You’re reading Issue 20 of Menomonie News Net. As always you can catch up or search for past articles HERE.

Yesterday marked the end of the spring election cycle. Click HERE to find local election results (unofficial). In Dunn County 59% of registered voters exercised their right to vote.

Thank you for reading and supporting citizen-led nonprofit nonpartisan hyper-local Menomonie news. And as you’re able thank you for your financial donations.

Winter is trying to hang on…but warmer weather can’t be far away now!

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

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

In this Issue…

• Deciding the Future of Downsville Elementary

• Dunn County Fatal Hit and Run

• Stepping Stones Announces New Director

• Lions Club Klunker Raffle Winners

• Art Music Society Spring Program

• Virtual Strength Training Sign-Up

• MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

• Looking Back: April

• Public Meetings This Week

• Menomonie Volunteer Fair Apr 22

• Menomonie Collegians: Mackenzie Bird

Deciding the Future of Downsville Elementary

Decision on closure to be made at April 14 school board meeting

By Joe Zydowsky, Superintendent SDMA

Planning is well underway in the School District of the Menomonie Area for the 2025-26 school year. The preliminary budget is being built and the process of creating class schedules and hiring staff for next year has already started. While every school year has some unique scheduling challenges, the school board is currently facing a very difficult decision. The School District of the Menomonie Area (SDMA) might need to close Downsville Elementary School. 

Enrollment at Downsville Elementary School has Declined
There have been various discussions over the years about the future of Downsville Elementary School. According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, birth rates in Dunn County have declined 24% since 2003. SDMA school enrollments in town have been relatively stable, but the number of students attending Downsville Elementary has declined significantly over the past 10 years. The school that served nearly 120 students in the past is now projected to have less than 75 students next year. The incoming kindergarten class at Downsville is expected to have only five students.

Can the School District Change School Boundaries to Balance Enrollment?
At a recent informational meeting held for Downsville families, Tom Krueger, who has been working for Menomonie Transportation for nearly 30 years, commented on how rural bus routes have changed compared to the time when several students used to be picked up at farms in the area. School officials and the bus company have studied the possibility of shifting attendance boundaries to better balance enrollment between the SDMA’s five elementary schools, but expanding Downsville’s boundary to capture more enrollment is not a viable solution. There are so few students living in the area between Menomonie and Downsville that the boundary would need to be moved all the way into town to make a noticeable difference. Students who live within walking distance of Oaklawn or River Heights Elementary Schools would need to ride a bus to Downsville. 

Staffing at Downsville Elementary is a Major Concern
Even if the school board is willing to keep Downsville Elementary open, staffing at Downsville will be a significant challenge. Similar to many other areas of the workforce, finding highly qualified educators has become more difficult. Candidate pools have shrunk over the years with less people going to school to become teachers. Staffing shortages both locally and across the country would make it very difficult to recruit and retain enough good teachers to provide students at Downsville Elementary School with a high quality educational experience. There has already been a lot of staff turnover over the years at Downsville Elementary, and with a number of staff members leaving at the end of this school year for retirement, family moves, and other professional opportunities, the district would need to restaff almost the entire building. With so many teaching vacancies across the state, the SDMA has little choice but to allow current Downsville teachers to transfer between district schools or risk losing them to a different school district altogether. With the number of anticipated vacancies and needs in other SDMA schools, there would be no lay offs if Downsville Elementary is closed next year.

Solutions for Keeping the Downsville School Open
A number of other ideas for keeping Downsville open have been explored, including some temporary solutions of only offering grades 1-5 next year or possibly combining the kindergarten and first grade classes. While some people have expressed interest in having combined classrooms or other “band-aid” measures to keep the school open in more of an “experimental” setting, doing so would cause some parents to send their children to a different school based on concerns about the quality of education. Losing any students would only make the enrollment problem worse. Some suggestions like creating an environmental school or project-based learning school at Downsville might be possibilities for the future, but those are not solutions that can be readily implemented in time for the 2025-26 school year. Budgeting, staffing, curriculum, equipment, and supplies are just a few of the important items that would need to be considered before providing a brand new instructional setting.

What is Next for Elementary Schools in the SDMA?
The school board is expected to vote on the future of Downsville Elementary School on April 14. If the Board votes to keep Downsville open next year, the school district will work to hire a new staff and provide the best educational experience possible. If the Board votes to close Downsville Elementary School, students will be assigned to a new elementary school attendance boundary at River Heights, Oaklawn, or Knapp based on where they live. There is room at the other schools for Downsville students, and additional classes/sections can be added to keep class sizes within the district's guidelines. Closing Downsville Elementary School would actually result in some smaller class sizes at other schools in the SDMA when extra classes are added. The district is already anticipating the need to add an extra class of kindergarten at River Heights and 3rd grade at Oaklawn. 

Supporting Downsville Families
If the Board votes to close Downsville Elementary School, an expedited in-district transfer request window would be made available for Downsville families who might prefer a different elementary school than the attendance boundary they are assigned. Transportation is typically not provided for in-district transfer requests, but Menomonie Transportation would try to accommodate as many requests as possible for families from Downsville next year if the school closes. School visits would be arranged for Downsville students to tour their new school, and parents would be provided with opportunities to connect with new Parent-Teacher Organizations.

What would happen to the Downsville school if it closes?
If Downsville Elementary is closed for next year, the school district will take the necessary time to carefully assess the future of the school building. Thorough discussions with Downsville families and the community will be had to determine the best course of action moving forward. Closing the school for the 2025-26 school year would not prevent it from reopening in the future.

School families and community members are welcome to contact school district officials if you have any questions or concerns. Contact information for school board members is available on the district website (www.sdmaonline.com), and I am happy to forward messages to the school board as well. You are also welcome to email ([email protected]), call (715-232-1642 ext. 11111), or visit with me at the Administrative Service Center on Pine Avenue.

Joe Zydowsky is Superintendent of the SDMA

Dunn County Fatal Hit and Run

Source: Dunn County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On Saturday, March 29th, 2025, at approximately 7:14 am, the Dunn County Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a female lying in the ditch that appeared to have been struck by a vehicle on County Highway Y, between 330th Ave and 370th Ave, in the Town of Dunn, Dunn County.

The Dunn County Sheriff's Office, Menomonie Fire Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, a woman was located just off of the roadway with fatal injuries. The Dunn County Medical Examiner's Office responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased. The victim of this crash has been identified as Ann M. Seidl, age 54 of Eau Claire. It should be noted that she was wearing bright clothing, including a reflective traffic safety vest and was running on the correct side of the highway when struck.

Information was received about the location of the possible striking vehicle and operator. Immediate follow up was conducted and the vehicle involved was located. The 17-year-old female operator of the striking vehicle was subsequently arrested for OWI 1st Offense, Hit and Run Causing Death, Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Motor Vehicle as well as additional traffic offenses. The operator of the striking vehicle has been identified as Addison S. Bowell of Menomonie. She will appear in court for a bond hearing.

The crash remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff's Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Dunn County Medical Examiner's Office.

Sheriff Kevin Bygd

Stepping Stones Announces New Director

Stepping Stones Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Corrisa Villeneuve as its new Executive Director, effective April 7th. She will succeed Padraig Gallagher, who is now serving as the Executive Director of Feed My People Food Bank.

Corrisa Villeneuve has been with Stepping Stones as the Assistant Director and brings her strengths in nonprofit fund development and business planning to this role. With a strong passion for serving the community, Corrisa is eager to build on Stepping Stones' legacy of providing essential services to the community.

"The hiring team was impressed with Corrisa's professionalism, fundraising efforts, and her desire to keep Stepping Stone relevant and involved in the community," said Barbara Fagan, president of Stepping Stones Board of Directors. "With the support of the board, we are excited about Corrisa's ability to lead Stepping Stones of Dunn County in the right direction for years to come."

Under Corrisa's leadership, Stepping Stones will continue its vital work, strengthening its Food Pantry, Shelter, and Community Connections programs. With a focus on organizational development and a servant leadership approach, she aims to build stability and structure within the organization while maintaining Stepping Stones impact.

“I’m honored and thrilled to be leading such a wonderful organization,” said Corrisa. “I’m in awe every day by the support of the community and the great work that Stepping Stones staff, volunteers, and donors accomplish every day. I look forward to continuing my work at Stepping Stones in a new capacity.”

Stepping Stones of Dunn County has long been a pillar of support for individuals facing food insecurity, homelessness, and other challenges. Join us in welcoming Corrisa to her new position.

Stepping Stones has begun the process of searching for a new Assistant Director - Development and Public Relations. Interested applicants can find more information on the bottom of their website.

For more information, please contact: Julie Bendel Interim Executive Director, Stepping Stones of Dunn County [email protected] 715-235-2920

Lions Club Announces Klunker Raffle Winners

Congratulations to the Klunker Raffle Winners!

1st Place - Edna Perkins $750

2nd Place - Corbin Lightfield $250

3rd Place - Patricia Roettger $100

30 All Draws - $25 each: Donna Gaustad; Chris Brummeyer; Jerry Benson; Gabe; Tim Kerner; Arne Thompson; Zoey Cleveland; Levi Wagner; Patty Lightfield; Nora Braeten; Anna Prochnow; Tim Taylor; Lisa Brigham; CFDC; Kayt Hoyt; Dixie Peterson; Arne Thompson; Jim Swanson; River Dotson; Jack Tritt; Margaret Reinier; Amanda Prochnow; Brian Wold; Scott Sinz; Karen Olson; Eric Hove; Dan Hanson; William Grambo; Kathy Talford; Tyler Bowman.

Source: Facebook Page

Art Music Society Apr 12 Spring Program

The Menomonie Art Music Society requests the pleasure of your company on Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 910 9^th Street, Menomonie, for a springtime program of classical music presented by local musicians and their music students.

There is no charge, but a freewill donation is appreciated in order to cover expenses. Refreshments will follow the recital. There will be music for voice, piano, organ, and strings.

Menomonie Art Music Society exists to promote and perform classical music, and to educate audiences in the community about this marvelous genre. Local music students and experienced musicians perform on Art Music Society programs not only giving it an educational element but giving musicians in the community an opportunity to present classical music.

For more information about the Menomonie Art Music Society (MAMS) or if you would like to perform on a future program contact

Juliana Schmidt [email protected] 715-505-3525.

Virtual Strength Training Sign-Up for Apr-Jun

UW-Madison Extension Health and Wellbeing and FoodWIse Program offers Wisconsin residents an evidence-based FREE virtual strength training program called StrongBodies, using a zoom platform. No experience is necessary, and exercises are adaptable for all levels. A 60-minute class plus a 20-minute optional education session.

There are two classes running concurrently. You are welcome to sign up for one or both.

Mon & Wed: 9:00 a.m. April 14 - June 25 (No Class Monday May 26)

Register at https://go.wisc.edu/nmqf31

Tues & Thurs: 9:00 a.m. April 8 - June 26

Register at https://go.wisc.edu/z2nm3m

If you are unable to join a class and want to complete the exercises on your own, you can follow along to this video: https://go.wisc.edu/c64098 

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

Looking Back: April

News items from Dunn County’s past compiled by the Dunn County Historical Society

April 16, 1975 Dunn County News 

BURGLARY AT CEDAR FALLS

The store of Oas & Johnson at Cedar Falls was broken into Tuesday night by burglars who forced an entrance through the back door. They secured about $7 in pennies and about $100 worth of goods from the show case. The goods in the store were all thrown down and scattered about promiscuously. No clue to the burglars has yet been discovered

April 4, 1902 Dunn County News 

CHIEF MAKES REQUEST

When you park your automobile and leave it, be sure to take the key out, is a request made by Louis Frenstad, chief of police here. He states that if operators leave keys in cars, there is an encouragement for theft cars. Recently a number of cars have been stolen. Most of them were returned after they had been run for some time. Car operators can help the police department by meeting this request, making it more difficult for thieves to make a get-away with cars parked in the city.

April 9, 1931 Dunn County News 

A ”SPELLIN’ SKULE”

Menomonie has caught the spellomania at last, and an opportunity will soon be given for the champion speller to win notoriety and numerous prizes. The ladies of the Episcopal Church have taken the affair in charge, and a spelling match is announced to take place under their auspice at Concert Hall next Tuesday evening, April 13. The rules, etc., to govern spellers will be announced at the hall — as, also, will be the character of a prize.

April 10, 1875 Dunn County News

LIVELY DAY FOR THE COMPANY

It was a lively and a sweet day at Knapp, Stout & Co’s. last Monday. A barrel of molasses which was on its way from the depot to the store, rolled out of the wagon, on the bridge near the shingle mill, and came down with such force as to burst in the head, when a great body of condensed sweetness did flow copiously all over the rough boards. This mess had scarcely been cleaned up when a crazy man appeared in the grocery department of the store, and being offended at something grasped a large bowl of honey which stood on the counter and dashed it on the floor. The blacksmith shop was then discovered to be on fire, and the fun was transferred to that locality. The flames were scarcely subdued and all danger averted when, to keep up the excitement a team belonging to T.B. Wilson ran away "and smashed his new red buggy all to pieces”  — as our informant expressed it. And yet, the boys did not consider it an unusually lively day.

April 10, 1875 Dunn County News

A RUNAWAY HOUSE

One of the strangest accidents occurred in the town of Spring Brook, last week, which came near being attended with loss of life. Mr. E. Delquist, living on the Chippewa bottoms, made a "bee" for the purpose of moving a house. The neighbors turned out and soon sixteen spans of horses were hitched to the building to be moved. Something occurred to frighten the teams, and they actually ran away the house, and drew it pell-mell some twenty rods before they could be stopped. Mr. Delquist was standing in front of the building when they started and before he could escape he was run over. When he was taken out he was more dead than alive, with collar bone, and two ribs broken. A team of horses running away with a house strikes us as something new under the sun.

April 10, 1875 Dunn County News 

Do you like “old news?” Follow the Dunn County Historical Society on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dunnhistory for a daily dose.

Source: Dunn County Historical Society

Public Meetings This Week

City of Menomonie

Wed Apr 2 Aiport Commission - 6 p.m.

Mon Apr 7  City Council Meeting - 7 p.m. - Council Chambers

Tues Apr 8 Joint Town/City Meeting - 4 p.m.

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Mon Apr 14 School Board Meeting - 3:45 - 5:30 p.m. - Downsville Elementary

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Apr 3: Fair Board Meeting 5 p.m.

Wed Apr 9: Transit - 8 a.m.; Highway - 8:15 a.m; Executive Committee - 3:30 p.m.

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Volunteer Fair Set for Apr 22

Leadership Menomonie, in collaboration with the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, is excited to announce the Menomonie Volunteer Fair, taking place on Tuesday, April 22, 5-7 p.m. at Menomonie High School.

This event is designed to connect local organizations with community members eager to give back, fostering a culture of service and civic engagement. The Volunteer Fair will serve as a platform for nonprofits, community groups, and service organizations to showcase their missions and recruit volunteers for ongoing initiatives.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a variety of ways to get involved, connect with organization representatives, and find meaningful volunteer roles that match their skills and interests.

"Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and this event offers an excellent opportunity for people to find ways to make a difference," said Katie Richartz, a Leadership Menomonie participant. "Whether you have a few hours a month or are looking for a long-term commitment, there are countless ways to get involved and support our local organizations.”

This event is free for organizations looking to promote volunteer opportunities and for attendees interested in exploring ways to give back to their community.

Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to register by April 15. Tables and display space will be provided at no cost.

Community members of all ages are invited to attend, whether they are new to volunteering or looking to expand their impact.

For more information about the event or to register your organization, please contact Ashley Jeske at [email protected].

Leadership Menomonie is a professional development program through the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, designed to cultivate emerging leaders by providing participants with in-depth knowledge of local issues, industries, and opportunities to make an impact in the community.

Source: Press Release

Menomonie Collegians

Mackenzie Bird Closing Out Busy Softball Career

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

SUPERIOR - Mackenzie Bird hasn’t gotten many at-bats during her four-year softball career at UW-Superior, but when she gets to the plate, she makes it count. After what she went through during her freshman year at Superior, each at-bat is even sweeter.

Bird, a 2021 Menomonie High School graduate, is posting a career batting average of .406 over 25 games played (as of March 31). Bird has been a catcher, pinch hitter and outfielder for the Yellowjackets, but it’s amazing that Bird is playing at all.

During her true freshman year, Bird was diagnosed with an epidural abscess and for a brief time, the possibility of walking again was even questioned.

“At first they told me that if they operated on me, I would never be able to walk again,” Bird said. “After having surgery, I had to give myself antibiotics through a port in my arm for six weeks.”

Rehabilitation was in Bird’s future and it became a part of her life.

“The rehab was designed for me to try to get the muscles in my back to work,” Bird, the daughter of Mike and Jodi Bird, said.  “It was a slow process. I couldn’t lift more than five pounds for a couple of weeks. After that I was doing a lot of different body weight movements for a couple of months. At the very end of rehab, we added some fielding and throwing. When I got back up to school, I was still working with the trainers a couple times a week.”

“I was so behind in school,” Bird said.”I had missed all of my midterms. I was in the hospital for 10 days and I was working on homework in the hospital. When I was home (in Menomonie), I would join class on Zoom but I had to wait to take all of my exams.”

“After coming back to school, my only focus was school,” Bird said. “I told (head) coach (Melissa Fracker) that I would start coming back to practice after I was caught back up in all of my classes. I would go to the home softball games, but I did not travel with the team that (freshman) year. I had too much medication and I don’t think I would’ve been able to sit on a bus that long.”

Getting back to playing softball was a motivator during the rehab process, and the concern shown by the coaching staff, teammates, friends and family played a vital role in her recovery….

To read the complete story about Mackenzie Bird’s comeback, go to the story at Menomonie News Net.

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/

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.

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

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

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