Menomonie Minute

EAU CLAIRE, Wis.- (December 3, 2024) – Xcel Energy has filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to acquire, build and operate the Elk Creek Solar and Energy Storage Project located in the Town of Spring Brook in Dunn County. The project is currently owned by Tyr Energy Development Renewables, LLC (TED Renewables). If approved, this acquisition would mark a significant expansion in the solar energy delivered to Xcel Energy customers in the Upper Midwest.

Once operational, the Elk Creek Solar and Energy Storage Project will combine a 300-megawatt solar generating system with a 76.6-megawatt battery electric storage system – the first utility scale solar and battery project owned by Xcel Energy in Wisconsin. Adding battery energy storage to the electric grid provides flexibility to offer energy for use at times when generation is not otherwise available.

The Elk Creek project is expected to generate an estimated $1.6 million in annual payments to local units of government. In addition, the project will create about 300 jobs during the construction process.

 “We are excited to move forward with the Elk Creek project which will use advanced solar and battery storage technologies to serve our customers,” said Karl Hoesly, president, Xcel Energy – Wisconsin and Michigan.

 “TED Renewables is proud to be partnered with Xcel Energy and excited to see the Elk Creek project added to their renewable energy generation portfolio,” said Robert Shanklin, president and CEO of TED, “and we are deeply appreciative for the ongoing support from Elk Mound Area School District, the town of Spring Brook, and Dunn County. We look forward to seeing the project become operational in the next couple of years.”

Project Timeline:

October 2023: TED obtained Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

November 2024: NSPW applied for a Certificate of Authority from the PSCW to acquire the project from TED Renewables.

Fall 2026: If approved, begin construction

Fall 2028: Project completion

Learn more about the project - https://www.elkcreeksolarproject.com/about-us

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. With its Wisconsin and Michigan headquarters in Eau Claire, Wis., the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit www.xcelenergy.com or follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook.

About Tyr Energy Development Renewables, LLC (TED Renewables)

TED Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tyr Energy, Inc., is a utility-scale project developer with a significant pipeline of projects across multiple U.S. markets. TED Renewables’ mission is to be a committed developer of clean, low carbon power generation assets recognized and respected for the creativity and integrity of our staff, the success of our business and the quality of our projects. TED Renewables brings value through a creditworthy, committed parent and investment partners, coupled with experienced and disciplined focus on target markets, customers and assets consistent with our growth strategy. TED Renewables is based in Overland Park, KS. For more information about TED Renewables, visit www.tedrenewables.com

From the Dunn County Facebook page.

University of Wisconsin Madison – Division of Extension educators will be offering an online six-session lunch  and learn opportunity this winter designed specifically on finding the good. Beginning Thursday, January 16,  the sessions will meet from noon to 1:00 PM, each Thursday through February 20th, 2025.  

WeCOPE is an evidence-based program that helps adults cope with life stress by connecting with positive  emotions. This program has been shown to increase positive feelings, reduce stress, and improve health  behaviors in randomized trials. 

WeCOPE is based on the work of Dr. Judith Moskowitz, whose research shows that even in the context of  serious life stress, positive emotions can and do occur and these emotions have positive adaptive  consequences. The course includes simple assignments for participants to complete between sessions.  Materials and the class are free thanks to SAMHSA ROTA Grant #1H79TI083277-01. 

This class can be found by scrolling to the state class listing on the UW Extension Health and Wellbeing page,  or by using this link. Materials can be picked up in Eau Claire or Dunn County’s Extension Office. Details,  including the Zoom link, will be provided in an email before the class starts. 

For more information, feel free to reach out to Extension Dunn County’s Human Development and  Relationships Educator, Luisa Gerasimo via phone or email: 715-232-1636, [email protected].

Media release.

December Pop-Up Pantry Schedule

Location addresses can be found here: https://www.steppingstonesdc.org/food-pantry-program

Help support the 600 individuals using the pop-up pantry by making a donation: https://www.steppingstonesdc.org/how-you-can-help

From the Stepping Stones of Dunn County Facebook page.

From the Grandpa Joe's Trailside Facebook page.

***URGENT NOTICE!***

Santa contacted the Village of Knapp and told us there are some GOOD kids on his list! But he needs to hear from you so he knows to come visit you on Christmas.

Drop your letters in the box located at the East Pond Entrance and Santa's Elves will AIR MAIL your letters right away! You may even get a reply, if Santa isn't too busy.

Be sure to include your Name, Age & Mailing Address! Santa loves to hear about your favorite things about Christmas  

Please Spread the word and come see the beautiful lights!

And join us at the Knapp Tree Lighting on SATURDAY!!

Come play our student-created games from the UW Stout Game Design and Computer Science programs! Test and play tabletop games and video games from sophomores through seniors all in one place.

Games will be located throughout the great hall and ballrooms and are open to the public. Content is kept appropriate for all ages.

From the Facebook event page.

From the Menomonie Moose Lodge Facebook page.

The Mitten Tree is now up at the Dunn County Judicial Center in memory of Hon. Donna Muza, who believed that "No child's hands should ever be cold."

Judge Muza’s family and Judge Stewart’s wife lovingly make the mittens and continue the tradition of putting up this special tree.

If you or someone you know needs a hat or mittens, please feel welcome to take a pair.

From the Dunn County, WI Facebook page.