Menomonie Minute

Jones presented with lodging industry award for exceptional education to 'nurturing next generation' of professionals

By Bill Elliot, Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association

The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) has named UW-Stout hospitality professor Jay Jones as the 2024 Educator of the Year. This prestigious award, recognizing exceptional dedication to nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals, was presented at the 2024 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show held at Kalahari Resorts Wisconsin Dells on November 4.

Jones' selection for this honor underscores his significant contributions to hospitality education and his commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the industry. His work at UW-Stout has been instrumental in shaping the future of leaders of Wisconsin’s lodging industry, reflecting the high standards of excellence that WHLA seeks to promote within the field.

As a UW-Stout professor, Jones has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in his teaching methods, significantly impacting the next generation of hospitality professionals. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his ability to engage students effectively, fostering an environment that encourages both academic and personal growth.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Jones serves as the advisor for the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) student chapter at UW-Stout. Under his guidance, students in leadership positions have thrived, developing essential skills for their future careers. He is also a strong supporter of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, actively encouraging student involvement in the organization and effectively bridging the gap between academic learning and industry participation.

“Jay’s dedication to education, industry expertise, and genuine care for his students' success exemplify the qualities celebrated by this award,” said Bill Elliott, President & CEO of WHLA. He continued, “This recognition of Educator of the Year underscores the importance of passionate educators in driving progress and innovation within the hospitality field, ensuring that Wisconsin remains a leader in tourism and hospitality education.”

The 2024 Educator of the Year award was presented by Dr. Lynea LaVoy, the 2023 Educator of the Year from Madison College.

About WHLA

WHLA is a nonprofit trade association representing hotel and lodging properties in the state of Wisconsin. Established in 1896, WHLA represents all sizes and types of lodging properties throughout the state, providing valued industry services that include marketing, legislative representation, industry education and resources in addition to a legal assistance program. At the federal level, WHLA is proud to partner with the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Sam Weaver is a guitarist and songwriter from Eau Claire Wisconsin. Combining Blues, Country, Rock n' Roll, Swing, and Soul influences, he produces a compelling brew of Americana music.

From the Facebook event page.

Join us for a night filled with epic nerf battles, obstacle courses, and open war play.

Must pre registered spots are limited to 20 participants. https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regevent.asp?xID=7121715&orgid=511465&PortalSession=

Bring your nerf blasters- standard ones that shoot standard bullets only. Please leave other bullets at home. We will provide eyewear and bullets.

Register HERE.

From the Facebook event Page.

Blue Devils Productions is hosting a free music event on Thursday, December 5th at 8:00 pm. Enjoy in person at the Great Hall at UW Stout. Indie Rock artists The Dead Century will be performing.

Come vibe to some fun music with your friends or get homework done! This is the last music event of the semester so you don't want to miss it!

From the Blue Devil Productions Facebook page.

Come for the good music and stay for the drinks.

From the Facebook event page.

Christmas Miracle is once again helping to provide Christmas gifts for area families. The application as well as information about how you can donate can be found on the Christmas Miracle website.

Stop by the Chamber Office (1125 N Broadway St., Suite 3) and purchase your Holiday Raffle ticket for a chance to win over $4,000 in Chamber Checks. Drawings start December 2nd.

The Rec. Department needs swim instructors so they can offer swim lessons this winter. For questions or to apply, email Kimberly at [email protected] or call them at 715-232-1664. Lessons are Tuesday evenings in January & February. From the Menomonie Parks and Rec Facebook page.

The StoryWalk at Lakeside Park has a new sign! From the Menomonie Public Library Facebook page.

If you happen to go see the new movie "Wicked", note that the woman that plays Nessarose (Elphaba's sister) is from Mazomanie, Wisconsin (located near Madison).

Marissa Bode is the first actress to play Nessarose that actually uses a wheelchair in real life.

The Caring Closet will be open Saturday, November 30th from 10am-12pm, Monday, December 4th from 5pm-7pm, and Thursday, December 7th from 10am-12pm). They are located in the basement of the New Life Church of the Nazarene at 1002 8th Street. From the Menomonie Caring Closet Facebook page.

Two stars of the MTG's upcoming production of Annie made an appearance on WEAU recently. You can watch the clip HERE.

From the Dunn County Facebook page.

Do you know a young person with amazing taste in books and a desire to share their favorites with the community? Encourage them to be a Junior Librarian. Each month a child will be chosen and their books will be displayed along with a photo and their name. This new program is looking for its very first applicants! Come into the library to pick up a form and let's fill 2025 with wonderful displays designed by kids for kids.

From the Menomonie Public Library Facebook page.

From the City of Menomonie Facebook page: Great News! Our Online Payment Portal is Back Online! You can now easily manage your payments from the comfort of your home! By creating an account through the link below, you can quickly and securely pay for - Utility Bills, Building Permits, Animal Licenses, Parking Permits, Business Licenses. Click HERE to get started.

Check out the latest episodes of the local podcast 'Coffee at the Cottage' HERE.

30 years ago...

This is going to be a special one! Cap’n Seabeard and Freezer Jam are gonna get loud and rowdy at the Abbey.

From the Facebook event page.

Menomonie Chapter DD of the Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood (P.E.O.) recently presented a donation to the Community Foundation of Dunn County for the Shop with a Cop program. Chapter DD Sisterhood has traditionally supported good causes in the Menomonie community as a Christmas project and is gratified to acknowledge the laudable work the Shop with a Cop program does as its project this year.  Helping children and families in need and promoting positive engagements with law enforcement are vital causes the Sisterhood applauds and encourages.

Submitted article.

By Chad Zutter, Sports Reporter

Seniors Issac Ellison (Wide Receiver) and Brody Thornton (Outside Linebacker and Tight End) were selected as BRC first-team all-conference. 

Ellison was tied for the conference lead with Aiden Eckert (New Richmond), as both hauled in 31 receptions. Ellison finished the season with 412 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, in conference play. In all 10 games, Ellison caught 54 passes for 855 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

On the defensive side of the field, Brody Thornton was second in conference with 11 tackles for loss and also forced two fumbles in BRC play. Offensively, Thornton finished with 24 catches for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was also a big part of the Mustangs running game as a blocking tight end. Thornton was the only player in the conference selected to the All-BRC first-team on both sides of the football. 

The other Mustangs honored were senior Ben Helminksi (2nd Team - Offensive Line), senior Reid Cegielski (2nd Team - Defensive Line), senior Cage Sorenson (2nd Team - Linebacker & Punter), senior Brady Johnson (Honorable Mention - Quarterback), senior John Higbie (Honorable Mention - Running Back), senior Ray Pember (Honorable Mention - Defensive Back) and junior Luke Pember (Honorable Mention - Linebacker).

The Menomonie Mustangs had five athletes selected to the 2024 Big Rivers All-Conference boys cross country team. Earning all-conference honors were, left to right: Junior Luke Ray (honorable mention), Freshman Logan Topper (2nd team), Sophomore Owen Pelzel (2nd team), Sophomore Evan Olson (2nd team), and Senior Peter Cimino (2nd team).

These young men led the team to a second-place sectional finish which earned them a trip to state where they finished 15th. Congratulations on a great season!