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Schools in Wisconsin, and across the country, could face an ‘or-else’ over federal education money this fall. Northwoods Congressman Tom Tiffany yesterday introduced a plan to take away federal money from schools that don’t re-open for in-person classes this fall. Tiffany says the idea is make sure that kids don’t miss another six months of classes. He says he hopes no school loses any money. His proposal would require schools to reopen by September 8th.

You’re going to get a letter about absentee voting this fall. The Wisconsin Election Commission yesterday finally agreed on what to say in the letter to nearly every voter in the state about this fall’s push to have people vote by mail. There were some squabbles between Democrats and Republicans over the wording. The WEC is pushing people to vote absentee this year because of coronavirus fears. That letter should be sent-out by September.

Students at UW Madison had better get used to face masks, they will be wearing them almost all the time. The university yesterday released its reopening plan. Students will be required to wear masks on campus, in classrooms, and walking to and from their dorms. Students will also have to take their temperature, take part in a tracing program, and keep their distance. Classes will change as well. Small classes will be as usual, but any class larger than 50

The Green Bay Packers are joining the growing number of people and organizations that are recognizing Juneteenth. The team said yesterday that it will close its offices on Friday in recognition of the day that is celebrated for the end of slavery in the United States. Packers President Mark Murphy said the idea is to ‘reflect’ on racial injustice and inequity. The NFL is also reportedly looking to recognize Juneteenth as well.

Now Door County wants you to come up. Jon Jarosh with Destination Door County yesterday said businesses are open and ready for visitors. Door County told people to stay at home earlier this spring, leaders were worried about a coronavirus outbreak. Jarosh says most businesses are taking extra precautions, but are ready to welcome the summer crowds back. Door County says tourism is worth about a half-billion dollars to the county each year.

A recent rumor is being laid to rest. It recently came to the attention of the Chippewa County Department of Public Health that misinformation is being spread about a COVID-19 ordinance. The text message indicates that counties will be receiving $250,000 from Governor Evers to shut down again. It mentions call-in information for a meeting and that the information is coming from Angela Weideman, theHealth Officer/Director for Chippewa County Department of Public Health. The following information is false: There is

Wisconsin schools and high education institutions will be getting a total of 80-million dollars to help cover costs from the coronavirus pandemic.  Governor Tony Evers announced the funding today saying it was important to help schools adjust to the new normal of distance learning and prepare for the fall semester.  The cash is from the federal CARES Act.

University of Wisconsin-Madison will be open this fall for classes.  UW unveiled the “Smart Restart” plan today including mask requirements, social distancing, and closure to some dorm common areas.  The plan also include limiting class size and online classes.  The semester starts September 2nd.  Classes and finals will be online-only after the Thanksgiving break.

The Juneteenth Flag will fly over the Wisconsin Capitol on Friday.  Governor Tony Evers announced the plan today as a way to make the state more racially equitable.  Junetheenth is traditionally marked on June 19th when Union soldiers told blacks in Texas in 1865 that they were no longer slaves because the Civil War was over.  Wisconsin started recognizing Juneteenth in 2009.

Homelessness is increasing in Chippewa Falls. You may have been paging thought the paper and see The Herald reporting in the past 15-months the number of homeless people coming into the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center has quadrupled. Director Jennifer Barrett says 150-people came in for help in April, the highest number this year.  Barret also says the homeless are fairly hidden in Chippewa County, so the public might not be aware of the growing problem.