Menomonie News Net

October 15, 2025, Issue 48

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Local News Group
October 15, 2025

Welcome to Issue 48 of Menomonie News Net. If you missed previous Issues, you can catch up HERE.

Today we feature Saturday’s Empty Bowls Fundraiser for Stepping Stones, the upcoming Jeans & Jewels event. And we remember Wilson Place founder Jackie Dotseth who left her mark on this community in so many ways.

Thank you for supporting MNN by reading, subscribing, encouraging others by word of mouth. And of course we appreciate your Donations.

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

In this Issue…

Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser for Stepping Stones this Saturday

Event moves to new venue this year - Tanglewood Greens

Menomonie – Stepping Stones of Dunn County is proud to announce its upcoming Empty Bowls fundraiser event on Saturday, October 18 from 11am - 2pm, at Tanglewood Greens in Menomonie, to continue to provide food, shelter, and support throughout the Dunn County communities.

The event has traditionally been held at the Menomonie High School. The decision to change the venue was made earlier this year.

The Empty Bowls event is an international movement that brings together artists, volunteers, and community members to raise awareness and funds for local food banks and hunger relief organizations.

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to purchase a handcrafted bowl made by local artists and enjoy an unlimited soup and bread lunch together with Stepping Stones staff, volunteers, and other community members.

Due to federal funding cuts, higher costs, and the added expense of maintaining the newly build Cairn House shelter, the support from the community is more important than ever.

“Empty Bowls is more than just a fundraiser.”, according to Stepping Stones Office Manager Mai Nou Hang, “it’s a chance for our community to come together to fight hunger.”

The support raised keeps our pantry shelves full and strengthens Stepping Stones’ mission to provide food, shelter, and support. Thanks to this event, hundreds of households each month have the meals they need, ensuring no one in Dunn County goes without.

The event is open to the public and will include 50/50 and Bucket raffles, featuring items donated by local businesses.

Tickets are $20/person and include all you can eat soup, bread, and desserts. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available. Seniors, students, military, and kids under 12 eat for $15. Collectible handmade bowls are $10.

Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door.

The Empty Bowls fundraiser event is a powerful reminder of the important role that art, community, and generosity can play in addressing local challenges. Join Stepping Stones in supporting this cause and making a difference in the lives of Dunn County neighbors.

For more information about the event visit the Stepping Stones website, Facebook page, or contact Assistant Director David Stanley at [email protected]

Public Library October Events

Staff Photo

Book Sale - Oct 17 & 18

The Friends of the Menomonie Public Library give thousands of dollars to the library every year and book sales are their major fundraiser. Plan to find some great treasures at amazing prices.

OCTOBER Book Sale will take place in the library basement.

  • Fri Oct 17 – MEMBERS ONLY from 4-7pm.

  • Sat Oct 18 – PUBLIC SALE, 10am-3pm

Antique Appraisal - Oct 18

Mark Moran Antique Appraisal Expert is back by popular demand. Join us on Sat, Oct 18 from 11am-2pm in the library meeting room to watch and/or have an appraisal done on one of your antiques or collectibles. Mark, author and antiques expert, is from Iola, Wisconsin. This is a fun event to watch even if you don’t have an antique. Mark’s vast experience and knowledge makes it entertaining for everyone! Pre-registration is required if you want to have an appraisal done; a limited number of spots are available. (Call to inquire about availability 715-232-2164 ext 210).

History Presentation - Oct 22

Join us for a presentation by two local Girl Scouts who earned their Silver Award for a local history project. Their project, a Wilson Place Outdoor Artifact Historical Reference Book, will be in the Library’s local history collection.

October 22, 4:30-5:30 pm (in the meeting room)

Come & learn local history!

Community Foundation Annual “Jeans & Jewels” Fundraiser is Nov 1

Opportunities to contribute in-person or online

Jeans & Jewels is almost here; less than one month away from Dunn County’s biggest night of giving!

The Jeans & Jewels Gala is the only annual fundraiser that helps the Community Foundation continue its vital work in philanthropy, collaboration, and leadership, all to support the ever-present needs of our community.

Join us on Saturday, November 1st, at the UW-Stout Memorial Student Center for an unforgettable evening of community, generosity, and celebration.

Buy Tickets or Sponsor

While our Ruby through Platinum Sponsorships include tickets to the Gala (see our Sponsorship Packet for ticket amounts and other details), we also offer single tickets and full table tickets for purchase.

Singles Ticket - $100 Table Ticket (8 seats) - $750

Whether you’re a business looking for marketing & exposure perks or a community member interested in becoming more involved in charitable causes, we’ve got a sponsorship level for you, and each comes with unique benefits!

All of our sponsorship levels (except Sapphire) come with tickets. Please note that due to rising costs, our sponsorship level pricing has shifted. We have also added a new EMERALD level! Click HERE to download our sponsorship packet.

Sponsorship Levels: Platinum - $10,000 (16 tickets) Gold - $7,500 (16 tickets) Silver - $5,000 (8 tickets) Diamond - $2,500 (8 tickets) Pearl - $1,500 (4 tickets) Emerald - $1,000 (4 tickets) Ruby - $500 (2 tickets) Sapphire - $<499 (tickets not included)

Our “exclusive” Bucket Raffle Sponsorship is STILL AVAILABLE! Please call our office at 715-232-8019 if you are interested in this unique sponsorship. See our sponsorship packet for benefits.

We are seeking in-kind donations for our silent auction and bucket raffle! Consider donating a themed gift basket, experience package, or service bundle that highlights your business or organization. These types of donations make a big impact and help create exciting packages for our guests to bid on. Your generosity helps make the Jeans & Jewels Gala a success and supports the Community Foundation’s work throughout Dunn County!

Submitted photo

For more information contact the Community Foundation of Dunn County at 715-232-8019.

Wilson Place Museum Offers Free Tours in Memory of Founder Jackie Dotseth

Staff Photo: Debra Bell

Source: Facebook Post

In honor of Jackie’s lifelong dedication, Wilson Place Museum will offer free tours on Saturday, October 18, from Noon to 4:00 p.m.

We welcome friends, neighbors, and guests to visit, reflect, and experience the home she so carefully preserved for all to enjoy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 20, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Olde Towne Menomonie. Friends and community members are warmly invited to share memories and honor the woman whose care and vision made Wilson Place what it is today.

Those wishing to honor Jackie’s legacy may do so with a contribution to Wilson Place Museum, supporting the preservation work she so deeply loved.

For the full facebook post on Jackie and the Wilson Place Mansion click HERE. For her obituary click HERE.

Feeling Good Every Day: A Free Online Class by UW-Extension

Six session Lunch & Learn series begins Oct 21

Do you want to feel better and learn effective ways to deal with life's ups and downs? Two colleagues from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension offices in Dunn and Eau Claire County are offering a free online class called WeCOPE Lunch & Learn this fall. It's all about finding the good things in life and giving you well-tested tools to help you feel good every day.

This class has 6 sessions, and each one is an hour long (from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) on Tuesdays. It runs Tuesday, Oct 21 through Tuesday, Nov 25.

What is WeCOPE?

WeCOPE is a program that helps adults handle stress by focusing on positive feelings. Studies have shown that this program can help people feel happier, less stressed, and even make healthier choices.

The WeCOPE program is based on the work of Dr. Judith Moskowitz. Her research shows that even when facing tough times, positive feelings can still happen, and these feelings can help us cope with the stress in our lives.

The class comes with an activity book and a journal to help you practice tasks between sessions. Both the class and the materials are free thanks to a SAMHSA ROTA grant.

Sign up for this class by clicking HERE

Once you sign up, you'll receive an email with details, including a link to join the online sessions.

Pick up your free class materials by Oct 20 in the UW-Extension Office, Dunn County Govt Center, Menomonie (please call ahead) 715-232-1636.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Events raise awareness and funds for The Bridge to Hope; Wear Purple Day is Oct 16

Life-size silhouette cutouts represents someone, or a pet, that have been impacted by homicide due to domestic violence in Wisconsin. Look for the silhouettes which can be found around Menomonie accompanied by a story. Photo: The Bridge facebook page

Thurs Oct 16: Wear Purple Day (to show support and solidarity for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Fri Oct 17: Dine to Donate at Kyote’s Bar & Grill. At least 10% of total sales from the day will be donated to the Bridge to Hope.

FUNDrive - All Month. The Bridge is partnering with Savers for a clothing and household items collection fundraiser. Bring in gently used items (clothing, household textiles & small household items). Drop off at the Bridge to Hope (please bring clothes and textiles in bags; small household items in tightly packed boxes).

Silhouette Display: Four life-size silhouettes are displayed around the city including the actual domestic violence homicide stories that happened in Wisconsin.

Click HERE to visit The Bridge to Hope facebook page and hear Kat Brogan share updated local statistics and what’s going on during October to raise awareness and funds.

For more information: Contact Jenn McDermid, Director of Domestic Abuse Victim Services, The Bridge to Hope thebridgetohope.org 715-235-9074

Dunn County launches Park Power Up initiative to spiff up all parks

Park Power Up initiative before and after photos at a county park. Submitted photos.

MENOMONIE — Visitors to Dunn County parks this summer might have noticed the facilities have more sheen: the county this year launched the Park Power Up initiative to restore and maintain county parks while building teamwork among county staff. 

The program began after officials noticed that many parks needed attention, said Austin Witt, Facilities, Parks and Transit Director; each month, county employees go to a county park and do whatever is needed to improve the facility. 

“We saw a need and a way to spruce them up without going overboard on employee hours or resources,” Witt said. “It started as a way to bring our facilities team together and focus on improving one park each month.” 

Witt added: “The whole idea was to create a steady, manageable way to give our parks the care they needed while also building a sense of teamwork and pride among everyone involved.” 

So far, crews have worked at the Russian Slough, Champney Park and Pine View Park. About 10 more parks remain, with the county aiming to complete them within 12 to 18 months. 

Witt said the work typically includes pressure washing pavilions and picnic tables, treating concrete surfaces, trimming brush to restore views, repainting structures and replacing  grills “that brings new life to the parks and makes them more inviting for visitors.”

“We’re pacing ourselves to get through all the parks roughly within a year to a year and a half,” Witt said. “This schedule helps us make sure we’re giving each park the attention it needs without overwhelming our team or the budget.” 

Funding comes from savings on supply orders, staffing adjustments and the county’s parks budget, Witt said, adding, “Overall, it's a combination of being resourceful and making the most of the budget we have." 

Participation has included facilities, maintenance, custodial and office staff. Witt said the county is open to involving other departments or community groups in the future. 

“We're always looking at ways to expand participation as we move forward with this initiative,” he said. 

The biggest impact, Witt said, has been the pride and teamwork the effort has created, as well as the community response. 

“It’s been really rewarding to see everyone come together,” Witt said. “The parks look better, but just as importantly, our team feels stronger, and the community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

More information is available at dunncountywi.gov/parks. 

Park Power Up at a Glance 

  • Launched by: Dunn County Facilities, Parks & Transit Department 

  • Director: Austin Witt 

  • Purpose: Restore and maintain county parks through monthly workdays, while fostering teamwork among staff and volunteers 

  • Parks completed: Russian Slough, Champney Park, Pine View Park 

  • Parks remaining: About 10 

  • Timeline: One park per month during good weather; estimated 12–18 months to complete all 

  • Typical work: Pressure washing pavilions and picnic tables; Treating concrete surfaces; Trimming brush and overgrowth; Repainting structures; Replacing rusted grills 

  • Funding sources:  Savings on supply orders - Staffing adjustments - County parks budget 

  • Participants so far: Facilities, maintenance, custodial and office staff; Potential for other departments or community volunteers in the future;

  • Biggest impact: Cleaner, safer parks; Stronger teamwork among county employees.

For more information contact: Austin Witt, Dunn County Facilities, Parks and Transit Director, [email protected], (715) 231-6471

Source: News Release

MHS Grads: Where are They Now?

Bethany Selvig Risler - Class of 2003

By Judy Foust

It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with my former students, and this week is no different. Bethany Risler describes herself as a “proud 2003 graduate of Menomonie High School” who has stayed close to her roots. After graduation, she attended UW-Stout, where she pursued her education and continued building a life with her high school sweetheart, Josh Risler. The two married and have raised their family in Menomonie where they still reside today.

High School Photo

Bethany reflects fondly on her own high school years, especially her involvement in choir—not just for the music, but for the sense of community it gave her. “Choir was so important to me,” she shares. “It connected me with people on a level that isn’t typical for a high school student.” Under the guidance of Mr. Aamot, Bethany and her classmates learned more than just music—they learned about life, teamwork, and the power of shared experiences. One of her favorite memories was traveling with the choir to St. Louis, Missouri, where they sang at several memorable locations, including an impromptu performance under the Gateway Arch.

Music continues to be a cornerstone of Bethany’s life. While she no longer performs herself, she finds joy in watching her children and her community create intimate artistic experiences. “At a time in our world where it feels like we’re divided on everything, one thing remains constant—music and art,” Bethany says. “We can sit in a theater or auditorium, not talking, not thinking, just listening and absorbing the sound and beauty around us.”

Bethany and Josh are the proud parents of two teenage boys, Jack (a senior) and Elliot (a junior), both attending Menomonie High School, just as their parents did. This past spring, Bethany chaperoned Jack’s choir trip to New York. The highlight? Watching him perform at Carnegie Hall, just as she had done during her own high school days. They also saw “Hadestown” on Broadway, adding another unforgettable experience to their travel memories.

Bethany and Josh have remained deeply involved in the Menomonie community. Bethany serves on the Menomonie Theater Guild Board of Directors and the Mustang Chorale Board. Continuing her lifelong love of the arts, she co-directed MTG's “Annie” last winter and works as the choreographer for the high school musicals. Josh is equally active, serving as Treasurer of the MHS Boys Soccer Board and the Mustang Chorale, He also founded Menomonie’s first “Parknership,”—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and improving local parks.

Their sons are just as engaged. Jack is a talented performer, having played leading roles such as the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast,” Crutchie in “Newsies,” and Kristoff in “Frozen Junior.” Elliot is a sports enthusiast who loves golf, tennis, skiing, and soccer, as well as watching football and basketball.

The Risler family loves to travel and prioritize experiences that create lasting memories. Their adventures have taken them on several Caribbean cruises and to destinations across the U.S.—including Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Florida (where Disney was a magical highlight), North Carolina, and New York.

Now, Bethany finds herself on the other side of the college search, this time as a parent. Jack plans to attend UW-Madison next fall, while Elliot, who will be a senior next year, is considering UW-Stout. He’s exploring several programs and can see himself thriving in the same college environment his mom once did.

Bethany currently works as the Executive Assistant to the Chancellor at UW-Stout and continues to be deeply involved in her community. Josh also works at UW-Stout in the Business and Financial Services area. Together, they treasure the small-town charm of Menomonie and the opportunity it’s given them to raise their children in a place filled with tradition, connection, and heart.

“I’ve loved watching my boys grow up where I did,” Bethany shares. “Menomonie has always been home, and it always will be.”

Current Photo

In a bit of a theatrical closing to Bethany’s story, I echo Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz—“There’s no place like home!” We’re so glad Bethany and her family continue to consider Menomonie as their forever home.

Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected]

Public Meetings: Week of Oct 15-22

City of Menomonie

Wed Oct 15 Urban Forestry Board, 1 pm; Airport Commission, 6pm

Mon Oct 20 City Council, 7 pm

Tues Oct 21 Parking Commission/Parking Utilitiy Meeting, 11am

Click HERE for full calendar.

School District of Menomonie

No scheduled meetings.

Click HERE for full calendar additional details

Dunn County

Wed Oct 15 Dunn County Board of Supervisors, 7pm

Mon Oct 20 Board of Adjustment, 10:30am; Fair Board, 7pm

Tues Oct 21 Community Resources & Tourism Committee, 4:30pm

Wed Oct 22 Facilities Committee,

Click HERE for calendar, documents, recordings & public commenting

Menomonie Events at a Glance Oct 15-22

Photo: Debra Bell

Wed Oct 15 Last Farmer’s Market of the Season, 10am-6pm

Thur Oct 16 Locals Night Out, 3-7pm, Downtown Menomonie;

Fri Oct 17 Library Book Sale, 4-7pm (members only); Charley’s Aunt, 7:30pm, Mabel Tainter

Sat Oct 18 Genealogy Help Session, 9-11am, Library small meeting room; Library Book Sale, 10am -3pm; Empty Bowls Fundraiser, 11am - 2pm, Tanglewood Greens; Library Antique Appraisal, 11am - 1pm; Wilson Place Free Tours in Honor of Jackie Dotseth, Noon-4pm, Wilson Place; Charley’s Aunt, 7:30pm, Mabel Tainter

Sun Oct 19 Charley’s Aunt, 2pm, Mabel Tainter;

Mon Oct 20 Community Free Shred Event, Noon-1pm, Westconsin

Tue Oct 21 Winter Clothing Open House, 4-7pm, Marketplace Foods; Joyful Noise Concert, 6pm, United Methodist Church;

Wed Oct 22 Wilson Place History Presentation, 4:30pm, Public Library;

MHS Extracurricular Activities

Compiled from MHS Daily Announcements

Staff Photo: Debra Bell

Wed, Oct 8

Last night, the Girls Swim and Dive Team had an away dual meet against Eau Claire Memorial. Some notable performances include: a personal record in the 100 breaststroke for Addison McKown, a podium finish in the 50 freestyle for Gwen Brulz, and a personal record in the 200 freestyle for Kaylyn Flores! Great job swimmers and divers!

Tues, Oct 14

Congratulations to the Girls Cross Country Team for their outstanding performance at the 16 team Old Abe Invite on Saturday. The girls team finished first by a wide margin, beating all conference schools as well as Minnesota powerhouse Duluth East. Lauren McCalla was the individual champion with a 5k time of 16:52. This is a school record by 40 seconds and is the fastest high school time in Wisconsin state history. Bennett Schmidt finished 3rd overall with Bree Barfknecht finishing 9th. Bella Drake was 11th and Addie Schuler rounded out the scoring with a 14th place finish. The Mustang girls are presently ranked 4th in the state in Division I and will compete at the Big Rivers Conference Championships on Saturday at Rice Lake. Great job girls team and good luck during championship season.

Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country Team for their outstanding performance last Saturday at the Old Abe invitational in Eau Claire. The boys came in second behind a very good team from Duluth East. Special congratulations to Noah Winder for running a fast enough time to qualify for the National coaches association All-American honor, which makes him the second boy from Menomonie this fall to earn the award. Way to go Noah and all the Mustangs, and good luck this weekend at the Conference meet in Rice Lake.

Congratulations to the Sophomore/JV Football Team on their 38-14 win last night vs. River Falls. The team is now 6-2 on the season and will play their season finale next week Monday the 20th at Chippewa Falls.

MHS has a new online School Newspaper called The Messenger. mustangmessenger.org. Right now the search engine algorithms do not place it at the top. Please add Menomonie High School after typing in mustangmessenger.org. We will have new stories posted on Tuesdays, if not before.

Menomonie Collegians

Menomonie’s Norby Earns America East Diver of the Week Honors

Dylan Norby is a junior diver at Binghamton University. Photo: Dave Williams

By Layne Pitt, MNN Contributor

VESTAL, N.Y. — Binghamton University junior diver Dylan Norby, a 2023 Menomonie graduate, has been named the America East Diver of the Week after a season-opening performance at the Le Moyne Invitational on Oct. 5.

Norby won the men’s three-meter diving event with a score of 345.35, marking the 10th-best score in the nation this season and meeting the NCAA Zone Meet qualifying standard. His performance helped the Bearcats men’s team open the 2025–26 campaign with a victory, and the honor represents the first America East Diver of the Week award of Norby’s collegiate career.

The recognition came as part of a Binghamton sweep of the conference’s weekly diving awards, with senior Lizzy Tirado earning the women’s honor and freshman Julia Iwanow named the Women’s Rookie of the Week.

Norby kept up his winning ways as the Bearcats opened the home portion of their season Oct. 11 winning the three-meter diving event (319.50) in a team win over Niagara.

During his sophomore season (2024–25), Norby competed in eight meets and posted several standout results, including victories in the three-meter event at Canisius, Wagner and Marist. At the America East Championships, he placed seventh in the one-meter and 11th in the three-meter events. His academic achievements were equally notable, earning College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors and a spot on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for maintaining a 3.3 GPA or higher.

As a freshman in 2023–24, Norby made an immediate impact, capturing America East All-Conference honors with runner-up and third-place finishes in the one- and three-meter events at the league championship. He also claimed multiple dual-meet victories and landed on both the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the AD Honor Rolls for his academic excellence.

Before arriving at Binghamton, Norby starred at Menomonie High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner and gathered Division 2 state, sectional and conference champion in both 2022 and 2023, setting school records in the six- and 11-dive events. A versatile athlete, he also competed in cross country and pole vault, earning honorable mention all-conference in cross country.

A Wisconsin Scholar-Athlete, valedictorian, and National Honor Society member, Norby is majoring in psychology and chemistry at Binghamton, an NCAA Division I program in Binghamton, NY.

Layne Pitt retired as the longest serving sports information director at UW-Stout and also worked more than a decade at the Dunn County News.

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

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

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