Menomonie News Net

April 9, 2025, Issue 21

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Local News Group
April 09, 2025

Here’s Issue 21 of Menomonie News Net. You can catch up HERE on past issues.

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

In this Issue…

“Hands Off” Protest Held Saturday in Menomonie

Photo: Contributed

By MNN Staff

A “Hands Off” protest was held Saturday April 5 in North Menomonie with an estimated 250 participants. Nationwide, over 1300 rallies of varying sizes were held Saturday in all 50 states to convey frustration with federal cuts to various programs.

One local Menomonie participant said of the rally, “the atmosphere was one of community, with people helping strangers, voicing fears and hopes…”

Another participant shared these comments, “we had a great variety of people from a few children to lots of elders in the community. We continued chanting while cars drove by giving either positive or negative responses. After about an hour the group dispersed due to the cold. It is great to be able to live in a country where we are free to express our opinion.”

July 4th Celebration Resumes at Wakanda Park

Food trucks, fun run, music, pickleball, fireworks….events all day. Call 715-235-8393 (West Central WI Workforce Development) to learn more and find out how you can volunteer. Photo: Facebook

Dunn County Searching for New County Manager

Kris Korpela announces retirement for August

MENOMONIE - Dunn County is searching for a new county manager after Kris Korpela recently announced her retirement, effective in August. 

“I have enjoyed my career with Dunn County immensely and am grateful for the confidence the County Board of Supervisors has shown in my leadership,” Korpela said.  “The county is in a solid place financially and operationally, so it is a good time to pass the baton to a new leader.” 

The county board’s Executive Committee has asked the Human Resources Department to lead the search for a new manager, posting it both to internal and external candidates. The county hopes to have a new manager on salary by July so they can spend time training with Korpela before she leaves. 

Korpela, a 24-year employee of Dunn County, was appointed County Manager in July 2022, after serving for nine years as Human Services Director.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. 

"Kris Korpela's work as county manager has been outstanding, and it has been a genuine pleasure to work with her for the citizens of Dunn County,” said Kelly McCullough, County Board Chair and District 17 Supervisor. “We will miss her boundless enthusiasm, her relentless work ethic, and most especially her gift for empowering and elevating the people who work with and for her.”

In a message to employees, Korpela said she took the County Manager job nearly three years ago “to provide some historical context and institutional stability for the county” while relatively new county administrators gained valuable county experience.  

"I am ever so thankful to have been selected and have loved my time in this role,” she said in her employee message. “That being said, the time has come to move to the next chapter.” 

The process to select the next County Manager calls for a subcommittee to interview candidates that includes the board chair, vice chair, Administration Committee chair and Human Resources director.  A candidate will be selected by the Executive Committee by June 2. 

“County manager is a big complex job with a lot of different responsibilities and opportunities, and everyone who takes such a position will come with different strengths and priorities,” McCullough said. “Beyond the necessary managerial skills, we would hope to see someone with enthusiasm for both public and internal stakeholders. 

“Kris Korpela did great work on communication both with the community and internally, empowering her staff and other employees to feel that they were a part of a team,” he continued. “We very much hope to see her successor continue that work, as well as the highly collaborative relationship she has established with the elected officials of the county board." 

McCullough added: “She will be leaving behind some very big shoes to fill.” 

Kelly McCullough is County Board Chair and District 17 Supervisor.

Red Cedar Raptors Show Support for Seidl Family at Home Opener

Source: Red Cedar Raptors Facebook

The Red Cedar Raptors will be doing their part to show support for Menomonie's own, Ann Seidl.

On April 26th, for our home opener, we will be celebrating the life of Ann M. Seidl, who tragically was taken from us too soon. We want to show our support by making her son, Parker, an honorary captain for the game and he will be presented with his own Raptors jersey.

This is such a sad time for the community but we want everyone to come out and show your support for the Seidls by wearing "RED" for the game, as that is Parker's favorite color.

Half our profits from the game will go toward Parker’s goal to race in the Eau Claire Marathon on April 27th.

The game starts at 2:30 at the Menomonie High School football field.

The Red Cedar Raptors are a 501c3 nonprofit amateur football team.

Ann Seidl and son Parker Photo: Facebook

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

By Judy Foust

Dana Waznik (Class of 2015) answered last week’s plea and submitted the story of her journey to the career she was meant to have.

Dana writes…

I have had a different path to higher education than many others, starting at UW-Milwaukee in 2015. After about a year and a half, I decided to take some time off to figure out what I actually wanted to spend the rest of my life doing, so I spent my time working at a coffee and bagel location.

In those three years off from school, I made some big changes and learned a lot about being responsible for myself. I decided to go back to UW-Milwaukee in the fall of 2019 for early-childhood special education. It felt as if everything matched better this time around.

Then, of course, COVID-19 hit and suddenly everything became virtual and a lot less engaging to me. Around the time that I went back to school, I also started working at Whole Foods Market. I had a co-worker who was in the American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Training Program. She encouraged me to take a couple of classes, to see if I enjoyed it. Well, I did!

I started to learn about Deaf culture and Deaf history. The impact that learning about Deaf history has had on the advocate in me is something I will always carry with me, as I become a professional interpreter.

After completing a minimum of 400 service-learning hours and finishing up my second internship at The Center for Deaf-Blind, I will finally be graduating this May. Throughout my time in this program, I have interpreted “Sweeney Todd,” “Elf the Musical,” and “First Date,” among others. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of Deaf people and it has only solidified my appreciation and devotion to being a language bridge between Deaf and hearing people.

As for after graduation, I’m hoping to

work as a K-12 Educational Interpreter, but also the world is my oyster. My time at Whole Foods Market has only encouraged me to grow as a human. I started out working in the deli counter and moved to now being the assistant manager for the Customer Service/E-Commerce department.

I have had the privilege to visit my lovely foreign exchange student, Victoria Radin, in Finland in 2019. Lucky for me, I was able to make it to British Columbia to see my childhood best friend and Menomonie High alumni Rhiannon Coen-Johnson and Christopher Dusek get married in the fall of 2023. This June, I will be heading to Norway with my family.

I’m currently living in Milwaukee and have been here for the last ten years. While my romantic relationships have had their ups and downs, because of them I have my two fur babies—my cat Bean and my dog Kaia. They are the true lessons that have taught me to be responsible and continue to move forward with my goals.

When I have the time, I’m typically outside on walks/runs with my dog. I enjoy reading, crocheting, and caring for my plants. I also love to be outdoors and go for hikes, weather permitting.

Class of 2015

With my boyfriend Ian

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].

A Menomonie Gem

Community Garden brings together many to grow and connect

Photo: Facebook

By Annemarie McClellan

The Menomonie Community Garden is a vibrant hub of activity, where locals come together to cultivate more than just the soil. For 17 years, gardeners have been tending to their plots on the city's south edge, despite the challenges of working with what they affectionately call "awful" soil.

But it's not just about the soil – it's about the sense of community that comes with working alongside fellow gardeners. Louis Stone, a 10-year community gardener said “the garden has things no other community gardens have, a fence and water.” An Nguyen, a recent Stout graduate, appreciates the convenience of having tools and expert advice on hand, as well as the opportunity to grow her own organic produce and learn new skills.

As you stroll through the garden, you'll notice a diverse array of plots, each reflecting the personality of its gardener. Some are meticulously tilled, while others feature raised beds or colorful flowers spilling out of trellises. The gardeners take pride in enriching the soil, coaxing forth a bounty of herbs, squash, potatoes, tomatoes, and more.

One section of the garden is dedicated to community, featuring a thriving compost pile, raspberry bushes, and a small orchard. The neighboring beehives buzz with activity, and the pollinator garden is a haven for monarch butterflies. It's a space where gardeners can come together, share knowledge, and simply enjoy the beauty of nature.

The garden is home to over 100 plots, tended by individuals, families, and friends. Many experienced gardeners, like Jan and Jim Erdman, are members of the garden. After moving from their farm, they found their city lot too shaded to grow some vegetables which they now plant in the community garden.

The Menomonie Community Garden is more than just a collection of plots – it's a gathering place. Gardeners come together for Sunday bonfires, harvest potlucks, morning coffee, and impromptu gatherings. Some share plants, tips, and books, while others simply sit back and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The garden's impact extends beyond its walls, too. A designated plot provides fresh, pesticide-free produce to the local food pantry, making it a valuable resource for the broader community.

If you're interested in renting a plot, you can reach the garden organizers at [email protected] or visit menomoniecommunitygarden.com

Plots fill fast but they maintain a waiting list. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the Menomonie Community Garden is a place where you can grow, learn, and connect.

Annemarie McClellan is a Menomonie resident and has a backyard garden. She recently attended the UW-Stout Continuing Education offering Citizen Journalism Workshop.

Community Foundation to Host Annual Luncheon on May 15

Menomonie - The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) invites community members to join in celebrating the achievements of its February grant cycle nonprofit awardees at the 2025 Annual Luncheon on Thursday, May 15th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Tanglewood Greens (2200 Crestwood Drive, Menomonie).

This signature event will not only recognize the incredible work of local nonprofits but also highlight the Foundation’s impact in 2024 and provide a glimpse into the exciting plans for its 30th anniversary in 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear inspiring stories of philanthropy in action and learn how CFDC continues to support and strengthen the Dunn County community.

● Cost: $20 per person

● RSVP: Required by May 1st at cfdunncounty.org/luncheon

The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is dedicated to fostering philanthropy and community betterment by connecting generous donors with impactful causes. Since its founding, CFDC has provided grants, scholarships, and resources to nonprofit organizations and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents across Dunn County.

Through the power of charitable giving and endowment building, the Foundation ensures long-term sustainability for critical programs in areas such as education, health, human services, arts, environment, and community development. As CFDC celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, it remains committed to expanding its impact and inspiring generosity for generations to come.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Dunn County and its initiatives, visit cfdunncounty.org.

Students in the News

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Congratulations to the girls track and field team for taking the team title on March 25 at the 27-team Blue Devil Invite at Stout. Event champions included Bree Barfknecht in the 1600 meter run, Lauren McCalla in the 800 meter run and the 4 by 400 meter relay team of Barfknecht, McCalla, Rachel Riepl and Bella Drake. Two indoor school records were also broken. Lauren McCalla's time of 2:19.94 in the 800 meter broke a 13 year old record, and Izzie Whitwam's pole vault of 10 feet broke a two year old record. Way to go girls!

Congratulations to the boys track and field team for their outstanding performances at the Blue Devil Invite on March 25. The boys finished 2nd of 24 teams. Top individual event finishers were Logan Topper in the 1600m run, Jae Berg, 2nd in the 55m high hurdles, and Luke Ray, 2nd in the 3200m run. Event champions were Evan Olson, who won the 1600m run, Jae Berg winning the high jump and Nolan Bien who was the winner of the 55m high hurdles.

Congratulations to the boys track and field team for their outstanding performance at the Freshmen/Sophomore invite March 27 at UW-Eau Claire. Third place finishes were Evan Olson in the high jump, Kellan Lehman in the triple jump and the 4x400m relay team of Liam Wachewicz, Owen Pelzel, Noah Winder and Everett Paulson. First place finishers were Bauer Messerschmidt in the pole vault and the 4x800m relay team of Evan Olson, Owen Pelzel, Noah Winder and Logan Topper.

On March 30, Menomonie High School FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) traveled to Green Bay to participate in the 71st annual FBLA State. The conference, which included over 2,300 FBLA members from the state of Wisconsin, was held at the Ki Center. Students participated in presentations, completed exams, designed projects and participated in the Wisconsin Business Leadership Academy. Participants were as follows: Mobile Application Development - 7th Place Ali Alnaeli, Ari Delong, Noah Winder; Introduction to Parliamentary Procedures - 8th Place Anna Weber; Digital Animation - 9th Place Vista Marconett, Jackie Veloz, Kennedy Nowlen; Introduction to Marketing Concepts Elliot Risler; Community Service Project Lainey Neuendorf, Kennedy Nowlen; Wisconsin Business Leadership Academy Tristyn Englund, Gonzalo Escolar, Emi Gamez, Lainey Neuendorf; Wisconsin State Parliamentary Procedure Office Candidate Amelia Weber. Menomonie High School FBLA Chapter received the 3rd place Community Service Award. Please congratulate these future business leaders when you see them for their hard work and efforts.

Click here to read more on our website….

Free QPR Mental Health Training

Dunn County residents can learn how to help a friend, family member or neighbor in a mental health crisis

Question, Persuade, Refer. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide.

There are two ways being offered locally to learn QPR both in-person (on May 13) and online. Read on to learn how to access each.

In addition to the in-person training there is also a FREE online QPR Training available to Dunn County community members.

Online QPR Course Setup - https://qprtraining.com/setup.php (Enter Organization code: DUNNWI)

Login to begin training at - https://qprtraining.com/

Source: Dunn County

Public Meetings This Week

City of Menomonie

Mon Apr 14 Recreation Advisory - 7 p.m. - Leisure Center

Wed Apr 16 Urban Forestry 6   - 2 p.m.

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Mon Apr 14 School Board Meeting - 5:45 p.m. - Downsville Elementary

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Apr 9 Legislative - 3:00 pm; Executive Committee - 3:30 p.m.

Tues Apr 15 Community Resources & Tourism - 4:30 p.m.

Wed Apr 16 Planning Resources & Development - 8:30 a.m.; Board of Supervisors - 7 p.m.

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Collegians

Wrapping Up Some Winter Sports Awards

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

It’s that time of year when the winter season awards come out.

CCHA All-Academic Team
Blais Richartz, a forward on the Michigan Tech men’s hockey team was selected to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) has announced the 2024-25 All-Academic Team. To be selected, players must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.00 scale. Richartz was also selected to the CCHA Scholar-Athlete Team honors for achieving a grade point average of 3.50 or higher for the fourth consecutive season.

College Sports Communicators Academic All-District
Noah Feddersen was one of three student-athletes from the North Dakota State University men's basketball team named to the 2024-25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. Feddersen, a finance major, started all 32 games for the Bison, leading the team in rebounds and averaging 8.3 points per game.

Stout recognizes more than 150 scholar-athletics
UW-Stout honored 63 senior scholar-athletes at their 14th annual Scholar-Athlete banquet, March 26.  The UW-Stout Scholar Athlete Award is given to senior student-athletes with a cumulative 3.50 grade point average. The Blue Devils also recognized 197 underclass scholar-athletes. Among the recognized underclass scholar-athletes were Menomonie High School graduates Brooks Brewer, a junior on the Stout football team, and Treysen Witt, a sophomore on the baseball team.

Menomonie’s Norby wraps up 2024-25 swimming season
Dylan Norby, a sophomore on the Binghamton State men’s swimming team, finished seventh in the one-meter diving as Bearcats captured their second consecutive America East title Feb. 19-22. Norby placed 11th in the three-meter diving. Norby competed in eight meets this season and, academically, was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team and was a member of the Fall 2024 AD Honor Roll, which requires a 3.3 GPA or above.

Menomonie Collegiate Wrestlers
Kellen Aure finished his sophomore season at Central Michigan University with a 9-15 overall record, wrestling predominately at 141-pounds, recording one fall, one technical fall and two major decisions. Cody Kwak wrapped up his sophomore season and his first season at Minnesota State, Mankato, after transferring from St. John’s University after his freshman year. Wrestling at 285-pounds, Kwak finished with a 3-2 overall record, notching three wins by fall.

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/

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

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