street, the arena features three indoor rinks and offers a variety of seasonal programs. Open skating is held Wednesdays and Sundays from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, perfect for shared family moments. Weekday lunchtime skates run Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, giving locals a convenient way to add fun and fitness to their routine.

 

Admission is just $6, with skates available for a $3 rental fee. Frequent visitors may benefit from the Eau Claire City Pass, with 12 entries for $40, usable for open skate, hockey, or swimming.

 

Hobbs also offers youth hockey clinics, adult broomball, and “Learn to Skate” classes for all ages through the Eau Claire Figure Skating Club. Everyone is welcome—step onto the ice and join the fun.

Eaux Claires Festival, led by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, is making a much-anticipated comeback to the Chippewa Valley this summer for the first time since 2018.

 

A playful teaser video, shared on the event’s social media, showed sousaphone players at Carson Park stadium playing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” hinting at both dates—July 24-25—and a possible new venue.

 

This return has generated buzz among local music lovers who have missed the festival’s distinctive mix of music, art, and community spirit.

 

The announcement arrives as downtown Chippewa Valley thrives with new restaurants, boutiques, and real estate projects, further energizing the region’s cultural landscape.

 

Excitement is building, with residents and visitors eagerly awaiting more details on the festival’s lineup and tickets.

December 2025 marks one year since United Airlines resumed flights at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (CVRA), opening new doors for Eau Claire travelers.

 

United’s daily service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport—operated by SkyWest Airlines under United Express—has fueled a rise in passenger numbers and expanded access to destinations across the country and beyond.

 

Airport Director Charity Zich praised the renewed partnership for boosting local connectivity and offering more travel choices to both residents and visitors.

 

Alongside United’s return, Sun Country Airlines continues to run popular nonstop flights to Fort Myers, Florida, catering to winter travelers seeking sunshine.

 

With plans to add even more destinations, CVRA is committed to meeting the growing travel needs of the Chippewa Valley while supporting regional economic growth.

Middle schoolers across Wisconsin are invited to take part in the 2026 National Civics Bee® State Competition, proudly hosted by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

This engaging event is designed to deepen civic understanding and spark community involvement among young students.

 

The live competition unfolds on May 9, 2026, at South Middle School in Eau Claire, with students in grades 6-8 eligible to enter.

 

To join, students must submit essays about local issues they care about by February 3, 2026.

 

Twenty finalists will be selected to compete in an interactive quiz, testing their civic knowledge and passion.

 

The ultimate winner earns the chance to represent Wisconsin at the national finals in Washington, D.C., later that fall.

 

The Eau Claire community continues to foster civic excellence, having produced the last two state champions.

Eau Claire Transit will provide free bus rides to everyone 18 and under, including high school students, starting January 1, 2026.

 

This change targets transportation barriers for youth and aims to ease financial pressures on families.

 

Younger kids can ride without ID, while high schoolers need a student ID to board for free.

 

All local high schools and middle schools—including those in Altoona—are served by existing bus routes.

 

Key routes like those to DeLong and North high schools offer direct access for students.

 

The Northern Lite on-demand service, also free for youth during its 2026 pilot, allows kids 13 and up to ride alone.

 

This marks a major shift from the current policy, making public transit fully free for children for the first time.

 

Meanwhile, Eau Claire’s upcoming Downtown Transit Center and active Sonnentag Complex underline the city’s focus on vibrant, accessible community spaces.

The Bridge to Wonderland Parade brings festive magic back to Chippewa Falls on Saturday, December 6, 2025, starting at 6 p.m., uniting the community for a night of holiday joy.

 

This year’s ‘Christmas at the Circus’ theme promises color, excitement, and a lively carnival spirit all evening.

 

More than 50 dazzling, illuminated floats, musical groups, and animal acts will light up Bridge Street, delighting families along the downtown route from N. Bridge and Spruce Streets to Spring Street.

 

Attendees are encouraged to avoid the 700 block of N. Bridge Street, reserved for parade staging, and to arrive early for the best viewing on packed sidewalks.

 

Afterward, Riverfront Park hosts the tree lighting and festive activities for all ages, including a chance to meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy music, and savor treats.

 

For more holiday cheer, the Irvine Park Christmas Village offers twinkling wonder and wintry fun throughout the season.

The Chippewa Area History Center warmly continues the beloved Legacy Lights tradition, inviting the community to come together each holiday season to honor loved ones.

 

Launched in 1988 as Love Lights at St. Joseph’s Hospital, this heartfelt ceremony flourished for 36 years until the hospital’s closure in April 2024.

 

In 2024, the History Center revived the event as Legacy Lights, receiving enthusiastic support from local residents who cherish this meaningful celebration.

 

This year’s ceremony will be held Thursday, November 20, at 5:30 p.m., 12 Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls.

 

Lights—white for departed loved ones, red and green for living honorees, gold for service members—can be purchased through December.

 

Additionally, a Holiday Vendor Fair is set for Friday, November 28, offering shopping and free museum access.

 

Celebrate Chippewa Falls’ enduring spirit by joining in this treasured holiday tradition.

Wingstop is set to bring its famous chicken wings to Eau Claire this November, offering residents a new dining hotspot.

 

Conveniently located at 821 W. Clairemont Ave., Suite A, the restaurant will welcome customers daily from 10:30 AM until midnight for both dine-in and carryout.

 

Best known for more than a dozen wing flavors, Wingstop’s menu features a tempting selection of both wet and dry rub options, along with chicken tenders, sandwiches, and loaded fries.

 

This new spot reflects Eau Claire’s increasing appeal to national chains, with recent openings like Chick-fil-A marking the city’s rising profile.

 

As Eau Claire continues to grow, locals can look forward to even more exciting food choices and business opportunities.

Fire Fitness Camp is energizing Eau Claire with a fresh take on group wellness and community spirit.

 

Childhood friends Andrea Jewett and Beth Westlund have channeled their passion into building a space where locals can find both fitness and friendship.

 

Since opening on March 1, their gym offers 30-minute bootcamps five times daily, making intense workouts accessible to everyone, no matter their schedule.

 

Members tackle unique equipment — from kegs and tires to ropes and weights — for a creative, full-body challenge.

 

Fire Fitness Camp stands out in Eau Claire's growing fitness scene, especially as the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley expands.

 

Welcoming all levels, this vibrant gym promises more than sweat — it delivers a sense of belonging, helping every member feel like part of a close-knit family.

Five Guys is making a much-anticipated return to Eau Claire after closing its Oakwood Mall site in January 2024.

 

The beloved burger chain has secured a new location at 813 W. Clairemont Ave., right next to Wingstop and the recently opened Panera Bread.

 

This bustling spot is quickly turning into a local favorite for food lovers.

 

Though no official opening date has been shared yet, excitement is building as fans look forward to enjoying customizable burgers and hand-cut fries again.

 

The new Clairemont Avenue hub brings together popular eateries, cementing its place as a must-visit destination for dining in Eau Claire.

 

Locals can soon indulge in the classic Five Guys flavors, right in the heart of their community.

Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls has introduced an inviting new walking path, designed to showcase the area’s rich natural beauty.

 

This accessible trail connects scenic overlooks and historic sites, welcoming visitors of all ages with a gentle, easy-to-follow route.

 

Winding beneath towering oaks and across peaceful meadows, the path features both paved stretches and natural surfaces, with benches and picnic areas offering tranquil pauses along the way.

 

Educational signage highlights local wildlife, native plants, and the storied past of Irvine Park.

 

Sections are thoughtfully designed for strollers, wheelchairs, and cyclists, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

 

Birdwatchers are treated to sightings of migratory and resident birds, while volunteers host cleanups and guided nature walks through the seasons.

 

Sustainable landscaping preserves mature trees and restores native growth, further enhancing this outdoor gem for Chippewa Falls residents and visitors alike.

The atmosphere soared as Eau Claire Regis battled Chippewa Falls McDonell in a high-stakes Division 4 volleyball sectional semi-final.

 

Fans filled the stands, fueling an intense, energetic clash.

 

The Ramblers secured a thrilling victory, notching set scores of 25-19, 25-21, 20-25, and 27-25.

 

Coach Liz Anderson celebrated the team's effort, describing the evening as a dream showdown and a big step toward the Resch Center.

 

With this emotional win, Regis — last season’s state runner-up — earned a shot at seventh-ranked Clear Lake in the sectional final.

 

The Ramblers, now ranked fourth statewide, boosted their record to 30-9, while top-ranked McDonell closed a stellar 43-3 season.

 

Each set highlighted the incredible determination and talent on both sides, as Regis rides their momentum into the next round.

Nestled on a scenic ridge between the Chippewa and Eau Claire River Valleys, Bushel & A Peck Market in Chippewa Falls brings the vibrant spirit of fall to life.

 

Boasting more than 20,000 trees, the orchard delights visitors with over 30 apple varieties, including favorites like Honeycrisp, SweeTango, and Zestar.

 

Guests can pick their own apples, explore the Country Store packed with unique local finds, and enjoy bakery treats from scratch—especially the homemade pies and caramel apples beloved in the region.

 

Educational tours for young groups run late August through October and feature hands-on apple picking, grading demonstrations, and a peek inside the coolers, topped off with a walk through the three-acre corn maze.

 

Seasonal highlights also include raspberries, currants, and pumpkins, ensuring harvest fun for the whole family.

 

With daily hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Bushel & A Peck Market is the perfect rural destination for crisp autumn memories.

Enrolling children as young as three at AKF Martial Arts Academy of Eau Claire opens the door to more than just physical activity.

 

Martial arts classes blend fun, friendship, and fitness in a supportive setting, boosting children’s confidence as they master techniques and celebrate achievements.

 

This sense of accomplishment carries into other areas of life, fueling self-esteem and resilience.

 

Dynamic exercises like kicks and blocks improve coordination, balance, and overall health.

 

Kids benefit from improved posture, strength, and energy—laying the foundation for lifelong wellness.

 

Classes also nurture social skills, teamwork, and leadership, helping children build lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.

 

Parents are encouraged to cheer on their child’s progress, making learning a shared and motivating experience.

 

With a focus on discipline, focus, and healthy habits, martial arts provide a uniquely joyful start to lifelong well-being for Eau Claire families.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day returns to Eau Claire and Altoona on Saturday, October 25, 2025, offering residents a chance to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.

 

Drop-off will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Altoona Police Department on Spooner Avenue and the Eau Claire County Government Center on Oxford Avenue.

 

Locals can bring prescription and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, non-aerosol sprays, inhalers, vials, creams, and even pet medicines — as long as liquids and sprays remain in their original containers.

 

Syringes, sharps, and illicit substances will not be accepted.

 

Properly disposing of medications helps prevent misuse and accidental poisonings, supporting a healthier community.

 

Unable to attend? Permanent drop boxes, including a new 24/7 site at the Eau Claire County Jail, offer year-round options.

 

Taking part in this event is a simple but powerful way to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Eau Claire is poised for a filmmaking boom, following fresh Wisconsin legislation and bold community action.

 

With the 2025 state budget restoring the Wisconsin Film Office and unlocking up to $5 million in annual tax credits for productions, the city is now on the radar for a wide range of film and TV projects.

 

Visit Eau Claire responded by launching an online resource that highlights local filming locations, services, and industry support, making it easier than ever for production teams to envision their next project here.

 

Key voices like filmmaker Nathan Deming, founder of Nobody Pictures, are spotlighting Eau Claire’s mix of state support and creative assets — from scenic parks to downtown landmarks such as the State Theatre.

 

As these partnerships grow, Eau Claire is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for filmmakers and fans eager to experience the city’s cinematic potential.

UW-Eau Claire celebrated a historic 100th Homecoming on October 4, 2025, with a lively parade returning to Water Street, drawing crowds and alumni alike.

 

The Blugold Marching Band, now over 400 strong, was a crowd favorite, filling the streets with energy and pride.

 

Both students and alumni, such as Jack Petrizzo and senior Phoebe Pilon, expressed excitement and nostalgia for the centennial event, while community leaders like David Minor highlighted the university’s longstanding impact.

 

Chancellor Mike Carney found humor in the sheer size of the band’s presence, underscoring the celebratory mood.

 

Festivities continued at Carson Park with Blugold Fever Fest, football against UW-Stout, and postgame celebrations featuring live music and standout performances.

 

The day culminated with a star-studded ‘I Love the 90s’ concert, solidifying Homecoming as a powerful bridge between campus and city.

Altoona High School’s 2025 Homecoming burst to life with the “Welcome to the Jungle” theme, bringing together students, families, and local businesses for a week of spirited festivities.

 

Vibrant dress-up days and energetic pep rallies built excitement across campus and throughout the community.

 

The highlight parade featured eye-catching floats, the school band, and cheerleaders, drawing residents to line Altoona’s streets.

 

On October 3, anticipation peaked as the Altoona Rails prepared to face Baldwin-Woodville in the Homecoming football game.

 

The newly crowned Homecoming King and Queen were celebrated with thunderous cheers from fans filling the stadium.

 

Dynamic performances from the marching band and cheerleaders amplified the atmosphere.

 

The Rails carried strong momentum, boasting recent wins over St. Croix Central, Prescott, and Black River Falls.

 

Homecoming 2025 showcased Altoona’s cherished traditions and unwavering school spirit.

The city of Bloomer, Wisconsin, has commemorated beloved local coach Jim Van Gorden by dedicating a new football field in his honor.

 

Van Gorden’s storied tenure as Bloomer High School’s head football coach spanned from 1966 to 1998, highlighted by an impressive 188-103-2 record, seven conference championships, and four undefeated seasons.

 

His legacy extends across multiple sports, with deep influence on generations of student-athletes.

 

The community gathered on October 4, 2025, for an emotional ceremony celebrating Van Gorden’s mentorship and leadership. Attendees shared powerful stories reflecting his enduring impact.

 

The new field boasts modern turf, enhanced lighting, and upgraded seating, supporting ongoing efforts by the Bloomer School District to provide top-quality facilities.

 

This dedication highlights Bloomer’s commitment to honoring its heritage and investing in its future, inspiring community pride for years to come.

The Chippewa Falls community gathered on September 28, 2025, to honor what would have been Seymour Cray’s 100th birthday, celebrating the hometown legend known as the “Father of Supercomputing.”

 

The Chippewa Area History Center and Museum of Industry and Technology hosted an afternoon open house, inviting visitors of all ages to explore exhibits on Cray’s revolutionary advances in computer engineering.

 

A lively roundtable drew former employees and colleagues, who shared stories highlighting Cray’s brilliance, innovation, and personal impact on the field.

 

Cray, born in 1925 in Chippewa Falls, founded Cray Research and helped develop the fastest computers of his era, forever shaping digital technology.

 

The celebration reflected local pride and encouraged the next generation to embrace bold ideas, underscoring Cray’s enduring legacy at the heart of this Wisconsin community.

Eau Claire residents are facing a surge in bank spoofing scams, with thieves impersonating banks and local authorities to steal sensitive financial details.

 

Scammers are using fake caller IDs to appear as legitimate institutions, persuading residents to share confidential information like account numbers and Social Security details.

 

The Eau Claire Police Department warns that neither police nor sheriff’s offices will ever request payment over the phone, despite recent incidents of callers pretending to be law enforcement demanding immediate money for fictitious legal troubles.

 

Banks such as Associated Bank have trained staff to spot suspicious transactions, and have already prevented hundreds of thousands in potential losses.

 

The Wisconsin Bankers Association reminds everyone: real banks will never proactively call asking for sensitive information.

 

Staying cautious and reporting suspicious activity can help protect local residents from these evolving scams.

Volleyball is enjoying a major boom across the United States.

 

New, high-tech volleyball complexes have opened in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, offering facilities for both amateurs and pros and hosting a wave of regional tournaments.

 

The National Volleyball League’s 2025 season is drawing record-breaking crowds, with matches in New York and Miami consistently selling out.

 

The U.S. Women’s National Team’s recent international victory continues to spark excitement nationwide, inspiring new players and bumping up participation in local leagues and youth programs.

 

Enrollment in places like Houston’s junior clinics has doubled, signaling a rising pipeline of young talent.

 

Schools are also integrating volleyball into curriculums to promote active lifestyles for students.

 

With championship events set for November 2025, the future looks bright for this fast-growing, community-driven sport.