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Menomonie News Net
May 21, 2025, Issue 27
Local News Group
May 21, 2025
In this issue, we share breaking news on a downtown fire, highlight Memorial Day observance, spotlight what's happening around town, and celebrate the achievements of our local students.
Issue 27 is a special milestone marking six months since Menomonie News Net’s launch on November 20, 2024!
We’re grateful for your continued support, from reading and sharing stories to offering feedback, ideas, and donations.
As a community-led news source, none of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to writers, content editors, photographers, advisory board members, and community partners for making it happen.
Wishing you a safe, restful, and reflective holiday weekend….
Editors: Layne Pitt & Becky Kneer; Tech Support: Tracy Glenz; MNN Contributors
Website: menomonienewsnet.org Submit News: [email protected]
In this Issue…
Tuesday Night Fire Destroys Downtown Menomonie Business
Firefighters were still on the scene of a fire in the 200 block of downtown Menomonie Wednesday morning. The fire reportedly broke out around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. Photo: Layne Pitt
MENOMONIE - Menomonie firefighters were still on the scene on Wednesday morning of a fire that was reported in a building housing a local downtown business around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 20.
The fire at 244 East Main Street, on the corner of Main Street and Third Street East, housed Town and Country Antiques, as well as several upstairs apartments. There was no report of injuries. The building appears to be a total loss.
This is a continuing story and will be updated at Menomonie News Net as more details are available.
Menomonie’s 2025 Memorial Day Observance at Evergreen Cemetery
Evergreen Cemetery Photo: Vicky Sinz
By Becky Kneer, MNN
This Memorial Day, the beautiful and historic Evergreen Cemetery will once again serve as the backdrop for Menomonie’s annual observance. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at 13th Street NE—home to one of our community’s most cherished landmarks.
Greg Quinn, Dunn County Veterans Service Officer, shares that this year’s event will feature guest speaker Pastor August Hohl, Jr., CW3, U.S. Army (Retired), and pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie.
The program will also include:
Vocal solos by Cassie Giannini
Readings by siblings Isaiah and Lillianna Bushendorf, 7th and 9th grade students
A ceremonial release of homing pigeons to honor our fallen, by Menomonie resident Tom Vanderloop
The playing of Taps by Menomonie High School students Kloie Bailey, Oliver Kerze, and Timmy Berends
The observance is hosted by the Dunn County Patriotic Council, Hosford-Chase Post 32 American Legion, Menomonie Post 1039 VFW, the Menomonie Honor Guard and Dunn County Veterans Service Office.
What to Know:
Bring a chair or blanket to sit on during the ceremony.
Those with mobility concerns are encouraged to arrive early and drive onto the cemetery “island” for closer parking.
In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved to Kyote’s Bar & Grill on Highway 29.
After the ceremony, attendees are welcome to stay and walk the cemetery grounds.
About Evergreen Cemetery
Evergreen Cemetery is not just a place of rest but a place of deep historical significance. Established in 1873 with land donated by the Knapp, Stout & Company lumber operation, it was added to both the State and National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
Surrounded by Lake Menomin, the cemetery became an island between the 1920s and 1950s as water levels rose. It offers stunning views in every direction, with more than 6,300 recorded gravesites along winding, rustic paths. Many of Menomonie’s founders are buried here, and the grounds include a monument to Civil War Veterans.
Memorial Day services have been held here since 1901, making this annual observance a proud tradition that continues to bring the community together.
Memorial Day is a time to reflect, remember, and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful tribute.
Becky Kneer, LTC, U.S. Army Nurse Corp (Retired) is co-editor of Menomonie News Net.
Contact: Greg Quinn, Dunn County Veterans Service Officer 715-232-1646 [email protected]
New Courtesy Dock Near Downtown Menomonie
Courtesy Dock can accommodate up to two boats Facebook Photo
The City of Menomonie’s Community Services Department is pleased to announce the installation of a Courtesy Dock near downtown. This project was completed with minimal cost by repurposing a dock previously used at Lakeside Park and clearing an existing overgrown walking trail from the intersection of Crescent Street and 6th Avenue.
The dock can accommodate up to two boats for a maximum of two hours. Boaters are reminded to remain clear of the water ski course when approaching or departing the dock, and that the City is not responsible for any damage or theft while using the dock.
Source: City of Menomonie Facebook
Menomonie Students Receive Scholarships at CVTC
Eau Claire - Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) students received 470 scholarships and microgrants totaling more than $386,000 throughout the 2024-2025 school year. The students and scholarship donors participated in a CVTC Foundation annual Scholarship Awards Reception to honor those students and donors. Scholarships were given to both incoming and continuing students and span a majority of the CVTC program areas.
Scholarship winners from Menomonie included:
Gracie Casper - Oral Surgery Associates Scholarship; Nicholas DeCambaliza - Aura & Raymond Strong Memorial Endowment Scholarship; Dieter Frank - Northwestern Bank Endowment Scholarship; Thea Lea Her - Jim & Jessica Binder Aoda/Nursing Memorial Endowment Scholarship and Karl & Vila Nygaard Memorial Nursing Endowment Scholarship; Samantha Hoff - American Association of University Women - Eau Claire Branch Scholarship, Dairy State Bank Endowment Scholarship, and Liberal Arts Memorial Scholarship; Lauren Kado - Cathy "Stretch" Weiss Memorial Endowment Scholarship, Coy Hobbs Memorial Endowment Scholarship, and Tracey Christman Memorial Medical Scholarship; Benjamin Kelly - Todd Bauer Memorial Lineworker Scholarship Presented by Dunn Energy Cooperative; Thea Lea Her - Jim & Jessica Binder Aoda/Nursing Memorial Endowment Scholarship and Karl & Vila Nygaard Memorial Nursing Endowment Scholarship; Alexander Markham - Arland M. & Eleanor M. Larson Memorial Endowment Scholarship and Nordson EDI Corporation Scholarship; Cash Noel - Fey Family Endowed Diesel Mechanic Scholarship and Lars Fiskars Memorial Endowment Scholarship; Mason Antczak - Aiden Ozzello Gas Utility Scholarship; Dakota Antczak - Chippewa Valley Facility Engineers Scholarship, CVTC Facilities Maintenance Endowment, Steve Schilling Memorial Scholarship, Wisconsin Healthcare Engineering Association Scholarship - Mechatronics Specialist Student, and Xcel Energy Mechatronics Scholarship; Emma Ryan - Wisconsin Hospital Association Foundation, Inc. Scholarship; Marlie Sabelko - Wisconsin Warehouse Association Supply Chain Management Scholarship; Lucas Smith - 3M Map Scholarship and Chippewa Valley Facility Engineers Scholarship; Avery Staidl – John -R. Dale Memorial Endowment Scholarship; Joshua Springer - Geri Wendt Memorial Accounting Endowment Scholarship, Patrick B. Devine Memorial Endowment Scholarship, and the Jim & Jennifer Rooney Family Foundation Program Scholarship; Dejntxhee Vang - John M. Anderson Memorial Endowment Scholarship, Nicolet National Bank Scholarship, Wayne R. Atkins Endowment Scholarship, and William J. Boyle Endowment Scholarship.
By Alyssa Van Duyse, Chippewa Valley Technical College. She may be contacted at [email protected]
MHS Grads: Where are They Now?
Elizabeth (Bit) Ohvall - Class of 2013
By Judy Foust This week's story features Elizabeth (Bit) Ohvall - Class of 2013. Friends, this week’s story is about Elizabeth (Bit) Ohvall and all her adventures beyond MHS. She begins with roots that were planted during her years in the Menomonie Public School District. She writes… Menomonie may be a quiet town, but its school halls have echoed with the footsteps of impressive individuals. With outstanding teachers, tight-knit classrooms, and a community that values learning, the Menomonie School District has long been the launchpad for big dreams. I graduated in 2013,f but the memories from my hometown are steadfast.  At MHS River Heights Elementary has long been more than just a school—it’s where curiosity is sparked, futures take root, and teachers are lifelong role models. Mrs. Jeanne made me feel creative, Mrs. Mayer made me happy everyday, I built many friendships in Mr. K’s class and Mrs. Catto truly taught me how to read. During my years at MMS I learned the value of trying any sport to just have fun and became a musician thanks to Mr. Utphall. In high school, Señora Ruegnitz sparked an excitement toward international travel and world languages. All of these lessons but most importantly the teachers, led me to pursue the profession myself. After graduation, I spent four thrilling years at the University of Wisconsin Madison. In that time I became a Big-Ten Champion on the crew team, jumped around in Camp Randall Stadium, and performed in the orchestra, all while completing a double major in elementary and special education at the renowned School of Education. Shout out to Dirty-T and Fort Dame! | Following college I traveled to Thailand to earn a certificate in teaching English as a Second Language. I taught English at Dejanusorn Primary School in Nakhom Chai Si. While in Southeast Asia I was able to cheer on Olympians in Pyeongchang South Korea, get my Open Water Diver certification to swim with sharks in Bali Indonesia, and trek around Mt. Fuji in Japan.  In 2018 I moved to Seattle. It was then that I joined the local November Project chapter. It’s a free local fitness nonprofit. Through NP, I began to build the amazing network of friends I have in the pacific northwest. Other hobbies of mine now include watercoloring, going paddleboarding and leading my book club. I also ran my first marathon in June of 2023, the infamous Grandma’s Marathon from Two Harbors to Duluth, MN. At school, I was recently awarded the Educator of Year and am about to finish my 7th year teaching elementary special education in Mercer Island, Washington. I credit my passion for becoming a teacher to the amazing teachers I had growing up. As I reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m headed, I appreciate the steady rhythm of Menomonie’s small community and the teachers in the classrooms of our local schools.  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] |
Patio Work Begins at Public Library
Music Over Menomin begins June 12 at nearby Lakeside Park
Public Library Patio Project Photo: Facebook
Menomonie Public Library staff are saying… “We can't wait to see how beautiful our flowering tree will look next spring with a brand new patio area!”
Relocated this year, Music Over Menomin will be held at nearby Lakeside Park beginning Thursday June 12.
For information on the outdoor space project click here.
MHS Extracurricular News: May 13-20
Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements
Photo: Debra Bell
May 14
The Varsity Softball Team split with Hudson in a double header last night. We lost game 1 11-7 then responded in game 2 and won 7-6 on a walk-off sacrifice bunt by Adison Hasse. Siera Auth had a great night at the plate going 4-8 with her 1st career home run. Siera also played fantastic defense both on the mound getting the win in game 2 and in center fielding making a huge diving catch in the top of the 7th inning. Reese Barfkneckt also tallied 3 hits. Livi Sample went 5-5 at the plate with 2 walks scoring 6 times. Livi also achieved the rare milestone of tallying her 100th career hit in game 2. The Mustang defense was led by Siera Auth and Amanda Holzhueter.
The JV Softball Team swept Hudson 8-4 and 8-1. Vivian Lorenzen continues to be a leading hitter, having 4 doubles. Mya Romsos and Mariah Curtis each hit a triple to add to the Mustang offense. The JV pitching staff combined for 18 strikeouts in the sweep.
Congratulations to the JV2 Baseball Team on sweeping Chippewa Falls yesterday. JV2 won the first game 6-5 and the second 9-3. The team improved it’s record to 6-4 on the season and finished their week 3-0.
The Boys Tennis Team fell 3-4 in a close match with Altoona last night. Claiming wins for the Mustangs were Aaron Lambrigtsen in singles play as well as the number one doubles teams of Micah Gunderson and Tristan Webb and the number three doubles team of Sam McWithey and Davin Ellis. The Mustangs finished an incredible regular season with an overall team record of 21-6!
Girls Basketball is meeting now in room 129 the health room to discuss summer schedules.
May 16
On a warm but windy day, the Mustangs Golf Team finished in 7th place at the 20 team Rice Lake Invitational Thursday. Only 5 shots out of 3rd. All team scores were considerably higher as they battled windy conditions. Leading the Mustangs were Mitch Kopaczewski & Wes Miller both carding 81's. Also, scoring were Trent Wold 82, Tyler Reckin 84. Go Mustangs!
This past weekend the Trap Team competed at the Northwest Wisconsin Invitational in Eau Claire the men's team took 3rd place. Carl Rabeneck took High Overall for Mens with a score of 99/100. Also scoring for Menomonie Connor Burstad 92, Jack Andreson 91, Wyatt Smestuen 91 and Matthew Forsman 89.
May 19
Varsity Baseball: The Mustangs defeated LaCrosse Logan 7-5 and LaCrosse Central 10-0. Against Logan, Mitch Scribner went 1-3 with a 2 run homerun, and Charlie Mikesell was 4-4. Zack Miller received the win for the Mustangs on the mound while James Hoff received a save. In Game 2, Bailey Casey was dominant on the mound throwing 4 shutout innings. Offensively, the Mustangs were led by Cage Sorenson going 3 for 3 and Owen Welch going 3 for 3. The Mustangs next game is Tuesday against Eau Claire Memorial.
JV Baseball: JV baseball swept LaCrosse Logan 6-0 and 24-2. In game 1 Tyler Sutherland threw a complete game shutout. In Game 2, Andrew Hoff hit a grand slam home run and Peyton Keyes collected his first high school home run.
May 20
Under cold & windy conditions again the Varsity Golf Team tied for 4th at the BRC meet at River Falls Golf Club Monday. Leading the Mustangs were Tyler Reckin carding a 3 over 39 good for 6th place, Mitch Kopaczewski & Quin Rabeneck both shooting 42's good for 15th place & Trent Wold with a 44 good for 23rd.
The JV Golf Team also battled the same conditions & managed a 2nd place tie (4 shots out of 1st) at their BRC meet at Badlands Golf in Roberts. Leading the Mustangs were Isaac Rynes with a 41 good for 5th place, Isaac Anderson 43 and 8th place, Ryder Anderson 45 in 14th place & Brekkin Cody 46 in 18th place.
The Girls Soccer Team rallied to tie Barron 3-3 in a non-conference shootout. Sydney Norby led the team with two goals and an assist. Lauren Alexander scored the other goal and Allysa Benrud got on the board with an assist.
The JV2 Baseball Team lost to Chippewa Falls 4-2 last night. The JV2's record is now 6-5 on the season. Congratulations to the MHS Boys track and field team for their outstanding performances at the Big Rivers Conference Championships yesterday at Chippewa Falls. The team finished 4th overall. Individual BRC Champions, earning all-conference 1st team honors, were Jae Berg in the triple jump, Nolan Bien in the 110m hurdles and the 4x800m relay team of Evan Olson, Owen Pelzel, Peter Cimino and Luke Ray. 2nd place finishers, earning all-BRC 2nd team, were Nolan Bien in the 300m hurdles, Blake Kissh in the discus and Jae Berg in the high jump. 3rd place finishers, earning all-BRC honorable mention, were Jae Berg in the long jump and Dan Hansen in the 300m hurdles. Special congratulations to Jae Berg for being named Big Rivers Conference Field Athlete of the Year. Great job Jae, and great job boys team.
Congratulations to the Girls Track and Field Team on their performances last night at the Big Rivers Conference Championship meet. The girls placed 4th overall as a team, just two points away from 2nd. All-Conference Awards were earned by Bennett Schmitt (1st in 4x800 and 3200 run), Bella Drake (1st in 4x800), Anika Schoenberger (1st in 4x800), Bree Barfknecht (1st in 4x800, 2nd in 800, 3rd in 1600), Lauren McCalla (1st in 800 and 1600 runs) and Kierston Coss (2nd in high jump). Lauren McCalla also broke the meet record in the 800 meter which helped her earn the BRC Track MVP of the meet award. Congrats girls!
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 who will receive their diplomas on Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m. The event will be live-streamed.
AI generated image
Community Foundation of Dunn County Announces First Grantees of $5K Match Challenge
Menomonie - The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is excited to announce the first five nonprofit organizations selected for the $5K Match Challenge, a special funding opportunity designed to help local nonprofits establish a permanent endowment.
Through this challenge, CFDC will match $5,000 raised by each selected nonprofit. Together, the nonprofit’s $5,000 and the Foundation’s $5,000 match meet the $10,000 minimum required to create a new endowed fund at the Foundation—ensuring long-term, sustainable funding for the participating organizations.
The first five approved grantees are:
The Bridge to Hope – Providing shelter and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.
Colfax Public Library – Advancing literacy and lifelong learning through community-based library services.
Colfax Railroad Museum – Preserving and sharing the rich railroading heritage of the region.
Summit Academy – Offering alternative educational programs that support student success and development.
Positive Alternatives – Helping at-risk youth through supportive housing, mentoring, and outreach programs.
Each of these organizations has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the Dunn County community. The new endowment funds created through this challenge will provide a steady stream of income for years to come.
Only 10 grants remain in the $5K Match Challenge—nonprofits are encouraged to apply soon to take advantage of this unique opportunity to build long-term financial stability.
To learn more or to apply, visit https://cfdunncounty.org/5kmatch.
The Community Foundation of Dunn County is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Dunn County area by supporting charitable initiatives and strengthening community
Free Summer Parking in Downtown Menomonie
From May 19 through August 27, visitors and residents can enjoy free parking at all city meters north of Wilson Avenue in downtown Menomonie. These meters are easy to spot—they’ll be marked with a blue bag or blue ribbon labeled "free parking."
This free parking also includes City Lot 6, except for spaces marked as permit-only. Please note that City Lot 10 and the 15-minute meters in front of the Post Office are not included in the free parking program.
Source: City of Menomonie Facebook page
Menomonie Students Celebrate Earth Day with Work Projects
Hoffmann Hills State Recreation Area Photo: Georgina Tegart
By David K. Williams
Around 60 Menomonie Middle School students were joined by 14 students from Summit Academy for a workday to celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day was established by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to educate and demonstrate support for environmental protection.Officially Earth Day is set for April 22nd each year, and is now observed around the world.
Because of school schedules and the weather, the Menomonie students headed to Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area and the Red Cedar State Trail on May 9th. At each location, teams of students, accompanied by their teachers and members of the Menomonie Optimist Club, which organized the event, tackled cleaning up trash and pulling garlic mustard. Garlic mustard is an invasive and aggressive species.
A generous grant from Don and Nola Schley covered the costs of busing students and some food costs. Generous donations also came from JimmyJohns (sandwiches), Menomonie Market Food Co-op (fruit) and Premium Waters (water bottles).
The Schleys were also generous donors for the oak savanna restoration project at Hoffman Hills. The Menomonie Optimist Club, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, planted over 800 oak trees over several years, and have continued maintenance projects for the oak savanna. The area is named in honor of Don and Nola Schley.
At the end of their work project, students enjoyed a dish of Culvers frozen custard, courtesy of the Menomonie Culvers.
David Williams is a Menomonie resident and retired UW-Stout administrator.
Student workers on Red Cedar Trail Photo: David Williams
Public Meetings: Week of May 21 - 28
City of Menomonie
Wed May 21 Urban Forestry Board - 1 p.m.; Airport Commission - 6 p.m.
Click HERE for full calendar.
School District of Menomonie
Sun May 25 High School Graduation
Thur June 5 Last Day of School
Fri June 6 Professional Development Day
Click HERE for full calendar additional details
Dunn County
Wed May 21 Board of Supervisors
Thur May 22 Neighbors of Dunn County Committee - 9 a.m.; Committee on Administration - CANCELLED; Health & Human Services - 6 p.m.
Wed May 28 Facilities Committee - 5 p.m.
Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting
Menomonie Collegians
Stout Captures First-Ever Midwest Flag Football Championship
UW-Stout won the first-ever Midwest College Women's Flag Football League Championship
EAGAN, Minn. - Congratulations go out to the UW-Stout women’s flag football team which recently captured the first-ever Midwest College Women’s Flag Football League Championship the Minnesota Vikings’ TCO Performance Center in April.
The Blue Devils came into the double-elimination tournament seeded fourth after finishing the regular season at 4-2 and the team had to climb their way through the bracket to claim the title. Stout opened the tournament with a 41-36 win over Augustana University, then beat top-seeded Augsburg University 34-31 in the quarterfinals. Stout downed Concordia-Moorhead to advance to the championship round. The Blue Devils met Augustana, which had come back through the bracket to face Stout again. The Vikings needed to win two games over Stout to claim the title. Augustana took a 42-41 overtime first game win to set up the winner-take-all championship final. Stout responded with a 46-31 decision and carried the trophy back to Menomonie.
The National Football League (NFL) has been active in sponsoring women’s flag football around the country at the both the collegiate and high school levels. The Minnesota Vikings partnered with UW-Stout, as well as Augustana University, Concordia College Moorhead, Gustavus Adolphus College, Bethel University, and the University of Northwestern, St. Paul to form the league. In the partnership, the Vikings, with support from the NFL, contributed a total of $140,000 to support the league and the participating schools.
Athletic director Duey Naatz, a former Stout head football coach, coached the flag football team. The team played a pair of games at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, to open the season in early April, then hosted a jamboree at Don and Nona Williams Stadium with all teams April 12. Stout finished the season at 8-3 overall.
Kay Hein, a freshman from Menomonie, was a member of the team.
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/
For a Calendar of Events in the Menomonie Area, visit Kathy Weber’s Menomonie Minute.
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