Here’s Menomonie News Net Vol 2, Issue 31. As always you can read and search for archived issues and articles HERE.

Today’s issue highlights include next week’s extraordinary Murals in Menomonie Festival that you won’t want to miss! Also the Blue Caps Base Ball tournament this Saturday, celebrating outstanding individuals in our midst plus a sports update from Layne.

Enjoy summer…the longest day is Sunday, June 21…also Father’s Day!

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 donation helps us move from a volunteer staff to part-time paid staff. Thank you.

Website: www.menomonienewsnet.org

Submit story ideas to: [email protected]

In this Issue...

• Blue Caps Vintage Base Ball Hosts Regional Tournam …

• Murals in Menomonie: Meet the Makers (Part 2 of 2)

• Camden Hargrove Honored at Juneteenth Event in Mad …

• Dunn County Manager Highlights June 17 Board Meeti …

• 4-H Happenings in Dunn County

• Flag Day Included Brick Dedication for Veterans

• Music Over Menomonie Begins its 16th Season Every …

• Luisa Gerasimo Named Distinguished Educator by UW- …

• MHS Grads - Matt Stevenson - Class of 2009

• July 4th Celebration - Volunteers Needed

• Public Meetings June 17-24

• Menomonie Week at a Glance June 17-24

• Mustangs Earn All-Big Rivers Recognition

Blue Caps Vintage Base Ball Hosts Regional Tournament Sat June 20

By Dustyn Dubuque

1860 Vintage Base Ball (two words in 1860) returns to Phelan Park on Saturday June 20  for a day of matches featuring teams from Wisconsin and Minnesota. 

Matches begin at 10am with the Menomonie Blue Caps playing their foes, the Rum River Rovers of Minnesota. Matches will continue throughout the day, additionally featuring the Afton Red Socks, the Sand Creek 9. The Blue Caps play the La Crescent Apple Jacks at 1pm.

Admission fee is 2-bits, or 25 cents. Concessions, merchandise and a raffle will be available with all proceeds going to the Blue Caps. Bring a chair and enjoy the fun.

History of the Blue Caps

The Menomonie Blue Caps vintage base ball club formed in 2012 – 71 years after the original Blue Caps last played – to educate the community about the origins of our national past time. 

In 1882, a highly successful amateur club of the same name played high level baseball for nearly 60 years, drawing large crowds throughout the region. The Blue Caps played their last official game in 1941 before turning the remaining roster over to the local Menomonie Eagles, a team that still plays today.

The current iteration of the team can be found playing in Menomonie, Dunn County and even throughout the country by the rules and regulations adopted by the National Association of Base Ball Players in March 1860. 

Rules of 1860 base ball:

• The pitcher delivers the ball underhand; strikes are called only on a clean swing and miss.

• A hit ball is considered fair or foul by where it first hits the ground, or a player, first.

• A ball caught in the air or on the first bounce, fair or foul, puts the striker out.

•  A runner may not overrun first base.

• There are no free backs for the base runners. They may be doubled off the base on a foul ball that is first returned to the pitcher.

• No gloves are worn (they were not invented until the late 1870s).

You’re invited to head down to Phelan Park on Saturday, bring a chair and enjoy the joys of 1860 vintage base ball at this family friendly event. 

For more information visit the Blue Caps facebook page or email [email protected]

Dustyn “Mad Dog” Dubuque is Team Captain of the Menomonie Blue Caps.

Murals in Menomonie: Meet the Makers (Part 2 of 2)

By Barbara Lyon, MNN Contributor

In just a few days, highlights of Dunn County’s storied past will be colorfully recreated when Murals in Menomonie, the city’s first-ever large scale public arts festival, kicks off on June 24.

Folks driving through Menomonie’s historic district recently may have noticed that the walls on some of its iconic buildings have been spruced up lately with fresh coats of paint. Nine downtown businesses – along with Dunn County, the Rassbach Museum and two villages – each donated $2,500 for the privilege of having an image painted by an international group of more than 200 professional muralists, sign painters and artists known as The Walldogs.

More than two years ago, Vintage Sign Shop owner and himself a Walldogs’ veteran, Wade Lambrigtsen successfully convinced the city to apply to become a Certified Walldog Community. Explaining the value of hosting Murals in Menomonie, he points out that at an estimated $50,000 each, the retail value of all the murals is around $750,000 – not to mention the economic boost of attracting visitors to the city.

Lambrigtsen notes that the building owners are making the public artwork possible. “They’re the ones who are cleaning up their buildings … doing the tuck-pointing, the painting … which to me is just as important as doing the murals.”

Considerable in-kind donations and months of extensive fundraising by a dedicated executive committee and volunteers have provided the money for materials and other related expenses.

The project leaders – all of whom are also the designers – for each mural are the only ones who receive a modest stipend. “Everybody else is just coming to paint and hang out and have a good time painting murals because that is what they love to do,” Lambrigsten added.

Leaders of the pack

When they arrive on Wednesday, the project leaders will prepare their designated sites, starting with applying the outlines of their designs on walls throughout downtown Menomonie, the Dunn County Rec Park, and four individual panels mounted on easels in Wilson Park.

Under their direction the following day, experienced volunteer Walldogs artists ranging in age from a 9-year-old from Canada to an 83-year-old artist from Park Ridge, Ill. will break out their brushes and get to work.

Rundown of each mural, its description, location and project leader(s):

• Dunn County Fair (17th St. SE): Christopher Lovelady of Vital Signs LLC in Florida. Measuring 42 feet long and 13 feet tall, it’s one of the largest of all the festival’s murals.

• Ludington Guard Band (502 2nd St. W): Jeff Lang of Old Lange Signs in Pennsylvania

• Menomonie Blue Caps (516 Broadway St. S): Niko Alexander from Minneapolis and Amy Zaremba from Madison will be using paper and virtual reality goggles to apply their design.

• Coca-Cola (Broadway): “Queen Walldog” Nancy Bennett will revive the ghost mural on the wall above Stacked Eatery building.

• UW-Stout Polytechnic (712 Broadway): California muralist Tom Seibert will trace the university’s fabled history on the Administration Building overlooking the Clocktower Plaza.

• Swiss Miss (616 3rd St. E): Joy Hernandez Butler of Joy the Stampede Art, Indianapolis, Ind.

• Lumberjacks (400 Main St.): Joe Diaz of Joe Diaz Sign Art, Pontiac, Ill.

• Bolo Inn (710 4th St. E): Joy Kjer of Art on Display, Lincoln, Neb.

• Kraft State Bank Robbery (500 Main St.): Designed by Canadian Elaine Wallis and executed by project leader Kelsey McClellan of Heart and Bone Signs, Chicago – across from the M&I Bank building.

• Menomonie History “What the Land Has Provided” (614 Main St.): This 70-foot long mural will be the swan song for a trio of “old-timers” affectionately known at “The Wingnuts” – Canadians Russell Kelly of TottenHouse Studios and Eric Skinner of Art Function, and Floridian Sonny Franks of Sign Creations.

• Golden Submarine/Harry Miller (Auto Value Building): Kurt Gaber of Gaber Signs from Chippewa Falls, who also hosted both of his city’s 2002 and 2006 Walldogs mural events.

Murals on panels at Wilson Park:

Boyceville Cucumber Fest: Andy Goreski of Custom Murals, Tomahawk, Wis.

Ridgeland Community Fair: Christine Brunk-Deshazo of Spectrum Graphics, Murphysboro, Ill.

Anderson Bros. Cigars: Dan Luckin of Dan’s Handpainted Signs, Chelmsford, England and Phil Schultz of Chicago Sign Systems, Ill.

Hmong Story Quilt: Angelina Yang and Pretti Thao, UW-Stout Polytechnic students and first-time Walldogs. Their mural is destined to be displayed at Menomonie’s Rassbach Museum.

Kids’ activities, food trucks, live music, farmers’ and artisan markets and more can be found in Wilson Park. Festival goers can also observe Mike Meyer, a sign painter from Iowa hard at work nearby in the Auto Value parking lot. He’ll be recreating small versions of long-gone Menomonie landmarks like Marshall’s Drive In and the Bolo Inn to be auctioned off during a Saturday night banquet honoring the Walldogs’ volunteers.

In fact, all the project leaders are making small versions of the murals for an auction. Proceeds will go into a special fund to support the future upkeep of the murals.

The five-day Murals in Menomonie festival runs between June 24 and June 28. For a map and full details, visit muralsinmenomonie.com and Facebook

Barbara Lyon is a freelance writer and retired editor of The Dunn County News

More info on the Walldogs Mural Project:

• interactive map of the mural locations/names

• Sign-up to volunteer

• Donate to the project

Find more at muralsinmenomonie.com and on Facebook

Murals Event Schedule - Plan Your Visit

Camden Hargrove Honored at Juneteenth Event in Madison

Dunn County Manager Highlights June 17 Board Meeting

Each month Dunn County Manager Dan Dunbar shares a video message with highlights of the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting.

This month the Board meets Wednesday, June 17, 7pm at the Dunn County Government Center, Rm 54.

Click to review the agenda.

Source: Dunn County Facebook Page

4-H Happenings in Dunn County

By Ann Lee

4-H Members make a difference in our community. In preparation for Memorial Day, members of the Little Elk Creek 4-H Club replaced flags and markers at the graves of veterans at Froens Cemetery. Dunn County 4-H staff are grateful to Nancy Quilling for coordinating the event, Eldon Hilson and Mark Weber for providing a list of veterans, and the Heckendorf family for properly disposing of the old flags at Fleet Farm.

Dunn County 4-H wishes a warm welcome back to Sam Stephens as Summer Intern. Sam recently graduated from UW-River Falls with a degree in Agricultural Marketing Communications and Agricultural Business. On coming back to Dunn County 4-H, Sam said, “I can’t wait to reconnect with all of you and jump back into the work that makes this community so special.” She continued, “after the summer, I’ll be looking for a full‑time role in agriculture and community engagement. When I’m not working, you’ll find me baking, fishing, or enjoying the outdoors.” 

There is still time for 4-H members in grade K-5th grade to sign up for Dunn County’s 4-H Summer Project Days held on Fridays in June and July. These fun activities include Splash Science on June 19, Edible Engineering on June 26, and DIY Recycled Paper and Stamps on July 10. Sign up for one or all by going to www.4honline.com.

Jumping right into summer and fair season, there’s a new event at the Dunn County Fair this year; the Rabbit Hopping Competition. Rabbit Hopping is an official animal sport where domestic rabbits are led through a course by their owners and encouraged to jump over small hurdles. Rabbit Show Hopping (Kaninhoppning) started in Sweden in the 1970’s. The world record for the highest rabbit jump is 42.1 in. For a hopping good time, be sure to go to the Small Animal Building on Thursday, July 23 at 9am to watch the new Rabbit Hopping Competition.

 Dunn County 4-H Summer Softball is starting for its members. The Juniors (8-12 years old) will be playing on Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. and Seniors (13 years old and up) will be playing on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m. Visit our softball page for the 2026 schedule, consent forms and more HERE.

If you live in Dunn County and don’t want to miss out on 4-H activities like these, join Dunn County 4-H today!

For more information about these events, contact Zachary Rozmiarek, 4-H Educator at 715-232-1636 or visit the Facebook page.

Leaders aren’t born. They’re grown.

Ann Lee is the Dunn County 4-H Assistant Educator

Flag Day Included Brick Dedication for Veterans

Music Over Menomonie Begins its 16th Season Every Thursday on the Library Lawn

We have been waiting all year to welcome you back to the Library lawn for another season of Music Over Menomin!

Thanks to the Friends of the Library, our generous sponsor for 2026, we’ll be back in full swing every Thursday from June 11 - August 13 at 7pm on the library lawn.

On July 2 and Aug 6 the Friends will be selling hot dogs, so come hungry!

Ride your bike and get front row parking, walk or park in the library lot or the lot next door at 700 Wolske Bay Road. Thanks to our neighbors for sharing their parking lot.

FREE and open to all!

*In case of inclement weather, decision to cancel will be made by 4pm each Thursday. Watch the library homepage & social media for information.

*In case of inclement weather, decision to cancel will be made by 4pm each Thursday. Watch the library homepage & social media for information.

Source: Menomonie Public Library webpage

Luisa Gerasimo Named Distinguished Educator by UW-Madison Extension

Congratulations to our own Luisa Gerasimo, Senior Human Development and Relationships Educator in Dunn County, who has been named a Distinguished Educator by UW–Madison.

The distinguished title recognizes extensive experience, advanced skills and knowledge, reputation and remarkable contributions to the profession.
Luisa’s many noteworthy accomplishments include:

• Leading and co-leading the Dunn County Housing Action Team. This alliance came out of the Community Health Improvement Plan via the Dunn County Health Department in 2019. She has invested in this group because having a safe and affordable place to live is foundational to family wellness.

• Growing The Literacy Link program’s “Making Reading Memories” in the local jail to record numbers over the course of the last four years in partnership with the Dunn County Jail Program Director, Heather Pyka.

• Consistently contributing to multiple state teams and marketing classes and resources to the region, resulting in local residents and service providers regularly taking advantage of educational programming.

• Serving on boards like the United Way St. Croix & Red Cedar Valleys , where she helped create and launch a Day of Caring which now attracts hundreds of volunteers to serve local nonprofits, a value added of close to $17,000.

Luisa, who has been a part of Extension since 2018, finds motivation in her work by relating to the families she supports.

"My family of origin had its own set of stressors: we moved a LOT, we struggled financially, our parents got divorced, and we also had love and found joy” she said.

“When I work with local families, it is easy to feel motivated to help. Today's families are more stressed than ever, and society needs to do a better job centering our policies and energy on what families need to thrive."

Congratulations, Luisa, on your well-deserved recognition as a distinguished HDR educator. Thank you for your efforts and energy in our institute, in Dunn County and across the state!

Source: UW Extension Dunn County Facebook page

MHS Grads - Matt Stevenson - Class of 2009

By Judy Foust

This past week I interviewed a remarkable young man whom I had never met before—Matt Stevenson. We started the interview the way I often do—over a cup of coffee. It creates an atmosphere of sharing that moves the discussions deeper into the person I’m getting to know.

Growing up, Matt did typical things with friends—lots of bike riding all over town, summer athletics, etc. Coming from Oaklawn Elementary and Menomonie Middle School, he described himself as a pretty typical student. He enjoyed playing hockey, football, and baseball.

But all of that changed for Matt in eighth grade when he began to experience depression and suicidal ideation. That was the first time that he contemplated committing suicide. “I eventually told a friend what I was thinking. She told her mom, and school counselors got involved. I was self-harming. I was hitting myself.”

With the help of counselors, the suicidal thoughts subsided. But during the winter of 2007, Matt’s sophomore year, those thoughts came back with a vengeance.

That was when Matt began to feel the pressure of school and sports. One of his coaches gave him a nickname that he couldn’t shake. The name was picked up by teammates and “teasing” turned into bullying, leading Matt to feel increasingly isolated and depressed.

According to Matt, “It was kind of an accumulating storm. I began to contemplate suicide by the end of December and had even come up with a date and a plan.” He told me he planned how he would kill himself—something those contemplating suicide often do.

The anguish escalated until January 9, 2007, when Matt went home during the school day after an impromptu sports meeting that took a negative spin. “I started breaking down right in the middle of gym class. It was then that I turned to my best friend and said, ‘Tell people to remember me.’ The friend didn’t understand what I was saying. Grabbing Matt’s arm, Matt replied “No, I have to do this.” He pulled away from his friend’s grip, got into his car and drove home.

After that, the last thing he remembered was lying on the ground thinking of a friend who had completed a suicide attempt. “I thought about what his funeral had been like and about his family at the funeral. When I woke up in the hospital, my jaw was wired shut.” He had no memory of what had happened.

Looking back on that time, Matt realized that he hadn’t wanted to die, but he didn’t know how to manage all the negative emotions and physical pain that came with the feelings accompanying those strong emotions. He just wanted the pain to stop.

The damage was severe. While at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Matt said he had a lot of visitors and support from family and friends. He also noted being surprised by some classmates who came to visit.

Matt was at Regions from January 7 through March 3 until he transitioned back into high school attending half-days.

Realizing that sports wouldn’t be part of his future, he began to take classes in technology education. Matt attributes this change to one of his most influential teachers— Ryan Sterry, Career and Technical Education teacher at MHS. Matt said Mr. Sterry had a calm, encouraging way of teaching. He also had a good sense of humor that was a perfect fit for Matt. In fact, the two fit together so well that he asked Mr. Sterry if he could be his teaching assistant and the two worked together for two terms!

Another influential educator for Matt was Guidance Counselor Frank Buckles. Mr. Buckles helped make a smooth transition back to school and to adjust socially, physically, and academically to his school environment.

I asked Matt how his classmates reacted when he returned. He noted that they were all supportive and that the good friends he had made before the suicide attempt remained his good friends and many of them still are to this day.

After finishing high school, Matt attended CVTC, graduating with a certification in construction. He went on to attend UW-LaCrosse where he earned a B.S. degree in Therapeutic Recreation. While at LaCrosse, he completed an internship in Eugene, Oregon, working in an Adaptive Recreation Department. The area was perfect because he enjoyed hiking, hunting and fishing as well as anything that included being outdoors during his free time.

Today Matt is employed at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. He works in Behavioral Health on an adult psychiatric unit where he feels he can make a positive difference in the lives of those he works with. Since completing courses in nursing, Matt is also seeking certification as an RN.

Matt currently lives in Menomonie. He still hunts and fishes with his longtime friends and has added carpentry to his list of interests. Matt has created utilitarian things, such as shelving, but really wants to concentrate on constructing high-quality furniture.

Judging from the strength of purpose he has shown since his attempted suicide, I’m confident Matt will be able to meet that goal! He is rightfully proud of the fact that he has made a “healthy return” to living.

Another major goal Matt has is to use his life experiences to help others suffering from depression and isolation through public speaking, some of which he’s done at CVTC and in the Menomonie area. Matt has been written about in a CVTC article (published in MNN in 2024) for his activism in preventing suicide. He now wants to expand his speaking to larger audiences.

Having heard Matt speak briefly at the Health Dunn Right Mental Health/Community Foundation event at the Mabel Tainter in April (the Kody Green event which focused on mental health awareness and reducing stigma), I know he will be an outstanding speaker. (NOTE: If your organization is looking for a speaker on this important topic, I highly recommend you consider contacting Matt at [email protected]).

I asked Matt my usual final question: What do you feel are some of the qualities that made growing up in Menomonie special for you? He responded “being in a small community makes it easier getting to know each other. That is one of the best ways to get through tough situations.”

I am so happy I met Matt. We talked for over an hour. He has a terrific sense of humor, a calm presence, and a willingness to share his life’s experiences. He is a remarkable young man! We are fortunate to have him as one of our own.

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]

July 4th Celebration - Volunteers Needed

Following up on the heels of Murals in Menomonie will be the July 4th Celebration at Wakanda Park.

Volunteers are needed. Sign up HERE.

Hear the story behind this year’s July 4th Celebration in a recent podcast.

More info at Explore Menomonie including other activities taking place.

Public Meetings June 17-24

City of Menomonie

Wed Jun 17 Urban Forestry Committee, 1pm; Airport Commission, 6pm  

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

No scheduled meetings

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Jun 17 Dunn County Board of Supervisors, 7pm PACKET

Thur Jun 18 Planning, Resource & Development Committee, 8:30am PACKET (SEE NOTE BELOW)*

Fri Jun 19 Traffic Safety & Emergency Medical Services Committee, 9am; AGENDA; Neighbors of Dunn County Committee, 9am AGENDA & MINUTES

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

*NOTE: As part of Dunn County’s commitment to transparency and public education, the Dunn County Planning, Resource & Development Committee will continue its discussion on modular data centers during its meeting on Thursday, June 18, at 8:30 a.m. in Room 54 of the Dunn County Government Center.

County officials recognize there is significant public interest in this topic and are committed to sharing information, asking questions, and providing opportunities for residents to learn alongside decision-makers as discussions continue.

This agenda item is for discussion only. No action is scheduled at this time.
The public is welcome to attend.

Source: Dunn County

Menomonie Week at a Glance June 17-24

Wed Jun 17 Farmers Market, 10am - 4pm, Wilson Park; Carden Circus, 4pm & 7pm, Dunn County Fairgrounds; Sea Shanty Singalong, 7-8:30pm, Brewery Nonic

Thur Jun 18 Music Over Menomin (Mojo Lemon Blues) 7pm, Menomonie Public Library Lawn; Bingo, 7pm, Moose Lodge

Fri Jun 19 Red Cross Blood Drive, 12:30 - 5pm, East YMCA, 3019 Schneider Ave SE; Friday Night Races, 7pm, Red Cedar Speedway

Sat Jun 20 Farmers Market, 8am - 1pm, Wilson Park; Menomonie Blue Caps Festival, 10am - 5pm, Phelan Park;

Sun Jun 21

Mon Jun 22

Tue Jun 23 Kids Rock Painting, 2pm, Public Library; Line Dancing, 5:30 - 8pm, Euchre, 7-9pm, Moose Lodge; Ludington Band Concert, 7:30pm, Wilson Park

Wed Jun 24 Farmers Market, 10am - 4pm, Wilson Park;

Mustangs Earn All-Big Rivers Recognition

Menomonie Scores Four on Softball Honors List, Five on Baseball Team

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

Menomonie High School athletes earned recognition on the 2026 All-Big Rivers Conference softball and baseball teams, with several Mustangs honored among the league’s top performers.

In softball, Menomonie senior outfielder Ellie Isenberger-Fisher was selected to the First Team All-Big Rivers Conference squad. Isenberger-Fisher was the lone Mustang named to the conference’s first team.

Three Menomonie players received honorable mention recognition.  Freshman infielder Kinzleigh Cody, senior infielder Jaidyn Stouff and sophomore outfielder Elsa Elliott were among the athletes honored by conference coaches. The Mustangs finished the season at 13-12 overall.

On the baseball diamond, Menomonie landed one player on the First Team All-Big Rivers Conference roster and one on the second team.

Senior outfielder Landon Mittlestadt earned first-team honors for the Mustangs. Taylor Mars was selected to the second team as an infielder. Mittlestadt was a second team pick in 2024 and 2025.

Three additional Menomonie players received honorable mention recognition - senior Bailey Casey, junior Oliver Lugo and senior Cade Lamb.

Mittlestadt finished the 2026 season batting .289 with six runs batted in, six doubles, 14 runs scored and four stolen bases. Mars hit .333 for hte season, with nine doubles, two home runs, 19 RBI, 14 runs scored and four stolen bases.

On the mound, Casey notched 45 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched, finishing with a 2.36 earned run average. Lamb made 16 appearances on the mound for the Mustangs, recording 26 strikeouts over 31.1 innings pitched for an ERA of 2.46. Lugo was the team's leader in stolen bases, recording 14 thefts in 15 attempts. Lugo batted .333 with two triples and 21 runs scored.

The Mustangs finished the season at 16-14 overall, advancing to the finals of the WIAA Division 1 Chippewa Falls Sectional.

River Falls senior Ethan Jeffers was named the conference Pitcher of the Year, while Hudson senior Jace Mataczynski earned Player of the Year honors.

The all-conference teams featured athletes from across the Big Rivers Conference, including Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire Memorial, Eau Claire North, Hudson, Menomonie, New Richmond, Rice Lake and River Falls.

2026 All-BRC Softball Team | 2026 All-BRC Baseball Team

The story “Mustangs Earn All-Big Rivers Recognition” 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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