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Peninsula Pulse April 19-26, 2024

In this issue

  • Obituary: Carol Ann Gray

    Jan. 23, 1936 – April 21, 2024 Carol Ann Gray, 88, of Sister Bay, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, April 21, 2024 at Serenity Spring Senior Living at Scandia Village in Sister Bay from recent health complications. She was born Jan. 23, 1936 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Roman A. and Elenora E. (Bierbaum) Niedzwiecki. […]

  • Obituary: Michael Leon Glowacki

    Sept. 1, 1940 – April 22, 2024 Michael Leon Glowacki, 83 passed away, peacefully on April 22, 2024 at Cedar Crest in Janesville Wisconsin. Michael Glowacki celebrated life each day. He enjoyed business, art, theater, travel, and spending time with his family. Mike was born Sept. 1, 1940 in Thorpe, Wisconsin. He attended Madison Business […]

  • Obituary: Armella Rita Norton

    May 8,1929 – March 15, 2024 Armella Rita Norton, age 94, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024 at Serenity Spring Senior Living at Scandia Village, Sister Bay. She was born in Chicago on May 8,1929 to Casimer and Harriet (Michela) Pinczykowski. Her family name was later changed to Pine. Armella was baptized at and […]

  • Obituary: Lawrence Earl Gray, Jr.

    May 7, 1938 – April 17, 2024 Lawrence Earl “Mike” Gray, Jr., 85 years old of Sturgeon Bay WI, died on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, surrounded by family at Door County Medial Center. Mike was born on May 7, 1938 in Chicago to Lawrence Earl Gray, Sr. and Katherine Gray. He grew up in Fox […]

  • Obituary: Beverly Ellingson

    Dec. 13, 1947 – April 19, 2024 Beverly T. Ellingson, 76, died on April 19, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was born in Marinette, Wisconsin on Dec. 13, 1947, to Frank and Michalina Pfeiffer. Bev graduated from Crivitz High School in 1966 and Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1968. Bev married Ron […]

  • Obituary: Genevieve Jeannet Richard

    Dec. 30, 1927 – April 18, 2024 Genevieve “Gen” Jeannet Richard, 96, of Sturgeon Bay, formerly of the Town of Egg Harbor, died early Thursday morning, April 18, 2024 at Bayview Senior Living in Sturgeon Bay. She was born in Gladstone, Michigan on the Dec. 30, 1927 to Jesse James and Delia Mary (LaPalm) Cartwright. […]

  • Door County: Barely Filtered

    Geology makes county’s groundwater more vulnerable Greg Coulthurst keeps a video on his phone to show just how susceptible Door County’s groundwater is to contamination. Not far from his home southwest of Sturgeon Bay, there’s a large sinkhole as well as a couple of creeks and ditches where water vanishes into the bedrock. Two hours […]

  • County Digs Deep for Drinking-water Safety

    Groundwater.  It’s out of sight and probably out of mind for a good number of Door County’s residents and visitors. A thin layer of soil covering fractured, quickly-draining rock makes most of the peninsula susceptible to groundwater contamination.  In a place like Door County, where residents and visitors rely upon 8,000 private wells for all […]

  • Troubled Waters

    Common contaminants and pollutants Something’s in the water. Actually, many things are, and not all of them should be.  Here are some of the most common contaminants in Wisconsin’s surface water and groundwater, as well as where they come from and why they’re cause for concern, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  […]

  • Resources: Additional Reading

    Some additional reports related to Door County water include the following: https://www.co.door.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/568/Surface-Water-Inventory-PDF Surface Water Inventory of Door County, 2000. The Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department is in the process of updating this report, which could take about five years. “Part of this purpose is as communities plan for the future they can use […]

  • Weather, Climate, and Community

    Exploring rainfall on the peninsula by JACKSON PARR, Wisconsin Sea Grant When people think of water in Door County, they mostly think of the 300 miles of Green Bay and Lake Michigan coastline that contribute to so many of the region’s vital industries. Other people may think of karst bedrock and the challenges it creates […]

  • How Green of a Lawn Do You Have to Have?

    Experts share ways to protect your well from above We asked the Door County Conservationist if it’s possible for homeowners to accidentally poison their own wells. Certainly, said Greg Coulthurst – and animal waste, fertilizers, leaked oil or pesticides can also travel away from your property to the neighbors’ wells. The cracks are not straight […]

  • Less Is More at Golf Courses

    To make greens roll well and keep fairways playable, golf course superintendents have used chemicals more sparingly and strategically than 20, 30, 50 years ago. In addition to creating buffer zones near waterways, golf course superintendents today spend a lot more time doing soil testing – and even grass-tissue testing – to make sure they […]

  • This Month’s Barn Dance On A Friday

    The Door County Folk Alliance will host a barn dance April 26, 7-9 pm, at the Kress Pavilion.  Caller Mike Grimm will lead participants through circle and long-line dances. Live music will be provided. Dancers of all levels are welcome, but children should be at least 8 and be able to follow instructions on their […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Arizona

    Meet Arizona, a 6-month-old dog available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus. This precious girl adores all people and did wonderfully with other animals in her foster family. She weighs 28 pounds and wants you to know that she cannot wait to find a home all her own where she will […]

  • Clario Celebration

    Clario Farmstead Pasta is celebrating the one year anniversary of its retail shop with a special event on April 20 from 11 am – 3 pm. The celebration will feature new products, food and wine tastings, sales promotions and a pop-up by Galecktables.  Clario Farmstead Pasta is located at 19 N. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon […]

  • Smoothie For A Cause At Get Real Cafe

    April is sexual assault awareness month and Get Real Cafe has created a special smoothie to raise funds for Sexual Assault Center – Door County. The Blue Healer smoothie features fruit, spinach and blue spirulina algae. One dollar from every smoothie sold goes to the center to help victims on their journey of recovery.  Get […]

  • Relocated Cafe And Bakery Opening April 22

    Klaud’s Kitchen has moved its operation from Country Walk Drive in Sister Bay to a much larger space in the former Fresh Take building on North Water Street in Ephraim. The restaurant plans to open for the season on April 22. For hours and other information call 920.421.3971. Klaud’s Kitchen is located at 10420 N. […]

  • Earth Day Events

    Earth Day is the perfect time to learn a little more about our planet – and, if you aren’t afraid of getting your hands a little dirty, help it stay healthy. Here are some ways you can do so locally. Geological Journey  Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve, 6749 Cty Road G in Egg Harbor April 20, […]

  • Server of the Week: Willie Schartner, The Lodge at Leathem Smith

    Here’s Willie Schartner, still on the shore, At Leathem Smith’s bar, he’s never a bore. Milan will inform you, that Willie’s a gem, He’s got a big fan base, here just to see him. A big fan of the Cardinals, and county league ball, He’s a fan of the greats in the major league hall.  […]

  • Helping the Great Lakes Find Balance

    by BILL BERRY When the Peninsula Pulse asked me to contribute a piece on water issues in the Great Lakes, I couldn’t say no, even though I knew it would take some digging. It’s an incurable habit. I’ve spent 50 years covering the environment, often water issues, as a journalist, researcher and author. Growing up […]

  • Small Bites And Cocktail Delights At Hatch

    Hatch Distilling Co. is co-hosting a pop-up with Bar Cowgirl on April 25 from 2-7pm. Enjoy street food style small bites inspired by Thai and Southern cuisine along with happy hour cocktails provided by Hatch Distilling. For information go to: instagram.com/barcowgirl. Hatch Distilling Co. is located at 7740 State Hwy 42 in Egg Harbor.

  • Historical Society Seeks Volunteers

    Door County Historical Society (DCHS) is looking for volunteers and history buffs who are interested in becoming Heritage Heroes. From dusting off artifacts of the past to tending to the grounds, there’s a task for everyone. Whether you’re handy or simply eager to lend a helping hand, the DCHS will welcome the assistance. For more […]

  • Harborettes Mend Clothes For Community

    The members of the Harborettes Home Community Education Club are holding a spring Day of Mending, April 27, 9 am – 1 pm, at the Jacksonport Town Hall as a community-service project. Take clean clothing or linen items that need mending, and Harborettes members will sew on buttons, repair seams and hems, and patch items […]

  • Event To Support Global Finals Trip

    To raise funds to send three Sevastopol school teams to the Destination Imagination Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri, Sevastopol Destination Imagination students and organizers are hosting a showcase event Saturday, April 20, at the school. Doors open at 3 pm, performances begin at 4 pm, followed by a spaghetti dinner starting at 5 pm. […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Board Recognizes Honor Graduates

    The Sturgeon Bay School Board on April 17 recognized 13 honor graduates from the Sturgeon Bay High School class of 2024 who earned a 4.0 grade-point average or above: Tori Alger, Gavin Forest, Mercedes Hanley, Jack Henry, Julia Kurek, Amelia Langfeldt, Natalia Michalski, Ellie Propsom, Madeline Propsom, Calvin Richard, Ben Stephens, Jade Tomberlin and Garrett […]

  • Joshua Davis Plays Last White Gull Concert Of The Season

    Singer-songwriter Joshua Davis will finish off this year’s winter concert series at the White Gull Inn on April 24, 8 pm. Davis was already a prolific touring and recording artist when he got a call from NBC’s The Voice in 2008. He was a soloist as well as a member of Steppin’ In It, a […]

  • Short Film Fest Accepting Submissions Now

    Though the 2024 Door County Short Film Festival sold out Northern Sky’s Gould Theater just two months ago, festival organizers are already preparing for next year’s event.  As of April, they are accepting submissions of short films, feature films and anything in between for the 2025 festival. The early submission deadline is Aug. 31, while […]

  • Midsummer’s Music Names New Development Director

    Plus, “Gather with the Griffon” miniconcert series comes to Door County Midsummer’s Music has named Koki Sato as its new development director. Sato is the founder and administrative director of the University of Minnesota New Music Ensemble. He has also held positions at the University of Minnesota School of Music, the National Repertory Orchestra and […]

  • 2024 Sister Bay Goat Parade Returns June 8

    Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant’s 10th-annual Roofing of the Goats parade and festival will take place June 8 this year.  The parade will begin at 11 am at the southeast corner of Highway 42  (North Bay Shore Drive) and Mill Road in downtown Sister Bay and end at Al Johnson’s.  It culminates with the first goats […]

  • SBU Planning $4.8 million in Wastewater Facility Upgrades

    To help finance an upgrade of the wastewater treatment facility operated by Sturgeon Bay Utilities (SBU), the Common Council passed a resolution Tuesday authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $2,587,543 in sewerage system revenue bonds and approving a related $4,312,572 financial assistance agreement. SBU general manager Jim Stawicki said that though the wastewater […]

  • Village Seeks New Provider for Fiber

    Separately, Nsight waits for conduit for 5G/4G downtown Wi-Fi network Egg Harbor’s village board on April 10 began seeking proposals from internet service providers (ISPs) to deliver fiber to all premises – outside of the downtown core area. In late March, rising cost estimates from Frontier caused the village to break off its agreement and […]

  • New, Enforceable Standards Announced for PFAS

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new, federal standards last week for an emerging drinking water contaminant – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.  This includes a new enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) individually for PFOA and PFOS, and 10 ppt individually for PFNA, PFHxS and […]

  • The Carbon Challenge

    Electric companies explain their efforts to ease off fossil fuels Fresh air on a peninsula surrounded by water is just one of the attractions for residents and visitors to Door County. But when it comes to electricity sources, the county relies heavily on coal and fossil fuels burned elsewhere. Wisconsin Public Service’s (WPS) March 2024 […]

  • Dolly Parton Helps Local Kids Get Free Books

    Survey results are in from the first five years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Door County  The first five years of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Door County have had a significant impact, according to data from 442 surveys completed by local caregivers of children in the program. The program, started by Parton […]

  • Wild Things: Birders Flock to Algoma Celebration

    Hundreds of bird enthusiasts are expected to migrate to Algoma High School on April 27 for a World Migratory Bird Day Celebration. There’s no admission charge for the 9 am – 2 pm event, but there will be items available for purchase from vendors. In addition, the Steel Belly BBQ food truck will offer a […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Save Our Seniors During a Storm

    I am 80 years old. I live alone. My electricity went out during the storm. No wifi either. No more juice on my phone. Darkness, temperatures in the house down to 60, but me and the critters bundled up together. Couldn’t get to the garage because of snow; wouldn’t be able to leave anyway with […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Another Kindness in the Storm

    I would like to add to your list of acts of kindness during the April 2 snowstorm and days of power outages [April 12 Peninsula Pulse, “Kindness in The Storm: How We Helped Each Other During the Outages”]. I was a Jacksonport poll worker, along with five others, working the evening shift on April 2. […]

  • Sustainability 2024: Healthy Waters

    What 20 years of data shows and what programs, practices, improvements and continued testing are in place to protect this vital and life-sustaining resource. Don’t let the heading of this issue mislead you. It’s more of a mission and vision statement combined, one born in the earliest years of the 21st century. The seed had […]

  • Portrait of a Remediated Beach

    Egg Harbor Beach is located below a steep embankment where water runoff during rain events gushed freely down the hill, transporting all it encountered along the way into the beach water – fecal bacteria, heavy metals, oils, sediment and the phosphorus that causes algae growth and can result in fish kills. “This was a high […]

  • Two Decades and Counting of Beach Water Monitoring

    We’ve come a long way, baby It’s not uncommon today for recreational swimmers and beachgoers to check online to learn about the health of the beach they’re intending to visit to learn if there are advisories or closures reported. There are even signs at most beaches to inform beachgoers whether the water is safe for […]

  • Bad Beach Days Aren’t So Bad in Door County

    18 years of beach-water monitoring data shows a few problem beaches, but “remarkably good” water quality overall It may seem like stating the obvious, but the push to keep fecal pathogens out of beach water is because they can make people sick. Decades of epidemiological studies and outbreak investigations like Door County Public Health’s after […]

  • Water on Their Minds: organizations with water quality initiatives or priorities

    What’s the Big Stink? The League of Women Voters Natural Resources Committee The League of Women Voters of Door County (LWVDC) natural resources committee has planned a public forum following six months of study into manure management in Door County and its impact on the health of surface and groundwaters. “The Big Stink: Manure Management […]

  • Chasing Away the Birds

    The long and detailed effort since 2002 to identify the sources of E.coli contaminating beach water, and then determining how it travels there by surface water and stormwater runoff – especially after large rain events – caused Door County municipalities to look at ways they could improve their beaches to achieve better water quality. What […]

  • Barney Fun Run Will Benefit Ben Anderson

    The sixth annual Barney Fun Run and Walk (and plunge for anyone who wants to join Steve “Barney” Willems for a swim) takes place at 11 am Saturday, April 20. Sister Bay Bowl (The Bowl) will donate proceeds this year to Ben Anderson. “Ben is a Door County native that is in need of help […]

  • Families Invited To Learn About Red Squirrels

    Crossroads at Big Creek has activities for all ages, including its family-friendly Science Saturdays event, 2 pm Saturday, April 20. Learn about squirrels and take a hike to visit a red squirrel midden.  Also, the Crossroads Book Club is reading Rooted, by Lyanda Lynn Haupt. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

  • Algoma Celebrates Migratory Bird Day

    The Algoma World Migratory Bird Day Celebration will be held Saturday, April 27, 9 am – 2 pm, at Algoma High School. Organized by the Bird City Algoma committee, the celebration features displays by local organizations including wildlife and raptor displays, vendors, door prizes, programs and food. Admission is free. For more information visit the […]

  • Fishing Camp for Kids Coming in May

    He calls it Fishing Camp for Kids, and he’s giving away rods, tackle and knowhow. But guide and outfitter Todd Haleen emphasizes that he also wants to teach the parents and grandparents at his first fishing instructional event for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Haleen, the owner of Lakeshore Adventures in Baileys Harbor, sees […]

  • Englebert Elected to Lead County Board

    Thayse seated as vice chair In 2002, Door County voters ousted 15 of the 21 county board supervisors during the Citizens for Open Government-led recall election over the board’s decision to build the $30 million justice center. Supervisor Dave Englebert was not one of those tossed from his seat, and he’d continue to serve during […]

  • Historic Tug Back At Museum For 2024 Season

    One of the treasures of the Door County Maritime Museum returned Monday to its space behind the museum in Sturgeon Bay. After various repairs on the authentically restored, 105-year-old tugboat, the John Purves, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding employees opened the floodgates in the shipyard drydock Monday morning to allow tugs from Roen Salvage to guide the […]

  • Hampton Inn Interested In Former Cobblestone Site

    A site on Sturgeon Bay’s east side where one hotel chain is no longer looking to build has attracted the interest of another. Cobblestone Hotels was looking to build at the corner of Egg Harbor Road and 12th Avenue, and had until May 31 under a development agreement with the city to acquire the property […]

  • WPS Files For Electric, Natural Gas Rate Increases

    Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) filed proposals with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) this week for regulatory reviews that will set customer rates for electricity and natural gas for 2025 and 2026. Assuming the Commission’s revenue allocation is consistent with past practice, the typical monthly residential electric bill will increase $11-$12 a month in […]

  • Council Favors Eliminating Sidewalk Project

    In response to residents living along South Hudson Court and a portion of South Hudson Avenue who objected to the installation of a sidewalk along their streets to connect portions of the Ahnapee State Trail to the north and south, Sturgeon Bay’s Common Council passed a motion Tuesday that the city now not put in […]

  • Events Inspired by New Art Installation

    Three separate events will take place at the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC), 185 E. Walnut St. in Sturgeon Bay, on Tuesday, April 23; Wednesday, April 24; and Saturday, April 27, as follows. Art/Speaks: Special Edition, Are We Listening? A special edition of Art/Speaks, sponsored by Write On, Door County, a free creative lab […]

  • Card making Classes In Sturgeon Bay

    Make four coffee-themed greeting cards on April 28 and 29, 8 am – 1 pm. Participants can enjoy coffee and muffins while they make shaker, fancy fold and slimline-style cards, as well as a bonus card. The class fee is $39. Later in the afternoon on both days, learn basic stamping techniques, tool use and […]

  • Kewaunee Gets New Mural In May

    This May, an homage to Kewaunee’s fishing heritage and maritime culture will be painted on the north-facing wall of Bob’s Auto Parts, 511 Milwaukee St., at the intersection of Highways 42 and 29. Kewaunee High School art teacher Erin LaBonte and Don Krumpos, both artists from Algoma studio Yonder, are leading the project.  Advanced art […]

  • “Memories Of Door County” On Exhibit

    Memories of Door County, a collection of paintings by self-taught artist Marleah Grinnell, will be on view at the Ridges Sanctuary through May 17.  The Ridges will host an artist reception April 25, 4-6 pm, at Cook- Albert Fuller Nature Center, 8166 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor. Grinnell will speak at 5 pm, and her […]

  • Registration Open For Island Lit Fest

    Registration is open now for the 2024 Washington Island Literary Festival.  The theme for this year’s festival, which will run Sept. 19-21, is “Come This Far.” It will feature Wisconsin Poet Laureate Nicholas Gulig, memoirist and graphic artist Kelcey Ervick, and fiction writers Leif Enger, Maggie Ginsberg and Julie Schumacher.  Visit tinyurl.com/35cemh49 for more information […]

  • Maritime, Cookbook Authors At Otherworlds

    Author Veronica Hinke will sign her book Titanic: The Official Cookbook in the hall outside of OtherWorlds Books and More, April 20, 10 am – 2 pm. In her book, Hinke shares her love of early 20th-century history, culinary arts and most of all, people, who are at the core of every food story she […]

  • Freebies And Fun At Novel Bay

    Novel Bay Booksellers will celebrate Indie Bookstore Day on April 27, 10 am – 5 pm. Indie Bookstore Day is a national party that takes place at independent bookstores throughout the country.  Those who make purchases during the Novel Bay event will receive a free book and be entered in a raffle for free book-related […]

  • Door County Library Seeks Public Input

    The Door County Library is seeking public input to develop its 2025-2027 strategic plan.  Those who do and do not use the library are encouraged to complete the 10-minute survey, which can be accessed by visiting doorcountylibrary.org or by scanning the QR code. Paper copies are available at all library locations, and a Spanish version […]

  • Sevastopol Seeking New Superintendent

    Sevastopol schools superintendent Kyle Luedtke has submitted his resignation, effective June 30.  Sevastopol school board president Lisa Bieri said Luedtke has accepted a job as superintendent in the Frederic School District in Clam Falls in northwestern Wisconsin. The Frederic district office confirmed that the hiring was on the agenda to be finalized Wednesday – after […]