Issue 33 of Menomonie News Net. To visit past issues you can click HERE.

Today we share details of July 4th Celebration at Wakanda Park, Tainter Gate Historic Overlook Grand Opening, MHS Grads-Where Are They Now, UW-Stout has a new Athletic Director, and more

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

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In this Issue…

• Celebrate the 4th of July at Wakanda Park

• Film Festival Features Global Stories and Local Vibes

• MHS Grads: Where Are They Now

• Annual Flag Day Ceremony in Menomonie

• Let’s Paint the Town July 19 in Wilson Park

• Registration for Summer Virtual Strongbodies Series Now Open!

• Tainter Gate Historic Overlook

• Public Meetings - July 2-9

• Menomonie Events at a Glance

• Red Cross Blood Drives in July

• Looking Back - July

• Erin Sullivan Named UW-Stout Athletic Director

Celebrate the 4th of July at Wakanda Park

MENOMONIE — Celebrate the 4th of July with events across the upper and lower areas of Wakanda Park.

Wakanda Park will be hosting a Full Day of Festivities on the 4^th of July. There will be various activities going on throughout the day as the city welcomes residents and visitors for a day packed with fun, family-friendly activities, delicious food, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display to the end of the night.

Celebrate the 4th of July with events across the upper and lower areas of Wakanda Park. Upper Park Festivities - Kick off bright and early in the upper park, with activities running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Highlights include:
• Fun Run: Get moving with this friendly run that welcomes participants of all ages.
• Baseball Game: Cheer on your local teams as they compete in an exciting game.
• Pickleball Tournament: Show off your skills or enjoy watching the spirited matches.

Explore Local History at the Rassbach Museum From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the Rassbach Museum and Fulton's Workshop will open their doors to the community. Dive into Menomonie’s rich local history as you explore exhibits on intriguing topics such as Storylords and the Kraft State Bank Robbery. Fulton's Workshop offers a dynamic maker space with hands-on activities for all ages, providing a fun and educational experience. Best of all, thanks to generous donor and member support, admission is free to the Rassbach Museum and Fulton’s Workshop on the 4th of July! Admission charge still applies to the remainder of the events in Wakanda Park on the Fourth of July.

At 3:00 PM, the Lower Park and Beach area will explode with Food, Beer, Family Fun, Live Music, a DH and the DWEEBS on the Main Stage at 7pm!

Lower Park Festivities - Head down to the lower park by the beach for an afternoon filled with entertainment and treats. 3PM the Lower Park and Beach area will explode with Food, Beer, Family Fun, Live Music, a DH and the DWEEBS on the Main Stage at 7pm! Visitors can enjoy a variety of food trucks offering delicious snacks and meals, while the beer tent provides refreshments for adults. Family-friendly activities will keep kids and parents equally engaged, and live music will set a festive tone as the community gathers to celebrate. Bouncy Houses, Conagra Pudding Feed (Swiss Miss), Games, Watermelon and more!

Film Festival Features Global Stories and Local Vibes

7th Annual Red Cedar Film Festival, July 17-20, at Mabel Tainter

MENOMONIE – The 7th Annual Red Cedar Film Festival returns this summer with an unforgettable lineup of 59 independent films from 10 countries, hosted in the historic charm of the Mabel Tainter Theater, July 17-20.

This four-day cinematic celebration brings together filmmakers, students, and audiences from across the region to honor storytelling, creativity, and the power of film. This year’s international flair includes a special appearance by London-based filmmaker Darren Statman, whose gripping short Land Mine will screen during the Premiere Party on Thursday evening at Brewery Nonic— a brand new kickoff event starting at 5 p.m. He will also be part of the Friday evening Q&A sessions

Highlights Include:

• Premiere Party & Screenings at Brewery Nonic — Thursday, July 17, 5 p.m.

• Filmmaker Q&A Sessions — after each film block when a filmmaker is attending

• NEW: The Director’s Lounge — An all-new gathering space in the Mabel Tainter’s Billiard Room where filmmakers and fans can connect between screenings

Whether you're a film buff, a curious newcomer, or a passionate storyteller, the Red Cedar Film Festival is your ticket to four days of cinematic inspiration.

Learn more and get your tickets at https://redcedarfilm.org. Follow along on IG’s website for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes fun.

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

Stefani Friedenfels Terry - Class of 2013

Annual Flag Day Ceremony in Menomonie

MENOMONIE, WI – Despite a bit of rain, a heartfelt crowd gathered on Saturday, June 14, at the Dunn County Veterans Memorial in Downtown Menomonie for the annual Flag Day Ceremony, co-hosted by Downtown Menomonie, Inc. and the Community Foundation of Dunn County.

Emceed by Dana Brunstrom, the ceremony included the induction of seven new bricks honoring local veterans: David L. Bachmann, Robert A. DeLong, Roy M. Larson, Larry Allen Putman, James W. Wildner, John C. Wildner, and Judy M. Wildner. Thirty members of the Ludington Guard Band played a musical salute to the armed forces.

This year’s event marked a special milestone - the 25th anniversary of the Dunn County Veterans Memorial. To commemorate the occasion, nearly 700 names engraved on memorial bricks were read aloud, a tradition observed every five years. Readings of the names were shared by several community veterans, including Becky Kneer and Sara Cardwell, lending a deeply personal touch to the proceedings.

Bricks honoring veterans for the 2026 Flag Day ceremony can be purchased now through February 1, 2026. Each brick is $250, and proceeds help preserve this important local landmark. For more information, call the Community Foundation of Dunn County at 715-232-8019.

The Community Foundation and Downtown Menomonie extend their sincere thanks to all who braved the weather and helped make this year’s ceremony meaningful and memorable.

Let’s Paint the Town set for July 19 in Wilson Park

MENOMONIE - Two popular musical acts will take the stage at the fifth annual Let’s Paint the Town event, Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Wilson Park.

Featuring more than 100 vendors and artisans, the full day of adventure will feature music, food, and activities for kids of all ages.

The bandshell in Wilson Park will host the Ludington Guard Band from 10:30-11:30 a.m. A long-time tradition in Menomonie, the Ludington Guard Band got their official start in 1888. The performance will begin with the raising of the US flag by area veterans. 

The well-known group The Dweebs will take the stage from 1-5 p.m. The Dweebs, a family-based group on their way to their third generation of performers, got their start in 1987. The group bills itself as “America’s Favorite Party Band” and is known for their high energy and crazy stage antics matched with playing top dance and party songs guaranteed “to have you laughing, dancing and having fun all afternoon long.”

Vendors will be on the outskirts surrounding Wilson Park throughout the day.

Activities at Wilson Park will include the weekly Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., a performance by the historic Ludington Guard Band from 10:30-11:30 a.m., face painting and hair tinseling, along with four inflatable children’s bouncy houses, two for the younger children and two for the older children. Children’s games will be conducted throughout the day by the Dunn County Play Group.

A food court will be set up around the park highlighting a wide assortment of mouth-watering local fare in a picnic setting.

Organizers have seen “Let’s Paint the Town” grow over the last four years from a street event first centered on Menomonie’s Main Street, then to lining Wilson Ave. to now becoming a park event. The event over the past four years has typically attracted 5000-7000 attendees. 

“Let's Paint The Town has evolved into one of Menomonie's core events with fun things for the entire family,” said Menomonie mayor Randy Knack. “People are coming from all over Wisconsin and abroad to join in the festivities.  My favorite is the kids events; watching the kids is a hoot.  Right after that I eat at the food truck and stroll through the rows of the various vendors, then settling down in my chair in the park and listening to the music to top off the day.    

“The weather is always perfect, the food always amazing and a full day of fun for everyone. So looking forward to it again this year the third Saturday in July at the Wilson Park in Menomonie.  Fun, fun, fun for everyone. See you there.”

Plenty of free parking will be available around the event. Just follow the signs to parking.

Additional information can be found on Facebook at Let’s Paint the Town (facebook.com/letspaintthetownmenomonie)

Registration for Summer Virtual Strongbodies Series Now Open!

Tainter Gate Historic Overlook

MENOMONIE - Representatives of Xcel Energy, Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, the Dotseth family, and the Dunn County Historical Society were on hand as Menomonie Mayor Randy Knaack cut a ribbon dedicating the Tainter Gate Historical Overlook in a ceremony held Thursday, June 19.

The overlook is located on the south side of the Menomonie hydroelectric dam adjacent to the Wilson Place Museum. New interpretive signage at the site describes the water control gate invented by Jeremiah Burnham Tainter in 1886, and first used in the Menomonie dam to serve the Knapp, Stout & Co. Company’s operations on the Red Cedar River. Today the Tainter Gate is used in water control dams and locks throughout the world. Additional signage describes the history of hydro-and hydroelectric power generation at the site.

“It was just a good opportunity to develop a beautiful overview. You look at the dam and the lake and the river, it’s fantastic to come up here and sit," said Tony Witkowski, project manager for Xcel Energy. "So, we said let’s also make it educational, learn about the history of Menomonie, which we’re very proud of, and learn about the history of power generation and renewable energy.” The overlook was part of Xcel's $1.8 million abutment stabilization project to enhance the safety and longevity of the Menomonie dam.

Public Meetings: Week of July 2-July 9

City of Menomonie

Wed July 2 - July 9

Mon, July 7 - City Council, 7 p.m.

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Wed July 2 - July 9

No Meetings Scheduled

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed July 2 - July 9

Wed, July 9 - Transit Committee - 8 a.m.

Wed, July 9 - Highway Committee - 8:15 a.m.

Wed, July 9 - Executive Committee - 3:30 p.m.

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance

Fri July 4
Wakanda 4th of July Celebration - 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Family Friendly Pickleball Tournament - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Music Over Menomin - Every Thursday from June 12-August 14 at 7pm

Sat July 5
Menomonie Farmers Market - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
4th Annual BEAT Concert and Food Drive from 6pm-9pm at Wilson Park

Sun July 6
715 Community Nights, River Heights School, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tues July 8
Coffee & Commerce session - 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Ludington Guard Band Concert - 7:30 PM - Wilson Park

Wed July 9
Skill Boost Series - digital marketing skills - 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Red Cross Blood Drives in July

Five blood drives are scheduled in Menomonie for the month of July. To view a list and/or make an appointment click here. 

• Wed, July 2, Stout Craft Company, 1501 N. Broadway, 10 am-4 pm

• Tues, July 8, New Hope Lutheran Church, Downsville, 11 am-5 pm

• Tues, July 22, Compass IL, 2920 Schneider Ave NE, 9 am-3 pm

• Tues, July 20, Phillips Medisize, 428 Technology Dr, 11 am-5 pm

• Wed, July 30, First Congregational Church, 420 Wilson Ave, 9 am-3 pm

Have you been ineligible to donate blood? A newly approved screening process is now being used based on each individual’s risk factors. You may now be eligible to donate again. Find out more here.

Source: American Red Cross

Looking Back - July

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

ENCOUNTERED A LIVE WIRE

During the storm last Friday the wind blew down and broke an electric light wire at the corner of Tenth street and Wilson Avenue in front of Otto G. Anderson's residence. Jimmy Haines, aged about fifteen, son of Joseph Haines, happening to pass that way, stepped on the live wire and was thrown down instantly. His cries soon collected a large crowd of people who watched him writhe and twist in terrible agony, but were unable to render assistance without endangering their own lives. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to remove the wire, the parties receiving severe shocks each time. Finally W.A. Scanlan procured a rocker from Mr. Anderson’s house and succeeded with some assistance to liberate the boy from the electric current, whereupon he started for home at full speed, yelling lustily as he went. It was learned that he was unhurt, though his escape was almost miraculous. So intense was the heat of the current that it burned the green, wet grass wherever the wire touched it. It had just ceased raining and fortunately the pavement where the boy lay was covered with water otherwise it id believed death would have resulted instantly from contact with the broken wire. - July 5, 1901 Dunn County News

LOCAL BREVITIES

T.H. Field's shooting gallery in the Grover building on Main Street was patronized by a large crowd on the Fourth. The targets are rabbits, donkeys, eagles, etc., that are made to revolve and describe various evolutions by machinery run by a gasoline engine. The rifle shoots a 22 cartridge. There is a music box attachment also run by machinery. Mr. Field purposes remaining in the city about four weeks.

The fact that during circus day and also on the Fourth when thousands of people thronged our streets there was not an instance of rowdyism speaks well for the good behavior and law-abiding character of the folks who live in Dunn County. Not a single arrest was made and there was no occasion to make one. The utmost jollity and good humor prevailed from start to finish. Such is the record and we are proud of it. - July 7, 1905 Dunn County News

STABBED IN THE BACK

A sanguinary stabbing case was brought before Heller for adjudication last week. An examination disclosed the fact that John Harms, staber and Fritz Harms, stabee, were nephew and uncle and residents of the town of Spring Brook. A coolness had long existed between the two and one day last week during an altercation, John took occasion to insert a knife blade into a tender place in Fritz's back, very much against that gentleman's wish hand contrary to the peace and dignity of the great State of Wisconsin. However, the affair was settled upon the payment by John of ten dollars and costs of the suit. - July 8, 1876 Dunn County News

THE BEST COUNTY ON EARTH

The growing crops in Dunn County this season give promise of an abundant harvest. A drive through the country will convince the observer of the truth of this statement. Clover and timothy never looked better, and if the weather clerk will attend to business and give the farmers a few bright, sunny days they will harvest one of the biggest crops of hay ever raised in Dunn County. Wheat, oats and barley are above the average and in spite of cool weather corn is making rapid growth. There will also be a big yield of potatoes if their present condition is any guaranty of the future prospects. So take it all around old mother earth is giving forth her increase with a lavish hand and prosperity will crown the labors of the husbandman in this year of our Lord, 1904. Lift up your hearts in praise and thanksgiving and don't fail to come to the Dunn County Fair. - July 15, 1904 Dunn County News

A MIRACLE

Scene at the ball game Sunday:

Kelly Nott's team, detached from the popcorn wagon, is stationed on the track to the right of the grand stand. One of the horses lies down, and a messenger is dispatched to Mr. Nott on the grounds to break the news that one of his noble steeds has expired.

Mr. Nott arrives in great haste, and after the harness is untangled, the charger regains his feet. Small boy in loud voice from the benches: "Kell raisin' the dead.” - July 22, 1909 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.

Erin Sullivan Named UW-Stout Athletic Director

After 20 Years at University, Sullivan Ready for Next Step

MENOMONIE - Erin Sullivan, a 20-year veteran of Blue Devil Athletics, will become University of Wisconsin-Stout's next director of Athletics and Recreation on July 1, 2025.

Sullivan, who has served as deputy director of Athletics since 2022, will fill the vacancy left by Duey Naatz, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Sullivan was hired following a national search, Chancellor Katherine Frank announced this week.

"With a proven record of leadership and a deep commitment to student-athlete success, Erin will be instrumental in fostering a championship culture at UW-Stout," Frank said. "Her vision aligns perfectly with our goal to achieve excellence in competition, while also developing well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the field. Together, we will continue to elevate our programs and create an environment where every student-athlete can reach their full potential academically and athletically at our polytechnic university."

Sullivan holds an M.S. in education from UW-Stout and a B.S. in sport management from UW-Parkside, where she competed on the basketball team. She credits her participation in the 2023-24 cohort of the NCAA Pathway Program, a yearlong initiative designed to prepare senior-level athletics administrators for their next career steps, with equipping her for her new job.

"I'm honored to step into this role and lead the Athletics and Recreation Department at UW-Stout," Sullivan said. "I want to thank Chancellor Katherine Frank, Search Chair and Dean of Students Sandi Scott, and the entire hiring committee for their trust and support. I'm also deeply grateful to Duey Naatz for his mentorship and guidance throughout my journey to this point – his support has been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally.

"UW-Stout is a special place to me, and I firmly believe in our polytechnic values. I look forward to building on our strong foundation, advancing a defined championship culture, and continuing to enhance the student-athlete experience every step of the way."

Naatz, who will officially retire in September, lauded Sullivan as "the best deputy athletic director and teammate in the country.

"I believe there are still lots of opportunities to continue to grow the Blue Devil family under Erin's leadership, and I plan to help in whatever way I can through the transition this summer and into the future," he said.

Sullivan, a native of Cadott, first came to UW-Stout as assistant women's basketball coach for four seasons, from 2003-07. During that period, the Blue Devils won three WIAC titles and advanced three times to the NCAA Division III playoffs. After a brief departure from campus, Sullivan returned to become assistant athletic director for six years (2008-14) and then served eight years (2014-22) as associate athletic director. She has also served as senior woman administrator since 2014.

In her current role as deputy athletic director, Sullivan's responsibilities include internal operations within the athletic department including budget management, event management, facilities, camps and clinics, and athletics communication. As she takes the helm as the 10th athletic director in UW-Stout history, Sullivan says she is excited for future Blue Devil athletic successes.

"I'm excited to continue working alongside our student-athletes, coaches and staff," she added. "With a strong foundation in place, it's time to believe in our collective potential and pursue excellence on and off the field."

 Sullivan and her husband, Jeff, reside in Menomonie with their two sons, Oliver and Lincoln.

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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