What’s Happening in Shell Lake!!
Happy Spring! This column will be a bit early, usually it runs the first Thursday of every month, but being that I have some information that I feel is imperative to most of you, I am submitting this a week early.
APRIL 1, is Voting Day, and that is not an April Fool’s joke. That is the first Tuesday of the month, and the voting polls in Shell Lake will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Proper identification must be shown to vote.
The following forms of identification are acceptable Photo IDs: Government issued I.D (driver’s license, passport), Military I.D., Student I.D.
Not Acceptable photo IDs: State or Federal government employee ID, Out of State driver’s license, organization ID
We are so fortunate here in America to be able to exercise the right to vote. Take time to read up about the information regarding the people and topics that will appear on your ballots. Sample ballots are available to view at City Hall. You also may vote early by coming into City Hall and filling out your ballot. This can be done during office hours 8:00 am -1200 and 1:00 pm -4:30 pm Monday thru Friday, except for Friday the 28th, the last date you can vote early, the office will be open until 5:00 pm.
Believe it or not, April 2, will be my one-year anniversary of being voted as Mayor of this fine city! A year of many firsts for me, but also a year also full of laughter and memories. I happen to work with a great group of people, who are supportive, and at the same time, keep me grounded. I have met so many people who tell me how much they love the city, and have enjoyed the activities that the city has put on. Thank you for helping me with ideas, thoughts, and what we could do better. All of this is welcomed. Please continue to stop in and introduce yourselves. I really enjoy that part of my job, meeting new people.
Jumping ahead just a bit, on Saturday May 3rd, from 6-9pm, Morphius will be playing at the Shell Lake Art Center. This is an amazing band from the Twin Cities with Shell Lake connections that come here to help raise money for the Shell Lake Art Center. In case you are unaware, 100% of the proceeds go to the Art Center. There will be auction items, music and food. More to come, but just wanted to give you a heads up on the date, you might want to pencil it in on your calendars!!
With Spring here, just wanted to let you all know of the Spring Clean up day, which will be May 17th. We will have posted on our city web site as to what will and will not be allowed with this pickup It is a wonderful opportunity to get rid of the extra’s you have in your home, yard, and garages that you really do not care to have around anymore. Our tree dump is now also open as well. You need to be a resident of Shell Lake to utilize this, and each Monday the code will change to unlock the gate. Please just call City Hall, and we will give you the access number.
Dates to remember:
April 1st Election Day
April 14th City Council meeting @7pm
April 12th Passover begins at sunset
April 13th Palm Sunday
April 15th Tax Day
April 18th GOOD FRIDAY (City Hall Closed)
April 20th Easter
April 22nd Earth Day
This month I would like to feature Andy Eiche, our City Administrator. Andy moved to Shell Lake about 16 years ago. Like the typical Wisconsinite, he grew up in Wisconsin, but left the state shortly after graduating from college. From an early age he knew he enjoyed working with numbers, thus the degree in finance. However, coming from a family of 12, he also enjoyed interacting with people. This resulted in a career in banking as well working in the securities industry. It was in the security industry where he was introduced to living in a constant state of travel, flying from city to city and living in hotel rooms. It was through this lifestyle, he realized he was missing out on his single passion in life, his family. Both he and his wife Dawn had grown up in a smaller community environment, they decided to make a significant lifestyle change while their children were still young. Thus, like a typical Wisconsinite, it was time to come home. He stated that he could sit and tell us why he chose Shell Lake, but for those of you reading this, I’m guessing you already know. What a wonderful place to raise your children, wouldn’t you agree? Andy first served on the City Council for 5 years, and then was hired as the City Administrator, which he has done for the last 12 years. When asked what his hobbies are, he stated, “anything that my wife and children want to do. I can’t think of anything I would rather spend my time doing” However he did state, that there is one thing he does not like to do with them, or anyone else….and that is SHOPPING!! We are so fortunate to have Andy at the helm, he is approachable, friendly, and always has his door open to the public. Thanks Andy, for all that you do for the residents of Shell Lake!
Well hopefully we have experienced the last of the snow storms, and can look forward to the arrival of Spring, and having the ice out on our lake! The word on the street is that the ice is still very thick in spots, perhaps looking at ice out in early May. Yikes, myself, I am hoping for an earlier ice out. Nothing beats a walk along the shared path, seeing the sparkle on the lake, and people starting to head out to the beach, with children and picnic baskets in tow! Warmer weather is on its way!!
Mayor Rowie Hansberger