Welcome to Vol 2, Issue 1 of Menomonie News Net. If you missed previous issues, you can catch up HERE.

Celebrating our one year anniversary! This journey began over 3 years ago when a group started meeting in the back room of a local cafe. Today’s issue celebrates our first publication on Nov 20, 2024….and the hyperlocal, volunteer-led Menomonie news that we trust you rely on receiving each Wednesday at 11am!

Your contributions help keep Menomonie News Net free for all and assist in our goal to hire a part-time editor. Thanks for donating as you are able…online OR by mail: checks payable to MNN, P.O. Box 63, Menomonie. Options available for in memory/honor of, donor advised funds, etc. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Subscriber numbers are increasing…approx 1250. We’d love to double that to reach more. Thanks for continuing to remind others to subscribe.

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…

• Menomonie News Net Marks 1 Year

• Mabel Tainter Annual Artisan Market Fri & Sat

• Community Foundation Raises Record Total at Jeans & Jewels

• Gobble Wobble 5K at Tanglewood Greens

• Parade of Lights

• Letter from SDMA Administrator

• Dunn County Board Approves 2026 Budget

• American Legion Hosford-Chase Post 32 Seeks to Boost Membership

• MHS Grads: Margaret Ochs Gordon - Class of ‘93

• Public Meetings This Week

• Menomonie Events at a Glance Nov 19-26

• MHS Extracurricular Activities

• Student Spotlight – MHS Reporter Reflects on Lauren McCalla’s Running Career

• Reese Barfknecht To Take Her Game to St. Thomas

Menomonie News Net Marks 1 Year

By MNN Staff

November 20 marks one year since Menomonie News Net’s first edition! Taking you back here’s the introductory article from that first issue. Our passion for bringing you news is the same now as it was then….local news is crucial to a healthy community. Civic engagement is too.

And along those lines here’s a film by PBS available to view through the end of the year.

PBS Wisconsin: Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink. A film by Rick Goldsmith. 1 hr, 27 minutes. Available free to livestream through Dec 31 on pbswisconsin.org Watch the trailer.

Mabel Tainter Annual Artisan Market Fri & Sat

Fri Nov 21 Noon - 6pm - Sat Nov 22 10am - 4pm

Mabel Tainter Theater

The Mabel Tainter's Holiday Artisan Market is the perfect opportunity to discover local artists and makers, as well as find some wonderfully unique gifts for your loved ones (or yourself) just in time for the Holiday Season!

The Mabel Tainter has been presenting a fine arts and crafts event since 1999. It has undergone changes over the years, but has always provided quality artisans and fun holiday shopping!

Source: Mabel Tainter Facebook page

Community Foundation Raises Record Total at Jeans & Jewels

Menomonie - The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) hosted its annual Jeans & Jewels Gala on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the UW–Stout Memorial Student Center, welcoming 300 guests for an evening of philanthropy and celebration. The event was made possible with the generous support of Platinum Sponsor Waznik Heike Group.

The 2025 Gala marked a special milestone as the CFDC celebrates its 30th Anniversary, and it proved to be its most successful event to date—raising a record total of over $115,000 to sustain the Foundation’s day-to-day operations and ensure its ongoing impact across Dunn County.

Attendees enjoyed a lively evening featuring dinner and drinks, specialty and bucket raffles, silent and live auction packages, and the popular dessert dash, which brought in over $31,000, marking the sweetest and most successful Dash in Jeans & Jewels history!

A new highlight of the evening was the introduction of the Foundation’s Be a GEM (Give Even More) program, connecting generous donors with local nonprofits in need of tangible items that make a real difference.

Through this initiative, GEM Donors—individuals, groups, or businesses—worked with the Foundation to assemble $500 packages of essential goods or equipment for local nonprofits. Gala attendees had the opportunity to “Be a GEM” by sponsoring one of these packages, ensuring delivery to the nonprofit recipient. The donation of the packages and the sponsorship of each package could also be made in honor or memory of a loved one.

Following the Gala, the Foundation delivered each GEM package to its designated nonprofit, providing over $3,000 in essential goods to organizations throughout Dunn County. The program also generated an additional $3,000 for the Foundation’s Common Good Fund, which supports grants and community initiatives across the county.

“The Jeans & Jewels Gala is our signature fundraising event, and it truly showcases the generosity and spirit of this community,” said Georgina Tegart, Executive Director. “It’s especially meaningful to see such record-breaking support during our 30th anniversary year—proof that philanthropy in Dunn County continues to grow stronger every year.”

The Foundation extends special thanks to its Silver Sponsors: Burstad Insurance, Cardinal FG–Menomonie, WESTconsin Credit Union, and Jim & Lori Lewis; and Diamond Sponsors: UW–Stout and Paul Horvath & Megan Bayrd for their exceptional support in making this event possible.

Proceeds from the Gala will continue to support the Foundation’s mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter, ensuring charitable dollars benefit Dunn County residents for generations to come.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Dunn County, visit cfdunncounty.org, and follow on Facebook

Gobble Wobble 5K at Tanglewood Greens

Thanksgiving Day run/walk to benefit Stepping Stones

Thursday, Nov 27 - Thanksgiving Day

Tanglewood Greens Golf Course

Start your Thanksgiving morning the best way—with a fun and festive 5K run/walk at Tanglewood Greens Golf Course, 2200 Crestwood Dr, Menomonie

Pre-register: call 715-440-3650 or stop by the Tanglewood clubhouse.

Source: Facebook page

Parade of Lights

Let your decorations shine 🏠🎄 Homes and businesses can register by November 25 to be included in the Parade of Lights.

www.facebook.com/reel/1775666566410749

Map will be released on November 27. Voting open Dec 1-31.

Sponsored by Explore Menomonie, Dunn County & City of Menomonie Rec Dept.

Source: Facebook page

Letter from SDMA Administrator

Survey request and dangers of AI companions

By Joe Zydowsky

Dear SDMA Families & Staff,

The SDMA Work Plan includes many goals for the 2025-26 school year, including some key goals focused on improving communication, student and family support, and the safe use of technology.

Action Requested: Please Take the SDMA Technology Survey

In alignment with our goals, we are launching a brief survey to gather your feedback on improving the district's website.

• What: We are seeking your thoughts on the district website.

• For Middle/High School: There will be a few additional questions regarding student devices.

• Action: Click HERE and take a few minutes to complete the survey.

• The survey will close on December 1.

 Urgent Warning: The Dangers of AI Companions

Along with sharing the survey, I would also like to call your attention to a disturbing trend: the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a social companion among teens.

Based on research from experts like Common Sense Media and the American Psychological Association, it is strongly recommended that teens avoid using AI companions due to significant risks to their emotional well-being and development.

What Are AI Companions?

An AI companion is an online tool designed to mimic a person you can talk to, confide in, or build a relationship with. They are built to:

• Act like a friend, romantic partner, or even a therapist.

• Be emotionally supportive and foster a sense of attachment.

• Crucially: They are designed to make you feel like they are human to ensure engagement, not for your emotional health.

Note: AI companions are NOT the same as task-based AI (like tools that summarize text, suggest music, or provide basic customer service).

Why Are AI Companions a Concern?

While they may seem appealing to teens seeking connection, it is vital to understand their core function:

1. They are not real people or therapists. They lack true empathy and human understanding.

2. They are financially driven. Their goal is engagement to make money through subscriptions, advertising, and data sales.

3. They can hinder emotional growth. Routine use may lead to emotional dependency and delay the development of essential life skills gained through real human interaction.

3 Major Risks for Your Child

Using AI companions poses specific mental health and safety risks:

• Inability to Identify a Crisis: They are programmed to be unconditionally supportive, which means they may minimize signs of depression, anxiety, or self-harm. Some have even given unsafe advice.

• Lack of Privacy and Accountability: Conversations are often NOT private. Companies can mine and monetize this data. Unlike real therapists, these tools have no legal accountability or privacy protections.

• Misinformation: AI companions can easily share inaccurate information, potentially contradicting trusted sources (parents, medical professionals, etc.).

What You Can Do (Parents/Caregivers)

Your role is vital in guiding your teen toward healthy technology use and real-world connection.

- Prioritize Real-World Support

If your teen is turning to AI for support, help them find human resources:

• Encourage Professional Help: Suggest they talk with a school counselor, teacher, coach, or help them find a qualified therapist.

• Facilitate Connection: Encourage involvement in group activities, sports, arts, or spending time with trusted family/friends.

• Teach Crisis Protocol: Ensure your teen knows they must disengage from the AI and reach out to a trusted adult during a crisis.

- Start a Conversation

Approach the topic calmly, without judgment.

Model Healthy Skepticism: Explore AI tools together. Teach your teen how to be a fact-checker and critically evaluate information.

- Watch for Signs of Distress

Be vigilant for signs of struggle with technology or emotional health:

• Withdrawal from real-world friends and activities.

• Increased irritability or changes in appetite/sleep patterns.

• Over-attachment to AI companions (talking about them as if they were real people).

If you see these signs, reinforce that your goal in setting digital limits is to protect them, not to punish them, and explain that the AI is designed to exploit their emotional needs for financial gain.

- Crisis Resources (Human-Staffed Support)

Please consider sharing these resources with your teen for immediate, human-staffed support:

We appreciate you working together with us to support our students as we navigate new technology. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely…..Joe Zydowsky

Joe Zydowsky is SDMA Administrator and can be reached at [email protected] (715) 232-1642

Source: SDMA

Dunn County Board Approves 2026 Budget

Includes lower tax rate and ambitious road improvement plan

MENOMONIE - The Dunn County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, Nov. 12, overwhelmingly approved a 2026 budget that continues the recent trend of reducing the tax rate used to assess property taxes, while continuing to improve more county roads and offer essential services. 

“This is a budget that maintains and even improves some county services and still is able to reduce our tax rate,” said County Manager Dan Dunbar.  “The supervisors and staff worked hard to get the budget to this point.” 

The 2026 tax (mill) rate will decrease $4.30 per $1,000 of property value, a nearly 6 percent reduction from the 2025 rate of $4.53 in 2025. The rate was $4.83 in 2024. The tax rate in 2020, when the reductions began, was $7.10 per $1,000 in property value. 

The county rate is one part of the total tax bill that also includes municipalities, school districts, technical college districts and the state forestry tax. 

The total operating budget will increase 1.54 percent to $83.4 million, while the tax levy will increase 1.73 percent to $25.2 million.  

The budget contains a number of alterations in county operations.  For example, the position of chief information officer was eliminated, and the parks and facilities director position was merged with the transit director position, saving a total of $135,000 a year. 

The policy for allocating salary increases was altered to give officials more options to reward high-performing employees.  Instead of using the traditional step increases, raises will be tied more directly to performance evaluations. 

“This is a more sustainable approach to wage increases,” said Jenalee Nutter, Assistant County Manager and Human Resources Director. 

The 2026 capital improvement plan includes $10.3 million for replacing four squad trucks and equipment in the Sheriff’s Department; updating the Judicial Center’s HVAC system; performing park and facility maintenance; and replacing aging network switches to maintainsecurity and performance. 

The budget includes improvement of almost 17 miles of county highways in 2026, along with two bridge replacements and one bridge rehabilitation project, a considerable increase over the historical number of miles usually improved.

For more information contact county manager Dan Dunbar at (715) 232-2429 [email protected]

Source: News Release

American Legion Hosford-Chase Post 32 Seeks to Boost Membership

Menomonie veteran organization making impact for 106 years

By John W. Miller

American Legion Beginnings - World War I came to an end when an armistice was set to take effect in 1918—on the eleventh month (November), the eleventh day (Monday the 11th), at the eleventh hour (11:00 am). This historic moment ended what had been called The Great War, or The War to End All Wars.

Only three months later, on March 15–17, 1919, while much of the American Expeditionary Force (US Army in Europe) was still stationed in France, a group of American officers led by Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., son of President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, met in Paris. Their goal was to create an organization that represented all members of the American Expeditionary Force. From that meeting, The American Legion was born. Today, its birthday is celebrated every year on March 15.

The Legion held its first National Convention later that same year, November 10–12, in Minneapolis, MN. More than 15,000 delegates attended, representing a membership of over 684,000. During this convention, the Legion adopted its Constitution, its Preamble, and 50 resolutions—including one affirming equal treatment for women who had served during the war.

The American Legion in Menomonie

In the summer of 1919, veterans in Menomonie began organizing their own group. They officially affiliated with The American Legion that fall as Post 32. Shortly after, they named the Post in honor of two local men—William Henry Hosford and John Carleton Chase—who gave their lives in the Great War. In 1920, the Post 32 unit of the American Legion Auxiliary was also organized and chartered.

The American Legion’s Preamble is still recited at every meeting. It reads: “For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: • To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; • To maintain law and order; • To foster and perpetuate a 100-percent Americanism; • To preserve the memories of our associations in all wars; • To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; • To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; • To make right the master of might; • To promote peace and good will on earth; • To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy; • To consecrate and sanctify our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”

Membership in The American Legion is open to anyone who has served at least one day of active federal military service since December 7, 1941, and who was honorably discharged or is still serving. (This was changed a few years ago from the requirement of service during certain dates identified by Congress as times of conflict).

Hosford-Chase Post 32 today has 73 members. While most are seasoned veterans—the Post welcomes younger members who desire to serve their community. And although membership numbers have dipped over time, the Post hopes to attract new members of all ages, providing opportunities to make an impact. Dues are $40/year.

The Post meets at 7:00 pm on the second Monday of even-numbered months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, and Dec). Post 32 sold its longtime downtown building several years ago and now meets at The Stout Craft Company (1501 N. Broadway) in a private sky box room. Members often gather around 6:00 pm for food, connection, and conversation before the meeting begins.

Post 32 remains active in supporting youth and community programs. The Post sponsors local high school and home-schooled students for American Legion programs such as the Oratorical Contest, Badger Boys and Girls State, and the Wisconsin American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (WALLECA) and Youth Baseball.

Members also may participate in Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, and many serve with the Menomonie Honor Guard—a joint team made up of the Menomonie American Legion, VFW, and Connorsville AmVets. The Honor Guard provides military honors at veterans’ funerals and participates in community ceremonies.

Additionally, the Post contributes to the VFW’s Unmet Needs Program, supports Legion scholarships, and partners with local nonprofits.

Each year Post 32 assists the District American Legion Riders during their Annual Brat Stand Fundraiser at Menomonie Fleet Farm’s Orange Friday event. Each year, Post 32 and the Riders are on site as early as 5:30 am, handing out free coffee, hot cocoa, and donuts before the doors open at 6:00 am.

This year’s event will be held this Friday, November 21. Look for Post 32 members assisting!

Veterans, if you want to help continue the proud legacy of American Legion in Menomonie and make a difference in the community, please consider joining Post 32.

John Miller is Post 32 Adjutant. To learn more about American Legion in Menomonie may contact him at 715-977-0954 or [email protected]

Margaret Ochs Gordon - Class of 1993

By Judy Foust

What a treat I have for you today! Another one of my former students—Margaret Ochs Gordon—has written her own article. Thanks for making my job so easy this week, Margaret! Let’s “listen” as she tells her story….

I was in the class of 1993. Since I was leaving on a foreign exchange adventure to France during my senior year, MHS let me walk with the graduating class of 1992. I really appreciated this since I wanted that feeling of graduating and celebrating!

The high school memories that stay with me are times hanging out with Shelly (Wolbert) Kiefer, Maria (Meinen) Stress, and Adrienne Rivard - pretending to be cool while singing along with Simon and Garfunkel in my parents' basement or on the bus headed to track meets harmonizing to "More than Words" with Valerie Colvin.

I think the distance coach, Mr. Peterson, would be pretty shocked at some of the races I like to do now because I never, never wanted to run the 2-mile race in track back then - too long.

I had Mr. Soha for chemistry. He had a great sense of humor. I remember him teaching us about pH strips. He had one of us spit on a strip to test its acidity. But since our class was right after lunch, the spit registered as pretty neutral - which Mr. Soha declared meant that it was as "pure as the driven snow!"

So where did I end up after high school? Well, I actually became a chemist. I earned my PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from Northwestern University and have worked at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ever since. I researched functional materials - things that shrink when they are heated, things that preferentially absorb gases or other chemicals, or provide a barrier for oxygen or water. I have two patents (which is pretty neat) and have published papers and presented my research at conferences.

In 2020, I started managing a group of researchers at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility at Sandia. (Check it out at https://energy.sandia.gov/programs/renewable-energy/concentrating-solar-thermal-technologies/ ) This group researches concentrating solar thermal energy, which can be used to generate electricity or to provide heat to industrial processes like steel or cement manufacturing. The technology uses mirrors to focus light on a central target, then capture and store that heat. When either power or heat is needed, the heat is extracted through a heat exchanger and used to spin a turbine - just like a natural gas or coal power plant. There are utility- scale plants like this - several in Spain, and China, and two in the US (Ivanpah and Crescent Dunes). I love my job and the ingenious people I get to work with.

I'm also married with two stepsons, Josh and Alex, ages 30 and 32. I met my husband Ken while running. We enjoy traveling to places for running events. He tricked me into running my first ultramarathon race (a race longer than the standard 26.2-mile event) and my first 100-mile race. It actually turned out to be fun; in fact, so much fun that I've since run more than 13 other 100-mile or longer races on foot. (I really like the mountain races that get into the wilderness. There are lots of beautiful, wild places out there to see)!

I try to get back to Menomonie 2-3 times a year to visit my parents Ellen and Fred. It would be great to connect with former classmates while I’m there, but I just haven’t done that yet!

Looking back, I realize how grateful I am to have grown up when and where I did. No smart phones or internet—not even a color TV until I was in junior high! I biked to summer swim lessons and had a lot of freedom to explore. I knew all my friends’ phone numbers by heart. MHS was just the right size; we all knew each other in the class of ’93. But the school was large enough that we could find friends with similar interests.

It was a wonderful place to grow up!

We agree, Margaret. Menomonie—a wonderful place to grow up.

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 This Week

City of Menomonie

Wed Nov 19 Urban Forestry Board, 1pm, Council Chambers 

View Nov 17 City Council Mtg HERE. (Eye on Dunn)

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Nov 24-28 No School

Mon Nov 24 No school board meeting. Next meeting Mon, Dec 8, 5:45pm

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Nov 19 Planning, Resources & Development Committee (Cancelled)

Thurs Nov 20 Criminal Justice Collaborating Council (CJCC), 4pm

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance Nov 19-26

Thur Nov 20 Bingo to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs, 5:30 - 7pm, Tanglewood Greens; Bingo to Benefit MHS SOAR Special Ed Program, 7-9pm, Stout Craft Co

Fri Nov 21 Holiday Artisan Market, 12-6pm, Mabel Tainter; Library Children’s Book Sale, Nov 21-26, Public Library; American Legion Post 32 at Brat Fundraiser, 6am-2pm, Fleet Farm; Vibrant Voices Memory Choir Open House/Concert, 1pm, Our Savior’s Lutheran

Sat Nov 22 Holiday Artisan Market, 10am - 4pm, Mabel Tainter; Designer Purse Bingo, 11am - 2pm, (Benefit for MHS Hockey), The Yard; Less Salt, More Sugar, a Little Wine by Susan Thurin, 2pm, Dragon Tale Books

Mon Nov 24 No School (Nov 24-28); Blood Drive, 10am-4pm, UW-Stout, 302 10th Ave

Tue Nov 25 Blood Drive, First Congregational Church, 420 Wilson Ave, 9am-3pm; Pages & Pints Book Club, 6pm, Brewery Nonic

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

By MNN Staff

Mon Nov 17

This past weekend the Girls Diving Team competed at state! A big shoutout to our two divers: Sofia Reinhart and Ofelia Prechel, who both had personal record, 11-dive performances. Congratulations on a great season!

Tues Nov 18

Congratulations to our Varsity Science Olympiad Team that took 3rd place at a tough tournament this past weekend at Marquette University High School. We were able to take home 10 medals between 3 teams: 1st Place in Forestry by Caylee Schaefer and Toni Fiorani; 2nd Place in Horticulture by Brianna Klimek and Ellie Beck; 3rd Place in Horticulture by Toni Fiorani and Nora Trotter; 3rd Place in Protein Modeling by Brianna Klimek and Ellie Beck; 3rd Place in Forestry by Ben Seguin and Brianna Klimek; 3rd Place in Electric Vehicle by Tim Berends; 4th Place in Dynamic Planet by Luke Ray and Nora Skorczewski; 4th Place in Robot Tour by Oliver Lugo and Mathew Snavely; 4th Place in Ping Pong Parachute by Grant Nigon and Noah Sabelko; 4th Place in Horticulture by Ella Weinberger.

Student Spotlight – MHS Reporter Reflects on Lauren McCalla’s Running Career

By Teyha Johnson, MHS Mustang Messenger

MHS has produced its fair share of standout athletes (including a couple of players who were drafted into the NFL!). However, even among that impressive lineup, it would be hard to find anyone who could keep pace, literally, with Lauren McCalla. On November 1, Lauren culminated her high school cross country career in epic style, which placed her on the podium as Wisconsin’s Division 1 High School Girls Cross Country Champion. But Lauren didn’t just win the state title, she obliterated the former state course record of 17:44 by 18 seconds with a time of 17:26.4! For those keeping score at home, 18 seconds in running is basically an eternity, yet, somehow, Lauren made it look seemingly effortless. 

Lauren’s impressive talent dates back to when she began running local 5k races for fun at the age of 7. Of course, by 6th grade, McCalla joined the middle school running team, and, by sophomore year she discovered that running wasn’t just a hobby, it was true love. Lauren credits her parents (both of whom are also runners) with her passion for the sport. 

Since then, Lauren has collected an impressive list of honors: two time All State Athlete, District Runner of the Year, two time BRC Player of the Year, and Lauren is also a two time All American. Her running résumé could probably use its own trophy shelf!

Moreover, Lauren holds what feels like half of the school’s record book, including: the indoor and outdoor 800m, 4x800m, 1600m, indoor distance medley relay, indoor 4x400m, outdoor 400m, and the 5k school record in cross country. Perhaps most notable, McCalla also holds the state record for the fastest 5k time run in state history (16:52)! 

Lauren says she has learned plenty from the sport, such as the importance of proper nutrition, stacking up miles, smart training, and perhaps most importantly, the art of sacrifice. 

But despite her rigorous training and sacrifices off the course, Lauren points out that what she loves most about cross country isn’t the records or the medals; it’s the fun traditions she shares with her team and the remarkable environment she shares with her competitors. 

Lauren’s advice to younger runners following in her footsteps is to fuel your body with healthy food that will help you recover, get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and focus on practice. However, while the physical aspects of cross country are important, McCalla advises that much of the sport is mental, so it’s imperative that athletes have a positive mindset, and that positivity will assuredly result in faster run times. 

For Lauren, a girl clearly with goals, there’s always a new challenge on the horizon. So what’s next for Lauren? She will soon be racing in the Nike Cross Country Heartland Regional race, attempting to qualify for the Nike Cross Country Nationals. Lauren will then move onto her final season of high school track.

After an extensive collegiate recruitment process, Lauren has decided to attend the University of Washington next fall, where she will (of course!) run competitively as a Husky! UW has a track record of developing multiple national champions, world champions, and even Olympic competitors, which is Lauren’s ultimate goal. So, the school’s demonstrated competitive success, combined with the beauty of the campus and the surrounding area, as well as the opportunity to grow independently at a college geographically distant from home were all incredibly appealing to Lauren. 

McCalla makes a special point of noting that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the unwavering support of her cross country coach, Craig Olson. 

When asked how she would like to be remembered at MHS, Lauren reflectively stated, 

“I want people to remember me as someone who was always working hard and doing everything possible to be the best. To be truly elite means you have to sacrifice many things in your teenage years. I have openly given up many social aspects to be a champion, and I don’t regret a single minute.”

Lauren, your legacy at MHS is one of grit, grace, and greatness. You’ve set the pace for every runner who follows…And something tells us this won’t be the last time we see your name on a leaderboard. We’ll be saving our voices to cheer you on at the Olympics!

Reprinted by permission. Mustang Messenger, Nov 10, 2025.

Reese Barfknecht To Take Her Game to St. Thomas

MHS Divers at State; Former Stout Coach Now Member of Twins Coaching Staff

ST. PAUL, MN— Menomonie standout Reese Barfknecht made her college plans official November 12, signing her National Letter of Intent to join the University of St. Thomas softball program. Barfknecht, a 5-foot-8 outfielder and catcher, is part of the Tommies’ 2026 signing class announced by head coach Jen Trotter.

Barfknecht signed her letter of intent with the NCAA Division I Tommies in a ceremony at Menomonie High School last week. Menomonie's long distance standout Lauren McCalla also signed a letter of intent to run cross country and track and field at the University of Washington. McCalla had announced her decision earlier this fall.

Trotter said Barfknecht’s athleticism and upside make her an exciting addition to the program.

“Reese is going to be fun to watch as she develops through our program. She is strong, athletic, and has limitless potential,” Trotter said.

Barfknecht will be a key performer this spring for the Mustangs' softball team, who captured the 2025 WIAA regional trophy. She was a two-time varsity letterwinner in both softball and basketball, earning first-team All–Big Rivers Conference honors and All-District honorable mention. She helped lead Menomonie to a WIAA regional title and sectional appearance as a junior and was named WBCA Academic All-State. Barfknecht hit .455 with six home runs and 32 RBI in 2025.

Barfknecht is expected to major in business at St. Thomas.

MHS Divers at State Meet

Menomonie divers Ofelia Prechel and Sofia Reinhart made the Mustangs' first appearance at the WIAA Girls Swimming and Diving Championship, Nov. 14, since 2022. Prechel, a sophomore, placed 15th in the Division 2 finals, scoring 293.85 points. Reinhart, a senior, finished 16th in the event with a score of 256.05, giving Menomonie 3.0 team points to finish 31st as a team.

Divers Alexis Kohnke and Kelsie Macke competed at the 2022 WIAA Championships.

Former Stout Coach Moving Up the Twins Ladder

Former UW-Stout baseball coach Toby Gardenhire has been named the major league field coordinator for the Minnesota Twins. Gardenhire, who was the Blue Devils' head baseball coach from 2012-16, has been in the Twins system for eight years, the last five seasons as the head coach at the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.

I asked Gardenhire what the position entails.

"It's basically an assistant bench coach," The 43-year-old Gardenhire said. "I'll be in charge of a lot of scheduling and organization stuff. My role will be strictly with the big league team. It will be fun."

Gardenhire is truly one of the good guys. My son, Taylor, is a counselor at Tiffany Creek Elementary School in Boyceville. While working with a few students, he had each of the students write a letter to Gardenhire, telling the coach a little bit about themselves. Gardenhire wrote a personal letter back to each of the students, right during the time he was going through the process to move up to Derek Shelton's staff.

Now those students have a personal letter from a Major League Baseball coach.

Layne Pitt is the retired UW-Stout Sports Information director and also worked more than a decade at the Dunn County News.

Reese Barfknecht To Take Her Game to St. Thomas 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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