"May your coffee be strong and your Monday be short in the Chippewa Valley."

The Chippewa Falls community gathered on September 28, 2025, to honor what would have been Seymour Cray’s 100th birthday, celebrating the hometown legend known as the “Father of Supercomputing.”

The Chippewa Area History Center and Museum of Industry and Technology hosted an afternoon open house, inviting visitors of all ages to explore exhibits on Cray’s revolutionary advances in computer engineering.

A lively roundtable drew former employees and colleagues, who shared stories highlighting Cray’s brilliance, innovation, and personal impact on the field.

Cray, born in 1925 in Chippewa Falls, founded Cray Research and helped develop the fastest computers of his era, forever shaping digital technology.

The celebration reflected local pride and encouraged the next generation to embrace bold ideas, underscoring Cray’s enduring legacy at the heart of this Wisconsin community.

The city of Bloomer, Wisconsin, has commemorated beloved local coach Jim Van Gorden by dedicating a new football field in his honor.

Van Gorden’s storied tenure as Bloomer High School’s head football coach spanned from 1966 to 1998, highlighted by an impressive 188-103-2 record, seven conference championships, and four undefeated seasons.

His legacy extends across multiple sports, with deep influence on generations of student-athletes.

The community gathered on October 3, 2025, for an emotional ceremony celebrating Van Gorden’s mentorship and leadership. Attendees shared powerful stories reflecting his enduring impact.

The new field boasts modern turf, enhanced lighting, and upgraded seating, supporting ongoing efforts by the Bloomer School District to provide top-quality facilities.

This dedication highlights Bloomer’s commitment to honoring its heritage and investing in its future, inspiring community pride for years to come.

Altoona High School’s 2025 Homecoming burst to life with the “Welcome to the Jungle” theme, bringing together students, families, and local businesses for a week of spirited festivities.

Vibrant dress-up days and energetic pep rallies built excitement across campus and throughout the community.

The highlight parade featured eye-catching floats, the school band, and cheerleaders, drawing residents to line Altoona’s streets.

On October 3, anticipation peaked as the Altoona Rails prepared to face Baldwin-Woodville in the Homecoming football game.

The newly crowned Homecoming King and Queen were celebrated with thunderous cheers from fans filling the stadium.

Dynamic performances from the marching band and cheerleaders amplified the atmosphere.

The Rails carried strong momentum, boasting recent wins over St. Croix Central, Prescott, and Black River Falls.

Homecoming 2025 showcased Altoona’s cherished traditions and unwavering school spirit.

UW-Eau Claire celebrated a historic 100th Homecoming on October 4, 2025, with a lively parade returning to Water Street, drawing crowds and alumni alike.

The Blugold Marching Band, now over 400 strong, was a crowd favorite, filling the streets with energy and pride.

Both students and alumni, such as Jack Petrizzo and senior Phoebe Pilon, expressed excitement and nostalgia for the centennial event, while community leaders like David Minor highlighted the university’s longstanding impact.

Chancellor Mike Carney found humor in the sheer size of the band’s presence, underscoring the celebratory mood.

Festivities continued at Carson Park with Blugold Fever Fest, football against UW-Stout, and postgame celebrations featuring live music and standout performances.

The day culminated with a star-studded ‘I Love the 90s’ concert, solidifying Homecoming as a powerful bridge between campus and city.