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Washburn County Tourism reports on 2025 room‑tax spending; Chamber updates welcome sign efforts
Summary
Washburn County Tourism reviewed how Shell Lake’s 2025 room‑tax funds were spent and said it is exploring promotion options while the Cumberland bridge is out; the Shell Lake Chamber reported on welcome signs and membership totals.
Representatives from Washburn County Tourism presented the agency’s annual accounting of how Shell Lake room‑tax revenue was spent in 2025 and described ongoing promotional efforts.
Kaitlin Horsch and Kelsy Schultz said the tourism organization is reviewing ways to sustain lodging interest in Shell Lake and confirmed they are looking into options to direct traffic into Shell Lake while the Cumberland bridge is out, coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Resident Nick Dillon asked whether room‑tax dollars are being used to increase lodging interest and whether Tourism would direct traffic to Shell Lake given the Cumberland bridge closure; Tourism said it is looking into the issue with WisDOT. Mike Decker, speaking on behalf of the Shell Lake Chamber of Commerce, updated the council on progress to install welcome signs and reported chamber membership counts: 20 for‑profit businesses, 14 non‑profit members and 12 members at large.
Mayor Rowie Hansberger emphasized the importance of communicating access information to visitors while detours and bridge work are in place.
