Menomonie Minute

By Chad Zutter - Sports Reporter

Chippewa Falls, WI - The Chippewa Falls Cardinals took an 8-0 lead just 50 seconds into the Big Rivers Conference season finale with a 2-yard touchdown scamper by senior running back Jackson LeMay en route to a 35-7 victory at Dorais field. 

Chippewa Falls led 21-0 at halftime after senior quarterback Noah Potter found junior Jalyn Smith for a 22-yard strike with under a minute remaining. The Mustangs offense struggled to move the ball against the Cardinals defense, running just a handful of plays on the Cardinals side of the field in the first half and only moving the chain twice. Menomonie finished with just 144 yards of total offense as the Chippewa Falls defense flexed their muscles with 11 tackles for loss, including three sacks. 

On the flip side, the Cardinals ground game was spectacular averaging 8.7 yards per carry and totaling 407 yards. 

The lone Mustangs touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter as the senior connection of Brady Johnson and Issac Ellison connected from 36 yards out for the 11th time this season. 

Both teams struggled with penalties. The Cardinals were flagged eight times for nearly 100 yards, while the Mustangs were penalized six times, with one being declined, for 30 yards. 

LeMay left the game in the second quarter with a leg injury. Sophomore DJ Butler left the game in the second quarter with an injury. 

Menomonie obtained the #6 seed in the WIAA Division 2 playoffs and will travel to Monona Grove for a Level 1 matchup. Chippewa Falls received a #5 seed in the WIAA Division 1 playoffs and will travel to Middleton for their Level 1 matchup. 

Visit the WIAA website - https://www.wiaawi.org/Sports/Fall/Football/Tournament - to view all WIAA football playoff brackets. 

Scoring Summary & Box Score

1st Quarter

CF - 3 yd run LeMay (LeMay run), 11:10

2nd Quarter

CF - 8 yd run Bohland (Erickson kick), 7:36

CF - Smith 22 yd pass from Potter (kick blocked), 0:56 

3rd Quarter

No scoring

4th Quarter

CF- 56 yd run Daken (Erickson kick), 10:34

CF - 28 yd run Bohland (Erickson kick), 10:23

M - Ellison 36 yd pass from Johnson (Zydowsky kick), 8:25

Individual Stats

RUSHING (att-yds) – Menomonie: Higbie (9-26), Butler (2-3), Weir (3-8), Hoff (2-0), Ellison (1-16), Johnson (3-(-37)); Totals (20-16) / Chippewa Falls: Bohland (17-129), LeMay (8-60), Daken (6-150),  Hebert (5-49), Krista (2-0), Potter (4-5), Clary (1-3), King (2-9), Behnke (2-2); Totals (47-407)

PASSING (comp-att-td-int-yds) – Menomonie: Johnson (11-18-1-1-127) / Chippewa Falls: Potter (3-8-1-0-55)

RECEIVING (rec-yds) – Menomonie: Ellison (6-99), Mikesell (1-22), Butler (1-0), Higbie (1-8), Hoff (1-5), Weir (1-(7)); Totals (11-127) / Chippewa Falls: Hebert (2-33), Smith (1-22); Totals (3-55)

1ST DOWNS: Menomonie: 6 / Chippewa Falls: 17

3RD DOWN CONV: Menomonie: 2-9 / Chippewa Falls: 7-13

4TH DOWN CONV: Menomonie: 0-0 / Chippewa Falls: 1-1 

TURNOVERS: Menomonie: INT - 1, FUM - 1 / Chippewa Falls: INT - 0, FUM - 0

PENALTIES: Menomonie: 5-30 / Chippewa Falls: 8-85

Game Notes:

• Before tonight, Chippewa Fall last defeated Menomonie on November 6th, 2015, by a score of 17-6 in Level 3 of Division 2 playoffs. 

• Since 1895: Menomonie leads the matchup 59-48-2*

• Menomonie Coach Mike Sinz is 3-1 vs the Chippewa Falls Cardinals. His overall coaching record is 53-54; Menomonie 26-16 (2021-current), Eau Claire Memorial 17-20 (2017-2020), Mondovi 10-18 (2014-2016) 

• Chippewa Falls Coach Chuck Raycovich is in his 51st season as a varsity football coach. He ranks 6th in WIAA history, having coached 468 games with an overall record of 274-194

• Records: Menomonie 5-4 (3-4 BRC) / Chippewa Falls 6-3 (4-3 BRC)

Sources

*Wissports.net - https://www.wissports.net/footballrivalries

Man shares suicide attempt experience to educate others

By Alyssa Van Duyse, Chippewa Valley Technical College

Matt Stevenson knows that his story is tough to hear. He also knows it’s worth telling.

If he can reduce the stigma of suicide and save just one life by educating people about the signs of suicide, it’s worth reliving the moments he almost lost his life to suicide, he said.

Stevenson, 33, a nursing program student at Chippewa Valley Technical College, is sharing his story of depression, thoughts of suicide and attempted suicide to highlight awareness during Suicide Prevention Month.

“We can talk about statistics until we’re blue in the face. It doesn’t hit home until you hear somebody say it,” Stevenson said. “If I say, ‘Hey, these are some things I’ve experienced,’ it definitely hits home a little bit more.”

Depression

Stevenson was a typical kid by all standards. He grew up in a loving home in Menomonie, was a three-sport athlete and had many friends.

But depression and suicidal thoughts don’t discriminate.

In eighth grade, Stevenson began to experience depression and suicidal ideation. That was the first time he contemplated suicide.

“I eventually told a friend what I was thinking. She told her mom, and then counselors got involved,” he said. “I was self-harming. I was hitting myself.”

School counselors followed up with Stevenson. The depression he was experiencing subsided until his sophomore year of high school in 2007.

The depression came back with a vengeance.

He was under the pressure of school and sports, shaking off an unwanted nickname and a long winter.

“It was kind of an accumulating storm,” Stevenson said. “It was the end of December when I started to contemplate suicide. I came up with a date and a plan.”

The plan was pushed up and set into motion on January 9, 2007, when an impromptu sports meeting didn’t go as planned. It was just one more brick on the teetering pile in Stevenson’s mind.

“I started breaking down right in the middle of the gym, and I turned to my best friend, and I said, ‘Tell people to remember me,’” Stevenson recalled. “He didn’t understand what I was saying. He grabbed my arm, and I said, ‘No. I have to do this.’”

That’s when Stevenson ripped his arm away from his friend’s grip, got into his car and drove home.

“The last thing I remember was laying on the ground thinking of a previous friend who had completed suicide. I thought about what his funeral was like and about his family at the funeral,” he said. “Then I woke up in the hospital … with my jaw wired shut.”

Stevenson can look back on that time with a clearer view. He didn’t want to die, but he didn’t know how to manage the depression, anxiety and the blanket of physical pain that comes with those ailments, he said. He wanted the pain to stop.

After his suicide attempt, he began seeing a counselor. He learned coping skills, identified his support system and is utilizing medication to treat depression and anxiety.

Stevenson said he knows mental health is something he will struggle with, likely his whole life. But he has tools to better identify when he is struggling and then a plan in place to help.

CVTC Nursing Instructor Dawn Barone said she learned of Stevenson’s experience only a few weeks ago. She might never have known, except Stevenson was comfortable enough with Barone to tell his story.

“I am just so proud of Matt,” she said. “Though I know that he will always be challenged by his past, he is passionate about helping to support others when they are challenged as well. While knowing a bit about Matt's history adds to my pride in him as a student and future nurse, it is clear that there is so much more to his nursing journey, and I know he will have a great future in nursing wherever he goes.”

Working through the rigorous nursing program at CVTC can be a source of stress for Stevenson, but he said it also keeps him on track and working toward his ultimate goal of becoming a nurse.

“I’m gonna have my good days. I’m gonna have my bad days. Just knowing that and being able to utilize some of those coping skills – it’s second nature to be able to apply those skills now,” he said.

His passion for helping others, coupled with his first-hand experience with suicide ideation, makes him a compassionate source to educate others.

“I want people not to be afraid to ask (if someone is thinking about suicide),” he said. “Just don’t be afraid to ask. I was losing interest in things. I stopped playing hockey. Even if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask because the worst they are going to say is ‘no.’”

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, text the Crisis Text Line HELLO to 741741; call, text or chat Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988; or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

September 23rd

October 14th

On October 10th, United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys held its annual Day of Caring, uniting teams of volunteers for a day of service and community impact. The event kicked off at Bills Distributing, where volunteers enjoyed breakfast and inspiring speeches before heading out to various nonprofit projects across the region.  

This year’s Day of Caring involved 14 distinct projects, with volunteers dedicating their time and energy to support local nonprofits. Activities included painting, organizing resources, creating storage solutions, pulling weeds, trimming perennials, polishing wood, landscaping, and assembling packets for hurricane victims. Each project was an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community.  

"We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from our volunteers and sponsors,” said Steve McCarthy, United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys’ Executive Director. “The Day of Caring exemplifies the spirit of giving and collaboration that strengthens our communities.”  

A Special Thank You to the Day of Caring Sponsors:  

Platinum Sponsor  

• Bill’s Distributing  

Gold Sponsors  

• Dairy State Bank  

• Ellsworth Creamery  

Silver Sponsors  

• The Insurance Center  

• 3M  

• Security Financial Bank  

In-Kind Donors  

• Walmart Distribution Center  

• Kwik Trip  

• Dick’s Fresh Market  

• Big Dot of Happiness  

The Day of Caring Committee, comprised of dedicated community members, also played a vital role in organizing this impactful event. Special thanks to Cathy Asher (Security Financial Bank), Luisa Gerasimo (UW Extension Dunn County), Shanda Henning (School District of the Menomonie Area), Steve McCarthy (UW Valleys) Jenalee Nutter (Dunn County), Shellee Pechmiller (Bill’s Distributing), and Sarah Weiske (UW Valleys).  

“The success of the Day of Caring reflects the strength of our community and the commitment of individuals and businesses to support one another,” McCarthy noted. “Together, we are building a brighter future for all residents in the St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys.”

For more information about United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys, please visit uwvalleys.org.

Submitted article.

Markquart Menomonie is excited to announce the return of its annual Trunk or Treat event, scheduled for Monday, October 21st, 2024. Families and community members of all ages are invited to put on their favorite costumes and join us for an evening filled with Halloween fun!

Local businesses and organizations will be decorating over a dozen vehicles, and each "trunker" will have a stash of various goodies to share. This FREE event promises fun for the whole family, including a spooky adventure in the Creepy Camper and available delicious meals or snacks from local food trucks.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, October 21st, 2024

Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Location: Markquart Menomonie - 531 Oak Ave W. Menomonie, WI.

Parking: Plenty of parking will be available. Look for signage and Markquart team members who will be on-site to direct traffic smoothly.

The event will be held primarily indoors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Participating Organizations: Big Ash Pizza, Bill's Distributing, Clear Connection Chiropractic, Culver’s, Dunn County 4-H, Dunn County Humane Society, Flippin Good, McDonald's, Menomonie Fire Department, Menomonie Market Food Co-op, Menomonie Police Department, Reindeer Acres/Western Wisconsin Trimlight, Royal Credit Union, and Stepping Stones of Dunn County

For the latest updates, follow the Trunk or Treat 2024 – Markquart Menomonie event on Facebook.

Submitted article.

Funding will support readiness for small-, medium-size manufacturers along with students through AI-powered training

By Jerry Poling, UW-Stout

In the U.S., 50% of small- and medium-size manufacturers lack basic cybersecurity controls. It’s a major national concern for those companies that work with the U.S. Department of Defense.

A valuable new resource, thanks to a $124,555 federal grant awarded to University of Wisconsin-Stout, will help. The 12-month award for 2025 from the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy will create ACCESS — the AI-Powered Cloud CMMC and Education Support System.

CMMC — cybersecurity maturity model certification — is a Department of Defense program beginning in 2025 that will help businesses guard against cybersecurity threats. It will require defense supply chain partners that handle sensitive unclassified information to meet stringent cybersecurity standards.

“This is a timely and critical project, as we are addressing the increasing demand for cybersecurity workforce development in the supply chain. The initiative will integrate AI and machine learning in a cloud environment to support CMMC compliance and training,” said Professor Holly Yuan, principal investigator and project lead.

The certificate program also will strengthen career opportunities and industry workforce readiness for UW-Stout cybersecurity; and computer networking and infrastructure engineering majors, prospective students and professionals in the field.

ACCESS to cybersecurity solutions

ACCESS will seek to streamline the complex process of meeting CMMC standards.

Training and support through workshops and AI-powered tools will “help manufacturers navigate the often-overwhelming cybersecurity landscape,” Yuan said.

“This initiative will not only help defense suppliers understand CMMC compliance but also enhance cybersecurity training through partnerships with community colleges and industry leaders.”

Yuan will lead development of a network prototype that simulates a manufacturing system, incorporating cloud service providers, headquarters, branch offices and teleworkers.

The prototype will provide scenarios for different CMMC levels that simulate threats. Participants will learn how AI, machine learning — an aspect of AI that involves pulling information from data and automatically learning from it — and cloud technologies enhance cybersecurity compliance.

To streamline CMMC requirements, Yuan plans to build an ACCESS AI bot powered by a large language model to automate compliance tasks, provide real-time guidance, and simplify complex regulatory processes for defense contractors.

The certificate training program will be integrated as part of the Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity curriculum at UW-Stout, which has rapidly grown since its launch in 2022 to more than 130 students. The program aims to expand its role in equipping students with cutting-edge, hands-on AI and cybersecurity compliance skills.

“Through ACCESS, we are equipping manufacturers with the tools to understand and meet CMMC compliance, strengthen their security posture and protect sensitive data. Simultaneously, we are preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to lead in this increasingly critical field,” Yuan said.

Students from the cybersecurity and computer networking programs will be engaged as researchers for ACCESS project, like with a previous Department of Defense grant-funded project, Smart Manufacturing with 5G and Machine Learning.

Yuan noted that a $299,000 grant in 2023 for a cybersecurity student internship program with state employers, through the Department of Workforce Development, has been extended for a second year. Ten companies are participating.

Grant application and management at UW-Stout is coordinated through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

National Center for cyber defense

UW-Stout’s 2017-22 designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity for Cyber Defense was recently renewed through the 2028 academic year by the National Security Agency.

UW-Stout was the first four-year university in the state to receive the honor. Only about 4% of schools in the U.S. earn the designation.

The computer networking and infrastructure engineering program is the only such program in the state to receive the national Center of Academic Excellence Program of Study honor.

Along with the cybersecurity and CNIE majors, UW-Stout has programs in computer science; and applied mathematics and computer science.

The week of Oct. 14-19 has been declared Cybersecurity Career Week by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

“There is a high demand for a talented cybersecurity workforce,” NIST said, noting that the U.S. Department of Labor predicts information technology and cybersecurity “will be among the fastest growing and best-paying jobs over the next decade.”

UW-Stout 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

Bring your friends and your brain for a night of Trivia in the Spirit Room. Grab a seat, sip a cocktail, and test your wits for the chance to win prizes!

From the Facebook event page.

Call 715-235-0954 to make an appointment!!

From the Shirley Doane Senior Center Facebook page.

Check out our new weekly feature: Behind the Badge Fridays!

Our first post is about Ordinance: (4-6-3) Parking Standards

The parking of any motor vehicle within the front yard or street side yard shall be on a driveway or parking pad.

Why?

1.) Vehicles are heavy! Parking them on the grass can put extra weight on water or sewage pipes. This can cause the pipes to burst!

2.) Parking on the grass can cause groundwater issues! This happens when fluids from the vehicle leak onto the grass and seep into the ground.

3.) In the right conditions, it can start a grass fire.

For more information on City of Menomonie ordinances, click HERE.

From the Menomonie Police Department Facebook page.