Rice Lake Continues Clean Up Efforts After Storm

Free Drop Off Spot for Fallen Trees

Hundreds of Trees were lost or damaged by the storm that swept through earlier this week, and community members are left to clean up what’s left.

Leaves Branches and trees are stacked up in a vacant lot across the Sunset Bar and Restaurant in Rice Lake.

The lot, the site for a future Kwik Trip Location, is temporarily being used as a collection point for trees and brush after the recent storm, and gives community members a place to bring the trees at no cost.

“We’ll be open 7 days a week for the next 2 months,” says Deana Walkowiak-Olson, the acting Supervisor of the drop off location.

Sandra Signorelli is one resident who lost trees in her yard during the storm, and she had a whole trailer load of debris to drop off

“It’s enough that we have to haul it up here and pack it up but it’s nice that we don’t have to pay for it too,” says Signorelli.

Besides the tree collection spot, the city of Rice Lake has been working tirelessly after the storm, like clearing roads, and even providing water to residents who need it.

“Everywhere you go all the roads were closed, so people were trapped back in there, but it’s just a devastation as far as the amount of trees,” says John Werner, the Mayor of Rice Lake.

But it’s not just the city.  Community members continue to reach out and help each other, so that Rice Lake can Recover as quick as possible.

“It’s not surprising to me at all, they pitch in and do whatever has to happen,” says Werner.

If you live in Rice Lake and have any storm related concerns, Rice Lake City officials invite you to go to the city hall.