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There will be at least one tradition that continues this fall. The WIAA, the folks who run high school sports in the state, yesterday said they are planning to have high school football this fall. The season is set to start in early August. WIAA deputy director Wade Labecki says they are planning to keep coaches and players as safe as they can.  Wisconsin high schools haven’t played sports since late February or early March.

Hikers and campers are getting good news from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  The DNR says state-owned campgrounds will begin reopening next week.  There are changes to address with coronavirus protocols including in making reservations.  Reservations are only being accepted by phone or online.

The annual music festival Summerfest is canceled this year.  There was an initial plan to move the festival to September, but organizers today say they explored countless options before making the announcement.  The uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and large gatherings prompted the decision.  Information about ticket refunds CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Coronavirus testing in Chippewa County has yet to reach its goal. The Chippewa County health director said they’re working with the state to increase testing and test asymptomatic people, and many local hospitals and health systems have already increased their testing capacity. The Wisconsin National Guard was called in earlier this week to support testing at long-term care facilities, but a free testing event hasn’t been announced. 

A semi-trailer carrying powdered cheese goes up in flames. The Bloomer Fire Department said they responded to a call last night on Highway 53 to find the trailer on fire. Firefighters said the trailer is a total loss.

It’s turtle season. A biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Turtle Conservation Program says to watch out for turtles crossing the road as warmer weather brings them out of their nests. He says it’s okay to help the turtle and if it’s safe to pull over, pick up the turtle and take it in the direction it’s headed. He says to watch out for snapping turtles who can have a powerful bite. 

Republican Representative Rob Summerfield is running for reelection in the 67th District. Summerfield announced his bid yesterday saying he’s no stranger to the unique challenges people face, especially now after businesses were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Summerfield is the owner of Two Acres Supper Club and manages the Chippewa County Land Title.  In another local announcement, Republican Representative Jesse James is running for reelection. Yesterday, he announced his bid to represent the 68th Assembly district saying he’s committed

The latest protest in the Chippewa Valley saw hundreds of people turn out in Menomonie. The crowd gathered on the corner of Main St. and Broadway to demand justice. Organizers say it is important for smaller, mostly white communities to show solidarity with the protests across the country. Police say there were no problems with the protest. But that wasn’t exactly the same story in other places. Protesters took to the streets of Milwaukee for a sixth straight day yesterday

Learn from home, graduate from the car. The Class of 2020 at Chippewa Falls High School will remember this year. The school honored graduating seniors last night with a procession through town. After a short drive, the Class of 2020 picked-up their diplomas drive-thru style in front of the high school.

The Wisconsin National Guard is responsible for a little less than a third of the state’s coronavirus tests. The Guard on Tuesday said it has collected over 90 thousand samples so far. Wisconsin has tested just under 300 thousand people overall. Commanders say 25 National Guard teams continue to perform tests around the state. Nearly 600 guardsmen have been called-up to help with the coronavirus effort. When it comes to the latest testing numbers, another round of coronavirus testing in Wisconsin, and the state is