What’s Happening in Shell Lake!!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…..as one of the old Christmas Carol’s state, I would actually
have to agree! All the festivities, good cheer, gathering with friends and family…tough to beat that
warm, heartfelt feeling.

It always makes me smile when I see the Shell Lake Campground and Park with all the Christmas lights lit
up, showing the various business with their lights and themes showcasing our beautiful little city. I have
heard many comments on how the park glows with “Welcome to Shell Lake”, inviting people to drive
through. So, take a moment to enjoy the lights with a slow drive through the park. It will surely put you
in the Christmas Spirit.

Speaking of the lights, how many of you are aware of the meaning of the “Love Life Tree” that is put
together every year in the empty lot in the downtown area? Rob Anderson heads this project up every
year, and this will be the 12th year in a row the Shell Lake Lions will be hosting the Love Life Tree. This is
an opportunity for community members to share the joy of the season by purchasing a light in
recognition of someone special. In addition to honoring your loved ones, the money raised has helped
provide scholarships for our students right here in Shell Lake. If you are interested, you can pick up a
flyer for details. These fliers can be found at Shell Lake City Hall, Shell Lake Bank, Al’s Market and Shell
Lake Marine. It truly is a wonderful way to remember and recognize that very special person that we
hold close to our hearts. You can find more information on their Facebook page; just search for Shell
Lake Lions. Dead line for donations is Thursday December 5th
.
A couple of Christmas events taking place this month is happening right here in Shell Lake at the Quam
Theatre. On December 6th at 7:00 PM, they will be hosting KRISMAS KOOKIES, a musical group from Eau
Claire who write and perform playful, secular songs about Christmas. They love interacting with their
audiences and promise an evening of laughter and delightful entertainment. Tickets for this event are
$25. Then on December 18th, high school choirs from across northwest Wisconsin will be spending their
school day singing Handel’s Messiah in the Aderman Auditorium from 0930-2:00pm. The public is
welcome to come and join the sing-along! Now how fun would that be??
Shell Lake Holiday Saturday December 7th! This is an exciting day for Shell Lake…so many things to
do! Breakfast with Santa at the Community Center 0830-1100am. This event is put on by the Shell
Lake Chamber of Commerce and includes Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, crafts, and selfies with
Santa; Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at the Shell Lake Elementary School from 0900-3:00pm;
United Methodist Church Annual Holiday Bazaar from 0900-2:00pm;
St. Joseph’s CCW bake sale and delicious lunch 0900-2:00pm at St. Joseph’s Church; Shopping fun in
downtown Shell Lake from 0900-2:00pm; Meet Santa’s Reindeer at the Shell Lake Lodge 2:00-
4:00pm. Santa arriving by 2:30. Indulge in Hot Cocoa, enjoy open swim for the kiddos, sip and relax in
the lounge and savor S’mores and more! WHEW….busy day of fun activities for all ages!

SNOW SEASON: With the upcoming snow season, we would like to remind residents and business
owners that plowing, pushing, shoveling or snow blowing snow into city streets or alleys is prohibited.
Also, snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of snow fall. We would also like to
remind residents to not leave their garbage cans out any longer then necessary to avoid complications
with snow plowing. Your attention to these details are really appreciated.

Dates to remember:
December 5th – Dead line for Love Lite Tree donations
December 6th Quam Theatre – KRISMAS KOOKIES performance at 7:00 PM
December 7th – Shell Lake Holiday Saturday
December 9th – City Council Meeting 7PM City Hall
December 18th – Quam Theatre Handel’s Messiah at the Aderman Auditorium 0930-2:00pm
December 24th & 25th City Office closed
DECEMBER 25th – MERRY CHRISTMAS

The City Council member of the month is Stephen Smith. You may know him as your child’s bus driver!
He has driven a school bus for the Shell Lake School District since 2016. Stephen was elected to the City
Council, Ward 1 back in 2017. He also sits on the Shell Lake Zoning Board of Appeals, and has served in
this capacity since 2008. Stephen is the chair of our finance committee, and has years and years of
financial expertise and experience in the field of finance. Steve graduated with a Bachelor of Science,
Accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. In 2018 he was elected to the County
Board of Supervisors. Political Issues have been a lifelong interest of his ever since the JFK election. His
mother also was involved in the political arena, so he comes by this honestly. Stephen states that one of
his proudest moments was when he was one of the founding board members for the Boys and Girls Club
of Rice Lake back in 2001. Not only does Steve give of his time to the political side of life, but also has
been a member of the Lions here in Shell Lake since 2011. Family is very important to him. He and his
wife Christine have been married for 52 years, and are the proud grandparents of 4 grandchildren. Steve
and Chris have been very busy helping with the care of their grandchildren. One of their favorite things
to do is travel with the grandkids on cross country trips, as well as going fishing, and hunting. Stephen
has been an invaluable member of the City Council, helping and guiding us through the financial maze of
balancing the budget for the city, bringing with him years of service and dedication. Thank you, Stephen,
for all that you offer and do for the City of Shell Lake!

Looks like this will be the last Mayor’s Corner for this year. Boy what a year it has been! I think it is so
fortunate that we are able to close each year with Christmas being right there at the end with us.
Christmas has always been my favorite time of year…not so much about the gifts, but the family, friends,
and neighbors that take the time to stop and say a few merry words, the kind that makes your heart
swell! May the spirit of Christmas inspire kindness, compassion and hope. And may your heart be light
and your holiday season bright. Thank you for being a part of our journey, all of us here wishing all of
you, a peaceful Christmas, that will bring you closer to loved ones, and fill your heart with Joy!

Mayor Rowie Hansberger