
In this issue
-
Door County Economic Development Corporation Welcomes Julie Schmelzer
The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) has welcomed Julie Schmelzer as its new director of business development, overseeing revolving loan fund programs, existing business programs and small-business support efforts throughout the county. Schmelzer joins DCEDC with more than 30 years of experience in community development and public administration, working for counties in Wisconsin and […]
-
Historical Museum Presents A Door County Winter Exhibit
The Door County Historical Museum is sharing A Door County Winter: a new display in the windows of its display annex in the former Younkers Home Store on the corner of 4th Avenue and Louisiana Street in Sturgeon Bay. The display includes vintage winter outerwear, furs and hats that bring to life the cold-weather styles […]
-
Suds with Sophie: Trappist No More, A Salute to Former Monastic Brewery Achel
The Belgian monastic brewery Achel – pronounced “Ak-ill” – has recently lost its last monks and therefore must lose its certification, although they can continue to call their brews Trappist Achel – they lose the use of an official Trappist product logo. Now you may be wondering, “What do monks have to do with brewing?” […]
-
Wild Tomato’s February Donation Creation This month’s Donation Creation features beer-infused wild-boar sausage with onion jam, potatoes, bacon, rosemary and arugula salad on a bed of mustard aioli. Proceeds from this month’s Donation Creation will go to the Door County Medical Center Auxiliary. Kitchen Barons Delivers New to Sturgeon Bay is Brad Hunsader’s new venture, […]
-
Pandemic Hits Some School Enrollments
State organization pursuing waiver on student data for one year Enrollment losses can cause schools to lose thousands of dollars in school funding, and many districts statewide had unusual declines related to family decisions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With thousands of families statewide either homeschooling or sending students to neighboring school districts in response […]
-
Editor’s Note: What I’ll Keep Post-pandemic
Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO, tweeted a help-wanted ad a couple weeks ago for another of his companies, Neuralink. In the short term, employees would work to solve brain/spine injuries. In the long term, the work would help to create human/artificial intelligence symbiosis. “Latter will be species-level important,” he concluded. Sounds like gratifying work – helping to […]
-
Letter to the Editor: A Greener and Cleaner Festival Challenge
After last season, it seems clear that folks will flock to Door County even if we don’t provide a “festival,” so perhaps this would be an opportune time to rethink our festivals. Perhaps we could use them as a way to educate people about this fragile shelf of limestone jutting into a constantly – and sometimes […]
-
Letter to the Editor: Thankful for Vaccine and Its Handling
My husband and I would like to thank the Door County Public Health Department for its excellent handling of the COVID-19 vaccines. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for their wonderful service, smiles and knowledgeable information. Several members were stationed outside in the sub-zero temperatures but remained cheerful and ready to help. We […]
-
Letter to the Editor: Shout-Out to the Baileys Harbor Fire Department on its New Fire Station
Congratulations to the Baileys Harbor community on its new fire station! As a member of the Baileys Harbor Condo Association, I’ve followed the Baileys Harbor Fire Department’s efforts from early on. I was impressed with how Chief Brian Zak, Assistant Chief Eric Peil and their team carefully weighed every step in the process, from selecting […]
-
Letter to the Editor: Shout-Out to the Baileys Harbor Fire Department on its New Fire Station
Congratulations to the Baileys Harbor community on its new fire station! As a member of the Baileys Harbor Condo Association, I’ve followed the Baileys Harbor Fire Department’s efforts from early on. I was impressed with how Chief Brian Zak, Assistant Chief Eric Peil and their team carefully weighed every step in the process, from selecting […]
-
Letter to the Editor: A Primer on Cross-country Ski Trails
This letter is to clarify etiquette on cross-country trails. In Door County, all state parks have designated ski trails, on which skiing is the only activity allowed during the winter. Despite clearly posted signs at all entrances stating “No hiking, no biking, no dogs,” perfectly groomed trails continue to be obliterated by hikers. In cooperation […]
-
Server of the Week: Diane Lopez at Peninsula Pub
You come in from afar To a tiny bar in the middle of a busy peninsula, And with your kin, you sling some gin And burgers as big as your head. Without you, there would be no glue To hold this tiny pub together. Princess D is the very best you’ll see – Her service […]
-
Norton Joins 1,000 Point Club, DC United Caps Season at State Swim Meet
Southern Door senior Nicole Norton joined the 1,000-point club this season, reaching the milestone during an Eagles victory over Peshtigo. Norton is pictured with her mother, Marissa; and father, Jason. Photo by Ann Bretl. The DC United boys swim team competed in the recent state swim meet in Waukesha after finishing third at sectionals. Jacob […]
-
Majors League Feb. 9, 2021 • High team game: Innovative LED Solutions 1,129 • High team series: Apple Valley Lanes 3,264 • High game (women): Alisa Rupp 204, Kayla Fort 197, Kayla Fort 185 • High series (women): Alisa Rupp 557, Kayla Fort 548, Natasha LeMieux 487 • High game (men): Scott Voeks 279, Dylan […]
-
Door County Writes: ‘Valentine’s Anxiety’
by Michael Brecke For some reason, my memory doesn’t remember the fourth-grade Valentine’s Day party, but the fifth grade, that’s different. That is when my anxiety about which valentine to give to which person hit. More specifically, which valentine to give to which girl. I had a preadolescent crush on one of the girls in […]
-
‘Wisconsin People & Ideas’ Taking Submissions for Writing Contest
Get the attention your writing deserves through Wisconsin’s largest and longest-running writing contests, hosted by Wisconsin People & Ideas, the quarterly magazine of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters. Winners in both the fiction and poetry categories will earn awards of $500 to $100, publication in Wisconsin People & Ideas and a reading […]
-
Write On Offers ‘Hike & Write’ Series
Write On, Door County is offering a new Hike & Write series on the trails of its new writing center in Juddville. Each month, there will be a new theme for hikes that are ideal for families, individuals and those looking for a safe, beautiful outdoor activity. Booklets that guide visitors on a hike will […]
-
Ongoing Programs at Algoma Public Library
The Algoma Public Library is offering some ongoing programs through February. On Tuesdays, head to the library’s TikTok page for a new book challenge, fun video to duet or react to, and other interactive content. The library also hosts Write It Wednesdays, when you can sign up to receive virtual writing prompts to get the […]
-
Jump-start Your Writing with ‘Developing a Writing Habit’
Write On, Door County (writeondoorcounty.org) is offering Developing a Writing Habit, a six-week online course for beginning and established writers who need to develop or jump-start their writing. Led by Twin Cities author Robin Sauerwein, the class will help participants set goals to help them become the writers they want to be. The course will […]
-
Door County Writes: ‘Lemon Drops’
by Cindy Crebbin Elegant glass pitcher holds coldwater as sugar siftsdownward and is stirred.Deep yellow lemon,like the color of forsythia,sliced into thin pieces, rind and translucent fruit:spokes of wheels in sunlight,gleam as jewels.A work of art — homemade lemonade. I sit and gaze at the transparent pitcher as I slowly sipthe taste of cool lemon drops. Cindy […]
-
Door County Writes: ‘Black Ice’
by June Nirschl, written in response to: Tell a story about a time when you were very cold. Help your readers picture exactly where you were and what you were doing. You’re allowed to use the word “cold” only twice! I gave a sharp twist of the SUV steering wheel to the right, pulling the […]
-
Ellison Bay Pottery Winter Hours
Ellison Bay Pottery will be open Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am – 4 pm, during the winter. It will also offer a 10 percent Valentine’s Day discount Feb. 12-13 and free shipping through February. To get more information, visit ellisonbaypotterystudios.com or call 920.740.5859.
-
Mini ‘Love, Door County’ Packages from Artisan Market Now Available
Although the “Love, Door County” Pop-up Market has been consolidated to one day – Feb. 13, 11 am – 2 pm, at the Door County Fitness Studio – the gift packages representing this market and its participating artisans have expanded to include four “mini” packages, starting at $25. “The four ‘mini’ packages are a deconstruction […]
-
Capturing Door County: The “Super Realism” of Audrey Off
Audrey Mae Off’s work captures the essence of Door County through picturesque landscapes and iconic maritime scenes that anyone with a love for the county will immediately recognize: the bold, red North Pierhead Light at the end of the canal; a laker coming through the Steel Bridge; rocky shores with breaking waves; and seagulls among […]
-
Pet Tip: Cold Weather Pet Safety
It’s the time of year Wisconsinites have come to know and love: a time of bitter-cold temperatures along with snowy, icy streets. The Wisconsin Humane Society reminds those who care for animals that cold weather poses threats to their furry friends and suggests these tips to help keep their animals safe: • Keep animals inside. Even […]
-
Sturgeon Bay Featured in ‘Municipality’ Magazine
Sturgeon Bay’s 2020 economic-development efforts have been featured in the February 2021 issue of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities’ The Municipality magazine in an article titled “Economic Development during and after the Pandemic” by Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward. Thanks to Destination Sturgeon Bay, Tim Graul’s cover photo also offers readers a glimpse of the […]
-
Ridges Announces New Executive Director, Mike Reed
The Ridges Sanctuary has named Mike Reed as its new executive director, replacing Steve Leonard. Reed brings more than 30 years’ experience with the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, serving as its director, 2011-19. During his time at Bay Beach, Reed created a volunteer-based wildlife-rehabilitation program, developed a nature-based four-year-old kindergarten in conjunction […]
-
Cradle to Career Receives Award from 100+ Women Who Care
The 100+ Women Who Care of Northern Door County giving circle recognized and awarded three local nonprofit organizations in January. The Door County Cradle to Career program of the Lakeshore Community Action Program received the main award of $10,000 and will use it to deliver services that promote family stability and wellness, educational attainment and […]
-
Salvation Army Sets Record Red Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army of Door County had a record-setting 2020 Red Kettle Christmas campaign thanks to the hard work and generosity of the community. The amount raised was just over $105,000 – the highest total ever. Door County was also the state’s top-ranked county among Salvation Army service-extension units, meaning that the organization does not […]
-
Sonny’s Pizzeria will host a blood drive Feb. 25, 11 am – 5 pm, to support the Community Blood Center (CBC), which is the sole provider of blood, platelets and plasma to Door County Medical Center. Schedule a donation by calling 800.280.4102 or visiting communityblood.org. Enjoy complimentary Sonny’s pizza afterward, and receive a CBC pizza […]
-
Bits and Bites: After Hours at Kick Ash, Last Chance for Wickman Ramen
Kick Ash after Hours Kick Ash Coffee in Ellison Bay is open late on Saturdays through February, 4-9 pm, for coffee, snack boards, wine and desserts for those who are missing community time. Celebrate Fire & Ice Virtually The Fire & Ice gala will be a virtual this year, and your ticket includes not only […]
-
County Cancels Remaining COVID 19 Community Testing Clinics
Door County and the Wisconsin National Guard are canceling the three remaining scheduled COVID 19 testing drive thru clinics that were planned through early March. The dates that will be affected are as follows: February 22, March 1, and March 8. The clinics have been canceled due to the drop in demand for the service. […]
-
Municipalities Consider Short-Term Rental Regulation
Sevastopol Town Board will take a first look at draft ordinance Feb. 15 Towns such as Liberty Grove and Sevastopol have started down the long and sometimes rocky road of regulating short-term rental properties (STRs): residential dwellings that are rented for short stays, generally through online lodging marketplaces such as Airbnb and Vrbo. The state […]
-
Wild Things: Perch, Pike, Trout and ’Eyes
Whitefish not the only game in town Ice anglers have a smorgasbord of species to choose from when heading out onto the frozen waters of Green Bay. A terrific deep-water fishery for whitefish is the focus of many trips, but they’re certainly not the only possible catch. If you don’t mind sorting through smaller ones, […]
-
The temperature was hovering just above 0 F when the Gibraltar Fire Department was dispatched Saturday around 9:40 am to a chimney fire on Gibraltar Road in Fish Creek. Deputy Chief Jerrad Anderson, the first to arrive, sized up a scene that included smoke coming out of the roof on both sides of the cabin. […]
-
Kewaunee County Housing Study Focuses on Quantity, Quality
Kewaunee County has a demand for single-family homes, senior-living units, and rentals, according to a new housing study (available at kewauneeco.org) by Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission (Bay-Lake RPC). “The housing study by Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission was conducted to help us identify ways to solve the gaps within Kewaunee County,” said Scott Feldt, Kewaunee County […]
-
Baileys Harbor Looks for Big Energy Savings, Green Solutions
With major concerns about the fuel-oil-heated town hall, Baileys Harbor officials want a solution, but they also want to know all of their energy-saving options. The town board on Monday delayed hiring HVAC and energy specialists from Trane to provide an investment-grade audit for an energy plan because Trane’s Thomas Huberty had not specified a […]
-
Forum Addresses the Child Care Trilemma
Three of the primary goals of Early Child Care and Education programs are quality, affordability, and competitive staff compensation. Meeting any one of these goals creates conflicts and/or challenges for meeting the other two. This is often referred to as the Trilemma of ECE programs. United Way of Door County hosts the latest in its series […]
-
Shipyard Tour Rescheduled to Sept. 11
The Noon Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay has rescheduled its 27th annual shipyard tour (SturgeonBayRotaryClub.org or facebook.com/RotaryShipyardTour) to Sept. 11. Traditionally, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, CenterPointe Yacht Services and the Coast Guard cutter Mobile Bay open their doors the first Saturday of May to offer public tours during this Rotary fundraiser, but plans have been revised […]
-
Vineyard Walks, Sampling at Parallel 44
Enjoy some fresh air, wine, exercise and discussion with Parallel 44’s winemaker, Steve Johnson, during vineyard walks each Saturday in February. Johnson will lead visitors through the vineyard, making stops to sample wines made from various vines and Parallel 44’s specialty ice wine. The walk will conclude with a glass of wine of your choice […]
-
Algoma Bird City Committee Seeks Photo Submissions
The Algoma Bird City Committee is seeking unusual bird photos for its annual World Migratory Bird Day celebration. Photographers of any age or skill level may submit photos of birds in any natural setting – in backyards, at feeders, in the air, in trees, along shorelines – as long as the photos were taken in […]
-
Crossroads’ Ski and Snowshoe for Free Offered When Conditions Permit
Crossroads’ Ski and Snowshoe for Free will be offered Saturdays and Sundays when snow conditions permit, and Crossroads now offers kicksleds for use as well. Check out weather conditions and learn more at crossroadsatbigcreek.org.
-
Public Health Working Through Vaccine Waitlist
The Door County Public Health Department will receive 200 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week, allowing it to begin working through the list of people whose appointments have been cancelled. By the end of the week the department will have provided 916 doses of the vaccine to Door County residents. Those with cancelled […]