Welcome to Menomonie News Net Vol 2, Issue 24. You can read and search for archived issues and articles HERE.

Today’s issue is once again filled with stories about Menomonie as a special community…

Inviting you to stay informed, connected, engaged.

Editorial Team: Layne Pitt, Becky Kneer, Marsha Biggs; MNN Contributors; Advisory Team Volunteers; Tech Support: Tracy Glenz

Donate online HERE  OR by mail - check to MNN, PO Box 63, Menomonie. Your donations bring us closer to our goals of part-time staff and sustainability.

Website: www.menomonienewsnet.org

Submit story ideas to: [email protected]

In this Issue...

• ‘Murals in Menomonie’ Launches Final Community Fun …

• CFDC Invites Community to Annual Luncheon

• Meet the Author - V.T. Bidania

• Int’l Line Dance ‘Flashmob’ 2026 Celebrated in Men …

• Panel of Local Journalists Share Newsroom Experien …

• Blood Drives in Menomonie During May

• MTG’s ‘Fiddler’ Opens Friday May 1

• Sunrise Rotary Honors Sara Palmer as April Youth o …

• ‘Community Conversations’ to Hear From Local Organ …

• 300 New Trees Taking Root at Phelan Park

• MHS Grads: Sofi Doane

• Knaack and Solberg Honored for Years of Service

• Public Meetings: Week of Apr 29 - May 6

• Menomonie Events at a Glance Apr 29 - May 6

• MHS Extracurricular Activities

• MHS Boys Tennis Off to Another Solid Start

‘Murals in Menomonie’ Launches Final Community Fundraising Campaign

The community is invited to help complete funding for unique public art project

MENOMONIE — The Murals in Menomonie project is entering its final phase, and the community is being invited to help bring it across the finish line.

With strong early support from local businesses, organizations, and individual donors, the initiative is now within reach of full funding. Once complete, the murals will transform walls throughout Menomonie into a vibrant, walkable gallery—celebrating local history, creativity, and community identity while enhancing the city’s appeal to visitors.

“This project has always been about more than art,” said Tammy Simon, Event Coordinator. “It’s about creating something that reflects who we are as a community and inviting others to experience it. We’ve made incredible progress, and now we’re asking the community to help us finish what we’ve started.”

The mural event, taking place June 24-28, is expected to draw visitors to Menomonie, support local businesses, and contribute to long-term placemaking efforts. Public art projects like this have proven to increase foot traffic, encourage exploration, and strengthen community pride.

Planning for the event has been a collaborative effort between several local organizations. “This is a unique opportunity for people to be part of something lasting,” Becca Schoenborn, Executive Director at Downtown Menomonie, added. “Every contribution helps shape how Menomonie is experienced for years to come.”

Donations links and more information can be made online at www.muralsinmenomonie.com

CFDC Invites Community to Annual Luncheon

MENOMONIE - The Community Foundation of Dunn County invites community members to its Annual Luncheon on Thursday, April 30 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The event is being held at Tanglewood Greens (2200 Crestwood Drive, Menomonie).

Cost is $20 per person and includes lunch. Please call the Foundation at 715-232-8019 if you’d like to attend.

The Annual Luncheon is a chance to gather, connect, and be inspired. Attendees will enjoy conversation with others who care about our community and hear powerful stories of impact happening here in Dunn County.

The CFDC celebrates awarding over $67,000 to local nonprofits through its February grant cycle. Guests will hear directly how these funds are making a difference across the community.

The program will also highlight the Foundation’s work in 2025—a milestone year celebrating its 30th anniversary—and share what’s ahead in 2026 and beyond.

“This event is a great way to meet people who are passionate about this community,” said Executive Director Georgina Tegart. “Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just curious about getting more involved, you’ll leave feeling more connected and inspired to make even more possible right here in Dunn County.”

The CFDC’s February 2026 grant recipients include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin; The Bridge to Hope; Colfax Public Library; Colfax Railroad Museum; Colfax Rescue; Dunn County Historical Society; Elk Mound School District; Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes; Compass IL; Hmong Friendship Center; ADRC of Dunn County; Literacy Chippewa Valley; Menomonie United Methodist Church – Monday’s Meal; Wisconsin Milkweed Alliance; Roundtable Revival, Inc.; Shirley Doane Senior Center; Stepping Stones of Dunn County; West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency; Menomonie Police Department; Wilson Place Mansion.

The Community Foundation of Dunn County connects people, resources, and ideas to meet community needs. Through grants, scholarships, and endowments, the Foundation works to improve the quality of life throughout Dunn County—now and for generations to come. We make MORE possible.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Dunn County and its initiatives, visit cfdunncounty.org.

Meet the Author - V.T. Bidania

Meet author V.T. Bidania on Wed, April 29, 4pm at Menomonie Public Library. She was born in Laos and grew up in St. Paul, MN. She is the author of many children’s books, early readers and middle grade books starring Hmong American characters, including the Astrid and Apollo series - the first children’s book series to star Hmong American characters. A limited number of books will be available for purchase.

Source: Menomonie Public Library webpage

Int’l Line Dance ‘Flashmob’ 2026 Celebrated in Menomonie Sat May 2

Invitation to come watch or join in on the new library outdoor terrace

By Joy Bergstrand, Menomonie Line Dance Group

Menomonie will join countries around the world in celebrating International Line Dance Day on Saturday, May 2, at the Menomonie Public Library.

Dancing will start at 11:00 on the outside terrace; or if the weather is inclement at 10:30 inside in the Community Room.

Everyone is invited to come watch or join in.

The International Line Dance Day has been celebrated since 2020. It is meant to support community connections through dance. Typically three dances are recommended and other dances are done at the discretion of the dance group. This year’s songs include Everybody Dance!, Hoedown, and Cowboy Up.

This is the first year Menomonie is hosting Int’l Line Dance Flashmob. Please help us celebrate!

Note: The Menomonie Line Dance Group meets weekly at The Menomonie Moose Lodge.

For more information contact Joy Bergstrand (Menomonie Line Dance Group) at [email protected]

Source: submitted article

Panel of Local Journalists Share Newsroom Experiences Tues May 5

A panel of local journalists is being convened on Tuesday, May 5, 4:30-6:00pm at UW Stout Library, second floor, 315 10th Ave E. The event is sponsored by the Professional & Technical Communication Program.

Event is open to the public.

Parking: Free parking is available beginning at 4pm in university commuter lots. Note: If you arrive before 4pm you will need to purchase parking until 4pm. Click for Campus Map.

For questions email [email protected]

Blood Drives in Menomonie During May

Compiled by MNN Staff

Here are the seven scheduled blood drives during May in Menomonie:

• Tues May 5: New Hope Lutheran (N2698 460th St, Downsville), 11am - 5pm

• Mon May 18: Alliance Church (502 21st St N), 10am - 4pm

• Thurs May 21: Stout Craft Co (1501 N Broadway), Noon - 6pm

• Fri May 22: Stout Craft Co (1501 N Broadway), 8:30am - 2:30pm

• Fri May 22: Leisure Services Center (1412 6th St E), 9am - 3pm

• Tues May 26: Phillips Medisize (428 Technology Dr), 11am - 5pm

• Fri May 29: Menomonie East YMCA (3019 Schneider Ave SE), 12:30 - 5pm

Thanks to all the churches, businesses and organizations who “host” these events.

Source: Red Cross website

MTG’s ‘Fiddler’ Opens Friday May 1

Tickets: Visit menomonietheaterguild.org or the Menomonie Theater Guild Box Office on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30-3:30 for tickets. Prices are $25 for adults, and $23 for students/seniors/military and include all fees.

Sunrise Rotary Honors Sara Palmer as April Youth of the Month

By John Wilkerson

The Menomonie Sunrise Rotary Club is pleased to recognize Sara Palmer, a member of Menomonie High School’s Class of 2026, as its April Youth of the Month.

Sara Palmer has earned this recognition through her consistent kindness, inclusivity, and positive presence within the school community. Known for treating others with respect regardless of background, she stands out among her peers for her maturity and the high standard she sets in her daily interactions. Her upbeat attitude and steady leadership make her a role model to fellow students.

Palmer has demonstrated strong leadership through her roles as captain of both the cross country and track teams, as well as her involvement in student council. In these positions, she has helped guide her peers while contributing to a supportive and encouraging team environment.

Her commitment to school and community is further reflected in her involvement in the school musical and the National Honor Society, where she contributes time and effort to service and school initiatives.

Palmer takes particular pride in her dedication to cross country, a demanding sport that requires both physical and mental endurance. She credits the experience with pushing her beyond what she once thought possible and helping her grow through perseverance. Outside of school, she enjoys running, singing, creating art, and spending time outdoors.

Academically, Palmer found inspiration in her AP U.S. History course with Mr. Davis, which sparked her passion for understanding historical events and their impact on the modern world. She plans to continue that pursuit after graduation.

Following high school, Palmer will attend Gustavus Adolphus College, where she intends to study history and compete on the cross country and track teams. She hopes to build a future centered on education, helping others connect with the past while remaining actively involved in her community.

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

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

‘Community Conversations’ to Hear From Local Organizer GROWW

By Lorene Vedder

Community Conversation’s next presentation will be on grass roots organizing with a presentation by GROWW (Grass Roots Organizing Western Wisconsin).

The event will be held on Saturday, May 2 at the Menomonie Public Library from 12:30 - 2:30pm.

GROWW’s Housing Justice Team will tell the story of organizing the community into action - from “grassroots school,” to canvassing and research, to crafting legislation and passing an ordinance; they will share their journey and key insights.

GROWW will also discuss key components of Menomonie SHIELD, the city ordinance they recently helped to pass. Attendees will hear from a participant who will share a personal story on what working with the Housing Justice Team has meant to them.

There will be time for questions and to hear about opportunities to get involved.

Lorene Vedder is the founder of Community Conversations.

300 New Trees Taking Root at Phelan Park

The City of Menomonie’s Urban Forestry Board recently led a tree planting effort at Phelan Park, in collaboration with UW-Stout students and faculty.

Together, volunteers planted 300 saplings to help replace invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle that were removed by Dr. Keith Gilland and his students. This work is helping restore the headwaters of Galloway Creek, with a mix of native species selected to strengthen resilience and biodiversity for years to come.

A special thank you to Julie Beston, her BIO 111: Science, the Environment, and Sustainability class, and UW–Stout’s Natural Areas Club for their continued partnership and hands-on efforts in caring for Menomonie’s natural spaces.

Learn more about trees in Menomonie and the Urban Forestry board at https://www.menomonie-wi.gov/263/Urban-Forestry 

Source: City of Menomonie facebook

MHS Grads: Sofi Doane

Sofi (Nelson) Doane - Class of 1991

By Judy Foust

I was visiting the Rassbach Museum recently when I happened to see a familiar face. Being the shy person I am (!), I walked right up to this smiling young woman and asked if she would be willing to be interviewed for this column. And that’s how this week’s story was born….

Sofi Nelson Doane, a former student of mine, is the Rassbach Museum Manager. It’s the perfect job for her. As you read further, you’ll see how history—and Menomonie history in particular—has been a focus of much of her adult life.

Like all the subjects of this column, Sofi is a graduate of Menomonie High School. Remembering her life there, she listed her favorite teachers as Jim Poulter (psychology and sociology) and Dave Maves (social studies). Sofi built a special relationship with Mr. Maves when they wound up on The Old Settlers Board together from 2015-2020. Another memorable teacher was Mike Soha (science), enjoying his creative lessons as well as his unique sense of humor.

During her senior year of high school, Sofi found the courage to ask classmate Brad Doane out on a date. It must have been a pretty wonderful one, since they have been married for thirty-one years!

After graduating, Sofi attended CVTC, completing its Early Childhood Education program. She became a teacher’s aide and worked in a daycare center in the Menomonie area for a few years before moving on.

Sofi began working in both the video and floral departments at Doug’s Superfair Foods in North Menomonie; the market was owned by her family. From 1998 – 2008 Sofi was a stay-at-home mom. During that time, she also worked part-time as the area rep for Hallmark and American Greetings companies.

But it wasn’t until 2009 that Sofi discovered where she was meant to be. She answered an ad for the position of tour guide at the Rassbach Museum and served in that capacity from 2009 – 2015. Since then, she has served as the Museum Manager of the facility. Here is where Sofi really hit her stride!

Sofi is extremely close to her family and is proud of her rich heritage in the Menomonie area. Her descendants came to Dunn County in the 1870s and have been here ever since. Her great-great-great grandparents settled in Dunn County in the 1870’s, leading the way to setting down new roots. Her other great-great-great grandfather worked for the Knapp-Stout Company until it closed. He then worked for the Hydraulic Brick Company for thirty years. Both of her great-great-great-great grandparents immigrated to the U.S. when they were sixteen years old. Her Norwegian roots run deep.

When she took “The History of Dunn County and Menomonie” class at MHS, it never really caught her attention. But, according to Sofi, “today Dunn County history is so interesting to me. Every day is something new. I’m always finding out something I never knew before about the area—through research, talking with visitors to the museum, or by just pure luck!”

Sofi is also co-founder of the nonprofit The Friends of Potters Field.

Sofi’s hobbies outside of work also show her love of all things historical: genealogy, a “Trinket Trader” she maintains near the street in front of her house, being a member of a worldwide postcard pen pal group, and a pressed penny exchange group. This busy woman also collects “hair art” and is into taxidermy.

She and Brad enjoy going on many ghost-hunting adventures! Sofi has some very interesting stories to tell.

The couple has three daughters—Hannah, Emily, and Kate. The “empty nesters” continue to be family-oriented. They love having all their girls, along with one fiancé and two boyfriends, for family get-togethers once or twice a month. Sofi’s brother Dustin and his young son Boone always join the group as well. As Sofi exclaims, “I LOVE these days!”

And I loved getting to learn more about Sofi Nelson Doane and her busy life. An MHS graduate who treasures her roots.

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]

Knaack and Solberg Honored for Years of Service

Randy Knaack, Mayor and Mary Solberg, City Council President were honored as they completed 16 years of dedicated service at the April 20th City Council meeting.

“They ushered in cleanup efforts for Lake Menomin, led significant housing developments, enhanced public safety, and improved our beautiful parks and trails. Their countless hours of service to the citizens of Menomonie are greatly appreciated.
Please join the City staff in thanking them for their service.”

Source: City of Menomonie facebook

Public Meetings: Week of Apr 29 - May 6

City of Menomonie

Mon May 4 City Council Meeting, 7pm  

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

No meetings scheduled

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Apr 29 Facilities Committee, 5pm

Thur Apr 30 Committee on Administration, 4:30pm (note time change) AGENDA; Health & Human Services Committee, 6pm AGENDA

Mon May 4 Fair Board Meeting, 5:30pm

Tues May 5 Planning, Resource & Development Meeting, 8:30am

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance Apr 29 - May 6

Wed Apr 29 Author Visit: V.T. Bidonia, 4-5pm, Public Library

Thur Apr 30 CFDC Annual Luncheon, 11:30 - 1:00pm, Tanglewood Greens; Equine Therapy Talk, 6pm, Dragon Tale Books (in person or zoom)

Fri May 1 Christ Lutheran Sale, 8am-4pm, 1306 Wilcox, Menomonie; Fiddler on the Roof - Opening Night, 7:30pm, Mabel Tainter

Sat May 2 Nature Fest Celebration, 7am-3pm, Woodwind Park; Christ Lutheran Sale, 8am-4pm, 1306 Wilcox, Menomonie; Alano Club Plant Sale, 9am-2pm, Alano Club, 105 21st St NE; Int’l Line Dance Day on the Terrace, 11:30-1pm, Public Library Terrace; Community Conversations, 12:30-2:30pm, Public Library; UW Stout Jazz Band, 7pm, Harvey Hall Theater (UW Stout); Fiddler on the Roof, 2pm & 7:30pm, Mabel Tainter

Sun May 3 Fiddler on the Roof, 2pm, Mabel Tainter; Painting Rocks, 1-3pm, Dragon Tale Books

Mon May 4 MHS Greenhouse Plant Sale, 3:30 - 5pm, MHS

Tue May 5 Red Cross Blood Drive, 11am - 5pm, New Hope Lutheran (N2698 460th St, Downsville; UW-Stout Research Day, 11am-6pm, Memorial Student Center; MHS Greenhouse Plant Sale, 3:30 - 5pm, MHS

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Wednesday, April 22 

Congratulations to the Tennis Team on their 6-1 win over Eau Claire Memorial last night. Earning wins in the singles lineup were Caleb Gunderson, Bruce Behrend, and Wren Swaenepoel, while the Mustangs swept the doubles lineup getting wins from the teams of Jake Rue and Davin Ellis, Thomas Wheeler and Carter Goodman, as well as Bricin Leisses and Elliot Risler.  

The Boys Track and Field Team took a small group of mostly field event athletes to the New Richmond Open yesterday. Top three finishers were Preston Witter in the discus and Rhiley Pernsteiner in the pole vault. Myka Fox finished 2nd in the high jump. Event winners were Preston Witter in the shot put and Lacy Ferguson in the Pole Vault.

JV2 Baseball split with Hudson on Tuesday winning 5-3 behind a complete game by Oliver Sullivan. In Game 2, they lost 4-2. JV Baseball fell to Hudson twice yesterday. Tyler Sutherland and Gavin Watkins both collected two hits in game one and Gavin Mittlestadt and Grant Witt led the way with a hit in game two.

Varsity Baseball lost both games of a doubleheader to Hudson on April 21. In game one Menomonie lost 7-5. Luke Bystol threw 3 and 1/3 innings allowing 2 earned runs, while Cade Lamb came in for 2 and 2/3 innings and allowed no runs. Charlie Mikesell and Oliver Lugo led the offense each collecting RBIs, with Mikesell collecting a 2 out 2 RBI single. In game 2, Hudson beat the Mustangs 13-2; Max Jaeger threw 3 innings allowing 1 earned run. Offensively, Luke Bystol and Oliver Lugo led the Mustangs in hitting.

Thursday, April 23

The Varsity Golf Team placed 3rd in the 17 team Whitetail Invitational at Colfax on April 20. Top 4 Team scores: Somerset 317; EC North 317; Menomonie 320; Durand/Arkansaw; 321. Leading the Mustangs was Tyler Reckin with a 5 over par 76 good for a 1st place tie for medalist honors out of 85 golfers. Also scoring for the Mustangs were Trent Wold & Wes Miller both shooting 81 good for 15th place & Quin Rabeneck at 82 good for 19th place.

The JV Golf Team finished 18th in a tough MN/WI 24 team JV invite today at Clifton Highlands. Leading the Mustangs was Ryder Anderson carding an 86 followed by Ryan Xu and Jack Andraschko each shooting 93 and Isaac Anderson at 94.

Both the Freshman and String Orchestra Classes received a top score rating of 1, for their performances yesterday at their annual band and orchestra large group festival. Both orchestras performed two pieces of music each and received a clinician from judges with the Wisconsin School Music Association. Well done everyone.

Congratulations to the Finance Bowl Team on competing at state. They did a great job preparing and most of all had fun.

MHS Boys Tennis Off to Another Solid Start

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

MENOMONIE - The Menomonie High School boys tennis team is off to another great start for the 2026 spring season.

Under the tutelage of Bryce Supri, who is in his 14th season as head coach, the Mustangs are off to a 13-2-0 overall start in April and fresh off a pair of wins, including a 6-1 win over arch-rival Eau Claire Memorial and a weather-shortened 3-1 victory at La Crosse Central last week. Menomonie was scheduled to be at River Falls Tuesday.

The Mustangs are led by four seniors - Jake Rue, Harrison Davis, Davin Ellis, Wren Swaenepoel - and all four are team captains.

Against the Old Abes on the Mustangs home court, Menomonie picked up wins in the singles lineup by Caleb Gunderson, Bruce Behrend, and Wren Swaenepoel, while the Mustangs swept the doubles lineup getting wins from the teams of Jake Rue/Davin Ellis, Thomas Wheeler/Carter Goodman, as well as Bricin Leisses/Elliot Risler.

The Mustangs only two losses this season came back-to-back, falling to Waukesha South, 4-3, April 11, and then getting tripped up in a Big Rivers Conference (BRC) match with Hudson, 5-2, their next time out, April 16.

Menomonie is looking to capture their third consecutive BRC title and make their third consecutive trip the WIAA State Boys Tennis Tournament in June. Supri was selected as the NFHS Section 4 Boys Tennis Coach of the Year in 2025.

The story "MHS Boys Tennis Off to Another Solid Start" 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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