Bonnie J. Thurnbeck, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2026. Born on April 29, 1948, in Menomonie, Wisconsin to Wilbur and Hazel (Welch) Hake. Bonnie graduated from Menomonie High School in 1966 and later completed vocational training, earning her medic (EMT) certification—an accomplishment that shaped much of her life’s work. Bonnie devoted many years to the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond, Wisconsin, where she held several roles but was best kno

Students share the majesty of English Theater in a photo essay By Abby Goers, UW-Stout Menomonie, Wis. Quick! How many Shakespeare plays can you name off the top of your head? Can you name all 38 of them? Probably not. And hey, that’s OK. (As long as you didn’t miss “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” and that Scottish play. Shhh… Don’t say its name.) For two weeks in January, 13 University of Wisconsin-Stout students step into the world of the Bard, experiencing city life by day

Catch up on the latest local podcasts: Chamber Chatter The Menom Podcast Coffee at the Cottage Menomonie Talk Infinite Rabbit Hole Arbor on the Air Boys and Girls Club Podcast And a new one... Blue Devils Unscripted See what's happening at the Menomonie Public Library! Check out their February Newsletter . The Caring Closet will be open on Saturday, February 7th from 10 am - noon. It is located in the basement of New Life Nazarene Church 1002 8th St Menomonie. Donations are w

The Menomonie Varsity Dance Team is officially State Bound, and their journey there has been nothing short of remarkable. Through months of hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one another, the team secured its place at the WACPC State Dance Competition following a strong regular season showing. Most recently, the team earned 3rd Place Overall at the Big Rivers Conference Competition, followed by an impressive performance at Regionals with a 4th Place fini

Brittany Andrews / submitted photo Dunn County has filled a key administration position by hiring Brittany Andrews as its new Chief Financial Officer. “Brittany is a collaborative leader with a demonstrated ability to manage projects, navigate challenges, and work effectively across teams in both private-sector and nonprofit settings,” said Dunn County Manager Dan Dunbar. “Her approach will strengthen our administrative team.” A Menomonie native, Andrews brings a strong bac

There is a lot happening with Dunn County 4-H! It has been a busy month for our 4-H Youth. First, they had a chance to shine at UW-Stout 4-H STEM Days when they made Lithophane Light Boxes. The instructors at UW-Stout’s “Fab Lab” demonstrated to the group how to 3D print photographs and laser cut wood pieces to make their boxes. Plus, they gave the 4-H’ers a chance to do some soldering on their own. Dunn County 4-H youth showcasing their lithophane boxes made during UW-Sto

Jeffery Wayne Stratton, age 60, of Menomonie, WI, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He was born on April 26, 1965, in Menomonie, WI to DuWayne Stratton and Mary Lou (O’Connell) Stratton. Jeff was the oldest of their three children. At age 17, Jeff began working for Lyn and Geri Wendt on their farm. Over the years, he wore many hats—farmer, milk truck driver, dump truck driver, snowplow operator—and he spent countless hours in the shop repairing anything that needed fi

Ronald (Ron) George Hetrick, age 80, passed away on February 3rd, 2026 at Marshfield Hospital Eau Claire with his children by his side. Ron was born on December 6th, 1945 in Plum City, WI. He grew up in the Pepin and Plum City WI area. On September 28th, 1968 he married Marjorie James. They started their family in Amery WI, then moved to Knapp, WI before settling in Boyceville, WI. Ron started out delivering fuel oil before going into construction. The last 31 years before he

The Dunn County Fair may still be a few months away, but planning is already underway. From the midway rides to the summer fair energy, here’s what to know as we get ready. Purchasing details will be shared closer to the fair. Fair Admission - $5 per person - $15 season pass per person - Free for kids 6 and under - Free parking Carnival Pricing - $75 Megaband Wristband when Purchased in Advance - $90 Mega Wristband when purchased at the ticket box - $30 Daily Wristband

Our UW-Stout Campus Advocate is back on campus! Their regular office hours (Mon - Thurs 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. and Fri 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) are held in room 74J (lower level) in Harvey Hall. From The Bridge to Hope Facebook page .