Recent research indicates that the universe of the L.E. Phillips Planetarium showings is shrinking.

A NEW AREA CODE IS COMING!
    All you 715-ers better get ready, because there’s a new area code in town. Or at least, there will be. But the Wisconsin Public Service Commission is giving you 10 months to prepare for the switch starting Oct. 17, for everyone living and working within the 715 area code to begin making all your previous 7-digit dials to a nice, even 10. Mandatory usage of the 10 digits will begin on July 17, 2010. Afterward, on Aug. 14, 2010, the new kid in school will be a 534 area code, assigned to all new phone service from there on out.

UWEC PLANETARIUM CUTS PROGRAMS FOR GROUPS
    UW-Eau Claire had to face a difficult budget cutting decision and cut a large portion of the L.E. Phillips Planetarium showings. Beginning this fall, the planetarium will discontinue its access to the school and scout groups that make up nearly half of their attendance. Many science faculty positions have been cut with recent budget cuts and there are very few people left to operate the planetarium. Dr. Lauren Likkel, of the physics and astronomy faculty, will be taking on extra time in order to keep Tuesday and Saturday showings. The planetarium will also remain open for events like Parents Weekend. Likkel said in an interview with WEAU that she hopes the planetarium will once again be open to school groups come next fall.

COUNCIL FLUSHES PHOENIX PARK BATHROOM PROPOSAL
    In a time of economic hardship, the Eau Claire City Council is saying “no” to new bathrooms. In a 6-4 vote on Aug. 11, the council rejected the proposal to the nearly $200,000 project to build new bathrooms at Phoenix Park. Some members said the existing portable toilets aren’t enough for the park, though others countered that the pricey endeavor could send the wrong message in a time when the council is trying to save money in the budget. The new toilet proposal has been rejected once before, though the price tag has been reduced from $308,000 to $190,000. Perhaps third time’s the charm?

WISCONSIN COMPANY BRINGING 150 JOBS TO EAU CLAIRE
    Adding to perceptible influx of jobs started by Genesis10 (150 jobs over four years) and RAI Stone Group, LLC (50 jobs over three years), The Charlton Group, a privately held telemarketing company based in Madison is looking to fill at least 150 full-time permanent customer service positions in Eau Claire within the next three months. This positions will include bonuses and benefits packages. “The company has seen an increased customer demand that has allowed the management staff to make the decision to add staff at the Eau Claire center,” says Brian Doudna, executive director of the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation, in a press release. Charlton ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of inbound and outbound teleservices focused on cable, phone, and Internet markets.