Menomonie News Net

October 29, 2025, Issue 50

Author

Local News Group
October 29, 2025

Welcome to Issue 50 of Menomonie News Net. If you missed previous Issues, you can catch up HERE.

In today’s issue we feature the MHS Cross Country Teams headed to state competition; “Apartment 6” a feel-good article, and the latest MHS Grads installment featuring Lucas Chase.

If you enjoy MNN we appreciate you telling others…and encouraging them to subscribe and/or donate online OR by mail: check payable to MNN, P.O. Box 63, Menomonie. Current subscribers numbers are at 1249.

Thanks for your support!

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

In this Issue…

Apartment 6

A story of loss, connection and a ‘gift of endless possibilities’

Mike Warden gifting a guitar to Parker Hagen. Submitted photo

By Maggie Foote, MNN Contributor

A thunderous banging on his apartment door jolted UW-Stout student Parker Hagen to his feet. It was 10:30 pm on a Tuesday evening, May 20th and he was settled in with a movie. The pounding was the Menomonie police. The building where Hagen lived was on fire and he had to get out— “NOW!” With barely time to grab his phone, he scrambled shoeless down the stairs leaving behind car keys, wallet, computers and everything else that a college guy might need to sustain life off campus.

For Hagen, the next 24 hours were a blur. Displaced tenants from the six small upstairs apartments were given shelter in the Cobblestone Hotel lobby, just a block down the street. It was a long night.

Submitted photo

From the window, they could watch the hypnotic flashing of red emergency lights ricocheting off the walls of downtown buildings and creating shadows in the fire hose mist. The Red Cross was on site for assistance and provided vouchers for hotel stays.

Submitted photo

Two days later, Hagen returned to the fire site, where demolition crews had finished bulldozing the ash and debris into an empty crater of what remained of the basement. He was able to pull a few of his charred soggy items from the gray mess, including two computer hard drives from which he was able to retrieve data -- and an old electric Gibson guitar that had belonged to his father. Although the instrument had been somewhat protected by its case, it still suffered water and heat damage.

Submitted photo

Music has been a part of Hagen's life since he was a young boy. Starting with lessons on piano and  cello, he then progressed to upright bass and eventually electric bass. In addition to his father's old Gibson, some of the items lost or damaged in the fire were his 4-string bass guitar and an upright bass.

Hagen decided to head home to Mesa, Arizona where he would spend the summer with his parents. A senior finishing his degree in game design-art, with an emphasis on animation and a minor in computer science, Parker had just one semester left to complete. He planned to return to Menomonie for fall term and live on campus.

Following the fire, Brian Hagen, Parker's father, emailed Menomonie News Net, a digital news outlet, asking if any assistance could be provided to his son. In the days that followed, Becky Kneer, co-editor of the Menomonie News Net, corresponded with the senior Hagen and along the way an idea emerged for Kneer --- to find a guitar for Parker.

Becky contacted her friend and former Menomonie resident, Mike Warden, a guitar collector who divides his time between New Auburn and Minneapolis, to see if he might have some suggestions. Warden has been a guitar player for many years. His 60-plus sizable stash of guitars and stringed instruments includes thrift store finds, one-of-a-kinds, well-preserved classics and collectibles. He did more than just offer Kneer some suggestions. He volunteered to give Hagen one of his own guitars.

Three months later, when Hagen returned to Menomonie for fall semester, Kneer arranged for him to get together with Warden at his home in New Auburn. Warden had selected a 1960s vintage Univox hollow body bass guitar manufactured in Japan that he’d owned for about 15 years. When Warden handed him the gift, Hagen immediately sat down and began to play.

Checking out the features of the 1960s vintage Univox guitar. Submitted photo

This isn’t the first guitar Warden has provided to encourage someone to continue to explore their interest in music. Several of his grandchildren have had a guitar placed in their hands. The instrument, often a surprise and a gift, plants a seed. Warden calls it an “act of human kindness.”

Musicians like Hagen might call it a “gift of endless possibilities.”

Maggie Foote is a UW-Stout alum and MNN contributor.

Editor’s Note: Parker shared his ‘art station’ (portfolio) which you can view HERE. Plus, along with 14 fellow students, he will be heading to Madison next week to showcase the game they worked on together for their senior project. Good luck Parker!

Christianson Earns National Scholarship for Veterans Service Training

Submitted photo

MENOMONIE — Jessica Christianson of the Dunn County Veterans Service Office was one of only 10 applicants selected nationwide to receive a scholarship to attend the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Service Officer Training Conference in Annapolis, Maryland. 

The training, held twice annually, gives VFW-accredited service officers and select representatives from other veterans service organizations and government agencies with the latest information on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policies and procedures.  

Christianson said she needs 16 hours of continuing education a year. The VFW training involved learning the best practices for assisting veterans and their families with VA claims, appeals and benefits navigation, with the curriculum covering claim preparation, evidence development and updates to VA policy, allowing employees like Christianson to maintain access to federal VA systems. 

“We got into more of the nuts and bolts, a deeper level, of what we assist veterans with in writing disability claims,” Christianson said, adding she was chosen from 40 applicants for the scholarship.  

Each county in Wisconsin has a Veterans Service Office to help veterans apply for all the benefits they are eligible for.  The training, Christianson said, gave attendees information on “how to properly present that claim to the VA and provide a good case and evidence ... so we are writing the best claims for folks. 

“I’m honored to be chosen for this opportunity,” Christianson continued. “This training will strengthen my ability to serve Dunn County’s veterans and ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned.” 

Christianson said that as Veteran’s Day approaches, now is the time for all veterans in Dunn County to review what benefits they are receiving to determine if they are now eligible for additional assistance. 

“The most important thing is to at least learn what is out there for you,” Christianson said.  “Come in for a benefit overview and make informed decisions: Know what you are eligible for and how we can help you obtain those benefits.” 

To contact the Dunn County Veterans Service Office, visit https://www.co.dunn.wi.us/veterans or call (715) 232-1646. 

Source: News Release

Trick or Treat

Thurs Oct 30 Downtown Menomonie Trick or Treat 3-6 pm

Fri Oct 31 City of Menomonie Trick or Treat 5-7pm

Source: Facebook pages

Indoor Farmers Market Season Begins Saturday

Our indoor market season is just around the corner! On Sat Nov 1st, our scheduled vendors will be featuring many fantastic LOCAL items! Including:

  • Freshly baked breads & sweet treats

  • Fresh cut micro-greens & fall vegetables

  • Jams, jellies, & apple butter

  • Pastured beef & lamb

  • Locally roasted coffee 

PLUS hand crafted gifts for all ages including wool socks, glass art, mittens, wooden kitchen tools, decorative wreaths, and more!

Live music will be provided by Jim "Doc" Miller!

We'll be at the Raw Deal from 9am-Noon the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month November through April! 

Visit the market all winter long as a wide variety of your favorite vendors and local musicians appear throughout the season.

The partnership between the Menomonie Farmers Market and the Raw Deal provides an excellent opportunity for local producers to offer their goods, direct to consumer, throughout the winter months. We appreciate your support!

Check out our Facebook page for more details.

Voluntary Rental Inspections Now Available

City Building Inspection Dept now offers voluntary and complaint based inspections

:

Are you a tenant with concerns about the condition of your rental unit? Are you a landlord that wants to make sure your rental unit is in rentable condition? If so, the City of Menomonie Building Inspection Department can provide voluntary and complaint-based inspections of rental units.

A request form can be found on our website along with other information for renters on the Building Inspections and Zoning webpage here: www.menomonie-wi.gov/185/Building-Inspection-Zoning

Source: City of Menomonie Facebook page

Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness

Dunn County Human Services staff recently wore purple for Domestic Violence Awareness. Dunn County Facebook Photo

Staff members from Dunn County Human Services wore purple recently in recognition of Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day. This simple show of purple helps raise awareness and show support for survivors.

During their all-staff meeting, the entire DHS team is shown here standing together for this important cause.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help. You can contact the Dunn County Sheriff's Office, Dunn County Human Services, or The Bridge to Hope — a nonprofit organization committed to ending domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Source: Dunn County Facebook page

Upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives

By MNN Staff

Blood drives scheduled in Menomonie for October/November. To view a list and/or make an appointment click HERE.

  • Wed Oct 29 - Dunn Co Govt Center, 9am - 3pm

  • Fri Oct 31 - St Paul’s Lutheran, 1100 9th St E, 9am - 2pm

  • Wed Nov 5 - New Hope Lutheran, N2698 460th St, Downsville, 11am - 5pm

  • Mon Nov 24 - UW-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, 10am - 4pm

  • Tues Nov 25 - 1st Congregational Church, 420 Wilson Ave, 9am - 3pm;

Source: American Red Cross website

Dunn County 4-H Project Discovery Day

Nov 8 event open to ALL youth K-5 — not just 4-Hers

Facebook Post

Learn more about Dunn County 4-H and 4-H projects at Project Discovery Day on

Sat, Nov 8 — 9:15 to Noon —Dunn County Govt Center, Rm 60

This FREE event is open to ALL youth in grades K-5. You do not need to be a member of 4-H to attend!

Join us for a hands-on adventure where youth in grades K-5 can explore exciting projects of their choice. Each activity takes just 20–30 minutes, and the lineup changes every year—so there’s always something new to discover!

There are seven projects to choose from: Canning, Cats, Dogs, LEGOS, Art, Photography, and Circuits.

To learn more and to register click HERE

Source: Dunn County 4-H Newsletter

Free Presentation on Common Scams and Fraud

Source: News Release

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

Lucas Chase - Class of 2011

By Judy Foust

Another enjoyable experience interviewing a former student—Lucas Chase—class of 2011. Many of you either know Lucas personally or know that him as the Executive Director of the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts here in Menomonie. Let’s explore the path he followed to get from MHS to the Mabel—the fulfillment of his longtime career goal.

Lucas was born in White Bear Lake, MN, but his family moved to Wisconsin when he was very young. Consequently, he thinks of Menomonie as his hometown. When asked how he spent his childhood, his strongest memories revolve around lots of boating on Tainter Lake and Lake Menomin, as well as biking all over the city with his friends. Lucas attended Cedar Falls Elementary School and noted that he had nothing but excellent teachers there. A high point in his childhood was playing the role of an orphan in the musical “Oliver!” at the Mabel Tainter Theater when he was eight years old. That was the beginning of Lucas’s love of the arts.

Highlights of Lucas’s high school career revolved around two special school trips. The first was the German Club trip to Germany in 2009. He was so taken with the country that eventually Lucas earned a major in German while in college. The second trip was the annual Carnegie Hall choir trip to New York City. Performing in the world-renowned venue was the experience of a lifetime.

High school photo

As Lucas was sharing these adventures, he was quick to mention the two teachers who were pivotal in making all of this happen—Beth Buckmaster, his German teacher, who shared her love of teaching through her genuine contagious excitement, providing a rich experience to the study of German for all her students.

Audric Buhr, Lucas’s choir teacher, had the ability to make strong positive connections with his students. Lucas remembered how important it was for him to know his students well and to relate what was happening in their lives to his teaching.

Because of the dynamic teachers, Lucas was drawn to perform in many plays and musicals during high school, noting that one of his favorites was “Into the Woods.”

Another teacher who made a difference in Lucas’s life was his middle school Face and Consumer Science teacher Cindy Quilling. She developed a program where students were paired with community members in a workplace. Lucas was paired with Gary Schuster who, at the time, was the Executive Director of the Mabel Tainter. What made this especially interesting was the fact that the building was undergoing major renovations. Lucas was involved in meetings with architects, builders, and every facet of the project. It was this experience that inspired him to pursue a career in Business Management.

During the summer after his graduation in 2011, Lucas embarked on an ambitious European train trip touring England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, and France. This was a wonderful eye-opening adventure in the world outside of Menomonie and the United States.

That fall, Lucas entered Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Luther was the perfect place to combine his strong interests in what was to become his triple major—

Business Management, German and Theater. The beauty of the campus, the fact that it was residential (located outside the city where all students lived in dorms), and that the environment provided opportunities to develop lifelong friendships made it a perfect fit. Professor Jeff Dintaman had a strong influence on Lucas. He was committed to preparing all his students for the future—regardless of what career choices they would make. Lucas acknowledged that Professor Dintaman taught him the skills to make his dreams become reality.

The music program at Luther was exciting and world-renowned. Lucas’s favorite place to perform was in Orchestra Hall—a beautiful venue with perfect acoustics. The choir performed Handel’s “Messiah” there, something Lucas will never forget. It was at Luther that Lucas made strong connections with others in the Arts field. These connections have proven valuable as he continues to pursue his goals.

During the Spring semester of his junior year, Lucas did a study abroad option, spending six months in Münster, Germany, living with a host family. Lucas noted that the family provided a welcoming authentic environment—three children, a younger boy and two older girls. This opportunity gave him real life experience for his German major.

After graduating from Luther, Lucas first worked part-time for the Hennepin Theater Trust (the Orpheum, Pantages, and State Theaters). Winona State University was where he had his first full-time theater management position—managing the Page Theater which hosted both university and citywide arts events.

As Lucas gained more experience, his next stop was at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul. There he worked in the box office with ticket services.

In 2020, Lucas moved back to his hometown to become the Executive Director of the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts. What began as an interim position has turned into Lucas’s dream job—management of all facets of the theater’s operations.

Since his tenure began, Lucas has worked diligently to provide a wide variety of experiences for the Mabel’s audiences. Attendance continues to grow—through a great deal of successful grant-writing—as the physical structure has undergone necessary repairs and updates. Besides managing all theater operations, Lucas also enjoys performing in local productions with the Theater Guild and the Mabel Tainter.

Current photo

The boy who performed in “Oliver!” at the Mabel Tainter as an eight-year-old has traveled full circle to become its Executive Director. We continue to look forward to what’s going on in Menomonie’s internationally recognized “gem” of a theater.

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]

Public Meetings: Week of Oct 29 - Nov 5

City of Menomonie

Mon Nov 3 City Council Meeting, 7pm, Council Chambers

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

No scheduled meetings

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Nov 5 Planning, Resource & Development Committee CANCELLED; Executive Committee, 3:30 pm

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance

Photo: Debra Bell

Wed Oct 29 Red Cross Blood Drive, 9am-3pm, Dunn Co Govt Ctr;

Thur Oct 30 Downtown Trick or Treat, 3-6pm, Downtown Menomonie;

Fri Oct 31 Red Cross Blood Drive, 9am-2pm, St Paul’s Lutheran (1100 9th St E); City Trick or Treat, 5-7pm, City of Menomonie;

Sat Nov 1 Winter Farmer’s Market, 9am - Noon, Raw Deal;

Mon Nov 3 City Yard Waste Pick Up 7am-4pm; City Council Meeting, 7pm, City Hall

Wed Nov 5 Red Cross Blood Drive, 11am-5pm, New Hope Lutheran Church (Downsville);

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

By MNN Staff

Wed Oct 22

Last night, for senior night, the Girls Swim and Dive Team had a home dual meet against Black River Falls, which they won! Some notable performances include: a personal record in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly for Ellie Moulder, an 11 dive winning score for Sofia Reinhart, and a podium finish for Eilyn Black in the 200 freestyle. Great job swimmers and divers!

Fri Oct 24

Last night, the Girls Swim and Dive Team had an away dual meet against Hudson. Some notable performances include: a personal record in the 100 backstroke for both Sophie Wilterdink and McKenzie Thatcher, a 1 minute improved time in the 500 freestyle for Gwen Brulz, and a goggleless, persevering freestyle by Sofia Reinhart and Bri Klimek. Great job swimmers and divers!

Mon Oct 27

On Saturday, the Girls Swim and Dive Team had an away invitational meet in River Falls. Some notable performances include: a multiple second time drop for the turtle-mermaids Addison McKown and Ellie Moulder in the 100 breaststroke, a personal record in the 100 backstroke for Amelia Hanson, and a capless, persevering 100 freestyle by Joella Dwyer. Great job swimmers and divers!

Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country Team for winning a sectional title on their home course this past Saturday. The boys were led by a 4th place finish from senior Luke Ray, followed by a tight group of Owen Pelzel, Evan Olson, Logan Topper and Noah WInder who all placed between 12th and 17th. Seniors Ben Seguin and Cole Christenson placed 54th and 56th in the 84 runner field. Those seven boys will be representing Menomonie at the WIAA State championship meet this Saturday in Wisconsin Rapids. The division one race will begin at 1:10 PM. Please check the WIAA website for parking and admission information. We hope to see you there! if you can't make it, there will also be live results at PT Timing. Good luck boys!

Congratulations to the Girls Cross Country Team for their outstanding performance at the Sectional cross country meet on Saturday. They finished 2nd to the #2 ranked team in the state, Bloomer, and qualified for the State Meet as sectional runner-up. Lauren McCalla defended her sectional title and established a new course record, running one of the fastest times in state history. The team of Lauren McCalla, Bennett Schmidt, Bree Barfknecht, Bella Drake, Addison Schuler, Kyah Barnhart and Sara Palmer will represent Menomonie at the WIAA Division I State meet on Saturday at Wisconsin Rapids. Live results at PT Timing. Great job girls team.

The Menomonie Equestrian Team qualified for the state finals of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (WIHA). The team walked away as the Reserve Champions of Division A. This year was one of the largest competitions to date with 6 teams competing in division A for students in grades 6th-12th. Not only were they reserve state champions, they also won the spirit award for their stall theme/decorations and sportsmanship and also the mascot race of 34 schools.

Menomonie High School in WIAA Tournaments

Boys Cross Country is Sectional Champions, Girls Second; Football, Volleyball, Soccer Seasons End

Menomonie High School logo, main color maroon, flying M with Mustang head

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

There was plenty of WIAA playoff action this past week as the Menomonie football, boys cross country, girls cross country, boys soccer and girls volleyball teams participated in tournament play. The Menomonie equestrian team competed in state competition this past weekend. The boys and girls cross country teams will compete at the WIAA State Cross Country Championship, Saturday, Nov. 1 in Wisconsin Rapids.

Football
Kudos to the Menomonie football team for advancing to the WIAA Division playoffs for the 36th consecutive year, the longest active streak in the state, and the program's 39th overall appearance. The Mustangs were the sixth seed in their part of the bracket in Division 3 and traveled to third seeded Onalaska Friday, Oct. 24. Junior running back DJ Butler carried the ball 30 times for 285 yards and scored three touchdowns, but it wouldn't be enough as the Mustangs lost 34-31. Onalaska led 27-16, on the strength of two explosive plays, a kickoff return for a touchdown and a pick-6, before Butler scored two touchdowns on runs of 25- and 64-yards, to give Menomonie a 31-27 lead with eight minutes left in the game. The Hilltoppers’ quarterback Ian Kowal scored the winning points with 11 seconds remaining from six yards out. Menomonie tallied 315 rushing yards on 52 carries, with Butler carrying the workhouse load. Luke Pember carried the ball 15 times for 36 hard-fought yards and a TD. Menomonie averaged 6.1 yards per carry while Butler averaged a whopping 9.0 yards per tote.  Aaron Howard completed 2-of-5 passes for 21 yards, both to Liam Asher. The Mustangs finished the season at 4-6 overall.

Boys Cross Country
With their five scorers in the top 17 places, the Menomonie boys cross country team captured their first WIAA Sectional title since 2020, Saturday, Oct. 25. Luke Ray led the Mustangs in the 5000-meter run in a time of 15-minutes, 34.9-seconds, a time that placed him fourth. Menomonie’s next four runners finished in a pack between 12th and 17th place. Owen Pelzel was 12th (16:40.06), Evan Olson 14th (16:44.9), Logan Topper 15th (16:45.7) and Noah Winder 17th (16:52.3), a difference of just over 12 seconds separating Pelzel and Winder. Ben Seguin finished 54th (18:15.3) and Cole Christianson 56th (18:16.2) of 84 runners. The Mustangs edged out Hudson by six points, 62-68. Twelve schools competed in the race on the Menomonie High School course. | Complete Results 


Girls Cross Country
As it has been all season, Menomonie’s Lauren McCalla had no challengers as she captured her third WIAA sectional individual title, Saturday, Oct. 25, but Bloomer put an end to Menomonie’s sectional reign by reeling in their first Division 1 sectional title. The Blackhawks, who last year competed in Division 2, moved up to Division 1 after placing second at the WIAA Division 2 state championship two consecutive seasons. The Blackhawks took the top spot by scoring 41 points to Menomonie’s 59. Menomonie had finishes of first, ninth, 12th, 18th and 19th, while Bloomer squeezed all of their scorers into the top 16 places. McCalla won the event by more than one minute, clocking a time of 17-minutes, 15.3-seconds on the 5000-meter course. Bloomer’s Aliya Hartman was second (18:27.8). Bennett Schmitt was ninth (18:53.4), Bree Barfknecht 12th (19:19.6), Bella Drake 18th (19:54.1) and Addison Schuler 19th (19:54.8). Kyah Barnhart was 36th (20:45.8) and Sara Palmer 50th (21:330) in the 84 runner field. Twelve schools participated in the run on the Menomonie High School course. The Mustangs earned sectional titles in 2024, 2023, 2021 and 2020. | Complete Results 

Soccer
The Mustang boys soccer team saw their season come to an end in the first round of the WIAA Division 2 playoffs. Menomonie fell 2-0 at Wausau East Oct. 21. After a scoreless first half, the Lumberjacks advanced in the tournament by scoring two goals in the second half. Menomonie finished the season at 5-15-2 overall.

Volleyball
The Menomonie girls volleyball team bowed out of the WIAA Division 1 playoffs by falling 25-19, 25-12, 25-19 at New Richmond, Oct. 23. Menomonie closed out the season by finishing 5-22 overall.

Equestrian
The Menomonie Equestrian Team earned a spot in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (WIHA) state finals, Oct. 26-28, finishing as the Division A Reserve Champions in Madison. This year’s competition was one of the largest in WIHA history, featuring six Division A teams made up of students in grades six through 12. In addition to their runner-up finish, the Menomonie team captured the Spirit Award for outstanding stall decorations, creative theme and sportsmanship. The team also won the mascot race, topping a field of 34 schools.

Layne Pitt followed Menomonie High School sports during his more than a decade at the Dunn County News in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Menomonie High School in WIAA Tournaments by Layne Pitt is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Menomonie Collegians

Ashley Slupe Takes Hockey Talents to Lawrence University

Ashley Slupe, a member of the Lawrence University women's hockey team, moves the puck down the rink.

Ashley Slupe, a 2025 Menomonie High School graduate, is a member of the Lawrence University women's hockey team. Photo: Paul Wilke

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

APPLETON -  A four-year player on the Chippewa Falls-Menomonie girls hockey team, Menomonie’s Ashley Slupe is now a member of the Lawrence University women’s hockey program.

The Vikings played a pair of exhibition games last weekend and will open the 2025-26 season by hosting a pair of non-conference games with the College of St. Scholastica, Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Champion Center in Appleton. Lawrence is affiliated with the NCAA Division III and is a member of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association. The Vikings finished last season at 6-17-4 overall, 3-11-4 in the NCHA. Head coach Greg Moore enters his third season at Lawrence.

The 5-foot-9 left-handed defenseman was a four-year starter for the CFM Sabers, combining defensive reliability with a strong offensive touch. As a senior captain in 2025, Slupe earned Big Rivers Conference honorable mention recognition after tallying three goals and 11 assists, including two game-winning goals over 23 games.

In 2024, Slupe was named CFM’s Defensive Player of the Year and earned second-team all-conference honors as the Sabers finished second in the Big Rivers standings. A year earlier, she received honorable mention all-conference and contributed eight goals and six assists, including three game-winners, as CFM again placed second in the conference.

Slupe broke into the lineup as a freshman in 2022, earning the team’s Saber Award for her performance and attitude. That season, she recorded five goals and four assists in 23 games, establishing herself as a dependable two-way defenseman and a fixture in the Sabers’ defensive core.

Slupe closed her four-year varsity career at Chippewa Falls-Menomonie with 19 goals, 26 assists and 45 points in 93 games, netting six game-winning goals from the blue line.

Her success has extended beyond high school hockey. Slupe has been a member of the Tier II Wisconsin Selects since her freshman year, helping the program earn national recognition. The Selects reached the USA Hockey National Tournament in 2022 and 2023, finishing as national runner-up in 2022. This past season, Slupe and her teammates captured the 2024 USA Hockey Tier II National Championship, where she was named to the All-Tournament Team after posting two goals, three assists and a game-winning goal at nationals.

Slupe also played soccer and tennis at Menomonie High School.

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 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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