Welcome to Issue 44 of Menomonie News Net. If you missed previous Issues, you can catch up HERE.

Today we feature many of the wonderful free services provided in our community such as emergency preparedness classes, suicide prevention training, winter clothing drives, and hazardous waste events! We’re happy to be highlighting just a few of them!

We received a comment by a visitor to our MNN table at the Community Cookout.: “It’s such a joy when I receive my weekly Menomonie News Net email…I love reading it. Thank you for volunteering to make it possible.” And thank YOU…your comments spur us on! Please check out links below to the unexpected coverage of our Chamber ribbon-cutting event by EC news outlets!

And as always thank you for being a subscriber. Our subscriber numbers are at 1150. And thanks for donating as you are able…online OR by mail: checks to MNN, P.O. Box 63, Menomonie.

It takes a village…

Editors: Layne Pitt, Becky Kneer, Marsha Biggs; MNN Contributors; Tech Support: Tracy Glenz

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

In this Issue…

• Data Center: Letter from Mayor Knaack

• Open House at Arbor Place: NEW Women and Children's Treatment Unit

• Sept County Manager Message: Sept 17 Board Meeting

• Dunn County Offers FREE Emergency Preparedness Classes for Children, Seniors

• Menomonie News Net’s Ribbon Cutting and Open House

• Experience Grief “Well”

• Winter Wear Clothing Drive Thru Oct 13, Event Oct 21 at MarketPlace Foods

• Invisible Wounds Project Makes a Stop in Menomonie

• Suicide Prevention Training Sept 24

• Menomonie Women’s Group: 50 Years of Service to our Community

• City & Dunn County Hold Clean Sweep Hazardous Waste Events

• Public Meetings: Week of Sept 17-24

• Menomonie Events at a Glance

• MHS Extracurricular News

• Lauren McCalla Commits to Washington

Data Center: Letter from Mayor Knaack

Sept 9 City of Menomonie Press Release

From the Desk of Mayor Knaack…Sept 9 press release

Hi Folks,

By now you’ve probably heard something about a data center being proposed to come to our area. The location being talked about is on approximately 320 acres directly East of Ellsworth Creamery, just off of County Road B.

The City of Menomonie was approached by the landowners to annex their property into the City. The City is then bound over by law to take their request to the city council for possible annexation. The land was approved to be annexed and was rezoned to allow for industrial use. Many uses of this land would then be applicable including a data center.

The use of this land for a data center has raised many concerns within the community and the region. Water usage, electricity usage, environmental impact, jobs ratio per acre, construction site, farm land now being used for a big tech industry, etc. The overall look of the region, and many other concerns that have been brought to my attention.

From a financial view for the city of Menomonie and the local tax entities, there is a significant gain. From the view of the general public, the question appears to be, at what cost. Currently, there are several steps that would still need to be taken before a data center can be totally approved. The biggest would be the developer’s agreement between the City of Menomonie and the data center people.

I’m not thrilled about the data center coming to our pristine area and farmland. There are many community concerns. The developers put together a pretty attractive sales pitch. However the community is speaking pretty loudly that they are not in favor of a data center. My personal opinion is we are elected by the people, and that’s who we need to represent. It is our duty to make the best decisions possible. I’m hopeful we can get through this with good decisions being made.

I’m asking for patience from the community while we work through a contentious issue.

Please send any comments or concerns to me at this email address: [email protected]. To set up a meeting, contact City Hall at 715-232-2221.

Sincerely,
Mayor Randy Knaack

Open House at Arbor Place: NEW Women and Children's Treatment Unit

Sept 24 event includes ribbon cutting, tours, bucket raffle

For more information contact Arbor Place at 715‑235‑4537

September County Manager Message with Dan Dunbar

Including overview of Sept 17 County Board Meeting

View Dan Dunbar’s September message, including agenda items for the September 17 County Board Meeting.

Source: Dunn County Facebook Page

Dunn County Offers Free Emergency Preparedness Classes for Children, Seniors

Menomonie, WI – The Dunn County Emergency Management office is offering free emergency preparedness classes for children and seniors this fall to help the population stay safe during emergencies.

“We try to do some sort of educational outreach every year,” said Jason Spetz, Dunn County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We change it up a little bit every year.”

The children’s emergency preparedness class is designed for children kindergarten through third grade and will be held from 10-10:45 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Menomonie Public Library. This interactive session will cover identifying an emergency, severe weather basics, building emergency kits and how to get help. Registration is optional and people can call (715) 232-2333 with questions.

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors will be held at 10 a.m.. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Shirley Doane Senior Center, 1612 6th St. East in Menomonie. The session will cover general preparedness principles that are taught to all adults, with added considerations for seniors; severe weather alerts and plans; and emergency kits.

In addition, Dunn County Emergency Management offers year-round guidance on building emergency kits, creating family plans and signing up for CodeRed alerts.

“These are the critical steps that everyone should take as part of their preparedness planning,” Spetz said.

Visit https://dunncountywi.gov/emergencymanagement for more information.

Menomonie News Net’s Chamber Ribbon-Cutting & Open House

MNN Staff

MNN celebrated last week with a Ribbon-Cutting and Open House sponsored by the Menomonie Chamber. The event was held at the public library community room at 1:30 p.m.

From the Chamber website: “It was a great opportunity to meet the volunteers behind this nonprofit, community-led news organization and learn more about their mission to provide reliable, hyper-local coverage for the Menomonie area. We’re proud to support their work and welcome them to the Chamber network.”

We were thrilled to see three news outlets from Eau Claire arrive to cover the event including WEAU Channel 13, WQOW Channel 18 and Volume One.

We appreciate everyone’s supporter including subscribers, supporters as well as MNN team members. It was a heart-warming event.

View the 1) Ribbon Cutting Video, 2) WQOW Channel 18 News, 3) WEAU Channel 13 News 

Experience Grief “Well”

Five week free series explores safe and healthy ways through grief

A five week series on grief will be held on consecutive Wednesdays Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, 8 & 15 at 6:30 pm at Keyes Chevy, Community Room, 303 Oak Ave, Menomonie. Sessions will cover safe and healthy ways to experience grief.

Sponsors are Olson Funeral Home and the ADRC of Dunn County.

RSVP via text to 715-704-9262. Or just join whenever you can.

For more information call the ADRC at 715-232-4006.

Donate Winter Wear Clothing Thru Oct 13; Event is Oct 21 at MarketPlace Foods

Nine locations have bins accepting donations of coats, hats, gloves, boots

The Winter Wear Clothing Drive, hosted by MarketPlace Foods with support from United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys, and the Menomonie Area Chamber, will provide free coats, hats, gloves, and boots to individuals and families in need.

CLOTHING DRIVE | September 1 - October 13. Donations of new or gently used winter gear (coats, hats, gloves & boots) can be dropped off at identified locations below. All items will be cleaned, sorted, and prepared for distribution.

OPEN HOUSE | Tues October 21 | 4 - 7 pm | MarketPlace Foods, 207 Pine Ave W, Menomonie. This event serves community members in need, providing coats, hats, gloves, and boots at no cost. There are no age or income requirements—all are welcome. Volunteers will be on hand to help guests find the right sizes, ensuring everyone leaves prepared for the cold winter months.

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

• 3M Menomonie: 1425 Stokke Pkwy

• Andersen Windows: 201 Lookout Rd

• Bill's Distributing: 5900 Packer Dr NE

• City of Menomonie: 800 Wilson Ave

• Dick's Fresh Market: 1408 9th St E

• MarketPlace Foods: 207 Pine Ave W

• Mayo Clinic Health System: 2321 Stout Rd

• Menomonie Public Library: 600 Wolske Bay Rd

• Stepping Stones of Dunn County: 1602 Stout Rd

For information contact United Way in Menomonie at 715-231-3066.

The Invisible Wounds Project Stops in Menomonie

The Invisible Wounds Project is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) serving veterans, first responders and their families with various mental services. Based in Forest Lake, MN they made a 230 mile caravan/bike ride in MN and western WI to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Learn about their mission at https://www.iwproject.org/

Source: Dunn County Facebook Page

QPR Suicide Prevention Training Sept 24

Learn to help save a life in 3 easy steps!

September is Suicide Prevention Month.

Come to the library on Wed September 24 from 2-4pm (Library Meeting Room) and become QPR (Question-Persuade-Refer) trained.

You’ll learn 3 easy steps to help save a life from suicide: recognize warning signs of suicide know how to offer hope know how to get help and save a life Training offered by the Dunn County Human Services Zero Suicide Team, QPR trainers Alaina Hagen and Jennie Kasfeldt.

It’s FREE. No registration required.

You’ll learn 3 easy steps to help save a life from suicide: recognize warning signs of suicide know how to offer hope know how to get help and save a life Training offered by the Dunn County Human Services Zero Suicide Team, QPR trainers Alaina Hagen and Jennie Kasfeldt.

Unable to attend the in-person training? Access free online training! (code is: DUNNWI)

Source: Menomonie Public Library Facebook page

Menomonie Women’s Group: 50 Years of Service to our Community

By Sheri Nero

Fifty years ago, fourteen young mothers gathered in the home of one of their own, fueled by a shared desire to make a difference. That evening, they founded what would become the Menomonie Mothers Club. They committed to monthly meetings (taking summers off when school was out) and decided on a mission: to promote the welfare of children, mothers, and families in the Menomonie community.

They decided meetings would rotate between members’ homes, with each hostess paired with a co-hostess responsible for bringing dessert—because, really, who has time to clean the house and bake when you're juggling careers and young kids? More than just a club, it became a chance for a well-deserved night out with the girls—no hubbies, no kids, and no pressure to buy any Tupperware.

Fast Forward: Menomonie, Autumn 2025 – 50 Years Later

The group is still going strong—stronger than ever, in fact—with 20 dedicated members. Since 2000, they’ve gone by a new name: the Menomonie Women’s Group. Only two of the original founders remain, but the spirit of the club hasn’t changed.

While many members are still mothers, the group now includes stepmothers, grandmothers, widows, divorcees, and even a few great-grandmothers. Monthly meetings continue, though the need for guest speakers has faded; the women themselves have become the wise elders of the village. Through the years, they’ve stood by each other through births and deaths, surgeries and celebrations, challenges and triumphs.

Their monthly “girls’ night” is still a cherished ritual—but beyond that, they’ve built a community-within-a-community. Their families now know and love each other through annual picnics, Easter Egg Hunts, couples’ parties, game nights, and more.

Staying True to Their Mission

As for their original philanthropic mission…it’s still alive and thriving.

Over the decades, the group has raised thousands of dollars and donated countless hours of service. From style shows to baking for the Ludington Guard Band socials, their creativity and commitment have never wavered. Members pay yearly dues, which go directly to local causes, and each month, they collect goods for a chosen nonprofit.

Their impact has reached far and wide, supporting organizations such as: Menomonie Public School classrooms; The Bridge to Hope; Women’s Giving Circle; Stepping Stones; Cairn House; hospital pediatric patients; Middle School Angel Closet; Menomonie Public Library; Boys and Girls Club; Arbor Place; The Foster Closet; Little Free Pantry at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church; Dunn County Health Dept (Christmas gifts, gas cards, gift cards).

They’ve decorated hospital birthing rooms and bedrooms at Bridge to Hope, made teddy bears for police officers to comfort distressed children, and sponsored babysitting and latchkey programs. When urgent needs arose, they stepped up—providing layettes for new mothers, blankets for the homeless, and transportation assistance for a grandmother undergoing cancer treatment while raising her grandchild.

Celebrating 50 Years

This autumn, the Menomonie Women’s Group will celebrate 50 years of friendship and philanthropy with a special display at the Menomonie Public Library and a group celebration.

We’re proud to be part of such a generous, supportive community—and we look forward to continuing this legacy of love and service for many years to come.

Article written by Sheri Nero, charter member of Menomonie Mother’s Club/Menomonie Women’s Group. (ChapGPT assisted in formatting). Sheri may be reached at [email protected]

City of Menomonie & Dunn County to Hold Clean Sweep Hazardous Waste Events

Menomonie, WI - The City of Menomonie and Dunn County are sponsoring two Clean Sweep Hazardous Waste Recycling events in September to allow residents to dispose of household hazardous waste safely and conveniently. 

“These events help residents throughout the county safely recycle hazardous waste to protect our groundwater,” said Megen Hines, Environmental Program Coordinator for the City of Menomonie. 

The City of Menomonie event will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Thursday, September 25, at the Menomonie Community Services Shop, 621 11th Ave West. The event is open to residents of the City of Menomonie, Town of Menomonie and Town of Red Cedar and costs$10 per vehicle (cash or check only). 

The Dunn County event will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, September 26, at the Dunn County Fairgrounds, Small Animal Building, 620 17th St SE. The event is open to all Dunn County residents and costs $10 per vehicle (cash or check only). 

Accepted materials include oil-based paints, pesticides, solvents, automotive chemicals, and other household hazardous waste. Items not accepted include latex paint, electronics, appliances, tires, and medical waste. 

For a full list of accepted and non-accepted items and details about both events, please visit the City of Menomonie’s website at: https://www.menomonie-wi.gov/267/Hazardous-Waste 

Hines said residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous materials and help protect the environment, adding that this event is partially grant-funded through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. 

For more information contact:

Megen Hines Environmental Program Coordinator City of Menomonie
 [email protected]; (715) 232-2221 Ext: 1005

Austin Witt, Dunn County Facilities, Parks and Transit Manager
 [email protected] (715) 235-7433

Public Meetings: Week of Sept 17-24

City of Menomonie

Wed Sept 17 - Urban Forestry Board, 1 pm, City Hall

Mon Sept 22 - Police & Fire Commission, 8:30 am, Police Station

Mon Sept 22 - City Council, 7 pm, City Hall

Wed Sept 24 - Joint Review Board Meeting, 3:30 pm, City Hall  

Click HERE for full calendar, agendas, minutes.

School District of Menomonie

Mon Sept 22 - School Board, ASC Board Room, 5:45pm

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Sept 17 - County Board Meeting, 7 pm

Fri Sept 19 - Traffic Safety & EMS Committee, 9 am

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance - Sept 17-24

Wed Sept 17 - Farmer’s Market, 10 am - 6 pm; Grief Series, 6:30 pm, Keyes Chevy (walk-ins welcome)

Thur Sept 18 - Public Library Terrace Grand Opening, 4-5pm

Fri Sept 19 - Red Cross Blood Drive, 9am - 3pm, Grace Episcopal Church

Sat Sept 20 - Farmer’s Market, 8am - 1 pm; Braver Angels Workshop, 10am - Noon, First Cong/UCC Church; Emergency Preparedness Class for Kids, 10am, Public Library; Tainter Lake Rehab District Fundraiser, 11am-2pm, Elk Point Resort

Wed Sept 24 - Farmer’s Market, 10am - 6 pm; Arbor Place Open House, 2-6 pm, 4076 Kothlow Ave; Grief Series, 6:30 pm, Keyes Chevy (walk-ins welcome)

MHS Extracurricular News

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Tuesday, September 9

The Mustangs Girls Golf Team finished in 7th place at the EC Memorial BRC meet at Mill Run Monday only 5 shots out of 6th. The team improved their 9 hole score from last week by 22 strokes shooting a 203 team score.  Leading the Mustangs were Lucia Santibanez carding a 47, Maggie Winsand 48 & Evy Asher 49, followed by Cierra House 59 & Zoey Cleveland 62.

The Sophomore Football Team lost a hard fought game to Hudson 49-30. The sophomores are now 2-1 on the season.

Congrats to the Girls Varsity and JV Tennis Teams on their win against River Falls. The varsity team won 6-1 last night against the Warriors.

Wednesday, September 10

It was a tough day for the Mustangs Girls Golf Team at The Chippewa Falls BRC meet at Lake Wissota Golf yesterday. The Mustangs finished in 8th place. Leading the scoring for the Mustangs were Lucia Santibanez & Maggie Winsand, followed by Evy Asher, Cierra House & Zoey Cleveland.

Thursday, September 11

The Mustang Girls Golf Team had a very good showing on Wednesday in the 21 team Northwest Wisconsin Classic held at Whitetail golf course. The Mustangs ended up in 11th place in a tough field.  Leading the way for the Mustangs were Maggie Winsand carding a 90 good for 21st place out of 99 golfers & Lucia Santibanez with a 93 good for 25th place, followed by Evy Asher, Zoey Cleveland & Cierra House.

Friday, September 12

Congrats to the Girls Tennis Team on a huge win against New Richmond! The Varsity team won 4-3 with big 3rd set wins from Dylan Watkins at 3 singles and Emma Lorenzen at 4 singles. Presley Verdon clinched the win at 2 singles.

Last night, the Girls Swim and Dive Team had a home dual meet against Rice Lake. Some notable performances include: 2 personal records in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly for Kalyn Fisher, a 6 dive personal record for both Sofia Reinhart and Layla Soviak, and a resilient, goggleless 50 butterfly for Lily Horvath. Great job swimmers and divers!

Monday, September 15

Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country Team for winning the 50th annual Menomonie Relays this past weekend on our home course. The boys won the 15 team meet by averaging just under 17 minutes per runner for our challenging 5 kilometer course, and with only 11 seconds separating their 1st through 5th runners! Noah Winder, Owen Pelzel and Evan Olson swept the number 3-4-5 race, while Logan Topper picked up a second place in the number 2 runners race. Great team effort boys! The boys team would like to wish Mrs. Topper a happy birthday today as most of them attribute their being on the team to her.

Tuesday, September 16

Congrats to the Girls Cross Country Team for their dominant performance at the Menomonie Relays meet on Saturday. The girls won the 13 team meet by over 2 minutes, breaking the meet record for the fastest MHS Relays team ever. Lauren McCalla won the overall championship, running 17:44 for 5k. This is the 2nd fastest time in MHS History and is the fastest time in the state for any girl this year so far. Bennett Schmidt placed 4th overall, with Bree Barfknechtfinishing 5th and Bella Drake finishing 11th. Addy Schuler rounded-out the scoring with a 17th place overall finish.

Congratulations to the Sophomore Football Team on their win over Rice Lake. The sophomores won a hard fought game 30-28. The sophomores are now 3-1 on the season. The Varsity Reserve Football Team traveled to Northwestern last night to take on the Tigers. The Mustangs won a close-fought battle 14-12. It was a great team win as Reece Birt sealed the game with an acrobatic interception and 4th down catch after a late Touchdown and two-point run by Jake Hubbell.Great job Mustangs!

Menomonie’s McCalla Commits to U of Washington

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

MENOMONIE - Menomonie High School standout distance runner Lauren McCalla has announced her commitment to compete in cross country and track for the University of Washington.

McCalla, who has been one of the top performers for the Mustangs throughout her prep career, shared her decision last week on the social media outlet Instagram. She cited the relationships built during her recruitment and the Huskies’ program as key factors in her choice.

“I really fell in love with Washington,” McCalla wrote. “I’m so grateful that Coach Maurica (Powell) and Coach Chris (Kwiatkowski) have given me this opportunity. I wouldn’t be here without the unwavering support from my family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

McCalla placed sixth at the WIAA Division 1 state cross country meet in 2024 after winning both the Big Rivers Conference and sectional championships. She followed that up on the track by finishing second in the 800- and 1600-meter runs at state, earning all-state honors in both events.

During the 2024 cross country season, the Huskies finished second in the Big 10 and 13th at  the NCAA Championship. During the 2024-25 indoor track and field season, Washington was fifth in the Big 10 and fourth at the NCAA Championship. The Huskies repeated the fourth place finish at the NCAAs during the 2025 outdoor championship and were sixth at the Big 10 championship.

McCalla is the second MHS runner over the last five years to sign to compete at an NCAA Division I school. Bella Jacobsen is competing at the University of of Wisconsin in Madison in both cross country and track.

Chat GPT provided assistance in the production of this story.

Layne Pitt is the retired UW-Stout sports information director.

Menomonie's McCalla Commits to U of Washington 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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