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Peninsula Pulse August 6-13, 2021

In this issue

  • Server of the Week: Addison Leitzke at Door County Creamery

    10653 N. Bay Shore Dr. in Sister Bay With places to hike and swim, and new people to meet, Addison’s day in Door County is always pretty sweet.  There’s rarely a dull moment when she’s working for Team Cream –  Serving sandwiches and gelato is the busy afternoon theme. Every workday varies – at the […]

  • Framed

    Visitors gather at Harbor View Park for the Egg Harbor farmers market. Photo by Rachel Lukas.

  • Northern Door Volleyball League

    Blue Horse was in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the tournament entering the final week of play Aug. 11. (Games were completed after press time.) Tournament play begins Aug. 18. STANDINGS (through Aug. 4) 1. Blue Horse, 32-1 2. Husby’s, 33-3 3. P.C. Junction, 28-5 4. Roots Inn and Kitchen, 24-12 […]

  • Door County League Week 14 Results

    The Door County League playoff teams are set after Sister Bay knocked Egg Harbor out of the playoff chase Sunday. Sister Bay will host Institute, and Washington Island will face Kolberg on Aug. 22, with the home team decided by the result of the Aug. 15 makeup game between the two teams. STANDINGS Sister Bay […]

  • Around the Door

    Chair with a view. Photo by Rachel Lukas.

  • Letter to the Editor: Commitment to Community Demonstrated at House & Garden Walk

    As we celebrate the 60th year of the Door County House & Garden Walk, we pause to reflect on what a “60-year legacy of commitment to community” means. Thanks to the generosity of our homeowners, sponsors, volunteers and those who attended the July 27 House & Garden Walk, we raised more than $61,000 for the […]

  • Letter to the Editor: ‘Unfair Maps’ Aren’t the Reason for Republican Majorities

    Democrats in our state often claim they can’t win a majority of the state legislature seats solely because of the “unfair” district maps.   However, in the 2010 elections, when Democrats had a majority in the legislature and a Democratic governor (and under the old maps enacted by a federal court), the Democrats lost seats and […]

  • Letter to the Editor: A Lot of Thanks for the Best Door County Fair Ever

    I want to put out a big thank-you to the Ash families, Door County Fair board, 4-H board, DC Quality Market animal sale, animal entrants, the young artists and bakers, and all the supporting staff who helped put on the 150th Door County Fair.  I also want to thank the county board, administration, sheriff’s department […]

  • Your Right to Know: Lawmakers Seek to Keep Their Misconduct Secret, Even Staush Gruszynski Didn’t Want This to Happen

    by Bill Lueders Staush Gruszynski, a former state Assembly representative from Green Bay, is the subject of an ongoing legal battle over records regarding his sexual harassment of a female staffer. A judge ruled in late June that the Legislature violated the state’s open-records law in denying media requesters access to these records, and that […]

  • Engineering, Architecture Scholarships Available

    The Earl A. Heyrman Scholarship Foundation, established in 1997, provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors in Brown, Oconto, Door, Kewaunee, Outagamie and Marinette counties. Since 2018, students pursuing undergraduate degrees in civil engineering, architectural engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or architecture are eligible to receive $500 semiannually, up to $4,000, providing they meet […]

  • Sevastopol Cuts Ribbon on School Renovations

    The Sevastopol School District will commemorate the completion of its community-supported referendum project with a dedication program and ribbon-cutting Aug. 22, 2-4 pm, at the new entrance to the school, located at the southeast corner of the building. The program will include presentations by students, faculty, alumni and other guests; music performed by Sevastopol alumni; […]

  • Pandemic Complicates School-Reopening Guidelines: Different Schools, Different Plans for School Start 2021-22

    This year, the notion of “back to school” takes on added meaning. From the tip of Door County to its southern edge, school leaders share the common goals of keeping as many students as possible in school for in-classroom learning. All will require masks for school-bus passengers, per federal mandate. And all of the public […]

  • Green Notes: “Shoreline at the Edge” captivates, provokes questions

    Photographer Paul M. Lurie captures readers’ imagination through stunning aerial photographs of the Lake Michigan shoreline in Shoreline at the Edge: Door County’s Lakeside Forests and Wetlands. His work shows the transitions from forest to farm field, wilderness to development, and boreal forest to shoreline: photos that cause the reader to wonder how to protect […]

  • Owners Association Increases Efforts to Protect Clark Lake

    The Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) has made two presentations during recent weeks to Clark Lake neighborhood residents who want to take steps to protect the lake and shoreline. DCIST coordinator Samantha Koyen said the Clark Lake Advancement Association (CLAA) has been seeking shoreline-planting and protection grants and has already set an example of […]

  • Bits & Bites

    James Beard Award-nominated Chef Takes Residency Chef Justin Carlisle of Milwaukee’s Ardent restaurant will take residency at Hidden Acres Farm – a rustic, organic vegetable farm in Sister Bay – to create dishes that highlight produce grown on the farm. He will serve eight-course tasting menus Wednesday, Aug. 18 – Friday, Aug. 20; and again […]

  • New Eatery Is Out of This World: Shiny Moon Cafe Debuts in Fish Creek

    There’s a lot to be said about new businesses that fit the aesthetic of Door County, but I’ve come to appreciate locations that invoke a feeling that’s unlike anything else you can find here. In the big cities, it’s not uncommon to find interesting shops, bars and cafes tucked away on the second floor of […]

  • Popping Up: Food Experimentation at MAX

    Just outside Baileys Harbor township on Highway 57, Maxwelton Braes has been a bastion of Door County golf and resort life for nearly 100 years. More recently, it has also been home to Thyme Cuisine, but this summer marks a shift from the historical supper-club feel to a different approach to eating out.  Bill Andersen […]

  • Late 1800s, Early 1900s Come to Life at Noble House

    After closing the doors of Fish Creek’s Alexander Noble House (historicnoble.org) in 2020, workers packed away 23 wedding gowns, carefully cleaned the museum and placed interesting pieces to reveal Fish Creek’s past. Now the museum is open again for the season and is displaying artifacts of Fish Creek life from the late 1800s into the […]

  • The Florian II Property: 136 Years of History

    The site that’s now the Florian II Lakeshore Supper Club in Baileys Harbor was first occupied by a stagecoach inn that Carl Hendricks built in 1885. The rooms on the second floor were heated with small, wood-burning stoves, and there was an adjacent stable for horses.  In about 1900, it was sold to Soren Hansen, […]

  • DCEDC Offers Grant, Loan Programs

    The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is offering a new $10,000 grant for any business that moved into a vacant storefront or vacant industrial building after Jan. 1, 2021, or will be moving into a vacant space by the end of this year.  In addition, DCEDC has several loan programs available: One is designed […]

  • Bay Marine Purchases Sturgeon Bay Yacht Harbor

    Bay Marine in Sturgeon Bay has acquired the assets of the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Harbor (Yacht Harbor), which will expand its yacht brokerage, storage and service capabilities. The transaction was closed and assets were transferred July 30. The Yacht Harbor, established in 1944 by George “Butch” Baudhuin, is known for sales, service and hospitality, and […]

  • Parking-lot Party Benefits Door CANcer

    Nashville artist Skyelor Anderson played a July 2 parking-lot party at the Top of the Hill Shops in Fish Creek to benefit Door CANcer. The event raised more than $13,000 for families that are directly and indirectly affected by cancer. Photo by Katilee Zentner/Katilee Captures.

  • Broadband Opportunity Presented to Baileys Harbor

    Planners hope other municipalities will follow suit After hearing about opportunities to make broadband access available and affordable throughout the town, the Baileys Harbor Planning Commission wasted no time in taking a step forward. The commission voted unanimously Monday to recommend that the town board form a volunteer committee to stay abreast of funding opportunities […]

  • Canadian Wildfires Deliver Bad Air, Good Sunsets

    Smoke from wildfire activity in Canada has been affecting Wisconsin during the past week, including Door County, producing hazy days and red suns. Elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations resulted in air quality index (AQI) values that were Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The upside of increased aerosols in the air? Redder sunrises and sunsets. This […]

  • To Bury or Not to Bury? That’s the final question in Egg Harbor

    A crowd of 75 people filled the Kress Pavilion Monday night to see the latest plans for the Highway 42 resurfacing and streetscaping project in Egg Harbor.  The key remaining decision for the village is whether to bury power lines in the village core, and the board will decide that during its Aug. 9 meeting.  […]

  • Peninsula Poetry: Carrie Sherrill

    Carrie Sherrill has been writing since grade school – sometimes on paper, and always in her mind. She finds images in her garden, in snippets of eavesdropped conversations and through the eyes of her grandchildren. Sherrill, a retired registered nurse and former caterer, has lived in Door County for more than 30 years. In addition to […]

  • Egg Harbor PAI Hosting ‘Three Dancers’ Photo Contest

    Egg Harbor’s Public Arts Initiative is hosting a photography contest, the  focus of which must be the “Three Dancers” sculpture that’s next to the Peg Egan Performing Arts Center stage at 7840 Church St. Internationally known sculptor Richard Edelman created and donated the work to Egg Harbor. Cash awards of $150, $100 and $50 will […]

  • ‘Exhibit III’ Begins Aug. 12 at Fine Line Designs

    The work of enormously talented artists will be on display during Exhibit III at Fine Line Designs (finelinedesignsgallery.com). The final exhibition of the season – running through Sept. 12 at 10376 Hwy 42 north of Ephraim – will begin with a reception Aug. 12, 4-7 pm, with artists Lori Beringer, Trish Coonrod, Thomas Tyers and Todd Voss […]

  • Women’s Fine-art Galleries Host Art Crawl

    The women’s fine-art galleries of Egg Harbor will host their annual Progressive Art Crawl on Aug. 12, 4-7 pm, offering a diversity of art and food samples at each of three stops.  Angela Lensch Gallery, 7653 Hwy 42, started as the working studio and gallery for Angela Lensch’s hand-woven gold and silver jewelry, but it […]

  • Miller Art Museum’s Art & Treasures Fundraiser Debuts Aug. 7

    The Miller Art Museum’s popular Art & Treasures Fundraiser, now in its 16th year, will debut Aug. 7, 10 am – 4 pm, at 142 S. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay; and it will then be open Wednesday – Saturday throughout August.  The event presents a fun, eclectic collection of items each year, including new […]

  • Fused-Glass Show Captures Sunlight with Color

    At Plum Bottom Gallery’s location on Plum Bottom Road, glass stands and sculptures sparkle in the sunlight among flowers and trees. This magical garden setting that’s hidden from the road continues inside the gallery, where mosaics and wall panels bring the outside in. The gallery recently held an opening reception for artists to introduce the […]

  • McArdle Descendants Gather for Reunion

    Descendants of James and Annie (Fegan) McArdle gathered July 3 to celebrate 150 years since their ancestors’ 1871 arrival in Baileys Harbor from Ballymakellet, Ireland. When they arrived, James built a house and bought 10 acres of cleared land. Their farm expanded and is now Maxwelton Braes Resort. Some of their great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren are […]

  • Don’t Miss Your Chance to Donate Blood

    St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 108 W. Maple St. in Sturgeon Bay, will host a community blood drive Monday, Aug. 9, 12-6 pm; and Tuesday, Aug. 10, 9 am – 3 pm. Appointments are preferred; schedule yours by calling 800.733.2767 or by visiting redcrossblood.org.

  • Torch Run Supports Special Olympics

    Kewaunee County law-enforcement officers and family members took part in a Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on July 31. Participants rode the Ahnapee State Trail, beginning at Blahnik Heritage Park; stopped at Reckelberg Park, where Special Olympians handed out water and snacks; and finished at Bruemmer Park and Zoo with lunch with Special […]

  • Neighbor to Neighbor Honors Volunteers

    Neighbor to Neighbor celebrated its achievements during its annual meeting July 27 and honored the Medical Equipment Maintenance Team of Gary Bellin, Mike Barry, Joe McMahon, Lawrence Tanck and Karen Bellin with its Volunteer Star Award. This team maintains, inspects and assembles equipment; assesses its safety; and cleans hospital beds, mattresses, lift chairs and lifts […]

  • Algoma, Kewaunee Memory Cafés Resume

    The Algoma Memory Cafés will resume every second Wednesday of the month starting Aug. 11, 10-11 am; and the Kewaunee Memory Cafés will resume meeting monthly on the third Wednesday starting Aug 18, 10-11 am. The theme for the August gatherings is Wiki Wiki Luau, so expect Hawaiian music, Hawaiian bingo with prizes and a […]

  • Door County Women of Influence Nominees

    Insight Publications has recognized Milly Gonzales, executive director of HELP of Door County; and Jodi Gonzales, an art therapist and CEO of Jodi Rose Studio, as Women of Influence nominees in the New North region. The acknowledgement honors women who are making a difference in their businesses and communities. In addition to their regular work, […]

  • Transportation Groups Receive Funds to Increase Vaccination Access

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administration for Community Living have awarded $1,000 each to Door-Tran and Door County Connect-Public Transit – which provides services through Door 2 Door Rides, Door County Connect and the Connector Link – to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations. Both organizations have been offering free transportation to […]

  • The First Tool of Civility: Pay Attention

    by Orlaine I. Gabert, Door County Civility Project The first tool of civility is to pay attention.  “Attention!” says the sergeant. All recruits straighten their body, arms at their sides, head facing forward. This military version of attention is one of obedience. Although this rigid body position does not fit any of our conversations, the […]

  • Strengthening Local-History Promotion

    Even in a county with hundreds of people who are committed to preserving local history, it’s difficult to think of anyone who’s more involved than Steven Rice. He previously worked as a curator at the Door County Historical Museum and was hired by the Door County Library System in 2019 as an archives researcher, with […]

  • National Newspaper Association, Others Ask Court to Stop Postage-Rate Increase

    A coalition of organizations representing commercial and nonprofit mail users petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to issue a stay preventing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from increasing postage rates Aug. 29.  The National Newspaper Association (NNA) appears as an intervenor with the News Media Alliance. “We were shocked […]

  • Open Door Bird Sanctuary Spreads Its Wings

    Those who founded and operate Open Door Bird Sanctuary (ODBS) have been flying under the radar for some time, but now they’re welcoming eager visitors almost daily who want to learn about their resident raptors, such as Ginger, Amber and Twig. With a group of passionate volunteers on hand, ODBS has spread its wings this […]

  • Fincantieri Beautification Plans Released

    Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding has released concept designs for streetscape plans that are intended to create an attractive transition and connection between downtown Sturgeon Bay and Sunset Park. The beautification route is an eight-to-10-foot strip of land between the sidewalk and the shipyard parking lot and yard along North 3rd Avenue between Jefferson and Iowa streets. […]

  • Sister Bay Author Publishes Second Thriller

    A professional crew of burglars has cracked several nearly impenetrable safes, stealing millions of dollars in diamonds and gold from a local jeweler in All In, the second mystery thriller by J.P. Jordan of Sister Bay. The novel features Detectives Chuck Nowitzke and his partner, Anissa Taylor, whom readers met in Jordan’s first thriller, Men […]

  • Learn About Relicarios from Author Martha Egan

    Martha Egan, the author of Relicarios: The Forgotten Jewels of Latin America, will be at Egg Harbor’s Kress Pavilion on Aug. 18, 2 pm, to give a presentation about her research and this book. Relicarios – finely crafted, bifaced lockets of gold or silver – are artifacts of the Spanish Colonial era. The book emcompasses 40 years’ […]

  • Local Publisher Honors 5 Authors During Reading Event

    The Baileys Harbor-based Sand Beach Press is celebrating its recent publication of five books by Door County authors. Art historian Virginia Jones Maher, poet Ann Heyse, children’s-book author Amy Phimister, memoirist Carol Hoffman and historian Larry Desotell will all give a short reading from their work Aug. 12, 4-5:30 pm, at Write On, Door County, […]

  • Author of ‘Seek You’ to Sign Books at Novel Bay

    Kristen Radtke, the author of Seek You: A Journey through American Loneliness – a first-of-its-kind nonfiction graphic novel focusing on loneliness – has created a buzz in the literary world. She will sign books and talk with readers Aug. 6, 3-4 pm, at Novel Bay Booksellers, 44 N. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. Her parents […]

  • Win Free Books by Tracking Your Summer Reading

    Looking for some motivation to continue that book you put down, or to start that novel you’ve been interested in? It’s not too late to participate in the summer reading programs at Novel Bay Booksellers or the Door County Library. The program at Novel Bay, 44 N. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, is open to […]

  • August Reading Recommendations

    Looking for something new to read this month? Maybe you’ll find the perfect choice among these recommendations. MaddAddam Trilogy: Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood and MaddAddam by Margaret AtwoodRecommended by Dawn Taylor, cataloger/technical services/acquisitions, Sturgeon Bay Library Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy is a dark, fascinating story set in what could be the […]

  • Raku Demonstrations at Ellison Bay Pottery

    Ellison Bay Pottery (ellisonbaypotterystudios.com) will begin its August anniversary celebration with free raku demonstrations Aug. 11 and 14, 1-3 pm. Throughout the month, proprietors and artists John Dietrich and Diane McNeil will offer new demonstrations twice a week.

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Tesla

    Meet Tesla (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=47868210), a two-year-old cat who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. This 12-pound tabby enjoys being petted, but she needs to take breaks because she tends to become overstimulated by all the attention. Once you’ve learned her body language, it won’t be a challenge to respect her […]

  • Get the Freshest Stuff Around

    A midseason farmers-market check-in Door County farmers markets are in full swing – places where local growers, producers and artisans showcase bushels, bins and trays of freshly grown goodness and handmade wares. Maybe you went early in the season; maybe you’ve been going every week; or maybe you haven’t been to one yet this summer. It’s […]

  • Maritime Week Kicks Off in Sturgeon Bay

    It’s time once again to salute the U.S. Coast Guard during Sturgeon Bay’s Maritime Week. Events began Aug. 5 with a golf outing at Idlewild Golf Course and will continue through Aug. 15. Want to see everything the event has to offer? This guide will get you started. Aug. 6: Coast Guard vs. City Allstars […]

  • Sunshine Resources’ Sunflower Fest Returns

    Since 2002, Sunshine Resources of Door County has hosted its annual Sunflower Fest (formerly Corn Fest) as its largest fundraiser of the year. This year’s free festival will be held Sept. 11, 10 am – 5 pm, at Sturgeon Bay’s Martin Park. The funds raised support programs and services for people with special needs and […]

  • The Belgian Heritage Center’s Kermiss Is Back

    The Belgian Heritage Center (BHC, belgianheritagecenter.org) will host its annual Belgian Kermiss on Sunday, Aug. 15, 11 am – 4 pm. A kermiss is a traditional harvest festival featuring Belgian food, beer, music and camaraderie that’s open to the whole community.   The variety band Mad Cats will perform its mix of country, rock and pop […]

  • Activities Galore at Crossroads at Big Creek

    Habitat Healers opportunities will continue Aug. 7, 9:30-11:30 am; and Aug. 10, 6:30-8 pm. Volunteers of all ages are invited to help with land-restoration efforts. Instruction, equipment, gloves, cookies and lemonade will be provided. Meet at the workshop/nursery. The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) will host a viewing night Aug. 7, 7 pm, when society […]

  • Curious about Horseshoe Bay Caves? Take a Tour

    Take a 45-minute tour of Horseshoe Bay Caves on Aug. 7, departing every hour, 9 am – 3 pm. Staff members and trustees will lead the tours, give a brief educational presentation and answer questions at the end. The tours are easy to moderate with bending and crawling required. There are uneven surfaces but no vertical […]

  • Obituary: Ardena Stella (Wesenberg) Nichols

    March 22, 1936 ~ July 31, 2021 Ardena S. Nichols, 85, of Eau Claire, died peacefully on Saturday, July 31, 2021, while at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. She was born March 22, 1936, in Rock Township, WI, the daughter of James and Estella (Grade) Wesenberg.  When she was young, she went to […]

  • Obituary: Richard Joseph Cornette

    October 1, 1933 ~ July 31, 2021 Richard J. Cornette, 87, died peacefully at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay on Sunday, July 31, 2021. He was born in Preble, Wisconsin on October 1, 1933. He grew up in Door County and worked on his family farm, as well as at Christy Corporation (Bay Shipbuilding). He […]

  • Obituary: Dean R. Shumway

    January 24, 1934 ~ July 30, 2021 Dean Ronald Shumway, 87, of the Town of Liberty Grove (Sister Bay), died early Friday morning, July 30, 2021, while at Green Bay Health Services. At the time of his passing, he had been married to his beautiful wife, Bernie, for 56 years. Dean was born in Pleasant […]

  • Obituary: Lenora “Linda” Kathleen Scheer

    Feb. 22, 1946 – July 26, 2021 Lenora Kathleen Scheer, “Linda” to all who knew and loved her, age 75, of Fargo, North Dakota, died suddenly in Sturgeon Bay, with family at her side. She was a lifelong resident of Fargo, born to Peter Wilbur Lundquist and Frieda Emilia (Unterseher) Lundquist. Linda attended Fargo Central […]

  • Obituary: Mira Miyamoto

    Jan. 15, 1961 – July 26, 2021  Mira Miyamoto, 60, of Sturgeon Bay, died unexpectedly. She was born in Kobe, Japan, and immigrated to the U.S. as a young teen with her mother, Ami, and stepfather, Richard Lindemeyer. After living briefly in Hawaii, the family moved to Sturgeon Bay, where Richard worked in the shipbuilding industry, and Mira […]

  • It’s Time for Self-Care at Hotel Washington and Studio

    Former Island “summer girls” Sarah Koehler and Rose Widmann are offering a self-care workshop, Sisterhood & Self-Care, on July 30 and Aug. 6, 2-4:15 pm, at Hotel Washington and Studio, 354 Range Line Road on Washington Island. “Sostre,” which means “sister” in Norweigian, is the parent company for their entities: skin care, art, yoga and […]

  • Obituary: Lloyd George “LG” Logerquist

    May 12, 1941 – July 27, 2021 Lloyd George “LG” Logerquist, 80, of Fish Creek, died at Door County Medical Center following complications from congestive heart failure. His family was by his side.  Lloyd was born in Sister Bay and raised there by his parents, Irene (Krause) Logerquist and Lloyd Elmer Logerquist. When he was eight, the […]

  • Obituary: Ron Foxworthy

    Oct. 12, 1936 – July 28, 2021 Ron Foxworthy, 84, died peacefully in the loving care of Unity Hospice and his wife, Sue.  Most of Ron’s childhood was spent in North Bay in Door County where, following in his mother’s footsteps, he attended a one-room schoolhouse that was within earshot of the Cana Island Lighthouse. […]

  • Obituary: Richard Raymond Hawker

    January 21, 1940 ~ July 20, 2021 Richard Raymond Hawker, 81, died peacefully holding his wife’s hand on July 20, 2021, at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. He was born on January 21, 1940 to Raymond and Ethel (Payne) Hawker in Racine. After graduating Washington Park High School in 1958, he attended Bradley […]