What’s Happening in Shell Lake!!
What’s Up in Shell Lake!
Happy New Year! Exciting to think what 2026 will bring us this new year. This is the year of the Fire Horse! The Fire Horse symbolizes; strength, freedom, lofty ambition, and ultimate success!
WOW, sounds like a great year!!
Back in December I had my first “Coffee with the Mayor” at Carribean Coffee Shop in Shell Lake. It was really fun, sitting around the table and hearing what people had to say. Everything from snow removal, to WinterFest, to the Spring Road repair was brought up. It was recommended that it would be interesting to hear from the Director of Public Works, Mitch Brown, what the science is behind the usage of sand/ice on the roads. I will look into getting an article written in the Advocate to explain when and why they use sand/ice for the roads.
I had also asked the question – What is the number one thing that the city has worked on that they thought people really enjoyed? Two events came to mind. One was the “social events” that have taken place over the past year put on by the city, namely: The Great Shell Lake Get Together and the WinterFest that had taken place in February. The other event, that was talked about was the Shell Lake Lions Triathlon. Why? Because these events brought people together in the city for a common cause…to have fun together.
The other question was – What goes into the decision as to what road to replace in the city limits? GOOD QUESTION! We are going to have an article tackling that very question in the spring editions of the Mayor’s Corner. Great questions came out of my hour of meeting with some Shell Lake folks. I felt it was very much worth it, and we will do it again sometime in the future. Thanks to those who showed up, and offered your ideas!!
WINTERFEST is ready to go! The date is February 14th with activities, scheduled from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Due to scheduling problems with the snowmobile races, we will keep the WinterFest to ONE DAY again this year. There will be food, games, and activities on the lake. More information will be coming, and we will have full details in the February edition of the Mayor’s corner. So, stay tuned, and mark your calendars to SAVE THE DATE!!
ICE SAFETY REMINDER: The following are words of wisdom from the Shell Lake Fire Department. Already this season, we have had someone go thru the ice on the lake. Early-season ice is unpredictable, changes quickly, and can look safter than it is. Before you venture out, PLEASE make sure you’re making smart decisions:
General Ice Thickness Guidelines:
- < 4 inches-Stay off ice. Too thin to support you
- 4 inches OK for a single person on foot
- 5-7 inches- Snowmobile or ATV
- 8-12 inches – Small car
- 12-15 inches – Medium Truck
These are general guidelines – ice thickness is NEVER uniform. Check frequently as you move.
SAFETY TIPS:
- Carry ice picks, a throw rope and wear a flotation jacket
- Never fish alone on early ice
- Check ice with a spud bar every few steps
- Avoid areas with moving water, inlets, outlets and pressure ridges
- When in doubt – DON’T GO OUT!!!
With the help of a lot of volunteers, Shell Lake now has a super nice ice-skating rink that is in Tip Town, along Burgs Park Road. This is a great opportunity for the community, and surrounding area to enjoy those old fashion days of skating outside, taking in the winter weather, and even being able to skate under the lights! Shell Lake has not done this in a long time, with all the snow and true winter weather, volunteers have asked the city permission to put together a rink for all to enjoy! Hope you get a chance to check it out, and enjoy the rink!! This is a volunteer effort of many people of Shell Lake, from flooding the rink, to trying to keep it clear of snow. So, if you still see snow on the rink, maybe bring along a shovel and help with the efforts of these volunteers who have put the time into putting this rink in place. The work that went into making this rink available to the public was been incredible. Thank you to all who made it possible. Enjoy!!
Dates to remember in January:
- 12th City Council meeting 6:30 Financial Meeting, 7:00 Full Council Meeting
- 19th Martin Luther King Day (City Office is Open)
Future Date:
- February 14th: WINTERFEST at the Beach House 11:00 am – 4:30 pm (more info to come in February)
May 2026 bring us peace, joy, and endless opportunities to grow together. Let’s cherish our shared moments, support of one another, and create a year filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Wishing you all a bright and prosperous New Year!
Shell Lake…where Magic happens!!
Mayor Rowie Hansberger
