Barbara Lyon
for Dunn County Supervisor District 15
Insight - Experience - Respect
Everyone has a story to tell. I'm here to listen and help make Dunn County the best it can be!
About Me
Every month for nearly 20 years, I took my seat at the media table to cover the Dunn County Board, first as a cub reporter and later as editor of The Dunn County News. I admired the Board’s ability to find common ground and make well-considered decisions for the common good. Last October, I went from telling the story to becoming part of it when I was appointed as the supervisor for District 15.
After serving with dedication as District 15 Supervisor for nearly six terms, my neighbor Don Kuether let me know late last summer that his health was failing, and he would not be seeking reelection. Encouraging me to run in his stead, Don and I talked about the valuable knowledge I had gained as an outside observer. We reflected on some of the complex issues affecting the county during that time, from ethanol plants and sand mines to building the new county healthcare center and regulating large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.
My husband Dale and I moved from New Jersey to Menomonie and settled on a small hobby farm with our son Brett in 1985. Our son Zachary was born two years later. We are now the proud grandparents of five grandchildren. Over the years, we’ve achieved our goal of raising what we eat by planting an organic garden as well as keeping Scottish Highland cattle, chickens and pigs.
After retiring from Stepping Stones in April 2022, I joined Chippewa Valley Learning in Retirement as well as the Local News Group whose mission is “to help residents of Dunn County to find up-to-date, trustworthy, accurate local news” in the face of dwindling coverage. As a vocalist, I’m also a member of Take2Day with pianist and composer Patrick Pesek-Herriges, a musical partnership of more than 20 years standing.
Other organizations and businesses I’ve been involved with in a variety of roles over the years include Mothers Offering Mothers Support, Menomonie Theater Guild, Firefly Arts Company, Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, Rotary Club of Menomonie, Dunn-Pepin Board of REALTORS, Wisconsin West magazine, Brakken Veterinary Clinic, and Arbor Place.
Important Issues
As District 15 supervisor, I currently serve in Don’s place on the Library Board and as a member of the Facilities and The Neighbors of Dunn County committees. I share his passion for sustainability, green energy, and saving money by installing solar in all county facilities.
The immense value that the Menomonie Public Library and the rest of the county’s libraries provide to all members of the community cannot be understated and must be preserved. And as one of only two nursing homes operating in the county, we can be proud of the award-winning care The Neighbors provides.
Housing and homelessness
In late 2018, I resigned from The Dunn County News and began “sidling toward retirement” as communications specialist for Stepping Stones of Dunn County where I became acutely aware of the profound impact of homelessness on individuals and families. It’s clear that the challenges of finding safe, accessible and affordable housing for all is an unmet need that exists throughout the county.
Water and environment
I am an ardent supporter of sensible smart growth that centers around protecting the environment. And while the sources are varied, the fact remains that unsafe levels of PFAS and other contaminants have been found in the groundwater throughout the state. We must ensure that Dunn County residents can be assured of clean and safe water. Last year, the Board approved a program for private well testing.
Infrastructure and taxes
The Board recently approved much-needed repairs of County Road B. The maintenance and repair of the county’s roads and bridges is an ongoing need that requires consistent funding. In addition to lowering the county’s share of property taxes last November, the Board is also actively working to bring robust broadband to underserved areas.
Representing All
I strongly feel that working together in a nonpartisan way is an important aspect of serving on the Dunn County Board. During my years as a journalist, I’ve found there are more than two sides to any story, that all voices deserve to be heard – and that everyone has a story to tell. I'm here to listen and help make Dunn County the best it can be!