Tom Giffey

Eau Claire

Managing editor at Volume One magazine (@VolumeOne) in Eau Claire, WI. Just zis guy, you know? I write a lot: https://t.co/3yh4HD0lNT…

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Articles

CONTAINERS BRING Y'ALL TO THE YARD: Altoona Container Park to Open in July

2 weeks ago | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

Three years after it was announced, Altoona’s long-awaited downtown container park will finally break out of the proverbial box later this summer. City Manager Mike Golat said The Yard, as it will be known, is expected to open in July on Division Street within sight of the Union Pacific railyard (thus the name). The development will consist of three restaurants, a taproom, and a retail boutique – all housed in repurposed shipping containers.
Tee Up 24/7 at Cowboy's Indoor Golf

1 month ago | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

One of the first signs of a Wisconsin spring, besides vanishing snow banks and blooming wood violets, is the appearance of eager golfers on (barely) green courses. But even in the spring and summer, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate when golfers have the time or inclination to play 18 holes – and that’s to say nothing of the long Wisconsin winter. And what about those times when you wish you could practice your drive in the middle of the night?
SPIRITUAL FIT CHECK: JesusFit Isn't a Gym – or a Traditional Church

1 month ago | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

For those of us who grew up in traditional religious institutions, it might take a bit of time to wrap our minds around JesusFit. For one thing, JesusFit is not a gym – even though its playful logo is a likeness of the central figure of Christianity wearing a sweatband and AirPods. Jesus looks like he emerged from the tomb and headed straight for the gym.
'Welcome to Phenomonie!': UW-Stout Design Students Bring Phenomona to Life

2 months ago | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

From the depths of outer space to the dimmest part of the ocean, from the realm of the atom to the frontiers of the human psyche, UW-Stout had a universe full of imaginative inspirations for the annual Fashion Without Fabric runway show on Saturday, April 12. The sold-out fashion extravaganza featured wearable, sculptured costumes created by 120 teams composed of 258 students from 3D design classes (see Volume One's photoset of the full event online).
ON TRACK TO PBS: Locally-Made Documentary About Uniroyal to Air Statewide

2 months ago | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

When Rubber Hit the Road, a locally produced documentary about the legacy of Eau Claire’s Uniroyal tire plant, will soon be hitting the airwaves. Filmmakers B.J. Hollars and Steve Dayton recently announced that their hour-long documentary – which has screened for appreciative audiences around Wisconsin, including a sold-out Pablo Center crowd last May – will be broadcast statewide on PBS Wisconsin at 7pm Tuesday, May 20.
Eau Claire County Scores High on State 'Prosperity Index'

2 months ago | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

Over the years, Eau Claire has landed on numerous state and national “best of” lists for livability, affordability, business opportunity, and more. But what do such rankings really mean? Are they based on measurable metrics or just vibes? A new index tabulated by some University of Wisconsin Extension scholars suggests there are tangible factors behind some of these accolades.
Lenten Fundraising Effort Aims to Raise Profile of Shelter for Homeless Kids, Families

Mar 27, 2025 | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

For many Christians, the season of Lent means giving things up. This year, advocates for the homeless in Eau Claire are hoping locals also consider giving something to those who need one of life’s fundamental necessities: a home. The Beacon House, 309 Lake St., provides shelter and support to homeless families with children.
IT'S A WILD LIFE: E.C. Photographer Hunts Wildlife With His Lens

Mar 17, 2025 | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

Ask wildlife photographer Jim Backus where he’s been and the answer is a bit like that old country song: He’s been everywhere, man, from Yellowstone, British Columbia, and the Baja Peninsula to the Amazon Basin, the Himalayas, Kenya, Botswana, and Iceland.
OFFICER HARVEY: UW-Stout Welcomes First Therapy-Dog-in-Training

Mar 12, 2025 | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

The newest police officer at the University of Wisconsin-Stout is also the department’s youngest – and furriest. At about 10 weeks old, Officer Harvey is arguably the cutest member of the UW-Stout police, too. At a recent meet-and-greet on campus, he was also the sleepiest, curling up on the carpet at the feet of Officer Ryan Murray, who will be his primary handler. “Wake up, buddy. Are you all tuckered out?” Murray asked his canine companion.
PARKING PUZZLE: Report Says Downtown Drivers Should Pay for On-Street Parking

Feb 24, 2025 | volumeone.org | Tom Giffey

The final draft of a study of parking in downtown Eau Claire calls for several significant changes, including charging for high-demand on-street parking spots, simplifying parking enforcement, and streamlining parking management into one city office. The study, prepared by Michigan-based Fishbeck Consulting, was presented to the City Council on Feb.