EAU CLAIRE HEALTH CARE NOT SO BAD?
Eau Claire is among the best health care cities in the state, according to a report recently released by Citizen Action of Wisconsin. The report considered health insurance cost and quality in Wisconsin cities, as well as the inflation of rates in the past year. Though the state averaged a 9 percent increase in health insurance costs, Eau Claire’s increase was about 6 percent. Though the report meant good news for quality and affordability in Eau Claire, the state overall showed a dire situation – with costs continuing to rise and plans continuing to lower standards.

WISCONSIN OUTDOORS IN NEED OF CAPTURING (PHOTO CONTEST)
In honor of their 50th anniversary, Wisconsin Trails Magazine is holding a photography contest celebrating the state’s great outdoors, from natural scenery and wildlife to people enjoying the natural resources and cultural attractions. Anyone, especially amateur photographers, is encouraged to enter up to three photos per category by Feb. 1. So get out there and show this statewide publication what the Chippewa Valley has to offer. For additional rules and prize information, visit WisconsinTrails.com.

JAIL SITES DOWN TO THREE
With only a few days left to recommend the county jail location, the Select Committee to Recommend Justice Center Building Sites recently narrowed the locations to three. The favorite is a parcel in Altoona’s River Prairie, which would require Altoona to detach the section so it could be part of Eau Claire. The second is a 21-acre plot northeast of Highway 53-North Crossing, but the site includes a hill and a gas pipeline splits the property. The third site is just southeast of I-94 and Highway 93. A final decision of up to two sites needs to be delivered to the County Board by Jan. 19.

OKTOBERFEST LOGO CONTEST
Oktoberfest has announced their annual logo design contest for the eighth annual Chippewa Falls event, which will take place Sept. 17 to 19 this year. Artists looking to enter their design logo must do so by February 15. In addition to the $150 cash prize and three-day admission to the event, the winner will see their design pop up all over town for the marketing of the event. Complete contest rules can be found at www.chippewachamber.org/oktoberfest. For more information, call 1-866-723-0340.