Welcome to Menomonie News Net Vol 2, Issue 23. You can read and search for archived issues and articles HERE.

This week we celebrate both Earth Day (today Apr 22) and Arbor Day (Friday Apr 24). Did you know that the first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 and started by Wisconsin’s U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise awareness about our environment? And the first Arbor Day was held in 1872 to promote caring for and planting trees, now held the last Friday in April. Menomonie will host an Arbor Day event at the public library on Friday at 9:30 (read more in this issue)!

“He who plants a tree plants hope.” - Lucy Larcom

Good wishes for planting….

Editorial Team: Layne Pitt, Becky Kneer, Marsha Biggs; MNN Contributors; Advisory Team Volunteers; Tech Support: Tracy Glenz

Donate online HERE  OR by mail - check to MNN, PO Box 63, Menomonie. Your donations bring us closer to our goals of part-time staff and sustainability.

Website: www.menomonienewsnet.org

Submit story ideas to: [email protected]

In this Issue...

• Menomonie Singers Present Spring Concerts Apr 25, …

• Celebrate Arbor Day Friday Apr 24 at the Library

• Moose Lodge Chicken Dinner Fundraisers Resume Apr …

• Highway Dept Begins Major 2026 Road Repair and Rec …

• ‘Decorate Your Own Denim’ Fundraiser for The Bridg …

• Citizen Journalism Workshop Offered Summer 2026

• Biannual Community Sale to Benefit DC Humane Socie …

• Blue Zones Initiative Introduced in Menomonie

• Helen Mears Memorial Art Contest Winners Announced

• MHS Grads: Katie Marach

• Public Meetings: Week of Apr 22-29

• Menomonie Events at a Glance: Apr 22-29

• MHS Extracurricular Activities

• Feddersen to Play for Colorado Buffaloes

• Menomonie Collegians - Track & Field

Menomonie Singers Present Spring Concerts Apr 25, 26

The Menomonie Singers will present concerts on Sat, April 25 and Sun, April 26 with the theme, “Threads of Becoming.” The Saturday concert is at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Eau Claire and the Sunday concert at Our Savior’s Lutheran, 910 9th St, Menomonie. Both are at 2 pm. A $10 suggested donation is requested.

The concert will explore music inspired by faith, text, grief and loss, landscape, interconnectedness, and the celebration of humanity and nature.

The featured work is Franz Schubert’s Mass in G which was inspired by Schubert’s personal faith and his upbringing in the Viennese church tradition. The Mass will be performed in a German-influenced Latin pronunciation to reflect its historical context and will be accompanied by a string quartet of Menomonie musicians.

Additional pieces include Three Madrigals by Emma Lou Diemer, inspired by the words of Shakespeare; Love: Then and Still by Susan LaBarr, Laughing Song by David Dickau, Tundra by Ola Gjeilo and Turn the World Around by Harry Belafonte.

The Menomonie Singers is a nonprofit music organization started in 1989. This adult community choir performs at various venues in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. Singers are a mix of many professions. The group frequently sings four-part, a cappella music.

The choir is looking for new members to expand the group to 40. Auditions will be held in August with rehearsals beginning again shortly after for concerts in the fall. Interested singers may contact Juliana Schmidt, Executive Director/founder at [email protected].

Check out our website at www.themenomoniesingers.org or our facebook page.

Source: News release

Celebrate Arbor Day Friday Apr 24 at the Library

Celebrate Arbor Day at the Menomonie Public Library on Friday, April 24, at 9:30 am.

Join us for a community celebration of trees, birds, and environmental stewardship!

Event highlights:

• The history & importance of Arbor Day

• Recognition of Tree City USA & Bird City Wisconsin

• Presentations from local environmental leaders

• A look at recent efforts by the Menomonie Public Library

• Tree planting ceremony with City staff

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Source: Event Facebook page

Moose Lodge Chicken Dinner Fundraisers Resume Apr 24

The Moose Lodge seasonal fundraisers to benefit local nonprofits will begin once again on Friday, April 24. Lutheran Campus Ministry to UW-Stout is the first week’s recipient.

Doors open at the Moose Lodge at 4pm with the dinner served from 5-7pm. Menu of one-quarter chicken, cheesy potatoes, cole slaw and dessert.

Highway Dept Begins Major 2026 Road Repair and Reconstruction Projects

MENOMONIE — The Dunn County Highway Department is undertaking several roadway and bridge improvement projects during the 2026 construction season, focusing on pavement rehabilitation, drainage improvements and long‑term roadway durability.

“The Dunn County Board of Supervisors has made a major investment to improve the county’s roadways,” said County Highway Commissioner Dustin Binder. “This work represents a continued investment in maintaining safe and reliable transportation routes for residents, businesses and visitors.”

Projects scheduled for this summer include:

- Highway E (I‑94 to Highway 40): Crews will replace several deteriorated culverts, pulverize the existing roadway and repave the 6.69‑mile segment with new pavement. Work is expected to begin in April or May.
- Highway I (Sand Creek to the Barron County line): This 3.56‑mile project will replace all culverts, widen shoulders, complete ditching, add base materials, pulverize the existing roadway and repave. Construction is scheduled to start in May.
- Highway C (Highway Z to Highway D): Work on this 2.41‑mile segment will include replacing all culverts, ditching, adding base materials, pulverizing the existing roadway and repaving. The project is scheduled to begin in June.
- Highway N (Highway M to Highway A): Crews will replace all culverts, widen the roadway, complete ditching, add base materials, pulverize the existing roadway and repave the 3.27‑mile segment. Work is expected to start in July.
- Highway Q/Wilson Creek Bridge (Project P17‑936): The contractor will remove and replace the existing bridge structure. Work is currently scheduled to begin in June.
- Highway D/Red Cedar River Bridge (Project B17‑078): Rehabilitation work will include a concrete deck overlay, abutment repairs, replacement of approach guardrail and installation of scour countermeasures around bridge piers. The project is scheduled for this summer.

Binder noted that several state highway projects will also take place in Dunn County this year, including work on Highway 40 from Elk Mound to Colfax; Highway 25 from I‑94 to Highway D; and Highway 85 from Highway O to the Eau Claire County line. Those projects are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and detailed schedules are not yet available.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as these improvements move forward,” Binder said. “Construction work is necessary to keep our transportation network in good condition, and motorists should expect occasional delays and plan extra travel time.”

The county worked on 8.18 miles in 2021; 10.68 miles in 2022; 13.49 miles in 2023; 12.28 miles in 2024; and 16.07 miles of road work in 2025. The 2026 schedule calls for 17 miles of road work.

County officials say it costs approximately $150,000 to resurface one mile of roadway, while pavement replacement costs $250,000-$300,000 per mile. Reconditioning costs $400,000 to $500,000 per mile, and total reconstruction costs $1 million or more per mile. Roads have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.

Contact: Dustin Binder, Dunn County Highway Commissioner (715) 231-6587 [email protected]

Source: News release

‘Decorate Your Own Denim’ Fundraiser for The Bridge to Hope

Zymurgy Brewing hosts an interactive fundraiser for the Bridge to Hope on Sunday, April 26 from 2-4pm. Cost is $15.

Attend this Sexual Assault Awareness Month fundraiser centered on creativity, community, and support.

Bring your own denim jacket (or any denim item) to customize. Paint and basic supplies will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring your own embellishments or craft materials to make your piece uniquely yours.

Guest artist Maren Legeros will offer guidance on painting a Medusa design on the back of a jacket, a powerful symbol of survival and transformation. You’re invited to follow along or create your own design. No experience needed!

All proceeds go to The Bridge to Hope to help fund local victim services.

Source: Event facebook page

Citizen Journalism Workshop Offered Summer 2026

The Citizen Journalism Workshop will help you develop the skills to create compelling, well-researched journalistic content—whether for a local publication, a community outlet, or a personal blog.

Offered on the UW-Stout campus over six two-hour sessions participants will discuss journalistic principles, develop interviewing, fact-checking, and editing skills, and gain hands-on experience structuring journalistic stories.

Through guided instruction, discussion, and applied practice, you will write stories that reflect the people, events, and issues shaping your community. You will also have the opportunity to pitch your story to local new organizations. The workshop aims to provide insight into the publication process and to help writers develop confidence as citizen journalists.

Scholarship support is generously provided through several local news organizations. Scholarships are open to all applicants and awarded based on available funding. Find more information below.

Dates: Tuesdays June 30, July 14, 21, 28, Aug 4 & 11, 2026
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm Location: On-Campus, Harvey Hall, Room 140

What will you gain?

• Understand the fundamental principles of journalism.

• Develop skills in interviewing, fact-checking, and editing.

• Learn how to structure a journalistic story using the inverted pyramid.

• Gain experience working with Associated Press (AP) style.

• Explore the use of visuals and photography in journalism.

• Submit a finished story for publication consideration.

Who should enroll?

This workshop is perfect for community members who enjoy writing and have an interest in sharing the stories that matter most to their neighbors. No previous experience is required. Attendees will leave the workshop with the skills to write and potentially publish their own journalistic stories.

What will it cost?

• Scholarship Recipient: $49
  This scholarship has been funded by generous donations from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, Eye of Dunn County, and Local News Group (publisher of Menomonie News Net). Scholarships are open to all applicants and awarded based on available funding.

• Early Bird Discount (Register by June 23, 2026): $139

• Stout Proud Discount (UW-Stout Faculty, Staff, Student, and Alumni Registration): $139

• Regular Registration: $169

IMPORTANT NOTES

Scholarship Applicants: If you plan to apply for a scholarship, do not register for the course until your scholarship application has been processed and you have received a confirmation email. Faculty/Staff/Students: Use your UW-Stout email when registering to receive the discount. Alumni: Reach out to [email protected] to receive a discount code BEFORE completing the registration form. Participants: Bring a personal laptop to class with the ability to send and receive feedback in Adobe PDF. FAQs: For information on Payment and Cancellation Policy, Disability Accommodations, and other issues.

Apply for Scholarship

Register

Instructor: Kate Roberts Edenborg is a professor and the program director for the professional and technical communication degree at UW-Stout. She teaches journalism and media courses and also mentors students. Edenborg pursues grants that allow her to pay students to intern for non-profit community news outlets and collaborates with community members. She also was the previous faculty advisor for the campus news source, the Stoutonia.

Source: UW-Stout Continuing Education Webpage

Biannual Community Sale to Benefit DC Humane Society

Blue Zones Initiative Introduced in Menomonie

Free, open to the public event looks at improving community health & well-being

On Thursday, Apr 23 a free, public keynote event introducing the Blue Zones initiative will be hosted in Menomonie. Blue Zones is a globally recognized approach to improving community health and well-being. This effort is being brought to Northwest Wisconsin through a partnership with TrueWellness, a nonprofit in our region.

To learn more about Blue Zones watch this short trailer from the Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, a look at how environments can be designed to help people live longer, healthier lives - the same concept now being explored locally.

TrueWellness is partnering with Blue Zones to assess Menomonie and four neighboring communities - Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Rice Lake and River Falls. The goal is to better understand what it would take to make this one of the healthiest places in the country to live and work. In other communities, this work has led to measurable outcomes such as lower obesity rates, reduced healthcare costs, stronger local economies, and a greater sense of connection among residents; a long-term investment in community well-being.

• Thurs, April 23 

• Off Broadway Banquet Center

• 5 – 6pm Registration and Networking 

• 6– 7:30pm Keynote Presentation plus Q&A

• Free and open to the public

• Register HERE

National speaker Margaret Brown, VP of Business Development at Blue Zones, will present insights on the healthiest places in the world and how those principles have been applied in communities across the United States. Attendees will also learn what steps communities can take to support healthier living and overall well-being.

This event also serves as an important listening opportunity. Community input will play a critical role in shaping the direction of this work. Attendees will have the chance to learn about the Blue Zones approach while also sharing perspective on what is already working well in our community and where opportunities exist for improvement.

For more information contact Ashley DeMuth, Menomonie Area Chamber at 715-235-9087.

Source: Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce

Helen Mears Memorial Art Contest Winners Announced

By Linda Rundle, Menomonie Woman’s Club

Each spring, the GFWC – Menomonie Woman’s Club invites 7th and 8th grade students from Dunn County schools to participate in the annual Helen Mears Memorial Art Contest. The winners of the 2026 contest are:

Class A (schools with art teachers)

Sculpture
1st Place – Riley Lehman (Menomonie Middle School); 2nd Place – Chase Clark (Boyceville Middle School); 3rd Place – Jacob McWithey (Menomonie Middle School); Honorable Mentions – Rachel Sorensen (Menomonie Middle School); Olive Mau (Menomonie Middle School)

Painting and Drawing
1st Place – Rory Dunbar (Menomonie Middle School); 2nd Place – Brooklyn Nass (Menomonie Middle School); 3rd Place – Raven Naughton (Boyceville Middle School); Honorable Mentions – Brooklyn Fuhrman (Menomonie Middle School) & Genevieve Lofgren (Elk Mound Middle School)

Class B (schools without art teachers)

Sculpture
1st Place – Lydia Bensend (FOCUS Homeschool Co-op); 2nd Place – Isaac Cimino (Summit Christian Academy); 3rd Place – Madelyn Cimino (Summit Christian Academy)

Painting and Drawing
1st Place – Ella Harder (St. Paul’s Lutheran); 2nd Place – Keira Lee (Summit Christian Academy); 3rd Place – Sophia Olson (FOCUS Homeschool Co-op); Honorable Mentions – Madisyn Hestekin (Summit Christian Academy & Joseph Gowling (St Paul’s Lutheran)

The art contest was established in 1927 to honor Helen Farnsworth Mears, a Wisconsin sculptor, born in Oshkosh in 1872. At the early age of 20, her clay sketch of a woman and winged eagle, entitled “Genius of Wisconsin” was commissioned for the World’s Columbia Exposition of 1893. The completed nine foot marble piece now stands in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Her work is also on display in the National Statuary Hall and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

The Helen Mears Contest is one of the many activities of the Menomonie Woman’s Club. For more information about the club, please visit the facebook page or contact Linda Rundle, club president, at 715-210-5705 [email protected]

Source: Submitted article

MHS Grads: Katie Marach

Katherine (Katie) Marach - Class of 2003

By Judy Foust

Today I give you another impressive story of one of Menomonie’s graduates. Every time I prepare one of these articles, I’m bursting with pride. Our relatively small city has certainly produced a number of outstanding citizens. Whether their lives have taken them far afield or they have chosen to stay in the area and add to the quality of life in Menomonie, we are so proud to have had a part in helping them achieve their goals.

As you can tell by reading the lists below, Katie Marach had so many wonderful memories of growing up in Menomonie and attending high school here! It’s clear to see that Katie exhibited a wide variety of interests and talents during her career at MHS.

Academic/school related
• Extra support before and after school from teachers Harold Vlcek in chemistry, Mike Hulett in Advanced Algebra II, and Margaret Kitze in English.
• Learning how to weightlift in gym class.
• Doing dissections and observing an eye surgery for Mr. Dahlke’s Advanced Biology class.
• Playing piano for Jazz Band and watching everyone swing dance during the Spring Swing performance.
• Going to Ireland on her sixteenth birthday with the Concert Band. (She played oboe in that international competition).
• Having a pixi-stick eating contest during a marching band competition. (Katie was in the Color Guard).
• German Club with Frau Bolin and making a float for the Homecoming parade.
• Serving as co-captain of the forensics team…competing in storytelling…“I did a bit from ‘Good Morning, Vietnam.’

Athletic/social related
• Being seeded sixth and still playing in the volleyball division tournament. Food fighting with the varsity volleyball team while coming back from the tournament.
• Playing varsity softball with Coach Miller and not realizing that I was the clean-up batter.

Social
• Making dresses with my mom and Grandma for Homecoming and Prom.
• Being Prom Queen and riding in the parade.

After graduating in 2003, Katie did her undergrad studies at St. Norbert College in DePere where she majored in Education and minored in English as a Second Language (ESL). She then went on to and continues to teach ESL in the Eau Claire School District for the past eighteen years.

From this point in her life forward, it’s obvious that Katie feels a commitment to making the world a better place. She received a master’s degree in Servant Leadership from Viterbo College in LaCrosse in December 2022 and is now completing her final year in its Ethical Leadership Doctoral program. She is conducting research and writing her dissertation as she completes that degree.

Katie concludes, “There is so much I could do in the future. I’m still narrowing it down. We’ll see where I land after graduation. I definitely don’t want to be a professor!”

In 2023-2024 she took a one-year sabbatical, spending six months in Peru and five months in Mexico to learn Spanish. She volunteered at two orphanages in exchange for free room and board during that time.

Katie lives in Fall Creek and continues to keep strong connections with her family and friends in the Menomonie area. We’re so glad she is maintaining her small city values and striving to improve our world.

A special note to my readers: The initial paragraph in this article was written with a specific purpose. I strongly feel that many former grads don’t think they are interesting or have anything to offer in their stories because they have chosen to stay in the area, raise their families, continue family businesses and occupations (farming, factory jobs, sales careers, teaching), or starting new endeavors in and around Menomonie. This couldn’t be further from the truth!

Not only would I love to share your stories of purpose, of service to our community (through churches, political offices, civic organizations and clubs, etc.) and of living satisfying lives, but I also want to acknowledge how proud we are of what you have helped us to change, grow, and contribute to the area, the state, and our country! In Menomonie, everyone has value and offers amazing gifts to the citizens in the area. Please reach out to me and volunteer to tell your story.

A side note: I think it would be terrific to hear from people who graduated between 1949 -1990. We’re all part of the fabric of this beautiful area in Wisconsin!

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 Apr 22-29

City of Menomonie

Mon Apr 27 Plan Commission, 7pm

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Mon Apr 27 School Board, 5:45pm, ASC

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Thur Apr 23 Neighbors Committee, 9am 

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance: Apr 22-29

Wed Apr 22 The Neighbors Salad Sale, 10:30am-1pm, Central Bldg; Environmental Series Speaker, 6pm, Dragon Tale Books

Thur Apr 23 Brain Health 101, 2pm, Public Library; Blue Zones Event, 5 - 7:30pm, Off Broadway Banquet Center; Environmental Series Speaker-Landmark Conservancy, 6pm, Dragon Tale Books

Fri Apr 24 Spring Sale Fundraiser for Humane Society, 9am-6pm; Ice Arena; Arbor Day Celebration, 9:30am, Public Library; Moose Lodge Chicken Dinner Fundraiser to benefit Lutheran Campus Ministry, 5-7pm, Moose Lodge

Sat Apr 25 Spring Sale Fundraiser for Humane Society, 9am - 4pm, Ice Arena;  Meet the Authors, 10am - 5pm, Dragon Tale Books; UW-Stout Choir Concert, 7pm, Our Savior’s Lutheran, 910 9th St; MHS Junior Prom, 7:30pm (public open to view Grand March), MHS Auditorium

Sun Apr 26 Menomonie Singers Concert, 2pm, Our Savior’s Lutheran, 910 9th St; UW-Stout Symphonic Band, 2pm, UW-Stout Great Hall

Mon Apr 27 City Yard Waste Curbside Pickup, all day

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Wednesday, April 15

JV2 Baseball fell to River Falls last night 7-5. Oliver Sullivan threw 5 innings while allowing only 1 earned run and Parker Behrens led the Menomonie offense collecting 2 hits. JV Baseball defeated River Falls last night 9-4. Zach Bird received the win on the mound, while both Mavrick Scribner and Gavin Watkins came in and allowed 0 runs in 2 innings. Tyler Sutherland had a big 2 RBI swing for the Mustangs to lead the way for the Mustangs.

Varsity Baseball lost 3-0 against River Falls last night. Max Jaeger threw 3 innings of shutout ball for the Mustangs. While Landon Mittlestadt and Bailey Casey both collected 2 out hits for the Mustangs.

Thursday, April 16

On April 13-14 Menomonie High School’s FBLA Chapter (Future Business Leaders) traveled to Green Bay to attend the 72nd Annual FBLA State Leadership Conference. The event, held at the Ki Center, brought together more than 2,400 FBLA members from across Wisconsin. During the conference, students competed in events, delivered presentations, completed objective tests, developed projects, and participated in the Wisconsin Business Leadership Academy. Results: Website Design – 5th Place Ali Alnaeli, Ari Delong, Noah Winder; Financial Planning – 6th Place Porsha Lee, Tavarius White; Introduction to Parliamentary Procedures – 7th Place Anna Weber; Career Portfolio – 9th Place Amelia Weber; Wisconsin Business Leadership Academy - Ellie Zydowsky; Additional Competitors: Advanced Accounting – Ben Dahms; Banking and Financial Systems – Liam Wachewicz; Business Ethics – Jordan Ohman; Introduction to FBLA – Tristyn Englund. Please take a moment to congratulate these Menomonie High School Future Business Leaders when you see them.

Friday, April 17

Congratulations to the Boys Track and Field Team for their outstanding performances at the Mustang Open on April 16. The boys were 3rd of 9 teams. Second place finishers for the Mustangs were Javan Butler in the 100m, Noah Winder in the 400m, Evan Olson in the 800m, Cody Shaefer in the Discus, the 4x200m relay team of Thomas Seim, John Gruber, Kenny Heim and Rylan Holmstadt as well as the 4x100m relay team of Gruber, Holmstadt, Butler and Heim. First place finishers were Owen Pelzel in the 1600m and the 4x400m relay team of Luke Ray, Rylan Holmstadt, Everett Paulson and Noah Winder. The performance of the night was the winning 4x100m THROWERS relay, which won a close battle thanks to a strong anchor leg by Tim Berends. Great job boys team!

Monday, April 20  

The Science Olympiad Team ended their season with a fourth place trophy out of 48 teams in Division 1 Saturday at the Wisconsin Olympiad Championships. They were led by top ten finishes in 19 events including state medalists in the following events: State Champions: Ben Seguin and Ella Weinberger (Forestry) State Runner-ups: Luke Ray and Logan Topper (Ping Pong Parachute Rocket) Third Place: Oliver Kerze and Mathew Snavely (Hovercraft); Nora Skoczewski and Ellie Beck (Disease Detectives); Fourth Place: Emily Hoyland and Ella Weinberger (Water Quality); Ben Seguin and Maddie Horvath (Crime Forensics); Alex and Andrew Heckendorf (Bungee Drop); Emily Hoyland, Oliver Lugo and Madeline Horvath (Code Busters).

Tuesday, April 21

The Varsity Golf Team played their 1st BRC meet Monday at Troy Burne in Hudson, finishing in 4th place with a team score of 164 behind 1st place River Falls at 153, 2nd place Hudson at 158 & 3rd place EC Memorial at 163. Leading the Mustangs were Tyler Reckin with a 3 over 38 good for 3rd place overall, followed by Wes Miller with 41, Trent Wold with 42 and Quin Rabeneck with 43.

The JV Golf Team played in their first BRC meet Monday finishing in a tie for 5th place with a team score of 172. Leading the Mustangs were Isaac Anderson with a 40, good for 7th place overall, followed by Ryan Xu 41, Ben Dahms 45, Jack Andraschko and Ryder Anderson both shooting a 46.

Varsity Girls Soccer Team earned a 2–1 victory at home against Barron. Goal scorers Pearl Swaenepoel and Lucka Zazovsky with assists from Allison Xu and Hope Schlueter. Next match is Thursday evening at home vs. Marshfield, also Teacher/Staff Appreciation Night. Thank you for your continued support.

Feddersen to Play for Colorado Buffaloes

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

BOULDER, Colo. – Menomonie High School graduate Noah Feddersen is headed to Colorado after four seasons at North Dakota State.

Feddersen, the Summit League Sixth Man of the Year, will join the Buffaloes for the 2026-27 men’s basketball season, head coach Tad Boyle announced Friday.

A 6-foot-10, 245-pound center, Feddersen appeared in 99 career games for the Bison, averaging 8.4 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 53.3% from the field and 71.5% from the free-throw line.

“We need front-court players next year to step in and play,” Boyle said. “Noah has experience, and to me, most importantly, he's got experience for a winning program, and he has produced.”

A Menomonie native, Feddersen averaged 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and just over one blocked shot per game as a junior in 2025-26. He helped North Dakota State to a 27-8 overall record, including a 14-2 mark in Summit League play, and conference regular-season and tournament titles. The Bison earned a No. 14 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they fell 92-67 to Michigan State in the first round.

Feddersen began the season as a starter before moving to a reserve role during league play, where he found his rhythm. He averaged 10.9 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 65% from the field in conference games and scored in double figures 18 times, including a 12-game stretch late in the season.

During the Summit League Tournament, he recorded two double-doubles and was named to the all-tournament team.

“Noah's got really good skills for a big guy,” Boyle said. “He can put the ball on the floor, he can shoot it and he understands the game. He's got a great feel, which is something that's hard to coach, so we're really excited about him and he's going to be a key component for our team next year.”

Colorado finished 17-16 in 2025-26 and advanced to postseason play for the 14th time in 15 seasons under Boyle, who will enter his 17th year leading the program.

Read the complete story at Menomonie News Net

Menomonie Collegians - Track & Field

Taking a Look at Our Local Track and Field Athletes at Indoor Championships

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

Spring is in the air. Well, some days spring is in the air. But at least we know that, for the most part, winter is in the rearview mirror, which means the track season has moved to the (often cold and breezy) outdoors.

Wrapping up the indoor season and taking a look at our MHS graduates at their respective indoor conference championships:

Anderson (SC) University junior David Brown placed second in the heptathlon at the Southern Atlantic Indoor Championship in February notching a personal-best and team record 4633 points. Brown tallied personal-bests in the 1000-meter (3:1439), 60-hurdles (8.83), shot put (38-8.25) and the 60m dash (7.33). Brown added an eighth place finish in the individual pole vault with a height of 13-11.25. Brown collected 10 team points (eight in the heptathlon, two in the open pole vault) as Anderson placed fourth with 69 points.

UW-Stout junior Josh Boyette scored a personal-best in the pole vault while competing at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Indoor Championship in March. Boyette finished 12th in the event while clearing 14-feet, 9-inches.

Lawrence University junior Gaby Skorczewski scored in three events at the Midwest Conference Indoor Championship in February. Skorczewski was fourth individually in the 400-meter in a time of 1-minute, 1.06-seconds. Skorczewski's 4x400-relay team placed fifth (4:15.12) and her sprint medley relay team placed sixth (4:24.97).

UM-Duluth freshman Nolan Bien made a solid debut at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Indoor Championship in March. Bien set a personal best in the 60-meter hurdles, clocking a time 8.26 seconds in the preliminaries. Bien manage to overcome a mishap in the finals to finish seventh. Freshman Isabella Whitwam competed in the pole vault on the women's side for the Bulldogs, but did not place.

UW-Superior freshman Kieren Bignell placed 19th in the 400-meter in 58.92 at the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Indoor Championship in February.

Wisconsin junior Bella Jacobsen placed 36th in the 3000-meter at the Big 10 Indoor Championship in a time of 9:43.48 the end of February.

Menomonie Collegians is a regular feature of Menomonie News Net. The column is not limited to student-athletes, but may be a former Menomonie area student in a play, forensics, music or any type of collegiate competition. If you know of a Menomonie Collegian, please email [email protected].

The column Menomonie Collegians by Layne Pitt is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Menomonie Mustangs Athletics and Activities | UW-Stout Blue Devil Athletics

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

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