Menomonie News Net

June 25, 2025, Issue 32

Author

Local News Group
June 25, 2025

Issue 32 of Menomonie News Net. To visit past issues you can click HERE.

Today we share details of news about ‘Don’t Toss It, Donate It’ and “Lace, Lumber & Legacy Trolley Tour” which is a Journey into Menomonie’s Elegant Past, as well as more information about July 4th in Wakanda Park

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

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

In this Issue…

July 4th in Wakanda Park

Full Day of Activities Brings Independence Day Festivities Back to Menomonie

MENOMONIE — A full day of family-friendly fun returns this summer as an “Old School 4th of July” celebration lights up Wakanda Park on Friday, July 4.

The festivities run from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and include something for everyone — from early morning races to late-night fireworks. The day kicks off with a Fun Run, followed by a pickleball tournament, a pudding feed and a baseball game. Visitors can enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities, food trucks, a beer garden, and local vendors throughout the day.

The Rassbach Heritage Museum will host an Old World Fourth of July program, with free admission to the museum and events in Fulton’s Workshop.

A highlight of the celebration is live music beginning at 3 p.m., culminating with high-energy favorites The Dweebs performing on the main stage from 7–10 p.m.

One of Menomonie’s signature events, the Fourth of July celebration will end with a bang — a large-scale fireworks display lighting up the sky over Lake Menomin beginning at approximately 10 p.m.

Admission is $5 per person, with family discounts available. Passes and additional event details will be announced soon.

The City of Menomonie and event organizers encourage residents and visitors to bring lawn chairs or blankets and spend the day celebrating the nation’s birthday the old-fashioned way — with community, music, games, and fireworks.

Volunteers are still needed for the event, with shifts available in two-hour, four-hour, eight-hour or full-day increments. To sign up, visit the event Facebook page or contact Jack Schaefer by email at [email protected] or by phone at 715-505-5483.

Dunn County Appoints Dan Dunbar as New County Manager 

MENOMONIE - Dan Dunbar, the Assistant Dunn County Manager, was selected by the County Board of Supervisors Wednesday, June 18, to succeed County Manager Kris Korpela, who has served the county for 24 years. 

Dunbar officially will begin working with Korpela on the transition on July 7 and will take over on Aug. 8.  Korpela began as county manager in July 2022 after serving in other management positions for the county. 

"It has been a real pleasure to work closely with Dan Dunbar in his role as assistant county manager, and I'm looking forward to continuing a great working relationship as he moves up to county manager,” said Kelly McCullough, County Board chair. “Even before he applied for the assistant role, Dan was already actively looking for broader county problems to solve through the cooperative leadership model that County Manager Korpela established from her first days in the job. 

“He is a thorough and careful thinker, a motivated problem solver and has established a great relationship with the members of the board," McCullough continued. "We will certainly miss Kris as she moves on to the next phase of life, but I have complete faith in Dan's ability to step into her shoes and carry the county forward." 

Dunbar brings over two decades of public sector leadership experience to the role, including his most recent position as Assistant County Manager. He played a key role in county-wide budget planning, investment strategy and sustainability initiatives. His leadership was instrumental in advancing broadband access.

“I am honored to serve as Dunn County’s next County Manager,” said Dunbar. “I look forward to working with the County Board, staff and community partners to continue building a responsive, transparent, and forward-thinking government that meets the needs of all residents.” 

Prior to his role as Assistant County Manager, which he assumed in March 2024, Dunbar served as the county’s Chief Information Officer, beginning in February 2021, where he led major technology transitions, including the move to Office 365 and the implementation of a county-wide print management system. His career also includes leadership roles at UW–Stout, where he directed telecommunications and networking operations. 

Dunbar holds a Master of Arts in IT Leadership from The College of St. Scholastica and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Systems from the UW–Stout. He is also an active community member, volunteering with local youth sports and civic initiatives. 

Don’t Toss It - Donate it!

Menomonie Lions Club provides recycling for glasses, hearing aids, cell phones and inkjet cartridges

By Jack Gust

There are about 23 locations locally to donate. (You may have seen the white boxes around town). We usually collect from these locations every 6 weeks to 2 months.

In 2024, we collected over 5000 pairs of eyeglasses and also cell phones, hearing aids and ink cartridges. These are stored at the Lions shed at Wakanda Park and then several Lions club members bring these to Rosholt, Wisconsin several times during the year and also to our District Convention in Eau Claire in March.

For more information email [email protected] or leave a message at (715) 257-5419‬.

Jack Gust is the Menomonie Lions Eyeglass Recycle Chairman.

Info about eyeglass donations - from the Wisconsin Lions Foundation website:

“We need everyone to donate their old glasses. In most developing countries, eye care is either unaffordable or inaccessible. An eye exam can cost as much as one month’s wages, and a single eye doctor may serve a community of hundreds of thousands of people. And for many, poor eyesight that is left uncorrected can lead to unemployment for adults and a child’s inability to attend school. By taking the time to give us your glasses, you will help improve the life of someone in need.”

The donated eyeglasses will be shipped to the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in Rosholt, Wisconsin – home of the Wisconsin Lions Camp – where they will be sorted, cleaned, categorized by prescription and prepared for distribution by Lions and other groups to third world countries.

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

Diane Slinden Schofield - Class of 1998

By Judy Foust

This week’s spotlighted MHS graduate is Diane Slinden Schofield, from the class of 1998.

MHS Athlete

Some of you may remember Diane as a stellar track and field athlete while in high school. She used her talents to earn a track and field scholarship at the University of Tennessee where she competed in the discus, shot put, hammer, and 20-pound weight throw. Diane earned SEC champion honors in the discus and was recognized as an All-American in the same event.

Diane graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology.

After completing her undergraduate studies, she returned to Menomonie and pursued her science teaching certification at UW-Eau Claire. When her student teaching at MHS was completed in the spring of 2004, Diane began her teaching career as an 8th grade science teacher at Hudson Middle School.

In 2007, she earned a Master of Science in Education degree with a focus on professional development at UW-Stout and went on to complete her Principal certification in 2009.

Over the course of her 19 years at Hudson Middle School, Diane taught 8th grade science for 10 years, served as Dean of Students for 2 years, and worked as Associate Principal for 7 years.

For the past two years, she says she’s had the privilege of serving as Principal at Wakanda Elementary in Menomonie.

Diane’s passion for sports remains as strong as ever! She competed in the discus at four NCAA National Championships, three USA National Championships, and the 2000 Olympic Trials.

For seven years, she coached throwers alongside her mom Rita at UW–Stout, where they developed multiple All-Americans and a Division III National Champion in the discus.

She has continued to stay involved with coaching youth sports for her children and especially enjoys playing golf with her husband and family. Diane lives in Menomonie with her husband David—a 1998 graduate of Menomonie High School. Perhaps we’ll find out more about him in one of our upcoming articles. David is the Public Works Director for the City of Menomonie.

The Schofields have two wonderful daughters—Kate, who will be a freshman at MHS, and Annie, who is starting 6th grade at Menomonie Middle School. Their mom truly enjoys watching them grow up and thrive in this community. They stay active with tennis, golf, basketball, track and field, and softball.

Diane has come full circle–attending MHS as a student and finding herself back in Menomonie as an elementary school principal, a coach, and a strong fan of her daughters’ accomplishments. We’re so glad she came back to her hometown.

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]

Step Aboard the “Lace, Lumber & Legacy” Trolley Tour

MENOMONIE – This summer, history comes alive in Menomonie with the Lace, Lumber & Legacy: Menomonie Mansions & Afternoon Tea Trolley Tour. This elegant new experience invites guests to don their Victorian best (or come as they are) and travel back in time aboard a vintage-style trolley to explore the grandeur and stories of Menomonie’s lumber-era elite.

The tour begins at Old Towne Banquet Hall, 903 Cedar Falls Rd—a nostalgic event venue that sets the tone for a day of discovery. (Guests may also opt for a separate ticket that includes trolley transportation from downtown.)

First stop: the historic Oaklawn Inn, built in 1889 by lumber baron Andrew Tainter. Now the region’s oldest bed-and-breakfast, Oaklawn Inn offers a true Victorian tea experience, complete with finger sandwiches, sweet breads, and desserts served on fine china in an atmosphere of quiet charm.

Next, guests will enjoy a private tour of Wilson Place Mansion, the original location of the home of Captain William Wilson, Menomonie’s founder and co-founder of the legendary Knapp, Stout & Co. Company. With its layered architectural history and carefully preserved interiors, Wilson Place tells the story of a town built on lumber and ambition.

The tour concludes with a visit back to Old Towne, home to a growing collection of vintage Menomonie memorabilia. Guests are welcome to explore, relax, and enjoy a beverage from the bar as they reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Throughout the journey, a live narrator shares fascinating stories about Menomonie’s gilded age—bringing to life the characters, culture, and legacy of one of Wisconsin’s most unique communities.

Tours are held select Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. on the following dates: June 12, July 3 & 24, August 7 & 21, and September 4.

Tickets and full details are available at OaklawnInn.com/events or chippewarivertrolley.org.

Victorian attire is welcome and encouraged—bustles, corsets, and top hats are a delight, but not required.

Come see Menomonie in a whole new light—and lace!

CVTC Names President’s List for Spring 2025 Term

Chippewa Valley Technical College announces that the following students have been named to the President’s List for the spring 2025 semester. To be eligible, students must complete a minimum of six credits with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Students from Menomonie selected to the President’s List include:

Hailey Alexander, Halimah Alossaimi, Danielle Amundson, Aiden Ayres, Kyah Barnhart, Isabella Bautista, Jasmine Blanks, Elias Boe Parish, Jensine Boesl, Max Brown, Faith Bullock, Jasmine Buttke, Terri Buttke, Heather Calcamuggio, Stephanie Carrell, McKenzie Clark, Ellie Clarke, Chelse Cockeram, Joey Cook, Corrina Denston, Russ Donaghue, Alysen Duffy, Anna Egan, William Feller,

Walker Ferguson, Emi Frank, Mikayla Freeman, Bruce Goplin, Daniell Green, Lilly Gregerson, Kalley Hagen, Maggie Hanson, Misty Hasse, Jessica Hayden, Emily Heim, Samantha Hoff, Claudia Holley, Kaleb Holley, MacKenzie Illa, Lexi Isenberger, Ellie Isenberger, Quinn Jaenke, Shawn Janvrin, Alia Johnson, Riley Johnson, Lauren Kado, Izabelle Klapak, Olivia Klass, Alessio Komro, Antonio Komro, Kinsey Krahenbuhl,

Bennett Krueger, Mykenzie Krueger, Alex Kruschke, Lorin Kuester, Aaryan Kushwaha, Stacy Lander, Courtney Larson, Julyine Lee, Sarah Lee, Alexander Lepak, Amanda Linkletter, Christine Lomprey, Josse Marty, Kalynda McGlothlin, BriAnn McNaughton, Carlos Mejia, Cecilia Mendoza, Justice Meyer, Vincent Miara, Aleaha Miland, Al Moran, Charles Morgan, Hunter Moritz, Kora Munkelwitz, Savanna Neubrand,

Lydia Nielsen, Daniel Nold, Emma Pax, Holly Phillips, Justice Quilling, Carrie Ray, Michael Reynolds, Kylee Riek, Rachel Riepl, Chrissy Ruscher, Matt Sackett, Andrew Schaefer, Braydon Schallenberger, Alexander Schaller, Nick Scheff, Oliver Schenck, Jessica Schmidt, Nadia Schoone, Maddy Schutte, Sujan Shahi, Macy Skillings, Brett Smith, Jasmine Smith, Lili Smith, Lucas Smith, Josh Springer, Shaunti Stanek,

Suzi Staudacher-Pine, Evan Thao, Rashen Thao, Brian Thibado, Luis Torres Valadez, DJ Vang, Lucy Vang, Aayushka Wagle, Andrew Wagner, Jakub Wagner, Hailey Webb, Nicky Weix, Kaci Wittig, Jessica Wood, Sarah Woodruff, Natalie Yach, and Chee Yang.

ABOUT CVTC: With 165+ programs, certificates and apprenticeships offered online and on-campus, Chippewa Valley Technical College delivers innovative, applied and flexible education that supports a diverse community of learners, improves the lives of students and adds value to our communities. CVTC programs are designed with the input of employers throughout the CVTC district to prepare graduates for today’s jobs with 95 percent employed within six months of graduation and associate degree graduates earning an average annual salary of $54,110.

Public Meetings: Week of June 25 - July 2

City of Menomonie

Wed June 25 - July 2

No Meetings Scheduled

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Wed June 25 - July 2

No Meetings Scheduled

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed June 25 - July 2

June 25 - Facilities Committee - 5 p.m.

June 26 - Neighbors of Dunn County Committee - 9 a.m.

June 26 - Veteran Services Commission - 10 a.m.

June 26 - Health & Human Services Committee - 5 p.m.

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance

Photo: Debra Bell

Wed June 25
Successfully Aging Seminar Series - 2:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting - Inside Out Transformations - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Sports Camp - Menomonie Alliance Church - 5:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Thur Jun 26
Sports Camp - Menomonie Alliance Church - 5:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Workplace Communication Skills for Better Results - 6:00 PM -8:00 PM
Music Over Menomin - Wilson Park -7:00 PM

Fri June 27 
Family Friendly Pickleball Tournament - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sat June 28
Menomonie Farmers Market - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Options for Women, Golf Scramble - 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Chippewa Valley Air Show - Gates open at 8:30 AM. (Show scheduled to start at 12 PM)

Sun June 29 
Chippewa Valley Air Show - Gates open at 8:30 AM (Show scheduled to start at 12 PM)
715 Community Nights, River Heights School, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Mon June 30
From Memories to Memoir: Crafting Your Story - 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Tue July 1 
Ludington Guard Band Concert - 7:30 p.m. Wilson Park

Wed July 2  

Fri July 4
Wakanda 4th of July Celebration - 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Family Friendly Pickleball Tournament - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

UW-Stout Director of Athletics to Retire in September

Duey Naatz Joined the Blue Devils in 1990 as Assistant Coach

A football coach observes his bench.

After serving as an assistant coach, strength and conditioning coordinator, head football and flag football coach, instructor and athletic director, Duey Naatz will retire from UW-Stout in September after 35 years with the university. Photo: Layne Pitt

By UW-Stout

After an illustrious 35-year career with University of Wisconsin-Stout, including 15 years as Athletic Director, Duey Naatz has announced his retirement effective September 2. Naatz, the ninth athletic director with the second longest tenure in UW-Stout history, leaves behind a legacy of leadership, growth and dedication to Blue Devil athletics.

Naatz's journey with UW-Stout began in 1990 when he joined the Athletic Department following a stint as a graduate assistant at the University of North Dakota. Over the subsequent three and a half decades, he served in a variety of roles, including assistant football coach, head football coach, strength and conditioning coordinator, assistant track coach, facilities manager and instructor in the Physical Education Department. His tenure as athletic director, which began in June 2010, marked the pinnacle of a career defined by a commitment to student-athlete success and program excellence.

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of my family and myself for the incredible opportunities and support that UW Stout, Blue Devil Athletics, and the Menomonie community have given me." Naatz sad. "All of the alumni and the people who I have worked with on this great campus and within the WIAC and the NCAA are relationships and friendships that will continue and that I will always cherish."

As athletic director, Naatz oversaw 22 varsity programs and served as a member of the chancellor's cabinet, a role he assumed in Spring 2021. Under his leadership, UW-Stout athletics experienced significant growth and modernization. His initiatives included the establishment of scholar-athlete and senior awards events, roster size increases, improvements in overall GPA and graduation rates, and the addition of new programs such as esports, dance, women's lacrosse, men's soccer and women's flag football.

"Improving the student-athlete experience has always been a priority," Naatz said. "I have been truly blessed to have the support of the administration and to work with the wonderful people in the athletics department."

Naatz led major facility projects, including the Nelson Field Soccer Complex renovation, the stadium turf renovation, and championed the planned Recreation Complex renovation. He also championed branding efforts, such as the Adidas partnership, logo updates, and a mascot upgrade, alongside the development of the Blue Devil Fund and Giving Day initiatives, which significantly boosted fundraising efforts.

"At each step of his career, Duey has had a meaningful impact on the Blue Devil athletics program and has supported the success of our student-athletes and the well-being of our entire campus community,"  Chancellor Katherine Frank said. "We are extremely grateful for the work he has done to position our program for future success."

Before stepping into an administrative role, Naatz made his mark as head football coach from 2007 to 2009. During his three seasons at the helm, he compiled a 17-13 overall record with consistent improvement each year. The 2009 season saw the Blue Devils finish 8-2, the third time in school history the team achieved eight or more wins in a single season. He also coached Jason Lehman to a national shot-put title in track and field and guided back-to-back WIAC scholar-athletes Jake Pomputis and Shay Lehman during his head coaching tenure.

"Memories of watching our students, coaches and staff compete for championships and to be part of their journey has been very special," Naatz said.

Naatz's influence extended beyond UW-Stout to the national stage. He served two four-year terms on the NCAA Division III Football Championships Committee, chairing the committee for four of those years (2013, 2014, 2020 and 2021). In 2022, he consulted for the host school, Stevenson University, in Annapolis, Maryland. In January 2024, Naatz joined the NCAA Division III Championships Committee, representing UW-Stout and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).

Naatz and his wife, Kay, have two sons - Tyler, a UW-Stout graduate and former football scholar-athlete, and AJ, who is pursuing a doctorate in special education at UW-Madison. An avid outdoorsman, Naatz enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time.

A search is currently underway for the university's 10th athletic director.

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

Please forward this newsletter to others and encourage them to subscribe for free and pass it on.

Please donate if you can!
We are committed to offering news and information for free! But your tax-deductible donation will help cover expenses, hire part-time staff and reach sustainability.

Volunteer!
Want to help us build this news source? We welcome volunteers! We need help with note-taking in-person or digitally for public meetings, taking/sending photos to share, grant-writing, article writing, sharing story ideas and many other tasks. [email protected]