New Chaska High School football coach Lambert Brown talks it over at the first official practice of the fall season on Monday. The Hawks will have two practices each weekday for the next two weeks, and one per day after that leading up to the season-opener at Rochester Century on Sept. 3. (Photo by Tim McGovern)

A couple of explorers check out the Minnesota River earlier this week. The Minnesota River is experiencing some lower levels, compared to the two floods it gave us earlier this year.

Voters leave the Clover Field Community Room polls after voting in the primary election on Tuesday morning. Polls are open until 8 p.m. To find your polling place, visit http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. To find more about local candidates on the ballot, click here.

Crews build a Highway 41 median in downtown Chaska to restrict left-hand turns at the Third Street intersection. The work will also block left hand turns at First and Fifth streets. A recent city newsletter states that this work is expected to be completed by Aug. 27. For more information on the project click here.

Camel racing is one of the features during “Extreme Race Day” at Canterbury Park on Aug. 8.

Canterbury Park’s fourth annual “Extreme Race Day,” featuring camel and ostrich races, will be held Sunday, Aug. 8 at the Shakopee racetrack.

“Extreme Race Day,” attracting large crowds and lots of curiosity in past years, will also include imaginative horse races with unusual matchups, surfaces or distances, according to a Canterbury press release.

The star attractions for the day are Joe Hedrick’s camels and ostriches, who have been entertaining at Canterbury and other race tracks for years.

Hedrick predicted that weather conditions could dictate winners in the camel and ostrich races. Hot and dry weather may favor “Clyde the Camel” and “Daffy Ostrich.”

If the track is wet, look out for “Oasis Ali” and “Big Bird.” Hedrick, a former rodeo clown, has been raising and showing exotic animals since the 1970s.

He operates an exotic animal attraction in Nickerson, Kansas. Gates open at noon, with the first race at 1:30 p.m. (Times for the camel and ostrich races will be announced soon. Wagering isn’t allowed on these races).

In celebration of Canterbury Park’s 25th anniversary season, admission and parking are free. Canterbury Park is located at 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee. For more information, call (952) 445-7223, or visit www.canterburypark.com.