We're all saddened to hear that Jake's is closing their doors. Jake's has been a little piece of sanity in the Chippewa Valley - good food, nice atmosphere, and live music.   They join a growing legion of local businesses, particularly restaurants and entertainment venues, that are closing since they just can't cope with all of the problems facing small businesses at the moment.

We hope that Jake's will find a new owner and will re-open in some way, preferably as a Northern Wisconsin supper club - a rarity these days, particularly around here.  

Goodbye Jake's - we'll miss youl.

I noted with some dismay when I drove past yesterday that the Parker's Tuscan Grille Restaurant in Menomonie had suddenly become the Parker's Family Restaurant.  Parker's has been one of my favorite places in the area to go get something to eat, so I'm a little frightened by the name change, since at least in this area Family Restaurant is not exactly a synonym for fine dining.  We'll let you know more after we get a chance to try it out in the new incarnation.

Update ---  Apparently nothing to worry about - same menu, same food ---seems to have just been a name change, thank goodness.  We'll be eating there again soon.

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I found this survey by following Volume One online. If applicable, please take the time to fill it out. :)

Also, if you have not yet had a chance to, remember to fill out the Eau Claire County Budget Survey.

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The BBC reports that Olive Riley passed away at the age of 108 in New South Wales, Australia. Olive had posted more than 70 entries on her blog (which may not be working at this time) since 2007. On June 18th, he was moved into a nursing home with a bad cough. Regardless, she was still able to post her 73rd and 74th entries before she left this world Saturday, July 12, 2008.

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Last Thursday, the University of Wisconsin-Madison published this story:

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The Eau Claire County Committee on Finance and Budget is requesting your input!

Please, Take the time to fill out this survey. The information will be used to help develop the 2009 Eau Claire County budget.

1) Carson Park – Eau Claire, WI

This isn’t because I’m biased, but I truly do feel Carson Park is the finest stadium in the league for various reasons. It has a great view beyond the outfield of a civic park and hills in the distance. It has the best looking fan deck in the league. The sound system works well and the stone-faced grandstand gives Carson Park a true stadium feel. I’ll say this, when I first visited Eau Claire it was in the Fall of 2005 and Carson Park was set-up for football. Even with bleachers stationed in leftfield, I still thought it was the prettiest park I’ve ever been to.

2) Port Arthur Stadium – Thunder Bay, ONT

A compact, covered 3,500-seat grandstand consisting of nothing but individual seats makes this a must-see park. The fan amenities are few, with a small –seldom used –party area down the leftfield line and few promotions. However, the park is very clean, sound system is perfect and sightlines by far the best in the entire league.

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