Welcome to Issue 16 of Menomonie News Net. You can catch up on past issues or search for a specific article HERE.

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News for the community, by the community…

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

Website: menomonienewsnet.org Submit News: [email protected]

In this Issue…

• One of Menomonie’s Best Kept Secrets 

• Looking Back - March Memories from the Past

• Community Foundation Announces Endowment for Nonprofits

• Forestry Friends Award Nominations Open

• Library Spring Book Sale

• Dunn County Seeks Community Input on 20-Year Vision

• Free Online Mental Health Training for Area Residents

• Public Meetings This Week

• Congrats to MHS Students

• Board of Education Candidate Forum March 12

• Menomonie Collegians - Blais Richartz

One of Menomonie’s Best Kept Secrets

Grace Thrift Shop fills need in our community and beyond

By Dick Rueckl

The Grace Thrift Shop, sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church, had its humble beginnings in three rooms in the upper level of the church in early 2012. The original mission of the Thrift Shop was, and remains, to provide a unique and relaxing shopping opportunity for area residents who may not be able to purchase new items, to acquire used necessities in good condition.

Grace Thrift Shop was so well received and supported by the community that four years later, through the extreme generosity of a local donors and grants from the Community Foundation and Bremer Foundation, the Thrift Shop was able to move into its own building adjacent to the church. Today it operates out of the new building as well as space in the church. The Thrift Shop mainly serves shoppers from Menomonie and surrounding counties, however, shoppers come from as far away as Minneapolis. A group of nuns from New York, when visiting in the area, make a stop at the Thrift Shop a part of their visit and go home with arms full of items to share in their community.

In addition to the warm, welcoming, non-commercial setting and the friendly and welcoming nature of the volunteers in the Thrift Shop, astute shoppers can find clothing for men, women, teens, toddlers and infants. Also available are jewelry, housewares, small electrical appliances, sewing materials, CD’s, DVDs, vinyl records, audio tapes, books, puzzles and small toys. All items for sale in the Thrift Shop have been donated by members of the community. Upon receipt each item is screened for cleanliness, condition and usability before being put out for sale. Books and AV materials are further screened for appropriateness. All donations to the Thrift Shop, whether cash or items, are tax deductible, in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Tax forms are available upon request.

There are many remarkable stories about how the Thrift Shop has helped individuals and families in need. The following are two such stories.

A young man in his early 20’s had just been told he was accepted for a new job at Wal-Mart and was to report to work on the following Monday in khakis and a knit shirt. He stopped in to see what he might find. He left with 5 pairs of khakis and 4 shirts – total $9. He said with tears in his eyes “I couldn’t have even gotten ONE pair of khakis for this price”.

Another young man came in with 3 daughters to see if they could find clothes for their first day of school. He was able to outfit them for $14. He paid $15 and left with his $1 in change. On his way out of the parking lot, he stopped his car, came back into the Thrift Shop and placed his remaining $1 in the donation jar and offered a big “thank you”.

Comments received from shoppers include “Looks and feels like a boutique;” “Very welcoming as you come in the door;” “One of Menomonie’s best kept secrets”.

Virtually all items are sold for $1 or less. Occasionally, unique or special items, such as artwork are available as “make an offer.” Special offers for overstocked or seasonal items are often 50 cents or less. “Welcome Back” sales have been offered to college students to help them augment their clothing and housing supply budgets.

In addition to the benefits provided to the shopper, the Thrift Shop benefits the community by offering community members the opportunity to dispose of (repurpose) items which they no longer need or use. This also helps keep our landfills from being filled with items which can be reused. Excess items are often donated to Goodwill, Hope Gospel Mission and the Dunn County Humane Society.

Profits from the Thrift Shop are used to help support other church missions and to support other local non-profit agencies and missions.

Staffing for the Thrift Shop is provided solely through volunteers. Most are from the parish while several others are from other parishes, agencies or as individuals. There is a need for more volunteers. Interested parties may call 715-235-7072 or visit www.gracemenomonie.org to arrange an appointment to discuss the duties, availability and expectations of volunteers.

The Thrift Shop is located in southwest Menomonie at E4357 451 Avenue (next to Pinewood Golf Course.

Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

The Thrift Shop occasionally closes due to weather, holidays, funerals and whenever Menomonie schools are closed (weather). To check regarding possible closures call 715-235-7072, visit the website www.gracemenomonie.org or on Facebook.

Stop in to browse or just to visit. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the variety, value and friendly service.

Dick Rueckl is a Thrift Shop friend and supporter.

Looking Back - March

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

CITY AND VICINITY
Some meddlesome crank in the post office department has issued an order changing the name of this post office from Menomonie to Menomonee. What earthly reason there is for making this change we cannot see. The name has been written Menomonie ever since the old township was organized and it is retained as the corporate name of the city. For many years the post-office department persisted in spelling it Menomonee until about six years ago Mr. J.R. Mathews, when be was postmaster succeeded in persuading the department to change it so as to conform to the legal name of the city, and the names have been identical ever since until this new order was issued reviving the old orthography. This order should be countermanded at once and the name of Menomonie retained for the post-office and thus conform to the corporate name of the city. – March 1, 1895 Dunn County News

ELECTION INTEREST STIRS HAY RIVER
Wheeler, March 16. — An unusual interest is being manifested in the town of Hay River. This was noticed Saturday afternoon at the caucus held at the Town hall, when about all of the male population seemed to have a personal interest in the civic center. Just wait till the 5th of April and the women’s suffrage falls in line on choosing the right ones from the list of candidates for office. Some of the old “dads” will begin to sit up and take notice. – March 17, 1921 Dunn County News

800 JOIN ’NYLON RUSH’ AT STORE
Menomonie experienced its second ‘nylon rush’ Tuesday morning at the local Montgomery Ward store when an estimated crowd of 800 people stood in line to purchase 500 pair of nylons that were advertised for sale.

Of course all who formed in the line could not make purchases because the supply gave out before the end of the line could get to the nylon counter.

Though the Ward doors didn’t swing open for business until 9 o’clock, nylon seekers started to form a line in front of the store at 8 o’clock. According to Store Mgr. Don Holley the 500 pair of nylons went on sale at 9 o’clock, and an hour and a half later the supply was exhausted. Holley said that sometime in the future another shipment of nylons may come to the local store.

The ‘nylon line’ held fast to get to the counter, where there was a limit of one pair of nylons to a customer.

It was an orderly line, from all reports received. No damage was done to the store, and no one was crushed to death, although two women in the line fainted.

One woman suffered an injured hand when she was pushed through the door. – March 20, 1946 Dunn County News

MENOMONIE IN WHO’S WHO
Menomonie has two names in Who’s Who in America, a reference book for 1906-7 just received  at the Memorial library. The book contains a short sketch of men and women of note in the United States and is a valuable reference. Menomonie is represented in the book by Senator Stout and Supt. L.D. Harvey.  Mr. Stout’s name carries with it the following: “Lumberman, has lived in Wisconsin many years; has large business and manufacturing interests; member state senate several terms; has given liberally to cause of manual training, traveling libraries, good roads movement and various works of practical philanthropy.” Mr. Harvey’s work in the educational world is noted in detail. – March 30, 1906 Dunn County News

Do you like “old news?” Follow the Dunn County Historical Society on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dunnhistory for a daily dose.

Community Foundation Announces $5,000 Endowment Match to Local Nonprofits

Menomonie – Thanks to a successful year of fundraising and strong investment performance in 2024, The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is proud to announce an exciting new initiative to further strengthen the long-term financial stability of local nonprofits.

Coinciding with its 30^th Anniversary in 2025, the CFDC will provide a $5,000 matching grant to local nonprofit organizations that open an endowed fund. This means that eligible Dunn County nonprofits will only need to raise $5,000 to meet the $10,000 minimum required to establish an endowed fund with the Foundation.

With funding available for up to 15 new nonprofit endowments, this initiative represents a significant investment in the future of local organizations working to serve Dunn County residents.

Why Endowments Matter for Nonprofits

An endowment fund is a powerful financial tool that provides steady, reliable income to a nonprofit while continuing to grow over time. Endowments function like a permanent savings account, where the principal remains intact and invested, generating annual returns that support an organization’s mission year after year. This approach ensures that nonprofits have access to consistent funding while preserving and growing their financial base for future needs.

“Nonprofit organizations face ever-changing funding landscapes,” said Georgina Tegart, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Dunn County. “An endowment fund offers financial stability by providing long-term support while ensuring that a nonprofit’s mission continues for generations to come. Through this matching initiative, we’re making it easier than ever for Dunn County nonprofits to take this critical step toward sustainability.”

Investing in a Sustainable Future

By partnering with the CFDC to establish an endowed fund, local nonprofits will benefit from: - Annual income distributions to support ongoing operations and programs; - professional investment management to maximize long-term fund growth; - a permanent source of funding that strengthens financial security and sustainability; - a dedicated way for donors to contribute to their favorite causes in perpetuity.

This one-time matching opportunity is designed to help organizations build lasting financial security and expand their impact within the community. The CFDC encourages nonprofits of all sizes to take advantage of this unique opportunity to secure their futures.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis in 2025 until the 15 matching opportunities have been awarded. Applications can be submitted through the online portal at cfdunncounty.org/5kmatch

For more information contact Dustin Olson at [email protected] or call 715-232-8019.

About The Community Foundation of Dunn County
The Community Foundation of Dunn County is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Dunn County by supporting nonprofits, students, and community initiatives through charitable giving and endowment building. Since its founding, the Foundation has provided millions in grants and scholarships, ensuring that the community continues to thrive today and for generations to come.

Nominations Now Open for 2025 Forestry Friends Award

The City of Menomonie is proud to continue its commitment to urban forestry as a designated Tree City USA, a recognition that highlights the city's dedication to maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban forest. Our urban trees provide essential benefits, from improving air and water quality to creating wildlife habitats, reducing the urban heat island effect, and enhancing property values.

To celebrate the community's dedication to trees, the City of Menomonie Urban Forestry Board is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Forestry Friends Award. which honors individuals, organizations, or businesses that have made significant contributions to the city's urban forestry program.

Nomination Criteria

Residents are encouraged to nominate individuals, organizations, or businesses involved in outstanding tree-planting initiatives and environmental practices within the City of Menomonie.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Reside in or have completed forestry-related work within the City of Menomonie.

• Have made exceptional contributions to tree planting and conservation.

• Have established innovative programs using trees to address challenges such as water conservation or energy efficiency.

• Have actively engaged the community in tree planting efforts to promote environmental stewardship.

• Have demonstrated commitment to the care and protection of both existing and newly planted trees.

How to Nominate

Nomination forms are available here. Deadline for submission is Wednesday, March 12.

Winners will be announced during the City's annual Arbor Day Celebration the end of April.

For more information about the Forestry Friends Award, the City of Menomonie Urban Forestry Board, or the Urban Forestry Program, please contact Megen Hines at 715-232-2221 Ext 1005.

Megen Hines is the Environmental Program Coordinator, City of Menomonie.

Library Spring Book Sale

The Friends of the Menomonie Public Library will host their SPRING book sale in March.

• March 6 - MEMBERS ONLY from 4-7 pm

• March 7-21 - PUBLIC SALE during library hours

• March 20-21 - BAG SALE (ends at 4 pm on March 21st)

The book sale will take place in the library meeting room.

The Friends give thousands of dollars to the library every year and book sales are their major fundraiser. Plan to come on over and find some great treasures at amazing prices. See you at the sale!

You can volunteer to help at the sale, too!

Want to shop early? Become a Friends Member and beat the rush on March 6th at the MEMBERS ONLY shopping event. You can fill out the form and pay for your membership at the sale.

Source: Friends of the Library facebook page.

Dunn County Seeks Input for a 20-Year Vision

MENOMONIE - Dunn County officials invite residents to help shape the county’s future by guiding decisions on land use, infrastructure and community priorities for the next 20 years. 

“This is an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are now and where we want to go,” said Tammy Traxler, Dunn County Planner and Zoning Administrator, about the newly launched effort to update the county’s Comprehensive Plan. “The public’s input is crucial as we update our Comprehensive Plan and Farmland Preservation Plan.” 

State law requires each county to develop a 20-year comprehensive plan — updated every 10 years — to document current conditions such as population trends, land use, development pressures, natural resources, and infrastructure. 

Traxler said the plan covers key areas, including land use, transportation, housing, economic development, natural and cultural resources, utilities and community facilities. By integrating these elements, she said, it creates a framework that brings everything together for decision-making and ensures local policies align with the county’s long-term vision. 

Officials said the plan serves as a guide for local decision-making rather than imposing new regulations or programs. 

The plan's agricultural component will update the county’s Farmland Preservation Plan to protect farmland, support local agriculture and preserve Dunn County’s rural character. 

“A comprehensive plan serves as a foundational policy document that guides the long-term physical, social, and economic development of a community,” Traxler said. “For Dunn County, this plan is essential to ensure coordinated growth, preservation of natural resources, and the well-being of its residents.” 

The West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is assisting the county with data collection and analysis, coordinating public engagement activities, drafting plan components, and providing other essential resources.

The update process is expected to take about 18 months, with completion anticipated by mid-2026. This timeline ensures a thorough, inclusive process that includes research, community engagement, drafting and review, Traxler said. 

Traxler said there will be many ways for the public to contribute to this plan update, including: 

• Community surveys to share thoughts through online and paper surveys to guide priorities 

• Pop-up meetings offering informal engagement sessions at local events and community spaces 

• Public meetings and workshops to learn more, ask questions and provide direct input; county staff are available to attend events to discuss the plan and hear ideas. 

• To invite county staff to a community event, email [email protected]

For more information and to provide feedback, visit https://dunncountywi.gov/compplan and follow the process on social media. 

Tammy Traxler is Dunn County Planner/Zoning Administrator. She can be reached at [email protected] or 715-231-6523.

Public Meetings This Week

City of Menomonie

Mon Mar 10 Recreation Advisory Board - 7 p.m. (Leisure Center)

Click HERE for calendar. To receive calendar notices sent to you click HERE.

School District of Menomonie 

Mon Mar 10 School Board - 3:45 p.m. (Wakanda Elementary)

Mar 17-21 Spring Break

Click HERE for the calendar with additional details.

Dunn County

Wed Mar 12 Transit Committee - 8 a.m. (Hwy Dept)

Highway Commission - 8:15 a.m. (Hwy Dept)

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Congrats to MHS Students

Source: Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Twenty Menomonie High DECA students competed recently at state. Results: Gold in School Based Enterprise - Retail: Breckin Richartz and Max Buhr; Finalists for Entrepreneurship Start-Up Business Plan: Max Jaeger and Aiden Anderson; Sports & Entertainment Marketing - Medal in Testing: Max Jaeger and Aiden Anderson; Sports & Entertainment Marketing - Medal in Role Play 2: Abby Lake and Grace Edenborg; Human Resources Management - Medal in Testing: Evelyn Doyle.

The Science Olympiad team took second on a tiebreaker at the Western Wisconsin Regional Championships. The team medaled in all of their 23 scoring events, and won 9 events. Claiming individual regional championships were: Grant Burns and Amy Liu- Anatomy; Oliver Lugo and Noah Winder - Bungee Drop; Amy Liu and Olivia Rubenzer - Disease Detectives; Grant Burns and Luke Ray - Dynamic Planet; Ben Seguin and Olivia Rubenzer - Forensics; Ben Seguin and Bri Klimek - Forestry; Grant Burns and Luke Ray - Geocaching; Grant Burns and Amy Liu - Microbiology; Logan Topper and Oliver Kerze - Optics. The team heads to the state competition next month.

The Skills USA Regionals were held at UW Stout. Elijah Stuart brought home the gold in the Automotive Servicing Competition; Dastin Hostettler took third in Cabinetry; Jack Falkner received third place in the Electronics contest.

Congratulations to the Gymnastics Team on their 4th place finish at the sectional competition in Ashland. Many personal records were set by Izzie Whitwam, Claire Mikesell and Paige Ponto. Izzie will be heading to the state competition on bars in Wisconsin Rapids.

Congratulations to wrestler Aidan Aure on his 4th place finish at the State Wrestling Competition. Also congratulations to Bryce Shepard, Ben Helminski, Jake Anderson, Ray Pember and Aaron Howard who also competed representing the Menomonie High School wrestling program.

Menomonie High School Drama presents the final week of Disney's Freaky Friday, a new musical filled with comedy and high-energy. Showtimes are Thursday and Friday (March 6th and 7th) at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday March 8th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Forum March 12: Meet the Board of Education Candidates

Candidates for Menomonie Area School Board will appear at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters – Greater Chippewa Valley (LWV-GCV) on Wednesday, March 12, 7 p.m. at the Menomonie High School Auditorium, 1715 Fifth Street W, Menomonie.

There are three open positions, each for a three-year term ending in April 2028. 

The five candidates who have registered to run for these positions and have been invited to attend are:

 - Josie Pillman
 - Joyce Uhlir
 - Abe Smith (i)
 - Rachel Henderson (i)
 - Dominique Stewart (i)
(i = current incumbent)

Audience members will have an opportunity to submit questions to the candidates with Ellen Ochs, LWV-GCV, moderating the forum. The election will be held April 1.

The forum may also be viewed online via livestream at Eye On Dunn County using this link as well as on the LWV-GCV and Eye on Dunn County Facebook pages.

For more information contact Steve Hanson, LWV-GCV, at 715-556-8674.

Menomonie Collegians

Blais Richartz Wrapping Up Collegiate Career at Michigan Tech

By Layne Pitt

HOUGHTON, Mich. - Two weeks ago the Michigan Tech University hockey team honored its six seniors. One of those seniors was Menomonie's Blais Richartz.

Richartz, a six-foot, 195-pound forward, is wrapping up his five-year hockey career with the Huskies.

Richartz played 31 games in 2023-24 and was an important part of a conference championship team, but didn't see as much action early in the 2024-25 season. Richartz had to fight his way back into the regular line-up, which he has been doing  since January. This season Richartz has seen action in 16 games.

After missing much of November and December, Richartz notched his first goal of the season in his first game back into the line-up against Holy Cross, tying the game at 2-2 in the second period in an eventual Huskies 4-3 overtime win in early January. Richartz added an assist against Augustana in a 4-4 tie. Earlier this month Richartz was selected to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) All-Academic Team for the fourth time.

During his true senior season in 2023-24, Richartz, a finance major who is now persuing his MBA, was named a CCHA Scholar-Athlete and to the CCHA All-Academic Team and tallied a career-high seven points with three goals and four assists. One of Richartz's goals came in a CCHA playoff game against Bowling Green, March 9,  2024.

Richartz saw limited action in the 2022-23 and 2021-22 seasons, but was a CCHA Scholar-Athlete and named to the CCHA All-Academic Team both years.

In his true freshman year in 2020-21, Richartz saw action in 17 games and tallied four points with a goal and three assists, including his first collegiate point with an assist at Bemidji State, Dec. 13, 2020. Two  months later he recorded his first collegiate goal at Ferris State, Feb. 9, 2020. Tech was 4-0 when he had a point.

Prior to coming to Division I Michigan Tech, Richartz played three seasons in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm, Omaha Lancers, and Lincoln Star.  In 144 USHL games, he tallied 50 points on 21 goals and 29 assists.

In the 2015-16 season as a sophomore, Richartz racked up 47 points in 24 games for Menomonie High School and earned second team all-Big Rivers Conference honors.

The Huskies will head into the CCHA tournament at Bowling Green March 7-9.

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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