Welcome to Menomonie News Net Vol 2, Issue 34. You can read and search for archived issues and articles HERE.

It’s been nearly two weeks since we turned the page to the official summer season and today’s issue includes plenty of activities in the Menomonie area.

We thank you for making us a part of your week and Invite you to continue 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

Website: www.menomonienewsnet.org

Submit story ideas to: [email protected]

In this Issue...

• American Legion Post 32 Holds ‘Legion Night at the …

• Popular ‘Tiny Art Show’ is Back

• Lora Benrud Honored as Credit Union Legends of The …

• Black and White Photo

• Music on Main: Fri July 10

• Strong Bodies Summer Session Sign-Up

• Habitat for Humanity Seeks Applicants for Homeowne …

• Outdoor Theater this Week in Menomonie

• Workshop Assists Veterans with Online Benefits

• Women’s Jail Class Completes Mental Health First A …

• Public Meetings July 8-15

• Menomonie Events at a Glance July 8-15

• Menomonie Collegians

American Legion Post 32 Holds ‘Legion Night at the Ballpark’

Popular ‘Tiny Art Show’ is Back

Our popular Tiny Art Show is back FOR AGES 10-101!

Create your own tiny art that will be displayed at Menomonie Public Library August 3-21.

• Register & pick up an art kit starting July 7

• Complete tiny art masterpiece at home

• Return project to MPL by July 31

• Art will be displayed from Aug 3-21

• Public will vote on “Best in Show”

• Aug 25: Winners announced & contacted

• Pick up tiny art by Sept 11

• Source: MPL Facebook Page

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Lora Benrud Honored as Credit Union Legends of The Movement

MENOMONIE — Former WESTconsin Credit Union CEO Lora Benrud has been selected as a 2026 inductee into the Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation's Legends of The Movement, an honor recognizing individuals who have made lasting contributions to the credit union industry in Wisconsin and beyond.

Benrud's induction caps a distinguished 40-year career with WESTconsin Credit Union, where she began as a part-time teller in 1984 and advanced through the organization's leadership ranks. She served as chief executive officer for 10 years before retiring in 2024.

During her tenure as CEO, Benrud guided WESTconsin through a decade of strategic growth while maintaining a strong focus on cooperative values and member ownership. Under her leadership, the credit union expanded its presence across western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, strengthened its financial position and invested in infrastructure designed to support long-term success.

The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation said Benrud consistently championed the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People" through support of financial education programs, youth engagement initiatives and community partnerships. Her commitment to service extended beyond WESTconsin through involvement with numerous community organizations, boards and volunteer groups.

Known for a collaborative leadership style, Benrud emphasized employee development and mentorship throughout her career. She helped cultivate a workplace culture centered on integrity, service and professional growth while encouraging future leaders within the credit union system.

The Legends of The Movement program recognizes trailblazers, visionaries and dedicated individuals whose leadership and innovation have advanced The Credit Union Movement. Honorees are selected for their commitment to cooperative principles, their influence on the growth and reputation of credit unions, and their positive impact on the financial well-being of members.

Written from Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation Press Information

Black and White Photo

By John Wilkerson, MNN Contributor

The summer of 1976 still lives somewhere inside me.

I grew up in north Georgia on a large lake, far enough from Atlanta that the city felt like another world. My world was water, woods and endless summer days. We fished until dark. We swam until our fingers wrinkled. We chased snakes, were chased by wasps, and somehow survived minibikes and hand-tossed fireworks.

That summer was different. Our nation was celebrating its Bicentennial, and my mother decided a single day of fireworks wasn't enough. She was determined that our family would celebrate America's 200th birthday every chance we had.

If there was a parade, we went. If there was a festival, we were there. Church picnics, neighborhood cookouts, community celebrations, historical exhibits. We traveled to Williamsburg and walked streets where history seemed to linger around every corner. I stood in front of Abraham Lincoln's hat and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. At the time, they were interesting things to see, nothing more. I had no idea they would become landmarks in my own memory.

Back then, life seemed wonderfully uncomplicated. Summer mornings stretched forever. Our rhythm of playing on the water was interrupted only by adventures through endless woods and farm fields. Every fishing trip promised the biggest fish of the year. Every sunset beckoned tomorrow’s adventure.

I still see the little boy who wiggled his toes to free them from the lake-bottom mud before casting his line into a sunset-stained lake. He had no idea those days would become the measure of his life for years to come.

Those memories resurfaced this past Independence Day. Once again there were family gatherings, good food, conversations with friends and time spent with a fishing pole in my hand. The details had changed, but something about the rhythm of the weekend felt familiar.

Then a friend sent me a photograph. It was a simple picture of me holding a fish. The one I’d caught that day. Nothing remarkable about it. Except it was in black and white.

Without the distraction of color, it could almost have belonged to another lifetime.

For a moment, fifty years folded together. The boy in Georgia stood beside the man I am today. Memories that had quietly waited for the right moment finally found me again.

This month's journaling prompt:

Look back one year. Five years. Fifty years, if you've been given that gift.

Who were you then?

Who are you today?

Who are you becoming?

You may discover that your life isn't a straight line at all. It's a collection of moments, patiently waiting for the right sound, the right smell, or the right photograph to remind you that every version of yourself is still walking beside you.

Music on Main: Fri July 10

IT’S BACK!

The Downtown Menomonie Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the return of Music on Main for its 3rd annual year!

Let’s keep the tradition alive and fill our historic streets with local tunes, community vibes, and summer magic.

Mark your calendars for the second Fridays this summer. We're bringing live music right to your favorite local spots!

Your 2026 Summer Schedule
Friday, July 10
Friday, August 14

Time: 4:00 PM until business close (typically 8:00–9:00 PM)
Location: Wander through participating downtown businesses
Rain or Shine: The music plays on, no matter the weather!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: The Record Scavenger Hunt!

• Our legendary vinyl scavenger hunt is back! Here is how to play:

• Hunt: Step inside participating downtown businesses and look for the hidden mini vinyl record.

• Find & Score: When you spot it, let the staff know! They will give you an immediate reward (like a downtown token or an instant discount to use right then!) and re-hide the record for the next hunter.

• Cash In: Take your collected tokens to the Downtown Menomonie booth each Friday evening to trade them for sweet Downtown Menomonie swag!

• Go for Gold: Keep collecting your tokens across all three event nights to enter to win the ultimate Grand Prize Package filled with goodies donated by our amazing local shops!
  

Grab your friends, bring the family, and come out to shop, dine, hunt, and dance. Let’s make Year 3 the best one yet!

Hosted by Downtown Menomonie. For more information visit the Music on Main event facebook page.

Strong Bodies Summer Session Sign-Up

The next 12 week session of Strong Bodies will be held July 17 - September 24, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am - 10:15am.

Don't let the summer heat slow you down. Join our Virtual StrongBodies series from the comfort of your own home (and air conditioning!) to build strength, flexibility, and confidence all season long. Let’s stay active, healthy, and strong together this summer!

Register HERE for this free online program.

Learn more about StrongBodies here: https://health.extension.wisc.edu/strongbodies/

Source: UW Extension Strong Bodies Facebook

Habitat for Humanity Seeks Applicants for Homeownership Program

Chippewa Valley Habitat For Humanity is seeking two families to call Brickyard Road home. Habitat is planning to build a twin home on Brickyard Road later in 2026. The floor plan includes three bedrooms and a basement. Applications can be found at www.cvh4h.org and are due July 15.

The Homeownership Program makes the dream of homeownership possible for many Chippewa Valley families. Having a safe, affordable home empowers a family to invest in a more secure future for themselves and their children.

Applicants must be in need of housing possibly due to structurally substandard housing, over-crowded housing, or housing is inaccessible. Applicants must be willing to work in partnership with Chippewa Valley Habitat’s team and maintain a positive and active involvement in the Homeowner Sweat Equity Program. Sweat equity includes working at the construction site, attending the mortgage mastery program, volunteering at the ReStore and participating in Chippewa Valley Habitat events.

Applicants will work with a local bank to secure a loan. There is no down payment however, there may be closing costs of $2,000.

More information can be found at www.cvh4h.org

Source: submitted article

Outdoor Theater this Week in Menomonie

Workshop Assists Veterans with Online Benefits

Veterans Service Office Offers Local Event

VA.gov got you down? Call us to sign up for a half-day event on Thursday, July 16 at the Dunn County Government Center. We’ll assist with accessing VA.gov and show you how to file travel pay and refill prescriptions online.

Who: Veterans who need help accessing VA.gov
When: July 16 from 12:30-4:30
Where: Rm 100, Dunn County Government Center
Why: Ability to file travel pay, review your appointments and refill prescriptions online

Call Amy at the Veterans Service Office 715-232-1646 to sign up for an appointment or for more information

Source: Submitted information

Women’s Jail Class Completes Mental Health First Aid Certification

Mental Health First Aid is taught at the Dunn County Jail to encourage participants to help their fellow peers while in the jail setting.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program that teaches you how to identify, understand, and response to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Much like traditional CPR, it provides the skills to offer initial support until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

During the training, participants do not learn how to diagnose or act as therapists. Instead, the course covers: common warning signs of mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis; how to de-escalate crisis situations (e.g., panic attacks or severe distress); and how to connect individuals to professional, peer, and self-help resources.

For more information, contact Sheli Jo Metzger, Dunn CountyJail substance abuse counselor [email protected] or 715-231-2980.

Source: News release

Public Meetings July 8-15

City of Menomonie

Mon Jul 13 Recreation Advisory Board, 7pm

Wed Jul 15 Urban Forestry Mtg, 1pm; Airport Commission Mtg, 6pm 

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Mon Jul 13 Regular Board Meeting, 5:45pm , ASC Board Rm

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Mon Jul 13 Facilities Committee, 4:30pm

Tues Jul 14 Community Resources & Tourism Committee, 4:30pm 

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance July 8-15

Wed Jul 8 Farmers Market, 10am - 4pm, Wilson Park; Moose Lodge Dance, 1-4pm, Menomonie Moose Lodge

Thur Jul 9 Music Over Menomin (The Other Brothers), 7pm, Public Library; Moose Lodge Bingo, 7pm, Menomonie Moose Lodge; Pie & Ice Cream Social, Peace Lutheran Church;

Fri Jul 10 Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, 7pm, Wilson Park (Free w donations welcome); Friday Night Races, 7pm, Red Cedar Speedway;

Sat Jul 11 Morris Dancers Day of Dance; Farmers Market, 10am - 1pm, Wilson Park; Discover Saturday at Downsville Museum, Noon - 2pm, Downsville; Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, 2pm & 7pm, Wilson Park (Free w donations welcome)

Mon Jul 13 Summer Yoga at the Library, 9am, Menomonie Public Library Lawn;

Tue Jul 14 Red Cross Blood Drive, 10am - 4pm, Stout Craft Co (1501 N Broadway), Sponsor: Menomonie High School; Coffee & Conversation: Dementia, (by Dunn County ADRC) 9am, Menomonie East YMCA; Line Dancing, 5:30 - 8pm, Euchre, 7-9pm, Moose Lodge; Ludington Band Concert, 7:30pm, Wilson Park

Wed Jul 15 Farmers Market, 10am - 4pm, Wilson Park; Moose Lodge Dance, 1-4pm, Moose Lodge;

Menomonie Collegians

Mustangs Wrap-up 2026 Collegiate Track and Field Seasons

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

From conference championship appearances to collegiate personal bests, several former Menomonie High School athletes continued to build successful careers during the 2026 outdoor track and field season.

Delaney Untz, Sophomore, Winona State University
In her second season at Winona State, Delaney Untz placed 18th in the high jump at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Outdoor Championships with a mark of 4 feet, 10.5 inches. Untz recorded a collegiate-best jump of 5-0.5 at the Todd Pfingsten Open on April 29 in Mankato, Minn., then matched that mark a week later at the Tim Marshall Open, also in Mankato.

Helen Chen, Senior, Minnesota Duluth
After three seasons on the Bulldogs women's basketball team, Helen Chen completed her first collegiate track and field season by competing in the 10,000-meter run at the NSIC Outdoor Championships, where she placed 30th in 44:00.05. Chen set a collegiate-best time in the 10,000 meters at the Dan Conway Classic, finishing second in 42:15.39. She also established a collegiate best in the 5,000 meters, running 20:06.62 at the St. Thomas Joe Sweeney Invitational on April 29.

Isabella Whitwam, Freshman, Minnesota Duluth
Isabella Whitwam did not place at the NSIC Outdoor Championships in the pole vault, but she recorded a collegiate outdoor best of 9-6.25 to finish second at the Dan Conway Classic on April 25 at UW-Superior. Whitwam cleared a season-best 9-10.5 during the indoor season on Valentine's Day.

Madison Lehman, Sophomore, UW-Eau Claire
In her second season as a Blugold, Madison Lehman competed in six outdoor meets and recorded a career-best time of 5:04.42 in the 1,500 meters at the Dick and Mary Johnson Invitational on April 25, finishing 12th on her home track. Lehman also competed in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships, finishing 15th in a career-best 12:05.33, improving her previous best by 15 seconds.

Gabby Skorczewski, Junior, Lawrence University
Gabby Skorczewski finished fourth in the 400-meter dash at the 2026 Midwest Conference Outdoor Championships on May 9 in Mount Vernon, Iowa, matching her conference finish from the 2025 outdoor season. She crossed the finish line in 1:01.01. Skorczewski also helped Lawrence place fifth in the 4x400-meter relay with a time of 4:12.16.

Bella Jacobson, RsJr, University of Wisconsin
Bella Jacobson competed in two events at the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championship, finishing 20th in the 5000 meter with a time of 17:31.50 on May 17 and 15th in the 10000 meter in a time of 35:35.47 on May 15. Jacobson ran a season outdoor-best in the 5000 meters at the Stanford Invitational in 16:22.27 on April 3. 

Brooklyn Hoff, Sophomore, UW-Stevens Point
After competing during the cross country and indoor track and field seasons, Brooklyn Hoff did not compete during the outdoor track and field season for the Pointers. Indoor, Hoff set three personal-best times: running the 5K in 18:02.88 at the Midwest Elite Invitational Feb.14; the 3K in 10:36.63 at the Converse Invitstional Jan. 31; and the mile in 5:24 at the WIAC Triangular, Jan. 24.

Menomonie Collegians is a regular feature of Menomonie News Net. The column is not limited to student-athletes, but may be a former Menomonie area 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.

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