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Menomonie News Net
December 17, 2025, Vol 2, Issue 5
Local News Group
December 17, 2025
Welcome to Menomonie News Net Vol 2, Issue 5. If you missed previous Issues, you can catch up HERE.
Thinking of you during this busy holiday season! The next two issues will be published on Tuesday Dec 23 and Tuesday Dec 30 (one day early due to the holidays).
Donor Investments Thank you to our donors for your generosity over the past two years. Financial contributions provide support to publish this weekly edition as we keep you, our readers informed about what’s happening in Menomonie. Our goal continues...to inform, connect & engage our readership in a non-biased format, free for all to enjoy. THANK YOU!
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Holiday wishes from all of us at MNN…
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…
Dunn Economic Development Announces Over 114k in Grants to Local Businesses
MENOMONIE - Dunn Economic Development is proud to announce the recipients of the first round of the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant. In this initial cycle, $114,299.43 has been awarded to 27 small businesses and startups across Dunn County.
Funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), this program provides capital for critical needs including equipment upgrades, inventory expansion, and technical assistance.
"The raw data shows we awarded over $114,000, but the real story is found in how these businesses are using the funds to solve problems and serve their neighbors," said Adam Accola, Director of Economic Development. "From recovering from disaster to launching new manufacturing technologies, these grants are making immediate, tangible impacts."
Investing in resilience and growth, the "Technical Assistance" portion of the grant is designed to reimburse businesses for expenses that directly aid in their growth or recovery.
Highlights from this round include:
Town & Country Antiques (Menomonie): Following a devastating fire in May 2025 thatresulted in a total loss of their building and inventory, Town & Country Antiques isusing this grant to "rise from the ashes." The funds will cover essential infrastructure—including security systems, point-of-sale technology, and office equipment—allowing them to re-establish a retail presence that has long been a cornerstone of downtown Menomonie.
Air Command Intl. (Boyceville): A legacy aviation manufacturer, Air Command is using the grant to finalize the engineering and production of a gearbox for their gyroplanes. This project, which involves adapting a Polaris engine for flight, represents asignificant innovation in light sport aviation, with the goal of moving into full flight testing and sales in the coming months.
C&J’s Candy Store & Scoop Shoppe (Menomonie): Focused on creating "sweetmemories," C&J's is utilizing the grant to purchase a mobile ice cream dipping cart.This investment allows them to expand beyond their storefront to serve festivals andcommunity gatherings, while creating more work shifts and mentorship opportunitiesfor their youth employees.
Red Cedar Fly Fishing (Menomonie): A startup guide service and retail shop, Red CedarFly Fishing is using the funds to expand inventory for the winter trout season. Bystocking specialized flies and upgrading guide equipment like drift boat oars, they aimto capture tourism traffic from the Twin Cities that might otherwise bypass the area.
Grub Fusion Diner (Elk Mound): Bringing a unique mix of Southeast Asian andAmerican fusion to the area, Grub Fusion is investing in kitchen efficiency. The grantwill fund a new gas griddle and refrigeration units, allowing the owner—who returnedto his hometown after managing restaurants across the Midwest—to better serve thelocal community.
So That (Colfax): A new niche service providing curated care packages for UW-Stoutstudents, So That is using the funds to purchase production equipment and businesssoftware. This allows the startup to scale its operations, fostering stronger connectionsbetween university families and the local community.
2025 Grant Recipients
The following businesses have been approved for funding in the Fall 2025 cycle: •The Yard WI LLC, Menomonie • Grub Fusion Diner LLC, Elk Mound • Bundy Logging LLC, Eau Galle • So That, Colfax • Oemig Storage LLC, Wheeler • Coffee Vine LLC, Colfax • Salon 610 LLC, Colfax • JM Aerial Photography LLC, Colfax • Red Cedar Fly Fishing LLC,Menomonie • Hive and Hollow, Menomonie •Mai Beauty Nails LLC, Menomonie • Vino Cappuccino, Elk Mound • Beauty on Broadway, Menomonie • Lil bit of everything, Menomonie • Air Command International LLC, Boyceville • Rustic Fable Market, Colfax • Artisan Alley & Gifts, Menomonie • Hoss’s Pub, Menomonie • C&J's Candy Store & Scoop Shoppe, Menomonie • Dinaseed, Elk Mound • Town & Country Antiques, LLC, Menomonie • Dragon Tale Books LLC, Menomonie • Know Peace LLC, Menomonie • Rize Nutrition, Menomonie • Mike's Art & Design Supply, LLC, Menomonie • Boyceville TMS Tire & Auto LLC, Boyceville • Advanced Kitchen Solutions, Elk Mound
Future Funding Opportunities
This announcement marks the conclusion of the Fall 2025 application cycle. As funds permit, Dunn Economic Development plans to open additional application rounds in Spring and Fall 2026. Businesses that did not apply or were not selected in this round are encouraged to prepare for future cycles.
About Dunn Economic Development
Dunn Economic Development is a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient economy in Dunn County. They serve as a built-in business ally and a one-stop connection for companies looking to expand, relocate, or launch. Our organization unites the resources and expertise of six key community pillars:
Dunn County
City of Menomonie
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Dunn County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC)
Greater Menomonie Development Corporation (GMDC)
Stout Technology & Business Park
By aligning these partners, we clear the path for business success, providing seamless access to sites, incentives, workforce solutions, and the support needed to thrive in Western Wisconsin.
For more information contact Adam Accola, Director, Dunn Economic Development, 715-232-5444, [email protected]
Source: news release
Come in and wander the wonderland at Rassbach Museum. Trees will be displayed until January 3 during open hours: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 11am - 5pm; Thurs 2-8pm
Regular admission applies: $8 adults; $5 children 5-18, college students, senior citizens. Military veterans are always free.
Source: Facebook page
Community Foundation Opens Grant Cycle and Offers Grant Writing 101 Workshop for Non-Profits
Menomonie - The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is currently accepting grant applications from Dunn County area nonprofits, government organizations, and community groups that support the betterment of Dunn County. Eligible areas of interest include the arts, culture, health, heritage, the environment, recreation, education, basic human needs, and other civic initiatives. The deadline to apply is Sunday, February 1, 2026, by 5 pm.
Community Impact Grants allow organizations in Dunn County to meet critical needs and opportunities, while setting measurable objectives to demonstrate impact. Grants are made possible by CFDC funds created by local families, philanthropists, corporations, and private foundations for charitable investment in the community, which include the Betty Gesche Fund, the Peggy Jean Boettcher Fund, the LaVerne and Beverly Ausman Memorial Fund, the Theodore E. and Emma-Lou "Rod" Wiehe Fund, the Healthy Futures Fund, and the Common Good Fund.
Complete grant details and procedures, including the grant application form, can be found on the CFDC website at cfdunncounty.org/grants. The CFDC uses an online application system for all competitive grant requests.
If you have any questions about the grant process or a proposal idea, please contact Ray Pagenkopf at 715-232-8019 or [email protected].
Applicants are reminded that health-related grant requests that were previously made to the Menomonie Community Health Foundation should now be directed to the Community Foundation through this process. It is the mission of the Community Foundation of Dunn County to promote charitable giving that creates a permanent source of capital to benefit and enrich the quality of life for everyone in the Dunn County Area.
Pop-Up! Workshop: Grant Writing 101 – Free Training for Local Nonprofits
The CFDC will host a Pop-Up! Workshop: Grant Writing 101 on January 13th from 3:00-4:00 PM at the Menomonie Market Food Co-op (814 Main St. E, Menomonie). This free workshop is a great opportunity for local nonprofits and eligible government or public agencies to strengthen their grant writing skills just in time for the CFDC’s upcoming February grant submission deadline on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 5 PM.
Designed for organizations serving Dunn County, this workshop is ideal for those new to grant writing or looking to refresh their approach. Participants will learn the 7 Steps to Writing a Successful Grant, gain insight into evaluation criteria, explore Community Foundation funding opportunities, and discover additional Dunn County funding resources.
Don’t miss your chance to build stronger proposals and increase your organization’s impact in the community! Visit cfdunncounty.org/pop-up-grantwriting101/ to register.
For more information about the CFDC or how you can become involved, contact Executive Director Georgina Tegart at 715-232-8019 or by email at [email protected]
Sign Up Available for FREE Online Exercise Program
Registration is now open for our upcoming Winter StrongBodies virtual series sponsored by UW-Extension.
Dates: January 6 - March 26, 2026
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 – 10:15 am
Bonus presentations on nutrition and other topics offered multiple times throughout the series
Register online at: https://go.wisc.edu/4ir5sh
A welcome email with the Zoom link to join the class will be sent.
For more information visit https://health.extension.wisc.edu/strongbodies/
UW-Stout Fall Commencement Scheduled Saturday Dec 20 for More Than 525 Graduates
Photo: UW-Stout
By Abbey Goers, UW-Stout News Service
Menomonie - Fall commencement will be held for 527 graduates on Saturday, Dec. 20, at University of Wisconsin-Stout.
A total of 399 undergraduate and 128 graduate students will receive degrees. Two ceremonies will be held at Johnson Fieldhouse: 10 a.m. College of Arts & Human Sciences and College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management; 2 p.m., Graduate Studies
The ceremonies can also be seen via livestream on the UW-Stout commencement website and at the Memorial Student Center.
Provost Glendalí Rodríguez will host the ceremonies. Chancellor Katherine Frank will provide remarks to the graduates and confer degrees.
Three graduating students will speak:
Sophia Moore, of Red Wing, Minnesota, applied social science, CAHS speaker.
Grace Rucker, of Oronoco, Minnesota, real estate property management and hotel, restaurant & tourism management, CSTEMM speaker.
Hanahh Eggum, of Menomonie, M.S. training & talent development, Graduate Studies speaker.
Two alumni will also be guest speakers. Undergraduates will be addressed by Michael Leighton (’02), director of industrial design at Polaris Inc., B.F.A. in industrial design and business management. Graduate Studies will be addressed by Shannon Donnelly (’95, ’05), associate dean and director of UW-Stout’s School of Education, B.S. in vocational rehabilitation and M.S. in education.
The ceremonies will include music by the Ludington Guard Band, directed by James Woodford.
For more information, contact Commencement Coordinator Bethany Risler, 715-232-1279, or email [email protected].
UW-Stout, a member of the Universities of Wisconsin, is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes.
Abbey Goers, UW-Stout News Service may be contacted at 715-232-2565.
Protect Yourself Against Scams & Identity Theft - Free Presentation TODAY at the Library
Facebook photo
Lieutenant Chad A Mroczenski, from the Menomonie Police Department, will be at the Menomonie Public Library on Wed December 17 from 1-2pm (library meeting room) to talk about scams and identity theft.
These crimes are on the rise, but there are things we can all do to protect ourselves and our assets. Join us and learn more!
Freezing Your Credit document from the Menomonie Police Department.
For more information contact Menomonie Public Library at 715-232-2164
Dunn County Veterans Memorial Bricks Available to Order
MENOMONIE - The Community Foundation of Dunn County (CFDC) is currently accepting requests for new bricks for the Dunn County Veterans Memorial located at the intersection of 6th Ave. and Crescent Street in downtown Menomonie. The cost is $250 per brick.
The Veterans Memorial Brick program began on Flag Day, June 14, 2000, when over 300 bricks were dedicated, and the monument was unveiled. The memorial honors military veterans from all branches of service throughout any era. There is no residency requirement, and currently over 650 veterans are honored at this monument. The Dunn County Veterans Memorial Committee of Downtown Menomonie, Inc. is responsible for the memorial and programs relating to it. The CFDC coordinates the brick program and manages the Dunn County Veterans Memorial Endowment Fund, which was established to maintain the memorial area.
A donation of $250 or more received before February 1st, 2026, purchases one brick inscribed with a maximum of 57 letters, numbers, and/or spaces.
For more information or to receive an order form, contact the CFDC at 715-232-8019 or e-mail Liz Forster at [email protected].
The order deadline is February 1, 2026. All new bricks will be formally dedicated at the Flag Day Ceremony on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Veterans Memorial in downtown Menomonie.
Dunn County Highway Dept Announces Major 2026 Road Repair and Reconstruction Plan
MENOMONIE - The Dunn County Highway Department is preparing for an extensive program of road repairs and reconstruction in 2026, following County Board approval of additional borrowing to fund the initiative.
The 2026 plan includes reconstructing 17 miles of county roadways, along with two bridge replacements and one bridge rehabilitation project.
“This major investment is part of the county’s ongoing effort to improve all county roads that need work,” said Highway Commissioner Dustin Binder, “and will address critical infrastructure needs across county Highways, improving safety and driving conditions.”
The highway projects include:
Highway I (Sand Creek to Barron Co.): 3.56 miles
Highway N (Highway M to Highway A): 3.29 miles
Highway E (I-94 to Highway 40): 6.69 miles
Highway BB (Highway G to 730th Ave.): 1 mile
Highway C (Highway Z to Highway D): 2.41 miles (carryforward from 2025 projects)
The bridge projects include:
Highway Q/Wilson Creek bridge replacement
Highway P/Irving Creek bridge replacement
Highway D/Red Cedar River bridge rehabilitation
The county worked on 8.18 miles in 2021; 10.68 miles in 2022; 13.49 miles in 2023; 12.28 miles in 2024; and 16.07 miles of road work in 2025.
County officials say it costs approximately $150,000 to resurface a mile of roadway, while pavement replacement costs $250,000-$300,000 a mile. Reconditioning costs $400,000 to $500,000 a mile, and total reconstruction costs $1 million or more a mile. Roads have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
Work will begin in spring and continue through the construction season.
For more information contact Dustin Binder, Dunn County Highway Commissioner at
(715) 231-6587 [email protected]
Designed to the Max: UW-Stout Studio Art Major Wins WI State Park Sticker Design Contest
Logterman’s design inspired by adventures with family dog
UW-Stout studio art major Jaelyn Logterman’s winning Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission pass design.
By Abbey Goers, UW-Stout News Service
MENOMONIE – With a design inspired by her adventures with her black lab, Max, UW-Stout studio art major Jaelyn Logterman won the 2026 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission pass design contest, recently announced by the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
“It is a privilege to know that my artwork will be displayed on a great deal of vehicles across Wisconsin,” Logterman said. More than half a million vehicles, to be precise. In 2023, a record-setting year, 518,846 Wisconsin state park stickers were sold. Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas receive more than 20 million visits a year.
“Max has come along on every family trip. As a family, we enjoy visiting surrounding rivers, lakes and parks,” she said. “Chasing Max around throughout his adventures has helped keep my feet wet throughout my childhood.”
With more than 15,000 lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers and scenic Great Lakes shorelines, Wisconsin offers plenty of opportunities for watery adventures.
Logterman grew up near scenic Lake Geneva, in southern Wisconsin. It was the natural beauty around Menomonie that drew her to UW-Stout, as well as its School of Art & Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest.
“What I like most about the studio art program at UW-Stout is the range of different course options, the hands-on experiences and the accommodating professors,” she said.
The DNR-sponsored design contest is open to Wisconsin high school-age students. Logterman entered the 2026 contest last spring through a graphic design class as a senior at Delavan-Darien High School. The annual contest, now in its 35th year, received more than 150 submissions for the 2026 vehicle pass design.
In 2025, the Wisconsin State Park System, with more than 60 state parks, forests and recreation areas, celebrated its 125th anniversary.
UW-Stout’s School of Art & Design offers bachelor’s degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, and an M.F.A. in design. UW-Stout also has a new program in game and media studies.
Jaelyn Logterman and her dog, Max. Photo contributed by Jaelyn Logterman.
Abbey Goers, UW-Stout News Center, may be contacted at 715-232-2565.
Public Meetings: Week of Dec 17-24
City of Menomonie
Wed Dec 17 Airport Commission, 6pm, Council Chambers, AGENDA
Mon Dec 22 Police & Fire Commission, 9am, AGENDA
Mon Dec 22 City Council Special Meeting, 7pm.
School District of Menomonie
No School Dec 20 - Jan 2
Next School Board Meeting Mon Jan 12; 5:45pm preceded by Mid-Year Budget Hearing at 5pm.
Click HERE for full calendar additional details
Dunn County
Wed Dec 17 Health & Human Services Committee, 6pm
Thur Dec 18 Neighbors of Dunn County Committee, 1pm; Committee on Administration, 3pm
Fri Dec 19 Traffic Safety & Emergency Medical Services Committee, 9am
Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting
Menomonie Events at a Glance
Staff Photo: Debra Bell
Wed Dec 17 Protect Against Scams (FREE), 1pm, Public Library
Thur Dec 18 MAKE IT Thursdays, 5-8pm, Rassbach Museum; Bingo to Benefit Boys & Girls Club, 5:30-7pm, Tanglewood Greens
Sat Dec 20 Indoor Farmer’s Market, 9am - Noon, Raw Deal; Try Hockey for Free, 9-11am, Rec Park
Tues Dec 23 Red Cross Blood Drive, 10am - 4pm, Stout Craft Company
Thru Dec 31: Parade of Lights
Thru Jan 3: Winter Wonderland, Rassbach Museum
MHS Extracurricular Activities
Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements
Staff photo
By MNN Staff
Fri Dec 12
Menomonie Mustang Wrestling Team came out on FIRE last night! The Mustangs opened their conference dual season with a huge statement, dominating Hudson 49–21! The dual blew wide open thanks to five big pinfalls, as Menomonie rolled with momentum all night long. Bringing the crowd to their feet with pinfall victories were Victor Thao, Aidan Aure, Drew Pejsa, Luke Pember, Jake Anderson, and Bryce Shepard! It was also a night of major milestones: First-ever varsity wins for Carter Rehberg, Victor Thao, Calin Howard, and Drew Pejsa! And a massive congratulations to Bryce Shepard, who sealed the dual with the 100th win of his career!
Boys Hockey hosted Rice Lake & both teams played hard! 1st up, JV Hockey had the win 5-2 with goals from Carter Hoyt, Scott Holcomb, Liam Wachewicz & 2 from Jack Czechowicz. Next Varsity Hockey played a tight game, with goalie Davin Ellis making some great saves. The final score was 2-1 with goals by Kaden Farrah & Jaxon Giertz, both were beautifully assisted by Liam Wachewicz.
Mon Dec 15
Last week the Boys Swim and Dive Team competed against the Eau Claire Alliance. First place finishes came from Ryan Rood in the 200 Individual Medley and Thomas Seim in the 100 Butterfly. The team continues to improve with personal best times achieved by Eric Zydowsky in the 100 breaststroke and 100 freestyle, Jack Ruegnitz in the 100 freestyle, and Aiden Kroening in the 50 freestyle.
The Boys Varsity Hockey Team traveled to Viroqua and returned home with a big 7-0 win! Congrats to goalie Davin Ellis with a shutout, Cooper Marincel had 2 goals, Jaxon Giertz had 2 goals, Liam Wachewicz, Kaden Farrah & Kellen Turner also scored.
Girls Basketball lost a tough game to Hudson on Friday (Dec 12). Jordan Ohman led the Mustangs in scoring with 17 followed by Gracie Miller and Mari Ramirez with 9 points each.
Congratulations to the JV Dance Team for their hard work and focus that led to amazing performances at Eau Claire Fire Up Dance Competition this weekend. JV Results: 1st Place – Pom, 2nd Place – Hip Hop. Varsity Dance Team attended the Little Chute Dance Invitational. Results: 2nd Place (out of 10) in D2 Hip Hop; 3rd Place (out of 10) in D3 Pom; Soloists | Division 3 (Top Half Placements out of 43 soloists): Kenna – 4th Place; Alayna – 10th Place; Jess – 12th Place; Marci – 17th Place; D2 Duet – Jess & Delaney - 2nd Place.
Boys Basketball came up short on Friday in Hudson. Leading the way for the Mustangs was Trevor Robert with 17 points followed by Tyler Nelson with 9.
Congratulations to Bryce Supri, Head Boys Tennis Coach at Menomonie High School, on being recognized as the NFHS (Nat’l Federation of High School Assn) 2024-25 Section 4 Boys Tennis Coach of the Year. This honor highlights Coach Supri's outstanding leadership and excellence among the top coaches in our section. Additionally, he has been named the (WI) State Coach of the Year for boys tennis.
Tues Dec 16
The Boys Hockey Teams both had a great night & brought back wins. JV dominated with a score of 9-3. Scott Holcomb had a hat trick (3 goals)! Also, congrats to goalie Davin Ellis on another shutout. The Varsity Team fought hard for a 3-0 win over RAM (Regis/Altoona/McDonnell). Liam Wachewicz had 2 goals & Kaden Farrah with 1.
Menomonie Collegians
Silent Night Tradition Like No Other
By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor
UPLAND, Ind. — Taylor University’s Silent Night basketball game - a tradition where students pack the school's Odle Arena in costumes and remain silent until the Trojans score their 10th point - once again delivered the mix of Christmas spirit, creativity and end-of-semester release that has defined it for decades. For two Menomonie High School graduates, sophomore Micah Cameron and freshman Grant Burns, the experience offered familiar excitement for one and a week-long introduction to campus culture for the other.
Silent Night began in the late 1980s with students attending in pajamas, and the now-famous 10-point celebration started in 1997 where the student section remains completely quiet (silent) until the Trojans score their 10th point. When that shot drops, the students erupt in a celebration that spills across the floor. No technical foul is issued for the celebration when the student body rushes the floor, as an immediate media timeout pauses the action until the floor is cleared.
After a 118-33 win over Moody Bible Institute Dec. 6, Taylor is 27-1 all-time in the event, which is always held the Friday before finals week. The game draws sold-out crowds, includes a postgame campus-wide Christmas party and the game ends with students singing the classic Christmas favorite “Silent Night” in unison over the final two minutes of the game.
Cameron, attending Silent Night for the second time, said the tradition remains a highlight of his year - one students anticipate long before the calendar flips to December.
“It's a great tradition and something we look forward to all semester,” Cameron said. “Silent Night takes place the last Friday before finals, and people start lining up about a week in advance. Floors or wings will claim a spot in line and then that spot must be occupied by somebody 24/7.”
Cameron experienced that overnight commitment as a freshman.
“My roommate and I spent the night in line freshman year, and stayed up all night playing games which was super fun,” he said.
Although he didn’t dress up this year, Cameron said his friends took part in themed costumes — another hallmark of the event. “A lot of my friends did a Star Wars theme,” he said. “Each floor or wing typically dresses up as a certain theme.”
For Cameron, Silent Night is more than spectacle. “Overall, it’s a super fun tradition, and a highlight of the semester,” he said. “It’s a great way to take some stress off from studying for finals as well.”
Burns, a freshman living on Foundation - the first floor of Samuel Morris Hall - experienced Silent Night for the first time, including the predecessor to the game itself: camping out all week in the Kessler Student Activities Center to secure a prime entry spot.
“I went with my floor to Silent Night,” Burns said. “We dressed up as John Wick. Derek Kolstad came up with the concept of John Wick. Kolstad lived on Foundation during all four of his years at Taylor. He was the inspiration for our costumes this year.”
The week-long campout, Burns said, was as memorable as the game. Floors brought couches, tents, TVs, and spent hours playing games and watching sports.
“Camping out was amazing,” he said. “I probably averaged eight hours per day in the KSAC… Lots of card games, video games were played and sports were watched throughout the week.”
By Friday, Foundation had secured a spot near the front of the line outside Odle Arena.
“Once the doors opened, we rushed to our spot on the sideline opposite the Taylor bench,” Burns said. “Staying quiet (during the opening moments of the game) was really hard. It was just my natural instinct to start cheering when shots were made.”
When Taylor finally scored its 10th point - on a dunk - the release was instant.
“His feet hadn’t even hit the ground before me and the rest of everybody was out onto the floor,” Burns said. “The huge crowd was amazing, the energy was bigger than any event at Taylor.”
Burns said the postgame tradition was equally meaningful.
“Singing ‘Silent Night’ at the end of the game was also pretty amazing,” he said. “To be able to praise God and celebrate Jesus’ birth with all of Taylor, it’s a pretty special moment.”
After a week of energy, little sleep and campus-wide anticipation, Burns said the experience exceeded everything he’d expected. “Silent Night week was by far my favorite week of the entire year,” he said. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”
NBC Nightly News (Video)
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/
Menomonie Collegians is a regular feature of Menomonie News Net. The column is not limited to student-athletes, but may be a former Menomonie area student in a play, forensics, music or any type of collegiate competition. If you know of a Menomonie Collegian, please email [email protected].
For a Calendar of Events in the Menomonie Area, visit Kathy Weber’s Menomonie Minute.
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