Ben Rueter
(He/Him)
Beaver Dam Daily Citizen city government reporter
Articles by Ben Rueter
Ecstatic Truth in Games
Feature Excerpt This is an excerpt from the cover story of Unwinnable Monthly #141. If you like what you see, grab the magazine for less than ten dollars, or subscribe and get all future magazines for half price. In 1999 at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, documentarian/actor Werner Herzog explained what he calls the “ecstatic truth.” In Herzog’s explanation, he states that “there are deeper strata of truth in cinema, and there is such a thing as poetic, ecstatic truth.
20 Anticipated Video Game Releases In 2020
Gaming News Published on December 20th, 2019 | by Ben Rueter With 2020 almost upon us; here is my list of the 20 most anticipated games of the coming year based on what has been announced. 20 anticipated video game releases in 2020 Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Xbox One, PC) Release date: Feb. 11 If you were impressed with the gorgeous visuals in Ori and The Blind Forest (2015) prepared to be stunned again with its follow up next year.
Minnesota Lawyer Events – Minnesota Lawyer
Events Attorneys of the Year February 17, 2022 This annual event honors Attorneys of the Year for their work in procuring a successful result in an important case or business transaction, leadership in professional associations, participating in newsworthy events in the legal community, performing significant public services or excellence in providing in-house legal services.
Gen Con 2019: Hiking through the National Parks in one box with PARKS
Adapting snow peaked mountains that embolden the horizon or bringing the rolling grassy plains to life in all of the United States National Parks in an 8 ½ by 8 ½ box may not be the simplest endeavour, but it’s one that Keymaster Games is embarking on. PARKS: The Board Game, designed by Henry Audubon was at Gen Con this year available to demo and pre order. Gen Con, the largest and longest-running tabletop gaming convention in America, took place Aug. 1-4 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Gen Con 2019: Bicycle Cards Wants To Offer More Than Playing Cards
You may have played with a deck of Bicycle cards without even knowing it because for more than 130 years Bicycle has been dealing out a variety of cards. However this time the cards dealt to you may ask an embarrassing question or carry a power up. Games by Bicycle propped up a booth at Gen Con this year to show off three card games. Gen Con, the largest and longest-running tabletop gaming convention in America, took place Aug. 1-4 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dunn County could introduce a tax levy referendum to spring ballot
MENOMONIE — The Dunn County Executive Committee discussed Wednesday the possibility of putting a referendum on the spring ballot asking voters for the right to adjust tax levy limits. County Manager Paul Miller said the county needs to consider this option in an effort to bring in more revenue. “It gives us a fighting chance to keep our heads above the water,” he said.
No big changes in store for Menomonie's 2019 city budget
MENOMONIE — The City Council met with some city department heads Monday on matters related to next year’s budget nd raised few concerns. At its Oct. 15 meeting, a proposed overall budget of $13.2 million was presented. It’s estimated the tax rate for city services will be near $7.46 per $1,000 assessed valuation, which is the same amount as this year. The tax levy, the amount collected from property owners, is proposed at $6.6 million.
Menomonie tax rate, levy holding steady
MENOMONIE — The City Council will be dissecting the 2019 city budget next week, which shows a steady tax rate compared with 2018. At its Oct. 15 meeting, a proposed overall budget of $13.2 million was presented. It’s estimated the tax rate for city services will be near the $7.46 per $1,000 assessed valuation, which is the same amount as this year. The levy is proposed at $6.6 million.
UW-Stout honors Sorensen’s legacy
MENOMONIE — Friends, family and UW-Stout faculty packed into the renamed Sorensen Hall to reflect on the former Chancellor Charles Sorensen’s lasting impact on the campus he helped shape.Formerly Millennium Hall, at the intersection of Broadway Street and 10th Avenue E., the building was renamed to Sorensen Hall Monday. The hall opened in 2001.
Dunn County launches interactive parks and recreation map online
MENOMONIE — Dunn County quietly launched a new online resource this summer that allows people in the county to accurately see and find a variety of free recreational hobbies nearby.A link on the Dunn County web page that reads “NEW Parks & Recreation Areas App!” will take users to a map with colored areas indicating different types of parks or recreational activities.
Menomonie man charged with sexual assault of 13-year-old child
MENOMONIE — A Menomonie man is being charged in Dunn County Court with sexual assault after police say he assaulted a child while they slept.John A. Swan, 40, 2103 S. Broadway St., Menomonie, is charged with sexual assault of a child younger than 16 years of age and misdemeanor bail jumping. Charges were filed Oct. 23.According to the criminal complaint:On Oct.
Menomonie school board approves budget with lower tax levy
MENOMONIE — The school board unanimously approved the 2018-19 budget Monday, which includes a decrease to the property tax rate and an increase in state equalization aid. For the 2018-2019 school year, Menomonie school district residents will see a tax rate of $8.59 per $1,000 of equalized valuation, which is down from the $9.65 rate last year. The total tax levy equals $15.8 million compared to last year’s $17.2 million.
Boyceville man sentenced to 17 years in prison for homicide OWI
MENOMONIE — A Boyceville man was sentenced to 17 years in prison Monday for killing a mother and injuring her daughter in a head-on collision while driving intoxicated. Todd R. Dormanen, 47, E4103 1116th Ave., Boyceville, was found guilty of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and operating a vehicle causing injury. His sentences will be served consecutively. Dunn County Judge Rod Smeltzer sentenced Dormanen to spend 17 years in prison and 15 years extended supervision.
Boyceville man sentenced to 17 years in prison for homicide OWI
MENOMONIE — A Boyceville man was sentenced to 17 years in prison Monday for killing a mother and injuring her daughter in a head-on collision while driving intoxicated. Todd R. Dormanen, 47, E4103 1116th Ave., Boyceville, was found guilty of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and operating a vehicle causing injury. His sentences will be served consecutively. Dunn County Judge Rod Smeltzer sentenced Dormanen to spend 17 years in prison and 15 years extended supervision.
Democratic candidates hit Lake Wissota
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Democratic candidates Sarah Godlewski, Josh Kaul and Chris Kapsner stopped at a popular Lake Wissota hangout, 17 days ahead of the general elections. Godlewski is running against Republican Travis Hartwig and Constitution candidate Andrew Zuelke for state treasurer. Kaul is campaigning for the Wisconsin attorney general seat against Republican incumbent Brad Schimel and Constitution candidate Terry Larson.
Democratic candidates hit Lake Wissota
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Democratic candidates Sarah Godlewski, Josh Kaul and Chris Kapsner stopped at a popular Lake Wissota hangout, 17 days ahead of the general elections. Godlewski is running against Republican Travis Hartwig and Constitution candidate Andrew Zuelke for state treasurer. Kaul is campaigning for the Wisconsin attorney general seat against Republican incumbent Brad Schimel and Constitution candidate Terry Larson.
Shortage of workers a top concern for 3 29th Assembly District candidates
Three candidates will be on the ballot Nov. 6 to represent the 29th Assembly District: Incumbent Republican Rob Stafsholt, Democrat John Calabrese and Libertarian Brian Corriea. State Assembly representatives serve two-year terms and are not subject to term limits. Stafsholt has held the seat since 2016 and presently is on the colleges and universities, financial institutions, insurance, natural resources and sporting heritage committees.
Shortage of workers a top concern for 3 29th Assembly District candidates
Three candidates will be on the ballot Nov. 6 to represent the 29th Assembly District: Incumbent Republican Rob Stafsholt, Democrat John Calabrese and Libertarian Brian Corriea. State Assembly representatives serve two-year terms and are not subject to term limits. Stafsholt has held the seat since 2016 and presently is on the colleges and universities, financial institutions, insurance, natural resources and sporting heritage committees.
Kangaroo jumps to offer therapy
Owning a kangaroo is a commitment, but owning five of them along with sheep, goats, emu, seven white tail deer, horses, ducks, geese, chickens, a dog and peacocks is a labor of love.It’s a commitment that Diana Moyer, who lives near Columbus on a 70-acre farm, loves every second of, especially with her kangaroos. She has owned seven kangaroos over eight years.“They are one of the most loving, trustworthy animals that I have ever had,” she said.
More money may flow to health services in Dunn County
MENOMONIE — Dunn County is working with a balanced budget, but some supervisors expressed concerns about rising drug and mental health problems after the proposed 2019 county budget was presented Wednesday night. As a result, the Health and Human Services Department is seeing a $2 million budget increase over the 2018 budget to cover its requested expenditures. Its proposed budget could jump from $10.8 million this year to $12.8 million next year.
Menomonie mayor: 2019 proposed budget shows city is ‘really looking good’
MENOMONIE — The City Council on Monday got a first look at the next year’s proposed budget, which includes no increase or decrease to the tax rate compared with the 2018 levy. The proposed overall budget for next year is $13.2 million. It’s estimated the tax rate will be near the $7.46 per $1,000 assessed valuation, which is the same amount levied for 2018. The tax levy is proposed at $6.6 million.
Xcel proposes new wind, solar plan
Xcel Energy plans to offer a new program that would allow its Wisconsin customers the choice to get their energy exclusively from wind and solar resources. The company has submitted a proposal for a program called Renewable*Connect in a filing with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Xcel would like to have the program approved by Dec. 15 and launch it early next year.
Human Services costs concern Dunn County
MENOMONIE — Dunn County Manager Paul Miller told the Executive Committee on Wednesday that it’s anticipated the Human Services Department will be about $1 million over budget. This is a key area the committee and the County Board will address as the 2019 budget is being developed. Two Human Services programs have proved especially costly. “The cost for our behavioral health and endangered child health programs has just been skyrocketing over the last couple of years,” he said.
Menomonie school board approves more funds for sports complex
MENOMONIE — By a slim margin, the school board on Monday night approved funds to help with another phase of the Menomonie High School Sports Complex. It is anticipated the second phase will cost somewhere between $250,000 and $350,000 for lighting and a sound system. After a 5-4 vote in favor of more funding, the district would pay for half the total cost not to exceed $175,000.
Board will vote on money for lights, sound system at sports complex
MENOMONIE — The school board is expected to vote Monday evening on contributing up to $175,000 to help fund stadium lighting and a sound system for the Menomonie High School Sports Complex. It is anticipated that will cost somewhere between $250,000 and $350,000. If approved, the district would pay for half of the total cost not to exceed $175,000. The board has discussed the matter at its two prior meetings, with board members arguing for and against giving money to the project.
Art of peace: Tibetan monks’ painstaking creation of sand painting inspires inner calm
Today is the last day to see Tibetan monks construct an intricate sand painting before the art is whisked away. Seven monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery in India have assembled at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire this week to carefully pour sand of different colors that will texture a 4-by-4-foot space into a mandala, a spiritual symbol representing the universe, in the Student Commons.
Menomonie man gets jail, probation for child enticement
MENOMONIE — A 32-year-old Menomonie man was sentenced Tuesday to jail and probation after he was found guilty of exposing himself to a child that he baby-sat between December 2000 and 2007 in Dunn County. Dang Hang, 3003 Wilson St., was found guilty of child enticement by exposing a sex organ.
Parking altered on 2 streets in Menomonie
MENOMONIE — The city will be restricting parking on long stretches of two streets after the City Council on Monday unanimously favored the changes. Both are part of a summer construction project on Main Street from 10th to 17th streets and on 13th Street from Main to 14th Avenue. An amendment to the ordinance will restrict parking to one side of Main Street due to the limited street width after the reconstruction project.
Menomonie’s connection to Nasukarasuyama, Japan
This week the Menomonie school district will be visited by seven Japanese students from Menomonie’s sister city Nasukarasuyama, Japan. By now the students have arrived in Menomonie. They stay with a host family and take in the area for five days. In total the group of students will be in the states for a little more than a week, but some of that time includes travel and a trip to Mall of America. Nasukarasuyama is about two hours outside of Tokyo.
Getting on track: 3M volunteers help prepare grounds for children’s railroad in Colfax
COLFAX — 3M volunteers were working on the railroad Wednesday morning at the Colfax Railroad Museum on a new feature and lending a hand with upkeep. A group of 30 volunteers from the company were there to clean, organize and prepare the land behind the museum for small railroad tracks that will be used for a miniature railroad for children.
New corn maze backs the Pack
MENOMONIE — Govin’s Meats & Berries is in its 10th year of offering a twisting corn maze with a meaningful history to its owners. John and Julie Govin said that each maze design relates to something important from their lives. “Most of the years it’s been something that has touched our family in a special way,” John said. This year’s design is recognizing 100 seasons of the Green Bay Packers.
Foxconn pays visit to UW-Stout
MENOMONIE — Foxconn Technology Group had a presence at UW-Stout’s career fair Tuesday, talking with students in some fields in which the university specializes. Those at the Foxconn booth were looking for upcoming graduates with degrees in engineering, information technology and business management as well as art, design and graphics. Chancellor Bob Meyer said it’s great to see Foxconn recognize UW-Stout’s talents as Wisconsin’s polytechnic university. “We’re excited to have them here,” he said.
Natural resources, mental health among topics at 29th Assembly District forum
MENOMONIE — Two of the candidates for the 29th Assembly District seat met Tuesday night to discuss solutions to issues such as mental health and natural resources. Candidates vying to represent the district are Republican Rob Stafsholt, who is the incumbent; Democrat John Calabrese; and Libertarian Brian Corriea, who did not attend the forum. Stafsholt and Calabrese both addressed the topic of preserving the environment at the event, which was at the Dunn County Judicial Center.
Menomonie school board continues discussion of funds for sports complex
MENOMONIE — The school board was still at odds Monday night with contributing up to $175,000 to help complete the second phase of the Menomonie High School Sports Complex. At the moment, it is anticipated phase two will cost somewhere between $250,000 and $350,000. The work would include lighting and sound systems. Schools Superintendent Joe Zydowsky said the money would come out of excess revenue from the previous school year.
Rezoning OK’d for new subdivision in Dunn County
MENOMONIE — The Dunn County Board on Wednesday night approved rezoning two parcels of land in the town of Red Cedar that covers 80 acres for a new subdivision. The application will rezone the area from general agriculture to a residential district. The concept plan accounts for more than 50 lots for single-family duplexes. Dan Buckley, who owns the land, said Menomonie is growing and needs more places for young professionals. “This development would help it grow,” Buckley said.
Plans for clinic advance in Dunn County
MENOMONIE — The Dunn County Board heard an update Wednesday on the progress being made with the Prevea development at the edge of Menomonie. County Manager Paul Miller said the sale of the property closed in August and sold for $651,000. In May the board approved the sale of 5.9 acres to Prevea for a new health care clinic, which is adjacent to The Neighbors of Dunn County nursing home off U.S. 12 on Menomonie’s east side.
Menomonie program to help with home down payments
MENOMONIE — The City Council on Monday approved a private/public funded program to attract new homeowners to the city. Program organizer Dan Ostermann told the council the Home Sweet Menomonie program would provide down payment assistance for someone buying a single-family home in the city. Employees from participating businesses will be eligible to borrow up to $10,000 for a down payment. Funding for the program comes from private, nonprofit and public dollars.
UW-Stout launches public phase of campaign
MENOMONIE — UW-Stout announced the public phase of its $35 million fundraising campaign on Friday that will focus on campus, student and faculty improvements. To date the Pathway Forward fundraising campaign has raised $30.6 million, which is 87 percent of the university’s goal. The goal is to raise $35 million by June 30, 2020. Chancellor Bob Meyer has raised the stakes and challenged the Stout University Foundation to hit an aspirational goal of $40 million.
Ideas being sought for housing problem in Dunn County
MENOMONIE — Affordable and accessible housing is becoming hard to come by in Menomonie and Dunn County, so an Oct. 2 community forum is being organized as a way to brainstorm solutions to the problem, according to community leaders. Heidi Hooten, shelter coordinator at Stepping Stones of Dunn County, said this is the first such forum that has been arranged in the county. The Stepping Stones program provides emergency shelter, housing assistance and referral services.
Area contractor lands Foxconn bid
MENOMONIE — Red Cedar Steel Erectors will be one of the first contractors to work on the Foxconn Technology Group project in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Mark Hogan and Department of Administration Secretary Ellen Nowak were in Menomonie on Wednesday to highlight the Menomonie company’s contribution to the $10 billion state investment in the Racine County manufacturing complex that the Taiwanese electronics giant says could employ up to 13,000 people.
Menomonie school board ponders funding for second phase of sports complex
MENOMONIE — With work completed on phase one of the Menomonie High School Sports Complex, the school board discussed Monday whether it should contribute to the second phase. Planning for the facility started in 2014. Phase one of the sports complex was completed in 2016. It included a track and field, soccer field and football field within the track. The final costs for the phase one construction and equipment totals $1,085,216.14.
Gimme 5: Additional local brewer added to Oktoberfest
Editor’s note: Gimme 5 is a five-question interview on a topic of local interest. Title: Programs director at the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce. Can you give me a brief rundown of the event? Oktoberfest is a three-day celebration of authentic German cuisine, music, dress and much more. This event is fun for all ages, complete with kids inflatables, games and entertainment. While one stage is dedicated to polka, two stages will be filled with live music from country to rock ‘n’ roll.
UW-Stout starts guarantee scholarships for freshmen
MENOMONIE — A new scholarship program will provide between $1,000 and $3,000 to UW-Stout freshmen who attain certain standardized test scores and grade point averages. The Blue Devil Guarantee will be offered to the majority of freshmen students starting with the 2019-20 school year. “The goal of the Blue Devil Guarantee is focused on increasing college affordability,” said Aaron Aure, executive director of enrollment and recruitment services.
Dunn County Fair Board could see tweaks
MENOMONIE — The Dunn County Fair Board could see a bump in the number of citizen members it is allowed to have from six to potentially eight, and consecutive term limits may be lifted. The Dunn County Executive Committee heard an update Wednesday on dissolving and reforming the Fair Board with the new qualifications. Effective Oct. 1 citizen Fair Board members will be able to serve three-year terms without a limitation on the number of consecutive terms.
Menomonie council approves 2 youth baseball fields
MENOMONIE — The City Council on Tuesday agreed unanimously to create two new youth baseball diamonds in Wakanda Park. The two practice/playing fields will be created by relocating an outfield fence on one baseball diamond in the park in order to make more room for the youth fields. Luke Welch, vice president of Menomonie Baseball Association, said youth baseball has been picking up in the area and finding adequate space to play is becoming an issue.
Life Story: John Russell remembered as a man of history, arts and action
MENOMONIE — It seems it’s a challenge to explain the many ways Menomonie native John Russell contributed to the city’s community, history and well-being. Some Dunn County resident are trying their best to complete a clear picture of the area historian, photographer and actor, who died Thursday at age 93. Russell was born in Menomonie and later graduated from UW-Madison. He returned to Menomonie in 1952, where he worked at a photo studio established by his father.
Menomonie students return to enhanced school security
MENOMONIE — The Menomonie school district is putting an emphasis on school security as students start filing back into classrooms on Tuesday. The district anticipates more than 3,300 students will be enrolled this year, taught by 214 teachers. Schools Superintendent Joe Zydowsky said that new security features to the district are already in progress. Menomonie school district received $168,800 in safety grant funding through the state over the summer.
Vietnam veterans to get their due with Colfax park memorial
COLFAX — Tom Prince Memorial Park will finally get its Vietnam veterans memorial this week. Dedication of the memorial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday. The park is on Highway 170, west of the Red Cedar River. Bill Yingst, Colfax schools superintendent and a veteran, explained that in 1983 the Colfax Village Board dedicated the park to the veterans of the Vietnam War. However, following the board’s decision, a memorial to the veterans was never placed in the park.
Menomonie residents OK schools budget
MENOMONIE — At the Menomonie school district’s annual meeting Monday, residents in attendance approved an estimated tax levy of $17.4 million. Last year’s levy was $17.2 million. The estimated tax rate is projected at $9.76 per $1,000 of equalized valuation, which is up by 1.1 percent or 11 cents compared with the 2017-18 rate of $9.65. Equalized valuation in the district is projected at $1.7 billion in 2018-19. Total spending is expected to be $50.8 million in 2018-19.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ben
Contact Ben, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack