Menomonie Minute

Roger A. Wieman, age 91, of Menomonie, WI, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Mayo Health System-Red Cedar of Menomonie.

Roger was born on October 28, 1933, in Menomonie, WI, to Arthur and Blanche (Miller) Wieman. He grew up in North Menomonie and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1951. Roger worked for his uncle, Gus Hitz, at Maple Hill Farm Dairy with his cousin, John Hitz.

Roger married Marlas E Johnson on April 12, 1958, at Christ Lutheran Church, Menomonie, WI, where he was a lifelong member. They had three children. He began working at Menomonie Farmers Union/Cenex in 1957. He retired after 38 years as Hardware Manager. Roger met and made lifelong friends through his employment with the Farmers Union. He was always willing to go in to the store nights and weekends to help customers with parts and repair needs. He and Marlas enjoyed going up to their cabin and spending time with family. After 26 years of marriage, Marlas passed away on February 15, 1984.

Roger found love again, marrying Arlene Hillestad on May 5, 1993. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. They were married 31 years until Arlene's passing on August 1, 2024.

Roger is survived by his three children: Katherine (Gary) Wagner of Menomonie, Douglas (Cynthia) of Menomonie and Amy (Brian) Hedrington of Chippewa Falls, WI, as well as his stepchildren: Bradley (Kathy) Hillestad of Tomah, WI, Brian Hillestad of Menomonie, Christine (Edward) Oswald of St. Louis, MO, and Amy (Dave) White of Menomonie. He is also survived by grandchildren: Zachery Wieman of Menomonie, Katie Wagner of Lake Nebagamon, WI, Haley (Steven) Mueller of Seymour, WI, Brianna Wieman of Menomonie, Jacob (Kassy Seibel) Hedrington of Chippewa Falls, WI, Conrad (Dawn) Heigel of St. Louis, MO, Ashley Heigel of St. Louis, MO, Amanda Hillestad of Black River Falls, WI, Sarah Hillestad of Manhatten, NY, Andrew (Lisa) Hillestad of Bloomington, MN, Jordan, Adam, and Isaac White of Willmington, NC, Hannah White of St. Paul, MN, and great­grandchildren: Henry Wieman, Audrey Mueller, Morgan, Taylor and Laim Heigel, and Gabriella Heigel. He is also survived by a sister, Doris Sabatke of Menomonie, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Blanche, his first wife, Marlas, and his second wife, Arlene, his brothers Clifford (Evelyn) and Lawrence (Gilma), his sisters Ruby Wieman and Marion Johnson, as well as nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI, with Pastor Katie Wagner officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Christ Lutheran Church Halvorson Cemetery in Menomonie, WI.

Olson Funeral Home

David “Dave” Glenn Thibado, age 78, of Knapp, WI, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2024, at his home. He was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin, on July 3rd, 1946, to Wayne Sr and Doris (Edwards) Thibado. Dave grew up on the family farm and graduated from high school in Menomonie, WI, in 1964.

Dave joined the Air Force when he was 19, serving in Vietnam from 1966-67 with the 820th Red Horse in Tuy Hoa, winning medals and commendations. He was honorably discharged after 4 years of service. After returning home, Dave married Cindy Volstad on July 26th, 1969, in Baldwin, WI. They would have celebrated 55 years together, but she passed away July 3rd, 2024. They were blessed with 2 children, Michelle and Paul.

Dave worked at many jobs, some of which were, Presto in Eau Claire and dairy department manager for the Durand Farmers Union. He moved to Phoenix in 1982 and worked at installing tile and remodeling until he got a job with the Street Department, working his way up to Supervisor during his years there. He obtained his BS in Administration from Rio Salado College.

After retiring, Dave and Cindy spent 3 months at Rocky Point, MX camping- enjoying the ocean, kayaking with dolphins, making new friends and memories and enjoying a few ”Cindaritas”. They traveled back and settled into the Knapp community, but Dave couldn’t sit still. He served on the Knapp town board, and also at the food pantry ordering supplies, organizing food deliveries, setting up, and helping out in anyway needed. Dave and Cindy enjoyed camping all over the US, their multiple pug babies and the wildlife around the yard. He was an accomplished hunter, fisherman, carpenter and gardener. Cindy and Dave canned or froze many of the fruits and vegetables from their garden. He could do pretty much anything he set his mind to.

David is survived by daughter, Michelle Henderson of Tennessee, son, Paul of Arizona; two granddaughters, Stacy and Leah; two grandsons, Jacob and David; and one great granddaughter, Isabella. He is further survived by his two brothers, Wayne Jr (Sue), Kenneth (Patty); two sisters, Lynda (Don) and Dawn (Gerry); two sisters in-law-Roberta “Bobbie” Volstad and Tammy (Tom) Giese. Dave and Cindy had a lot of fun with Tammy and Tom over the years. We can’t forget his best friend and companion - Princess. She ran the show and enjoyed the Pugmobile rides around town.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters Doris, Eva Jean, and Carol, nephew Joe, and brothers-in-law “Doc” and Avery.

There will be no service per his wishes. If you would like to donate to a cause in his name, he would appreciate the humane society or the Knapp food shelter. At a later date, in warmer weather, we will have an honor guard service.

Olson Funeral Home

You are invited to a live nativity scene in Downsville this Saturday from 10am to noon!

There will be actors playing Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, and an Inn Keeper--all gathered around Baby Jesus in the manger. There will be two friendly cows, three little goats, and a cute pug you can pet and get your picture taken with. We are hoping for a donkey and sheep so let Pastor Judy know if you are willing to bless us with a very tame animal in a fenced in area for two hours.

There will be Chrismas caroling and free refreshments.

A free will offering will be taken for Cairn House (Menomonie's Homeless Shelter.)

The nativity will be at the church parsonage across the street from Downsville Elementary. The address is N2675 457th St. Menomonie.

From the Facebook post.

Hessel receives Carl Whitaker Award from state professional association

By Abby Goers, UW-Stout

Menomonie, Wis. – For her creative and innovative contributions to the field of marriage and family therapy, University of Wisconsin-Stout Assistant Professor Heather Hessel received the Carl Whitaker Award from the Wisconsin Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, presented at WAMFT’s annual conference, held virtually Dec. 6-8.

Hessel, who has a background in IT, brings a fresh perspective to the interface of technology and clinical work and has made generative AI a part of her research to find out how it could benefit the work of therapists.

“The legacy of this award throughout the years, being received by multiple UW-Stout MFT leaders, speaks to the commitment of our program to the organization and field as a whole. Seeing our students thrive due to the dedication of our faculty and specifically, Heather, is an incredible gift to be part of and witness,” Associate Professor Candice Maier said.

The award is named for American physician and family therapist Carl Whitaker, one of the most influential and pioneering leaders in the field.

“The MFT program is delighted that Dr. Hessel was recognized for her achievements and innovation by WAMFT,” Program Director Kevin Hynes said. “Her insights into therapy and technology are invaluable to our students and the program. As her colleague, I am so thankful to have her at Stout and look forward to seeing what she does next.”

Ethically bringing AI into therapy

Hessel came to the therapy world as a second career. Before that, she spent more than 25 years in IT, working in the private, public and independent sectors, with several of those years overlapping her studies in marriage and family therapy.

When looking at what she wanted to contribute to the world in the second half of her life, she knew she wanted to engage with people in a new way – in the space of the therapy room, to have close connections with clients.

“The depth and richness in the therapist-client relationship is really meaningful to me,” she said. “Tangential to that – and as a result of my background in technology – I’ve also become interested in the intersection of therapy and artificial intelligence, which is relatively unexplored, but somewhat feared, by therapists.”

Hessel envisions a personal AI consultant who can confidentially and ethically analyze sessions to help therapists learn more about what they’re already doing in their sessions, how they can do it better and learn what blind spots they may have, she wrote in “Using AI to Be Better Therapists” in Psychotherapy Networker, the most widely read publication in the psychotherapy community.

In a Q&A with Psychotherapy Networker, Hessel stated that “people, therapists included, are unnerved about AI – about being replaced in their profession by chatbots, about ethical implications, thinking it could change the field or the way they work.

“It’s ok to be cautious and go slow. We want to be asking the right questions. But with any industry, when there’s such a progressive new technology available to all, why not see what it can be used for?” she asked.

“As lifelong learners, we want to continue to push ourselves and grow. I think that generative AI could have a role in that space and help people learn how to be better therapists,” she said.

In UW-Stout’s MFT newsletter’s fall edition of The Courier, Hessel’s article “Winter is coming? Artificial intelligence in the therapist’s office” shares preliminary ideas to help therapists prepare for what may be coming.

More recently, Hessel and Hynes evaluated the use of AI by therapists by applying the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics to potential scenarios, presenting their work at the WAMFT annual conference. Hessel said she was encouraged by the number of therapists interested in creatively exploring this area. 

As part of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, WAMFT’s mission is to represent and advance the profession and the practice of MFT and to improve the quality of life for individuals, couples, families and communities throughout Wisconsin by supporting the professional integrity, interests and development of therapists.

UW-Stout’s counseling, rehabilitation and human services department offers five master’s programs, including marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling and school psychology, as well as three undergraduate programs.

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. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.

From the Monday's Meal Facebook page.

Today, A Live Nativity 5 to 6 p.m.

During Monday’s Meal pickup

On Bongey Drive so everyone can see it!

From the Menomonie United Methodist Church Facebook page.

The Menomonie High School Science Olympiad varsity team took first place at the Boyceville Invitational on December 7th. The team finished ahead of two of the top teams from Minnesota including the 2024 State Championship team from Mounds View High School.

Top finishers for Menomonie were:

1st Place

Grant Burns and Amy Liu (Anatomy)

Luke Ray and Grant Burns (Dynamic Planet)

Luke Ray and Grant Burns (Geocaching)

2nd Place

Olivia Rubenzer and Ben Seguin (Forensics)

Ben Seguin and Briana Klimek (Forestry)

Ellie Beck and Madeline Horvath (Write-it do it)

3rd Place

Optics (Ethan Pax and Enzo Parent)

Horticulture (Brianna Klimek and Ellie Beck)

Forestry (Caylee Schaefer and Toni Fiorini)

4th Place

Helicopter (Tanner Husby and Cole Christenson)

Microbe Mission (Amy Liu and Grant Burns)

Information taken from the Menomonie High School announcements. Picture provided by Coach Jessie Weinberger.

November 20th meeting

The City Council set the tax levy at $7,899,490. The levy is the portion of a taxing entity's budget that must be funded by property taxes. This is a $254,490 increase over the 2024 tax levy. 

The City's valuation decreased by $30 million due to changes in personal property tax laws. As of January 1, 2024, businesses in Wisconsin are no longer subject to personal property tax due to the enactment of 2023 Wisconsin Act 12. This decrease in valuation will increase the tax rate even if the levy remains the same as last year.

The approved levy included a reduction in the subsidies given to area nonprofits. Prior to the vote on the tax levy, council member Gretchen Yonko made a motion to adjust the subsidy amounts to 2024 levels except for the Ludington Guard Band request, which would be the requested $12,000 (LGB received $20,000 in 2024). After much discussion, the motion failed.

The City’s budget for 2025 is $19,144,298, an increase of $489,777 from the 2024 budget. 

The Council approved the proposed development agreement with Fishin Magician, LLC, for improvements at 300 Crescent Street. The city adopted a project plan to finance certain costs for development in TID #19, where this property is located. The project plan includes a Facade Improvement Grant Program - where the developer can receive financial assistance for projects to renovate building fronts and exterior improvements - and a Cash Grants Program for developers. The project plan allows for reimbursement grants of 20% of eligible project costs, not to exceed $50,000. The eligible project costs at 300 Crescent Street are approximately $69,000.

In other business the Council:

• Approved the 2025-2027 Ridership Agreement with Dunn County Transit. DCT made a subsidy request to the City for approximately $25,000 per year for the past several years. With the City cutting subsidies to area nonprofits, the City proposed entering into a contract for specific services rendered. The City will pay DCT $6,985 once per quarter through the end of 2027. 

• Approved the proposed Downtown Menomonie Business Improvement District operating plan for 2025. 

December 2nd meeting

The Council approved the 2025 TID (Tax Increment District) budgets. Menomonie has seven active TIDs. TID #15 includes the downtown area, and the budget includes subsidies for the Mabel Tainter and Downtown Menomonie, Inc. The Mabel Tainter had made a subsidy request for $60,000 and Downtown Menomonie, Inc. for $25,000. These were the same amounts these two organizations received from the City in 2024. In the proposed budget, these amounts were reduced by 25%.

Council member Cody Gentz made a motion to approve the budget with subsidies funded at the requested amount. The motion failed. Council member Matthew Crowe then made a motion to approve the TID budgets, with Downtown Menomonie, Inc. receiving $25,000 and the Mabel Tainter $45,000. This motion passed.

The Council approved the Wakanda Waterpark fee schedule. The daily admission fee will increase by $1, family passes by $20, and youth, adult, and senior passes by $10. With the increased fee, lifeguard wages will be increased, and the waterpark hours will be expanded. 

In other business the Council:

• Approved the 2025 Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste and Storm Water Utility Budgets as presented. 

• Approved the 2025 Construction Fund Budget.

• Approved the land lease agreement with Christmas Miracle, Inc.

• Approved increases to the solid waste site fees effective January 1, 2025. 

• Approved the expenditure of $5,483.22 in ARPA funds to help cover the cost of a refurbished ambulance.

Menomonie High School held a signing day ceremony on December 4th as two Mustangs signed letters of intent to play D1 college football.

Isaac Ellison will be playing offense for the North Dakota State Bison. North Dakota State is located in Fargo. Brody Thornton will be playing defense for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks. The University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks. Both schools play in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Isaac is the son of Jason and Tera Ellison. Brody is the son of Dolly and Brad Thornton.

You can find coverage of the ceremony on WQOW. Note that there are two clips available to watch.

Photo taken from the Menomonie High School Activities X account.

The Menomonie Recreation Department's Winter/Spring brochure is out. Registration will begin on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 8:00am. Registration can be done online or at the Recreation Department office at the Leisure Services Center, 1412 6th Street.

You can find the brochure HERE.