What’s Happening in Shell Lake!!

March….ahh we do have hope for some milder weather as we start to see some dry streets and roof tops clearing of all that white stuff!  After all, the official start of Spring is March!!

WINTERFEST!!  What an exciting fest indeed, we estimated over 300 people attended. The day was beautiful with clear blue sky, as the sun made the ice rink look like blue diamonds, just calling your name.  We were treated early on that Saturday morning with the appearance of the Spooner Hockey Team “Northwest Express” and it was a delight to watch them interact with the future hockey heroes in the area.  We had about 50 kids who had registered to enter the kid’s fishing tournament in the South Bay.  The sight of pop-ups was everywhere, as we heard the cheers and giggles of the kids as they got a fish on their line. For some of them, it was their first time ever ice fishing!  New this year was the serving of delicious hot tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches that ended up being a total sell out.  Kiddos, and adults enjoyed the warm fire in the great fireplace at the Beach House as they roasted s’mores and sipped hot chocolate and hot apple cider.  A HUGE THANK YOU to D.P. Juza Wood and their gang in prepping the ice rink on the lake, Nick Dillion with Shell Lake Lodge for the work with setting up the kids fishing contest, as well as getting all the buckets of  skates from Spooner allowing anyone that wanted to stake to do so, FFA for working the grill to make the soup and sandwiches, Spooner Youth Hockey Association with donating the usage of their skates, and Shell Lake State Bank for their generous donation to help cover the costs of putting this event together.  Mitch Brown and his incredible crew worked diligently to make this happen, from plowing snow, and making sure there was parking spaces for all who attended.  We had many Shell Lake residents who volunteered their time to make sure this event went without a hitch as well.  As you can see, it truly takes a village to put on an event like this. 

Not sure how many of you have been by the Shell Lake Art center just recently, but the transformation is quite remarkable!  The building has taken shape, and you can truly see how impressive it is.  They are expecting to have their first big event on May 9^th with the 4^th annual Gala and Fundraiser featuring Morpheus.  There will be a live band, dancing, beverages, live auction, silent auction, games and of course food.  SO EXCITING!!  Stay tune for updates on the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

As you may have already heard, the School District of Shell Lake will be having an operational referendum that will be put on the ballot that our community will vote on April 7^th.   Along with this, they will be having informational meetings to answer your questions regarding this ask.  The dates for the last of the informational meetings are March 11^th at 7:00pm that will be held in the library at the school.  The superintendent and a couple of board members will also be attending the City Council Meeting on the 9^th of March at 7:00pm at City Hall to address this referendum.  These meetings provide a perfect time for you to ask your questions regarding this, and hear about what the property tax impact would be, as well as what these additional funds would be used for.  Weather you are for or against this referendum, it is important to hear what this referendum will entail, and for you to better understand their ask. 

Dates to Remember for March:

6^th World Day of Prayer

8^th Daylight Savings Time

9^th  7:00pm City of Shell Lake City Council meeting with a presentation of Shell Lake School Board and Superintendent on the School referendum

11^th 7:00 pm School referendum meeting Shell Lake School library

20^th SPRING BEGINS

It is such a good feeling to know that Spring is just around the corner, with longer days, increase activity around the community, and the embracing of warmer days.  Soon the ice will be gone from the lake, and we will be able to enjoy our beautiful lakes and all the outdoor adventures they bring. 

Take Care….and Happy Spring!!

Mayor Rowie Hansberger