Welcome to Issue 8 of Menomonie News Net! If you missed Issues 1-7, you can catch up on our website where all articles are now archived and searchable. Continue to encourage others to subscribe - we’re currently at 642. Let’s double that number! As always your donations are appreciated to help “inform, connect & engage.”

As we continue to mourn the loss of two law enforcement officers…support, love and healing thoughts go to their families and co-workers.

Together in community….

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

Website: https://menomonienewsnet.org

Submit News: [email protected]

In this Issue…

• Tragic Loss of Two Local Law Enforement Officers

• School District Conducting Strategic Planning Sessions

• Birth to Three: A Crucial Time in Development

• Looking Back - January

• Menomonie Public Library Announces Top Reads for 2024

• Public Meetings Update

• Menomonie Collegians - Sam Seguin

Tragic Loss of Two Local Law Enforcement Officers

Memorial Funds Established for Families

Source: Dunn County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page

On December 24th, 2024 the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office lost one of its own.

Correctional Officer Jeff Reynolds was Westbound on US Hwy 12/ State Hwy 29 at 02:44 a.m. enroute to fill a shift at the Jail when his vehicle was struck by a Northbound vehicle on Cth E that failed to stop at the posted stop sign.

Jeff began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2007 and was a valued member who will be missed greatly.

The operator of the striking vehicle, 40 year old Mark A. Sokolowski of Eau Claire, has been charged with Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle and is currently being held at the Eau Claire County Jail. Three other passengers in his vehicle, including his wife, were also injured in the crash. Sokolowski has had his initial appearance and Dunn County Judge Wagner issued a $75,000 Cash bond.

The crash investigation is being conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Wisconsin State Patrol, Menomonie Fire Department and Menomonie Police Department for their support and assistance.

NOTE: Jeff Reynolds Family Memorial Fund for donations can be found HERE.

Jeffrey Reynolds obituary.

Source: Chief Rick Hollister, January 3, Menomonie Police Dept Facebook Page

Menomonie - On December 27th, 2024, the Menomonie Police Department announced the unexpected off-duty death of Officer Sam Miller. Due to Officer Miller's employment with the Menomonie Police Department and previous employment with the Dunn County Sheriff's Department, the investigation into Officer Miller's death was conducted by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that Officer Miller died tragically by suicide. As we honor Officer Miller's memory, we also want to emphasize the importance of mental health support and resources available to first responders.

There are numerous options that stand ready to offer assistance. If you are a first responder in need of help, please reach out.

NOTE: Officer Sam Miller Memorial Fund (by Fraternal Order of Police) for donations can be found HERE.

Sam Miller obituary.

Schedule of School District of Menomonie Area Listening Sessions

Wednesday, Jan. 8
Downsville Elementary School Library, 8 a.m.
Menomonie High School Tiered Lecture Hall, 10 a.m.
Menomonie High School Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 9
Knapp Elementary School Library, 8 a.m.
Menomonie Middle School Library, 10 a.m.
Menomonie Middle School Commons, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10
Oaklawn Elementary School Library, 8 a.m.
River Heights Elementary School Library, 10 a.m.
Wakanda Elementary School Library, 12 p.m.

SDMA Release

Birth to Three - A Crucial Time in Development

By Luisa Gerasimo

Read, talk, and sing to your baby or toddler today! Do NOT delay!

Did you know that from birth to 3 years old there is a magic window in time for almost every foundational skill a growing child will need? It is also an incredibly important time for babies to develop a secure attachment to the adults who care for them. This attachment is not something you can fix later, as far as we know. So, it is key to get to know your baby and meet their changing needs as best as you can when they are tiny!

Today, parents are super stressed according to the recent report: Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents. Click here to read the report.

As your local Family Educator, I don’t want to add to that stress. Here are some suggestions for interacting with your young child:

1. Narrate what you are doing in real time – sounds odd but it helps children make meaning out of a complicated world and builds great vocabulary.

2. Read to them - every single day. Even a short bedtime or bathtime story can create a calming fun routine. Children thrive on routines – it makes them feel less anxious and calmer.

3. Eat together and encourage family conversations. Dinner at home has been shown in numerous studies to build vocab, eye-hand coordination, manners and better physical and emotional health for all involved.

4. Take a walk and sing silly songs together. Movement and song are both beneficial to young children and to over-worked adults as well.

5. Ask your child what they see in picture books or ask what might happen next? This kind of interactive reading gets children pulled into the story and makes reading much more fun.

6. Want to be a super parent (without breaking a sweat)? Base your family time on love, respect and limits. Treat toddlers like they are part of the team – they can help dust baseboard with a damp cloth, or rinse dishes or set the table. Ask them for their opinion in places where you can honor their wishes.

7. Want more? Click here to check out the youngest and probably cutest TED Talk speaker Molly Wright, age 7, on How Every Child Can Thrive by Five.

For an additional list of parenting classes and resources, contact:

Luisa Gerasimo, Dunn County Extension Family Educator

715-231-6690 [email protected] https://parenting.extension.wisc.edu/

Looking Back - January

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

HUNDREDS HAVE TOBOGGAN CRAZE  

Menomonie is the victim of an epidemic — tobogganing. Hundreds in the city are afflicted with it. Crowds at the slide will testify to the popularity of this wholesome winter sport. Young and old enjoy the iced chute, that in a quarter turn of the second hand, lands its toboggan load far out on the icy floor of Lake Menomin. Sunday was a big day for the treasury. The receipts totaled $15.35, next to the largest of any day. New Year’s Day has the lead. At that time more than $18 were turned in. The sport adds daily to the numbers who enjoy it. The slide is open evenings 7 to 10 and Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5. January 10, 1907 - The Dunn County News

RAISING MONEY FOR SPEEDWAY 

Plans are progressing for lively times on the Lake Menomin Speedway, though nothing definite is ready for announcement. An effort will be made to interest Eau Claire horsemen in a race meet with the local sportsmen. Indications are now favorable to putting the project through. Money has been contributed by Menomonie business men for the good of the sport and in this way quite a sum has been raised by the enthusiasts on fast horse racing. Among those interested in the move are Paul C. Wilson, Ben Carter and W.A. Scanlan. The speedway is a clear, straight half mile across Lake Menomin, east and west. It is ideal for fast stepping on the ice. January 7, 1909 - The Dunn County News

SCHOOLS HONOR LINCOLN’S BIRTH 

The grades of the city schools will honor the Lincoln birthday centennial with appropriate exercises Friday afternoon, February 12, at the Memorial. The program will consist of patriotic music, recitations, talks and lantern slides. Two members of Wm. Evans post, G.A.R., will give reminiscent talks on the great martyr president. The four lower grades will hold their exercises at 1:30, followed by the four upper grades at three o'clock. The North Menomonie grades will have their program in the hall at North Menomonie on the same day. January 21, 1909 - The Dunn County News

THE ARMY OF WOOD BUTCHERS  

The magnitude of the lumber operations of Knapp, Stout & Co. is not generally known to the outside world. The labor and capital required to supply their mills with logs is immense. This winter’s campaign among the pines is expected to bring forth 65,000,000 feet of logs. To cut this vast amount, the company employ in their sixteen lumber camps not less than 500 men. In addition to these there are ten camps run by jobbers, or men cutting and banking logs on contract. Thirty-five double teams are employed hauling supplies to the various camps. About fifty-five horse and mule double teams, and seventy-five yokes of oxen are required in the camps to haul the logs to the stream. The amount of forage and provisions necessary to subsist this small army for three or four months we have no means of computing, but it must all be hauled to these remote points in the wilderness. To direct these vast operations, and bear the responsibility of their management require not only experience, but also the most vigorous mental and physical endowments. For many years this difficult and laborious task has devolved upon Capt. Andrew Tainter; and though the snows of many winters have whitened his hair somewhat, he is still possessed of the same tireless energy, the same indomitable will that has characterized him through life. He is the moving spirit in this particular department, and he knows no rest or relaxation till he brings the logs down in the spring. January 19, 1878 - The Dunn County News

Source: Dunn County Historical Society

Menomonie Public Library Announces Top Reads for 2024

MENOMONIE - The Menomonie Public Library recently posted their Top Checkouts from 2024 on their website.

In a statement from the library staff, "As we begin a new year (Hi, 2025!) it’s wonderful to reflect on all the fun we’ve had at the Library this past year. You checked out all kinds of books, puzzles, movies, puppets and more.

"For the curious among us, enjoy our top 10 checkout lists at MPL from 2024. Maybe you’ll find yourself a little somethin’ to check out in 2025. All of us at the Library look forward to another year of exploring our materials, connecting and building community together."

In the adult non-fiction section, Justin Whitnel Earley's 2019 title, The Common Rule earned the top spot. In the adult fiction category, author Frieda McFadden cleaned up with five of the top 10 selections by Menomonie readers, including the top book, The Teacher, published in 2024. McFadden claimed not only the top selection, but Nos. 2, 3, 5, and 7.

For those not yet attached to the streaming likes of Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video or Disney+, the library offers racks of DVDs, with the 2023 release of The Holdovers, a film featuring Paul Giamatti leading the way in 2024.

In the early education Children's Checkouts, who could not fall for the cute and cuddly Ermine puppet the library has available to take home. Library hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Children’s Checkouts

1. Ermine Puppet

2. Beaked Dragon Puppet

3. Bluey Floor Puzzle

4. Llama Llama ABC by Anna Dewdney

5. Miss Banks Pulls Lots of Pranks!(Playaway) by Dan Gutman

Adult Non-Fiction

1. The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley

2. Secret Wisconsin by Tom Manus

3. Where Rivers Part by Kao Kalia Yang

4. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

5. Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney

Adult Fiction

1. The Teacher by Freida McFadden

2. One by One by Freida McFadden

3. Never Lie by Freida McFadden

4. The Women by Kristin Hannah

5. The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

DVDs

1. The Holdovers

2. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

3. Wonka

4. Mission: Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part One

5. Among Wolves

To see the complete story and all of the top 10 picks, hop on over to the Menomonie Public Library website

Public Meetings Update

Below are upcoming public meetings. Click on the links to find location, agendas and digital links if available.

City Meetings

Jan 13 - Recreation Advisory Board 7pm

Jan 15 - Urban Forestry Board 1pm

Jan 21 - City Council 7pm

School District Meetings

Jan 13 - Mid-Year Budget Hearing 5pm

Jan 13 - School Board Meeting 5:45pm

Dunn County Meetings

Jan 8 - Executive Committee 

Jan 9 - Fair Board Committee

Jan 15 - Planning, Resource & Development Committee

Jan 15 - Board of Supervisors

Town Meetings

NOTE: The following is part of NoteTakers - Menomonie News Net. Community members take notes at public meetings (city, county, schools, town). Orientation is provided. If you are interested in learning more email [email protected].

Town of Menomonie Dec 17 Board Meeting Summary

by Sara Cardwell, Town of Menomonie resident, NoteTaker (MNN)

• The ordinance to increase general fire call service costs to all residents was approved. Residents having to use the service will pay the full costs of the fire call starting in 2025 versus the current maximum of $500 for a fire call. • Townspeople are encouraged to call in to report potholes. New equipment coming this spring that will allow more patching in a shorter period. • The Town of Menomonie is required to do a new Comprehensive Plan in 2025. Townspeople can contact the Plan Commission for how to be notified of the process and progress. • .Nomination papers for Town Board positions are due Tuesday, Jan. 7. • Tax statements have been mailed.

For complete notes on this meeting click here.

Menomonie Collegians

Sam Seguin Marching to the Beat of “The Pride of Minnesota”

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn - Sam Seguin didn’t grow up dreaming he would be a member of the University of Minnesota Gophers Marching Band but a seed was planted when he was in seventh grade.

The 2023 Menomonie High School graduate is in his second year as an aerospace engineering and mechanics major at the University of Minnesota and is in second year as a member of “The Pride of Minnesota,” the Gophers Marching Band where he plays the mellophone.

“I didn't know what school I was going to until mid-March of 2023, and once I had selected the University of Minnesota to attend, I started looking for opportunities to be involved in the marching band,” Seguin said. “In seventh  grade band, I went to see the Minnesota marching band indoor concert, so once I knew that I was going to go to the University of Minnesota, I thought that that would be something fun to be a part of, and I looked up how to apply.”

The Gophers are fresh off a trip to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl where the University of Minnesota football team faced off against Virginia Tech in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 3.

The marching band flew out of Minneapolis Jan. 2, the day before the game, and the full band performed at a fan event that same day. Smaller band groups performed at other events around Charlotte, Seguin said.

On game day, the band had a morning rehearsal before lunch and getting into uniform, then down to Bank of America Stadium for pregame festivities and a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. Both the Gopher marching band and the Virginia Tech marching band performed a pregame and a halftime show, splitting the available time.

Seguin said the band performed half of earlier pregame and halftime shows taken from earlier in the season, but the shows were altered to fit the bowl game time slot.

To read the complete story, go to the Menomonie News Net website.

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, visit Kathy Weber’s Menomonie Minute.

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