Welcome to Issue 38 of Menomonie News Net. If you missed previous Issues, you can catch up HERE.

In today’s issue we feature Menomonie’s Four Tables, Ruben Dayton-Brantmeier’s pedaling story, Looking Back and another Judy Foust MHS Grads installment. Also…MNN advisory board member Bruce Siebold/Eighty Acres Photography has a display at the public library during August…stop in to see this and the Tiny Art Show.

Thanks for reading…enjoy these summer days.

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

In this Issue…

• Proposed Data Center

• New Small Business Development Grant Aims to Boost Local Economy

• Community Members Unite to Award $60,000 to Local Nonprofits in One Evening

• Family Friendly ‘Menomin Meander’ Bike Ride Includes Helmet Giveaway

• Public Library Display - Eighty Acres Photography

• The Four Tables Nourish Both Body & Soul

• Dragonfly Program at Red Cedar Trail this Saturday

• MHS Grads: Where are They Now? - Brenden Ryan Class of 2011

• Looking Back: August

• Public Meetings: Week of Aug 6 - 13

• Menomonie Events at a Glance Aug 6-13

• Pedaling Towards the Future - Ruben Dayton-Brantmeier

Proposed Data Center

Menomonie, WI - On August 4, 2025, the City of Menomonie Common Council held a public hearing to discuss Proposed Ordinance 2025-05, which would rezone land along CTH B between 650th Avenue (Eagle Point Road) and 690th Avenue from Agriculture (A) to Restricted Industrial (I-1).

A potential data center development prompted the rezoning. The hearing lasted approximately two hours, during which community members voiced both support and opposition to the proposal. Following discussion, the Common Council adopted Ordinance 2025-05 by a vote of 8–3, approving the rezoning to I-1.

Mayor Randy Knaack made the following statement about the potential data center: “On behalf of the City of Menomonie, I would like to thank everyone for sharing their thoughts and concerns about the rezoning for a potential data center. Decisions about annexation, rezoning, and development are not taken lightly by the Common Council—or me. The public opinions expressed will be in our thoughts as we explore possible development on the property, along with future development opportunities.”

The adoption of Ordinance 2025-05 does not guarantee a data center will be developed on the property. The Common Council will have further discussion if the project moves forward.

Source: News Release City of Menomonie

New Small Business Development Grant Aims to Boost Local Economy

Dunn Economic Development announces $250,000 grant

MENOMONIE, WI – Following the announcement by Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Dunn Economic Development is proud to announce the launch of the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant. This significant $250,000 grant, awarded by WEDC, is designed to provide direct financial assistance and vital technical support to small businesses and startups across Dunn County, with a special focus on strengthening rural and underserved areas.

The Dunn County Small Business Development Grant aims to foster economic growth and resilience by increasing access to capital and expert guidance for local enterprises. "We are thrilled to launch the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant, a direct investment into the heart of our local economy," said Adam Accola, Executive Director of Dunn Economic Development. "This program is specifically designed to provide tangible financial support and critical technical assistance, ensuring both new startups and established businesses, especially those in our rural communities, have the resources to innovate, grow, and create new opportunities right here in Dunn County."

The program offers up to $10,000 per eligible business through a combination of tailored support mechanisms:

• Technical Assistance: By working with a qualified technical support service such as the Center for Innovation and Development at UW-Stout, the Small Business Development Center at UW-Eau Claire, the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, or Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council eligible businesses can receive a letter qualifying them for reimbursable business expenses.

• Rental Assistance Grants: Support for startup businesses signing leases for previously vacant spaces or expanding into new locations.

• Downtown Menomonie Grant Matches: Matching funds for businesses participating inDowntown Menomonie's beautification and sign grant programs.

• Economic Development Loan Fund Program Matches: Matching funds for successfulapplicants of Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) programs through partners like the RegionalBusiness Fund, Inc. (RBF) or the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC).

A key aspect of the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant is its commitment to ensuring all funds directly benefit local businesses, with 100% of the WEDC grant passed through to recipients. To ensure the legitimacy and local presence of all recipients, businesses must verify that they are operating at a Dunn County-based address to receive funds.

The application for the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant will be available by September 15, 2025.

For further information and updates as they become available, please visit our contact form: https://mailchi.mp/779c05c3a152/small-business-development-grant 

About Dunn Economic Development: Dunn Economic Development is a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient economy in Dunn County, Wisconsin. We serve as a built-in business ally and a one-stop connection for companies looking to expand, relocate, or launch.

Our organization unites the resources and expertise of six key community pillars:

• Dunn County

• The City of Menomonie

• The University of Wisconsin-Stout

• The Dunn County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC)

• The Greater Menomonie Development Corporation (GMDC)

• The Stout Technology & Business Park

By aligning these partners, we clear the path for business success, providing seamless access to sites, incentives, workforce solutions, and the support needed to thrive in Western Wisconsin.

Adam Accola, Executive Director, Dunn Economic Development may be contacted at 715-232-5444 [email protected]

Community Members Unite to Award $60,000 to Local Nonprofits in One Evening

First Ever ‘Philanthropy Unplugged” Hosted by the Community Foundation

Menomonie, WI — In an electrifying evening of community-driven giving, over 100 residents gathered at Lucette Brewing Company on Wednesday, July 30 for Philanthropy Unplugged—a one-of-a-kind event where participants collectively raised and awarded $50,000 to five impactful local nonprofits. An anonymous donor stepped up during the event to increase the grant prizes to a total of $60,000.

The five finalist organizations, selected in advance through a competitive application process, each had the opportunity to share their mission and pitch a project to the crowd. After hearing from all five, the audience voted to determine how the funds would be distributed.

At the end of the night, the following organizations walked away with grant awards:

• Stepping Stones - $30,000

• Arbor Place, Inc. - $10,000

• Menomonie Theater Guild - $5,000 (matched by an anonymous donor for a total grant of $10,000)

• The Community Tables - $2,500 (matched by an anonymous donor for a total grant of $5,000)

• Shirley Doane Senior Center - $2,500 (matched by an anonymous donor for a total grant of $5,000)

“Philanthropy Unplugged is about more than dollars, it’s about connection, collaboration, and the power of people coming together to make a difference,” said Georgina Tegart, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Dunn County. “This event showed that philanthropy doesn’t have to be formal or complicated; it can be fun, fast, and incredibly meaningful.”

The event was made possible by the generosity of participants who believe in the strength of local nonprofits and the value of community-led solutions.

Photos and highlights from the evening at http://facebook.com/cfdunncounty

To learn more about Philanthropy Unplugged, visit https://cfdunncounty.org/philanthropy-unplugged

Contact The Community Foundation at 715-232-8019 or [email protected]

Family Friendly ‘Menomin Meander’ Bike Ride Includes Helmet Giveaway

By David K. Williams

Families looking for a safe bicycle riding opportunity are welcome to join the Menomin Meander on Sat, August 9th. The Meander follows the trail which loops around Menomonie’s Lake Menomin, about nine miles in length. The ride is totally free.

The ride begins with a helmet give-away for kids, sponsored by the New Richmond law firm of Doar Drill and Skow, at 8:30 a.m. at the Dunn County Fairgrounds. The Meander ride will start at 9 a.m., with a ride leader to guide the bikers, and a sag wagon to follow in case anyone has mechanical difficulty or tires out. Road guards at the few strategic road crossings will help ensure safe riding.  Most of the route is on segregated bike trail.

Halfway around the loop at Wakanda Park will be a food and rest stop, adjoining the playground area, which includes restroom facilities.

The Menomin Meander is sponsored by the Menomonie Optimist Club, the City of Menomonie and Culvers, which is providing free custard coupons for all riders.

For more information visit the City of Menomonie website here.

David Williams is a Menomonie resident and retired UW-Stout administrator.

Photography Display at Public Library

The Four Tables Nourish Both Body & Soul

Benefit fundraiser hosted by Woodwind Park Sept 6

 By Naomi Cummings

Each week in Menomonie, volunteers faithfully gather at four different churches to cook and serve free meals to anyone who needs one. Monday's Meal is at Menomonie United Methodist Church, Tuesday's Table is at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wednesday's Table is at Christ Lutheran Church, and Thursday's Table is at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Collectively, they are called the Four Tables, though they each operate independently.

In 2024, they served 25,817 hot and healthy meals. They are ready to go at 5:00 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. Tom Schmelzle, of First Congregational says, "Our guests are people like you and like me: caregivers, folks carrying meals to neighbors and shut-ins, families with young children, seniors, and folks who are down on their luck."

The Four Tables are addressing food insecurity in Menomonie, but they are also providing a sense of community to many.  One guest remarked, "We share, we listen, and we encourage each other. This is not just about food you know!"

St. Joseph Catholic Church was the first to offer meals in 2006. Mary Allison, long-time volunteer at St. Joseph, remembers that no one came to the first very first one, but that soon changed. "We still serve some of the original folks who came that first year, but many have since passed away."

St. Joseph offers a sit-down meal on Tuesdays, served in their dining hall. Mary continued, "We really love making these meals and we feel blessed to work with our community to make that happen."

All four sites have a "no questions asked" policy and are happy to serve anyone who comes to their door, or in the case of the Menomonie United Methodist Church, whoever drives up. They offer a drive-through pick-up meal every Monday, and are averaging about 200 meals a week. The menu for the last week of July was a tasty-looking pasta salad, a slice of watermelon, and buttery Texas toast.

Pastor Wendy Slaback shared that some of their guests have physical barriers, and really appreciate the ease of the drive-through system. They were the last of the Four Tables to start serving meals, beginning in October 2021. They are proud of their Monday Meal offering and service. Pastor Wendy says, "We are completely self-supported by our community."

Wednesday's Table takes place at Christ Lutheran Church. The Food Coordinator, Jim Kausie, and a handful of volunteers were in the midst of preparing open-face turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed veggies, and a strawberry shortcake to serve. Jim said, "The more food I prepare, the more people that aren't going hungry."

First Congregational United Church of Christ offers Thursday's Table each week. In 2006 they were the second church to start a program. Tom Schmelzle, president of the Thursday's Table Board, said, "Everyone needs food. When that basic need is a struggle to meet, it causes a cascade of hurt. Thursday's Table hands out meals each week, but it also provides an opportunity for folks to interact, and share their thoughts and feelings."

Thursday's Table is averaging about 140 meals each week. Tom continued, "Individuals, families, and programs are facing uncertain times. Thursday's Table will continue to utilize all resources available to us and seek others to ensure that we can continue to provide quality meals to our guests."

Thursday's Table utilizes a rotating crew of volunteers from both the congregation and the community. "We're proud of the fact that we use biodegradable to-go containers," said Tom. He also shared that Walmart Transportation has been donating reusable cloth bags for guests to use rather than plastic bags. "We're also grateful to Mayo Clinic Health System for grants that enabled us to purchase needed fresh food and supplies."

Jim Kausie, along with the coordinators at the other sites, mentioned the challenge of funding these meals. Federal funding cuts have made food from various sources more expensive, or non-existent. Most of the Tables purchase food from Feed My People in Eau Claire, a low-cost source of food for community meals and food pantries. Jim stated, "Feed my People has less food available. In addition, TEFAP, ( a federal government emergency food assistance program that purchases food from U.S. farmers), now has dwindling supplies and may be discontinued."

Jim Swanson, Food Coordinator of Thursday's Table, shared some of the challenges of federal budget cuts. He reports that the only meat they've been able to get lately from TEFAP has been chicken legs. "We roast them up, take all the meat off them, then use it in casseroles or other dishes." Another difficulty that they are facing is that many of their volunteers are aging, "We really need younger folks to help prepare the meals."

In 2023 all Four Tables stepped up to the challenge of providing 20 meals to Cairn House each Monday through Thursday. Cairn House, the homeless shelter operated by Stepping Stones had just been completed. Heidi Hooten, the Cairn House Manager said, "We had never provided cooked meals before in our smaller shelter. Now, hot and nutritious meals are picked-up and delivered to us every Monday through Thursday by volunteers. This has been a huge benefit to us as it not only saves us money, but saves us from the challenge of finding someone to cook.  Not many people have the skills to cook for larger groups."

Bobbette Tunnyhill, a long-time volunteer at Thursday's Table summed it up well, "I think it's amazing that we have Four Tables here in Menomonie. It is very much needed, and I'm really proud of our community." While all Four Tables face challenges, they all work hard to find solutions, and successfully meet a very basic need to nourish both body and spirit.

The Four Tables are looking forward to the 4th Annual Park for a Purpose on Saturday, September 6th from Noon - 4 pm at Wood Wind Park (E7115 1058th Ave, Wheeler; woodwindpark.com). This is a fundraiser to benefit all Four Tables. Admission is free, and there will be a car and craft show, music, food and a silent auction. The Cutaways will be performing and there will be other fun activities.

For those unable to attend the event on September 6, donations may be made by writing a check to Thursday's Table, PO Box 669, Menomonie, WI 54751, and indicating on the memo line: For All Four Tables. (Note: Thursday's Table is the fiscal agent for the event).

Individual contributions may also be sent directly to churches that host a table:

• Menomonie United Methodist Church, 2703 Bongey Dr, Menomonie

• St Joseph Catholic Church, 921 Wilson Ave, Menomonie

• Christ Lutheran Church, 1306 Wilcox St, Menomonie

• First Congregational United Church of Christ, 420 Wilson Ave, Menomonie

Naomi Cummings is a retired nonprofit director and proud Menomonie resident since 1980.

Dragonfly Program this Saturday

Red Cedar Trail Depot is the site of 10am - Noon program by the Friends of the Red Cedar Trail

The Red Cedar Trail is hosting a free Dragonfly Program 10am--noon on Saturday, August 9 at the Trailhead Depot.

Source: Facebook

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

Brendan Ryan - Class of 2011

By Judy Foust

Since we couldn’t connect in person, Brendan’s interview was done via emails. Through those emails, he shared his life’s journey from Menomonie to Germany.

When I asked Brendan about his most memorable MHS experiences, he included his involvement in high school plays, musicals and forensics (solo acting and extemporaneous speaking), adding that “those were always great activities to have fun with classmates while also honing in on skills related to public speaking.” These skills proved invaluable in his further his education and in making presentations in a professional manner.

Brendan also added, “I really gained a lot from friendships I had with foreign exchange students. I feel that’s what opened my horizons for later experiences outside my comfort zone. Basically, coming from small-town Wisconsin, I realized that international travel was possible.”

That interest in international experiences took him to UW-Madison after his high school graduation. There he majored in German and Linguistics. After a semester internship at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, Brendan spent his junior year studying abroad in Freiburg, Germany. According to Brendan, that year “really changed my perspective on what was possible in my life.” After completing his Bachelor’s degree at Madison, Brendan went on earn a Master’s Degree in European Linguistics from the University of Freiberg.

Using his education, he is currently a copy editor in a scientific publishing house in Germany where he can combine his expertise in language with publishing open-access data that can have an effect on scientific developments.

Family is important to Brendan. He met his wife “while I was doing my junior year abroad with the Academic Year in Freiburg through UW-Madison. I do recommend doing some type of study aboard while in college to anyone interested. You don’t always have the freedom to travel when you have other responsibilities like a fulltime job or kids!”

Brendan and his wife have three daughters, all of whom were born in Germany. “Currently, my free time is filled with children’s birthday parties and trips to the playground, along with juggling piano lessons and swimming classes.

“But we do make some time every year for travel, usually within Europe. This year, in addition to visiting family and friends in Wisconsin, we attended a wedding in the Canary Islands and took a trip to Portugal.”

“I also enjoy watching ‘good’ films and have dipped my toes into online genealogy (although I will need a bit more time in the future year to do either of those hobbies justice).”

We ended our interview with Brendan stating, “I definitely have a foot in both worlds—family in Wisconsin while living and working in Germany.” (Brendan and his family currently live in Gottingen, Germany).

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]

Looking Back: August

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

BANK REPORTS BUILDING PLANS

The News could perhaps conduct a contest and ask you to identify the above building located in Menomonie. Actually you wouldn’t find the structure today. However, this is how the Montgomery Wards building will appear after it is converted into the new United Bank quarters. According to designer Bunce Pauly, of the Bunce Corporation, the massive contours of the exterior design are intended to convey a sense of graceful design. August 17, 1977, Dunn County News

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE

A little child about two years old, of Mr. W.T. Evans, who resided half a mile east of Baldwin, was almost miraculously saved from being crushed by the westward bound express, Monday afternoon. The child was discovered on the track too late to bring the train to a standstill before reaching it, so the fireman adopted the only other alternative, and crept out on the cow-catcher with the intention of snatching the little one from its perilous position. Failing to get hold of the child, he succeeded, however, in knocking it down, but was himself hurled headlong to one side down an embankment, while the engine and tender passed over the babe, without causing so much as a bruise. The name of the gallant fireman, is James Bradford, and we are glad to be able to chronicle the fact that he received no serious injuries by his fall. August 1, 1874, Dunn County News

GREEKS GIVE WAY TO ITALIAN LABOR

Work continues to be rushed on the new Cedar Falls dam, and the contractors express every confidence that the structure will be completed by Oct. 1. A change is being made in the personnel of the labor force, the Greeks who have been employed. during the summer being sent away for work elsewhere, most of them going to Portland. Italians are being brought in to take their places. About 150 men are on the job. Work has also been begun clearing out the trees and brush for the pole line that will carry the current from the new power station at Cedar Falls for the C.V.R.L. & P. Company. August 4, 1910, Dunn County News

DISASTROUS FIRE

About 11 o'clock Thursday forenoon the whistle of the steam mill gave a series of spasmodic shrieks, indicating that something was wrong in that direction. The little jet of flame and smoke issuing from the roof of the mammoth hog-pen of K.S. & Co. north of the mill, revealed the fact that that building was on fire. The mills were shut down, and in a few minutes a large force of men were on hand to fight the flames. Several sections of hose were soon in position and attached to the pump in the steam mill, but a section or two burst which occasioned some delay. Before a stream could be turned on the building it was all aflame and past all salvation. The fire-fighters however prevented it further spreading among adjacent buildings. The fire caught in the roof near the engine room, doubtless from sparks falling from the smoke stack. The hogs were in the pasture at the time and escaped a toasting. The loss is estimated from $10,000 to $12,000 on which there was an insurance of $2,500 in the German American Co., New York. August 3, 1878, Dunn County News

BALL GAME IS UNFINISHED 

The biggest crowd of the season ambled out to the Fairground Sunday to see the Micheels and Athletics contend for the city championship. A good game was played, but the satisfaction of seeing the completion on the merits was wanting. The last half of the ninth opened with the score 3 to 2 in favor of the Athletics. With one man out and two men on bases a Micheels batsman sent the ball down toward first. The umpire for balls and strikes called "foul." The umpire for the bases called “fair ball." And this was the beginning of the end, which came speedily -- so far as baseball was concerned. The rest of the time was spent in argument until one of the teams followed its manager off the field. The Micheels team concedes the game but asserts that had it been played out under the circumstances it would have won. The Athletics say the victory was 9 to 0. And there you are. The News is not umpiring and does not decide. August 6, 1914, Dunn County News

NO PLACE FOR CHILDREN

The new depot has become a great resort for children and unless parents take precautionary measures to keep them away some accident to life or limb is liable to occur any day. It is no place for children and why parents permit them to go there unaccompanied by grown people to care for them is beyond our comprehension. Railroad employees have their duties to perform and it is impossible for them to keep watch over these little shavers and see that none run into danger. No child under twelve or fifteen years old should he allowed to go down to the flat unattended, and in every household there should be an inflexible parental law to that effect. August 7, 1880, 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: Week of Aug 6 - 13

City of Menomonie

Sat Aug 9 - Menomin Meander, 8:30 a.m., Fairgrounds

Mon Aug 11 - Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m. 

View the Aug 4 City Council Meeting here. (Eye on Dunn, video).

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Mon Aug 11 - School Board Meeting, 5:45 - 7:00 p.m., ASC

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Thur Aug 7 - Fair Board, 5:30 p.m., Fair Office, 620 17th St. SE

Wed Aug 13 - Transit Committee, 8:00 a.m., Highway Dept; Highway Committee, 8:15 a.m., Highway Dept

Wed Aug 13 - Executive Committee, 3:30 p.m.

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance Aug 6-13

Wed Aug 6 - Farmer’s Market, 10am - 6pm, Wilson Park

Thur Aug 7 - Music Over Menomin, 7pm - Wilson Park (North of Dixie)

Fri Aug 8 - Red Cross Blood Drive, 9:30am - 3:30pm, Library; Music on Main

Sat Aug 9 - Farmer’s Market, 8am-1pm; Menomin Meander, 8:30am - Dunn Co Fairgrounds; Sadistic Century 10th Annual Bike Ride, DC Rec Park; Dragonfly Program, 10am-noon, Red Cedar Trail Depot

Tue Aug 12 - Red Cross Blood Drive, Noon - 6pm, Christ Lutheran Church, 1306 Wilcox

Wed Aug 13- Farmer’s Market, 10am - 6pm, Wilson Park;

Pedaling Towards the Future

Menomonie’s Ruben Dayton-Brantmeier Rides with Purpose

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

MENOMONIE — Whether it's racing up a 10-minute climb or spending hours in the saddle through the backroads of South Dakota, Ruben Dayton-Brantmeier finds focus and freedom on two wheels.

A 2025 Menomonie High School graduate, Dayton-Brantmeier competes for North Star Development, a U23 cycling team based in Stillwater, Minn. Specializing in road racing, he is emerging as a rising name in the endurance-heavy discipline that mirrors the style of the Tour de France.

“I have been riding a bike since I was two years old, but have only been seriously racing since 2021,” he said. “I just started riding during the pandemic, and it took off from there.”

That turning point came on a November day in 2019, when Dayton-Brantmeier met Menomonie residents Jerry Porter and Jeff Peterson during a trail ride, a meeting which helped kick-start his competitive journey.

“I got my first bike from Jerry Porter,” he said. “I can remember when I met them — Nov. 19, 2019. I lived, then I biked, and my life changed.”

Since then, his passion and commitment have shaped nearly every aspect of his life. He trains daily, races across the country and internationally, and works to support his racing goals. He recently completed a demanding seven-stage road race in Quebec, Canada, where each day included 70 to 90 miles of competition.

“My specialty is long climbs,” the 18-year-old Dayton-Brantmeier said. “If I can have a 10-minute climb - that is my best.”

While he’s competed in races throughout the Midwest — including Minnesota, North Dakota, and Illinois — he’s also tested his endurance in Arizona, West Virginia and across Canadian terrain. He races under the guidance of USA Cycling, with international events governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Racing is about more than just endurance. Points earned in competition determine starting positions, which can significantly affect a rider’s performance.

“The better you do, the better your (next) start. The better your start, the better you do,” he said.

A typical day this summer begins with yoga or strength work, followed by a 2- to 3-hour ride and a full day of work at a local orchard, Dirty Mary Face Farm. When school was in session, training shifted to after classes.

Even in winter, his commitment doesn’t waver. When road racing slows down, he competes in Fat Tire events and uses the off-season to recover, reflect and reset.

“Competing all year round is not sustainable,” he said. “I’ll take a break from October to January.”

Originally planning to attend Colorado Mesa University in the fall, Dayton-Brantmeier opted instead to pause his academic plans for a year. He intends to study exercise physiology with a concentration in human performance when he does enroll.

“I’m taking a gap year to get a big result and to build up my savings account,” he said.

Racing with a team brings both competition and camaraderie. Dayton-Brantmeier emphasizes that road racing is a collective effort.

“Everybody has a role, everyone has a job,” he said. “The team aspect is not only when racing. Off the bike, they are people you can trust who do exactly the same thing you are doing. They are going through the same ups and downs.”

Dayton-Brantmeier’s goals are clear - continue to improve, support his team, and someday win a national championship.

“Getting a good finish is a goal,” he said. “Setting a goal, training with a team, doing well and going home happy — that’s a great feeling.”

When he’s not racing or training, he enjoys woodworking, fixing and cleaning things, spending time with family and friends, and walking in the evenings — a habit he finds relaxing.

“I never get bored on a ride,” he said. “And I’ve done rides up to 10 hours. It can be a time to think on your own, be exactly on your own. I think about everything — random math problems, things like that.”

Next up is a 113-mile gravel race in South Dakota — a course he knows well.

“I won that race last year,” he said. “It’s just what it sounds like — you are racing on a road made up of gravel. While you are racing, you think of random stuff while riding through South Dakota.”

For Dayton-Brantmeier, cycling offers more than athletic competition. It’s a daily challenge, a personal journey, and a way to connect with the world around him.

“There is always that hill out there that you can get up faster,” he said. “There are never-ending layers of you that can do better.”

Chat GPT provided assistance in the production of this story.

For Menomonie football fans, Chad Zutter's book "Menomonie High School Football History & Record Book" is now available on Amazon for $14.95.  You can order the book at: 130 Years of Menomonie Football, 1895-2024

Layne Pitt is the retired UW-Stout Sports Information director and also worked more than a decade at the Dunn County News.

Pedaling Towards the Future 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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