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Menomonie News Net
Apr 23, 2025, Issue 23
Local News Group
April 28, 2025
Here’s Issue 23 of Menomonie News Net! You can look over back issues HERE. And as able please donate HERE.
We’re out in the community to spread the word about MNN…and tomorrow, Thurs Apr 24 at 1:30 p.m. we’re presenting a CVLR (Chippewa Valley Learning in Retirement) program at the Rassbach Museum in Menomonie. You’re welcome to stop by.
Sharing nonprofit nonpartisan news - by the community, for the community…
Editors: Layne Pitt & Becky Kneer, MNN Contributors, Tech Support: Tracy Glenz
Website: menomonienewsnet.org Submit News: [email protected]
In this Issue…
Illinois State Police Investigates Fatal Plane Crash
Small plane crash claims lives of four Menomonie residents
TRILLA, IL – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is investigating a fatal, small, single engine plane crash in Trilla, IL. On April 19, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m., ISP was contacted by the Coles County Sheriff’s Department to investigate a plane crash on 551-587 County Road 1400 N in Trilla, which is approximately three miles south of Mattoon in Coles County.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are still investigating the cause of the crash. All four occupants were pronounced deceased on scene. The aircraft remained in the roadway with the roadway closed until approximately 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2025.
The Coles County coroner confirmed the following identifications:
Ross R. Nelson, 46-year-old male from Menomonie, WI
Raimi A. Rundle, 45-year-old female from Menomonie, WI
Courtney L. Morrow, 36-year-old female from Menomonie, WI
Michael H. Morrow, 48-year-old male from Menomonie, WI
ISP thanks first responder personnel from the Coles County Sheriff’s Department, Mattoon Police Department, Mattoon Fire Department and the Lincoln Fire Protection District, who responded to the incident and provided critical assistance during this tragic incident.
Source: IL State Police News Release 4.20.25
Wear Jeans on Denim Day - Wed Apr 30
Denim Day 2025 is Wednesday, April 30.
Founded in Los Angeles and now acknowledged worldwide, Denim Day takes place on the last Wednesday of April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
It began in 1999 as a response to a controversial court ruling in Italy that overturned a rape conviction, claiming the survivor’s tight jeans implied consent. In protest, women in the Italian Parliament wore denim, igniting an international response.
By wearing denim jeans (or any denim clothing) on April 30, you show support for survivors of sexual assault.
In Menomonie The Bridge to Hope provides support and services. Donate or volunteer at https://www.thebridgetohope.org.
For nearly 40 years The Bridge to Hope of Dunn & Pepin Counties has provided shelter, support, information and referrals to those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Our vision is to provide a bridge to hope that creates a safer, more just, and compassionate society.
Menomonie Singers Concert this Weekend
Menomonie, WI - On April 26 and 27, The Menomonie Singers will perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and other selections by Eric Whitacre, Elaine Hagenberg, Rupert Lang, Leonard Bernstein, and an Alice Parker/Robert Shaw arrangement. The Gloria will be accompanied by local musicians.
The same program will be held at two locations: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Eau Claire on Sat, April 26 at 2 p.m; and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Menomonie on Sun, April 27 at 2 p.m. The suggested donation is $10.
The Vivaldi Gloria, one of three Glorias by Antonio Vivaldi, was composed possibly in 1715, and is a sacred work. It is made up of 12 movements or sections, which contain choral, solo or small ensemble singing in Latin.
Eric Whitacre’s Sing Gently evokes the yearning and gratitude of singing together especially in difficult times. The piece was written in 2020 when many choirs were reduced to filming themselves singing a single part of a piece, and then uploading their video to a platform which would then put be together for a single performance of the work; 17,572 singers from 129 countries came together to perform Sing Gently.
Sara Teasdale’s poem, Refuge, is featured in Elaine Hagenberg’s choral work of the same name; the piece brings an inspiring message of gratitude that singing can become a refuge, and as long as one can sing, one is free.
The uplifting choral work, Make Our Garden Grow, by Leonard Bernstein, from the musical, Candide, caps the Singers’ program. Its message is one of appreciation, and that we will do the best we can in difficult times.
The choir is looking for new members. Interested singers should contact Juliana Schmidt, Executive Director and founder, at [email protected]. Auditions will be held in August with fall rehearsals beginning shortly afterwards.
Visit us on our website at www.themenomoniesingers.org or on Facebook.
MHS Grads: Where are They Now?
Coming next week: Carolyn Cole - Class of 2007
Wheeler Renaissance
Reflections on how one local village has ‘something to be proud of’
By Renee Carrell
About ten years ago, I remember flipping through a calendar that featured twelve small towns and villages in Dunn County. Each month showcased a sepia-toned photograph from around the turn of the 20th century.
As I turned the pages, I was pleasantly surprised to come across a photo of the Village of Wheeler. But then something struck me—Main Street looked almost exactly the same as it did that day, aside from a few missing buildings. It was as if time had forgotten Wheeler.
Fast forward to today, though, and that’s no longer the case. Things are changing—and I like to call it the “Wheeler Renaissance.” Positive developments are taking place that are improving the quality of life for residents.
The village now boasts a new grocery store, a deli, a breakfast and lunch diner, an upgraded park, a thrift store, and once again, a great “supper pub.” And that’s just what I know of.
Personally, I’ve lived near Wheeler and done business there for nearly 50 years. Like all small towns, it’s seen its share of ups and downs. But one thing has always stood out to me—its strong sense of community. People genuinely care about one another and stick together. It’s the kind of place where all the kids feel like everyone’s kids, and all the moms look out for every child.
Bob Hakanson, the President of the Village Board, shared some insight into what’s driving this "Wheeler Renaissance."
“We wanted to change the perception of Wheeler,” he said. “It was the townspeople who asked us to start cleaning things up.”
“It’s a slow process,” he added. “Everything has to be done legally.”
Hakanson emphasized the importance of the town’s dedicated staff: Treasurer/Clerk Don Knutson and Waterworks/Maintenance technician Randy Bates. “We couldn’t run the town without them,” he said.
He also credited the Community Action Committee and Brian Lorenz for revitalizing the local ballpark. Their efforts helped bring in the Boyceville Baseball Association, which has already added six new youth teams to play there.
Each year, the park has seen a new improvement—new playground equipment, new bleachers, and last summer, a freshly painted concession stand with a new roof. A beautiful Veterans Memorial has also been added to the village.
The Greater Dunn County Economic Development Corporation played a role in Wheeler’s transformation, too.
Looking ahead, Hakanson is hopeful: “We want to bring in more businesses, and hopefully new housing. People want to make Wheeler a place they can be proud of.”
From what I’ve seen—the changes, the community spirit, the pride in progress—I think they already have something to be proud of.
Renee Carrell is retired and a resident of the Town of Otter Creek.
Free Robot is Available to Dunn County Older Adults
Menomonie - Older Dunn County adults now can sign up for a "free companion robot” from the county Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) through a one-year pilot project. This initiative is part of a broader effort of the ADRC of Dunn County to enhance social connection, promote independence and improve the well-being of elderly individuals aging in place,” said Tracy Fischer, Dunn County ADRC manager.
The robot, ElliQ, is powered by artificial intelligence and is in thousands of older adults’ homes across the nation, Fischer said. It was created to support older adults through daily check-ins, wellness guidance, social engagement and access to services. ElliQ, created by Intuition Robotics, can engage older adults in meaningful conversations, offer reminders for medications and appointments, suggest wellness activities, and provide companionship through interactive dialogue. Unlike other smart technologies that react to commands,
ElliQ initiates interactions and builds personalized context to enhance engagement. According to an Associated Press, the device, which looks like a small table lamp, has an eyeless, mouthless head that lights up and swivels. It remembers each user’s interests and their conversations, helping tailor future chats, which can be as deep as the meaning of life or as light as the horoscope. ElliQ tells jokes, plays music and provides inspirational quotes. On an accompanying video screen, it provides tours of cities and museums. The device leads exercises, asks about the owner’s health and gives reminders to take medications and drink water. It can also host video calls and contact relatives, friends or doctors in an emergency.”
Fischer said that 95 percent of ElliQ users reported decreased loneliness, and 75 percent reported that ElliQ helped them feel more socially connected. Dunn County is proud to offer cutting-edge technology like ElliQ to older residents of Wisconsin,” Fischer said. “By providing this AI companion, we are giving older adults a resource to maintain their independence, stay socially connected and enhance their overall well-being.”
A 2023 advisory issued by the Surgeon General underscored the dangers of social isolation, linking loneliness to severe health risks, including cognitive decline and increased healthcare costs. This Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dunn County program is available through a grant from the Inclusa Foundation. Participants in the pilot project will receive an ElliQ device as well as the monthly subscription fees for one year for the ElliQ program service.
If the participants like the device and service, they can keep the device and pay for the monthly subscription fee on their own after the one-year pilot ends. Participants need to complete quarterly surveys regarding their experiences with ElliQ during the pilot project period. Participants have to be at least 60 years old, live alone, and have an internet connection. ElliQ is available only in English.
To participate, call coordinator Mary Linberg with the Dunn County ADRC at (715) 231-2727. More information about ElliQ can be found at ElliQ: Your AI sidekick for happier, healthier aging
Time Travel Through Dance Music at the Museum
Rassbach Museum hosts a night of music through the decades
Menomonie - A night of dancing, memories and music history will take place on April 26th from 6:30 - 10 p.m. at the Rassbach Museum in Menomonie.
Award-winning DJ Jake Rudh of The Current on Minnesota Public Radio will spin music moving up through the decades from the 1950s to the 2000s every half hour with music videos and style.
Guests can dance all night or sit back and groove. “I’ve DJ’d and hosted hundreds of events and parties through the years, but none quite like this one” said Rudh.
The event will also feature a one-night-only exhibit of prom dresses from the 1930s through 2000s, themed photo booths, appetizers sponsored by Ellsworth Creamery, Menomonie Market Food Co-op and Marketplace Foods, and wine, beer and soft drinks will be available at a cash bar.
Guests are encouraged to dress in anything from these eras, whether it's a 50s poodle skirt, 60s mod, 70s disco, to 80s prep or goth, to jeans and flannel 90s grunge style.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets for Museum Members are $20 at any time, and are available at: www.dunnhistory.org/decadesdance as well as at the museum.
MHS Extracurricular News
Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements
April 16
The Boys Tennis Team hosted Red Wing (MN) last night and came away with a 7-0 sweep. The number two doubles team of Jack Winterfeldt and Jake Rue remains undefeated after winning their match 6-2, 6-4. The Mustangs are now 8-1 on the season as they head into their conference matchup with Eau Claire Memorial tomorrow.
The JV2 Boys Baseball Teamsplit their doubleheader with Hudson winning the first game 5-2. The JV2 baseball team is now 2-1 on the season and will play Rice Lake on Monday, April 21st.
JV Boys Baseball swept Hudson last night 4-1 and 9-3. Andrew Hoff threw a complete game in game one. Eric Zydowsy threw four innings with one earned run in the win in game 2, and Tyler Sutherland came in for the save.
Varsity Baseball lost both games to Hudson last night. Max Erickson threw 4 strong innings in game 1 and AJ Zydowsky threw 5 impressive innings in game 2. Luke Bystol and Charlie Mikesell led the Mustangs on offense. The Mustangs have the rest of the week off and play Marshfield at home next week Monday.
The Varsity Softball team beat Eau Claire Memorial 15-0 in 5 innings last night. Maci Marlett, Ellie Fisher, Livi Sample, and Reese Barfknecht all tallied 2 hits while Amanda Holzhueter contributed 1 hit and 2 walks. Brooklyn Sterry reached base in all 4 plate appearances with 1 hit, 1 walk, and 2 hit by pitch. Ellie Fisher led the team in RBIs with 5 on the game. Maci Marlett was stellar from the mound only giving up 2 hits.
JV Softball beat Eau Claire Memorial 40-1. Their success came from an outstanding hitting performance by the entire team.
April 22
Varsity Baseball lost to Marshfield last night 6-5. Max Erickson gave the Mustangs a great outing on the mound throwing 5 and a third with 8 strikeouts. Offensively, AJ Zydowsky led the way with 2 hits, 2 RBIs and a stolen base. The Mustangs take on Rice Lake in Rice Lake tonight.
On Thursday Varsity Softball beat Memorial 5-2. Reese Barfknecht led the way with 2 hits while Livi Sample had 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. JV beat Colfax 20-0. Joss Turner hit a triple and Vivian Lorenzen pitched a great game. JV2 beat Memorial 10-4, earning their first win of the season. All levels are at home vs. Chippewa Falls tonight at 4:30.
The Mustangs Golf Team finished in a tie for 4th at the EC North BRC meet at Lake Hallie Golf Club. Leading the way was Tyler Reckin shooting an even par 35 good enough for a tie for 2nd place. Followed by Trent Wold with a 40 (17th place), Isaac Rynes 41 (23rd) & Wes Miller 43 (30th). Also, congrats to the boys JV team finishing in a tie for 2nd in their first match of the season at the EC Memorial BRC meet at Wild Ridge. Leading the way for the JV: Carl Rabeneck & Ben Dahms both shooting 41's, Gabe Henderson 42, and Quin Rabeneck 43.
Prom is this Saturday here at MHS.
Humane Society Fundraising Sale Apr 25-26
The Dunn County Humane Society’s Bi-annual Rummage Sale is at the Fanetti Community Center & Dunn County Ice Arena (620 17th St SE) in Menomonie:
Fri, April 25 from 9am - 6pm
Sat, April 26 from 9am - Noon
Shop for a great cause and help raise money for unhomed companion pets like this cutie, Butterball! All proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly toward our mission, covering the costs of veterinary care, adoptions, facilities, and community outreach.
This year, we are excited to partner with Rudy's Fresh Lemonade!
Are you interested in donating your unwanted items to our rummage sale? You can drop them off at the Fanetti Community Center on Wednesday, April 23rd, from 9am to 7pm. We cannot accept large exercise equipment, mattresses, large appliances, or undergarments.
Interested in donating baked goods or your time to help with this incredible event? Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator Robyn at: [email protected]
Get more information and RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19DLiMgBxz/
MTG Presents the ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’
Menomonie, WI—The Menomonie Theater Guild is proud to present The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a humorous and heartwarming musical directed by Carol Diser-Ropella. The production will take place at the historic Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie, Wisconsin, with performances on the weekends of May 2-4 and May 9-11. Recommended viewing for ages 13+.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee delights audiences with its sharp humor and heartwarming charm. This hilarious and fast-paced musical follows six quirky middle schoolers competing for the ultimate spelling championship. Along the way, they share funny and touching stories from their lives—while nervously hoping to avoid the dreaded “ding” of elimination. With audience participation, witty wordplay, and plenty of surprises, this show is a crowd-pleasing comedic gem.
With music and lyrics by William Finn and a book written by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee explores the themes of finding your unique gifts, trying your best, dealing with disappointment, and making friends. The show features rousing dance numbers and comedic songs as well as heartfelt solos that focus on the spelling bee participants’ personal lives and struggles. There are ample opportunities for the talent of the Menomonie area to be showcased in stellar individual solos and captivating group numbers!
Tickets for the show are $25 for adults | $23 for seniors/students/military and available now at menomonietheaterguild.org or in-person at the MTG box office located at 502 West Second Street in downtown Menomonie, open Monday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
UW Stout Music Concerts this Weekend
1) “Life on the World Scale” a musical journey from the microcosmos to the cosmos and back! Whether it is in the microbes, the places we live in, the nature, or the universe, we see faces looking back, as we reflect our life experience big or small.
April 26, 2025 (Saturday) - 7:00pm - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 910 E 9th St.
UW-Stout Symphonic Singers, Chamber Choir and Devil Tones Acappella
2) Join the UW-Stout Symphonic Band, in a musical journey “Around the World!” The concert will feature music celebrating different places, cultures, and composers from around the world.
April 27, 2025 (Sunday) - 2:00pm - Great Hall, UW-Stout Memorial Student Union
One highlight includes Minneapolis based composer Samantha Hogan’s new piece for band “A Tour of Minnesota” which commemorates the state flag of our neighbor to the west.
Public Meetings: April 23-30
City of Menomonie
Mon Apr 28 Plan Commission - 7 p.m.
Tue Apr 29 Parking Utility Meeting - 9 a.m.
Click HERE for full calendar.
School District of Menomonie
Mon Apr 28 School Board Mtg - Board Rm, 215 Pine Ave E - 5:45 p.m.
Click HERE for full calendar additional details
Dunn County
Thu Apr 24 Neighbors of Dunn County - 9 a.m.
Thu Apr 24 Committee on Administration - 3 p.m.
Thu Apr 24 Health & Human Services - 6 p.m.
Mon Apr 28 Judiciary & Law Meeting - 4:30 p.m.
Wed Apr 30 Facilities Committee - 6 p.m.
Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting
Menomonie Eagles to Play a Full Slate of Games in 2025
Menonmonie Eagles - 2012 WBA State Champions - Back Row (L-R): Zach Watkins, player/manager Luke Welch, Matt Guida, Dan Britts, Tyler Hamann, Ian Schiltz, Nate Hanson, Brandon O’Connell, Luke Schultz, Cory Hastings. Front Row: Joe Mohr, Matt Hoeft, Jake Duske, Kasey Kruse, Carter Vogt, Chago Morales, Jake Lunow, Dave Rueber; Not Pictured: Andy Lorenzen
By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor
MENOMONIE - The Menomonie Eagles baseball team returns to Wakanda Park this summer with a full slate of games. The 2024 Eagles played a limited schedule after not playing during the 2023 season.
The team, which traditionally features a blend of local baseball talent and UW-Stout baseball players, has a rich history that began in 1937 as the Lakeview Eagles, a history that includes four state championships.
More about the 2025 Menomonie Eagles will come closer to the season opener near the end of May.
The Lakeview Eagles began as an under-17 program, posting a three-year record of 46-14 before joining the Junior Legion circuit in 1940 as the Menomonie Eagles. World War II ended play for the Eagles for the 1943 season. The team came back together after the war, starting up in 1946 as the Lakeside Aluminum Company Eagles through 1948, again posting a strong 42-17 season during the three-year run. The Eagles won their first Dunn County League title in 1946, defeating the Wakanda Braves.
The 1950 WABA State Champion Menomonie Eagles
Willard Hardy managed the team from 1937-47. Maurice Michelbook, the assistant team manager in in 1941-42, took over the reins of the Eagles in 1946, running the team through the 1954 season. Michelbook coached the team to their first state title, winning the Wisconsin Amateur Baseball Association (WABA) title in 1950. The 1952 squad went undefeated through the regular season, looking forward to a second WABA title, but dropped two extra-inning contests in the tournament, coming up short.
After Michelbook stepped down as manager in 1954, the Eagles would put up only one double-digit win season from 1955 through 1964, a year that would prove to be the Eagles’ last until the program was revitalized again in 1986.
Mark Thomas, a Spring Valley native who would come to Menomonie to build the UW-Stout women’s basketball into a national power, took over the Eagles. Following a shaky three-year start, the Eagles hit their stride in 1989, posting a 30-19 overall record and captured the WBA title for the first time since 1950. The 1990 squad finished with a 24-10 overall record and won the Class A National Baseball Congress Championship.
In 1993, Luke Welch joined the team as a player and took over the player/manager role in 1996. Welch, a Menomonie and UW-Stout graduate, would play with the Eagles for 25 years and served as manager for 22 years, stepping down in 2018. Former Stout player Tyler Hamman coached the team until 2021. Dane Helnore coached the team in 2022. Cooper Bruha revived the team in 2024 and Ryan Sisko will lead the team in 2025.
The Eagles won the 2012 state WBA title, a year that marked 75 years since the Eagles started play. The team's regular season record of 18-10-1 was good, but not great. The Eagles showed flashes of brilliance during the season, defeating the Eau Claire Cavaliers, 7-3, in July, then handed the defending state champion River Falls Fighting Fish their first league loss, 8-4. The Eagles had flashed a five-game winning streak in June, but saved their best for last, ending the season on a six-game winning streak, including the WBA title.
Menomonie defeated three St. Croix Valley Baseball League teams in the state tournament, including a come-from-behind win over the Prescott Pirates in the state championship game.
The Eagles returned to the state tournament in 2013 and 2017. Over the years, the Eagles have benefited by support from the community.
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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