Menomonie News Net

July 9, 2025, Issue 34

Author

Local News Group
July 09, 2025

Welcome to Issue 34 of Menomonie News Net. If you missed previous Issues, you can catch up HERE.

In this issue we launch a new series “The Journal Speaks Back”, promote this weekend’s Shakespeare in the Park; and share local names in Big Rivers Conference teams.

We’re at about 1,000 subscribers! If you haven’t already please subscribe to receive Menomonie News Net in your inbox every Wednesday at 11 a.m.

And we appreciate your help in providing MNN free for all…thanks for your donation!

Enjoy these summer days…

Editorial Staff - Layne Pitt, Becky Kneer, Marsha Biggs; MNN Contributors; Tech Support - Tracy Glenz; and Local News Group Teams

In this Issue…

Menomonie Theater Guild Presents Shakespeare in the Park July 11-13

Free performances of the comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Wilson Park with both evening and afternoon shows

Play: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare)

July 11-13: Fri & Sat at 7 p.m., Sun at 2 p.m.

Wilson Park, Menomonie

Free to attend; donations gratefully accepted. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, or limited bench seating also available.

Director, Anna Mae Zabrowski says of the production…”I really wanted to make A Midsummer Night’s Dream accessible to a wide audience, to families, to maybe everyone who has never enjoyed Shakespeare before. We actually took a smaller cutting of it (the play). The show runs only about an hour, hour fifteen.”

Source: WEAU Channel 13 Interview. Click to view.

Traffic Sign Update

New signs placed along State Highway 25 north of Menomonie

Public Notice - July 3, 2025. The Dunn County Sheriff's Office would like to inform the public that the Dunn County Highway Department has installed new “Illegal Passing on the Right” and “No Passing in Turn Lane” signs along Highway 25 at both the East and West County Highway BB intersections.

These signs are being placed to improve traffic safety and remind drivers that using the right shoulder or turn lanes to pass is both dangerous and illegal. We’ve seen an increase in unsafe passing behaviors, particularly in areas where vehicles are attempting to turn, creating serious risks for crashes and injuries.

  • Please drive responsibly.

  • Observe all traffic signs and markings.

  • Deputies will be monitoring these areas for violations.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping Dunn County roads safe for everyone.

Source: Dunn County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

The Journal Speaks Back

By John Wilkerson

Editor’s Note: Today we launch a new series “The Journal Speaks Back.” Menomonie resident John Wilkerson invites you to join him in his love for journaling. Watch for his monthly article.

Be raw, don’t worry about punctuation

I wrote that line in my journal a few weeks ago. No poetry. No metaphor. Just a sentence that landed with the dull thud of a boot heel on concrete.

I don’t always write in paragraphs. Sometimes, it’s just fragments. I’ll toss out an action phrase like, “went to the grocery store and ignored the popcorn.” These short lines are snapshots of what was on my mind that day. On other days, I write full paragraphs. These often stir memories or help me process a difficult experience.

As I start off a series of articles about journaling, it might help if I expose a bit of the man behind the words. Yes, I used to live in Florida and yes, I moved to Menomonie, WI by choice.

One late-summer day in 2022, my brother, sister and I were visiting. We’d moved often as children, every couple of years, like clockwork. The upside was, we saw the world. The downside was we never really had a hometown. Friends came and went. Roots never had a chance to grow.

After a few bottles of wine and more words than should be said in one sitting, we decided we’d look for a place to retire, together. At the time we were scattered across the country and only saw each other at deaths and funerals. This gave us a reason to change that.

It took nearly two years and more than one cross-country trip, but I landed here, with purpose and a plan to build something new.

My list for a new home included such things as bumpy ground, or hills for all you who don’t understand the South. Rivers were a must and being I was giving up grass-flats fishing along the Florida coast, I figured that trading the ocean rods for a fly rod or salmon fishing on Lake Superior were good trades. I also wanted a home with a basement. You don’t get basements in Florida and not having the space makes you feel cheated, somehow.

So, why do I write a journal and why am I writing this article?

Our language is shifting. Text abbreviations are becoming the norm. Most of us know that “LOL” stands for “laugh out loud.” That acronym came out of the early computer chat rooms of the 1980s and now lives in our language.

How we speak and what we say have been reshaped by every tool we’ve picked up along the way. Family dinners are less frequent. Stories around the table are fading. But journaling, real, honest journaling can help rebuild some of what we’re losing.

I’ve written a couple of books, worked as a newspaper reporter, and taught writing at several writers’ conferences. I enjoy the teaching aspect of writing, and that’s what prompted me to start this series of articles.

Over the next few months, I’ll share a few pages from my journal. These glimpses into my life might inspire you to begin or return to recording your own stories and thoughts.

It’s also great therapy.

Today’s prompt is simple. Start with what you felt or saw. Add a metaphor or some color and you’re rocking the words. It can be short or long, either way, your written words improve us all.

Prompt
Begin with this: “I feel...”
Or: “Today I saw...”
Write five lines. Keep it messy. Let it be yours.

You don’t have to be a writer to journal.
You just have to show up and tell the truth.

John Wilkerson works most days writing and fiddling with his computer. His new, old, home in Menomonie is constantly subjected to DIY mayhem. His background includes ghost writing, newspaper reporting, and a long stretch in marketing and advertising. He may be contacted at [email protected]

Red Cedar Trail Temporarily Closed

NOTICE: According to Calvin Kunkle, DNR Trail Mgr, there is significant storm damage on the trail with washouts, landslides, and downed trees. The trail will be closed at least until July 12th. Photo: Debra Bell

Grantwriting 101

Community Foundation offers FREE workshop

Menomonie - The Community Foundation of Dunn County will be hosting a FREE Pop-Up! Workshop: Grant Writing 101 on Thursday, July 10th from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Menomonie Market Food Co-op.

We encourage new applicants to attend, or anyone who would like to brush up on their grant writing skills. This is the perfect time to hone your grant writing skills, as we are currently accepting grant applications for our August cycle! The deadline to apply for grants is August 1 by 5pm.

Click to register.

For more information contact the Community Foundation at 715-232-8019 or [email protected]

4th of July Festivities Returned to Wakanda Park

4th of July festivities were once again held at Wakanda Park this year. Here The DWEEBS shown performing onstage at 7 p.m. near the beach. Jon Menz (West Central WI Workforce Development) reported attendance at 2,983 in spite of high temps. MNN Staff photo

That’s How It’s DUNN: Meet the Leader

Interview with Austin Witt, Dunn County Director of Facilities, Parks & Transit; new rural Doorstop Route explained and much more

An episode in the series That’s How It’s Dunn: Meet the Leader!

Join County Manager Kris Korpela as she chats with Facilities, Parks, and Transit Director Austin Witt. Get to know Austin, learn about the Dunn County Transit Commission, and hear all about the new Rural Doorstop Route—offering FREE fares now through the end of the year!

Whether you're a daily rider or just transit-curious, this video is worth the watch.

Click to watch.

Source: Dunn County Facebook page. For information call Dunn County Transit at 715-235-7433 or their website including online route tracker at dunnride.com

UW-Stout Unveils New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Stations open to campus and community members, visitors

From left to right: Vice Chancellor Erik Guenard, Stout Student Association Vice President Chris Sander and Chancellor Katherine Frank

By Abbey Goers, UW-Stout News Center

Menomonie – A sustainability project more than two years in the making was unveiled at University of Wisconsin-Stout on June 23, adding to the university’s ongoing commitment to clean energy solutions and green transportation options.

Two electric vehicle charging stations, located in Lot 14, on the west side of Sorensen Hall, are now available for campus and community members and visitors.

The level two stations are part of the ChargePoint charging network and provide an opportunity for four electric or hybrid vehicles to charge simultaneously. They will be available for a charging fee of 35 cents per kilowatt hour, said Sustainability Manager Kadi Wright.

The project was made possible through the Stout Student Association (SSA) and its Sustainability Council, the Sustainability Office, the Campus Wide Energy Committee, Facilities Management and Parking Services.

Campus stakeholders who spoke at the unveiling were Chancellor Katherine Frank, Vice Chancellor Erik Guenard, Facilities Management Associate Director Zenon Smolarek, Wright and SSA representatives.

University Librarian Cory Mitchell and Smolarek demonstrated how to activate the stations, how individuals can access them, and where to find more information.

University Librarian Cory Mitchell (left) demonstrates how the ChargePoint stations works

“This event may seem like a small celebration, but it represents something much larger – our institution’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and progress. Every initiative like this is part of a larger strategic plan that represents our goals, is aligned with our mission, and demonstrates our responsibility to the future,” Frank said.

As Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, UW-Stout prepares students for the future, Frank said, adding that, “At Stout, education encompasses what happens both inside and outside of the classroom, studio, and laboratory. This means that our campus infrastructure should reflect our values as a polytechnic university: forward-thinking, applicable, and engaged with the issues of our time.”

Guenard agreed. “These new electric vehicle charging stations are more than a convenience – they’re a clear sign of our institution’s evolving role in addressing climate change and promoting environmental responsibility. We’re not just talking about sustainability – we’re building it into the physical landscape of our college.

“Sustainability is a shared effort. It’s championed by students who speak up for cleaner systems. It’s maintained by operations teams who innovate behind the scenes. And it’s strengthened by every person who chooses to walk, bike, carpool – or now – charge an electric vehicle right here on campus,” he said.

The Sustainability Office and the SSA council share common goals: to make UW-Stout greener and to care for the students, said Bergen Haag, SSA Sustainability director and transportation liaison, who was unable to attend the unveiling

“We have completed numerous projects, both large and small, and this initiative is just one step toward making our campus more eco-friendly. I hope this project benefits many people and inspires further initiatives on our campus. Let’s keep the momentum going and keep charging toward a more sustainable future,” said Haag, who credited Wright for her many contributions.

“Projects like this show that our campus is serious about turning ideas into action. We’ve had a lot of conversations over the years – about climate change, clean energy, and how we can do our part as a college community,” added SSA Vice President Chris Sander. “This is one of those moments where you can see progress being made. These stations aren’t just about cars – they’re about access, about future-forward thinking, and about reducing our impact. It’s also a sign that when students, staff, and leadership work together, good things happen.”

Learn more at the Sustainable Stout website.

UW-Stout’s clean energy solutions

As a Charter Signatory of the Carbon Commitment, UW-Stout has a commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. The university incorporates sustainability into its academic programs and operations, including a multibuilding solar and energy efficiency upgrades project.

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

Daniel (Dan) Hagaman - Class of 1989

By Judy Foust

This week’s spotlighted MHS graduate is Daniel Hagaman from the class of 1989. I had the opportunity to hold an in-person interview with Daniel over lunch at Acoustic Café while he was visiting his parents in Menomonie.

We started off getting reacquainted with each other and talking about Daniel’s memories of Menomonie. When I asked him what he best remembers, Daniel was quick to respond with “track and cross country.” Since then, he’s had a lifelong love of running (as well as mountain biking and hiking). In fact, he had completed a run before we met for lunch!

Senior Class Photo

At MHS, he learned that he had a strong interest in building construction and drawing. It was at that time that he set his sights on becoming an architect. After studying graphic design and architecture for two years at the University of Minnesota, Daniel was drawn into the beginnings of his Central and South American cultural experiences by spending 1992 in Mexico, studying that country’s language and culture. He described this as his “life-changing moment.” This experience sparked a desire to learn Spanish and experience other cultures first-hand.

After earning a B.A. in Anthropology (with an emphasis on Latin American Studies and Archaeology) from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1996, Daniel spent a full year in an exchange program in Costa Rica.

In 2006 he earned his M.S. in Land Resources at the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies in Madison. Since then there’s been no stopping him!

Daniel has lived and taught in Bolivia (where he served from 1998-2001 in the Peace Corps, concentrating on environmental studies and eco-tourism), Costa Rica, Mexico, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. He’s also served as a naturalist guide and conservation photographer while being involved in safely leading backcountry day-excursions and teaching the natural history of the area.

At Katmai National Park in Alaska

During his career, Daniel has led field studies programs throughout Latin

America, and at Camp Denali in Alaska’s Denali National Park. Since 2015, he has also led many diverse programs with the environmentally conscious travel company Natural Habitat Adventures based in Colorado that promotes “Conservation Through Exploration.”

When Daniel isn’t traveling the world and sharing his knowledge about the environment, natural resources and sustainable energy, he loves leading trekking and camping trips.

Daniel, his wife Esther, and his son Ruben, live in Paonia, Colorado, on the state’s Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains. In his free time (how is that even possible?), he is a gardener, a photographer, and an explorer of the canyons and ranges of the American Southwest.Traveling for Daniel is a lifestyle, but it is also a privilege that many people do not have. Living in other cultures has given him new perspectives, new ideas, and allowed him to reflect on the importance of involving local communities with conservation efforts.

At Mount Fitzroy in Glaciers National Park in Argentina

This article ends in Daniel’s own words: “I love teaching others about the importance and beauty of wild places, of the animals and plants that inhabit those spaces where people are sparse. My hope is to instill a sense of awe and inspire others to help protect these environments for future generations. In other words, to be good stewards of the land, the same land that gives us clean water, clean air and inspiration for life.”

If you’re interested in learning more about Daniel’s experiences, here’s how:

Natural Habitat Adventures—Conservation Through Exploration: NATHAB.COM 

Webpage: handseyephotography.com Instagram: handseyephoto

Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected]

Public Meetings: Week of July 9 - 16

City of Menomonie

Thurs July 10 - Public Library Board Meeting @ 6:00 PM - Library Mtg Rm

Mon July 14 - Recreation Advisory Board @ 7:00 PM - Leisure Center

Wed July 16 - Urban Forestry Board @ 1:00 PM - City Hall

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Mon July 14 - Regular Board Meeting @ 5:45 PM - ASC Board Room

Click HERE for full calendar, additional details.

Dunn County

Wed July 9 - Transit Committee @ 8:00 AM - Highway Dept
Wed July 9 - Highway Committee @ 8:15 AM - Highway Dept
Tues July 15 - Community Resources & Tourism Committee @ 4:30 PM
Wed July 16 - Planning, Resource, and Development Committee @ 8:30 AM
Wed July 16 - Facilities Committee Meeting @ 5:00 PM

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting.

Menomonie Events at a Glance: July 9-16

Photo: Debra Bell

Wed July 9: Farmers Market - 10 AM - 6 PM - Wilson Park

Thur July 10: Grant Writing 101 - 3 PM (Menomonie Market Food Coop); Music Over Menomin - 7PM - Wilson Park (Eggplant Heroes); Ice Cream Social - 4-6:30 PM - Peace Lutheran Church (Proceeds support youth & community needs).

Fri July 11 : Music on Main - 4-8 PM; Shakespeare in the Park (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) 7-9 PM - Wilson Park (Free to attend; donations accepted); Red Cedar Speedway Races 7 PM.

Sat July 12: Farmers Market - 8 AM - 1PM; Shakespeare in the Park (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) 7-9 PM - Wilson Park (Free to attend; donations accepted).

Wed July 16: Farmers Market - 10 AM - 6 PM - Wilson Park

MHS Well Represented on Spring All-BRC Teams

Mustangs Earn All-Conference Picks in Baseball, Softball and Soccer

Menomonie High School Mustang Logo

Photo: Debra Bell

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

MENOMONIE - The Big Rivers Conference (BRC) recently released all-conference teams for baseball, softball and girls soccer - and Menomonie High School was well represented.

In baseball, Mustangs’ senior infielder Owen Welch was selected to the first team. Senior outfielder James Hoff and junior outfielder Landon Mittlestadt were second team selections. Senior AJ Zydowski and juniors Max Erickson and Charlie Mikesell were placed on the honorable mention team. Welch was a second team pick in 2024, as was Mittlestadt. Zydowsky was an honorable mention choice in 2024.

In girls soccer, sophomore Sydney Norby was a second team selection and freshman Ari Beazley and senior Marie Zunker were honorable mention picks.

In softball, the Mustangs had senior Olivia Sample and junior Reese Barfknecht taking first team honors. Senior Amanda Holzhueter was a second team selection and Sierra Auth and Maci Marlett landed on the honorable mention squad.

Sample was named to her third all-conference team, earning second team honors in 2024 and first team selection in 2023. Holzhueter was a first team pick in 2024. Auth and Marlett were honorable mention selections in 2024.

Layne Pitt is the retired UW-Stout Sports Information director and also worked more than a decade at the Dunn County News.

MHS Well Represented on Spring All-BRC Teams by Layne Pitt is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

For a Calendar of Events in the Menomonie Area, visit Kathy Weber’s Menomonie Minute.

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