Welcome to Menomonie News Net, Vol 2, Issue 12. If you missed previous issues, you can catch up HERE.

Sounds like the groundhog saw his shadow with more winter headed out way. But even in the cold hearty souls turned out for the Candlelight Ski! Today’s issue includes: an article by Superintendent Zydowsky explaining funding urgency for our schools, news about “ankle deep slush” back in 1865 in Looking Back and how to in-person absentee vote. Plus Judy Foust is back with her popular MHS Grads column.

Thank YOU to our readers, subscribers and donors; you’re why we are here. As always donations accepted online or by mail: checks to MNN, P.O. Box 63, Menomonie. (Options: tax-deductible gifts, in memory/honor of, recurring, anonymous, and more).

Editorial Team: Layne Pitt, Becky Kneer, Marsha Biggs; MNN Contributors; Advisory Team Volunteers; Tech Support: Tracy Glenz

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

In this Issue…

• Looking Back: February

• Candlelight Ski a Success

• New Scholarships Available

• Summary Feb 2 City Council Meeting

• Menomonie Public Library Receives Annual Reimbursement Check

• Dunn County Treatment Court Reports Successes

• MHS Grads: Tori Stewart - Class of 1997

• Local Blood Drives Update

• School Funding Needs a Boost

• Public Meetings: Week of Feb 4-11

• Menomonie Events at a Glance Feb 4-11

• MHS Extracurricular Activities

• Menomonie Collegians

Looking Back: February

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

PRESENT SPECIAL FLAG

Members of the VFW Auxiliary No. 1039 gave a Bicentennial flag to the American Lutheran Home last week. Presenting the flag were, from left: Gloria Overby, secretary; Hazel Ponto, treasurer; and Helen Kosman, president. Accepting the flag was Rudy Lestrud, right, home administrator. The presentation was one of the Auxiliary’s community service projects. February 25, 1976 Dunn County News

JUMPS FROM MANAGER TO GOALIE

John Feller, a native of Kaukauna, went from the manager of Stout State's hockey team to goal tender during the Devils' weekend games in the Stevens Point Invitational Hockey Tournament. Feller who has acted as the club's manager all season worked in the nets for two periods in Stout’s 14-1 victory over Platteville. Feller had four saves during his stint. Feller was pressed into duty to give Tom Slupe, the Bluedevils' regular net minder, a breather in the rugged week end of play in which Stout played three games in 21 hours. Stout has been short of goalies most of the season. Jay Watkins, the first line goal tender at the start of the season was injured in an industrial accident early in the year. But, he is expected to be available for this weekend's clash with the University of Wisconsin's junior varsity. February 11, 1970 Dunn County News

SCARLET FEVER CLOSES AG SCHOOL FOR A WEEK

Due to five cases of scarlet fever. the Dunn County School of Agriculture was Monday morning, closed for a week’s recess. The five cases are in that many different families. Officials of the school thought it best to close the school and take every precaution to prevent the spread of the illness. The recess will not delay graduation day any but will take up the planned spring vacation which will not be held as planned. All students of the school were examined by a doctor last week and those who had not been vaccinated before for small pox were vaccinated. A state doctor will be at the school next week to conduct the annual examinations of students. February 11, 1937 Dunn County News

TRAPPED FISH MOVED

Thousands of sunfish and perch ranging in size from one to fifteen inches have been taken from a slough in the Red Cedar River back of the Downsville Creamery by members of the Dunn County Conservation Commission and volunteers and put into Lake Menomin during the last two weeks. A week ago Sunday the conservationists made their greatest haul by taking about 7,000 fish and planting them in the lake here. The fish are being moved under the direction of John Gisness, secretary of the Dunn County Conservation Commission, and with the permission of Harold Apel, game deputy. It is planned by the sportsmen to take the next bunch of fish netted from the slough to the Eau Galle Lake. February 6, 1930 Dunn County News

COASTERS HIT TEAM ON A DARK HILL

The street light at the intersection of Elizabeth and Sixth streets was out of order Saturday and Sunday nights and a party of coasters on the Elizabeth Street hill ran into a team passing on Fifth Street, Saturday night, injuring several of the boys quite badly. Harvey Sipple had his collar bone broken and Otto Schraumm had to have a stitch taken in a cut on his neck and had several bruises. The other boys were fortunate enough to sustain but slight bruises and scratches. February 2, 1911 Dunn County News

SLUSH ANKLE DEEP

The weather for the past week has been of a very promiscuous character. We have had sunshine and storm, sleet, rain and snow, and at the present writing we are luxuriating in slush ankle deep. A good big freeze, if it would come quickly, would preserve our sleighing, and keep us comfortably cool for the balance of winter. February 4, 1865 Dunn County Lumberman

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

Six New Education Scholarship Opportunities Available at the Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is pleased to announce the establishment of six new scholarship funds in 2025, made possible through the generosity of local families and donors committed to supporting students in their educational journeys. Applications for all scholarships are available online at cfdunncounty.org/scholarships. Students are encouraged to consult their school guidance counselor for application deadlines and additional details.

-Merlyn and Shirley Jones Scholarship
Established in 2025, the Merlyn and Shirley Jones Scholarship honors Merlyn Jones, a 1958 graduate of Boyceville High School with deep roots in agriculture and community service. This one-time $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Boyceville High School who plans to attend an accredited two- or four-year college or technical institution pursuing a degree in agriculture, political science, or business, with preference given to agriculture-related fields, participation in FFA, 4-H, or Science Olympiad, and demonstrated financial need.

-McKenna Marie Kay Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of McKenna Marie Kay Johnson, this scholarship was created by her grandfather, Lawrence “Larry” Johnson, to honor her life and support students pursuing technical and trade careers. Though McKenna’s life was short, her memory continues to inspire opportunity and encouragement for others. This $1,000 scholarship is available to graduating seniors who are pursuing a technical diploma or two-year degree in trucking or a related field.

-Beverly K. Meritt Legacy Scholarship for Educational Studies
Established in memory of Beverly Krueger Meritt, this scholarship honors a lifelong educator whose career in elementary and special education was defined by service, compassion, and a deep commitment to students. The scholarship supports graduating seniors from Menomonie High School who plan to pursue a degree in elementary or special education at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.

-Linda Krueger Legacy Scholarships: 1) scholarship for Business/Entrepreneurial Studies. Established in honor of Linda Krueger—known to many as “Señora” at Menomonie High School, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Menomonie High School pursuing a degree in accounting, finance, business management, or a related field at an accredited two- or four-year college or technical institution and 2) scholarship for Spanish Studies supports a graduating senior from Menomonie High School who plans to pursue Spanish studies as a major or minor at the college or university level. This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least four years of Spanish coursework and demonstrates a desire to increase fluency, appreciation for other cultures, and plans to use Spanish in their future profession.

-Tim DeAtley Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors Tim’s passion for mechanics, hands-on learning, and community involvement. Established by his family, the scholarship supports students pursuing technical education in automotive, diesel, or mechanical trades while recognizing the values of hard work, integrity, and craftsmanship. Available to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a two-year technical degree in automotive or diesel mechanics. Preference is given to students who demonstrate community involvement and to those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The scholarship is renewable for one additional year.

These newly established scholarships reflect CFDC’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to education and supporting students as they pursue their academic and career goals. By partnering with donors to honor meaningful legacies, CFDC connects local generosity with opportunities that strengthen the community today and into the future.

Source: CFDC News Release

Summary of Feb 2 Menomonie City Council Meeting Including Passage of Rental Ordinance

The first item listed above on Proposed Ordinance 2026-02 (rental properties) was adopted by a unanimous vote. It is also known as SHIELD (Safe Housing, Inspections, Enforcement and Landlord Development).

For more information you may view the Feb 2 meeting packet or a video of the Feb 2 council meeting recorded by Eye on Dunn.

Source: City of Menomonie Facebook post

City Residents In-Person Absentee Ballot Voting Begins for Feb 17 Mayoral Primary

Residents may vote in person by absentee ballot at City Hall on the following dates:

• Wednesday, February 4 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

• Thursday, February 5 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

• Friday, February 6 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

• Monday, February 9 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

• Tuesday, February 10 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

• Wednesday, February 11 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

• Thursday, February 12 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)

• Friday, February 13 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

In-person absentee voting is available on weekdays only.

To vote absentee, voters must be registered at their current address and present a valid photo ID. Additional information about absentee voting, hours, and requirements is available at www.myvote.wi.gov.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (715) 232-2221, extension 1006.

Menomonie Public Library Receives Annual Reimbursement Check

Dunn County Clerk Andrew Mercil recently delivered checks to four Dunn County libraries. The County Clerk is responsible for issuing all library reimbursements to any library which had Dunn County residents use their resources.

Checks were issued to: Menomonie Public Library, Boyceville Public Library, Clarella Hacket Johnson (Sand Creek) Library, and Colfax Public Library.

For 2026 the library reimbursement totals for the four libraries was $708,693.52.

Source: Facebook post

Dunn County Treatment Court Reports Successes

Menomonie - Officials of the Dunn County Treatment Court recently reported that 2025 was a successful year in helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives through evidence-based treatment and recovery support. 

In 2025, the program served 17 participants, celebrated six successful graduations and had five new admissions, said Kayla Johnson, county Treatment Court Coordinator. 

“While these numbers are meaningful, they don’t fully capture the lasting impact of Treatment Court,” Johnson said. “Our participants are given the opportunity to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. 

“Upon graduation, individuals who have successfully completed substance-use treatment are employed, have stable housing and are connected to supportive recovery networks,” she added. “Our hope is that they were provided tools, resources and connections while in the program to use their entire lives.” 

In 2025, Johnson added, the court received 20 referrals, including 15 self-referrals, two from defense attorneys, one from the District Attorney’s Office, and two from the state Department of Corrections. 

The court administered 1,177 drug screens, with 88 percent testing negative, which Johnson said demonstrated strong participant accountability. All participants engaged in substance-use treatment within the first 30 days and remained active throughout their time in the program. 

New peer support services were introduced for treatment court participants in 2025 through Treatment Alternatives and Diversion grant funding, Johnson said. 

“Participants have had positive feedback working with those who share similar experiences,” Johnson said of the peer support process. “For some cases, it has been a positive pivotal turning point for the participant and their recovery.” 

Johnson said further changes are coming for the program: “In 2025 our Dunn County Treatment Court team worked hard at making changes to our program to best align with the national All Rise Treatment Court Best Practice Standards. We are excited to implement those changes in early 2026.” 

The Treatment Court provides an alternative to incarceration for individuals facing felony-level charges who are struggling with substance use disorders. Dunn County Treatment Court was begun in 2008 by two former circuit court judges, and a multidisciplinary team comprised of professionals from a range of agencies work collaboratively to provide comprehensive, wraparound support to participants. 

The program typically lasts between 14 and 18 months or longer, depending on individual progress. Participants receive intensive supervision and case management, frequent court appearances ranging from weekly to monthly, random and frequent drug testing, and follow-through on all assessed treatment needs related to substance use and mental health. 

More information is available at https://dunncountywi.gov/treatmentcourt. 

Source: News Release

Tori Stewart - Class of 1997

By Judy Foust

Some of you might be old enough to remember The Flip Wilson Show. One of his trademark lines was, “Here comes the Judge!”

Our profile this week is of Tori Stewart—District Court Judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District. Tori and I conducted this interview via zoom.

Tori is the daughter of retired judge Bill Stewart and his late wife Shirley. She grew up near Downsville, later moving to the Cedar Falls area.

Remembering Menomonie High School highlights came easily to Tori.

She loved band, starting with Miles Mortenson during her freshman and sophomore years. As a junior, Scott Plank took over bringing his area of expertise: marching band. So for the next two years Tori participated in parades, football game half-time shows, and marching routines. She remembers enjoying those routines with the coordinated music and movement.

Another course Tori remembers well was Allen Foxwell’s speech class. As a naturally shy person in high school, she feared speaking before a group of people. At the beginning of the course she used the strategy of always being the first to volunteer so that she could relax during the other speeches. But as the year progressed, Tori became more comfortable in the environment and gained self-confidence. (She uses what she learned in class every day in her current occupation).

Another memorable experience was Social Studies with James Hardy. She had always been interested in the topic as well as in government and described her teacher as firm and demanding…two qualities she appreciated.

During summers, Tori was a lifeguard at Wakanda Waterpark, Butch’s Bay and the MHS fieldhouse.

Following graduation Tori enrolled at the University of MN where she majored in Sociology (Law, Criminology, and Deviance) with a minor in Political Science. She loved her studies in psychology. One of her most memorable courses as an undergrad was “Crime and Punishment” taught by the warden of Oak Park Heights Prison. While the class was held on campus, Tori remembers their visit to the prison. Memorable indeed!

During her junior and senior years, she worked in the US Attorney’s Office (USAO) in the District of Minnesota. Upon graduation, she continued her work there as a legal assistant until she enrolled in law school in 2002 at William Mitchell College of Law.

Tori’s first year in law school she described as “hard” because of the new way of learning and thinking that was required in her courses. Once the courses focused on practical learning, like advocacy, appellate writing, and mediation practice, she found her footing in law school. In 2005, Tori graduated - aspiring to practice in the public sector in criminal law.

After passing the Minnesota Bar Exam, she was sworn in as an attorney in October 2005. She went on to obtain her license to practice law in Wisconsin as well.

Her first job as an attorney was at the private firm of Hughes and Costello, based in St. Paul. While there, she handled the criminal prosecution contract for the City of Richfield, prosecuting all levels of misdemeanors. Approximately eighteen months later, she accepted a position in Rice County, MN as an Assistant County Attorney, handling prosecutions at all levels from misdemeanors to felonies.

From 2007 to 2013, Tori served as Assistant County Attorney in Dakota County. She stated that she learned so much there and considered it a “turning point” in her career. It was here that she was assigned a list of serious cases dealing with child criminal sexual conduct, murder, child pornography and other major crimes. The challenge was in dealing with sensitive trauma issues among the parties involved. Here she was provided with a lot of trial experience.

In 2023 Tori applied for a judgeship and was sworn in by Governor Tim Walz on May 7, 2023. She serves in Goodhue County, with the county seat located in Red Wing. As a judge in a small county, she handles every case type – criminal, civil, family, protective orders, evictions, adult and child protection, juvenile, adoptions, and everything that could possibly enter the courthouse.

While her profession takes up a great deal of time, Tori and her husband, Brad Drayna, a police lieutenant in the City of Richfield, love to travel. They’ve been to Europe, Panama, South and Central America and the Caribbean. They’re currently planning a transatlantic cruise, starting in Florida, stopping in the Azores, Gibraltar, Corsica, and ending in Rome.

Tori and Brad also enjoy biking, attending group fitness classes at Orangetheory and weekend trips to Des Moines, Iowa. Working on 1,000-piece puzzles is another passion.

Tori’s thoughts on growing up in Menomonie? She describes it as “a little bit sheltered. It provided freedom with a strong sense of community and it felt like you knew everyone.”

I enjoyed learning about Tori and hope you readers all did as well.

“Here comes Menomonie’s own judge, Tori Stewart!”

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]

Local Blood Drives Update

UPDATE: There are eight (not six as reported last week) Red Cross blood donation opportunities in February being offered in Menomonie. See the two additional drives highlighted below.

• Wednesday, Feb 4: Dunn County Govt Ctr, 9am - 3pm

• Thursday, Feb 5: Phillips Medisize, 11am - 5pm

• Thursday, Feb 5: Christ Lutheran Church, Noon - 6pm

• Monday, Feb 9: Alliance Church, 11:30am - 4:30pm

• Tuesday, Feb 10: Cedarbrook Church, 10am - 4pm

• Friday, Feb 13: Menomonie Leisure Ctr, 9am - 3pm

• Thursday, Feb 19: UW-Stout, Memorial Student Center, 10am - 6pm

• Monday, Feb 23, Menomonie United Methodist Church, Noon - 6pm

School Funding Needs a Boost

SDMA Superintendent’s School Crossings Column

By Joe Zydowsky, Superintendent

Superintendents in the five largest school districts in Wisconsin issued a plea this week to state lawmakers calling for school funding relief now. As noted in their message, Wisconsin families are struggling. Across Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Green Bay, and in smaller communities like Menomonie, families in Wisconsin are paying more for groceries, utilities, and health insurance. The School District of the Menomonie Area faces those same pressures. We are paying more to feed students, heat and power our schools, retain high quality staff, and cover rising insurance and healthcare costs. Like families, the SDMA is impacted by increasing expenses due to inflation.

That is why the most recent state budget was such a profound disappointment. When the state had a $4 billion surplus, we expected lawmakers to recognize the shared financial strain facing families and public schools. Instead, Wisconsin’s K–12 public school students received a $0 increase in general state aid and local property taxes went up. At the same time, a promised increase in critical funding for students with disabilities came up short. The SDMA is projected to transfer more than $4 million annually from the general fund to subsidize the underfunded costs of legally mandated services in the special education program.

Last week, Governor Tony Evers proposed $1.3 billion in state funding to provide property tax relief and stabilize school funding. However, legislative leaders have indicated they will not support this proposal unless the Governor’s “400 years” veto is overturned. That veto, which guaranteed modest long-term per-pupil increases (about 2.86%), demonstrated support for public education, but it is now being used as a political obstacle rather than a path forward.

Wisconsin urgently needs a bipartisan compromise on school funding. The current stalemate leaves public school districts unable to plan responsibly and pushes local communities to shoulder costs that the state should be sharing. A proven solution already exists. Under former Governor Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin provided annual per-pupil funding increases tied to the cost of living, providing schools with predictable, sustainable support. Those adjustments were eliminated in 2009 during the recession, and despite years of economic recovery, they have never been restored.

The consequences of inadequate funding have been severe and long-lasting. Without cost-of-living adjustments, districts across the state have been forced to rely on operational referendums, reduce staff, consolidate schools, delay building maintenance, and cut programs. When the operational referendum in Menomonie failed in 2024, the SDMA reduced expenses by eliminating the French program, cutting building-level technology support, deferring capital maintenance funding, and changing our employee’s health insurance plan. Closing Downsville Elementary School helped balance this year’s budget, but inadequate state funding will result in even bigger deficits in the years ahead.

These measures are not sustainable and, over time, directly harm students and the infrastructure investments already made by our community. Had cost-of-living increases remained in place, the SDMA’s revenue limit would be much higher, and we would not be faced with the choice of making deep cuts or needing to ask voters for additional support through a referendum.

As noted in Chart 1, the revenue allowed by the state for the SDMA during the 2025-26 school year is $1,235 per student less than the inflationary index, and $2,001 per student less than the statewide average. With 3,363 students, SDMA’s revenue for this year is $4.15 million short of inflation and $6.73 million less than the statewide average.

The school funding formula may be complex, but one truth is simple: when state support goes down or stagnates, property taxes go up. This is not a school district spending problem. It is a legislative funding choice. Compounding this issue for taxpayers in Menomonie is the extra $1.3 million placed on the school tax levy to fund the cost of private school vouchers in our community.

As a state, we risk shortchanging not only our students but Wisconsin’s future economic prosperity. Past generations benefitted from strong public schools, highly qualified teachers, and well kept facilities. Every one of us wants better for our kids today, and yet without adequate funding, we will give them less. They deserve better.

Lawmakers can do what is right by their constituents, Wisconsin families, and our public schools by investing this historic surplus in our children. Students are receiving less while taxpayers are paying more—and it does not have to be this way. The future of Wisconsin’s public schools depends on responsible, consistent state funding. The time is now. As a parent, taxpayer, and superintendent of the School District of the Menomonie Area, I respectfully ask on behalf of over 3,000 students that the state invest in their future now. They can't wait.

Should school families or community stakeholders have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about finances in the SDMA, I invite you to visit me at the Administrative Service Center on Pine Avenue, or contact me at 715-232-1642.

More information about our schools can be found on the school district website www.sdmaonline.com and Facebook www.facebook.com/menomonie.schools.

This article was modeled after the work of Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard, Madison Metropolitan School District, Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Milwaukee Public Schools, Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Weiss, Kenosha Unified School District, Superintendent Soren Gajewski, Racine Unified School District, and Superintendent Vicki Bayer, Green Bay Area Public School District.

Public Meetings: Week of Feb 4-11

City of Menomonie 

Mon Feb 9 Recreation Advisory Board, 7pm

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Mon Feb 9 School Board Meeting, 5:45pm, ASC

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Feb 4 Planning, Resource & Development Committee, 8:30am AGENDA

Wed Feb 11 Executive Committee, 3:30pm

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance Feb 4-11

Wed Feb 4 Red Cross Blood Drive, 9am-3pm, Dunn County Govt Ctr; Maria Lazar Interview-WI Supreme Court Candidate, 5pm, Harvey Hall Theater (UW-Stout), can view livestream by Eye on Dunn; MAKE IT Thursdays, 5-8pm, Fulton Workshop at Rassbach Museum

Thur Feb 5 Two Red Cross Blood Drives: 1) Phillips Medisize, 11-5, 428 Technology Dr 2) Christ Lutheran Church, Noon-6pm, 1306 Wilcox St  

Sat Feb 7 MHS Class of ‘26 Senior Lock-in Fundraiser, 8:30am - 3pm, Kyote’s Den; Indoor Farmer’s Market, 9am - Noon, Raw Deal; Genealogy Help Sessions, 9-11am, Public Library

Sun Feb 8 MTG Fiddler on the Roof Auditions, 2-5pm, Mabel Tainter Theater

Mon Feb 9 Red Cross Blood Drive, 11:30 - 4:30, Alliance Church, 502 21st St N; Menomonie Chamber Business After Hours, 5-6:30, Johnson Motors

Tue Feb 10 Red Cross Blood Drive, 10am-4pm, Cedarbrook Church, 3502 Wilson St;

Wed Feb 11 Philosopher’s Cafe, 7pm, Brewery Nonic

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Wednesday, January 28

The Sabers Girls Hockey battled hard taking on conference rivals ECA Stars into double OT that ended with 2-1 loss.

The Boys Varsity Hockey Team hit the road to Rice Lake last night. They wasted no time & started the game strong, landing 29 shots in the 1st period alone and ending the game with a 7-4 victory. Scoring for the Mustangs were 2 for Kellen Turner, Quin Rabeneck, Brekkin Cody, Liam Wachewicz, Kaden Farrah & Sam Smith. Great game boys.

Thursday, January 29

Tuesday night the Boys Swim Team went out for their last conference dual meet and defeated River Falls. Both teams were evenly matched throughout the night, but first place finishes from Ryan Rood in the 200 freestyle, Thomas Seim in the 200 Individual Medley and 500 Freestyle, William McKnight in the 100 freestyle, and Eirik Erickson in the 100 breaststroke helped secure the team’s win.

The Girls Basketball Team lost a tough game on Tuesday to a highly ranked Rice Lake team 74-45. The Mustangs were led in scoring by Jordan Ohman with 18points followed by Gracie Miller with 8 and Lauren Ohman with 7.

Friday, January 30

Last night the Boys Swim Team competed in their last dual meet of the season and ended on a win against Lacrosse. Luke Ray started off the night with a first place finish in the 200 Freestyle, later finishing first in the 100 freestyle as well. As the meet went on, first places came from Ryan Rood in the 200 Individual Medley, William McKnight in the 50 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle, and Thomas Seim in the 100 Butterfly. Congrats to all swimmers on a great regular season and good luck at the Conference Meet.

The Boys Varsity Hockey Team arrived in Baldwin ready to battle. They held a 2-0 lead for most of the game, but Baldwin tied it up in the 3rd period sending the game into overtime....and then another overtime. 5 periods later, Menomonie was victorious with a 3-2 WIN! Goals by Wren Swaenepol, Jett Lenfant & OT goal by Jaxon Giertz. This was a BIG win, way to go!

Monday, February 2

The Girls Basketball Team got a big win on Friday over Hudson 57-56 with Jordan Ohman scoring with 1.8 seconds left in the game. She finished with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Lauren Ohman added 14 points and Gracie Miller had 4 steals in the win.

Congratulations to the JV Dance Team for a successful weekend at WACPC JEM championship. They earned 4th in pom and are the 2026 JV hip hop Champions. We are proud of their hard work this season.  

Congratulations to the Forensics Team for taking 1st place at their first invitational of the season! The team won big and many team members earned awards in their individual categories.

Menomonie Collegians

MHS Athletes Finding Their Stride as College Indoor Track and Field Season Heats Up

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

MENOMONIE - With January in the rearview mirror, the collegiate indoor track and field season is in full stride, and Menomonie natives Alexis Anderson, Brooklyn Hoff, Gaby Skorczewski, Madison Lehman and Bella Jacobsen are making early-season noise on collegiate tracks across the region.

Alexis Anderson, a senior at UW-Stout, has been a steady presence in the pole vault for the Blue Devils throughout her collegiate career. As a sophomore in 2024, Anderson recorded a career-best indoor clearance of 3.11 meters and added outdoor appearances with a season best of 2.75 meters. During her junior indoor season in 2025, she competed in three meets with a top mark of 2.73 meters. A 2022 graduate of Menomonie High School, Anderson entered Stout as the MHS school record holder in the pole vault and qualified for the state meet as a junior. The Blue Devils will be at the Gopher Classic at the University of Minnesota, Saturday, Feb. 7.

Brooklyn Hoff, a sophomore at UW-Stevens Point, has made steady progress as a distance runner, contributing across indoor and outdoor seasons. During the 2025 outdoor campaign, she recorded personal bests in both the 1,500 meters (5:13.16) and 5,000 meters (18:30.72), highlighted by a 16th-place finish in the 5,000 meters at the WIAC Outdoor Championships. Indoors, Hoff set career bests in the mile (5:37.28) and 3,000 meters (10:44.84), adding a seventh-place finish at the Big Dawg Invitational. Before college, Hoff was a standout at Menomonie High School, earning eight varsity letters and multiple all-conference honors. She was a district runner of the year in cross country and became the first girl at her school to qualify for the state meet in all four years of high school.

Hoff opened her 2026 indoor season by setting a collegiate-best in the mile, clocking a time of 5:24.57 Jan. 24 at the WIAC Triangular at UW-Stevens Point. The Pointers were at the UW-Whitewater Invitational, Jan. 31, where she set a collegiate-best time in the 3000-meter run (10:36.63) finishing fifth. The Pointers return to action Saturday, Feb. 7 when they host the Big Dawg Invititational.

In her junior season at Lawrence University in Appleton, Gaby Skorczewski’s track and field career  has been defined by steady progression and a breakout 2025 sophomore season that featured multiple career-best performances. During the 2025 outdoor campaign, she emerged as a key contributor in the sprints and hurdles, winning the 400-meter hurdles at the Fox River Showdown with a personal-best time of 1:10.07 and adding a first-place finish as part of the 4x400 relay. At the Midwest Conference Outdoor Championships, Skorczewski recorded career bests in both the open 400 meters (59.76) and the 400-meter hurdles (1:11.43), while contributing to a fifth-place relay finish. Indoors, she consistently scored in the 400 meters and relays at the conference championships. In addition to track, she also competed in cross country for the Vikings during the 2024 season.

Skorczewski competed at the UW-Oshkosh Meet, Jan. 17, where her 4x400-relay team placed fourth and at the Ripon College Red Hawk Opener, Jan. 23, where she finished sixth in the 400-meter (1:03.01). The Vikings return to action Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Spartan Shootout in Dubuque, Iowa.

Madison Lehman, a sophomore at UW-Eau Claire, has competed across a range of middle- and long-distance events during her track and field career, including the mile, 1,500 meters, 3,000 meters, steeplechase and 5,000 meters. Her top performances include a fourth-place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Dick & Mary Johnson Invite and a season-best 1,500-meter time of 5:08.06 at the Uncaged Eagle Open.

Lehman has competed twice this season in the mile, running a 5:47.06 in the Blugolds' home opener against UW-River Falls, Jan. 17, then shaving five seconds off the next week when she finished in a time of 5:42.89 at the WIAC Triangular at UW-Stevens Point. The Blugolds will be at the Mark Guthrie Invitational at UW-La Crosse, Saturday, Feb. 7.

Bella Jacobsen, a red-shirt junior, has built a steady, accomplished distance résumé across cross country, indoor track and outdoor track during her career at the University of Wisconsin. A consistent contributor for the Badgers, Jacobsen earned a berth to the 2025 NCAA West First Round, highlighting a season that featured major breakthroughs on the track. She placed eighth in the 10,000 meters at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships with a personal-best time of 33:34.26, earning a podium finish, and added a fifth-place showing and personal best in the 5,000 meters (16:12.42) at the Badger Challenge.

Jacobsen has shown versatility and durability across distances, with career bests that include a 9:46.78 in the outdoor 3,000 meters, a 4:59.34 mile indoors and a 16:44.3 5K in cross country. She has twice earned All-Region honors in cross country, including a 17th-place finish at the 2024 NCAA Great Lakes Regional, and competed at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in both 2023 and 2024.

Before Wisconsin, she was a standout high school runner, earning conference, sectional and state honors in both cross country and track, including a state runner-up finish in the 3,200 meters. Jacobsen also captured conference titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters and earned multiple all-state and all-conference honors.

Jacobsen opened her 2026 Badger campaign with a pair of first place finishes at the Indiana University Invitational, Jan. 16-17, winning the 3000-meter (9:33.33), a race she has not competed in since the 2024 season, and as a member of the distance medley relay team. Jacobsen competed in the 3000-meter at the Penn Elite in Philadelphia, Penn., in a time of 9:30.43. The Badgers will host the Badger Windy City Invitational, Feb. 6-7, in Chicago, Ill.

Layne Pitt retired as the longest-serving sports information director at UW-Stout 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 Menomonie area 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/

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