By Joe Morey Free Press Editor/Publisher Declining student enrollment could lead to staffing reductions, changes in school configurations and adjustments to educational programs in the Rice Lake Area School District as administrators examine the district's long-term financial outlook. During the School Board's October 12 meeting, Randy Drost, school district superintendent, presented enrollment projections extending approximately five years into the future, outlining challe

By Joe Morey Free Press Editor/Publisher The Rice Lake Area School District is continuing to examine its financial outlook as declining enrollment, rising operating costs and proposed changes to employee retirement benefits remain among the issues facing district officials. During the October school board meeting, members received an update from the district's Finance Committee, which has been reviewing enrollment projections, spending pressures and potential cost-saving meas

Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. By Joe Morey Free Press Editor/Publisher The 2026 Wisconsin youth deer hunt has wrapped up, and we’d like to hear how it went for young hunters in Barron County. Did your child get a first buck? Was it a memorable day in the woods with a parent, grandparent, mentor or other family member? Maybe the best part was simply seeing deer, learning something new or spending time together outdoors. The Barron County Free