Thanks for reading Issue 29 of Menomonie News Net. If you missed past issues you can catch up HERE.

Today we share end of the year student news; free events in our community including Trails Day on Saturday, our monthly Looking Back for June over many decades. Check out who the photo was taken by in the June 1983 section!

Thanks for all you do to support MNN… this new idea in nonprofit hyperlocal citizen-led news…from being a reader, commenter, DONOR or idea generator. We appreciate YOU as we navigate forward to keeping MNN a reality.

Enjoy these long summer days…

Editors: Layne Pitt & Becky Kneer; MNN Staff & Contributors; Tech Support: Tracy Glenz

Website: menomonienewsnet.org Submit News: [email protected] 

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In this Issue…

• Roundtable Revival: Transforming Lives Following Incarceration

• Red Cedar Trail Celebrates Nat’l Trails Day this Saturday

• Yoga on the Library Lawn

• Free Online WeCope Series begins June 25

• Flag Day Ceremony

• Red Cross Donation Options in Menomonie During June

• MHS Extracurricular News

• Barb Schmelzle Promise Award for Women

• Public Meetings: Week of June 4 - 11

• Looking Back

• Menomonie Collegians

Roundtable Revival: Transforming Lives in Transition following Incarceration

By Andrew Garr

In the heart of Dunn County, Roundtable Revival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is making significant strides in addressing the challenges of reentry and recidivism. Through its dedicated mentoring services, Roundtable Revival is empowering individuals transitioning from incarceration to reintegrate successfully into the community.

A Mission Rooted in Relationship

Roundtable Revival's mission is to build relationships that foster hope, accountability, and healing. By matching volunteer mentors with individuals navigating the complexities of reentry, recovery, and reintegration, the organization offers a supportive network that emphasizes mutual respect and understanding. Mentors, equipped with training and ongoing support, provide consistent guidance, helping mentees set goals, overcome obstacles, and celebrate achievements.

"Mentorship is about more than just support—it's about walking with someone through the hard stuff," said a Roundtable mentor. "We build trust, celebrate successes, and stay present even when things are challenging. That’s what makes the difference.”

Strategic Partnerships Enhancing Impact

Roundtable Revival's effectiveness is amplified through strategic partnerships with local organizations, including Project Hope and the Dunn County Jail. These collaborations enable the organization to connect with individuals at critical junctures, such as pre-release or early recovery stages, ensuring timely support and continuity of care.

By working closely with these partners, Roundtable Revival ensures that individuals don't fall through the cracks during their transition back into the community. This holistic approach not only supports personal transformation but also contributes to public safety and community well-being.

Addressing Recidivism with Proven Results

Recidivism remains a pressing concern both nationally and within Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, the three-year recidivism rate in the state stands at 38.1%. Nationally, data indicates that approximately 44% of released individuals are rearrested within the first year.

In stark contrast, Roundtable Revival reports a recidivism rate of less than 10% among its program participants. This remarkable outcome underscores the effectiveness of their relationship-based mentorship model in facilitating successful reentry and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Get Involved: Be a Mentor or Mentee

Roundtable Revival is actively seeking compassionate individuals interested in becoming mentors, as well as those who could benefit from mentorship during their reentry journey. No professional credentials are required to become a mentor—just a commitment to listen, support, and walk alongside someone striving for a better future.

If you are interested in making a meaningful impact or are in need of support during a life transition, visit roundtablerevival.org to learn more about the program and how to get involved.

Through dedicated mentorship and community collaboration, Roundtable Revival is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to a safer, more compassionate Menomonie.

Andrew Garr is the Dunn County Program Coordinator and a Board Member of Roundtable Revival, Inc. He is also the Program Director at Wisconsin Milkweed Alliance and a passionate advocate for peer support, reentry services, and community-based solutions to healing and justice.

Red Cedar Trail Celebrates Nat’l Trails Day on Saturday 10 - Noon

Sponsored by Friends of the Red Cedar Trail. For more information visit: https://redcedarhoffman.org

Yoga on the Library Lawn: Free Sessions Mondays at 9

The library teams up with Mayo Clinic Health System to bring you FREE Yoga.

Are you ready to pause, quiet your mind, and be present? Join us on the library lawn every Monday to bring some calm to your busy days.

• Mondays from 9-10 am

• June 2 - July 28

• In person (no zoom option in summer)

• Bring water, mat, towel, & an umbrella (if you want shade).

• Bad weather? Class will be held in the meeting room.

Sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System and Menomonie Public Library.

Yoga provides great benefits, but only you know your own body and limits. As with any exercise, please consult your health care professional with any questions or concerns before starting any exercise program. 

Free Online UW-Extension WeCope Series Begins June 25

University of Wisconsin Madison - Division of Extension educators will be offering an online six-session lunch and learn opportunity this summer designed specifically to focus on finding the good. Beginning Wednesday, June 25 and meeting from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. through July 30.  This "Lunch and Learn" series will give people the tools they need to feel better every day.

WeCOPE is an evidence-based program that helps adults cope with life stress by connecting with positive emotions. This program has been shown to increase positive feelings, reduce stress, and improve health behaviors in randomized trials.

WeCOPE is based on the work of Dr. Judith Moskowitz, whose research shows that even in the context of serious life stress, positive emotions can and do occur and these emotions have positive adaptive consequences. The course includes an activity book with simple assignments for participants to complete between sessions as well as a journal. Materials and the class itself are currently free thanks to SAMHSA ROTA Grant #1H79TI083277-01.

Register for this team-taught series by using this link: go.wisc.edu/15kcue .

Materials can be picked up in Dunn County’s Extension Office, or several other Extension offices, by arrangement. Once registered, details including the Zoom link, will be provided in an email before the class starts.

For more information, feel free to reach out to Extension Dunn County Human Development and Relationships Educator, Luisa Gerasimo via phone or email: 715-232-1636, [email protected].

Annual Flag Day Ceremony

When: Saturday, June 14 - 10 a.m. 

Where: Dunn County Veterans Memorial - 201 6th Ave East, Menomonie

What: The Dunn County Veterans Memorial Committee, The Community Foundation of Dunn County, and Downtown Menomonie host an annual ceremony on Flag Day at the Dunn County Veterans Memorial.

The ceremony will be held rain or shine. Limited seating is available or bring your own folding chair.

Source: Downtown Menomonie Facebook. For more information contact [email protected]

Red Cross Menomonie Blood Donation Drives in June

Five blood drives are scheduled in Menomonie for the month of June. To view a list and/or make an appointment click here. 

• Thur Jun 5 St Joseph Catholic Church 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Fri Jun 6 Menomonie Public Library 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Mon Jun 9 Brewery Nonic Noon - 5 p.m.

• Tue Jun 17 Christ Lutheran Noon - 6 p.m.

• Mon Jun 23 Cedarbrook Church 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Come in to donate June 1 - 30 and receive a $15 gift card.

Have you been ineligible to donate blood? A newly approved screening process is now being used based on each individual’s risk factors. You may now be eligible to donate again. Find out more here.

Source: American Red Cross

MHS Extracurricular News: May 28 - June 2

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

May 28

With only the top 4 teams advancing, the Mustangs Golf Team were able to put together some quality scoring on the back 9 Tuesday to finish in 3rd place (1 shot out of 2nd) at the Troy Burne Regional in Hudson.  The Mustangs advance as a team to next week's Sectional on Wednesday at Greenwood Hills Country Club in Wausau.  Leading the way were Tyler Reckin with a 3 over 74, Quin Rabeneck 75, Wes Miller 84, Trent Wold 85 & Mitch Kopaczewski 90.

Varsity Baseball beat River Falls last night 2-0. AJ Zydowsky and Max Erickson combined for a shutout with Max Erickson getting the win. Offensively, Charlie Mikesell had 2 hits and a RBI and Mitch Scribner had a double while scoring a run. Congratulations to the JV2 Baseball Team on beating River Falls last night 6-5. JV2 won thrillingly, rallying in the bottom of the 7th to score 5 runs and win. The team is now 8-7 and will play their final game at River Falls tomorrow night.

The Girls Softball Team beat North 7-2 in the first round regional game last night. The Mustangs were led by Amanda Holzhueter who had an incredible night on the mound, only giving up 2 hits. Amanda also led the way offensively going 2-3 with a single, a double, and 3 RBIs. Livi Sample also added 2 hits, a walk, and 2 RBIs to the offense while scoring 3 runs. The rest of the offense was well rounded with 8 different players recording a hit. The Mustangs will travel to Stevens Point tomorrow for the regional final at 4:30.

Congratulations to the Boys Tennis Team for sending all ten players on to the sectional tournament! The team went undefeated on the day at subs to move everyone on.  This is the first time in program history to send all ten players on to sectionals!

Congratulations to the MHS Boys Track and Field Team for their outstanding performances at the WIAA Division I Regional yesterday. The following athletes advanced to sectionals by finishing in the top four of their respective events. Nolan Bien in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles, Dan Hansen in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles, Jae Berg in the 110 hurdles, high jump and long jump, Blake Kissh in the discus, DJ Butler in the long jump, the 4x100m relay team of Corbin Schumacher, Avion McIntosh, Parker Jacobs and DJ Butler as well as the 4x800m relay team of Evan Olson, Owen Pelzel, Luke Ray and Peter Cimino.  The boys will compete at Sectionals on Friday in an attempt to advance to the state meet.  Great job boys team.

Congratulations to the Girls Track and Field Team as they placed second as a team last night in the Regional Championship here at Menomonie. Regional Champions included the 4x800 relay of Bella Drake, Addison Schuler,Bennett Schmitt and Bree Barfknecht, Lauren McCalla in the 1600 and 800 meter runs and Bennett Schmitt in the 3200 meter run. Other Sectional qualifiers were Izzie Whitwam in the pole vault, Kierston Coss in the high jump, Bree Barfknecht in the 800 meter run, Izzy Sorensen in both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles and triple jump, and Cassiah Casey in the 300 hurdles. Great job ladies!

May 30

JV2 Baseball ended their season last night by sweeping River Falls with a final score of 5-4. The team finished the season with a record of 9-7. Congratulations on a great season.

Last night the Mustangs Girl’s Softball team beat Stevens Point 5-4 to bring home softball's First Regional Championship since 2005. The Mustangs were stellar defensively. Siera Auth had a career night in center field robbing multiple hits. Offensively, it was a group effort with Reese Barfknecht going 2-4 with a home run, Megan McMahon going 3-3, and Jaidyn Stouff going 2-4. Ellie Fisher and Livi Sample each added to the offense with a hit and an RBI.

June 2

Congratulations to the MHS Boys Track and Field Team for their outstanding performances at the WIAA Division I Sectional at Hudson on Friday. Nolan Bien won sectional titles in both the 110m hurdles and 300m hurdles, setting school records in both events and advancing to the state meet. Blake Kissh won a sectional title in the discus with a throw of 153', also earning a trip to the state meet. Jae Berg finished 3rd in the high jump and he will advance to the state meet.  This is Jae's third year attending state in the high jump and it is Coach Anderson's 14th year in a row having a high jumper at the state meet. Great job boys team.

Congratulations to the Girls Track and Field Team for their 5th place team finish on Friday at the WIAA Sectional meet in Hudson. Moving on to the State meet are Lauren McCalla in the 1600 and 800 meter runs, Bree Barfknecht in the 800 meter run, Bennett Schmitt in the 3200 meter run, and the 4x800 relay team of Barfknecht, McCalla, Bella Drake and Addison Schuler. Bennett and the relay team will be competing on Friday afternoon in LaCrosse, while Lauren and Bree will compete in their events on Saturday. Good luck at State ladies!

Barb Schmelzle Promise Award for Women

Applications accepted through July 1

Dunn County - The Community Foundation of Dunn County is pleased to offer scholarships for women 18 years of age and older in and around Dunn County who wish to further their education.

Barb Schmelzle was a dear and devoted friend to the Menomonie community. She was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and went on to attend Carroll College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Barb worked as an Occupational Therapist in Hayward, Antigo, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Dunn County and particularly enjoyed working in Home Health Care. She was a third-generation member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and cared deeply about the organization and her “sisters.”

Barb was warm and welcoming and had a unique gift for connecting on a personal level with those she encountered by making them feel special and valued. After her passing in 2019, her family established The Barb Schmelzle Promise Award for Women Fund to help adult women pursue further education by providing them with financial assistance. One of Barb’s lifelong passions involved helping traditional and nontraditional female students achieve their academic dreams.

“We wanted to do something to perpetuate Barb’s legacy and the way she worked with people…she always connected with people and always found the best in them,” says Tom Schmelzle, Barb’s husband. “Women’s causes were particularly important to Barb, the most important being that non-traditional people complete their education to get a better status in their life.”

One scholarship award of $1,000 will be granted to one eligible woman to remove any barrier to the pursuit of the applicant’s educational opportunities. Examples may include but are not limited to paying for college textbooks, technical supplies, tuition, assistance with past due tuition bills, fees for professional licensing exams, etc. Preference will be given to applicants who are non-traditional students with demonstrated financial need and/or extenuating life circumstances.

Those interested are asked to complete an application form at https://cfdunncounty.org/schmelzle-promise-award/. Applications are collected and processed through the Community Foundation of Dunn County. The application deadline is July 1st, 2025 by 5 pm. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

The Community Foundation of Dunn County is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, established in 1995 and serves all of Dunn County.

Public Meetings: Week of June 4-11

City of Menomonie

Wed Jun 9 Recreation Advisory Board - 7 p.m. (Leisure Center)

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Thur Jun 5 Last Day of School

Fri June 6 Professional Development Day

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed June 4 CJCC Executive & Operations Committees - 11 a.m.; Fair Board - 5:30 p.m.

Wed June 11 Transit Committee - 8 a.m.; Highway Committee - 8:15 a.m.; Executive Committee - 3:30 p.m.

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Looking Back: June

News items from Dunn County’s past compiled by the Dunn County Historical Society

LAUNCH PLANS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

On July 4, the aerie of the national eagle in Menomonie will be on the lake front. At a conference held at the Commercial Club last night by members or the Improvement Association, it was decided that the organization shall hold the independence day observance, and carry out a celebration that will not only interest all local citizens, but prove an attraction to those of the surrounding country as well. The seat of activities will be about the boathouse and the grounds adjacent, where there are ample facilities for carrying out a novel affair. There will be marine parades and boat races, music of the highest order, dancing, refreshments, fireworks in the evening, games and a variety of entertainment that cannot fail to please. An industrial parade through the city streets, and music discoursed from a float at various points are among the many suggestions brought forward. Committees will be appointed at once to take charge of the various departments of the observance, seeking the assurance of good time to all and the comfort or every participant. - June 2, 1910 Dunn County News

SNAP SHOTS OF SENATORS

The Madison Journal has given snap shot impressions of all the senators in the present legislature. Of the Dunn County senator it says: "Senator Stout's hobbies are education and cards. Stout has served long and knows how to take exile as a matter of course. Stout is wealthy, but is thoroughly democratic and will take on the veriest proletaire for a card game if there is nothing else to be had. While talked of for governor, he doesn’t seem to care for the job. He also chews gum. The woman suffrage bill was his this winter.” - June 3, 1909 Dunn County News 

COWBELLS MUST GO

The owners of cows who permit their animals to wander the streets at night adorned with a musical cowbell should bear in mind that the harvest time draweth nigh. Bright and keen are the sickles and the reapers will go forth after nightfall armed and equipped as the law directs. The cowbells are ripe and must be gathered. No more will their sweet cadences be wafted on the wings of the night to the unwilling ears of the restless son of toil and cause him to rise in his wrath and night-shirt to prance up and down to the wild weird music of the bells as he tries his speed with “old Brindle" at midnight's holy hour. The cowbells must go. -  June 4, 1881   Dunn County News

WAR RESTORES SON MOURNED AS DEAD

While the Mexican embroglio has saddened a number of American homes, it has brought joy to one Dunn County family. There the usual grim effect of war has been reversed, for instead of a beloved son being taken away for all time, as often happens, a son mourned as dead has been restored.

​A letter came this week to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Offeroske of Annis Creek Valley from their son Julius, who ran away from home thirteen years ago. For a time after his departure nothing was heard from him. Then came the shocking news that he had been run over by a railroad train at a distant point and killed. There was no reason to doubt the story, and from that day on the boy was given up as dead.

​No subsequent news ever came from him until a few days ago. Julius is now on the battleship New Jersey at Vera Cruz, where he has seen some hard service. His letter brought great joy to his parents, who had so many years ago given up all hope of seeing him again. The fighting and the active service on a foreign shore inspired him once again to bring himself into communication with the folks back home. - June 4, 1914 Dunn County News

BASEBALL

Arrangements have been completed for a match game of base ball between the Blue Caps, of this city and the Pioneers, of Clear Lake, to take place in the Menomonie Trotting Park, July 4th, for a purse of $50. The Blue Cap nine is composed of fine specimens of physical manhood and excellent players, and if the Pioneers prove an equal match the game will be well worth witnessing.  Dr. Stadler will probably act as umpire. - June 16, 1883 Dunn County News

Do you like “old news?” Follow the Dunn County Historical Society on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dunnhistory for a daily dose.

Menomonie Collegians

Menomonie's Wurtzel Earns Collegiate Tennis Honors

Ethan Wurtzel, a senior at UW-Eau Claire, was named to the men's tennis first team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) at both singles and doubles. The Menomonie High School graduate was named first team All-WIAC in singles (West Division) after a standout season that included being selected as the WIAC Kwik Trip Singles Athlete of the Week twice. He was also recognized on the All-WIAC first team for doubles (West Division) alongside partner Juan Gallego. The pair was recognized as WIAC Kwik Trip Doubles Team of the Week twice during the 2025 season. Wurtzel played both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles.

Wurtzel was also were named to the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Teams for the second time, also earning the honors during the 2023-24 season.

Dominik Hendrickson helped the relatively fledgling UW-Stevens Point men's tennis program to a new milestone. The program was re-instated into the Pointers' sports module in 2022 and Stevens Point ran their team wins total to 10. The senior from Menomonie saw action in three singles matches, posting a 2-1 overall record. Paired with three different partners throughout the season, Hendrickson saw action in eight doubles matches, posting a 5-3 overall doubles record.

Cole Witucki played No. 6 singles for Lawrence University, putting together a 3-6 singles mark. Witucki, a sophomore, played at No. 2 doubles with four different partners throughout the season, going 0-9.

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

Menomonie Collegians is a regular feature of Menomonie News Net. The column is not limited to student-athletes, but may be a former MHS 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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