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Peninsula Pulse August 14-21, 2020

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In this issue

  • Sturgeon Bay Borrowing $4.37 million

    The City of Sturgeon Bay is poised to borrow $4.37 million by selling general obligation promissory notes to finance numerous projects over the next 10 years. The general obligation notes mean the city is pledging its ability to leverage taxes to pay the debt.  The money would finance a list of 22 capital items and […]

  • DNR Restates Intent to Demolish Potawatomi Tower

    SBHSF calls for public support, and a meeting keeps hopes up Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Preston Cole sent two letters last week pertaining to the Potawatomi State Park tower. One went to Christie Weber, president of the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation (SBHSF). The other went to both state Rep. Joel Kitchens […]

  • A Year Later, Praise for Ephraim’s New Look

    The process to redesign the streetscape was not an easy one for the Village of Ephraim, but one year after the main portion of the project was completed, visitors, residents and business owners are reaping the rewards of a more pedestrian-friendly village.  “It’s been nothing but positive,” said jeweler Russ Zabler, who has operated Zabler […]

  • Virtual Alzheimer’s Education Conference Aug. 20

    As Door County’s elderly population grows, so does the number of people and caregivers who are dealing with the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 926 Door County residents are now diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia – a figure that’s expected to rise to more than 1,500 by 2040, according to data from the Alzheimer’s […]

  • Fundraising Continues for Gazebo to Honor Digger DeGroot

    For 19 years, James “Digger” DeGroot helped to welcome and guide visitors to the best of Fish Creek from his perch behind the desk of the Fish Creek Information Center. Between jokes and jabs, his gravelly voice directed people to the evening’s fish boils, the best park trail and the area’s best bar stool.  But […]

  • PHOTOSYNTHESIS: Monarch Migration

    Monarch butterflies – the fourth generation of those that initially began returning to northern states this spring – will soon begin migrating up to 2,000 miles to their overwintering grounds in Mexico. This migration will continue through the fall, with the last monarchs arriving at their overwintering sites in early December. This generation of migrators differs […]

  • CCCDC Founders Recognized as Champions of Conservation

    The Lake Michigan Stakeholders (LMS) organization has named Dick and Mary Smythe Champions of Conservation – a recognition that honors outstanding environmental achievements in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan basin to restore, improve or enhance Lake Michigan or any of the watersheds that flow into it. The award will be conferred during this year’s Lake Michigan Day, […]

  • Door County Goes Green Tier

    Door County is poised to become much greener during the coming years. During its July 28 meeting, the Door County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve its Sustainability Committee’s proposal for the county to become a Green Tier community. Green Tier is a voluntary program of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that recognizes […]

  • Federal Government Passes Great American Outdoors Act

    On Aug. 4, President Donald Trump signed into law the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), calling it the most comprehensive environmental measure a president has taken since the initiatives championed by President Theodore Roosevelt. The measure had broad bipartisan support. U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-De Pere) called the act the “most significant conservation package in […]

  • Letter to the Editor: ‘If the President Lies, Is America Lying?’

    Failing leadership: That seems to be discussed a lot with Trump and his gang.  I have two questions for the supporters of this president and his administration. If the president lies, is America lying? Trump has lied and made false statements before taking office, but as the president, he speaks for the country and its […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Trump Must Go

    All the appalling traits in Donald Trump – his misogyny, his pathological lying, his bullying, his corruption, his blatant assaults on the Constitution, his staggering narcissism, and on and on – all pale in comparison to his colossal incompetence. And we are all paying the price for it through his administration’s bungled response to COVID-19 […]

  • Letter to the Editor: You Choose: Debate or Stop the Pandemic

    Some people are making millions – some billions – from COVID-19-related sales. Others are losing homes, jobs, health and lives. Instead of unifying to stop the spread of the virus, people are lured into debates initiated by “Trump Republicans.”  The distraction surrounding opening schools does nothing to stop the virus. Even though there’s a solution that […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Racist or Offensive?

    The other day, someone asked me whether I would be offended if Trader Joe’s named its Polish sausage “Trader Stash’s,” and I said yes, I would.  But why would I be offended? I don’t think that you could call “Trader Stash’s” racist, but it’s definitely offensive – at least to me.   The point is that we […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Regarding ‘Unrest at the Egg Harbor Fire Department’ Article

    [Peninsula Pulse, Aug. 7-14] In the past, I’ve worked with Navy SEALs. They’re the best of the best of the best – the highest-performing organization on the planet. I asked them, “How do you pick the guys who go on SEAL Team 6?” They drew a graph for me.  On one side, they wrote “Performance,” […]

  • Letter to the Editor: This Time, Wisconsin Deserves Fair Maps

    You ask, “What are these yard signs all about? How can maps be unfair?” The maps in question are the maps defining voting districts. They determine which candidates are on your election ballot for state and congressional races. If these maps are drawn so the boundaries define  areas that favor one group of voters (principally […]

  • Nor Door Athletics Baseball: Aug. 14–21

    Results Aug. 7 Kolberg 6, West Jacksonport 7 Aug. 9 Institute 8, Washington Island 19 Maplewood defeated Baileys Harbor Sister Bay 4, Egg Harbor 5 Standings Egg Harbor, 7-0 Sister Bay, 6-1 Kolberg, 4-3 Maplewood, 3-4 Institute, 2-5 Washington Island, 2-5 Baileys Harbor, 0-7 Playoff Round 1 Schedule Aug. 16 Kolberg @ Egg Harbor West […]

  • Destination Door County’s Bradley Earns CDME Designation

    Laura Bradley, Destination Door County’s senior marketing and sales manager, has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation. She has worked on earning the designation – the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement – for the last four years. To do so, Bradley completed the only integrated executive program designed specifically for the industry. […]

  • Kewaunee County Seeking Poll Workers

    Municipalities across Kewaunee County are in need of poll workers for the Nov. 3 general election. Duties can include checking voters in and registering them, issuing and assisting with ballots, monitoring voting booths and equipment, and cleaning and sanitizing.  “Generally, we have an older population helping with elections at our local town halls, but due […]

  • On Deck Partners with Chapter EE to Raise Money by Selling Masks

    On Deck Clothing Company has partnered with local Chapter EE – one of Door County’s five chapters of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) – to raise money by selling fabric masks that Chapter EE members have made by hand.  Masks are sold at all three On Deck stores: in Fish Creek, Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay. Mask-sale profits […]

  • 100+WWC Select Nonprofits to Record Presentations

    100+ Women of Northern Door County (100+WWC, 100wwcnortherndoor.org) selected three local nonprofits in July to record presentations for its members to view. Members voted for the one they felt was most deserving of the primary award, and the results were announced during a July 20 virtual meeting.  Northern Door Children’s Center received the main award […]

  • HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital, Prevea Health Offer Guidance on Child Masking

    HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital and Prevea Health are offering guidance to parents and caregivers who are helping children to become more comfortable with wearing a mask.  Children younger than two should not wear a mask because of the potential suffocation and choking hazards. Parents of children who have cognitive or respiratory impairments should also […]

  • Christ Child Society Cancels Fundraisers, Seeking Donations

    Because of the pandemic, the Christ Child Society of Door County had to cancel its summer fundraisers and, as a result, is seeking donations. A donor has pledged to match every dollar given – up to $7,500 – until Sept. 30 to support the society’s mission of helping newborns and children in the county whose […]

  • Rotary Club to Meet Aug. 19

    The Rotary Club of Door County North will meet Aug. 19, 8 am, at the Coyote Roadhouse, 3026 Cty E in Baileys Harbor, weather permitting. The guest speaker will be Jennifer O’Handley, a Sturgeon Bay Schools guidance counselor, who will discuss mental-health issues experienced by youth. Seating will be socially distanced in an outdoor setting, […]

  • Featured Pet: Annabella

    Meet Annabella (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=17535374), an eight-year-old beauty who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus.  This long-haired sweetie loves to have all the attention to herself and would prefer to be the only pet in the home. Annabella tends to be fearful in new situations and will need time before she […]

  • Learning How to Sail in Sturgeon Bay

    By Tim Sweet Although many summertime activities were canceled this year because of the pandemic, a group of young community leaders figured out a safer way to offer sailing lessons to youth and adult students in Sturgeon Bay. Sail Training Foundation (STF) lead instructor Frank “Frankie” Pudlo, 19, has been sailing since he was eight. […]

  • Recovery Task Force Promotes Masks for Visitors

    The Door County Business Recovery Task Force is working with Destination Door County and county government officials to promote countywide masking through a multichannel marketing campaign.  The task force has placed ads on digital and static billboards in Southern Door urging visitors to wear masks, social distance and wash their hands.  As of Aug. 11, […]

  • Rediscovering the Unselfish Service That Made Our Country Great

    by Tom Thurman Being in a particularly vulnerable age group during this pandemic, my wife and I have been under self-imposed house arrest since mid-March, venturing out only for the occasional grocery store run, take-out meal or post office visit. Early on, we took seriously the warnings of medical experts and have watched with growing […]

  • Alley Closes, Remodel Begins on Former Younkers Building

    The Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved the closure of the alley behind 58 N. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay between both buildings through Nov. 15, 24 hours a day, while the former Younkers building is transformed into the Marketplace by Bliss.  The alley needed to be closed between the two buildings to remove the skywalk […]

  • Roads Closed for Transmission-Line Construction

    Work slated for August 2020 through spring 2021 Beginning the week of Aug.10, some Sturgeon Bay roads and parking lots will be closed to allow for the installation of new transmission-line cables beneath the Sturgeon Bay Ship Channel: • Second Avenue between Nebraska and Oregon Streets will be closed the week of Aug. 10 through […]

  • New Fire Station Nearing Completion

    The new town fire station remains on track for completion by mid-October, according to Fire Chief Brian Zak, who said he can’t wait to move into the new home. During reconstruction, the department is storing trucks and equipment at several locations in the town, including at the town shop, sewer plant and the vacant Nelson’s […]

  • Look Skyward This Month

    The Perseid meteor showers are upon us. The celestial event features an abundance of very fast, very bright, sometimes fireball-like meteors that streak through the nighttime sky at 37 miles per second from mid-July through August. The Perseids are the most plentiful of the year’s meteor showers, according to NASA, with peak counts of up […]

  • Chief Updates Village Trustees

    Egg Harbor Fire Chief Andy Staats addressed the Egg Harbor Village Board Monday evening, Aug. 10. Village Board President John Heller invited Staats in the wake of emails and calls the trustees have been receiving about conflict within the fire department, which serves both the Village and Town of Egg Harbor.  The Joint Egg Harbor […]

  • Firefighters Leave Over Leadership Issues

    Note: The Egg Harbor Fire Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20 will now be held at the Donald & Carol Kress Pavilion, Great Hall, 7845 Church Street in Egg Harbor. The original meeting location, the Bertschinger Center, was reflected in the print version of this article. Last week, we reported on the unrest at […]

  • Margaret Lockwood’s Pursuit of Abstraction

    Margaret Lockwood, whose gallery is on the corner of Michigan and 2nd avenues in Sturgeon Bay, is looking forward to a good year of painting – after a slow start. She’s been steadily at work since completing a commission for a woman in Dallas whose parents have bought her work over the years. “I had […]

  • Pulse of Business: Embrace Change, Seize New Opportunities

    by Steve Jenkins, Executive Director, Door County Economic Development Corporation When your kitchen is on fire, bad things tend to happen if you’ve given no forethought to such a thing happening. But, if you have the right fire extinguisher for kitchen fires, and it’s accessible and charged, and your family has a fire plan in […]

  • Golf League Results: Aug. 14, 2020

    IDLEWILD Ladies’ Sundowners Golf League Aug. 5, 2020 • Top 10 golfers: Anna Larsen 45, Mary Aiken 47, Pat Krueger 50, Ellen Felhofer 51, Patti Baur 52, Rita Hunt 53, Amy Konop 53, Janet Proctor 54, Pam DeMelle 56, Debbie McDermid 56 • Pars: Mary Aiken 2, Anna Larsen 1, Julie Sarter 1, Pam DeMelle 1, Rita […]

  • Know Your Grower: OneEighty Petals

    Location: At the “triangle” of County A and South Highland Road (8999 S. Highland Road, Fish Creek) Acreage: ¼-½ acre of specialty cut flowers, ½ acre of pumpkins, gourds and vegetables  Meet your growers: Sara and John Lancaster, and baby Jack (known as Farmer Jack to customers) Serendipity seems to be a recurrent theme in […]

  • Framed: The Goats at Al Johnson’s

    “If you want something done right, do it yourself!” Photo by Mario Olvera at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik, Aug. 22, 2015.

  • Server of the Week: Julie Ricks at U-Pick Cherry Stand

    Barnard Farms off Carlsville Road in Carlsville The most cherries customers have ever picked? “Fourteen buckets. That was just last week. They got here at 10 am, and they picked until 12:30 pm. Three of them.” Best concert you’ve ever been to? “Echo and the Bunnymen – 2015 at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Southern […]

  • Door to Nature: Hairy Cats

    People enjoying the outdoors, and especially gardeners, may notice a number of hairy cats on the move these days – but many are not hairy, and none are cats. What I’m referring to are caterpillars. The word comes from the Old North French word “catepelose,” meaning “hairy cat.” When we had a large vegetable garden, the […]

  • Wild Things: Bonus Deer, Turkey Permits Go on Sale Soon

    Hunters hoping for a bonus wild turkey tag or an antlerless deer permit for an up-north getaway had better stay vigilant during the coming days. Only 2,000 bonus turkey permits are available for Zone 2, which includes Door and Kewaunee counties. They’ll go on sale Saturday at 10 am at a cost of $10 per […]

  • Anderson, Schley to Face Off for Treasurer’s Seat Nov. 3

    Tuesday’s primary election drew 7,100 voters The only contested race on the local ballot during Wisconsin’s primary election was decided Aug. 11. The Door County Treasurer’s Office had five contestants vying for the seat that retiring Treasurer Jay Zahn will vacate at the end of the year. Voters selected Jan Arbter Anderson as the Democratic […]

  • TAP Hosts Virtual Masqued Gala and Auction

    This year, Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP, thirdavenueplayhouse.com) will hold its fundraising gala – the Masqued Gala & Auction – virtually on Aug. 30, 7-8:30 pm. Alan Kopischke will host. The Masqued Gala will highlight freshly re-created performances from favorite TAP shows featuring Doug Mancheski, Ryan Schabach, Kay Allmand, Claire Morkin, Amy Ensign, Cynthia Cobb, Dan Klarer, Drew […]

  • Midsummer’s Music Continues Streamed Concerts

    Midsummer’s Music will feature three contemporary composers during its third streaming concert program, New Voices, Aug. 19-23.  Midsummer’s Music will premiere a new piano trio, “Midsummer,” by composer-in-residence Jacob Beranek, and it will feature work by contemporary Canadian composer Erling Patrick Horn as well as music by Reynaldo Hahn, who emigrated as a child from […]

  • Rogue Theater Celebrates 100th Anniversary of 19th Amendment

    Rogue Theater is presenting a compelling production to chronicle what led to the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote 100 years ago. In July 1848, approximately 200 women and men assembled in Seneca Falls, New York, to hold a Women’s Rights Convention – what became the beginning of the women’s rights movement. […]

  • Kress Resumes In-Person Programs

    Through a blend of outdoor and distanced programs, the Kress Pavilion will resume in-person programming. Elizabeth Clark will teach an intergenerational dance class called Dance the Stories on Tuesdays, 2 pm, on the second-floor porch. A child and a parent (or grandparent) will explore stories through dance and incorporate ballet, modern contemporary and jazz. The […]

  • Ecological Restoration Project at Crossroads

    Crossroads at Big Creek (crossroadsatbigcreek.org), 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, will continue its Nature by Appointment program Aug. 14, 15, 19 and 20, with time slots at 9, 10 and 11 am; and 5, 6 and 7 pm. Safer at Home units, individuals, or small groups of friends – wearing face masks and practicing […]

  • Hike Offerings at The Ridges Sanctuary

    The Ridges Sanctuary (ridgessanctuary.org) is offering several hike options.  Join a Ridges naturalist for an informative, relaxing walk through the sanctuary Tuesday – Friday, 10 am. The hike includes the Upper Range Light lantern room and historical cabins.  Explore The Ridges during a night hike on the boardwalk Aug. 14 and Aug. 21, 8-9:30 pm. […]

  • Beach of the Week: Ridges Beach

    This Baileys Harbor beach – part of Ridges County Park – is a favorite with families looking to splash around and with kiteboarders hoping to catch some wind and waves. Located just north of downtown Baileys Harbor, it’s within walking distance of many restaurants and The Ridges Sanctuary – another great place to spend some time exploring […]

  • Wish Granted – A Puppy for Marjorie

    Marjorie Aurelius Receives $500 Puppy Supply Shopping Spree at Door County Cooperative Country Store Through Make-A-Wish Foundation On Monday July 27, Marjorie Aurelius, age 6, and her mother, Lauren Aurelius, visited the Door County Cooperative Country Store to stock up on supplies for their new Goldendoodle puppy, Rue, that was gifted to them through the […]

  • Brewing Ingredients, Part 3: Barley Revisited

    by Sophie Nelson, [email protected] The last time I discussed barley, I talked about the specific characteristics that make it perfect for brewing, and the geographic areas in which barley can grow – which included the origin of the idea that wine is somehow fancier than beer.  This time I’ll talk about what must be done […]

  • Hacienda Beer Co. Continues Ever-Moving Planet Series

    Hacienda Beer Co., the sister brewery to Door County Brewing Co., has released the second beer in its ongoing series called Ever-Moving Planet. The series features IPAs, and each new release highlights a different grain.  “Our first iteration of Ever-Moving Planet was released back in March and featured spelt – a grain very similar to […]

  • Food and Drink Options Abound at Under the Stars Night Market

    Under the Stars – Sturgeon Bay’s new night market – has taken over 3rd Avenue every Saturday, 5-9 pm, since July 11 and will continue through the end of August. The section of 3rd Avenue between Michigan Avenue and Jefferson Street is closed to traffic so that visitors can enjoy the additional space on the […]

  • Barre Classes at About Thyme Farms

    About Thyme Farms will host 45-minute barre classes – a combination of ballet technique, yoga and pilates – Aug. 17 and Aug. 19, 9:30 am. Barre is intended to sculpt, tone and lift the body while building confidence and a lean, strong physique.  All body types are welcome, and no experience is needed. Participants should provide their […]

  • Jolly’s Street Pizza Food Truck Carries on Family Tradition

    Claiming the title of Door County’s largest food truck, the Jolly’s Street Pizza vehicle is hard to miss. It’s custom built and measures 24 feet long and eight feet wide and high.  “We have been working two years to plan and build this truck,” said Marcy Stark, co-owner with her husband, Tom. “Tom designed it […]

  • DNR Restates Intent to Demolish Potawatomi Tower

    SBHSF calls for public support, and a meeting keeps hopes up Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Preston Cole sent two letters last week pertaining to the Potawatomi State Park tower. One went to Christie Weber, president of the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation (SBHSF). The other went to both state Rep. Joel Kitchens […]

  • Obituary: William P. “Bill” Casey

    August 28, 1929 ~ August 9, 2020 Bill Casey, 90, died on Sunday August 9, 2020 at Scandia Village in Sister Bay, WI. Bill was born on August 28, 1929, the youngest of five children, to the late William Patrick Casey and Agnes (Morrissey) Casey. After graduating from Oshkosh High School, Bill attended the University […]

  • Obituary: James Paul Swagel

    April 1, 1964 ~ August 9, 2020 James Paul Swagel, 56, a lifetime resident of Sturgeon Bay died early Sunday morning August 9, 2020 at Door County Medical Center. James was born April 1, 1964 in Sturgeon Bay the son of Anton and Patricia (Haskell) Swagel. He was a graduate of Sturgeon Bay High School class […]

  • Obituary: Helen Margaret (Hooper) Carlson

    March 25, 1940 ~ August 8, 2020 Helen Margaret (Hooper) Carlson, 80, of Forestville, died at home with excellent care provided by her family and caretakers through Unity Hospice, especially Crystal Young. Helen was an avid reader, loved crosswords, and gardening. She had a great love for life, numerous pets, and her family. She especially […]

  • Obituary: Lyman E. Elliott Jr.

    July 8, 1946 ~ August 10, 2020 Lyman Edward Elliott Jr., 74, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Aug. 10, 2020.  He was born to Lyman Edward Elliott Sr. and Lorraine Griffin on July 8, 1946 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.   He Graduated from Franklin High School and the Milwaukee Area Technical College for Diesel Mechanics. Lyman retired […]

  • Nominate Everyday Heroes

    During the COVID-19 crisis, our community has been blessed with “everyday responders”: ordinary people who have stepped forward to volunteer and help their neighbors however they can. Everyday responders have been delivering meals, staffing food pantries, taking care of kids, sewing face masks and doing many other selfless things to keep our community strong. The […]

  • Obituary: Harold William Larsen Jr.

    August 6, 2020 ~ August 10, 2020 Harold W. Larsen, Jr, 84, of Sturgeon Bay, WI, died surrounded by his family on August 6, 2020.  He was born June 13, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to Helen (Neva) and Harold Larsen, Sr. Harold graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago, Illinois.  He attended Wright Junior […]

  • Obituary: Judith Jean Thompson

    December 4, 1937 ~ August 8, 2020 Well, I did it! I lasted until August 8, 2020!! Judith Jean Thompson (Miller/Brainerd) born 12/4/37 and I lived a darn wonderful life until Breast Cancer, for the third time, hit me, and I said “enough!” Attended a great school at Pius XI in Milwaukee, married Robert Brainerd, […]

  • Obituary: Eli Peterson Jr.

    October 29, 1955 ~ August 5, 2020 Eli Alfred Peterson Jr., 64, of Sturgeon Bay died at his home on August 5, 2020 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born October 29, 1955 in Sturgeon Bay to Eli and Janet (Miller) Peterson, Sr. He married Debra Ann Schmitz on May 1, 1976 […]