Here’s Issue 4 of Menomonie News Net!

A quick reminder of our mission: to bring you hyperlocal Menomonie news—covering city, county, schools, and nonprofits. Why the focus on Menomonie? To help fill the gap for reliable news that Menomonie has experienced over the past several years. Nonprofit, nonpartisan — local news for an informed community.

We started with 407 subscribers last week, and now we’re up to 475! Let’s keep the momentum going—please share with others and encourage them to SUBSCRIBE. We’re even hearing of former residents who are signing up!

Thank you for your tax-deductible donations as you are able — enjoy the many activities of the holiday season!

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

In this Issue…

• What Do Those Signs Mean?

• Spring Elections

• Holiday Events Bring Seasonal Cheer

• County 4-H Programs and UW-Stout Team Up

• Menomonie Science Olympiad Results

• Optimists Honor Samantha Cunningham

• Benrud’s Commitment to Community Leads to Stout Alumni Award

• Looking Back: Knapp Fisherman Hauls in Monster Fish

• Menomonie Collegians: Noah Feddersen, Charlie Morning

What Do Those Signs Mean?

By David K. Williams

As you enter the City of Menomonie among the various signs greeting you are three on one post, indicating that Menomonie is a Bike Friendly City, a Tree City, and a Bird City.  Ever wonder what those actually mean?

Menomonie has been officially recognized as a Tree City for almost 35 years.  The recognition is through the National Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit whose goal is to encourage the planting and nurturing of trees.  There are 3,577 recognized Tree Cities in the country, which plant almost a million trees annually, according to the Tree City website.

To qualify for this recognition, Menomonie needed to establish a tree board or department—the Urban Forestry Board, staffed by volunteer city residents, is a recognized City committee since 1994, reporting to the City Council.  The city also needed a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and the City needed to hold an observance and publish a proclamation each year for National Arbor Day, usually held in April.

The Urban Forestry Board advocates for more tree planting each year at budget time.  The City has cut over 600 trees in the last two years, almost all were ash trees devastated by the emerald ash borer. Replacing as many of those trees with other species has been a high priority.  The Board also maintains a Heritage Tree Program, and a Tree Memorial program.  The Urban Forestry Board meets monthly and meetings are open to the public.

Bird City designation came to Menomonie in 2013, recognized through Bird City Wisconsin, a nonprofit created in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  To attain Bird City status requires attention to creating habitat and protection, having a community forestry program (see the Tree City description above), limiting hazards to birds, providing public education and recognizing International Migratory Bird Day.

Some habitat areas Menomonie focuses on include controlling invasive species of plants, helping provide nesting habitat (there’s those trees again!) and working to insure clean water.  Controlling light pollution wherever possible, and minimizing pesticides and other toxins help minimize threats to birds.  The City also works to educate citizens in a variety of areas which affect birdlife, including reducing carbon emissions, ensuring runoff is properly handled, and reducing energy where possible.

Bicycle Friendly status is conferred through the League of American Bicyclists through a strenuous application and review process.  Status is accorded beginning at the Bronze level, which is where Menomonie currently rates. 

The City established a Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee in 2011, reporting to the Plan Commission. The Advisory Committee meets four times annually, and its volunteer members work to improve conditions and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout the city. 

Some of the successful projects on which the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee has worked included the Lake Menomin Loop Trail around the lake, bike lanes on a number of city streets, bike repair stands around the community, the City’s first bike box at 13th Avenue and Broadway, helping stage the Menomin Meander family-friendly bike ride each August, improving crosswalks at Cedar Falls Road and Hwy 25 north, flashing beacons in and around downtown and along Stout Road, and updating the City’s comprehensive Transportation Plan. 

Meetings of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee are open to the public, and ideas to improve our streets for both bikers and walkers are always welcome. The next meeting is January 27, 2025 at 6pm. Call 715-232-2221 for more information.

Spring Elections in Dunn County

By Pat Eggert

The April spring elections in Dunn County will place residents on local government bodies that are closely connected to their rural communities. These governing bodies, including the county’s 22 town governments, will make impactful decisions on essential issues such as road repairs, driveway permits, land use, and more—decisions that directly affect daily life in the community.

Town officers are often long serving, so many of the towns will have incumbents running for new two-year supervisor or chair terms, but there may also be challengers or new candidates. In the towns surrounding Menomonie, two – the Town of Tainter and the Town of Menomonie – have announced early January deadlines for those circulating nomination papers. Five others – the towns of Red Cedar, Elk Mound, Spring Brook, Dunn, and Sherman, will hold caucuses in January to nominate candidates. Most towns still elect clerks and treasurers, although some have chosen to appoint those officers. One town, Sand Creek, still elects a constable as well. Caucus dates will be posted on town websites when they are set.

VILLAGE ELECTIONS

There are seven villages in Dunn County. Three have trustee or president candidates circulating nomination papers, Boyceville, Wheeler and Elk Mound. The other four – Colfax, Downing, Knapp, and Ridgeland – will hold caucuses to nominate candidates. Ridgeland and Downing will also have candidates for clerk.

CITY ELECTION

There is only one city in Dunn County – Menomonie – and since this is an odd numbered year, the odd numbered wards will vote for council members. All candidates are circulating nomination papers. There is no election for Mayor this year.

JUDICIAL ELECTIONS

While local judges are not up for election this spring, Dunn County ballots will list a contest for Appellate Court District III Judge, now held by incumbent Lisa Start.

STATEWIDE ELECTIONS

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has a vacant seat left by retiring judge Ann Walsh Bradley. Another statewide race is that of Superintendent of Public Instruction, an office now held by Jill Underly.

If primaries are needed, they will be held Tuesday, February 18. The final election will be Tuesday, April 1.

Nomination papers are due to the filing office by 4pm on Tuesday, January 7. The last day to hold a caucus is Tuesday, January 21.

Information from the Dunn County Clerk website on filing for office, including nomination papers can be found HERE. School Board election info can be found HERE. City of Menomonie election information can be found HERE.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission website which contains additional information on local candidates running for office can be found HERE.

Contact: Dunn County Clerk’s Office (715) 232-1677 [email protected]

NOTE: Menomonie News Net will continue to provide information and updates on the upcoming elections.

Holiday Events in Menomonie Bring Seasonal Cheer

By Cynthia Romano

MENOMONIE - A series of festive events are set to bring holiday cheer to Menomonie and surrounding communities throughout December. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this season.

Winter Daze Parade and Events in Downtown Menomonie
On Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m., the Winter Daze Parade will make its way through downtown Menomonie, preceded by festive events for families. This annual tradition features holiday floats, music, and community activities designed to celebrate the season.

Wakanda Wonderland at Rassbach Museum
For a magical experience, head to the Rassbach Museum (1820 John Russell Rd.) on Dec. 14, where Wakanda Wonderland will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event features an indoor tree display, history market, food and drinks, and more!

Giving Tree Wrapping Party
Join the community for a Giving Tree Wrapping Party at the Great Escape (2909 Bongey Dr.) on Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help wrap gifts for local children in need. Wrapping skills are not required, and snacks and drinks will be provided. Contact: 715-520-0180.

Red Cedar Holiday Party
On Dec. 17 at 2 p.m., The Neighbors of Dunn County will bring together families and friends to celebrate the season with music, treats, and gifts at 2901 Forbes Avenue in Menomonie for the Red Cedar Holiday Party. Contact: 715-232-4010; Email: [email protected]

Winter Farmers Market at Raw Deal
On Dec. 21, the Winter Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Raw Deal (603 Broadway S.) offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and seasonal treats. Support local vendors while picking up last-minute holiday gifts.

These holiday events provide opportunities for fun and giving back, bringing the Menomonie community together in the spirit of the season.

Cynthia Romano is a communications student and journalism intern at UW-Stout based in Menomonie, focused on community engagement and local journalism.

County 4-H Programs and UW-Stout Team Up to Provide Art Education

By Zachary Rozmiarek

For the fifth consecutive year, the Dunn, Eau Claire, and Chippewa County 4-H programs are partnering with the UW-Stout Art Education Department and Arts Integration Menomonie (AIM) to offer Art U, a virtual and in person art education program, to youth in the Chippewa Valley. All Dunn, Eau Claire, and Chippewa County youth in grades 5K-12 are invited to participate, even if they are not enrolled in 4-H.

Chippewa County 4-H Educator Jordan Blue emphasized the program’s inclusivity, stating, “We feel it is important to include all area youth in this event. It increases the amount of youth that can benefit from the program. It also gives non 4-H members insight to what 4-H has to offer.” Those who participate in Art U can gain access to other 4-H opportunities.

Youth in grades K-6 will attend virtual sessions via Zoom. The virtual format has been well received. A parent of a previous participant shared, “I have very much appreciated the ability for my kids to participate from home. This option works great for busy schedules and I don't know that we'd be able to participate otherwise.” Other families have appreciated the virtual program because it is easier to fit into their schedules and beneficial for youth who may not feel comfortable attending in person.

Youth in grades seven and up will meet in-person on the UW-Stout Campus. Meeting on a college campus allows them to undertake more complicated art projects. It also provides them with a glimpse of college life and what it is like to be an art student. These experiences are vital as the youth begin to consider their post high school plans.

UW-Stout art professor Ann Carlisle highlighted the program's broader impact, saying, “I believe that these types of collaborations increase awareness of the visual arts, assist children and their families to have fun, while learning about and continuing to appreciate the visual arts and help our pre-service art educators to become more confident and competent in teaching. They also bring people together in community to create and enjoy the visual arts collaboratively, even during times of isolation.”

The program is offered on Monday nights for five weeks starting on February 3rd. All grade levels are invited to display their work at an in-person art show and celebration on March 10th. The cost is $5 for current 4-H members, and $10 for any other youth. This fee covers all of the supplies that are needed for the projects. Supplies can be picked up from the Dunn, Eau Claire, or Chippewa County Extension offices during the week of January 27th.

Registration closes on January 5. To register and for more information, visit go.wisc.edu/artu25.

Contact: Zachary Rozmiarek, Dunn County 4-H Educator, [email protected], 715-232-1636

Menomonie Science Olympiad Dec 7 Results

Menomonie Schools receive 1st and 2nd place awards

By Amy Zuber Seguin

MENOMONIE - Both the Division B (Middle School) and Division C (High School) Science Olympiad teams competed December 7th at the Boyceville Invitational in Boyceville, Wisconsin.

This was a large meet, with 32 middle school teams and 62 high school teams, including state championship teams from both Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Students competed in 28 different individual events, covering science topics from Biology, Chemistry, Earth science, Physics, Technology, Science concepts, Process skills, and Science applications.

Menomonie's Middle School team placed 2nd in the large school division for Division B, and Menomonie High School placed 1st in the large school division for Division C.

Amy Zuber Seguin, Science Olympiad Coach [email protected]

Optimists Honor Samantha Cunningham

by David K. Williams

For over 30 years Menomonie Optimists have been recognizing Dunn County high school students who are exceptional role models for their schools, good students and great citizens.  At the Optimists’ November meeting, Samantha Cunningham of Menomonie High School was honored as the Youth of the Month.

Samantha Cunningham has been a part of the Menomonie High School Academy through the Chippewa Valley Technical College Nursing Assistant program.  It is her dream to pursue coursework at CVTC in the Sterile Processing Technician area.  Samantha greatly enjoys her classes in Medical Terminology and Psychology.  In addition to her academic work, Samantha serves as a commissioner for the Link Crew, where she enjoys helping students new to Menomonie High School.  Outside of school, Samantha has served as a receptionist at the Family Hairstyling Salon for the last two and a half years.  Teachers and counselors describe her as dependable, kind and respectful.  Samantha is the daughter of Sara Person and Greg Cunningham.

Honoring Dunn County youth is one focus of the Menomonie Optimist Club.  Other programs are work efforts in conjunction with area middle and high school students at Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area, a dictionary project which supplies every third grader in the county with a dictionary, and the summer Menomin Meander, a family-oriented bike ride around Lake Menomin. Optimists meet monthly at the Exit 45 Restaurant. Visitors are always welcome.

Benrud’s Community Commitment Leads to Stout Distinguished Alumni Award

Source: UW-Stout

Recently retired WESTconsin Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Lora Helixon Benrud represents the values of UW-Stout in her strength of character, philanthropy, willingness to serve and commitment to the university and WESTconsin’s communities. Benrud recently received the UW-Stout Distinguished Alumni Award.

Benrud attended Mount Senario College in Ladysmith and earned her business administration degree in 1984. She moved back to her hometown of Menomonie after graduation and has been a part of WESTconsin’s growing organization ever since.

At the time, WESTconsin had 54 employees, six offices and $54 million in assets. Recognized by Forbes as the No. 1 credit union in Wisconsin in 2024 and listed by Forbes as one of 300 of America’s Best Small Employers in 2023, WESTconsin now has about 430 employees at 15 offices and nearly $2 billion in assets. 

“Both of these studies are a testament to WESTconsin’s focus on creating an engaging and caring workplace that attracts, hires and retains respectful, kind and accountable employees who focus on helping our members and communities achieve financial wellness,” said Benrud, adding that throughout her career, WESTconsin has focused on the financial wellness for its employees, members and communities.

“In addition to implementing many products and services over the years, I am most proud of being part of the credit union industry that focuses on people helping people,” said Benrud. “We promote and encourage financial health for students at all levels and for adults because it can have such a positive impact on people’s lives.”

An M.S. management technology alum, Benrud believes her UW-Stout education helped her make an impact in her career and in the community. 

“Growing up in Menomonie, I have always seen the positive impact Stout has had on our community,” said Benrud, who brought her belief in philanthropy and service to her position as CEO, where she encouraged employees to be involved in charitable activities that improve the communities they serve.

For three years, she has contributed her time and talent as a UW-Stout Foundation board member, serving on the Audit and Risk Management and the Budget and Investment committees.

She has served on the boards of the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation of Dunn County, Dunn County Economic Development Corporation, Stepping Stones of Dunn County, Western Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross, Wisconsin Credit Union League and is a long-standing member of the Women's Giving Circle of Dunn County.

Benrud served as CEO for 10 years, chief financial officer for 15, vice president of human resources and member services for six and in other various positions. She retired in September after a 40-year career. She plans to stay active in the Menomonie community and make more memories with friends and family, her husband, Brian, and their four children and nine grandchildren.

Benrud took her first class at UW-Stout – Organizational Leadership – while working at WESTconsin. “I hadn’t intended on taking more courses but enjoyed this one so much I researched program options at Stout. The master’s in management technology was more focused toward the manufacturing industry at the time, but I chose general leadership elective courses that would help me in any industry,” said Benrud, who supports Blue Devil Athletics and student research.

To young students and graduates, she said, “Throughout your career, be kind and continue to look for opportunities to meet new people and learn new things. Look for a career that makes you proud and happy.”

Looking Back - December

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

LOCAL BREVITIES 
• Billy Wilson's “boy” turns out to be a girl. But then, she was a boy long enough to make it expensive for Norm. Green, and he is laying awake nights to study a scheme to get even on that box of cigars.  
• Men have been leaving for the logging camps nearly every day this week in squads of thirty or forty. They generally go by rail to Rice Lake and from there, take up the line of march to the camp assigned them. 
• A party consisting of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Ingraham, Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Anderson, Misses Messenger, Barwise and Bryan and Messrs. Humes and McGrath, attended an entertainment of the Wilsonians at Baldwin, Thanksgiving evening. 
• Professor Stillman has very kindly consented to hold his dancing school for next week on Tuesday evening in order to allow the ladies of the Episcopal church to occupy Concert Hall, Wednesday evening, with their oyster supper and entertainment. Persons who are taking dancing lessons will bear the change in mind.  - December 2, 1882 Dunn County News 

PUT THIS IN YOUR HAT  
A weather prophet with forty years experience has issued a bulletin concerning the winter now dawning upon us. He predicts that it will come early and stay late, and will be remarkable for high winds, tremendous storms, deep snow, and cold of the polar variety. As reasons for his prediction he says that the leaves hang on the trees regardless of frosts and strong winds, the crickets stopped singing early, chipmunks have laid in a great supply of provisions, the corn has a remarkably thick coat of husk, cranberries possess peculiar acerbity, the chestnut burs are lined with unusually thick fur, and the goose-bone is mostly white. The old man is well known, and if his prediction doesn't "pan out’ his days are numbered. - December 27, 1895 Dunn County News 

OWL FLIES FORTH FROM SCHOOL STOVE  
Pine Creek, Dec. 1  — When the teacher in the district school here opened the stove on Friday morning her breath was taken away as a great owl flew forth, alighting on the door, where it contentedly perched. The bird of wisdom had made a Santa Claus entrance during the night and had evidently made up its mind it had selected the right place, for it refused to leave. When one of the boys put it from the building it flew back into the room and perched upon the stove again.  - December 3, 1914 Dunn County News 

ELK MOUND SCHOOL HAS ELECTRIC LIGHTS  
Elk Mound, Dec. 23 — Electric lights for the Elk Mound school are now assured as a result of the liberal receipts of the home talent play given at the opera house Friday and Saturday evenings. The installation of lights will, it is expected, be completed during the Christmas vacation that the service may be in readiness when school reopens. The play, “Diamonds and Hearts,” netted the light fund the sum of $40.10, which with the $30 on hand acquired from other sources, brings the fund up to $70, an amount sufficient to warrant going ahead with the much-needed improvement at the school. The play was presented to good-sized audiences and won their appreciation. The production was most splendidly rendered and reflected credit on the efforts of those taking part.  - December 24, 1914 Dunn County News 

 CALL OFF CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST
Again the coal shortage, due to the nation-wide strike, and the curtailment of the use of electricity, makes itself felt in Menomonie. “Due to government restrictions on lighting, the Lions club has called off the Christmas lighting contest recently announced,” states Robert Very, club president. “If the brownout is cancelled in a few days the contest will go on.” - December 4, 1946 Dunn County News 

Source: Dunn County Historical Society

Menomonie Collegians

Noah Feddersen in His Third Year at Division I NDSU

FARGO, N.D. - Noah Fedderson is in the midst of his third season as a member of the North Dakota State University (NDSU) men’s basketball team and has entrenched himself in the Bisons’ starting line-up the last two seasons. Following a 2022-23 red-shirt first season, Feddersen started 21 of the Division I program’s 32 games during his red-shirt freshman year. This season, the 6-foot, 10-inch, 250-pound sophomore forward has started all 11 of the games and is averaging just slightly more than 26 minutes per contest.

After Saturday’s 82-70 win over Northern Colorado where he grabbed a career-best 11 rebounds, Feddersen is averaging 8.5 points per contest, fifth on the team, and is pulling down 5.7 rebounds per game, tops on the team and fifth in the Summit League. Feddersen has a team-best seven blocked shots, fourth on the team in assists with 21 and is hitting 39-of-78 shots (.500) from the floor.

During his freshman year, he was sixth for the Bisons in scoring (7.7 ppg) and averaged 4.0 rebounds in 22 minutes per game. Feddersen scored a season-high 20 points at St. Thomas, Jan. 25, 2024, and had a season-high 10 rebounds at Oral Roberts, Feb. 15, 2024.

As a senior at Menomonie, Feddersen was the Big Rivers Conference co-player of the year in 2021-22, averaging 17.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. Feddersen was named to the All-Northwest first team and WBCA honorable mention all-state. As a junior, Feddersen averaged 13.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. Feddersen was a standout tight end in football, earning all-conference and all-region honors. Feddersen finished his Menomonie basketball career with 1051 points, good for eighth on the all-time scoring list.

The Bisons (7-4) were at Butler University, Dec. 10, and are scheduled to host UW-Stout Friday, Dec. 13.

• Charlie Morning is a first year member of the Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) men’s basketball team in Rochester, Minn. A 6-1, 175-pound guard, Morning has been coming off the bench for the Yellowjackets (6-3) and is averaging 7.6 points per game while averaging 15.5 minutes per contest. Morning, a business major, has drained a team-high 15 free throws over the first nine games of the season on 16 attempts for a 93.8 shooting percentage. A 2023 MHS graduate, Morning was a first team all-BRC selection, WBCA Division 2 All-State All-Star, an academic all-state selection and served as a team captain. Rochester will host Minnesota North - Vermillion, Friday, Dec. 13 and Minnesota North - Mesabi Range, Saturday, Dec. 14.

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 (and more), 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]