Wolske Bay Christmas Island of Wonder 2021-2022

Menomonie Mayor Randy Knaack has been the most destructive force to come to Wolske Bay Park in Menomonie in the last 20 years.

This is the first in a series outlining how the Mayor of Menomonie literally stole a public park in Menomonie, WI secretly.  Well, there was a lot of lying on Mayor Randy Knaack's part down in the official city hall areas, where what was happening out here in the park was not exactly what Mayor Randy Knaack was doing or was planning on doing the whole time. 

The people who knew what was going on were the usual suspects, the Mayor's relatives, personal friends, and a limited number of local Menomonie business people.  Many of these people have made a lot of money through city-funded projects by having the Mayor as a "back door." Some have been successful at keeping competition and development stalled, delayed, diminished, or absolutely stopped for their benefit due to having connections to the Mayor of Menomonie.  But these are issues that are much too broad to cover here.

Instead, we will focus on Wolske Bay Park, which in a lot of ways turns about 20 years old as a park in Menomonie this year.

Wolske Bay has been around since 1958, created by landowner at that time as the spring waters of 1958 backed up the Red Cedar River to a higher level.  Much of the work on creating a peninsula here was done in 1959 and by 1960 the first Wolske Bay Marina was active.   Wolske Bay Marina had new owners in 1984 and new owners again in the 1990's.  

A lot of work went in to acquiring Wolske Bay Park in the early 2000's to add to city park system.  A LOT OF WORK.  This can not be understated.   Menomonie has also been fortunate to have been able to have grants to help purchase this area, one such grant is the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Even in 2003, the city had efforts to improve the flow to help "reduce the stench."  Many "lake fixing" ideas were popular around this time and were implemented in the area, such as the "Barley Straw bales."  Mayor Randy Knaack stated in 2014 that "the lake was never talked about" before his eminence arrived.

Luckily,  public-spirited people and organizations helped to add improvements to the new City of Menomonie park, Wolske Bay Park.   For examples, the Menomonie Rotary clubs raising money to build the Steven Krueger Pavillion and the Tainter Menomin Lake Improvement Association which introduced a large shoreline buffer vegetation which is essential especially as the entirely of the now island lies in the conservancy district of the lake shore.  This habitat gave shelter to waterfowl such as the ducks who return to their nesting locations every year, the red-tipped blackbirds that nested in the islands tall vegetation, or allowed Lake Menomin's turtles a chance to lay eggs, among the many species that began to inhabit a well designed natural area.



Then along came Mayor Randy Knaack.    Who started pulling weeds and other assorted activities.   Then made up scumsucker machines,  asking the city to pay for it.  Then stealing the funds from the (state-required for Menomonie) city Stormwater Utility Fund to pay for the poorly thought-out and ill-advised dredging projects, which have cost the city more money where that fund is depleted.  The 2020 dredging required borrowing.

 

In 2020, Mayor Randy Knaack and the Christmas Miracle Winter Wonderland group created a hockey rink at 802 Tainter Street, the former cement companies location which is now a city lot.  With the "buddies" that were often sung praises in city council records by Knaack in the background, Mayor Randy Knaack spent his time doing in-office campaigning at that site over the winter.  However, after a lot of wasted water drawn off a city fire hydrant, and warm weather, the ice didn't freeze immediately to make the Christmas event good enough for Mayor Randy Knaack.  He wasn't getting enough attention.

Mayor Randy Knaack then proceed to slowly and secretly start stealing Wolske Bay Park as the spring of 2021 started to ensure that he could have his little Christmas campaign more visible and in case the ice didn't freeze for them at 802 Tainter St.


Parts and pieces from the Christmas Miracle Winterwonderland started to appear in Wolske Bay Park early in the spring of 2021. Mayor Randy Knaack simply stated he was "donating" some items to the park at that time.

Of course, in the first picture, the big green roller mixer (as seen in last use in 2015 here, creating a horrid smell) had been "donated" to the location for 6 years at this point. 

Here with no oversight Mayor Randy Knaack used city property for free storage for himself.  The roller component sat in this location for years.

Mayor Randy Knaack then began ripping out the shoreline vegetation planted by the Tainter Menomin Lake Improvement Association over 15 years prior.   These plantings had high praise from many landscape and environmental professionals.

Mayor Randy Knaack once again lied at city hall saying that he was going to be "cutting out invasive" plants.  Of course, there were no invasive plant species on the island at all.   No, Mayor Randy Knaack was setting the stage secretly.

Property of the City of Menomonie, such as the picnic tables used at the Christmas Miracle Winter Wonderland were "returned" but in less than desirable condition.

Mayor Randy Knaack avoided the parks and recreation department.  Instead of properly getting the city to open the padlocked chain with the key which blocked vehicles from entering the park, Mayor Randy Knaack and friends simply ripped down City of Menomonie signs and tore the wood bollards out of the ground.

In the spring, the ground is usually soft, Mayor Randy Knaack and his friend Jeff Peterson, with others, were not careful or delicate in their vehicle movements in the park.  Ruts were left in many locations and as you can see, the asphalt was damaged in some spots.  

This was all done without Menomonie Parks and Recreation knowledge.

 

 

Soon, the campfire "donations" started getting staged.

The Mayor started ripping apart the old bait shops interior and much garbage was left hidden from roadside view on this side of the old bait shop.   Note the color of the bait shop here, Mayor Randy Knaack was being so secretive and trying to hide his illegal operation the new paint on the bait shop was so similar that very few people would notice as the summer came in.

 

The Mayor wanted people's attention here.  

The growing shoreline habitat was wiped clean of all nature making it really easy for geese to make access to land without fear.  The Mayor of Menomonie is well known for making dog-shaped silhouettes to stick near shorelines to keep geese out and geese feces from being left.  Mayor Randy Knaack failed to realize he just opened up the door for them by ripping out the plants.  Pulling structure from the water is also illegal, which Mayor Randy Knaack did.

Mayor Randy Knaack doesn't follow rules, and does not comply with the law.  Even his vehicles did not have license plates.

The dangerous tripping hole left uncovered as Mayor Randy Knaack went about his secret operation.

Tire tracks and pushed up dirt remained like this.

Basic litter was always found around the park in more abundance than years past.

Tire tracks.

The wood pile of unknown origins then began to grow in size.  The lighter fluid bottles were left.  Even the empty ones were left on the ground.

The pile of garbage stayed hidden from view on this side.

The pile of wood then was added and slowly grew larger.  The wood was placed farther down the path to avoid being seen from the roadway easily.

 

The garbage pile remained for weeks with additions through all weather conditions.

The illegal landscaping will get regular people in trouble, but not Mayor Randy Knaack.

The mysterious pile of used bikes started to get stored unbeknownst to the City of Menomonie departments.

This brings us about a third of the way into this series of Mayor Randy Knaack's theft of a public park for personal use.

Upcoming, the later half of 2021......

Just a nice morning.

A little more dry with less snow coverage ending March 2020.   A relatively great last couple weeks to really look at the ground forms without snow cover or any vegetation growth.  The Trimble building really pushed it to the maximum edge, much like the Trimble residence in Wakanda Shores did (and got a DNR citation for it) to maximize the nearness to the shore.   Of course, this slope was in that shape decades back and it does bring it back out from the vegetation that had grown up on it in the preceeding 50 years, it really stands out here where we can see the new rip-rap in preparation for the lake level raises.  

That's pretty cool.   

But what is the that maximum slope angle that will last long term?   The rumor was there was a lot of debris used for fill, such as old cars at in this area.  
Main street was pushed out over it a couple times and led to an expensive reconstruction.  For a wider street which further distances downtown away from the lake through the barrier of the speeding automobiles on the river of cars.

The concept of the lake trail or path that would extend from LaPointe park, or the old city pumphouse location, and wrap all the way to Point Comfort will likely not get around this section without considerable expense now.  The best feature would be a wharf or pier out in the water but the sheer expense for the benefit of the public is very unlikely.

With a large section of the old trail system from a hundred or so years ago reworked in some fashion, there are really only slivers of anything before 1957 that might still be worn into the hillside for that real authentic connection to that particular past.

And even that "rustic" past, when it was current, was actually built with a "rustic" style at the time they were new in many cases.

Like most springs into summer, below the water is very clear at Wolske Bay.  Above, Wilson Creek has more current this time of year that has a more clouded silted stream.

This dock configuration is nice, but it would be nice to see more improvements for shore fishing on the outer bay, or lake side, of the Wolske Bay park.

How to start an urban myth

A fun series of investigations into local Menomonie myths would be great, any and all of them.  It's already something the Mayor of Menomonie has done with Wolske Bay, you know, the originating location of all the algae in the world according to his "garage-logic" lake "fixing" schemes.

But we know better.   We know Wolske Bay is just a really cool creation that came to be back when big 1950's civic/ business leaders of Menomonie pushed for a bigger, deeper lake that resulted in the overdue replacement of the wood dam backing up the Red Cedar River at an increased head level.  (And the "algae" that  appeared here on Lake Menomin before was still there after.)

The neighboring park, Lakeside Park, site of the former waste water lagoon for Lange Canning Co. was built before the lake level was raised, and it did contain high-nutrient waste.  The area was low and some preparation barrier for increased river height was made.  

In fact, the smaller area closer to the roadway has always been absolutely boggling.  Well, actually, here's some  pictures from March 21, 2020.   Where the water from springs to the north is crystal clear, the lake water crystal clear, there is this:

Now, the condition of the water in this area is always cloudy but the aquatic vegetation that separates it from the bay at the southern tip of Lakeside park seems to always filter out whatever is causing the clarity of the water in this somewhat separated pond.   The T.M.L.I.A. does not seem interested in this pond nor does the Mayor of Menomonie.   I suppose, it doesn't really have a name, it can't get a scapegoated public image from the political podium of city hall.  No one is down there making up solutions or getting neighborhood petitions for the city to do anything about this little bay.  No "look at me" option for the big civic and business leaders downtown to get the press for.




Maybe now there will be a something to it.   The urban myth of lead paint under Menomonie's lakeside park may start now:



You can see how good the "telephone" game really is at relaying information on the internet and that your real memory is maybe not as good as you think it is.  To credit, there may be Lakeside Aluminum or Globe Iron Works waste, for instance, that had something going on that did get buried, but they located more were to the south,  to give some credit to the "paint plant" pollution angle.  Even without confirming the information about the wastewater in the settling lagoon, the lead paint image over the park "for the kids" is a rumor that can spread into other interesting stories from this point on.

And it will lead to further Lake Menomin pollution myths, such as the goose poop being the cause of it all. 
(No, seriously, talk to people when you're out and about starting in June and you will find someone who will blame ALL the green colorization of the lake on goose poop near the shores of the lake.)

No one talks about the massive hog pen near here that was around before any of this, though, do they?



We saw that with the "Kentucky Fried Chicken Siren" internet joke post that led to genuine rumors of a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise coming to Menomonie.
(Since edited to highlight this was a joke.)


The particular funny part is the same joker is also complaining about the lake causing a lack of tourism.   But maybe the complaining about the lack of tourism because of the lake is also a joke? 
"Peter Gruetzmacher, owner of the Silver Dollar and Jake’s Supper Club, said there are plenty of reason tourists should want to visit Menomonie, but tourists are turned off later in the summer when the lake turns green."
 Now, we know the "turned off" later in the summer reason but it is too bad the "plenty of reason tourists" should want to visit Menomonie were never listed.   

Ending winter, a nice day, a short walk

Just a little past the prime time to catch the land forms that you won't notice once the foliage springs to its seasonal form.   Should be the week to see the Lions Klunker go down, maybe even tomorrow.   Has this even ever been capture on film or video?

Do the car drivers on the bridge even notice it, or even look at the lake?

The water is open a little more from last week, with less snow and more gradual warming it will be interesting to see if there is a "main stream" or current in the reservoir.  Below, the point of land on the opposite bank is the LaPointe Park.  Since the second bridge (rail in view) was added the value of that park has slowly been lost. (somewhat stolen.)

The rail on the bridges are tall.   A fun way to interact with Menomonie is walking around downtown and on the trails, except due to the traffic volume (amount and sound).   A circle tour on the bridges taking in the dam side and lake side in one swoop is usually not as delightful as the edited commercial tourist shows broadcast.   It's a completely missed opportunity by the City of Menomonie, but then regular people are not usually given the opportunity to make a thing happen.   (And judging by the amount of litter and lack of consideration by some, why should the City do anything?)

Once the vegetation springs to life below this will be a fun view to snap a photo of. 

The largest "Wolske Bay" sign is the larger street sign

Menomonie Lakeside park is the repurposed Lange Canning Co. high-nutrient Waste Lagoon.

One of the most natural park settings at the confluence of Wilson Creek and the Red Cedar River is disrupted by the terminal ends of the Federal and State highways bridges that allow excessive speeds of motorists.  Walking across the south end of the bridges is more dangerous, especially with younger and less able people.  To cross from the upper part of La Pointe park to the Wilson Place Museum is only for the adventurous.   Sure, people could walk uphill a block and over the North Campus overpass, and back down, to cross another busy vehicle intersection.  Maybe this is why Wilson Place Mansion didn't get as many visitors since the mid-'90's?

The difference between the UW-Stout standard and the City of Menomonie standard is evident in this stretch of sidewalk.   Twisted concrete tripping hazards and ankle-snapping opportunities abound.   This isn't just a post-winter condition, either.  The chances of vehicles striking people are rather high at this intersection as red-light running is rather common.  If it were a Menomonie baseball field it would look like this at all.  

 Up above is a sampling on a light traffic Sunday morning.  Wolske Bay road sees a large amount of motorists speeding, robbing the enjoyment of a neighborhood walk routinely.  In the sample above is the curious case of Menomonie standards and sidewalks, even when the concrete was being replaced ( a couple years ago) and the traffic count here validates the city's own rules to have a sidewalk on the other side, none was placed there.  
The missed opportunity for trail bump-outs for the Junction to Stokke Trail connection on the old rail line were sadly not taken.    A three post red-reflector "gate" forces users of the Junction Trail onto questionable 1980's-era sidewalk.

Menomonie Public Library

Menomonie Purple Martin birdhouse

The "Milwaukee" rail line passed under here to the left lower corner on its way to Cedar Falls until 1902.

First views of Menomin and the Waterpark

Dropping into Menomonie a couple decades back, this author was rather excited to be in a new town that had a lake, among other exciting sounding offerings at the University of Wisconsin Stout.   With some other smaller town lake experiences, and coming from a personal/professional big lake experience, the sailing club sounded like something I wanted to do.

Only thing is that when I got it here, the listed club wasn't anywhere to be found on campus.

No big deal, there was a lot to take in.  It was overwhelming in some respects.   While the roommate assigned to me really sucked, the room had a great view.  (It only took me about 16 years to finally get in to see the Wilson Place Mansion after literally overlooking it for some years.)  The view of the lake was nice, eventually the last room on campus was at the end and it was really quite excellent. 

Below is the view that I came to know on the many walks between residence and class and work.

It is quite interesting that my future home currently is in view although it's not seen.  

In the relatively short time I have been here I have seen a lot of Menomonie, not the UW Stout part, but the real Menomonie disappear.   Little by little.   For instance, this stairway below went up to the parking lot that is behind Hovlid hall.  It is gone now, but for years this kind of what was my backyard.   Now it is the new Stout North Campus cafeteria that took over the parking lot area above.   This scene gone.

Now if someone in 50 years looks at it, would it read something like, "rustic staircase," and someone like me will wonder where it was? 

Of course at the time, a couple decades ago, I had no idea what was there before me.  As I come across more and more information about Menomonie I am floored by the amount of homes that have disappeared to make room for UW Stout expansion and parking lots.  Not to mention the closing of roads and elimination or outright theft by the city and state of property for "renewal" efforts or road widening.

And then in the modern news it appears there is a "housing shortage" in Menomonie.  


My first walk off-campus was north along the Omaha rail that eventually led me to Kmart.   Kind of a random first adventure on my first night in Menomonie.   I don't have any pictures of the railroad tracks I was following and I didn't know much about anything I was passing at that time.   Now it is the rail-to-trail Junction Trail.  

Way off my radar at the time was the Wakanda Water Park.   I really enjoyed walking, running, and biking, down to Wakanda park in those days.  The lightly wooded and large parks of Menomonie have been one of my favorite aspects of this city.  

I thought this article was really interesting.  The note that the water park was something on the list of things Menomonie desired since 1960 really hit home on the current me.  If I had read this article 20 years ago that part wouldn't stand out to me.


Why now?   I think it is because with the on-going research and discussion, that year, or more specifically it was 1958 when Menomonie saw the realization of the "big new lake," and in 1959 when that extra depth didn't improve to the desired "lake" people thought it might be was evident.  

With so many people that were here in the 1950's and 1960's that will tell about the algae that existed then, I have to wonder where the people who claim there was never an algae presence "before" came from?  

When pressed for more information on this, the "it was clear before" demographic will sometimes later add something like, "it wasn't AS bad," or it "was never THIS bad," or "it is getting worse."

There can't be two contradicting accounts.

I could showcase clear water every year for the last couple decades but at the same time produce a green photo of the lake in each same year.   Why?  That's the algae cycle, it is a photosynthetic creature and they are feeding and multiplying like crazy until they kill each other off, and then release their blue color, their decaying odor, and possibly toxins (if present.)  

The environment needs balancing.

Next up, we're hitting on the crumbling lake shore, a bigger problem that Menomonie should be addressing.

How to destroy a public park

Widening the corridors and adding more lanes.

The beginning of the end of the pond bank park, the "rustic bridge," the trails.   

Leader-Telegram Apr 09, 1948

Mayor Randy Knaack

 

Ever wonder what happened to the Wilson Creek drive?   Maybe it wasn't really pollution?

How did Wilson Park survive?

Then, now, and then what?

Creating a lake. 

The old "mill pond" just wasn't a well-enough feature for the company town that the company was leaving.

While the Knapp, Stout, and Co. was present we know that Wilson Creek and Riverside park were popular locations, as well as "point comfort" before there was a road access down there.  Likely, Evergreen cemetery was used as a park, too, this would be in that period where cemeteries had different meaning before the modern death industry and the more modern "public park" and recreation spaces were in existence.    Who would have thought a multi-million dollar water park would be in existence back in 1902 in Menomonie?


A lesser mentioned park, the "pond bank park" appears alongside Riverside park for funding early in Menomonie history.   We have to wonder if the names were simply called what they are because of what they are, "riverside" and "pond bank?"   

But no such "mill pond" for Menomonie, as Senator Stout declared the slightly raised level "a lake."


But what is a lake?   Like most words, each individuals experiences and expectations come with a varied defintion.

Some definitions but this one seems fitting:

Definition of lake

: a considerable inland body of standing water also : a pool of other liquid (such as lava, oil, or pitch)

Size, shape, depth, use, and a host of other criteria a not present in the definition.

So, we have a lake.



Since 1958 Menomonie has had a big, upgraded lake.  So, where are those who pushed for the raising in Menomonie at on their opinion of their modern creation?

What would the citizens of Menomonie from the first half of the 20th century think of the new direction from their humble "mill pond" upgrade?

Where next?

More roads?  More encroachment?   More dredging?