The Pritchard Family Auto Stores Mason City Motor Speedway hosted an electrifying afternoon and evening of racing Sunday with the “May The Fourth Be With You” event featuring the K Sports Park Raceway kicked off its season Saturday night with the KS Engineering Iron Man USRA Stock Cars Series driven by Terminator Chassis highlighting action in the Summit USRA Weekly Racing Serie I-35 Speedway delivered high-octane racing Saturday night during Highway 36 Auto & Diesel Night featuring the Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series © Copyright 2025 United States Racing the Governor's Fishing Opener has done a great job promoting fishing and tourism in Wisconsin But the 2025 edition in Rice Lake broke new ground Yes, Gov. Tony Evers, his staff, Department of Natural Resources employees Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers as well as local tourism officials and organizations shined a deserving light on the Barron County community and lake The Elk's Lodge in Rice Lake was packed May 2 for a dinner banquet, speeches and silent auction. And under Chamber of Commerce weather Saturday, May 3, the waters of Rice Lake sparkled and waterfront activities at the city's Veteran's Memorial Park hummed with excitement What no one planned was for the event to test a deep-seated fishing superstition Bananas are universally regarded as good sources of potassium But along the way they've also earned a reputation as bad luck if brought on a fishing boat Whether it has a scientific basis (some hypothesize the oils in the fruit are repulsive to fish) or it's hooey anglers rarely choose to tempt the Chiquita fate both of Oxford and my fishing partners for the morning are keenly aware of this legend and normally take great pains to respect it Carey is a licensed charter captain and president and founder of WI Women Fish But they didn't inspect the breakfast boxes handed out May 3 to participants in the Governor's Fishing Opener And it wasn't until we launched and set trolling lines on Rice Lake that they discovered they unwittingly brought a pair of bananas on the fishing outing putting aside a breakfast burrito and holding out a yellow The mojo on the boat immediately took on the trajectory of a lead balloon The record will show I ate breakfast - sans banana It would have been bad enough if it were just an outing of friends (I've known Carey and Pardun for 15 years initially through membership in the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers) But after our planned 90 minutes of fishing and scouting "Now we've really got our work cut out," Pardun said The Governor's Fishing Opener was initiated by Knowles graduate of the University of Wisconsin's law school The Republican governor is remembered for pro-conservation and pro-environment policies; the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund Wisconsin's signature public land acquisition program The event is an opportunity to highlight Wisconsin's fishing opportunities and the tourism industry Each governor after Knowles has continued the tradition held on the first day of the Wisconsin general fishing season The event is rotated around host sites in northwestern Wisconsin Business & Economic Development Council) group covers 12 counties in northwestern Wisconsin – Ashland Sawyer and Washburn – and markets the region to visitors The 2025 event included May 2 tours of area attractions and businesses including Henry Repeating Arms in Rice Lake followed by a Friday evening banquet at the Elk's Lodge in Rice Lake and a slew of events Saturday meals and educational displays at Veteran's Memorial Park on the shore of Rice Lake Rice Lake is a 939-acre reservoir on the Red Cedar River It has a maximum depth of 19 feet and moderate water clarity and is home to a varied fish population including largemouth and smallmouth bass DNR fisheries biologist in Barron and Polk counties A couple dozen fish were collected from those nets May 3 and transferred and temporarily held in tanks as part of an educational display at Veteran's Memorial Park Carey and Pardun decided to troll through the northern section of Rice Lake looking for fish on the electronics and learning if fish were active They set out six lines on planer boards and one directly behind the boat with the mercury at 40 degrees Fahrenheit at 7 a.m and a mere puff of a wind out of the northwest We passed a pair of common loons; the birds calmly dove surfaced and stretched 30 yards from our boat At 7:45 a bald eagle flew from shoreline tree and made a dive toward the water Carey piloted the boat over a flat and along a drop off At 8:30 we were still fishless and it was time to pick up Gov Evers at a pier at Veteran's Memorial Park But we decided it would be a good idea if I took the bananas with me Evers exchanged positions with me and he waved goodbye as Carey and Pardun whisked him away from the pier A flotilla of DNR conservation warden and other security boats followed Would the banana-free boat have better luck emailed me: "Sounds like the governor caught a 19-inch pike!" A few minutes later my inbox pinged with a photo of Gov He later caught a largemouth bass while trolling and several bluegills while casting The mood on Carey's boat brightened with each fish caught By 11 the mercury had climbed to 52 and with a bright sun and no wind some winter-conditioned Wisconsinites tossed off the jackets and walked Rice Lake around in t-shirts Kids took the cue and set up a lemonade stand at the corner of Main and Douglas in Rice Lake I spent the rest of the morning talking to Capt DNR conservation warden supervisor in Tomahawk DNR fisheries director Justine Hasz and DNR educators Theresa Stabo and Chamong Xiong as well as touring the displays in Veteran's Memorial Park including by the Rice Lake Protection District Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association University of Wisconsin Extension and UW-Eau Claire Barron County I also ate two bananas for a late morning snack Evers enjoyed the sunny day and fished until about 12:30 p.m He also helped add credence to the angling world's banana avoidance hypothesis He has caught fish each of the five times he's fished with Carey and Pardun at the Governor's Fishing Opener it was a 23-inch walleye on the Phillips Chain the largest fish ever caught by a governor at the event Clearly the trio has a winning combination Here's hoping your 2025 opening day of fishing was safe and successful ⎯ Northwood Technical College invites members of the media and community to attend the annual open house for the Construction and Cabinetmaking student house project in Rice Lake this hands-on project has been a key part of Northwood Tech’s Construction and Cabinetmaking programs and a valued tradition in the Rice Lake community students gain real-world experience by building a home from the ground up—learning every phase of the process finishing and even crafting the cabinetry inside the home It is a project commissioned by a Northwood Tech alumnus who chose to partner with the same program he once graduated from to complete a build for his own business It’s a full-circle moment that reflects the lasting impact of technical education and its continued benefit to the local workforce Guests are invited to tour the student-built home and connect with the students and instructors behind the project Join us in celebrating more than two decades of skilled trades training and community collaboration Northwood Technical College is a nationally top-ranked college and a Silver 2025–26 Military Friendly® School that puts Students First Serving approximately 13,000 residents annually across northwestern Wisconsin Northwood Tech offers career-focused associate degrees A member of the Wisconsin Technical College System Northwood Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) Learn more at NorthwoodTech.edu or call 800.243.9482 To support student success through the Northwood Tech Foundation Northwood Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race pregnancy-related conditions or status in any group protected by state or local law in employment The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policies: Amanda Gohde AA/EEO Officer/Title IX Coordinator/Associate Vice President of Talent and Culture; 1900 College Drive WI 54868; 715.645.7042; Wisconsin Relay System TTY:711; Amanda.Gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu Submit A Story or Press Release: DrydenWire@gmail.com Advertising QuestionsGeneral QuestionsDrydenWire Insider Questions The Rice Lake City Council held a public hearing on Tuesday giving residents a chance to speak on special assessments for utility upgrades The city is planning to improve water and sanitary sewer mains on Ann and Lee Streets this summer The work would also include upgrades to the curbs sidewalks and driveway approaches on the streets Rice Lake Utilities, the city, and the residents in the area would split the total cost of the project. According to a Rice Lake Chornotype report some of the residents are receiving preliminary assessments of over $10,000 some expressed concerns that older homeowners in the area could be forced to sell their homes due to the additional costs Affected residents will have the option to put the special assessment on the property owner’s tax roll Choosing that option would tack on an additional 5.1% interest over that 10 year period In additition to the total cost of the special assessment one local business owner also expressed concerns over needing to temporarily close due to water service shutdowns City Council officials say the water mains are over 50 years old and there have been a number of breaks in recent years They also say the total cost of the special assessments could drop if competitve bids for the project come in lower than expected Rising utility costs have become a controversial topic in the state. Earlier this month, Xcel Energy filed an application for rate increases of 11.8 percent in 2026 and 7.2 percent in 2027. The company provides electricity across Western Wisconsin, and says the rate hikes are necessary for infrastructure improvements. Want More Local News?We've got you. Scan it to get it. News Ethics and Standards | Privacy Policy The Ashland baseball team scored a whopping 18 runs against Rice Lake Friday to earn the 18-7 victory during the Superior tournament at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex The Oredockers’ 18 runs came off 14 hits while the Rice Lake Warriors’ seven runs came off seven hits Ashland improves their win streak to three and now sits 4-1 so far on the season Rice Lake (2-4) next hosts Menomonie April 22 at 4:30 p.m Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public file should contact Vicki Kaping at vkaping@wdio.com or (218) 727-6864 Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInRICE LAKE (WEAU) - NorthLakes Community Clinic is announcing plans to consolidate and expand its healthcare services in Rice Lake at a new while simultaneously relocating its Birchwood clinic operations to the same location According to a press release from NorthLakes Community Clinic the 1051 West Avenue Rice Lake facility serves behavioral health patients it will also include dental care for all ages The move combines services currently provided at multiple locations including the Birchwood Clinic (108 S Main St) “This consolidation represents our commitment to providing accessible comprehensive healthcare services to our community,” Ana Tochterman Chief Executive Officer of NorthLakes Community Clinic “By bringing together our various services in one location we’re creating a more convenient and person-centered healthcare experience for our patients.” The new integrated facility is expected to offer: (Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Post Malone performs at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Tuesday The first show of a stadium tour is full of surprises and genuine joy: fans in attendance are the first to experience a brand new setlist But Post Malone’s first ever stadium show in Utah, the performer’s adopted home, proved extra special for fans — a homecoming for him and them. On Tuesday night, Malone kicked off his “Big Ass Stadium Tour” at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. And, once again, fans showed up to support, decked out in cowboy boots and hats, some sporting Malone’s signature face tattoos, and many more rocking Malone merch. Three sisters — Lauren, Jenny and Katie Bald — sat a mere handful of rows away from the edge of the stage. They’ve been fans of Malone since they first saw him in 2016, as the opener for Justin Bieber on his “Purpose World Tour.” (Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Post Malone performs at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. “We were like, ‘Who is this dude that was just shimmying around on stage,’” Lauren said. “He had braids and was just really cool. He had a presence.” A presence and persona, Lauren said, that hasn’t changed since the beginning. The sisters loved to see Utah fans acknowledged as Malone kicked off his stadium tour and commended his support for all things local. “It’s things like this, like show number one here … it just feels very cool, like he’s throwing one back for us,” Katie said. Malone built up fans’ anticipation to see him, with his three openers (Jelly Roll, Sierra Ferrell and Chandler Walters) and a prolonged intro onto the stage — so much so that fans anxiously began chanting “Posty.” A bright belt buckle that read “Posty Co.” hung over the massive stadium stage — and while the company part might refer to his openers and co-musicians, or even his crew, on opening night it also referred to Malone’s diehard Utah fans. The show’s setlist was a perfect blend of his hip-hop tracks and more recent country songs from his last studio album “F-1 Trillion.” The setlist featured fan favorites like “Sunflower,” “Better Now” and “Circles.” Fans trickled down the stadium seats in excitement, posing for photos, like Tayla Merkely and her group of five friends from Vernal. For younger fans like Megan Fisch and Holly Breit, the Utah tour stop was a chance to see Malone up close in a way they haven’t before. “I just love that he’s true to his hometown,” Breit said. Logistically, there were some opening night issues. Fans expressed confusion on how to get inside the venue, with lines wrapped around the stadium before doors opened. Malone also took to the stage 40 minutes after when he was originally scheduled to. Some of the visual features lagged behind during some songs and the fireworks, while impressive, garnered smoke that blew back into the floor area and left fans coughing between songs. But, those issues didn’t stop fans from enjoying the nearly two hour show. With the bass vibrating through the speakers, up through the floor, and directly to the soles of their feet — fans sang, danced and raised their glasses to Malone. The stadium setup stole the show, with bright lights and fireworks galore. Massive illuminated cowboy and cowgirl signs bracketed the expansive stage and made for an immersive visual experience, alongside other decor and massive screens so everyone in the stadium was able to see. Malone had six different drinks while on stage, though he lost the fifth and poured a good chuck of the first and sixth into the crowd. He also interacted with fans, catching things they threw at him and wearing them — like a necklace with his face on it and a cowboy hat. The Utah crowd was nearly as enthusiastic for Jelly Roll’s opening set as they were for Malone. The artist, best known for his Southern hip-hop style, was the perfect precursor to the headliner. Jelly Roll’s handful of songs had the crowd singing along emotionally, especially during “I Am Not Okay.” “I believe music can heal people,” he said, before performing the song. Jelly Roll also spoke about how this was his first stadium tour, and showed love to the Utah crowd. “I knew Post Malone was right when he said we had to start the tour at home.” During Malone’s set, he performed a song with Jelly Roll (“Losers”) — a beautiful duet moment for the two artists. He also performed “Never Love You Again” with Ferrell later on in the night, and wore a Ferrell shirt throughout the show. Malone came into the music scene nearly a decade ago, but to this day, he continues to be himself on stage: gripping a cigarette in between his mic as he sings “Hollywood’s Bleeding” on his knees, dancing around the stage, swearing profusely and always expressing gratitude for his fans. That’s how he ended his first stadium show — by looking back and giving thanks. “It’s been 10 years of me doing this,” Malone told the crowd during a pause in his last song, overcome by emotion. “I remember at the beginning, everyone called me a ‘one hit wonder.’ They said, ‘You’ll never be in a billboard in Salt Lake City or Rice-Eccles f—ing stadium.’” He thanked Utah fans for the continuous love they have shown him, for helping him accomplish something he’s wanted to do for “as long as he can f—ing remember.” “Don’t give up on your f–ing dreams,” he told the crowd, “no matter what the f— anybody has to f—ing say about you.” For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support 801-237-2900 or email subscribe@sltrib.com sltrib.com © 1996-2025 The Salt Lake Tribune RICE LAKE — Suzanne Herstad will continue to serve as Rice Lake's mayor a city councilor and excavation company owner She was a city council member before she was appointed mayor and Johnson was appointed as her replacement on the council I'll ensure that Rice Lake will NOT become the next Hermantown," Johnson wrote "I'll guide Rice Lake in responsible growth in our residential neighborhoods while attracting suitable businesses in our commercial corridors." This story originally listed an incorrect winner OakLeaf Clinics plans to open a new primary care facility in Rice Lake sometime in May or June following renovations to the building The healthcare organization has opened a number of new facilities in the region over the last year hoping to fill the gaps in care left behind following the closure of the HSHS hospitals and Prevea Clinics While plans for new hospital facilities are moving forward in the Chippewa Valley residents who relied on the closed facilities still need short term options The soonest one of those facilities could be opened is later this year if the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative finds it financially feasible to re-open HSHS St Aspirus Health also plans to build a new hospital in Chippewa Falls which could be opened in as little as 18 months following the start of construction this spring While those projects will undoubtedly help area residents, Governor Tony Evers recently expressed concerns that potential Medicaid cuts could make it more difficult for them to operate Failure to expand Medicaid in the state was commonly cited as a contributing factor in the HSHS hospital closures The new OakLeaf Clinics facility in Rice Lake will offer primary care and urgent care services for residents It will also feature a full-service lab with imaging machines and space for specialist care According to a Rice Lake Chronotype report, community members have been calling for more healthcare options in the region. The chosen facility at 2900 Wisconsin Avenue used to operate as an eye care clinic before being purchased by the organization.