Menomonie Minute

Menomonie native Grant Bilse is bringing his radio show 'Wisco Sports Show with Grant Bilse' to Dean & Sue's on Friday, December 27th. Bilse will be broadcasting his show live from 4 pm - 6 pm.

Wisco Sports Show can be heard locally on Sports Talk 105.1 Monday through Friday from 4 pm - 6 pm. You can also find it on the Wisco Sports Show Facebook page, YouTube Channel, and wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Bilse will also be broadcasting the show from the clubhouse at Princeton Valley Golf Course in Eau Claire on Thursday, December 26th, from 4 pm - 6 pm.

About Grant and the show...

Born and raised in Menomonie, Grant went to school in La Crosse and spent 7 years living in the driftless region before moving near Milwaukee to work and better cover Wisconsin sports teams. He has so much love for every corner of the state of Wisconsin and his Wisconsin sports teams.

The Wisco Sports Show is where Wisconsin sports fans have a voice every night- and where Grant speaks as a fan through passionate reaction to wins, losses, and every move made by every Wisconsin sports team. Expert guests join Grant to provide the best information and analysis of the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, and Bucks. Grant is also known to go off the rails talking about Wisconsin highways, lakes Up North, or anything else going on in the state.

"Sports radio is the coolest little world, and I'm so lucky to be a part of it. I get to connect with people all over Wisconsin every single night to talk about our sports teams and the daily experience of living in our beautiful state. I love partnering with local businesses around Wisconsin to better my show and to bring them into my show's world. I'm such a believer in the power of sports radio and the community and relationships it can create."

Information taken from the WAYY website.

John E. Widmar, age 70, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at his home in Bloomer. 

John was born on April 12, 1954, in Menomonie, WI, to John F. and Mary (Wanbaugh) Widmar. He graduated with the Class of 1972 from Homestead High in Mequon, WI. He went on to attend UW-Stout for Culinary and Hospitality and started T. J.’s Inn in Downsville, WI, in March of 1976. Kristin Kaiser joined him at the bar in 1980, and they were married on October 6, 1984, at the church in Gordon, WI.

John was the founder of the Downsville Sportsman’s Club and was an avid outdoorsman and hunting and fishing guide. He was an accomplished chef known for his food at the bar and catering events, where he was a master of the charcoal grill. After having a successful restaurant and catering business for 40 years, John and Kris sold in 2015 and moved to Bloomer. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

John is survived by his wife: Kris of Bloomer; brother: Tony (Suzanne) Widmar of Barnes; sisters: Terry Widmar of Scottsdale, AZ, Ann Widmar (Dan Kelly) of Scottsdale, AZ, and Joan (Mike) Sutliff of Duluth, MN; special sister-in-law: Kathy Kaiser (Ed Lambert) of Bloomer; brother-in-law: Karl (Sandy) Kaiser of Wauwatosa, WI; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents: John F. and Mary Widmar.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Timber Inn (formerly T. J.’s Inn) in Downsville, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Downsville Sportsman’s Club. 

Olson's Funeral Home Bloomer

Home games in maroon.

Thursday, December 19th

All sports cancelled due to weather

Friday, December 20th

Wrestling Invitational at Rochester, MN - 12 pm

Girls Hockey at home vs. DC Everest - 7 pm

Girls Basketball at Rice Lake - 7:15 pm

Boys Basketball at home vs. Rice Lake - 7:15 pm

link to live stream

link to program

Saturday, December 21st

Gymnastics at Tomah Invitational - 10 am

Wrestling Invitational at Rochester, MN - 10 am

Boys Basketball at River Falls Invitational - 3:15 pm (Menomonie vs. Somerset)

Boys Hockey at home vs. West Salem - 1 pm

Friday, December 27th and Saturday, December 28th

Girls Hockey at tournament in Green Bay

Monday, December 30th

Boys Basketball vs. Mahtomedi at River Falls - 2 pm

Tuesday, December 31st

Boys Basketball vs. DC Everest at River Falls - 12:45 pm

Thursday, January 2nd

Girls Basketball at Altoona - 7 pm

Boys Hockey at home vs. Baldwin-Woodville - 7 pm

Friday, January 3rd

Wrestling tournament in LaCrosse - 9 am

Boys Swim & Dive at Superior - 5 pm

Girls Basketball at home vs. EC North - 7:15 pm

link to live stream

link to program

Boys Basketball at EC North - 7:15 pm

Schedules can be found on the Menomonie Mustangs website.

Roger L. Wagner, age 74, of Menomonie, WI, passed away on December 16, 2024, at Glenhaven Nursing Home with Adoray Hospice.

Roger was born July 10, 1950, to parents Donald and Doris (Larsen) Wagner in Menomonie. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1968. He was a gifted athlete and was admired as an outstanding football player. He also played basketball and excelled on the varsity baseball team for MHS.

On March 10, 1990, Roger married Rita Hansen in Menomonie and together they raised their two children.

Later in life, he developed a passion for playing golf. He also enjoyed fishing and his trips to Canada with his son. Roger looked forward to family camping trips, boating, and tubing with his children.

Roger is survived by his wife Rita; son Ryan (Karlie) Wagner; daughter Renee Wagner and two grandchildren Amelia and Liam Wagner (Menomonie). He is further survived by his brother Gary (Kathy) Wagner of Menomonie and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Doris Wagner.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Glenhaven for the care Roger received and Adoray Hospice for their service.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI, with Pastor Stephen Hilding officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Christ Lutheran/Halvorson Cemetery in Menomonie, WI, at a later date.

Olson Funeral Home

Facebook and other social media have posted warnings about brushing scams - you receive an unexpected package or gift in the mail that you didn’t order with your address but no indication of who it's from. Inside, there will be a QR code to scan to find out who sent it. The warning states that when you scan the code, all the information on your phone will be sent to scammers. This warning exaggerates the dangers of scanning QR codes. Here is an excellent article from Snopes with more information.

Several weeks ago, a Stout student posted on Facebook looking for information about local paranormal activity in the area for a film she was making. The short documentary is done and available to watch on YouTube.

Save the Date: The Downsville Sportsman's Ice Fishing Contest is scheduled for February 16th.

Free Downtown parking from now until January 26th. From the Downtown Menomonie Facebook page.

45 years ago...

BINGO NIGHT IS BACK!

Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and fantastic prizes!

When: Every Tuesday night

Time: 6pm

Where: Tanglewood Greens Clubhouse

Why Join? Exciting games with prizes for every round!

A great way to unwind and connect with friends and family!

Entry: Free!

Drink and food specials for the night!

Bring your lucky charm and your best Bingo cheer!

Mark your calendars and share this post to invite your friends.

From the Facebook event page.

Join us where creativity takes center stage and vinyl vibes set the tone!

When: Every Thursday

Time: 6pm

Where: Tanglewood Greens Clubhouse

What to Expect: Open Mic: Step up to the mic and showcase your talent! Singers, poets, comedians, and storytellers are all welcome.

Spin Your Favorite Record: Bring your favorite vinyl record, and we'll let it play! Share your musical taste and groove with the crowd.

2 for 1 drink special

Admission: Free

Sign-Up: Arrive early to secure your spot on the mic or get your record in the queue!

Let’s create memories, share stories, and celebrate music and artistry together.

From the Facebook event page.

Join us for a fun, informative and hands-on workshop where you'll craft your very own epoxy river charcuterie board or lazy susan!

Our boards feature premium black walnut and other fine hardwoods, accented with epoxy in colors of your choice. You can select up to two epoxy colors when you arrive.

Date: January 21st

Location: Zymurgy Brewing, Menomonie

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Address: 624 Main St E, Menomonie, WI 54751

After the class, your project will undergo a meticulous finishing process, which typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Please note that epoxy projects must sit and fully cure for approximately a week before we begin the finishing process. The overall timeline is highly dependent on class size and shipping processes.

Once perfected, we'll ship it to you promptly, ensuring your creation arrives in pristine condition.

Please note: All ticket sales are final. However, if you're unable to attend, feel free to send someone in your place. Additionally, each attendee aged 12 and above must have a ticket, while couples tickets offer an opportunity for two individuals to collaborate on a single project.

Purchase tickets HERE.

From the Facebook event page.

See the below flyers for information on winter storytime at the Menomonie Public Library.

Are you ready to pause, quiet your mind, and be present? Join us on the mat AT THE LIBRARY every Monday from January 6th to February 24th to bring some calm to your busy days.

Join us in person in the library meeting room OR virtually with the QR code, from menomonielibrary.org or by clicking "Free Community Yoga".

Sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System and Menomonie Public Library.

From the Menomonie Public Library website.