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Peninsula Pulse April 15-22, 2022

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In this issue

  • Festival of Nature Celebrates All Summer Long

    The Ridges Sanctuary and its community partners invite the public to celebrate the precious species, rare habitat and natural beauty of the Door peninsula all summer long during its 20th annual Festival of Nature. Activities will kick off on Memorial Day weekend and include 65 programs involving outdoor learning, social conversation and art.  On May […]

  • DCGMA Lecture Explores Invasive Jumping Worms

    Many Door County gardeners have been shocked to discover invasive jumping worms in their lawns, gardens and woodlands. Ecologist Brad Herrick will explore the impact of this new nonnative soil invader during the next lecture of the Door County Master Gardeners Association’s (DCMGA) Education Series on April 26, 6:30-8 pm, at Crossroads at Big Creek, […]

  • Join the Maifest Fun in Jacksonport

    The Jacksonport community will once again roll out the red carpet during Memorial Day weekend, May 28-29, for its annual Maifest celebration. The parade will start from Cave Point Drive at 10:30 am. Parade officials are looking for more float entries, and several prizes will be awarded. There is no cost to participate. Cash prizes […]

  • Documentary Discusses Soil, Climate Change

    Crossroads at Big Creek is partnering with the Climate Change Coalition of Door County to screen Kiss the Ground on April 21, 6:30 pm, as part of Every Day Is Earth Day. The event will take place at Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay. This compelling, hopeful documentary explores the power of regenerative agriculture […]

  • “EGG”CEPTIONAL PROGRAMS AT CROSSROADS

    Which came first, the chicken or the egg? That age-old question may not be answered, but Crossroads at Big Creek will be celebrating all things eggs (and chickens) April 16 with three egg-focused programs. The family favorite EGGStravaganza will kick off the lineup at 10 am, when learners will crack, break, throw and drop eggs […]

  • DNR Providing Grants for Recycling Electronics

    The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications for the new E-Cycle Wisconsin Electronics Collection Grant from entities that will host one or a series of electronics collection sites or events in 2022 or the beginning of 2023. The events or sites must be located in counties that do not currently have a […]

  • Planting a Tree: One Small Step Anyone Can Take

    The public demand for trees overwhelmed planners of the inaugural Big Plant tree-planting blitz last spring. As a result, communities, service clubs and Door County nature and environmental organizations have prepared to meet some of that demand this April and May, but they anticipate more people will want free trees than can receive them. Roy […]

  • Bits & Bites: Easter Brunch and Other Spring Arrivals

    Spring is here, which means the Door County dining scene is hopping with activity. Here’s a snapshot of some of the latest happenings. Easter Brunch Specials at Inn at Cedar Crossing336 Louisiana St. in Sturgeon Bay Hop on over to treat yourself to brunch this holiday weekend. Inn at Cedar Crossing will be serving its […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Enzo

    Enzo is a wonderful, unique dog who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society’s (WHS) Door County Campus. This handsome, 4-year-old pup is blind, but that doesn’t stop him from being a happy boy who loves to play! Enzo (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=49671517) has already been neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, and he goes home with a starter […]

  • Attend Aging Advocacy Day 2022 Online

    Join members of the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network and others to help educate state legislators about the priority issues affecting Wisconsin’s aging population through this year’s virtual training and one-to-one personal phone calls.  No experience is necessary, and you’ll receive the training and support you need to hold effective meetings with state lawmakers during a […]

  • UUFDC Awards Food Pantry Coalition $7,500

    The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County (UUFDC) has awarded its second quarterly 25th-anniversary Community Support Initiative donation to the Door County Food Pantry Coalition. Henk Wolst, president of the UUFDC board, presented a $7,500 check to the Door County Community Foundation, which manages the food-pantry coalition’s fundraising.  Throughout this milestone anniversary year, UUFDC’s tradition […]

  • ADRC of the Lakeshore Offers Nutrition Class

    The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the Lakeshore is presenting a new class, Stepping Up Your Nutrition.  Join the class June 8, 9:30-11:30 am, to learn how malnutrition can cause muscle loss and dizziness, increasing the risk of falls; why muscle matters; how to get enough protein and fluids; and how to eat […]

  • Prevea Pediatrician to Answer Infant-Care Questions

    Welcoming a child into the world is a life-changing experience that presents challenges and questions for all parents, whether this is their first child or not. Prevea pediatricians are helping by answering infant-care questions.  Dr. Shilpa Ullikashi, a pediatrician at Prevea St. Mary’s Health Center in Green Bay, will host a Zoom presentation April 26, […]

  • Music to My Ears: Door County Live Music April 15-21

    Spend the week checking out these live-music offerings! Moonshiners April 15, 7-10:30 pm, Stone Harbor Restaurant & Pub An authentic reproduction of modern and classic country hits with a distinctive approach to instrumentation. Ben Larsen April 16, 1-4 pm, Harbor Ridge Winery Americana acoustic singer. Hunter Gatherer April 16, 2-5 pm, Door County Brewing Co. […]

  • Waffle Breakfast Raises Money for Belgian Heritage Center

    The Belgian Heritage Center will host a waffle breakfast April 24, 9 am – 1 pm. It includes handmade waffles, eggs, beverages and Marchant’s Belgian trippe: a traditional sausage made with cabbage and Belgian spices.   Guests may also view the center’s exhibits, which tell the story of the Belgian settlement area. All proceeds will benefit […]

  • Door County Medical Center Hosts Caregiver Workshop

    Door County Medical Center will offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a workshop for adults who are coping with the demands of caring for an older adult with long-term health needs. The workshop will help caregivers to focus on their own goals and well-being while empowering them with strategies to feel confident in their caregiving abilities. […]

  • Swingin’ Door Big Band Kicks Off 2022 Season

    Musicians have been amplifying social issues – causes from human rights to the environment – through their music since the beginning, so it seems fitting that the Swingin’ Door Big Band is kicking off its 2022 season on Earth Day with a performance at the Swing into Spring fundraiser at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church […]

  • Open House at Liberty Grove North Fire Station

    Join the Northern Door community to learn about the services and equipment at the Liberty Grove North Fire Station during its Spring into the Season open house April 26, 4-7 pm. The event will raise funds for the Defibs4DoorCounty campaign and enable community members to make connections that can help locate stories of past firefighters […]

  • Door County Historical Society Receives $25,000 Grant

    The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Telling the Full History Preservation Fund has announced its award of $25,000 to the Door County Historical Society (doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org). The grant is one of 80 given to select organizations nationwide that facilitate projects to help preserve, interpret and activate historical places to tell the stories of underrepresented groups in […]

  • Gibraltar Senior Completes Firefighting Program

    Emmaly Bertges, a senior at Gibraltar High School, has completed NWTC’s Public Safety Education entry-level firefighting program and intends to put her new certification to use during her summer breaks from college. Bertges will graduate summa cum laude while also participating in track and volleyball and serving as an officer on the Student Council and […]

  • Residential Electrical Disconnection Moratorium Expired April 15

    Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) is urging customers who are behind on their energy bills to get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disconnection because the state’s residential disconnection moratorium expired April 15. WPS works with customers year-round to offer payment plans and help with energy assistance, so fewer than 1% of WPS customers […]

  • Program Explores Life of Chief Oshkosh

    The Egg Harbor Historical Society will host – and Lauren Ward, managing director of Write On, Door County, will present – a program about Chief Oshkosh on April 19, 7 pm, at the Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St. in Egg Harbor. Roy Oshkosh was chief of the Menominees from 1932 until 1974, as well as a […]

  • Matching Campaign Fires Up Otumba Park Playground Project

    An anonymous donor has amped up the fundraising incentive for the Otumba Park Playground Project by pledging to match up to $40,000 for all donations received by April 30. “We need to raise $350,000 to build the playground, and as of Friday [April 8], we were nearly halfway to our goal, said Ashley Schanock, the […]

  • FREE SMALL-BUSINESS ACADEMY MAY 3-6

    The ninth annual Lieutenant Governor’s Small-Business Academy is a four-day virtual conference taking place May 3-6, but on May 6, participants may join in-person events around the state hosted by partner organizations. The conference is focused on providing Wisconsin’s entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with an opportunity to learn from and connect with business leaders and […]

  • Ripp’s Bay Food Market and Slaughterhouse

    A downtown Sturgeon Bay staple for 48 years Fritz and Janice Ripp bought Al Hopp’s grocery store, meat market and slaughterhouse at 246 N. 4th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay in 1947. Their daughter, Mary Lou, was just a toddler at the time, but the five Ripp boys – Dave, Tony, Joe, Dan and Tim – […]

  • Baileys Harbor Ready for Townwide Vote on Broadband

    The Baileys Harbor Town Board this week selected a $172,000 plan from Farr Technologies to examine the cost of, and pathways for, running high-speed internet fiber to all premises in the town. With the town board’s blessing, Farr may get started right away finding every utility pole and potential underground route for fiber lines to […]

  • GOVERNOR APPROVES GIBRALTAR TIF DISTRICT

    Gov. Tony Evers has approved the Town of Gibraltar’s request to create a Tax Increment Financing District, commonly referred to as a TIF district or TID, to help pay for the expansion of its sewer lines to the upper bluff portion of the town along Highway 42. The bill was proposed by Rep. Joel Kitchens […]

  • A Performance Snapshot of Sturgeon Bay’s Existing TIDs

    Sturgeon Bay has five active Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIDs). The fifth was approved in September 2021 to finance developer incentives and improvements in the former Sunset School property and neighborhood, so no financials are yet available.  A sixth is also on the verge of being approved for Egg Harbor Road, and a seventh is […]

  • Southern Door Holds Family Math Night April 26

    Southern Door will host a Family Math Night on April 26, 5:30-7 pm, in the elementary cafeteria. There will be make-and-take math activities, raffle prizes and lots of family fun. Find out more and sign up at facebook.com/southerndoorschools.

  • Sevastopol’s Destination Imagination Teams Advance to Global Competition

    Three Sevastopol teams competed in the recent Destination Imagination state competition at UW-Green Bay. The elementary team Micro Magix took first place in the scientific challenge; the middle school team, The Ultimates, took first place in the engineering challenge and won the Renaissance Award; and the elementary team Poison Ivy took fourth place in the […]

  • Egg Harbor Road Site of Sixth City TID District

    Council decision making it official slated for April 19 Another Tax Increment District is expected to be formalized by the end of April within the City of Sturgeon Bay – this one along Egg Harbor Road. Tax Increment District (TID) #6 runs an irregular path, taking into its area some new housing developments, vacant lots, […]

  • Door County Students Place at SeaPerch Competition

    Two Door County schools were represented in the recent regional SeaPerch competition day. SeaPerch is an underwater-robotics program from the North Coast Marine Manufacturing Alliance that equips teachers and students with resources to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in an in-school or out-of-school setting.  Washington Island’s Team Dory took second place overall during […]

  • Naturally Colorful

    Try dying eggs using natural materials from your yard and kitchen Dying eggs is a time-honored spring tradition – an activity enjoyed by kids and the young at heart. Simple to do and fun for all ages, experimenting with natural dying agents can create one of the most memorable and unusual Easter baskets ever to […]

  • Holiday Leftover Makeovers

    Turn the rest of your special dinner into the best postholiday meals It’s the plight of every holiday meal: What to do with the leftovers? Luckily, I love a good challenge, especially if it gives me an excuse to get creative in the kitchen and relive my days as a cookbook editor. So if you’re […]

  • Gibraltar School District Makes Coaching Changes

    The Gibraltar Area School Board began searching for a new varsity head basketball coach after Justin Burress resigned about a month after leading the Vikings to the state tournament. The board accepted the resignation with regret, and Superintendent Tina Van Meer said Burress resigned only from his coaching position, citing a busy family life as […]

  • Sustainability Issue on Its Way

    We’ll explore how to make better connections Earth Day is April 22 this year, and our Sustainability Issue will hit newsstands that same day. This has been an annual convergence for more than a decade. The point is to shine a light on a single topic to convey what’s being done locally – and what […]

  • Students can now Begin Bachelor’s Degrees at NWTC

    Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), including the Sturgeon Bay campus, and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will offer new transfer opportunities for learners to earn associate of arts and associate of science degrees. For the first time, students can begin their bachelor’s degree at NWTC through the new, two-year transfer program. After completing either associate […]

  • Door County Granary Moved to Forever Site

    It took a day moving at a roller’s pace, but on April 9, the Teweles and Brandeis granary building ended up in the exact spot where it began in 1901 on Sturgeon Bay’s West Waterfront.  “This is a huge milestone,” said Christie Weber with the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation, the organization that saved the […]

  • Future of Hardy Gallery in Question

    The future of one of Door County’s most recognizable buildings is up for discussion in Ephraim.  During its meeting Tuesday, the Ephraim Village Board decided to take a step back to gather more input on the future of Anderson Dock and the Hardy Gallery after residents raised questions about the information upon which the village […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Campaign Flyer Found Lacking

    Thank you, Rep. Joel Kitchens, for your recent campaign flyer touting your and the Assembly’s legislative accomplishments. To be sure, “building better relationships between condominium associations and unit owners” (Assembly Bill 570) is a commendable effort. I’m sure all of Wisconsin sleeps better knowing that that hot issue has been defused.  However, I find it […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Civility Is the Lubricant of a United Society

    In Lynn Lees’ letter to the editor [April 1], she wrote, “Where has civil behavior gone? What has happened to decency in political debate?” I have some thoughts.  “Civility” has been labeled “political correctness” (PC), and has been made a bad thing by many on our political right. Also, it seems that “PC” in the […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Enough with the Election Investigation

    When, if ever, will the Vos/Gableman goofiness end? It has turned into a ridiculous clown show. Enough already. Rick Ronvik Sister Bay, Wisconsin 

  • Letter to the Editor: Excited about the History the Granary Project Is Preserving

    I recently met Tim Stone and Jim Janning to learn about the Teweles and Brandeis Granary project. I knew only what I’d read in the paper. My expectations were neutral.  We met in the construction trailer on the Sturgeon Bay West Waterfront site. The project has received impressive history and design accolades. I asked about […]

  • Concept Plans Ordered for Potawatomi Tower

    Decisions coming after November election The latest action on the Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower announced Tuesday by Gov. Tony Evers’ office was received skeptically by those who suspect another planned delay in a project that has already been stalled to the detriment of the ailing tower – and this time safely past the hump […]

  • Wild Things: Gearing Up for a Gobbling Good Time

    Youth turkey hunt is April 16-17; regular season opens April 20 by KEVIN NAZE, [email protected] After a two-year absence, Learn to Hunt wild-turkey programs returned this spring. Judging by photos on social media from across the state last weekend, there were many success stories. Next up is the annual youth turkey hunt April 16-17. It’s […]

  • Moertl’s Workshop Focuses on Sacred Passing

    Join Marggie Moertl for an introductory workshop May 18, 1-2:30 pm, at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Door County, 916 N. 14th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. During Creating a Sacred Passing for Loved Ones, learn what a sacred passing is and how to seek that for those you love. A longer workshop will […]

  • Studio234 Offers QiGong Classes

    Studio234 and instructor Jen Aldrich are offering adult QiGong classes. Aldrich is a member of the National QiGong Association, certified 200-hour QiGong practitioner and Wuji Hundun instructor under the tutelage of QiGong master Francesco Garripoli. QiGong – an ancient breath and slow-movement practice that cultivates the life force energy of the body, mind and spirit […]

  • Spring Cleaning: Get in Touch with the Benefits of Massage

     by JENNIFER MUCH With hectic schedules, our bodies take on an immense amount of daily tension and stress. Enter massage therapy. Although often perceived as a luxury to foster relaxation, massage therapy provides several health benefits that relieve pain, facilitate healing and remind us that self-care is important.  But with so many styles of massage […]

  • Author Visit at Kick Ash on April 26

    Kick Ash, 12001 Mink River Road in Ellison Bay, will host a gathering with Colleen Baldrica, author of Tree Spirited Woman, on April 26, 6-8 pm. The evening will begin with a book exchange, 6-7 pm, when guests should provide five books and then take five different ones home. Baldrica – an official Chippewa (Ojibwe) […]

  • Bench Dedication Honors Jan Luser

    BookNook Gardens (BNG) will host a storytime bench dedication April 30, 10 am, at the Storybook Trail in Murphy Park. This will be the group’s final gathering because it had previously announced its dissolution plans. Three benches are being placed along the Storybrook Trail to honor Jan Luser, a former BNG board director who died […]

  • Book Recommendation: New Folger Library, Shakespeare

    Recommended by LAURA KAYACAN, Adult Services Librarian, Door County Library  This April during National Poetry Month, I recommend my favorite poet of all time, William Shakespeare. Not only did he write a series of remarkable, timeless sonnets, but all of his plays are written at least partly in iambic pentameter or blank verse. Which other […]

  • DC Published Authors Collective: Rudy Senarighi

    Growing up in the northern Minnesota community of Cloquet, Rudy Senarighi began trout fishing as a youngster, often riding his bicycle eight miles in the dark to be able to be on the stream by sunrise. A diagnosis of cancer in 2000 prompted him to reassess life’s priorities. He began writing his first book, Listen […]

  • Woodwalk Gallery Opening April 15

    Woodwalk Gallery is extending its season a little more, opening weekends starting April 15, then shifting to daily hours starting May 1.  The opening show, Magical Mysterious Tour, is an expanded version of the online show running through the end of April and featuring 40 juried pieces. The four prize winners from the online show, […]

  • UUFDC Gallery Reopens

    The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County (UUFDC) has resumed hosting exhibitions, and its first, Johanna Axelrod: Nature Reimagined, will be on display through May 29. Axelrod has worked as an artist for more than four decades, is always experimenting, and has explored watercolor, acrylics, pencil, encaustic, mixed media and collage in a variety of […]

  • ‘Nature’s Medley’ on Display at The Ridges

    The Ridges Sanctuary will host Nature’s Medley, featuring the works of Door County artist Marcia Nickols. An opening reception will be held May 5, 4-6 pm, and her work – which includes water-based oils, mixed media, watercolors and wool felt art – will be on display at The Ridges Nature Center through May. All works are […]

  • ‘Spring I’ Art Show Opens at Plum Bottom Gallery

    Plum Bottom Gallery will host an opening reception for its Spring I art show April 23, 10 am – 5 pm, at the 4999 Plum Bottom Road location in Egg Harbor. Featured artists will be at the gallery 3-6 pm, with artist talks beginning at 4 pm.  Among the featured artists, Stephanie Lord is a […]

  • Student Art on Display at Miller Art Museum

    The Miller Art Museum is presenting its 48th annual Salon of Door County High School Art April 16 – May 23. Presented in collaboration with peninsula art educators, the exhibition marks nearly five decades of displaying artwork created in diverse media by students who live in Door County. This year’s exhibition will include contributions by more […]

  • Lost & Found: Everyday objects become works of art

    photos courtesy of Drömhus You might try to pigeonhole Teresa Ann Gifford, but she’s unlikely to stay confined.  The owner of The Assemblage Studio in Green Bay currently has an exhibit of paper quilts at Drömhus in Sturgeon Bay where, earlier this month, she led a workshop called Alice … in Paper: A Journey into […]

  • Server of the Week: Troy Grooms, Door County Brewing Co.

    Troy Grooms @ Door County Brewing Co. “What’ll it be?” Troy asks as you approach the bar, Smiling, and tapping his finger along to the jazz piano. He’ll get you a drink so good you’ll feel like a star, And he’s also an artist, this bartending van Gogh.

  • Server of the Week: Ryan Shaw at Glas

    Ryan Shaw @ Glas Loves gardening, superheroes and his customers. Look – up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a barista! When he’s not in his garden, he’s your friendly neighborhood Ryan. Whether you’re in need of a morning pick-me-up  Or just need someone to talk with about the new episode […]

  • Egg Hunt Roundup

    Ready for some outdoor family fun? Here’s a roundup of the community Easter egg hunts taking place this weekend.  APRIL 15 Algoma Public Library, 1 pm 406 Fremont St. in Algoma For a twist on the standard hunt, look for Easter eggs hidden inside the library! After you find five eggs, stay to make a […]

  • Gibraltar Combats Teacher Shortage by Bumping Up Teacher Pay

    The Gibraltar Area School Board just made it a lot more attractive and financially lucrative to teach and work at the school in Fish Creek. On Monday, the board unanimously voted to increase starting-teacher base pay from $42,000 to $50,000 per year, while also making certain that incoming teachers’ salaries don’t leapfrog those of some […]

  • Obituary: Virginia “Ginny” Beckstrom Gudmundson

    October 19, 1958 ~ April 2, 2022  Virginia “Ginny” Beckstrom Gudmundson, 63, died peacefully April 2, 2022 at her home in Lake Worth, FL. Ginny was born October 19, 1958 to Willard and Helen Wickman Beckstrom of Sister Bay.  She graduated from Gibraltar in 1976 and married Robert “Bob” Gudmundson in 1977.  The couple continued […]

  • Obituary: Gregory C. Stephan

    September 17, 1947 ~ April 10, 2022 Gregory Charles Stephan, 74, of Sturgeon Bay, died on April 10, 2022, after a brave battle with cancer at the Algoma Long Term Care Facility.  He was born Sept. 17, 1947, to Edwin and Joanna Stephan.  On Feb. 7, 1970, he married Cheryl Schmelzer at Corpus Christi Church in Sturgeon […]

  • Obituary: Brian L. Koenig

    April 7, 2022 Of Brown Deer, WI, died on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at age 68 years. Brian is survived by his loving wife Linda (nee Hanson). Dear brother of Allan (Kim) Koenig and Joe (Donna) Koenig. Uncle to Leann (Gurn) Curry, Christine Koenig (Jordan Tashquinth), Daniel Koenig, Lauren Koenig, Scott (Sheryl) Hanson, Michele Padovano, […]

  • Obituary: Audrey “Oma” Mae (Sohns) Grasse

    May 23, 1933 – March 31, 2022 Audrey “Oma” Mae (Sohns) Grasse, 88, of Sister Bay, died at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay with her family at her side on March 31, 2022. She was born in Fish Creek on May 23, 1933 to Walter and Ella (Pelke) Sohns. Audrey was raised at her […]

  • A Tisket, a Tasket, It’s an Easter Egg Basket!

    Ready for some outdoor family fun? Here’s a roundup of the community Easter egg hunts taking place this weekend.  APRIL 15 Algoma Public Library, 1 pm 406 Fremont St. in Algoma For a twist on the standard hunt, look for Easter eggs hidden inside the library! After you find five eggs, stay to make a […]

  • Obituary: Kelly Rae Pagels

    April 4, 2022 Kelly Rae Pagels, 45, of De Pere died Monday April 4, 2022. She was born in Door County to the late David and Kim Pagels (Hartwig), graduated from Southern Door high school, along with the Wisconsin College of Cosmetology. Spending time at the lake and outdoors with friends and family were some […]

  • Obituary: Daniel Anthony Johnson

    July 20, 1945 ~ April 5, 2022 Daniel Anthony Johnson, 76, of Sturgeon Bay, died in the loving presence of his wife, Marilyn, at home, Tuesday evening, April 5, 2022. He was born July 20, 1945 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Harvey Maxwell Johnson and Marion Barbara (Dier) Johnson. Dan grew up attending St. […]

  • Obituary: Avery Hoosier

    October 19, 1955 ~ April 5, 2022 Avery Hoosier, 66, of Sturgeon Bay, WI, died unexpectedly on April 5, 2022.  He was born in Roseau, MN on October 19, 1955 to Donald and Frances (Broten) Hoosier.  After graduating high school in Osseo, MN, Avery attended college for two years in Brainerd, MN for Landscape Design […]