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THE RETRO GARAGE: Where Gaming Nostalgia Gets A Second Life

old-school gaming systems, collectibles, trading cards and more stock new business’s shelves

For Anthony Marriott and Matt Winters, The Retro Garage (17158 Cty Hwy J, Chippewa Falls) isn't just a store — it's the result of a lifelong passion for collecting, gaming and sharing those experiences with others. Located in the Lake Wissota area, The Retro Garage opened May 1, but its roots stretch back much further – Marriott's love for video games has grown since he was two years old, he said ...

Get Off Your Phone & Get Into Northwood Game Haven

a soda float bar, multiple game-play rooms, retail goods galore and more can be enjoyed at the Chippewa Valley's latest gamer hub

Third places are a necessity for community; humans deserve more than to just go to work and go home. Northwoods Game Haven – which had its ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 12 – is creating that kind of much-needed space in the Chippewa Valley. We chatted with co-founder Dustin Jepperson to get the rundown on Northwoods Game Haven (115 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls) and learn what the multi-floor gamer storefront hopes to accomplish ...

In The Over-70 Bracket, I'm A Pinball Wizard

Charlie Schaefer's still got it – just ask Reboot Social's "Godzilla" machine

In my youth, I was never a pinball wizard, but now? For the over-70 bracket? Just maybe! The ball comes barreling down at me, I whack it right back, my timing and dexterity as good as they ever were. The silver ball dribbles around my flipper; I wait 'til it is in just the place to send it streaking up to the top of the board ...

Augusta School District Esports Team Levels Up, Welcomes Wildlands Charter School

a consolidation between two schools' teams has led the school district to the state championship for Wisconsin high school esports

Game controllers are their tools, but collaboration is their superpower to take high school competitive gaming in the Chippewa Valley to the next level. Within the Augusta school district, the Augusta Wildlands esports team has fostered a tight-knit community where students have learned that in gaming – just as in life – achievements are best made together...

The Prodigal Con Returns: No Brand Con Is Coming Back To Eau Claire In 2026

No Brand Con was hosted in E.C. from the early 2000s through 2015 – and will return to its home turf in May

In May of 2026, a homegrown event will make its return to the area. No Brand Con will reignite as a three-day anime and gaming convention, set to feature 24-hour tabletop gaming and video gaming spaces, cosplay contests, panels, plenty of merchandise, and more. The convention also has a storied history in Eau Claire ...

GAME CHANGERS: Blue Devils Esports Team Is 'Turning Heads'

as the intercollegiate esports boom continues, Menomonie's UW-Stout is poised to continue parallel growth

Today, the UW-Stout esports team roster features about 40 students, ranging from active players across its featured games — Rocket League, Valorant, Overwatch, Marvel Rivals and Super Smash Bros. – to the students on its broadcasting team members and student coaches. Esports is also a burgeoning academic area, including at UW-Stout. In 2023, the university launched an esports coaching minor ...

UW-Stout Levels Up With New $1 Million Esports Arena

1,900-square-foot space to benefit championship-winning esports team, game design and esports programs

In just five years, UW-Stout's esports program has grown into a championship-caliber varsity sport with a highly visible, state-of-the-art space for competitors and fans alike. Previously located in a former classroom in Heritage Hall, the esports program now practices and competes in a brand-new arena on the first floor of the Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center. The arena, which was made possible by a $1 million donation from the UW-Stout Foundation & Alumni Association and donors ...

SIMMING UP A STORM: Creating The Local Store in My Sims World

a fun, yet unnecessary feat I convinced myself I needed to do

I’ve been enthralled by Sims, a virtual simulation game (get it, “Sims?”) since I was a child. It’s a great source of escapism, if I’m being honest. I can make whatever person I want, make them look however I want, make them live however I want (thank you, money cheats)...

The Top 5 Pinball Machines in the Chippewa Valley

according to this local pinball connoisseur, here are the best machines in the area

You wanted the top five pinball machines in the Chippewa Valley? Well, you got it buddy (in no particular order). What are we basing this off of? Playability is big. If you’re a pinball operator and you DON’T fix your machines ...

A COLLECTOR’S DREAM: Coulee Cards & Gaming

Coulee Cards & Gaming, the largest trading card and memorabilia shop in the Chippewa Valley, hits one-year mark in the community

An Onalaska-based company, Coulee Cards & Gaming brought its love of the hobby and extensive inventory up to the Chippewa Valley last October and has been creating a local community ever since. Bettis credits untapped potential for ...