Thanks for reading Issue 26 of Menomonie News Net!

In this issue read about a unique UW-Stout student collaboration with the Dunn County Humane Society. Junior Animation students produced a 72 second animated public service announcement entitled “Stray” to encourage pet adoptions! Click to view it here.

Inform - Connect - Engage is the goal of MNN. Please Donate as you are able. We are moving toward the next phase of hiring a part-time editor.

As always, by the community, for the community….

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

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

In this Issue…

• NEW Rural Doorstop Bus Service to Menomonie Launches June 2

• Fundraiser for Potter’s Field

• High School Food Drive Yields Stepping Stones Donations

• PPurr-fect Pair: Humane Society Collaborates with UW-Stout

• MHS Grads: Where are They Now? Erika Dinkel-Smith

• Red Cedar Trail Celebrates Nat’l Trails Day June 7

• No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town

• Consortium Celebrates 10 Years of Aiding Recovery in Western WI

• MHS Extracurricular News

• Capture Your Thoughts - Memoir Class

• Memorial Day Event to be Held in Menomonie

• Public Meetings: May 14-21

• Menomonie Collegians

NEW Rural Doorstop Bus Service to Menomonie Launches June 2

Call ahead to schedule! Call 715-235-7433 (24-hour notice required)
$15 per ride. Free rural rides month of June.

For more information contact Dunn County Transit at 715-235-7433.

Fundraiser for Potter’s Field

By David K. Williams

In collaboration with Menomonie Moose Lodge, the Friends of Potter’s Field will hold a charcoal chicken dinner fundraiser on Saturday May 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 720 19th Avenue in Menomonie. Doors open at 4 p.m.

The Friends of Potter’s Field have been working to research burials and restore and maintain the cemetery for the past dozen years. Potter’s Field was the final resting place for Dunn County’s indigent and unlucky citizens from 1890 through 1952. Many of the burials are of people who had resided at the Dunn County Poor Farm or the Dunn County Asylum for the Chronic Insane. Research has documented at least 110 burials, including at least six veterans.

Funds raised at the chicken dinner will be used for ongoing maintenance, and toward providing a state historical marker along Highways 12/29 about Potter’s Field. Board members of the Friends of Potter’s Field will be present to answer questions and help serve the dinner.

The chicken dinner, which costs $15 per person, includes a quarter chicken, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw and dessert. 

David Williams is a Friends of Potter’s Field co-chair and retired UW-Stout administrator.

Go to dunncopottersfield.com for info on public access to this historic site.

High School Food Drive Yields Stepping Stones Donations

Can the BRC was held recently as a friendly off-field food drive competition between the schools in the Big Rivers Conference to see who could collect the most food and money for their local food banks or pantries. Menomonie High School chose Stepping Stones of Dunn County as their pantry of choice. The students collected and donated over 650 pounds of food!

Source: Facebook post

PPurr-fect Pair: Humane Society Collaborates on Short Film with UW-Stout Animation Students

‘Stray’ advocates for adoption, shows organization’s compassionate care; premiered at SOAD Senior Show

By Abbey Goers, UW-Stout

Menomonie – A team of animation and digital media students at University of Wisconsin-Stout is collaborating with a local nonprofit to develop a public service announcement as part of the Animation Production junior capstone class.

Their 72-second 2D animated film, “Stray,” was created to help advocate for pet adoption at the Dunn County Humane Society. The informative short features Bow, a stray orange tabby cat rescued during Wisconsin’s bitter winter.

Assistant Professor Jesse Woodward gives the student teams creative freedom in their narrative stories to choose to create 2D or 3D animations in many forms, including commercials, music videos, PSAs and more. “They find each other’s strengths, and each member plays an important role within the team. They also come up with studio names for their teams and design websites and social media accounts to promote their studios,” he said.

PuppyChow Productions, the DCHS team – they’re all animal lovers and cat people, by the way – all play a role in the animation, but also have focuses within the team:

• Hannah Brown, of Appleton, concept art, pre-production

• Callie Kraemer, of Sturgeon Bay, director and editor

• Kaylee Sevcik, of Sturgeon Bay, character lead for Bow

• Lee Rupp, of Nekoosa, human character animations

• Gale Eidam, of Minneapolis, human character animations

“Stray” is posted on PuppyChow Productions’ YouTube channel and was premiered at SOAD Senior Show, which showcased capstone projects by nearly 120 graduating School of Art and Design seniors, as well as juniors, on May 9.

Continue to the full article here

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

Erika Dinkel-Smith - Class of 2002

Red Cedar Trail Celebrates Nat’l Trails Day June 7

Free event held 10am - noon offers activities for all

Sponsored by Friends of the Red Cedar Trail. For more information contact: https://redcedarhoffman.org

No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town

Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds and delivers beds!

By Mary Bygd

Did you know that 2-3% of children in our community do not have their own bed? That means right here in Dunn County, children are sleeping on couches, sharing beds, or even sleeping on the floor. As a community member, you understand the importance of a good night's sleep for productivity and well-being – imagine trying to succeed in school or personal relationships without one.

The Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) chapter in Dunn County strives to make a meaningful impact on children's lives in our community. We are a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization that builds and delivers beds to local children who do not have a bed of their own.

At Sleep in Heavenly Peace, we believe service is about much more than constructing beds for kids in need. Our mission of NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN extends to building communities, transforming lives, and creating opportunities for personal growth and learning. Every bed we build demonstrates the power of service and the incredible potential that emerges when people come together with a shared purpose.

The Dunn Chapter began in August of 2021 when we built our first twenty-five beds. Since that time, we have built 295 beds and delivered just under 270. That means that 270 kids in our community now have their own bed to sleep in, some for the first time in their life.

We have a core leadership team and many community partners to help support the program ranging from financial contributors, volunteers who deliver beds to homes, to businesses, service and church organizations who sponsor builds with their financial and human resources. The Menomonie Lions Club has been a significant partner helping us with seed money and providing space in their shed to house our tools and complete beds. Their support has continued with an annual donation as well as special contributions such as a large donation from this year’s Lions Club Checkered Flag event. Many others have contributed with handmade quilts, new bedding, financial gifts and "build" sponsorships.

One of our financial sponsors is the Qually Family Fund, represented by Don & Peggy Qually of Menomonie. They have partnered with us and our UW Stout Women in Construction program to provide financial support for bed builds at the UW Stout Construction Lab in March/April for the last 2 years. “Peggy and I were overwhelmed by the need for beds for children in Dunn County. We felt it was important for us to contribute our time and funds to help improve the lives of our local children," said Don Qually. "Constructing beds has brought us immense joy…sawdust and all! We have formed many new friendships, and we have enjoyed seeing the big smiles on the children’s faces. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a great organization.”

Eligible children are under eighteen years old, must not be sleeping in their own bed today and there must be space in their home for the bed. With no strings attached, the child will receive a twin bed (bunks are also available), a new mattress, mattress pad, sheets, pillow and comforter or quilt. Our delivery manager, Dave Reidt, coordinates with our delivery teams to go into the home and set up the bed.

One unforgettable experience was just before Christmas when we delivered beds for five children just before Christmas. The four oldest children met us at the door with mom and helped carry in the materials, set up the beds and make up the beds. They were extremely grateful to have beds for Christmas. Rita Lunderville, delivery volunteer, noted, “That made my Christmas!” Joy is shared between recipients and our SHP team.

Bed-lessness is a community issue, and it takes a community to help address it. We are so grateful for our generous community. If you or your organization wish to get involved, please contact:

Mary Bygd, SHP Dunn County President [email protected].

Consortium Celebrates 10 Years of Aiding Recovery in Western Wisconsin 

Dunn County recipients benefit from personalized mental health and substance use services

CHIPPEWA FALLS - For the last 10 years, residents of nine counties in western Wisconsin have been able to receive personalized mental health, substance use and other services through a unique partnership called the Western RegionRecovery and Wellness Consortium (RWC). 

“Consumers drive their own recovery,” said Paula Winter, director of Dunn County Human Services, which participatesin RWC.  “With the assistance from their recovery team, consumers decide what steps to take in their journey toward recovery.” 

The RWC is the largest of the 11 Comprehensive Community Services consortia in Wisconsin. RWC is celebrating its 10thanniversary in May, having been established a decade ago to stabilize and address mental health and substance useneeds in the population. 

Those enrolled in CCS take control of their treatment and recovery, officials said. Individuals work with a team to decide which services will help them reach their goals. These services include assistance to manage medicines, job-related skills training, peer support, physical health monitoring, psychotherapy, screening and assessment, skill growth, substance use treatment, and wellness management and recovery. 

The counties in the RWC are Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, and Washburn. Chippewa County serves as the coordinating county. 

The program is intended for individuals “who need a higher intensity level of services than outpatient behavioral health services and lower intensity than a Community Support Program or Substance Use Intensive Outpatient services.” Winter added. 

“Before CCS, many individuals had to access support through our crisis system,” Buckli said. “CCS is a much more effective and cost-efficient way of delivering these important services in a timely manner. This model is more person-centered.” 

It is also popular. In 2024, RWC served 934 adults and children across nine counties.  That care was provided by 102 service providers across the nine counties.  

The CCS program in Wisconsin is funded through a combination of state and federal Medicaid funds. For counties participating in regionalized CCS programs, the state provides full reimbursement for both the federal and state shares of allowable Medicaid costs. This means the state covers the entire cost, not just the federal portion. 

“The program is intended to be limited term or short term,” Buckli said. “How that is defined is based on the person.” 

The individual’s treatment plan is reviewed regularly to ensure that the appropriate services are being provided and that they still are  necessary, Buckli added. 

Each CCS consortium is led by a CCS Coordinating Committee that provides oversight and direction to the program, Winter said.  The Coordinating Committee has representation from consumers and their family members, individuals with lived experience, county personnel, community members and service providers. 

“The coordinating committee gives service recipients a voice by providing input in the development of policies, procedures and quality assurance,” Winter added.   

Here is a testimonial from one CCS participant, Elizabeth G: “I have PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Traditional talk therapy was not helpful for me. Thanks to CCS having different kinds of therapies, I was able to find what worked best for me. My life has changed enormously with the help of CCS. I’m very grateful for the program and staff!”  

For more information contact Paula R. Winter, Director, Dunn County Human Services [email protected]  715-231-2750 

MHS Extracurricular News

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

By MNN Contributor

May 7

Varsity Baseball fell to New Richmond last night 8-2. AJ Zydowsky started on the mound throwing 5 innings and allowing 4 runs. Zack Miller came in and threw very well for the Mustangs, throwing 2 innings. Offensively, Owen Welch had an RBI triple and Cage Sorenson had an RBI single for Menomonie. The Mustangs are back in play on Thursday in New Richmond. JV Baseball defeated New Richmond 4-2 behind a great outing from Andrew Hoff. Offensively, Max Jaeger and Zach Bird led the way with 2 hits each. JV2 Baseball team lost a close game to New Richmond 4-3. They will look to even the series tomorrow night at Wakanda Park. The JV2's record is now 3-3 on the season.

Varsity Softball beat North 7-4. Amanda Holzhueter and Reese Barfknecht both hit home runs while Livi Sampleadded 2 hits and Jaidyn Stouff added 1 Maci Marlett and Siera Auth combined for a great game on the mound only giving up 4 hits. JV Softball beat North on a full team effort. Almost every player recorded an RBI with Karlee Duetchleading the team with 3 RBIs. Vivian Lorenzen, Joss Turner, and Gracie Miller all hit an in the park homerun in the win. Defensively Tiana Miller threw out 2 runners as the catcher and Joss Turner was great on the mound with 9 strikeouts. JV2 Softball fell to Durand-Arkansaw. Hailey Klanderman threw for 12 strikeouts and Darla Woodfordgot her 1st hit as a slapper.

May 9

Congratulations to the Girls’ Soccer Teams against Chippewa Falls. JV tied 1-1 with a goal by Penelope Awsumb and solid goaltending by Aubrie Schlueter. Varsity’s keeper Ilisabeth Doran also had a great game logging some huge saves. Sydney Norby scored one goal and Allysa Benrud scored the go-ahead goal. The Mustangs won 2-1.

Varsity Baseball beat New Richmond 10-3 last night. Max Erickson threw 5 innings while striking out 7 and only allowing 1 run. James Hoff received the Victory while throwing 1 and 1/3 innings. Offensively, Charlie Mikesell had two hits with 2 RBIs and Taylor Mars had a 2 RBI single in the 7th. The Mustangs are back in action tonight against DC Everest at 5.  JV Baseball lost 5-4 against New Richmond. Easton Anderson threw 5 innings while striking out 5. Kellen Turner led the offensive attack for the Mustangs while tallying two hits and Oliver Lugo scored 2 runs scored last night. The JV2 baseball team lost 13-4 last night against New Richmond. JV2 is now 3-4 on the season.

Both Varsity and JV Girl’s Softball took home conference wins last night against North. Varsity won a thriller 8-6 with Megan McMahon hitting a 2 out bases loaded double to score 3 runs. Megan finished the night with 4 RBIs. Reese Barfknecht led the team in hits with 2.  JV softball won 14-2 in the 5th inning. Gracie Miller, Mya Romsos and Ady Micek all hit doubles while Presley Verdon, Joss Turner, and Mariah Curtis all tallied a triple. Gracie Miller led batting going 3-4 with 3 RBIs. Both Varsity and JV play tomorrow in the Bloomer tournament.

The Boys Tennis Team finished out the conference dual season with a 7-0 sweep of Chippewa Falls last night. The Mustangs went undefeated in conference play for the second year in a row!

May 13

The Boys Golf Team played their first home BRC meet in over 4 years at Tanglewood Greens Monday.  They finished in a tie for 3rd place only 3 shots out of 2nd.  Leading the way was Tyler Reckin with a 1 over par 37 good for 2nd place overall & Trent Wold with a 3 over 39 good for 7th.  Also, scoring were Mitch Kopaczewski with a 43 & Quin Rabaneck & Wes Miller both carding 44's.

JV2 Girls Softball played a doubleheader at Chippewa last night where they split. In a tough battle, they lost the first game 5-4. In game 2 they battled back under the great pitching of Hailey Klanderman to get the bases loaded in the bottom of the final inning. Caylee Schaefer got a base hit to walk off the win 5-4. Alyssa Pouls led the team in hits on the night and Leah Bystol made her catching debut.

Congratulations to the JV2 Baseball Team on their 13-9 win over Durand. The team is now 4-4 on the season.

Capture Your Thoughts

UW-Stout to Offer Memoir Writing Mini-Course This Summer

MENOMONIE — Aspiring writers looking to turn personal memories into compelling stories will have the opportunity to do just that this summer at the UW-Stout.

A five-session mini-course titled From Memories to Memoir: Crafting Your Story will be held on Mondays from June 23 through Aug. 4. The class will meet from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the UW-Stout campus, with an option to attend remotely via Zoom. Registration is open now at a cost of $149.

The course is designed for writers of all levels, including those with no prior writing experience. Over the span of five weeks, participants will explore storytelling techniques through readings, writing prompts and one-on-one coaching. While attendees will be encouraged to share their writing in group sessions, participation is optional.

Kate Roberts Edenborg of UW-Stout is a seasoned journalist and educator with a Ph.D. in journalism and mass communication and will lead the course. With years of experience working as a professional journalist and teaching journalism at the university level, she brings a wealth of knowledge on both the theory and practice of writing non-fiction. Her expertise ensures that you’ll gain practical skills and new insights into memoir writing.

Topics covered in the weekly sessions include identifying a personal narrative, building scenes with vivid detail, experimenting with structure and editing written work. Each session will combine discussion with hands-on writing time.

Participants will leave the course with the beginnings of memoir pieces they can continue to develop for personal use or publication.

Each session will focus on a combination of discussion-based learning and hands-on practice with your own writing. Here’s what you’ll explore week by week:

• Week 1: Defining Your Story (June 23)

  • Narrow a focus to a specific time and place in your life.

• Week 2: Finding Your First Words (June 30)

  • Learn how to start your story.

• Week 3: Showing & Telling (July 14)

  • Use figurative language and sensory details.

• Week 4: Discovering Your Structure (July 28)

  • Explore plot and dramatic tension.

• Week 5: Re-visioning & Reading (August 4)

  • Edit your own work and learn from listening to stories of others.

Register by Sunday, May 18, and receive $20 with the coupon code MOMSDAY or DADSDAY.

For more information or to register, visit UW-Stout’s continuing education website.

Memorial Day Event to be Held in Menomonie

By Kevin McGrath

Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer. Many of us are already making plans for the long weekend. We’ll gather with family and friends at barbecues, graduations, sporting events, and concerts to celebrate our good fortune and chart a fun-filled season ahead enjoying Wisconsin’s exceptional bounty. 

As in years past, the Menomonie community will acknowledge Memorial Day and its deeper meaning with a commemorative event on Monday, May 26^th at 9:30 a.m. in Evergreen Cemetery.

What Happens at Evergreen Cemetery Ceremony?

Participants will include local officials, students, veteran service organizations, and community members. The ceremony will be marked by a presentation of the colors, patriotic music and readings, the ritual casting of flowers on the water, roll call of Dunn County’s 2024 deceased veterans, release of homing pigeons to honor the fallen, and will close with the playing of “Taps.” (You are encouraged to bring your own chair).

Origins of Memorial Day

Originally known as Decoration Day, it dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War as a day to honor the graves of Union soldiers who died in that conflict. The first countrywide ceremony was observed at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868. The tradition endures to the present when Americans across the country pause to reflect and pay homage to those who laid down their lives in defense of our nation and to ensure their stories are never forgotten. Flags will be flown at half-mast until noon. It’s a national day of mourning as well as a solemn celebration.

We rightly mourn the loss of brave men and women in service to our country. They were sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, parents, friends, and neighbors. Each had hopes, dreams, and futures they set aside to confront tyranny, oppression and the forces of evil that threatened our national wellbeing. Equally significant, we celebrate America’s unique character. Its’ distinctive nature fostered a high sense of purpose and patriotism in its citizenry that compelled them to stand unflinching in the face of challenge to our democratic values and principles. With understanding comes responsibility.

For all its imperfections, America remains the envy of the free world. Here we enjoy the right to speak, to gather, to worship and to dream. These freedoms have advanced over generations at enormous cost borne largely by the courage and sacrifice of our fallen service men and women. Our duty is to ensure their legacy lives on. This task is especially difficult today as fewer and fewer people elect to serve in the military and when distractions to serious reflection abound. Regardless, to unite this day as a grateful nation for the privileges conveyed upon us by the selfless service of others is a befitting and necessary tribute.       

Consider taking advantage of this opportunity on Monday, May 26 here in Menomonie to express your heartfelt thanks to the brave men and women who, as President Abraham Lincoln so artfully rendered in his Gettysburg address, “gave the last full measure of devotion” in uniformed service to our great country. In so doing, we will renew our commitment to them by striving to be a nation worthy of their sacrifice.

May we never forget.

Kevin McGrath is a Menomonie resident, a retired US Army officer and past featured Menomonie Memorial Day speaker.

Public Meetings: May 14-21

City of Menomonie

Mon May 19 City Council - 7 p.m.

Wed May 21 Urban Forestry - 1 p.m. 

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

Click HERE for full calendar, additional details

Dunn County

Wed May 14 Legislative - 3:30 pm; Executive Committee - 3:30 p.m.;

Thur May 15 Criminal Justice Collaborating Council - 4 p.m.

Mon May 19 Board of Adjustment - 10:30 a.m.; ADRC & Nutrition Advisory - 4:30 p.m.

Tues May 20 Community Resources & Tourism - 4:30 p.m.

Wed May 21 Planning Resources & Development (CANCELLED)

Wed May 21 Board of Supervisors - 7 p.m.

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Collegians

Treysen Witt wraps up season with Blue Devils; Mackenzie Bird closes out Superior career

After predominately coming out the bullpen for UW-Stout during his freshman year (2024), Menomonie High school grad Treysen Witt worked his way into the Blue Devils’ starting rotation during his sophomore year, posting a 3-2 overall record in 2025.

A health, wellness and fitness major, Witt finished the season with a 3-2 record over nine appearances, eight in a starting role. He logged 35 2/3 innings, striking out 17 and walking 15, while compiling a 6.81 earned run average.

Witt opened the year strong on March 9 with five innings of one-run ball in a win at Millikin, earning his first win of the season. On April 6, he allowed just one run over five innings against UW-Eau Claire, striking out four in another victory.

Witt’s most dominant outing came April 12 at UW-Stevens Point, where he tossed seven shutout innings, scattering four hits to earn his third win, notching a 7-1 victory.

Witt finished the season strong, including four innings of two-run ball against then No. 1-ranked UW-Whitewater on April 27 and five innings with only two earned runs against nationally-ranked UW-Oshkosh in his final outing on May 2.

“Witt has been a key piece of our pitching staff for the last two years,” said Blue Devil coach Ben Kincaid. “Having him in the pen last year gave him the opportunity to learn how to throw at the next level. He did a great job in the offseason to get that endurance and be able to throw four pitches for strikes. I’m excited to see him continue to grow as a pitcher and a leader of this staff.”

Mackenzie Bird closes out collegiate career

UW-Superior senior Mackenzie Bird closed out her collegiate softball career as the Yellowjackets’ season ended in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) tournament, finishing up with a career batting average of .421.

An illness sidelined Bird her first semester at Superior, and she did not play her true freshman year. An all-conference catcher while at Menomonie High School, Bird became a role player for the ‘Jackets, predominately seeing time as a pinch hitter or runner. But when she was at the plate, Bird did deliver. Her sophomore season she hit .300, going 3-for-10, but two of those hits were grand slams.

The following year Bird hit at a .467 clip, going 7-for-15 with two doubles. In 2025, Bird hit .462, going 6-for-13 with a home run and eight runs batted in. For her career, Bird was 16-of-38 with two doubles, three home runs and 20 RBIs. She finished with a career slugging percentage of .711 and had an OPS of 1.174.

Fifth year head coach Melissa Fracker had plenty of good things to say about Bird who, in addition to her pinch hitting duties, is the bullpen catcher who also keeps an eye on trends about the other team.

 “A few things that a stat sheet will never tell you about Mackenzie Bird and her worth to our team is she brings a level of maturity and leadership that is valuable,” Fracker said, “especially when you have a team of 23 players and different personalities. She has built relationships with every one of her teammates and can pick up and communicate with everyone on the team.”

Bird is an accounting and economics major and will graduate next fall.

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

Menomonie Collegians is a regular feature of Menomonie News Net. The column is not limited to student-athletes, but may be a former MHS student in a play, forensics, music or any type of collegiate competition. If you know of a Menomonie Collegian, please email [email protected].

The column Menomonie Collegians by Layne Pitt is licensed under a CC BY SA 4.0 International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

Menomonie Mustangs Athletics and Activities | UW-Stout Blue Devil Athletics 

For a Calendar of Events in the Menomonie Area, visit Kathy Weber’s Menomonie Minute.

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