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Peninsula Pulse April 9-16, 2021

In this issue

  • The Little-known Fact about the White Gull Inn’s Trip to French Toast Glory

    In May 2010, the whole country was talking about Door County cherries when Good Morning America announced that fans had voted the White Gull Inn’s cherry-stuffed French toast the Best Breakfast in America. The dish had been on the menu for more than two decades at that point, but its origin was not in cherries.  […]

  • Bits & Bites

    Cherry Lanes to Reopen Thanks to loyal customers and social-media followers, Cherry Lanes, 137 N. 4th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, will reopen toward the end of April. Look for updates about opening day and the hours of operation on social media. The vintage bowling lanes, pinball, arcade, game room, full bar and food will remain […]

  • The Fearsome Four for 2021

    Door County Invasives Species Team targets four invasives and seeks help in eradicating the infiltrators Public Enemy No. 1 among invasive plant species may change over the years, but one ecological horror-story theme remains the same. “People didn’t know it’s like Pandora’s box – you let the monster out,” said Samantha Koyen, coordinator of the […]

  • Wild Things: No Boat Ride for Bass in Sturgeon Bay Tournament

    After a pandemic-driven one-year absence, the Sturgeon Bay Bass Tournament is back with a new, on-the-water weigh-in. Generous donations from John Hynes of West Shore Outfitters and Fisheries Forever of Green Bay, along with several smaller donations, provided money to purchase 105 Brecknell scales – the same type that the Major League Fishing and FLW […]

  • Celebrating Earth Day and Beyond

    The Every Day Is Earth Day celebration will return in a modified format April 22-25 with both virtual and socially distanced in-person events to celebrate the 51st Earth Day. The event is named to spread the message that sustainability is about more than just one day of action.  The celebration will kick off on Earth […]

  • Algoma School District Installs Solar Array

    The Algoma School District has partnered with McKinstry to design, install, commission and monitor a 185 kW-dc solar photovoltaic fixed-tilt ground-mount system at Algoma High School. The project will generate 253 megawatt-hours of solar energy annually, saving the district money on its annual utility costs and increasing sustainability by offsetting an estimated 38.5% of the […]

  • Southern Door Schools Upgrading Technology: School district puts TEACH grant to work

    Southern Door School District was recently one of 127 Wisconsin school districts to receive a TEACH Information Technology Infrastructure Grant, as did 15 libraries around the state. The $28,506 in grant funds will be used to improve technology infrastructure at Southern Door.  “The district applied for the TEACH Grant to help provide our students and […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Math Team Wins Big at State

    Congratulations to the Sturgeon Bay State Math Team members who won many individual awards. Because of the nature of this year’s test, competition was limited to individuals, with no team test or team awards.  Junior Maggie Stephens was the highest-scoring individual in Class B in the state. Also receiving first-team all-state honors were senior Carter […]

  • North Shore Bank Expands Financial-Literacy Program

    Fifty schools statewide will now have access to expanded resources through North Shore Bank’s (NSB) financial-literacy program. The bank has significantly increased its financial support of the initiative, quadrupling the number of schools that can participate because the program has shown significant upticks in students’ financial literacy. So far during the 2020-21 school year, average […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Lack of Knowledge about Racism Contributes to It

    Those who deny racism and its effects may believe that they “don’t see race” and are “not racist.” However, racism is not merely outrageous language and behavior. Racism also means indifference and lack of knowledge about what it means to live as a person of color. Racism means resentment. It means considering people of color […]

  • Letter to the Editor: What’s with STRs?

    On May 11, there will be a meeting at Sevastopol Town Hall on the regulation of Short Term Rentals (STRs) such as Vrbo or Airbnb. The rapid growth of these venues across this country and Europe is having consequences for communities. Sevastopol – primarily residential and rural – is not immune, with other communities on the peninsula […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Voting Rights and Gerrymandering

    Reducing the use of mail-in voting, preventing the distribution of bottled water to voters in line to vote, reducing the number of ballot drop-off boxes, complicating the voter-registration process and other voter-suppression measures should be a big concern to all voters. But amid such efforts to suppress the people’s ability to cast their legal votes, […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Kudos for the April Fools’ RePulse!

    You must have had great satisfaction in creating it [RePulse for April Fool’s Day in the April 2, 2021, Peninsula Pulse]. Too bad you can’t find a way to replace Overheard. Diane Evenson  Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

  • Editor’s Note: Don’t Believe Everything You Read

    Unless it’s the disclaimer, maybe Twenty-one percent of adults in the United States are either illiterate or functionally illiterate. In the 2020 data used by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), literacy is defined as the “ability to understand, evaluate, use and engage with written texts to participate in society, […]

  • Coordinated Community Response: Squad Car Magnets Spread Sexual-Assault Awareness

    by Holli Fisher, Sexual Assault Center Program Manager April 2021 marks 20 years of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The Sexual Assault Center of Family Services and its partners in law enforcement are working to increase awareness of the effects of sexual assault in our communities through a special display. Teal is the color of […]

  • Jacksonport Lake to Lake Run Coming Memorial Day Weekend

    Continuing the traditional fun of the Jacksonport Maifest run, the annual run/walk will be held this year with a new name: the Jacksonport Lake to Lake 10K and two-mile run/walk.  For more than 35 years, Memorial Day weekend has been the time for a fun family race that also brings the community together. This year, […]

  • Bowling League Results

    Majors League  April 6, 2021 • High team game: Innovative LED Solutions 1,102 • High team series: Red Room 3,160 • High game (women): Alisa Rupp 201, Alisa Rupp 195, Caitlyn Krishka 180 • High series (women): Alisa Rupp 565, Caitlyn Krishka 452, Ladeana Taylor 437 • High game (men): Jim Schaefer 269, Dale Englebert […]

  • Framed

    A young woman jumps for joy at the Sturgeon Bay Light Station’s canal break wall. Photo by Jennifer Birkholz.

  • Server of the Week: Rosella Trotter at Destination Sturgeon Bay

    When you’re looking for information, Rosella’s on the front line, Whether you see her in person or need help online. Want to know what’s up in Door County? The scoop on events and activities is her bounty. When she’s not helping guests, she’s working with members, Running things smoothly, from January to December.

  • This Week: 54% of Residents Now Have at Least One Dose of Vaccine

    Wisconsin, and especially Door County, continues to charge rapidly forward in getting COVID-19 doses into the arms of residents. Statewide more than 78% of residents over the age of 65 have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 37% of all residents have one dose. In Door county those numbers are 89% and […]

  • Music Listings Wanted!

    Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes the Summer Music Preview! Although we’re all still figuring out what this summer will look like, let us know if you’re planning to host live music at your establishment or venue. The Summer Music Preview is a comprehensive collection of live-music happenings taking place throughout the county […]

  • Baileys Harbor Fire Station Open House April 24

    Baileys Harbor firefighters want residents to see how the facility and conditions have improved since constructing the $3.6 million fire station on the site of the previous station. To do that, they’re inviting the public to tour the new station during an open house and cookout fundraiser April 24, 10 am – 4 pm, with bratwursts, […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Removes Tornado, Fire Sirens

    The City of Sturgeon Bay deactivated its tornado warning sirens in December 2020 and, this spring, intends to remove and not replace them. The six outdoor sirens were strategically placed around the city for optimal coverage about 24 years ago. They were sounded only to alert people who were outside to move inside to a […]

  • Shooting Range Project Breaks Ground

    A ceremonial groundbreaking took place Monday for the construction of Virlee Gunworks, a gun store and shooting range at 1019 Egg Harbor Road. Steve Estes, one of the principals for the investment group that owns the property, secured the necessary approvals from the city in December 2020. Bayland Buildings was selected as the design-build general […]

  • Jacque Schedules Listening Sessions

    State Sen. André Jacque (R-De Pere) will hold a listening session Monday, April 12, 2-3 pm, at the Brussels Community Center, 1366 Junction Road; and another Friday, April 23, 11 am – 12 pm, at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds’ Expo Hall, 625 3rd St. in Luxemburg. The sessions are two of six that Jacque has scheduled […]

  • Brussels Won’t Rush Dollar General Review

    The Town of Brussels is currently reviewing a zoning application from the developer who wants to construct a 9,100-square-foot Dollar General store on County DK. In a previous story, it was inadvertently reported that Brussels “had no official zoning ordinance” to guide the process. The town did adopt its own ordinance in 2002, but the […]

  • Door County Writes: ‘The Clearing’

    Poetry by Richard Peter The Clearing’s prismfans the flamesof thought rainbowsnever imagined. A kaleidoscope opensholding infinite shadesof fanciful pastelsand reality solids. Hues of dew anoint leaving the seekercentered in spiritgrounded in nature. Richard Peter has enjoyed creating poetic dreamscapes and committing emotion to poetry since 1960. His ties to Door County include yearly camping trips and […]

  • Door County Writes: ‘Progeny’

    Poetry by Cynthia Todd Quam My bow is lost; my quiver is empty; My arrows are loosed to steel town and mountain, to far away Asian peninsula, to cul-de-sac suburbia, the arc of their leaving imprinted on the notches in my fingertips, in the parcel of colored feathers I saved but never did let fly. […]

  • Door County Writes: ‘A Priceless Gift’

    Story by Louise Endres Moore Certain gifts are valued beyond their price; very few are “priceless.” During Christmas ’44 of World War II, the 35th Infantry Division passed through Metz, France. Fifty-seven years later, I used an address from the back page of a tiny military booklet to find a soldier – a beloved friend of […]

  • Liz Butler’s Pottery Combines Look and Feel

    Liz Butler Pottery occupies the Door County version of a White Cube gallery: modern, white walls; polished concrete floor; sleek displays of her work paired with big, exposed beams; and sliding barn doors to separate her working tables and wheel from the display space. A partial wall sets off her kilns at the other end […]

  • Hike This: Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve

    The Lautenbach Woods Nature Preserve is 160 acres of protected Door County Land Trust property just south of town in Egg Harbor. This short hike provides an excellent look at the Niagara Escarpment, and even in the early springtime, it’s a wonderful spot to see and hear birds after a long winter. Wide, level paths […]

  • Door to Nature: The April Sky Dance of the American Woodcock

    This is the time of year to look for that special place where a male woodcock performs his spring mating ritual. Find a field or a large opening near a wooded area; wait until 22 minutes after sunset on a warm, clear, calm evening; then listen for the “peenting” sound of the male on the […]

  • Manners Matter: Annoying, Noisy Neighbors

    Dear Mary Pat, The people who live right beneath me in my apartment building “treat me” to their loud music at various points during the day. The people across the hall entertain several nights a week – loudly and well into the night. (I wish I had that many friends!) It seems that one of […]

  • Thomas Jordan Offers Free Digital Book Of B&W Photography

    During his time during the COVID-19 quarantine, Thomas Jordan created a new book that not only features his black-and-white (b&w) photography, but also shares his feelings about the medium and its impact. To receive a free digital copy of the work, email Jordan at [email protected].

  • April Reading Recommendations

    You Matter by Christian RobinsonRecommended by Novel Bay bookseller Karlie Martens, a children’s and young-adult book specialist All children deserve to know that they are important and loved. You Matter is a beautiful book that does just that. Fun, child-friendly illustrations partner with simple, clear words to affirm that no matter how little you are […]

  • New Titles at Novel Bay Booksellers

    Looking for something new to read? Glean some inspiration from these recent additions to the shelves at Novel Bay Booksellers (novelbaybooks.com), 44 N. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay YOUNG ADULT (YA) Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley This highly anticipated and groundbreaking YA thriller is about a Native American teenager who must root out the corruption […]

  • Coming Up at Write On: Writing diversity, author readings and a poetry conference

    April 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10-11:30 amWriting Life Stories Join other writers in this informal class focused on recording stories. We’ll experiment with fun writing prompts to help generate new material and inspire you to keep going. Presented by Robin Sauerwein. The tuition is $60, with a 10% discount for Write On members. April […]

  • Paul Haan Wins Maritime Museum’s Lighthouse Photography Contest

    The aerial photo of Sherwood Point Lighthouse in Sturgeon Bay by Door County photographer Paul Haan has earned the top spot in the Door County Maritime Museum’s (DCMM) 2021 Lighthouse Photo Contest out of more than 160 entries. Haan received a one-year individual membership to the DCMM, which includes the new Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse […]

  • Plum Bottom Welcomes New Artists at Upcoming Exhibit

    Plum Bottom Gallery will host its New Artist Welcome on April 17, 10 am – 4 pm, featuring the inspirational, framed wall art of Trisha Spice, Deborah Stull-Kinsley, Tom Smith and Paula Radl.  Spice uses acrylic and copper foil to create mesmerizing landscapes – from scenes of birch trees in magical forests to a wavy day […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Stella

    Meet Stella (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=46946826), a four-month-old puppy who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. This sweet bundle of joy was transferred to WHS from an overcrowded shelter in Alabama. She currently weighs 30 pounds and still has some growing to do. Like all dogs at WHS, Stella is spayed, vaccinated and […]

  • Brussels Church Gets Renovated and a New Music Leader

    Along with opening the newly renovated Catholic church in Brussels, St. Francis and St. Mary Parish is also going through a “passing of the colors.” For more than 60 years, the Kinnard family has led the music in the choir loft, and a recent change continues that tradition. Monica Kinnard began leading the music for […]

  • Women’s Giving Circle Meets April 26

    The next quarterly meeting of the 100+ Women Who Care of Northern Door County (100+WWC) giving circle will be livestreamed on Zoom on April 26, 7-7:30 pm, when the organization will award more than $19,000 to local nonprofits. This will bring its donations since its 2018 inception to $196,000. There are 300 current members. Three […]

  • Tara Pierre Hosts Coffee Club for Women, April 14

    Edward Jones financial adviser Tara Pierre will host a coffee club for women April 14, 8 am, at GLAS Coffeehouse, 67 E. Maple St. in Sturgeon Bay. During this informal gathering, Pierre will provide education on financial market topics and an update on the stock market and economy.The coffee club is being offered in person […]

  • April 6, 2021 Door County Election Results

    Door County voters approved all four referendums that were on the ballot Tuesday in local elections. They also opted for many new faces for local village, town, and school boards. Results of contested races are listed below. See detailed results from all races here>> School Boards Gibraltar (Top 3) Angela Sherman, 1,050Amie Carriere, 1,022Erick Schrier, […]

  • Improve Yoga Practice with Yoga Mat Makeover

    Give your yoga practice a boost during a Yoga Mat Makeover workshop, to be held virtually April 15, 7:15-8 pm. During free, monthly yoga-posture clinics, instructor Jodi Rose Gonzales helps participants to safely explore the alignment involved in a variety of popular yoga poses.  During this session, Gonzales will explore tree pose, and participants will […]

  • Peninsula Century Registration Now Open

    Registration for the Peninsula Century Spring Classic ride, June 19, is now open. The 33rd edition of the ride will feature four routes – 25, 50, 62 or 100 miles – that weave through Northern Door’s beautiful back roads, along the shoreline and past iconic landmarks. Riders will save $20 off day-of ride fees when registering by […]

  • Tickets Available for Spring, Fall Lighthouse Festivals

    Tickets for the 2021 Door County Spring and Fall Lighthouse Festivals are now on sale. The festivals include air, land-based, boat and adventure tours that, together, reach all 11 of the county’s lighthouses and – new this year – three to the south. Many of the tours are exclusive to the festivals and provide access to several […]

  • DCMC Algoma Clinic Sponsors Weekly Walks

    Do you want to get your heart rate up by walking with other community members?  Ellen Knipfer of Door County Medical Center’s (DCMC) Algoma Clinic will lead group walks every Wednesday, 6 pm, May 5 – Sept. 8, starting at the Algoma Wellness Center, 1715 Division St. In inclement weather, the walks will take place […]

  • Create Seed Balls to Plant in Honor of Earth Day

    Celebrate Earth Day with a UW-Extension seed-ball kit: a seed that’s been wrapped in soil materials and then dried. Because the seed is “preplanted,” just sow it anywhere that’s suitable for the species during the proper germination time frame. Each participant will receive supplies to make multiple seed balls. Materials are available for pickup April 15-21 […]

  • Volunteer as a Crossroads Habitat Healer

    Volunteer at Crossroads at Big Creek (crossroadsatbigcreek.org) on April 10, 9:30 am, to kick off the season’s first Habitat Healers work. Volunteers will receive a short orientation and then either plant trees – weather, soil conditions and tree delivery permitting – or work with invasive species. Equipment and refreshments will be provided. Meet at the workshop/nursery, […]

  • Obituary: James E. Grassel

    October 14, 1933 ~ April 5, 2021 James Edward Grassel, 87, of Sturgeon Bay, died at Door County Medical Center on April 5, 2021.  He was born October 14, 1933, in Door County to Edward and Evelyn (Gordon) Grassel. After graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School, Jim served his country in the U.S. Navy.  On […]

  • Obituary: Donald J. Kinnard

    February 12, 1949 ~ April 4, 2021 Donald Joseph Kinnard, 72, of Door County, died at Crossroads Nursing Home in Green Bay on April 4, 2021.  He was born February 12, 1949 in Brussels to William and Lorraine (Jandrin) Kinnard.   Donald worked as a dairy farm helper for most of his life. Survivors include his […]

  • Obituary: Donna Marie Jorns

    January 3, 1933 ~ April 3, 2021 Donna Marie Jorns, 87, of Egg Harbor died at her home on April 3, 2021.  She was born November 3, 1933 in Sister Bay to Mathew and Clara (Abrahamson) Waller.  After graduating from Gibraltar High School, Donna married Roland Jorns on June 28, 1952 in Sister Bay. For […]

  • Obituary: Raymond Joseph Vlaming, Jr.

    September 12, 1943 ~ March 30, 2021 Raymond “Ray” Joseph Vlaming, Jr., 77, of Sturgeon Bay, WI, died, with his son, Paul and daughter-in-law, Laura at his side, on March 30, 2021, while in Hospice care, at the Pete and Jelaine Horton Skilled Nursing and Hospice Care Center (Skilled Nursing Facility), after a courageous battle […]

  • This Week in Door County News: Elections, Vaccine Progress, and Workforce Struggles

    Tomorrow is election day in Wisconsin, and Door County voters will cast ballots in a number of contested village, town, and school board races Tuesday. Plus, several ballot initiatives await voters. Polls will be open April 6, 7 am – 8 pm. For more information on voting, contested races, and referendums, click here>>  Vaccine Eligibility, […]

  • Obituary: Rusty Lynne Blakeman

    February 1, 1963 ~ March 30, 2021 Rusty Lynne Blakeman, 58, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. She was born February 1, 1963 in Phoenix, Arizona, daughter of William and Karen Blakeman. She grew up in the Phoenix area and attended Peoria High School. In […]

  • Obituary: Roland Keith Grabenkort

    October 24, 1939 ~ March 25, 2021 Roland Keith Grabenkort died peacefully on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the age of 81. He was surrounded by his family at the time of passing.Roland, better known as Rol, R.K., or Sketch to his family and friends, was born in Chicago, IL, on October 24, 1939 to […]

  • Obituary: Lorraine Wiegand

    March 23, 2021 Lorraine Wiegand, 93, of Sturgeon Bay, WI died peacefully in her sleep on March 23, 2021.  Lorraine met her husband, John Wiegand, a native of Sturgeon Bay, while attending college at UW-Milwaukee. They traveled to Sturgeon Bay frequently enjoying the nature and quietness of the serene Door County backroads. After moving to […]

  • Obituary: Diane Elizabeth Lutzke

    July 8, 1952 ~ March 19, 2021 Diane Elizabeth Lutzke, age 68, died on Friday, March 19, 2021. Diane was born on July 8, 1952, daughter of the late Edwin and Helen Dalton. She enjoyed cooking, spoiling her grandchildren, fishing, and attending live music festivals.  Diane graduated from Menomonee Falls East High School in 1970 […]