Western Wisconsin Athletes Poised to Compete for the Gold in Paris

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are upon us, and two shining stars from Western Wisconsin are ready to represent Team USA on the world stage! Kenny Bednarek, a track and field prodigy from Rice Lake, and Mary Theisen-Lappen, a weightlifting wonder from Eau Claire, are set to compete for the gold. Kenny Bednarek: Rice Lake's Rocket Man Hailing from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Kenny Bednarek is no stranger to Olympic glory. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, he secured a silver medal in the thrilling 200-meter race. Kenny's speed on the track has been evident since his high school days, where he dominated local competitions. His talent caught the eye of national coaches, leading him to compete and train at the collegiate level before turning professional. This year in Paris, Kenny will be aiming even higher, setting his sights on the coveted gold medal in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. With his unwavering determination and the unwavering support of his Wisconsin fanbase, Kenny is a strong contender to light up the Parisian track. Mary Theisen-Lappen: Lifting the Bar for Eau Claire Eau Claire native Mary Theisen-Lappen isn't your average weightlifter. Her journey to the Olympics is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Mary's passion for weightlifting began in college, and she's been steadily pushing her limits ever since. Overcoming injuries and setbacks, Mary has risen through the ranks, becoming a national champion in the 81+ kg weight class. This powerhouse athlete is ready to showcase her incredible strength at the Paris Olympics. As she lifts massive weights in the 81+ kg category, Mary will be carrying the hopes and dreams of her Eau Claire community and weightlifting enthusiasts across the nation. Beyond the Medals: The Heart of Western Wisconsin What truly sets Kenny and Mary apart is the spirit they bring to the Olympics. They represent the values of hard work, dedication, and a deep connection to their communities. Their stories inspire young athletes across the region to dream big and chase their Olympic aspirations. Be sure to tune in to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and cheer on Kenny and Mary as they compete for Team USA! Who will be the next Olympian from Western Wisconsin? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the tradition of excellence established by these athletes, and those that have come before them, will continue to inspire future generations to reach for the gold.

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Discover Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Top Things to Do in July 2024

Discover Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Top Things to Do in July 2024 Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a charming city known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community. Whether you're a local or just visiting the area, you're in for a treat this July. This month is packed with exciting events, outdoor activities, and opportunities to explore the local culture. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in the Eau Claire area this July. 1. Rock Fest A three-day music event in Cadott WI where fans of rock music from around the globe come together to celebrate rock music. July 18-20. 2. Country Jam USA A festival celebrating all things country music. Put on your boots, head to the new festival grounds, and sing along with thousands of your new-found friends. July 18-20. 3. Explore the Chippewa River State Trail For nature lovers, the Chippewa River State Trail offers a scenic escape. This 26-mile trail is perfect for biking, hiking, and running. Enjoy the picturesque views of the river, lush forests, and charming bridges along the way. 4. Tuesday Night Blues Enjoy live blues music each Tuesday starting at 6:30 at Owen Park in Eau Claire.  5. Enjoy Events at the Pablo Center The Pablo Center has some great events this month. For music lovers - grab your bell-bottoms and lace up your platform shoes to enjoy the music of Abba at "ABBAFAB" - a multimedia tribute to the legendary performers on July 11th.  If theater is your vibe - the Eau Claire Children's Theater is performing "Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" Be sure to check for ticket availability for any Pablo Center event! 6. Visit the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum Step back in time and learn about the region’s logging history at the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum. The museum features interactive exhibits, historic buildings, and artifacts that showcase the life of 19th-century lumberjacks. 7. Kayaking on the Eau Claire River Experience the beauty of the Eau Claire River by kayak. Rentals are available at various local outfitters, and the calm waters make it a perfect activity for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. 8. Leinenkugel's Brewery Tour Take a short drive to nearby Chippewa Falls and tour the famous Leinenkugel's Brewery. Learn about the brewing process, sample a variety of beers, and enjoy the historic brewery's charming atmosphere. 9. Sculpture Tour Eau Claire Stroll through downtown Eau Claire and enjoy the Sculpture Tour, an outdoor exhibit featuring a diverse collection of sculptures by artists from around the world. It’s a great way to explore the city and appreciate public art. 10. Farmers Market at Phoenix Park Visit the Farmers Market at Phoenix Park on Saturday mornings to browse fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts. It’s a vibrant community event where you can support local farmers and artisans. 11. Carson Park Spend a day at Carson Park, a historic park located on an island in Half Moon Lake. Enjoy a picnic, visit the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp, and check out the Chippewa Valley Museum. The park also features playgrounds, walking trails, and sports facilities. 12. Floating Down the Chippewa River Beat the summer heat by floating down the Chippewa River. Grab an inner tube, some friends, and enjoy a relaxing float. Several local outfitters offer rentals and shuttle services. 13. Northern Wisconsin State Fair Head to the fairgrounds July 10-14 for all of the carnival rides and fair food you care to endulge in.   More Information Eau Claire in July is brimming with activities and events for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a music lover, or someone looking to soak in local culture, there’s something for you. Our friends at Visit Eau Claire have put together a great calendar of events so you can plan your perfect July!  Access their event calendar by CLICKING HERE or head to visiteauclaire.com for more information.

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Navigating Your First Home Sale: Tips for a Smooth Transition to Your Next Home

Navigating Your First Home Sale: Tips for a Smooth Transition to Your Next Home Selling your first home and purchasing your next one is a significant milestone, often filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Balancing the sale of your current home with the purchase of a new one can be challenging, but with careful planning and the right strategies, you can minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for this important journey. 1. Understand the Market Before listing your home, research the local real estate market. Understanding current trends will help you set a realistic price and time your sale strategically. Consider working with a real estate agent who can provide insights and guide you through the process. 2. Prepare Your Home for Sale First impressions matter. Make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers by: Decluttering: Remove personal items and excess belongings to make your home look more spacious and inviting. Deep Cleaning: A thorough cleaning can make your home shine. Consider hiring professional cleaners if necessary. Minor Repairs: Fix any visible issues, such as leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or chipped paint. Staging: Arrange furniture and decor to highlight your home’s best features. Professional staging can be a worthwhile investment. 3. Set a Realistic Price Setting the right price is crucial. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market too long, while underpricing can result in lost value. Your real estate agent can provide a comparative market analysis to help you determine a competitive price. 4. Create a Contingency Plan The timing of selling and buying can be tricky. Consider including a contingency clause in your contract that makes the sale dependent on finding a new home. This can provide you with some breathing room and reduce the pressure of finding a new place immediately. 5. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear idea of your budget and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. It can also expedite the closing process once you find your new home. 6. Coordinate Closing Dates Try to align the closing dates of your sale and purchase as closely as possible. This can help avoid the need for temporary housing and the associated costs and stress. Your real estate agent can assist in negotiating terms that work for both transactions. 7. Hire a Reliable Moving Company A professional moving company can take a lot of the physical burden off your shoulders. Research companies, read reviews, and get quotes to find a reliable mover. Book early to ensure availability on your preferred dates. 8. Stay Organized Keep all your documents, contracts, and important information in one place. Create a checklist to track tasks and deadlines. Staying organized will help you manage the process more efficiently and reduce last-minute surprises. 9. Consider Renting Back If there’s a gap between selling your current home and moving into your new one, consider negotiating a rent-back agreement with the buyer. This allows you to stay in your home for a set period after closing, providing you with additional time to complete your purchase. 10. Take Care of Yourself Moving can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Get plenty of rest, eat well, and take breaks when needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals. 11. Stay Flexible Even with the best plans, things can go off course. Stay flexible and be prepared to adapt to changes. Having a backup plan and remaining patient will help you handle any unexpected challenges. Selling your first home and buying your next one is a complex process, but with these tips, you can make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Remember, preparation and the right support system are key to navigating this transition successfully. Happy moving!

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