Menomonie News Net

May 27, 2026, Vol 2, Issue 28

Author

Local News Group
May 27, 2026

Welcome to Menomonie News Net Vol 2, Issue 28. You can read and search for archived issues and articles HERE.

As we enter summer…more stories about the place we call home

Inviting you to stay informed, connected, engaged…

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 goal of hiring part-time staff.

Submit story ideas to: [email protected]

In this Issue...

Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Honors Max Branch as May Youth of the Month

Submitted photo

By John Wilkerson

The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club is pleased to recognize Max Branch, a member of Menomonie High School’s Class of 2026 as the May Youth of the Month.

Max has demonstrated outstanding leadership, character, and commitment both in school and throughout the community. During his senior year, he embraced opportunities to mentor younger students by coaching flag football for fourth- and fifth-grade athletes. Through encouragement, teamwork, and positive support, Max helped young players build confidence while learning the game.

A dedicated student-athlete, Max was also selected by his teammates as captain of the Menomonie High School varsity boys basketball team. He described the experience as an honor and values the trust his teammates placed in his leadership.

Outside of school, Max enjoys spending time with friends, weight training, playing sports, riding bike, and basketball with his younger brother and sister. He credits several mentors at Menomonie High School for helping shape his future goals. Coach Simpson, who coached Max throughout high school football and basketball, helped him develop confidence, leadership, and strong fundamentals both on and off the field. School counselor Ms. Hundt also played an important role by helping Max explore careers in the medical field and identify a college path.

Following graduation, Max plans to attend UW–Stout where he will major in Health, Wellness, and Fitness while continuing his football career. He hopes to pursue a future in physical therapy and remain close to his family and community.

Teachers and staff describe Max as hardworking, respectful, and committed to helping others grow. His involvement in National Honor Society, Link Crew, athletics, and community activities reflects his dedication to serving both his school and the broader Menomonie community.

Submitted photo

Rotary International is a global network of neighbors, friends, and leaders committed to creating lasting change in our communities and around the world. menomoniesunriserotary.org

John Wilkerson is a member of Menomonie Sunrise Rotary and regular contributor to Menomonie News Net.

Menomonie Chamber Holds 87th Annual Meeting & Awards

Menomonie Chamber’s 87th Annual Meeting & Awards held on May 20th was an opportunity to come together to recognize the people and organizations making a meaningful impact in the Menomonie area.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients…the businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute to the success and vitality of our community.

  • Large Business of the Year: Andersen Windows & Doors

  • Small Business of the Year: American Edge Real Estate Services, Inc

  • Nonprofit of the Year: Compass IL

  • Agribusiness of the Year: Hoof & Paw Veterinary Clinic

  • Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Jolene Fisher

  • Emerging Leader of the Year: Adam Accola

  • Friend of Tourism: Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts

  • Distinguished Citizen: Jim Walker

Source: Menomonie Area Chamber & Tourism newsletter

2nd Annual Golf Scramble to Benefit Downtown Menomonie is Wed June 3

Join Downtown Menomonie for an 18-hole golf scramble. Network with new and old friends, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and golf at Tanglewood Greens on Wednesday, June 3. Choose individual registration, get a group of four together, or sponsor the event. In addition to golfing, there will be great raffles available and mini games throughout the course.

This is a major fundraising event for Downtown Menomonie - Business Improvement District. The fundraising goes towards marketing, downtown events and improving our historic downtown, the backbone of our local economy.

Check-in begins at 10am and the shotgun start is at 11am.

Registration includes: Cart Rental; 18 holes – Shotgun Start at 11am; Bonus Contests Throughout Course; Free Gift Bag with Local Goodies; Boxed Lunch of Choice; Buffet Dinner Following Golf; Tickets for Bucket Raffles.

Source: Facebook page

Dunn County Jail Programs Encourage Activities to Move Forward

Therapeutic Treatment Participants Plant Flowers for Mental Health Month

Submitted photo - S Metzger. (Photo release signed by all participants).

The Dunn County Jail's Therapeutic Treatment participants planted flowers on May 1st for Mental Health Awareness Month. The plants are a reminder of using self-care skills for mental health and also something each participant will continue to take care of in their community (block) while they are in the TC (Therapeutic Community) program. The plants will remain in the block after their release.

For more information, contact Sheli Jo Metzger at the Dunn County Jail [email protected] or 715-231-2980

Source: Submitted by Sheli Jo Metzger, Substance Abuse Counselor, Dunn County Jail.

Student Earns High School Equivalency Diploma

Facebook photo

Congratulations to our graduate. We are proud to recognize King David Johnson for earning his HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma) while at the Dunn County Jail. This achievement reflects hard work, determination, and a commitment to building a brighter future.

Education classes are offered Mondays and Wednesdays. In addition to working toward an HSED, students can take a variety of certificate courses designed to boost employability and build practical skills.

These educational services are provided through our partnership with Literacy of the Chippewa Valley. Thank you to everyone involved in supporting education and opportunity.

Source: Dunn County Facebook page

Looking Back: June

News Items from Dunn County’s Past Compiled by the Dunn County Historical Society

Members of the Red Cedar Bassmasters performed a public service recently when they removed debris from the boat landing at Cedar Falls. This organization has been involved in a number of other projects, including sponsorship of a boating safety course. Staff photo by Dan Loonstra. June 2, 1976 Dunn County News

FOOLISH FREAK OF CARELESSNESS

Last Sunday evening Hans Dragseth fired a shot in the direction of a passing top-buggy which three young men were riding. The ball struck one of them named Elef Pederson, in the back of the head, but glancing off the skull inflicted no further injury than a scalp wound. The offender was arrested, and an examination held before Justice Carpenter, Wednesday. It was proven he fired the shot but no evidence showed that it was intended to do any one harm. As the two parties were personal friends there was certainly no motive to commit a crime. It was doubtless a foolish freak of carelessness, which was fortunately attended with no fatal result. The district attorney entered a nolle in the case, the parties settled the matter amicably, and Dragseth went forth a wiser man, fully resolved to tamper no more with pistols in order to frighten somebody. June 1, 1878 Dunn County News

GET GLIDER SUNDAY

Menomonie Airways' new glider will be in service Sunday at their airport on the Oliver Ohnstad farm, three miles east of Menomonie. This is the first time a glider bas been available for Menomonie, It is the first one to come into Northwest Wisconsin. It is declared safe and is considered a safe method of training people to fly. It can be controlled to go to any altitude. By the use of a starting device, consisting of two shock cords, it is possible to send this gilder to a height of 150 feet. Beginners will not be taken over five to ten feet above ground. The airplane, with licensed pilot, is available at all times for passenger service. June 5, 1930 Dunn County News

 SMART BOY

John Furbur, son of R. Furbur, of the town of Sherman, is the champion sheep-shearer of Dunn county of his age. He is but fourteen years old, yet in one day last week be sheared fourteen sheep, without assistance, catching the animals himself.  The next day be sheared twenty, another boy aiding him by catching the sheep. His movements are quick, and be does his work well, and the claim for the championship in his behalf seems to be well founded. John has certainly struck the keynote of success in life, by striving to excel in that which engages his attention. This old world of ours is full of girls and boys and men and women who having reached the dead level of mediocrity remain there more through lack of ambition to strive for a higher plane than of any need of ability. There is always “room at the top. If you've any task to do, Let me whisper, friend, to you —  Do it! June 9, 1883 Dunn County News

FINDS TAINTER JUSTIFIED

The suit brought by Architect Buffington against Capt. Tainter, which was on trial at Minneapolis last week, has brought out some interesting facts. When Captain Tainter started out to build the Mabel Tainter Memorial, he proposed to invest in the building $35,000. The architect commenced work and made plans for a building which he thought might cost $40,000.  When pressed for an opinion as the work progressed he was sure the building could be completed and furnished for $60,000. Capt. Tainter concluded to stand the $60,000. Before the work was completed, however, he found that the structure cost him $95,OOO without decorations or furnishings. The architect based his fees on the cost with some extras added which brought his fee up to nearly $10,000. Captain Tainter objected to paying all this and the jury found that he was justified in his position. Their verdict was only three thousand for the architect. June 26, 1891 Dunn County News

LOCAL BALL STAR GOES TO DURHAM

Herman Vigerust, Menomonie base ball star, who signed with the Toledo Mud Hens last spring, has been sent to the Durham club of the Carolina league, according to the Toledo, Ohio, Blade. The Toledo outfit received in exchange an outfielder named Danielly. Vigerust was obtained by Toledo early this spring as a catcher. The Blade states that be has been putting in a lot of his time as a Hen in the warming pen but broke into the game a few days as an outfielder. He is sent south under option, leaving Friday for Durham, N.C. June 28, 1923  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’s ‘250th’ July 4th Celebration at Wakanda Park

The 2026 4th of July Celebration at Wakanda Park is coming together with a full day of community fun, including live music, food trucks, kids activities, disc golf, pickleball, a bike parade, the pudding feed, fireworks, and more.

Volunteers are needed to help bring the 4th of July Celebration to life!

To make it all happen, we need great people who are willing to jump in and help for a short shift during the day.

Volunteer perks include:
👕Event T-shirt
🎖️Commemorative button
🎟️Free admission for volunteers
❤️A chance to be part of a huge community celebration

There are 2-hour and 4-hour shifts available, so you can help out and still enjoy the event with friends and family.

Looking for a fun way to be part of the action? Need volunteer hours? Want to help your community?

Help us make this 4th of July at Wakanda Park something Menomonie can be proud of.

Contact: Deb Nichols, West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, 715-235-8393 ext 106 [email protected]

Women’s Giving Circle Accepting Grant Applications Through June 1

Menomonie — The Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) of Dunn County is accepting grant applications through June 1 from nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families throughout Dunn County.

A component fund of the Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC), the WGC was established in 2013 to strengthen the spirit of women through collaborative philanthropy, giving, and granting. Through collective giving, members pool their contributions to support local programs and initiatives that create meaningful community impact.

Each year, the WGC awards grants to nonprofit organizations addressing a wide range of needs affecting women and families, including education, health, safety, self-sufficiency, mentorship, basic needs, and community support services.

Grant applications must be submitted through the CFDC’s online grants portal. Typical grant awards range from $500 to $2,500 or more.

The deadline to apply is June 1 at 4:00 PM.

Organizations interested in applying or learning more about the Women’s Giving Circle can visit: cfdunncounty.org/wgc.

The mission of the Women’s Giving Circle is to gather contributions and make social investments in projects and initiatives that improve the lives of women and children in the Dunn County area.

Source: News release

Citizen Journalism Workshop Begins June 30

Citizen Journalism Workshop

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

  • 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.

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.

Kate Roberts Edenborg

Red Cross Hosts Nine Blood Drives in Menomonie During June

Compiled by MNN Staff

Here are the nine scheduled blood drives during June in Menomonie:

  • Mon Jun 1: Brewery Nonic (621 4th St W), 11:30am - 5:30pm

  • Thur Jun 4: St Joseph Catholic Church (921 Wilson Ave), 10am - 4pm

  • Fri Jun 5: Menomonie Public Library, 9:30am - 3:30pmFri

  • Tues Jun 16: Cedarbrook Church (3502 Wilson St), 10am - 4pm

  • Tues Jun 16: Christ Lutheran Church (1306 Wilcox St)

  • Fri Jun 19: Menomonie East YMCA (3019 Schneider Ave SE), 12:30 - 5pm

  • Tue Jun 23: Andersen Windows (201 Lookout Rd),1 0am - 4pm

  • Fri Jun 26: Stout Craft Company (1501 N Broadway, #1500), 10am - 4pm

  • Tues Jun 30: Dunn County Govt Center, 9am - 3pm

    Source: American Red Cross website

SDMA End-of-Year Update: Celebrations, Achievements, and Looking Ahead

Update from Superintendent Zydowsky

It has been a terrific school year in the SDMA! Thank you to all faculty, staff, community, and family members who have supported our students this year.

While the 2025-26 school year does not officially wrap up until Friday, June 5, many year-end field trips and celebrations are already underway. Please join us in celebrating a few of our most recent and upcoming district accomplishments:

🇺🇸 Districtwide Celebration: America 250

As we look toward the historic 250th anniversary of the United States, the SDMA is proud to launch our districtwide America 250 celebration! Over the final weeks of school, students across all grade levels will have the opportunity to participate in building level activities and a special All-American Meal put on by the SDMA School Nutrition Team on Thursday, June 4!

High School & Middle School Highlights

  • MHS Graduation: Join us this Sunday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the Class of 2026! Our seniors have achieved incredible individual and collective success in academics, co-curriculars, athletics, and fine arts. Special congratulations to Ben Seguin on receiving the very prestigious National Merit Scholarship recognition!

  • Co-Curricular Success: Congratulations to our Science Olympiad, Forensics, FFA and other co-curricular groups on wrapping up highly successful seasons. Good luck to everyone who qualified for national competitions!

  • Athletics: Cheers to our spring sports teams on a great season. Good luck in the upcoming WIAA tournament competitions, and a huge shout out to the MHS girls track team for winning the Big Rivers Conference Championship!

  • The Arts: Kudos to everyone involved in the spring orchestra, band, and choir concerts, the MHS Art Show, the Spring Swing, and MMS spring musical, Something Rotten Jr.

  • Mighty Mustang Invite: Thank you to the students and staff who participated in this highly inclusive competition. We were proud to host approximately 135 students from 11 different schools for this model event.

Elementary School Highlights

  • District-Wide Literacy: Elementary teachers across the SDMA continue to make incredible progress implementing the updated reading curriculum aligned with Wisconsin Act 20. Our district's processes have been recognized as a state model of success!

  • Knapp Elementary: Students completed the D.A.R.E. program and participated in the annual trout release at Knapp Pond.

  • Oaklawn Elementary: Students hosted a vibrant concert, ran successful lemonade stands, and participated in Science Olympiad.

  • River Heights Elementary: Recognized in April by the WI Department of Public Instruction as a High Impact School of Recognition for excelling at closing the achievement gap.

  • Wakanda Elementary: 5th-grade students and staff will host "A Night with Mr. Wright & Art Show" from 4:00-5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, May 20, in the school gymnasium. Don’t miss this project-based culmination of art and architecture!

A Note on District Success: Here is a link to the SDMA May Highlight on Youth Report. With highlights like these, and everything listed above, it is no wonder that all schools in the SDMA either met or exceeded expectations on the most recent state accountability report card. None of this would be possible without our phenomenal staff and supportive families. Thank you for your wonderful partnerships!

Planning for Summer & the 2026-27 School Year

While celebrations will continue into summer break, the school board and administrative team are already deep into planning for the district's robust summer school program and the upcoming school year.

Over the next couple of months, our teams will be working on several key initiatives:

  • The School Board will review recent family survey feedback, monitor progress on the strategic plan, and craft goals for the 2026-27 district work plan.

  • Student Services will review enrollments, finalize class sectioning, and prepare student supports for next year.

  • Human Resources will work to fill any remaining staffing vacancies and help onboard new teachers and staff members.

  • The Business Department will prepare for this year's annual audit and present next year's preliminary budget.

  • Curriculum & Instruction will review student assessment results and develop next year's professional development plan.

  • The Technology Department will refresh student devices and launch a brand-new school district website.

The SDMA Administrative Service Center will be open this summer Mondays-Thursdays from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Please do not hesitate to contact me or stop in if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions for our schools.

Thank you again for an incredible school year. Have a wonderful final few weeks!

Warmly, Joe Zydowsky

Joseph Zydowsky, District Administrator SDMA, 215 Pine Avenue NE
[email protected] (715) 232-1642

Menomonie Events at a Glance May 27-June 3

Photo: Debra Bell

Wed May 27 Compass IL Health Resource Fair, 9am - 3pm, 2920 Schneider Ave SE; Farmers Market, 10am - 4pm, Wilson Park

Thur May 28 Origami Fun, 4-5:30pm, Menomonie Public Library; MAKE IT Thursdays, 5-8pm, Rassbach Museum

Fri May 29 Red Cross Blood Drive, 12:30 - 5:00 pm, Menomonie East YMCA; Red Cedar Speedway Races, 7pm, RC Speedway

Sat May 30 Farmers Market, 8am - 1pm, Wilson Park

Mon Jun 1 Red Cross Blood Drive, 11:30am - 5pm, Brewery Nonic;  Battle of the Businesses Golf Tourney, 9am, Tanglewood Golf

Wed Jun 3 Farmers Market, 10am - 4pm, Wilson Park

Public Meetings May 27 - June 3

Staff photo

City of Menomonie

Mon Jun 1 City Council Meeting, 7pm, Council Chambers

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

No scheduled meetings

Click HERE for full calendar and additional details

Dunn County

Wed May 27 Committee on Administration, 4:30pm

Thur May 28 Health & Human Services, 6pm AGENDA

Mon June 1 Fair Board Meeting, 5:30pm

Thur June 4 Planning, Resources & Development Committee, 8:30am (NOTE: See letter below regarding this meeting from Dan Dunbar, Dunn County Manager * )

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

* Letter to Residents

Dear Dunn County Resident,

Thank you for your past participation in public comment on matters related to planning and development within Dunn County. Your interest and engagement help support an open and transparent public process.

I am writing to inform you that the Planning, Resources, and Development Committee of the Dunn County Board will receive information and hold a discussion regarding an initial contact from a business expressing interest in modular data centers. This item will appear on the Committee’s agenda for its meeting on June 4, to be held at the Dunn County Government Center.

This meeting will be open to the public and public comment will be included on the agenda. You are receiving this notice because you have participated in previous public comment on related topics, and we want to ensure that interested residents are aware of this upcoming discussion.

Please note that this agenda item is designated as a discussion only, and in accordance with state law, no action will be taken by the Committee at this meeting.

Dunn County is committed to maintaining transparency, particularly on topics that may generate significant public interest. By reaching out proactively, we hope to support constructive participation and keep residents informed. You are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting and provide public comment.

If you have any questions before the meeting, you are welcome to contact County Manager Dan Dunbar [email protected] 715-232-2429 or the Dunn County Zoning Office at 715-231-6520

The full meeting packet, including materials provided to committee members, will be available to the public as part of the Committee’s published agenda packet. Thank you for your continued engagement with Dunn County government.

Dan Dunbar, County Manager

Source: Letter to Residents

MHS Extracurricular Activities May 20-26

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Wednesday, May 20

Congratulations to the Boys Tennis Team on their 2nd place finish at the conference tournament yesterday which included multiple conference champions. Bruce Behrend won the conference at 3 singles for the second year in a row. The doubles team of Elliot Risler and Bricin Leisses won the conference at 3 doubles after a pair of split set match tiebreak wins. The Mustangs had seven players earn all conference honors this season: 1st Team All-Conference - Jake Rue, Davin Ellis, and Bruce Behrend; 2nd Team All-Conference - Harrison Davis, Caleb Gunderson, Elliot Risler, and Bricin Leisses.  

The Girls Track and Field Team represented us well last night at the JV Conference meet at Eau Claire North. There were many outstanding performances, including event champions Carly Weber in the 800 meter, Kyah Barnhart in the 3200 meter, Maddie Sutherland in the high jump, Claire Mikesell in the Pole Vault, Savannah Spiess in the discus throw, and the 4 by 400 meter relay team of Chloe Bablick, Rylee King, Carly Weber and Claire Mikesell.

Friday, May 22

The Golf Team closed out the regular season finishing in 4th place at the BRC Championship Thursday at Turtleback Golf in Rice Lake. They also ended up in 4th overall in the final BRC standings. Team scores for Thursday: Hudson 301; Rice Lake 306; River Falls 312; Menomonie 313; EC Memorial 314; EC North 319; New Richmond 323; Chippewa Falls 333. Leading the way: Tyler Reckin with a 3 over 74 good for 4th overall, Wes Miller 76 & 7th overall, Trent Wold 79 & Quin Rabeneck 84. Congrats to Tyler Reckin for making 1st team all conference & Wes Miller making 2nd team all conference. Overall a very good season! Next up Regionals Tuesday at River Falls.

Wednesday, May 27

The Mustangs Golf Team had a great day at Regionals finishing in 2nd place and qualifying for team Sectionals next Tuesday at RiversEdge Golf in Marshfield. Top 4 Sectional qualifying scores: Hudson 300; Menomonie 305; River Falls 310; New Richmond 313. Leading the way with a 1st place tie and medalist Tyler Reckin carding an even par 71, Trent Wold 76 good for 9th overall, Quin Rabeneck 78 and Wes Miller 80.

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 the D1 sectional. Andrew Heckendorf in the 200m; Preston Witter in the Shot Put; Myka Fox in the high jump; the 4x200m relay team of John Gruber, Alex Heckendorf, Andrew Heckendorf and Javan Butler also qualified and broke the school record. Special congratulations to Javan Butler for winning a regional title in the 100m. Also, congratulations to Owen Pelzel, Evan Olson, Luke Ray and Noah Winder for winning a regional title in the 4x800m relay. These boys will compete at the sectional meet on Friday at DC Everest for a chance to go state.

Congratulations to the Girls Track and Field Team on their excellent performance last night at the WIAA regional championship meet. We have many girls advancing to the sectional meet on Friday at DC Everest. All four of our relays advanced, including members Addison Schuler, Lauren Ohman, Lexi Thalacker, Bree Barfknecht, Callie Travis, Mari Ramirez, Mia Lambrigtsen, Rachel Riepl, Ayala Armani, Sydney Norby, and Claire Mikesell. We also have individual event qualifiers including Mia Lambrigtsen in the 100, Lauren McCalla in the 800 and 1600 runs, Bree Barfknecht in the 800, Bennett Schmitt in the 3200, Izzy Sorensen in the 100 and 300 hurdle races as well as triple jump, Mari Ramirez in the 100 hurdles, Evelyn Doyle in the high jump, Ayala Armani in the triple jump, and Ellie Arndt in the discus. Good luck on Friday girls!

MHS Track & Field: Girls Win Title, Boys Fifth

17 Mustangs Claim All-Big Rivers Conference Honors

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

EAU CLAIRE - The Menomonie High School girls track and field team claimed their first Big Rivers Conference title since 1996, while the boys finished in a competitive race. Seventeen Mustang performers (12 girls, five boys) gained All-Conference honors in the meet held May 18 at Eau Claire Memorial. | Complete BRC Meet Recap

First place finishers are awarded first team All-Conference honors, while second place finishers are second team and third place finishers are honorable mention.

Menomonie All-Conference Recipients

First Team All-Conference
Lauren McCalla, 2026 BRC Track Performer of the Meet; Lauren McCalla, 800-meter run (2:10.76); Lauren McCalla, 1,600-meter run (4:45.97); Isabel Sorensen, triple jump (34-9); Menomonie 1,600 relay team of Addison Schuler, Bree Barfknecht, Lauren Ohman and Lauren McCalla (3:58.22).  

Second Team All-Conference
Javan Butler, 100-meter dash (10.85); Javan Butler, long jump (21-2); Lauren Ohman, 400-meter dash (1:01.12); Bennett Schmitt, 3,200-meter run (11:15.09); Isabel Sorensen, 100-meter hurdles (15.99); Isabel Sorensen, 300-meter hurdles (48.72); Cassiah Casey, pole vault (10-0); Sydney Norby, long jump (15-11.5); Boys 3,200 relay team of Evan Olson, Owen Pelzel, Noah Winder and Luke Ray (8:04.08); Girls 3,200 relay team of Addison Schuler, Bennett Schmitt, Alexis Thalacker and Lauren Ohman (9:44.11).  

Honorable Mention All-Conference
Noah Winder, 800-meter run (1:58.12); Mia Lambrigtsen, 100-meter dash (12.78); Bree Barfknecht, 800-meter run (2:20.24); Bree Barfknecht, 1,600-meter run (5:04.93); Girls 400 relay team of Rachel Riepl, Ayala Armani, Sydney Norby and Mia Lambrigtsen (51.53).  

The story “MHS Track & FIeld: Girls Win Title, Boys Fifth” by Layne Pitt is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Menomonie Eagles Get 2026 Season Underway

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

MENOMONIE - The Menomonie Eagles have gotten the 2026 season underway and will return to action Sunday, May 31 to play at the Spring Valley Hawks in a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m.

The 2026 Menomonie Eagles roster includes, but is not limited to: Sean Barnard, Gabe Bestul, Kaleb Bents, Baily Casey, Isaac Eckert, Max Erickson, Dylan Hein, James Hoff, Jamis Keding, Cade Lamb, Tyler Legge, Taylor Mars, Charlie Mikesell, Landon Mittelstadt, Matt Schoff, Mitch Scribner, Evan Sisko, Ryan Sisko, Alex Slind, Cage Sorenson, Matt Vesperman, Parker Verdon, Jake Wagner, Dalton Wang, Knox Weathers, Owen Welch and AJ Zydowsky. Ryan Sisko is again the coach/manager of the Eagles.

The Eagles opened the season May 16, at Ellsworth, then opened their home schedule by hosting River Falls May 17. The Eagles competed in the Plum City Tournament May 22-25, which featured teams from Hudson, Bay City, Elmwood, Ellsworth, Menomonie, Prescott and River Falls.

Menomonie returns home Saturday, June 6, to face Plum City at 1 p.m., then travels to Prescott Sunday, June 7, and Bay City Sunday, June 14, with both games scheduled for 1 p.m. starts. The Eagles host Elmwood Wednesday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. before participating in the Hayward Tournament from June 19-21. The Eagles play their home games at Wakanda Park.

The schedule continues Wednesday, June 24, with a 7 p.m. home game against Chippewa Falls. Menomonie then travels to Osceola Friday, June 26, for a 7:30 p.m. contest and New Richmond Sunday, June 28, for a 1 p.m. game.

On Saturday, July 4, the Eagles will host a home tournament or single game, with details to be determined. Menomonie then competes in the Tony Hayshaker Tournament Saturday, July 11. The Eagles host New Richmond on Sunday, July 12, at 1 p.m. and Bay City on Saturday, July 18, at 1 p.m.

The regular season concludes with road games at River Falls on Friday, July 24, at 7:30 p.m., and a home game against Hudson on Saturday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m. Menomonie wraps up the schedule Wednesday, Aug. 5, hosting Leinie’s Legends at 7:30 p.m. Wisconsin Baseball Association (WBA) playoffs and the state tournament are still to be determined.

The story “Menomonie Eagles Get 2026 Season Underway” 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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