Hulback named to Rice Lake City Council

Ryan Hulback is the Rice Lake City Council’s new representative from District 3.

Hulback and Jeremy Boehme made their cases to the City Council on Tuesday to take over the seat vacated by Harlan Dodge when he was elected mayor on April 2. A third candidate, Larry Tripp, also had put his name up for consideration but withdrew.

Hulback is a longtime resident of Barron County and has lived in Rice Lake for nearly 15 years. He and his wife, who spoke on his behalf during public comment, have two children in middle school.

With 18 years in law enforcement under his belt, Hulback is currently employed by the Barron County Sheriff’s Department. He said he has received awards and commendations, is the school resource officer for Turtle Lake, has been a K-9 handler for nine years, and has served in supervisory and leadership positions.

Hulback believed that through his law enforcement profession he has gained a variety of valuable skills, qualities and experiences that will benefit the City Council and the city.

The candidate said he understood a council member has a significant responsibility in shaping the city’s future, and promised to be dedicated, passionate and open-minded when making decisions that would be in the city’s best interest.

“I would advocate for transparency and responsible spending while constantly balancing, evaluating and addressing our city’s needs and its wants,” he said.

During council deliberations, Dodge said he had urged Boehme to put his name forward as he thought the candidate had an insight on how things were being run.

Councilmember Gina Sookiayak remarked that in her three years on the council, Boehme had contacted her on multiple occasions on a variety of issues, such as the Patriot Acres housing development and park usage. From her perspective, he had demonstrated an interest in the city.

Speaking on Hulback’s behalf, Councilmember Doug Edwardsen said the candidate appeared to be deeply involved and committed to the community and its security.

Although the City Council had the choice to vote by signed, written ballots, it chose instead to take a roll call vote. The seven seated members voted unanimously for Hulback, and he will serve until April, when the District 3 seat is regularly up for election.