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Peninsula Pulse August 19-26, 2022

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In this issue

  • County, Hospital Partnership Considered for 911 Transfers

    Between 1,000 and 1,200 patients are taken to the Door County Medical Center’s (DCMC) emergency room on average during July, the emergency room’s busiest month of the year. The crews do what emergency crews do: develop a finite diagnosis and, if necessary, get a patient to whichever specialty care they need, such as a cardiologist […]

  • Around the Door: August Doldrums

    A sailboat docked on Plum Island last week off the northern tip of Door County. The sailors removed their stand-up paddleboards from the craft and took to the water, cruising between Plum and Pilot islands. Tim Sweet, standing on the Plum Island dock, said the water had the flat calm of the August doldrums – […]

  • Big Hill Cell Tower Project Delayed

    U.S. Cellular’s ability to locate a new cell tower at Big Hill Park will depend on whether the tower would interfere with an upgrade of the County of Door’s communication equipment. At the urging of Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Tim Dietman, who’s a member of the county’s Communications Advisory Technical Subcommittee (CATS), the Sturgeon Bay […]

  • New Door County Position Requests Total 16 for 2023

    Sheriff asks for three patrol deputies and a patrol sergeant Around half a million dollars in recurring expenses would be added to the 2023 levy if the Door County Board of Supervisors were to approve departmental requests for new positions, as well as reclassifications and added hours for existing employees.  The board will take a […]

  • Ephraim Says No to Part of Housing Development

    The Ephraim Plan Commission made a partial decision on a proposal from Chris Schmelz and Keith Garot, who are proposing to build 19 housing units on 16.5 acres on Townline Road on the north end of the village, down from the 23 units that were originally proposed.  During its Aug. 23 meeting, the commission voted […]

  • Fleet Farm May Set Up Shop in Sturgeon Bay

    Fleet Farm wants to build a new store along the west entrance to Sturgeon Bay. On Aug. 17, the city’s plan commission agreed to schedule a public hearing for Sept. 21 to consider whether to amend Sturgeon Bay’s comprehensive plan to develop property for commercial use for the project across from the Salty Seagull miniature […]

  • Programs Funded to Benefit Farmers, Groundwater and Soil

    Two new programs intended to help farmers improve water quality and soil health were funded last week.  First, $1.6 million went to the Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program, which allows farmers to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to work with the University of Wisconsin System to try new measures to increase the use […]

  • NWTC President Dr. Rafn Retiring

    After 25 years of service to higher education across northeastern Wisconsin, Dr. H. Jeffrey Rafn, president of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2023. “It has been a distinct honor and privilege to lead Northeast Wisconsin Technical College,” Rafn said. “Over the years, my focus has been to serve […]

  • Improvement Coming to Culver’s Intersection

    The intersection of Highway 42/57 and Gordon Road/County BB – also known as the “Culver’s intersection” – in Sevastopol will soon have at least a temporary fix to try to prevent accidents and injuries. The busy intersection has long been a cause of concern for local residents, municipalities and public officials. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation […]

  • School Turned Apartment Building

    The former West Side School in Sturgeon Bay has been converted into the Sawyer School Lofts apartment building, and an open house was held Aug. 17 at the 17 W. Pine St. address.  Apartments are now available for rent, ranging from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom starting at $685 per month, to a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom for $1,255 […]

  • Community Achieves Successful Eagle Rescue

    The Egg Harbor community came together to achieve the successful rescue of a young, male bald eagle, according to Rob Hults of Open Door Bird Sanctuary, located north of Carlsville on County I within the Town of Egg Harbor.  The eagle is now at Wildlife of Wisconsin in Cato. The rescue organization will assess why […]

  • Nasewaupee Splitting from Southern Door Fire Department

    Withdrawal would be effective in 2023 The Nasewaupee Town Hall was filled to capacity with town residents and other interested parties Aug. 18 when the town board unanimously approved a resolution to split from the Southern Door Fire Department (SDFD), which has been in existence as a corporation since December 1980. The vote follows months […]

  • Sister Bay Village Hall Discussion Aug. 30

    Discussion about the future of the Sister Bay Village Hall will move to the Parks, Properties and Streets Committee meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 30.  In July, the plan commission reached consensus that it did not want to spend money to modernize and renovate the building located in the center of Waterfront Park. For nearly 20 […]

  • Gibraltar Trains Teachers on Trauma and Informed Care

    Sevastopol athletic complex almost ready for some football The Gibraltar Area School District board has prioritized two initiatives for the well-being of students and staff members. In addition to focusing on best practices, student needs and learning gaps linked to COVID-19–altered schedules during the previous two school years, the educators will work on ways to […]

  • Back to School Is Mask Free for 2022-23

    CDC and state lighten up on COVID-19 protocols for the new school year The Gibraltar Area School District maintained the most cautious COVID-19 protocols among Door County schools during the past school year and in 2020-21, but the Northern Door approach will likely mirror neighboring districts’ approach this school year. That’s not because Gibraltar has […]

  • Limiting the Threat of School Violence

    As kids head back to class, resource officers aim to keep them safe When a school shooting occurs anywhere in the country, its impact extends far beyond the boundaries of its school district, sparking conversations elsewhere about how to keep students safe. Southern Door school resource officer (SRO) Blake Luebker said he has experienced this […]

  • VICTOR WOOTEN, BASS EXTREMES AT DCA AUG. 22

    Renowned bassist Victor Wooten will join forces with Steve Bailey and Derico Watson – together known as Bass Extremes – to present an evening of virtuosic, high-energy music Aug. 22, 8 pm, at Door Community Auditorium (DCA). A preshow lecture, demonstration and Q&A with Wooten is scheduled that day at 4 pm. The session is […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Just One Question

    Vivian Nienow’s question [Letters to the Editor, Aug. 12, “At What Point Does an Embryo or Fetus Become Human?”] about when a fetus becomes human is a mix of ideology and scientific issues.  It is “human” from when a sperm fertilizes an egg – it’s not an orangutan or a snake. But a blastocyst of […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Impressive Changes to Fish Creek Tavern

    If not already an event, Door County should recognize private individuals or businesses that contribute to the aesthetic beauty of the county.  For 2022, I vote for the architectural changes made to the Bayside Tavern in Fish Creek. I’m sure the business was doing just fine without the expense the owners (the MacDonalds) incurred to […]

  • Fresh Bands Help Fishstock Age Gracefully

    If you’re familiar with Fishstock – the annual concert series held in a repurposed dairy barn – it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that it started out as a party. Homemade admission buttons, sold for $5, helped to cover the cost of food, beer and music: a winning combination that drew crowds of […]

  • In the Ukulele Society of Door County, Nobody’s ‘Second String’

    Bruce Hake bought his first ukulele without any intention of playing it. Instead, he planned to hang it on a Hawaiian-themed wall in his home, next to a canoe paddle and pictures of Hawaii. But when Hake’s wife heard about a local ukulele class that offered two two-hour sessions, she pushed him to enroll so […]

  • Victor Wooten, Bass Extremes at DCA Aug 22.

    Renowned bassist Victor Wooten will join forces with Steve Bailey and Derico Watson – together known as Bass Extremes – to present an evening of virtuosic, high-energy music Aug. 22, 8 pm, at Door Community Auditorium (DCA). A preshow lecture, demonstration and Q&A with Wooten is scheduled that day at 4 pm. The session is […]

  • The Voice Contestant Performs at Peg Egan PAC

    Chris Kroeze returns to the Peg Egan Performing Arts Center (PAC) by popular demand Aug. 21, 7 pm. He connects with the hearts and minds of audience members across the generations through his country soul and distinctive vocal delivery in more than 200 shows per year. Kroeze’s father gave him a guitar for his sixth […]

  • Cana Island Lighthouse, Keeper’s Quarters Now Open

    The Phase 4 restoration work at Cana Island is nearly complete, so the lighthouse tower and keeper’s quarters are now open to the public again. This project fulfills the goals of the Cana Island Light Station Historic Structures Report, published in 2009, and will help to preserve public access to Cana Island for future generations.  […]

  • Honeybees, Flower Programs Highlights at Crossroads

    The Door County Beekeepers Club will share the fascinating world of honeybees through hands-on interactive activities and demonstrations Aug. 20, 9 am – 11 am, both inside and outside at Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay.  While you’re there, consider joining the Habitat Healers, 9:30-11:30, to help with land-restoration efforts. Instruction, […]

  • Support the Birds at Annual Fundraiser

    Get your party clothes on, and step out to Open Door Bird Sanctuary’s (ODBS) annual Hoot-e-Nanny fundraiser Aug. 25, 5-9 pm, when Thyme Cuisine will prepare the food and Lynn Gudmundsen, Karen Mal and Tad Green will provide live music.  Guests can also meet some of the sanctuary’s bird residents at stations on the lower […]

  • Golden Hour U-Pick, Picnic in a Flower Field

    ​Located just outside Fish Creek, OneEighty Petals specialty cut flower farm and cut-your-own flower field invites visitors to escape the crowds and enjoy some time among the flowers.  For one evening only – Aug. 25, 5:30-7:30 pm, during the peak of the blooms – OneEighty Petals is offering a cut-your-own flower package.  Each includes one premium […]

  • You Can’t Miss the Kermiss

    Celebrate Belgian heritage, culture and food Aug. 21 Fun to say and delicious to eat, booyah – sometimes spelled “booya,” “bouja” or “bouyou” – is synonymous with Belgian culture and the Kermiss: a traditional celebration that marks the beginning of the fall harvest season. And if you head to the Belgian Heritage Center on Sunday, […]

  • Summer Sippers

    Cool drinks for hot days in the Door This piece is from the Summer 2021 issue of Door County Living. Check out the Summer 2022 issue, on stands now, for something a little sweet and spicy. For those who are not inclined to DIY their summer cocktail, try one of these local summer favorites. Big […]

  • Bits & Bites: Door Peninsula Winery Wins Big with Ciders

    Several Door Peninsula Winery wines and ciders earned honors at two recent international competitions. At the 16th annual Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition, held in May in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the winery’s Perry Cider was awarded Best in Class for Modern Perry Ciders out of 21 entries. Its Blueberry Fizz and Modern ciders […]

  • Netflix Aces Amazon in Two Competing Entertainments

    by MIKE ORLOCK [email protected] During this summer of spiraling inflation, what does $300 million buy if you’re Amazon and Netflix? Is it unkind to say, not as much as you’d hope? Those two apex streaming services spent that astronomical amount combined to bring two competing “entertainments” to our smart TVs: The Terminal List (R), an […]

  • Peninsula Players Explores Human Connection

    Peninsula Players Theatre has announced the cast for its production of I and You, for which Lauren Gunderson received the American Theatre Critics Association’s New Play Award in 2014.  In this play that balances the angst of the teen years with the beauty of poetry, Caroline meets her classmate Anthony for the first time when […]

  • Midsummer’s Music Goes Down Home and Heavenly

    After a short break, Midsummer’s Music will resume its concerts Aug. 21 with Down Home & Heavenly, a program featuring works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ferdinand Ries and Libby Larsen.  The featured musicians are Alicia Lee, clarinet; Fritz Foss and Dietrich Hemann, horn; David Perry and Eleanor Bartsch, violin; Allyson Fleck, viola; James Waldo, cello; […]

  • TAP Musical Explores Relationship Through Time

    Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years is now open – and running five days a week through Sept. 11 – at Third Avenue PlayWorks.  The Last Five Years is an emotional tour de force in 14 songs. The musical tells the story of a five-year relationship between Cathy (played by Allie Babich) and Jamie (Collin […]

  • Creating Connections: Artist honors Native American culture through portraits

    The exhibit of Tom Seagard’s Native American portraits that’s currently on display at the Door County Community Foundation, 222 N. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, comes out of a decades-long spiritual journey. The show, titled Aho Mitakuye Oyasin – which means “We are all related” in Lakota – has special meaning for Seagard, but not […]

  • Wearable Art Returns to Baileys Harbor

    The Door County Wearable Art Show is coming to Baileys Harbor again Aug. 27-28, 9 am – 5 pm.  Established by Baileys Harbor artist Sue Donohoo 12 years ago, the show has continually drawn artists from around the Midwest – including weavers, sewers, fabric designers, leather workers, beaders and metalsmiths – who are fine artisans in their […]

  • Whimsical, Wearable Art at Bazyli

    Bazyli Studio Wearable and Textile Art is featuring the contemporary work of northeastern Wisconsin fiber artist Erika Mock, whose colorful creations are fun to wear or can be displayed on a wall. She also walks the talk when it comes to sustainability in her art. Mock painstakingly reclaims textiles from the recycled-clothing and fiber stream, […]

  • Interfibers Hosts Fiber Demonstration

    Wendy Carpenter of Interfibers Studio Gallery is hosting the second part of her demonstration of off-loom, mixed-media weaving on repurposed objects Aug. 20, 11 am – 3 pm. Carpenter’s uniquely created texture, developed through patterned weaving and basketry coiling, adds sculptural relief forms to her work – all hand-woven on two three-foot repurposed barrel rims with […]

  • Nominations Open for Recycling Excellence Awards

    The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting nominations for its 2022 Recycling Excellence Awards through Sept. 16. Communities, organizations, schools and businesses of any size are encouraged to nominate themselves or another program to showcase outstanding recycling or waste-minimization initiatives. The DNR bestows the awards to both recognize these efforts and share innovative […]

  • FOPPI Hosts Native-Plant Sale Aug. 20

    Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) is partnering with Stone Silo Prairie Gardens to offer native perennials and grasses during its first plant sale Aug. 20, 10 am – 2 pm, at Stone Silo, 2325 Oak Ridge Circle in De Pere. FOPPI volunteers and Stone Silo experts will be on hand to help shoppers select […]

  • Classes on Growing Apples and Area Pollinators

    The Peninsular Agricultural Research Station (PARS) will offer the next class in its Backyard Apple School on Aug. 25, 4-6 pm, to get participants started on growing apples. This session will focus on pests: the insects, mammals and diseases that can threaten apples; and how to combat them sustainably and protect trees in the future. […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Mirium

    Meet Mirium! This handsome, 3½-year-old guinea pig is available for adoption from the Wisconsin Humane Society’s (WHS) Door County Campus. He weighs just two pounds and makes adorable chirping noises when he’s excited. Mirium (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=50813380) has received a flea preventative and had his nails trimmed, and he’s ready for his new home. Please make an […]

  • Learn to Use Your Tablet or Smartphone with Confidence

    Do you want to learn more about technology? The ADRC of the Lakeshore’s Sip & Swipe program provides an easy, free, safe way to learn to use a tablet or smartphone. It’s designed for those who have never used a tablet before or who have minimal experience. Sip & Swipe provides the basics of using […]

  • Pet Walk Supports Local Animals

    Pet Walk is the Wisconsin Humane Society’s (WHS) annual walk for animals, taking place Sept. 10 at Sturgeon Bay’s Sunset Park. Register now as an individual or team; then start collecting donations. All proceeds from Pet Walk Door County will support the animals at the WHS Door County Campus.  The registration fee includes a 2022 […]

  • Dunk Tank Fundraiser at Marina Fest

    The Sister Bay Marina Fest Committee, in partnership with the Sister Bay Advancement Association, will host a dunk-tank fundraiser Sept. 3, starting at 10 am, at Waterfront Park during this year’s Marina Fest.  Who will get wet? Some local residents and business owners have each agreed to raise $500 to be dunked, with all proceeds […]

  • Women’s Equality Day Car Parade

    The League of Women Voters of Door County will celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the 19th Amendment by hosting a car parade – back by popular demand – on Aug. 26, 12 pm. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, early activists for women’s suffrage, will be in the parade and address the crowd afterward at Martin […]

  • Lawn Game Raises Funds for Youth Mentoring

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Door County is hosting its Kornhole for Kids tournament Aug. 20, 11 am – 3 pm. Mobilize a two-person team to participate in the friendly competition, and enjoy music, food, refreshments and chances to win large-value raffle packages. Team registration is $150, and spots are limited. Register at bbbsnew.org.

  • Who Is Sandy Brown?

    Celebrating the person behind 25 years of PFLAG Door County This summer toward the end of June, among the smell of fried food, sounds of live music and the sight of bright rainbow flags waving throughout Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay, Open Door Pride awarded the City of Sturgeon Bay the fifth annual Sandy Brown […]

  • Go Fly a Kite at Crescent Beach

    Head to Algoma’s Crescent Beach for the eighth annual Soar on the Shore kite and beach festival Aug. 20, 11 am – 4 pm. With favorable winds, kites can “paint the sky” with color and movement.  The Wisconsin Kiters Club will fly stunt kites and giant display kites and host a kite candy drop/candy blasting for […]

  • Exploring Door County Beaches

    Welcome to the dog days of summer, when the heat may have us secretly (or not so secretly) longing for autumn’s cooler temps while we’re still trying to soak up as much fun in the sun as we can before the seasons shift. If you’re looking to pack a few more beach days into your […]

  • Fincantieri Emphasizes Value of U.S. Shipyards in Half-year Report

    The near-term outlook and long-term possibilities appeared brighter than a short-term bottom line in an 85-page, half-year report released by the Italy-based firm that has a shipyard in Door County. The Fincantieri Group reported a loss of “euro 234 million” ($241 million) in its report pertaining to activities Jan. 1 – June 30, 2022. However, the […]

  • New Associate Joins Pinkert Law Firm

    Pinkert Law Firm has welcomed Hannah Smith as its newest associate. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, she has visited Door County throughout her life and has deep family roots here as well. Smith focused her legal studies in insurance defense, personal-injury law and family law and on matters affecting federal, state and […]

  • Brussels Airpark Offers Small-Plane Landing Stop

    Known in aviation lingo as 7WI8, the Crispy Cedars private airfield in Brussels offers pilots of small airplanes – many of whom attended last month’s EAA Airventure in Oshkosh – a place to fly in and go camping in Door County. “We don’t charge for camping,” said Kevin Slezewski, who owns the property off 4 […]

  • Book Recommendation: ‘The Seep’ by Chana Porter

    Recommended by GRACE JOHNSON, Peninsula Pulse staff member and bibliophile Have you ever read a book that makes you think, “What the heck did I just read?” Yeah, this is one of those – but in the best possible way. Trina Goldberg-Oneka is a trans woman whose life is irreversibly altered in the wake of […]

  • Questions & Authors: Toya Wolfe

    This year, the Washington Island Literary Festival is celebrating 10 years of bringing award-winning and acclaimed writers to Door County. The five presenting authors – Cara Black, Andrew Graff, Lyanda Lynn Haupt, Michael Torres and Toya Wolfe – will host talks and workshops surrounding the 2022 theme, “Crossroads.” The festival will begin with a free community creative […]

  • Storytelling with Writer John DeDakis

    Award-winning writer John DeDakis will offer a weeklong class in September to help writers drill deep into the finer points of storytelling.  Participants will learn how to overcome writer’s block and gain the skills, confidence and strategies to take their writing to a professional level through a series of workshops at Write On, Door County’s […]

  • Wisconsin Book Earns National Award

    On a Wisconsin Family Farm: Historic Tales of Character, Community and Culture by Corey A. Geiger was named a finalist in the 16th annual National Indie Excellence Awards competition. The contest recognized three books in the Midwest Regional Nonfiction Category, and Geiger’s was among them. “The book contains colorful, somewhat wild, but true stories from […]

  • YMCA CEO Heidi Erickson Resigns

    Heidi Erickson, Door County YMCA CEO, has resigned her position with the organization effective September 16, 2022. Erickson will continue her dedication to the Y organization with the YMCA of the Fox Cities as the Branch Executive for the Fox West Y in Greenville, WI.  “It was a difficult decision to leave the Door County […]

  • Wisconsin Poet Laureate to Perform at TAP

    Wisconsin poet laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton will make a special free appearance presented by Write On, Door County at Third Avenue Playworks on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 7 pm. “This is a performance not to be missed,” said Jerod Santek, Write On’s artistic director. “Dasha connects with people on so many different levels. Her presentation is […]

  • Behind the Scenes of the Door County Historical Museum’s Taxidermy Display

    To many people (and I include myself here), the prospect of skinning a dead animal, filling it up with foam and stitching it back together would be unnerving, to say the least.  But that’s not at all the case for Mike Orthober, who owns Wildlife Wizardry Studio in Egg Harbor, is a 2019 inductee into […]

  • Tourism and the Visitor Economy: Visitor Economy Is Alive and Well in Door County

    by JULIE GILBERT, President and CEO, Destination Door County The “visitor economy.” What does that really mean? It is meeting the expectations of our visitors, ensuring that we are maintaining our communities’ core values and sustaining all that we hold near and dear.  The core concept of the visitor economy is the economic impact of […]

  • Wild Things: Fish Dismissed: Jury’s Still Out on Whether New Record Will Stand

    Wisconsin pinook mark topped for second time in 10 days by KEVIN NAZE, [email protected] The verdict is in: Wisconsin’s newest state-record salmon was a case so unusual it needed a lawyer present.  Without objection, Minneapolis attorney Mark Sondreal found himself answering questions Monday night after the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) certified his 29.5-inch, 12.46-pound […]

  • A 60-Year Dream Fulfilled at the Square Rigger Lodge

    Because the weather in St. Louis was unbearably hot in July 1961, a dream – decades in the making – is coming true this summer in Jacksonport.  George Killenberg, longtime editor of the Globe-Democrat newspaper, took his family a bit north to escape St. Louis’ oppressive heat and humidity during the summer of 1961, but […]

  • Obituary: James Anthony “Tony” Hummel

    October 30, 1975 ~ August 10, 2022 James Anthony “Tony” Hummel 46 of Sister Bay died peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. He was born on October 30, 1975 to John “Jack” R. Hummel and Norma S. Johnson in Missouri. He spent the early years of childhood in Missouri. Around the age of 12, he […]

  • Obituary: Leonard Alan Sawosko

    September 14, 1941 ~ August 14, 2022 Leonard Alan Sawosko, 80, of Washington Island, died on Sunday, August 14, 2022. He was born September 14, 1941 in Cicero, IL, the son of Edward C. and Anne D. (Grega) Sawosko. Leonard grew up attending Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church and School in Cicero. He graduated […]

  • Obituary: Elizabeth Andrea Weinrich

    August 13, 1983 ~ August 11, 2022 Elizabeth Andrea Weinrich, 38, of Brussels, died on Thursday, August 11, 2022. She was born August 13, 1983 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, daughter of Thomas William and Lisa Kay (Shong) Weinrich. After graduating from Random Lake High School, Beth “Liz” attended University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, where she obtained […]

  • Obituary: Mary Jean Hartel

    April 10, 1936 ~ August 12, 2022 Mary Jean Hartel, 86, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. While her health had been deteriorating in her later years, her passing was somewhat sudden. We take comfort as a family knowing that she is together again with […]

  • Obituary: Roger P. Nash

    July 30, 1938 ~ August 3, 2022 Roger P. Nash, age 84, a resident of Wauwatosa and Clark Lake (Town of Sevastopol), died on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, following a lengthy illness. Roger was born in Two Rivers, WI, on July 30, 1938, to Leona and Jack Nash. He was preceded in death by his […]