University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension educators from Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire Counties have announced a collaborative regional event designed to break down professional silos and address the complex challenges facing the Chippewa Valley. The "2026 Partnership Summit: Building a Unified Strategy" will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Market on River in Chippewa Falls. The summit aims to move beyond emergency response and toward a long-term, coordi

Parallel B.F.A., B.S. programs produce career-ready grads who create award-winning games By Tom Giffey, UW-Stout Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout’s game design programs continue to climb in the rankings among their peers around the nation, rising to No. 6 in the Midwest and No. 17 among all public universities in the United States, according to the latest figures published by Animation Career Review. UW-Stout held steady on another Animation Career Review leade

This 1-week, 1-credit course explores divergent and convergent thinking strategies while introducing philosophies of creativity across disciplines. Through morning and afternoon sessions, students engage in individual and group activities that build toward a final creative challenge—featuring writing, drawing, juggling,* and other interactive exercises. This course is open to degree-seeking university students, professionals seeking strategies to improve workplace problem-sol

Congratulations to last nights Hornet make up feature winner, Boyceville, Wisconsin's 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐬! Top 3: Preston Coombs - Boyceville, Wisconsin Riley Sopiarz - Cadott, Wisconsin Jaylen Richardson - Chetek, Wisconsin Congratulations to last nights Hornet feature winner, Cadott, Wisconsin's 𝐉𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 on Celebrate Local Racing Night presented by Rice Lake Speedway and Thunder Hill Speedway! Top 3: Jon Parish - Cadott, Wisconsin Jody Halterman - Stanley

Irene Wagner, age 94 years, passed away on May 9, 2026 at Colfax Assisted Living Center in Colfax, WI. Irene was born to Mathias and Eva Lauchart on April 27, 1932 in Milwaukee, WI. She was loving sister to Dale, Herman, and Elizabeth. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Edward A. Wagner, her son Stephen J. Kissler, multiple relatives and friends, as well as her ex-husband Albert K. Kissler. She is survived by her daughter Sandra L. (Frank) Poska, and her grandson Fran

Minnesota State University, Mankato awarded 2,917 degrees to 2,463 students at the end of the spring 2026 semester. Commencement ceremonies were held Friday, May 8 at 3 p.m. for the College of Business and at 6 p.m. for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Commencement ceremonies were held Saturday, May 9 at 9 a.m. for the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, at 12 p.m. for the College of Education and at 3 p.m. for the College of Allied Health and Nu

David Leroy O’Connell, age 63, of Menomonie, WI, passed away on May 13, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 2, 1963, to Theresa (Asher) O’Connell and Francis “Dempsey” O’Connell and was raised in Boyceville, WI. David was hard worker, taking pride in a job well done, his lifelong career was fixing things~ He worked as a vegetable harvester technician for Pixall in Clear Lake, WI before becoming an HVAC technician, and later a boiler operator at UW–Stout. D

The Menomonie city-wide garage sales are this weekend - May 14th through May 16th. Maps are available HERE. Reminder: UW-Stout graduation ceremonies are this weekend. There are three ceremonies on Saturday, May 16th: 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:00 pm. Over 1,000 students are set to graduate. Wakanda Park has changed significantly over the past few years, and now there’s a new map to help visitors explore it all! Eight pickleball courts, a tennis court, and a full-size basketball

Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Edith “Edie” Hagen, who passed away on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at the age of 91 years at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire, WI. Edie was born March 30, 1935, in Howards Grove, WI. To George and Helen (Hagen) Hoffman. On September 20th, 1958, Edie married Allen Hagen in Glenwood City, WI, and together raised 4 children. She found immense joy spending time with children, grandchildren, and great-grand

TranscenDance 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month starting June 2 and going thru Dec 15 6:30-8:00pm at Family Learning Center, 523 Cedar Ave E, Menomonie A combination of moving meditation, soul-stirring music, self-expression, and sweat. Dance for around 50 min. in a free-form style that makes room for every person to respond in their own way…yoga, walking meditation, vocalizing, internal exploration, playful partnering; everyone making room for everyone else. The only expecta