Menomonie News Net

May 6, 2026, Vol 2, Issue 25

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Local News Group
May 06, 2026

Welcome to Menomonie News Net Vol 2, Issue 25. You can read and search for archived issues and articles HERE.

More stories about the place we call home!

Inviting you 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. Your donations bring us closer to our goals of part-time staff and sustainability.

Submit story ideas to: [email protected]

In this Issue...

Dunn County FREE Electronics Collection Event Thur May 7

Dunn County is partnering with Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations to offer FREE electronics recycling for the community.

Join us on Thursday, May 7 from 10am to 6pm at the Dunn County Fairgrounds in the Small Animal Building. This is a convenient drive through event, so you can stay in your vehicle while items are collected.

From outdated computers to broken gadgets, this is a great opportunity to safely and responsibly recycle your electronics.

Learn more and see a detailed list of accepted items HERE.

For more information, contact the Dunn County Facilities Department at 715-232-1581. 

Mental Health Matters - Dunn County

Zero Suicide Team raises mental health awareness during May

Display along Lake Menomin for Mental Health Month. Staff photo

The Dunn County Zero Suicide Team, comprised of community members and Human Services/Public Health staff is promoting mental health awareness throughout the month of May.

It began with hanging green ribbons at the Dunn County Government Center and in downtown Menomonie as a reminder that mental health matters and support is within reach.

Why green? The color green represents renewal, hope, and healing, and is used to encourage destigmatizing conversations about mental health. There are also a limited number of ribbons available to community members at Dunn County Human Services, located in the Government Center.

Join us in supporting the mental health of our community this May.

Local resources include:

  • Northwest Connections Crisis Line: 1-888-552-6642

  • 988 Lifeline: 24/7 Call, Text or Chat

  • Dunn County Resource Guide: dunn.myresourceguide.org

Menomonie Middle School Presents ‘Something Rotten Jr!’

Menomonie Middle School presents Something Rotten, Jr this weekend at the Menomonie High School Auditorium:

  • Thur May 7 at 7pm

  • Fri May 8 at 7pm

  • Sat May 9 at 2pm

Join the Menomonie Middle School Drama program in a journey back to the Renaissance! It's the 1590s, and brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Tickets: $5. Purchase at the door. Cash or check only. Children 4 and under free.
Activity and Staff Passes will not be accepted. Ticket sales start one hour before performance and end 10 minutes after start time.

Doors open 30 minutes prior to start. No late admission. Run time is one hour, 30 minutes.

UW-Stout Police Dept Issues Press Release Over Death on Campus

MENOMONIE - Around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, an individual identified as Mason Douglas Barth was discovered deceased on UW-Stout’s campus near Bowman Hall. Menomonie and Stout police were immediately dispatched to the scene. The individual is not a current member of the UW-Stout community, but as the incident occurred on UW-Stout’s campus, UW-Stout Police are leading the investigation in partnership with the Menomonie Police Department, Menomonie Fire Department, and other municipal services. The incident is being investigated as an accident.

Any donations or floral arrangements may be coordinated through Gesche Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Neillsville, Wisconsin which is assisting the family with funeral services.

Cookbook Fundraiser for Stepping Stones: Orders Due TODAY May 6

UW-Eau Claire Nursing Students (428 clinical group) created a custom cookbook with 80+ delicious, beginner-friendly recipes for Stepping Stones of Dunn County.

After an overwhelming response from the community, they decided to turn this project into a fundraiser. All proceeds go directly back to Stepping Stones to help fight food insecurity in our area.

Deadline: Wednesday, May 6

How to order: Scan the Venmo QR code on the flyer. Or call Stepping Stones at 715-235-2920 for assistance.

Note: Include your name and email in the Venmo comments so they can contact you about pickup!

Source: Stepping Stones Facebook page

Middle School Takes Silver at Science Olympiad State Meet

Facebook photo

Congratulations to Menomonie Middle School Science Olympiad Team on taking silver with a second place finish in the large school division (large school runner up) at the 2026 WI Science Olympiad State Meet. With a total of 58 individual medals earned, it was a great way to wrap up a successful season for 2025-2026!

Source: Menomonie Area Schools Facebook page

‘Designer Purse Bingo’ to Benefit The Bridge to Hope - Sat May 9

Saturday, May 9 - 11am - 4pm - Tanglewood Greens

Join The Bridge to Hope for a fun and exciting Designer Purse Bingo Fundraiser on Saturday, May 9th at Tanglewood Greens Event Center in Menomonie.

Tickets are $50 and include 10 rounds of bingo with the chance to win beautiful designer purses from Coach, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade. Gather your friends for an entertaining day while supporting a great cause.

Also:
- Additional bingo games available for purchase the day of the event
- Raffles with exciting prizes
- An optional Build Your Own Burger Lunch Buffet

Please note: This event will be held in an outdoor event space, so guests are encouraged to dress accordingly.

Every ticket purchased helps support survivors of sexual assault, human trafficking, and domestic violence in our community. Your afternoon out makes a real difference. 💜

Tickets $50 HERE

For more information about The Bridge to Hope, thebridgetohope.org, 715-235-9074

Dementia Caregivers Conference FREE to Community Members

Compass IL (formerly Center for Ind Living) hosts event, registration closes Friday May 8

Source: Compass IL Facebook page

‘Barb Schmelzle Promise Award’ Helps Women Return to School

Applications being accepted for annual award

MENOMONIE - The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is now accepting applications for the Barb Schmelzle Promise Award for Women, a scholarship created to help adult women overcome financial barriers and continue their education.

Since its creation in 2020, the fund has distributed $6,000 and helped six women return to school, supporting those pursuing degrees, certifications, and new career opportunities.

The award honors the life and legacy of Barb Schmelzle, a compassionate Dunn County occupational therapist who believed deeply in lifting others up. Barb was known for her kindness, encouragement, and ability to help people see their own potential. She also cared deeply about helping women pursue education and create better futures for themselves and their families. After Barb’s passing in 2019, her family established the fund to continue that mission.

“We wanted to create something that reflected Barb’s heart for others,” said her husband, Tom Schmelzle. “She believed in people, especially women who were working hard to improve their lives through education.”

Each year, one $1,000 award is granted to a woman age 18 or older from Dunn County or the surrounding area. Funds can be used for tuition, books, technical supplies, past-due balances, licensing exams, and other educational expenses. Preference is given to non-traditional students facing financial need or life circumstances that may have delayed their educational journey. For many recipients, this support can mean the difference between putting dreams on hold and moving forward.

Applications for the 2026 award are open and must be submitted by July 1 at 5pm. To learn more or apply, visit cfdunncounty.org/schmelzle-promise-award.

Questions may be directed to [email protected].

Source: News release

Public Meetings May 6 - 13

Staff Photo

City of Menomonie

Mon May 11 Recreation Advisory Board, 7pm

Wed May 13 Airport Commission Meeting, 6pm 

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Mon May 11 School Board Meeting, 5:45, ASC

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Thur May 7 Veteran Services Commission, 10am AGENDA

Mon May 11 Facilities Committee, 4:30pm

Tues May 12 Community Resources & Development, 4:30pm

Wed May 13 Transit/Highway Committee, 8am, Highway Dept;

Wed May 13 Executive Committee, 3:30pm

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance May 6 - 13

Photo: Debra Bell

Thur May 7 Electronics Recycling, 10am-6pm, Dunn Co Fairgrounds; Middle School’s Something Rotten Jr, 7pm, MHS Auditorium

Fri May 8 Middle School’s Something Rotten Jr, 7pm, MHS Auditorium; Fiddler on the Roof, 7:30pm, Mabel Tainter

Sat May 9 Designer Purse Bingo - Bridge Fundraiser, 11am - 2pm, Tanglewood Greens; Fiddler on the Roof, 2 & 7:30pm, Mabel Tainter

Sun May 10 Fiddler on the Roof, 2pm, Mabel Tainter

Mon May 11 MHS Plant Sale, 3:30-5pm, MHS Main doors-follow signs; Meatball Dinner, 4:30-6:30pm, Christ Lutheran (1306 Wilcox St)

Tue May 12 MHS Plant Sale, 3:30-5pm, MHS; Joyful Noise Spring Concert, 6-7:30pm, United Methodist Church

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Staff photo

By MNN Staff

Wednesday, April 29

On Friday, April 24 the Adapted Sports Team participated in the Splash and Dash Swim Meet at Eau Claire North. This was the team’s first swim meet and they had a strong showing. Kaelyn Van Dreel won the 10 and 20 meter freestyle in the white division. Zach Wacek got 5th in the 10 meter backstroke and 4th in the 20 meter freestyle in the white division. Akeesha Wang paddled her way to 2nd in the 20 meter freestyle white division. Jacob McClain had a strong showing, coming in 1st in the 20 meter freestyle and the 20 meter backstroke both in the blue division while coming in 2nd in the 40 meter freestyle. The relay team of Dominic Garr, Brock Klatt, Bella Rice, and Zack Wacek took 3rd in the 4 x 10 meter relay. Great job! Catch the Adapted Sports Team back in action on Friday, May 8 as we host the Mighty Mustang Invite.

The Golf Team kicked off the week by finishing in 2nd place in the 20 team (100 golfer) Spooner Invitational on Tuesday. Top 3 team scores: Rice Lake 304; Menomonie 309; Bloomer 312. Leading the way were 1st place overall medalist Tyler Reckin with a (2 over 73) followed by Wes Miller (77) good for 7th overall & Quin Rabeneck (78) good for 9th overall, with Trent Wold carding an 81.

Please congratulate Forensics Team members on their outstanding performance at the WISDAA State Festival (virtual edition…). Next week we learn whether MHS earned a special award for scoring among the best schools in the state, but for now we have individual results. Earning Gold: Tehya Johnson, Expository; Chase Pember, Extemporaneous; Addy Rue, Hailey Bien, and Claire Haulser, Group Interp; Owen Kelsey, Impromptu; Miles Ogden, Informative; Amelia Hanson & Lucy Dolan, Play Acting; Emmi Crowley & Julia Prochnow, Play Acting; Brianna Klimek, Poetry; Ellie Beck, Poetry; Abby Shields, Poetry; Sarah Hansen, Prose; Mia Martin, Public Address; Levi Behm, Radio News Broadcasting; Daphne Ogden, Special Occasion; Abby Shields, Special Occasion; Addy Rue, Storytelling. Earning Silver: Aria McNaughton, Solo Acting; Meg Hansen, Public Address; Chloe Weiss, Prose; Savannah Potter, Poetry; Ozias Ahles, Moments in History; Claire Hausler, Oratory; Julia Prochnow, Farrago; Nora Trotter, Farrago; Chloe Weiss, Expository. Earning Bronze: Jackson Amdall, Impromptu; Carly Weber, Moments in History; Daphne Ogden & Nora Trotter, Play Acting; Lily Horvath, Prose. Participation: Brynn Smiskey & James Kong, Play Acting. Congratulations to Addy Rue and Abby Shields for earning the very rare Double Gold at state. Congrats to the entire team!

Congratulations to the Boys Track and Field Team for their outstanding performances at the River Falls Open yesterday. Event champions were Andrew Heckendorf in the 400m, Oliver Kerze in the 3200m, Preston Witter in the shot put, Cody Schaefer in the discus and the 4x200m relay team of John Gruber, Thomas Siem, Kenny Heim and Rylan Holmstadt. Also, congratulations to Owen Pelzel for breaking the 11th grade 1600m record on April 24 at the UW-Eau Claire Distance Classic.

The Art Department is excited to announce that the 3rd Annual MHS Art Show will take place on Saturday, May 9th. The art show will be on display in the MHS commons from 3pm - 6pm. All are welcome to stop by and check out over 400 pieces of amazing artwork that was created this year!

Thursday, April 30

On April 28 JV Baseball got the win 15-2 defeating Rice Lake. Case Quilling got his first win on the mound. Varsity Baseball defeated Rice Lake 5-3. Cade Lamb threw 3 no hit-scoreless innings to get the save. Taylor Mars had 2 doubles and 2 RBIs, and Luke Bystol had a big 2 out RBI single.

Friday, May 1

JV Baseball defeated Chippewa Falls 17-0 behind a great outing from Spencer Auth and Eric Zydowsky. Case Quilling had 2 hits and 3 RBIs. Varsity Baseball completed the sweep of Rice Lake winning 5-1. Bailey Casey threw a complete game 1 hitter with 11 strikeouts and 0 earned runs. Offensively, Charlie Mikesell had 2 hits and 2 RBIs, and Hawkins Anderson also collected 2 hits and an RBI.

Monday, May 4

The Mustangs Golf Team ended the week co-hosting the 16 team River Valley Invitational played at Lake Wissota Friday & Tanglewood Greens Saturday. Menomonie finished in a tie for 1st place with New Richmond after 36 holes, but ended runner-up losing on the 4th playoff hole on Saturday. Congrats to Tyler Reckin & Trent Wold for winning the 9 hole Pinehurst alternate shot at Lake Wissota Friday. Also congrats to Wes Miller & Quin Rabeneck for winning the Pinehurst alternate shot at Tanglewood Saturday.

Congratulations to the Boys Tennis Team for going undefeated at the Wausau Area two-day invitational over the weekend. The Mustangs captured their 20th team win of the season with their hard fought win over Bay Port in the final match of the tournament.

Congratulations to the Boys Track & Field Team for their outstanding performances at the Middle Border v. Big Rivers meet on May 1. The boys placed 3rd of 9 teams. First place finishers were Evan Olson in the 800m, Noah Winder in the 1600m and Luke Ray in the 3200m. Also, congratulations to Javan Butler for breaking the freshmen school records in the 100m and long jump. 

The Art Department is so excited to announce that the 3rd annual MHS Art Show will take place this Saturday, May 9th. The art show will be on display in the MHS commons from 3pm - 6pm. All are welcome to stop by and check out over 400 pieces of amazing artwork that was created this year!

Tuesday, May 5  

Windy conditions made it tough scoring on May 4 but the Mustangs Golf Team managed to finish in 3rd place at the 19 team (95 golfers) Chippewa Valley Championship played at Eau Claire Country Club. Top 4 team scores: River Falls 317; New Richmond 319; Menomonie 320; Hudson 325. Leading the way were 1st place overall medalist Wes Miller shooting a 3 over 74, followed by Tyler Reckin - 79 (8th place), Quin Rabeneck - 80 (10th place) & Trent Wold - 87.

Congratulations to the Forensics Team for earning the coveted EXCELLENCE IN SPEECH Award at this year's State Festival! The award is given to the top 5% of competing schools in the state, and is the highest award a team can earn. The Mustangs were among the top 12 schools in the State, making this 16 consecutive seasons the team has earned the award! Please congratulate the team when you see them!

Tom Webb Named UW-Stout Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Photo: UW-Stout

MENOMONIE – University of Wisconsin-Stout Director of Athletics Erin Sullivan has named Tom Webb as the 17th head coach in the history of the Blue Devil men’s basketball program, elevating him after he served as interim head coach during the 2025-26 season.

“Tom has demonstrated strong leadership, a deep commitment to our student-athletes, and a clear vision for the future of our program,” Sullivan said. “We are excited to officially name him as our head coach and continue building on the progress made this past season.”

Webb guided the Blue Devils to a 9-17 overall record and a 5-9 mark in WIAC play in 2025-26, earning a berth in the WIAC Tournament for just the second time since the 2012-13 season. Stout developed a defensive identity, ranking 88th nationally in scoring defense (70.3 points allowed) and 52nd in blocks per game (4.0).

The Blue Devils recorded key wins over nationally ranked opponents, including a 66-58 road upset of No. 6 Illinois Wesleyan, an 83-67 home victory over No. 11 UW-Stevens Point, and a 78-77 road win against No. 16 UW-Oshkosh.

Individually, Collin Vick earned All-WIAC Defensive Team and honorable mention honors, leading the league in assists and steals, while Aidan Shore also earned All-Defensive Team recognition after leading the conference in blocks. AJ Uttech added All-WIAC honorable mention honors.

“I would like to thank Chancellor Katherine Frank, Athletic Director Erin Sullivan, and the search committee for the opportunity to continue leading and restoring Blue Devil Basketball,” Webb said. “My family and I are incredibly excited to remain part of UW-Stout, the Menomonie community, and the future of this program.”

For a Calendar of Events in the Menomonie Area, visit Kathy Weber’s Menomonie Minute.

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