Kinetic Kin Family fares fine after farewells By Wanda Trayles Of the Times staff The Menningen family of Whitewater, WI packed two rental trucks and journeyed north to settle in Stevens Point, WI as a new chapter in their lives began June 10, 2004. The move was precipitated when the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point invited Ken Menningen to leave UW-Whitewater and take similar position at his alma mater UWSP. Dr. Menningen accepted the position because of several favorable factors in the professional environment at UWSP. "Basically it was because UWSP has way better doughnuts, and more of them," said Dr. Menningen. The moving process went smoothly primarily because of the helpfulness of a great deal of friends, neighbors, and family members who pitched in to help tackle the Herculean task of moving 7 people, 2 rabbits, a cat, a fish, and all

Mobile Family This is the Menningen family on Mother's Day 2004 at the Mitchell Park Domes, not long before their move to Stevens Point.

their belongings 145 miles to a new home. "It was nothing short of amazing," said Ken, "We felt like George and Mary." He was referring to the scene at the end of the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. "We were very moved by their kindness." [Pun intended ]

Backyard barbeque The family enjoys a new fire pit (gift from Laura's mom) at their Stevens Point home with neighbors Danny and David Ozsvath.

Stressful Sale Broken promise produces pain for pair by Hertz D. Pahketbuk Special to the Times A series of financial troubles began when the Menningen family of Whitewater, WI were participants in a failed real estate transaction. The family signed an accepted offer to purchase a house in Stevens Point the same day they accepted an offer from a buyer of their Whitewater house. There was only an inspection contingency on the offer, and the Menningens had the right to cure any defects. However, it soon became clear that the buyers no longer wished to honor the contract. The buyers objected to a large number of items, nearly all of which did not legally constitute a defect in the property. At great cost and with great effort, the Menningens cured the defects beyond the legal requirements, including an expensive and elaborate lead-based paint abatement project. However, the buyer's lawyer claimed the

Menningens failed to provide adequate and timely notice of intent to cure the defects, and refused to buy the house or pay any damages unless the Menningens filed lawsuit. They also claimed the Menningens were legally obligated to change the property condition report and cite the garage roof as defective even though the inspector the buyer's hired said the roof was old but not defective. Despite the fact the buyer's legal case was weak, the family decided to avoid a costly and time-consuming lawsuit and to swallow the repair costs, legal fees, and tax penalties incurred in hopes of finding a better buyer. While these events were very stressful, the Menningens can identify many blessings. The house is improved, friends and family rallied to support and help (see accompanying article), they met a helpful Christian lawyer, Laura and Ken both found extra jobs, and the losses were only monetary, not life or limb. "Life is hard but God is good," said Ken.

Gargantuan Gifts Friends and relatives reach out to help local family by Charity Ann Lovekind Special to the Times The Ken and Laura Menningen family were astonished by an outpouring of love and support they received during a stressful year of real estate disappointments (see article above). When they had only ten days to complete a lead-based paint abatement project, in order to meet a legal deadline, dozens of friends and family pitched in to renovate ten old windows and install new storms. Roggenbauer construction completed the fascia and soffit work quickly and with very little lead time. A large number of people showed up in Whitewater and Stevens Point to load and unload the trucks. Extended family members lent the Menningens large sums of money to help purchase the Stevens Point home and help cover the double mortgage payments. In December family friend Ann Kleinhans organized a collective grocery and household goods gift from friends in Whitewater

Handsome House This is how the house looks with the new storm windows and aluminum-covered soffits installed. It sits ready to welcome a new family!

and Palmyra that totaled over $600. Fellowship Bible Church later sent a $1200 love gift that helped cover surprise dental and energy bills. "I'm amazed, it truly is a Wonderful Life," said Laura, "We'll never forget the love we felt from these dear people." Ken added, "We're very grateful. Say, would you like to buy our house?"

Inside This Issue Woman answers Phones, Knits / 2C Model Rocket Launch a Fun Flop/ 3B Fourteen Q-tips are Sufficient / 1D Two New Rabbits and a Dog Join Family / 1F Finer Food by Terrie Yaki / 2E Fun Photos and Quotable Quotes / 1G Family Enjoys Relaxing Vacation Local Boy Unveils Own Web Page Children learn to ride bikes, make friends Family Joins Local Church Recreational Racquetball Regimen Refreshes Metru Nui Weather Forecast Friday Hi 11/Lo 44 50% chance of Kanoka disk drizzle with Matoran showers Saturday Hi 58/Lo 42 Tension builds as Bionicle armies are constructed Sunday Hi 59/Lo 38 Tempers flaring as Toa take on Rakshi Monday Hi 31/Lo 20 Profuse dog slobber will ruin the entire day.

Another goofball Nathan aims to ... please? He definitely got the goofball gene from his parents. We sure like this picture, one of our favorites from this year. Makes you smile, doesn't it?

Intrepid Toddler Takes a Tumble Cut requires surgery by Payne Indaneck Special to the Times Jamison Menningen of Stevens Point, WI suffered a significant injury Nov. 5 when he fell down stairs and landed on broken glass. The 16-month-old toddler got his hands on a glass drinking cup and attempted to climb the stairs. Gravity prevailed, and the ensuing injury to his left temple required a plastic surgeon and a two day hospital stay. He recovered well, but later proved he didn't learn any lessons by falling out of bed and giving himself two fat lips and a bump on the head. Soon medical engineers will fit him with a permanent helmet. Bonus web pictures: notice how much Jamison has changed from February 2004 to January 2005! The January photo shows his scar, which we're told will slowly fade.

The Menningen Family wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! The Menningens of Stevens Point: Carolyn (5), Ken, Susie (3), Alex (10), Laura, Jamison (17 mos), and Nathan (7).

Ken Finds Work at Automatän

Letter Archives

Way way way late!

Laura gets a job at Herrschner's

Model rocket launch succeeds and fails.

Important household fact

Two new rabbits

This is Marvin, Alex and Nathan's rabbit. He's a Netherland Dwarf, and pretty good-natured, though not as cuddly as some. I have no idea what's in Nathan's mouth.

This is Heyden, Carolyn's rabbit. He's a Holland Lop. Heyden's a very cuddly rabbit; stop by sometime for a furry hug!

Finer Food

Family Enjoys Fun Vacation

Kids Learn to Ride Bikes

Family Joins Woodlands Church

Racquetballs fly again