Experiments spark curiosity, students share processes in photo essay By Abby Goers, UW-Stout Menomonie, Wis. – The first snowfall of the season blankets the grass and clings to pine boughs. Walking through campus, winter arrives early as the ground turns white. But inside a Jarvis Hall Science Wing chemistry lab, liquids turn vivid pinks and deep blues in beakers — a stark contrast to the scene outside. Clear flames ignite compounds and burn a sun-kissed orange hue. And the f

The Educational Pathways and Outreach office at UW-Stout works with expert faculty and staff to offer engaging, budget-friendly continuing education classes, workshops and events. Whether you are looking to strengthen a professional skill set, explore a new hobby, or engage in flexible in-person or virtual learning, there are options to meet a wide range of goals. To kick off 2026, check out the FreshStart Series - four on-campus, two-hour classes focused on fitness, financia

Jenn McDermid, Director of Domestic Abuse Victim Services at The Bridge to Hope, holding blankets with an intern. The holidays were a little brighter for some Dunn County individuals and families this year after County Jail residents recently made 12 fleece-tie blankets to donate to The Bridge to Hope, which provides services those affected by domestic violence. The jail residents also made door decor for the nonprofits Arbor Place and Stepping Stones, and the Monarch House

The following is a summary of City Council meetings in November and December. Creation of Data Center Industrial (I-4) District At the December 1st meeting, the council voted to forward a proposed zoning ordinance that would create a new Data Center Industrial (I-4) district to the city’s Plan Commission following extensive discussion and public comment. During public comments, attorney Douglas Buck, representing Balloonist, LLC, urged the council not to refer the ordinance t

From the Stepping Stones Facebook page .

Barbara A. Shannon, age 69, of Menomonie, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at her home with family by her side. Barb was born on July 19, 1956 in Eau Claire to Donald F. and Mary Jane (Deutscher) Williams. She grew up on the family farm near Hatchville, graduated from Menomonie High School in 1974, and worked various secretarial jobs before marrying John Shannon on Aug. 12, 1978 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Menomonie. Together they operated Shannondoah Farm i

Dorrene Kay Knutson, age 87, died peacefully at Colfax Senior Living on Dec. 23, 2025. She was born Oct. 27, 1938, to Henry (Hank) and Lavina Hanson of Ridgeland. Dorrene married Curt E. Knutson in Jan. of 1955. They had four children: Terry, Mike, Tom and Jill. Dorrene attended New Hope Lutheran and later Pine Creek Lutheran where she was involved in the ladies aide there. Early in Dorrene’s life she loved playing cards with neighbors and family. She also loved traveling, ta

Selections from the MHS Concert Chorus’ Holiday set will be played on Greatest Hits 98.1’s Chippewa Valley Christmas Music Special on Christmas Eve at 7:00 PM and Christmas Day at 9:00 AM. From the MHS Vocal and Dramatic Art Facebook page . What to toss, reuse, and recycle during the holidays. From the City of Menomonie Facebook page . 40 years ago (1985)...

Students share messages of community, kindness, belonging with graduates at Dec. 20 ceremony By Abby Goers, UW-Stout Menomonie, Wis. – Two alumni guest speakers and three students addressed 527 of their peers as they celebrated graduation from University of Wisconsin-Stout – Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University – on Dec. 20. During two ceremonies in Johnson Fieldhouse, the alumni speakers encouraged graduates to embrace the unknown and be proud of their Stout journeys as they