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Peninsula Pulse – Dec. 16-23, 2016

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  • Whitefish Dunes State Park Trail Report: Dec. 20, 2016

    The trail conditions for Whitefish Dunes State Park for Dec. 20, 2016 is classified as very good to excellent. All trails have been rolled, packed, combed and track set. There was about 10 inches of new snow over the weekend. The track is full depth, free of debris in most areas and relatively firm. Pole […]

  • Holiday Crafts at The Ridges, Dec. 26-30

    Join The Ridges’ staff for a wonderful variety of family-friendly activities and crafts for the week between the holidays. The various dates and themes are:  Dec. 26 – Natural Decorations; Dec. 27 – Peanut Butter Bird Feeders; Dec. 28 – Woodland Mobiles and Stick Animals; Dec. 29 – Homemade Paper; Dec. 30 – Animal Tracks. […]

  • Bad Santa, Marley’s Christmas Carol & More Weekend Plans

    The Peninsula Pulse events calendar lightens up for the holiday weekend ahead but there are still a few ways to celebrate the coming festivities (holiday theater and a Bad Santa Party, anyone)? Friday, December 23 Bad Santa Party Put on your best version of the worst Santa for this Friday night’s Bad Santa Party at […]

  • Celebrate the Holidays with the Pulse Open House Dec. 21

    Join the staff of Peninsula Publishing & Distribution for an evening of holiday cheer during the Peninsula Pulse’s annual Holiday Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 4-7 pm. Enjoy complimentary wine and beer, food catered by Chives, and a vinyl tribute to the musicians we lost in 2016 by our resident vinyl enthusiast and […]

  • Kewaunee Snow Machines Go to Work on Sled Hill

    While everyone else may have been bemoaning the return of the polar vortex, Dave Myers is loving the cold snap because it’s perfect weather for making snow. “It’s important that we have a nice streak of cooler temperatures to get an adequate amount of snow on the hills,” said Myers, Kewaunee County Promotion & Recreation […]

  • Vital Records Eligible for Statewide Issuance Jan. 3

    The Wisconsin Register of Deeds Association announce that statewide issuance of vital records becomes effective Jan. 3, 2017. Statewide issuance of vital records allows register of deeds offices to issue records of birth, death, marriage, divorce, from all Wisconsin counties, if the records are enabled in the Statewide Vital Records Information System. The Wisconsin Register […]

  • Municipal Meetings: Dec. 16 – 23

    DOOR COUNTY City of Sturgeon Bay: The Parking & Traffic Committee meets at 3:30 pm on Dec. 19. The common council meets at noon on Dec. 20. The Plan Commission meets at 7 am on Dec. 21. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meets at 3:30 pm on Dec. 22. County of Door: The Finance […]

  • Cheers!: A Funky Pairing Made in Heaven

    All day long I had Fred Wesley and his trombone looking at me. I thought it would be a good thing, but it turned out to be a bad thing because the minutes ticked like hours, and the hours ticked like weeks. It started it out when on my way to work I stopped at […]

  • Walker Reiterates Opposition to Gas Tax and Fee Increases

    Governor Scott Walker Gov. Walker issued the following statement reiterating his opposition to any increase to the state’s gas tax or vehicle registration fee: “When I ran for reelection in 2014, I made it clear I would not support increases to the gas tax or vehicle registration fee without corresponding decreases in other state taxes. […]

  • By the Numbers: Christmas

      12 Percentage of Americans who prefer using the term “Happy Holidays” to “Merry Christmas.”   65 Percentage of Americans that attend holiday religious services.   88 Percentage of Americans that put up Christmas trees.   364 Total number of gifts the “true love” gives in “The 12 Days of Christmas.”   $781 The amount […]

  • Server of the Week: Katie Haasch

    Oh, the weather outside is frightful Why not cozy up with a book so delightful? Librarian Katie Haasch is ready to share her top picks For you to add to your winter reading list!   She wears many hats at the Algoma Public Library Where she organizes adult programs, book clubs and family history. If […]

  • 2016 Christmas Mashup: Movies, Songs, Beeswax, Worldly Traditions

    Christmas Movie Roundup  For years, my family had a tradition of going out to a movie theater the night of Christmas. The only one I really remember is the World War II flick Valkyrie, released on Christmas Day in 2008. Although thrilling, the political coup and Hitler assassination attempts in Nazi Germany didn’t fill me […]

  • Egg Harbor Library Reaches $5.5 Million in Donations

    The Campaign Leadership Team of the Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion, the new library and community center project in Egg Harbor, is pleased to announce it has passed an important milestone. “We are proud to share that as of today, more than $5.5 million has been raised for the Donald & Carol Kress Pavilion,” said […]

  • DNR Warns of Early-Season Ice

    Wisconsin again is witnessing winter’s annual sudden and severe arrival, dropping snow and temperatures to form early-season ice on ponds, lakes and rivers. The Department of Natural Resources reminds winter enthusiasts that ice should never be considered safe and early season ice conditions varies from waterbody to waterbody. Outdoor enthusiasts are urged to ask local […]

  • Roy & Charlotte Lukes: Pine Trees

      Eventually the northern forests of Door County will be decorated in their finest “ermine of the kings.” A deep blanket of snow will bring the evergreens to their loveliest of the year. Pines, firs and spruces reach their peak of perfection when robed in white. In my 50 years of hiking during all seasons […]

  • Uninsured Americans May Double if Affordable Care Act Repealed

    The number of uninsured Americans would increase by more than 100 percent if Congress follows through with its plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without immediately replacing it, according to a new analysis. The report by the nonpartisan Urban Institute estimates 431,000 more Wisconsinites could become uninsured. Additionally, the number of uninsured children […]

  • Pulse Price Report: Federal Reserve Hikes Interest Rates

    The Federal Reserve raised interest rates after its policy meeting on Wednesday. It was the first since about a year ago, when the Federal Reserve (Fed) raised interest rates above zero for the first time since the recession of 2008. A near unanimous prediction of economic analysts on the rate increase comes at the heels of […]

  • Southern Door Dancers Prepare Routine for Citrus Bowl Game

      As the #20 ranked Louisiana State University Tigers prepare to take on the #13 ranked Louisville Cardinals at this year’s Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, two Southern Door dancers are also getting in gear for a once-in-a-lifetime performance at the annual college football matchup. Seniors Rachel Coulthurst and Heather Buth will be among a […]

  • Kristen Peil: What Nelson’s Gave Me for Christmas

    By Kristen Peil Christmas, “bah humbug!” Too much tradition and not enough innovation. I just could not get into the Christmas groove this season. Maybe, because of the warm weather. Maybe, because I’ve hit midlife. Decorating for the holidays just did not call to me the way it usually does. Until, that is, I stumbled […]

  • New Building for Door County Co-op’s Appliance Avenue

      Diversification has been key to the success of the Door County Co-operative, which was started as a fuel distribution business by a collective of farmers back in 1939. “To this day we still run a business similar to that,” said Co-op President and CEO Brian Duquaine about the co-op’s propane business. “It’s run fundamentally […]

  • Climate Corner: Our Best Hope is Enlightened Self-Interest

    By Kathy Kuntz   I’ve spent almost 25 years encouraging people to adopt more sustainable practices at home and work. For me, the big motivator to change our behavior is climate change. I feel compelled to help people become part of the solution to the greatest challenge of our lifetime. You might expect that I’d […]

  • Bears Hope to Disrupt Packers’ Success

    The Green Bay Packers have won three straight games, including recent back-to-back wins at Lambeau Field, to bring their record to 7-6. Green Bay is tied for second with the Minnesota Vikings (7-6) in the NFC North, where the Detroit Lions (9-4) hold a two-game advantage over their division rivals. Green Bay’s decisive 38-10 victory […]

  • Door County Student-Athlete Q&A: Talia Tupa

      School/Grade: Gibraltar High School/Senior Sports Played: Volleyball and Softball Honors: Academic – National Honor Society, High Honor Roll, All-Academic Team; Athletic – (Volleyball) Team Defensive Player of the Year (2014); All-Conference Honorable Mention, Libero (2014); Team Defensive Player of the Year (2015), All-Conference Honorable Mention (2015), Team Defensive Player of the Year (2016), Team […]

  • DNR Holding Winter Whitefish Guide Reporting Meeting

    In a few short weeks, anglers from Wisconsin and beyond will head to Green Bay to participate in a unique, world-class fishing opportunity. Before ice angling for whitefish begins, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public informational meeting Dec. 19 at the Green Bay Public Library for Green Bay ice fishing guides […]

  • Monday Night Volleyball: Dec. 12, 2016

      STANDINGS As of Dec. 12, 2016 A League, W-L Nicolet Beach Concessions, 13-2 Music Masters DJs, 11-4 Some Spike It Hot, 10-5 The P.E.S.T.S., 6-9 To Be Determined, 5-10 The Rads, 0-15   B League, W-L Red Room, 15-0 Econo Double Baggers, 10-4 Door County Coffee, 10-5 Bay Ship Sharks, 8-7 Peninsula Podiatry, 8-7 […]

  • Sister Bay Tavern League Bowling Scores: Dec. 8, 2016

    High Series: Aaron Shepit 716, Brett Anschutz 676, Leif Mickelson 627   High Game: Brett Anschutz 268, Aaron Shepit 248, Brian Tourmo 235   High Team Game: AC Tap 898   High Team Series: AC Tap 2630

  • High School Winter Athletics: Dec. 16-23, 2016

    GIBRALTAR   Boys Basketball Dec. 17 @ Gillett, 7:15 pm Dec. 22 @ Sevastopol, 7:30 pm   Girls Basketball Dec. 16 vs. Sevastopol, 7:30 pm Dec. 20 @ Southern Door, 7:30 pm Dec. 22 vs. Crivitz, 7:30 pm   SEVASTOPOL   Boys Basketball Dec. 16 vs. Montello, 7:30 pm Dec. 20 vs. NEWCHAA, 7:30 pm […]

  • Local Prep Sports Standings: Dec. 11, 2016

    Girls Basketball Standings –Packerland Conference (School, Conference Record, Overall Record, Conference PCT)   Kewaunee, 4-0, 5-0, 1.000 Southern Door, 3-1, 4-2, .750 Green Bay N.E.W., 3-1, 3-3, .750 Oconto, 2-2, 4-2, .500 Algoma, 2-2, 2-5, .500 Gibraltar, 2-2, 3-4, .500 Sturgeon Bay, 0-4, 0-6, .000 Sevastopol, 0-4, 1-6, .000   Boys Basketball Standings –Packerland Conference […]

  • New State Report Offers a Preview of 2017-19 Budget Debate

    By WISTAX A recent report from Wisconsin’s Department of Administration highlights the major challenges Gov. Scott Walker (R) and state legislators face as they begin work on the 2017-19 state budget, according to an analysis by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX). Now celebrating its 85th year, WISTAX is a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to citizen […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Adjustments to Strengthen Economic Vitality of Proposed PEDD

      The City of Sturgeon Bay’s recently proposed Premier Economic Development District (PEDD) on the west side has a few issues related to the Public Trust Doctrine that ought to be addressed before proceeding. It seems prudent to include the property landward of the Maritime Museum within a PEDD – the area proposed by the […]

  • Letter to the Editor: To “My Family”

    This year, the third year, I was able to stand in front of you and say thank you at Alexander’s. This year, the third year, I was able to smile and laugh and really mean it. This year, the third year, I was able to celebrate the love and support that each of you brought […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Presidential Elector Update?

    Perhaps Northeastern Wisconsin presidential elector from Sturgeon Bay William Berglund should be approached about his thoughts of casting his vote for Trump considering the new totals of Trump’s 2.8 million deficit in the popular vote. Trump’s fringe private interest business conflicted and extremist cabinet picks against public education, public health (destruction of the ACA) and […]

  • Letter to the Editor: A Christmas Message

      With the start of the coming year, one that is filled with uncertainty on where our country is headed, we should hold to these truths. Hate and distrust is a sign of weakness not strength. Hopefully, we can work together so that truth and justice for all will prevail. Together we will fight for […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Do Over, Anyone?

    It appears the President-elect’s definition of draining the swamp, is turning it into a sinkhole. I’m not going to list all his cabinet appointments, it’s simply too depressing. When the reports are that the sharpest of the lot is nicknamed “Mad Dog” that pretty much sums things up. I do think his choice for secretary […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Your Responsibility as a Landowner

    Recently we observed a situation where a parcel of land is owned by an out-of-area family that rents out the land to a community farm operator. There is no problem with that arrangement as it is in practice throughout the farming area, however, the temptation often arises to bend the regulations regarding animal (and other) […]

  • Fund for Lake Michigan Makes Pledge for Dam Removal

    In a major boost to improve the Milwaukee River, the Fund for Lake Michigan is pledging $250,000 toward the long-anticipated removal of the Estabrook Dam. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to regain miles of free-flowing river,” said Vicki Elkin, executive director of the Fund. “The dam removal aligns perfectly with our mission to improve water […]

  • EPA Reports There Are Too Many Nutrients in Nation’s Lakes

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the results of a national assessment showing that nutrient pollution is widespread in the nation’s lakes, with four in 10 lakes suffering from too much nitrogen and phosphorus. Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms, lower oxygen levels, degraded habitat for fish and other life, and lower water […]

  • Science Snippet: A Complex Relationship between Living Things

    When the body of a honeybee is pierced by the fangs of a spider, its internal fluids, sort of equivalent to our blood, oozes out through the wound. The stuff attracts Desmometopa flies, small insects that hurry up to the dying bee to feed on the gooey fluid. They love the stuff. In South Africa […]

  • Obituary: June Dorothy (Kuehn) De Meuse

    June Dorothy (Kuehn) De Meuse, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, 93, of the Town of Sevastopol, Sturgeon Bay, fell asleep in the loving arms of her family and awoke in the arms of the Lord, Saturday afternoon, December 10, 2016 while at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay. She was born at the family […]

  • Obituary: Roger Dale LeCloux

    Roger Dale LeCloux, 63, of Sturgeon Bay, died Dec. 12, 2016, at Door County Medical Center.  He was born August 29, 1953, in Sturgeon Bay to Leonard and Evelyn (Jeanquart) LeCloux.  On Oct. 21, 1973, he married Alvina Judd in Fish Creek. Roger was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was loved by all who […]

  • Obituary: Patricia G. Diemer

    Oct, 6, 1922 – Dec. 9, 2016 Arrangements are pending for a Memorial Mass for Patricia G. Diemer of Sister Bay at St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sister Bay. A complete notice will be posted when it is made available. Caspersonfuneralhome.com.

  • Obituary: Joanne Barbara Conklin

    Joanne Barbara Conklin, 83, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on Dec. 9, 2016.  She was born Oct. 28, 1933 in Chicago to Joseph and Elsie (Peterson) Urban.  She was named after her father Joe and Aunt Anna. Joanne graduated from Taft High School and went on to study at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and […]

  • Obituary: Joanne MacMillin

    Joanne MacMillin, 91, of Sturgeon Bay passed away on December 8, 2016.  She was born December 4, 1925, in Sturgeon Bay to Louis and Mabel (Adamson) Seiler.  She graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1943.  On June 2, 1945, she married Arthur F. MacMillin in Sturgeon Bay, he preceded her in death on March […]

  • Obituary: Donald ‘Dony’ DeFere

    Donald “Dony” DeFere, age 60, of Sturgeon Bay, died unexpectedly Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at his home. He was born January 29, 1956 in Sturgeon Bay to the late Donald O. and Jeanette D. (Laubenstein) DeFere.  He attended Sturgeon Bay High School. As a youth, Dony was always known as a daredevil and even raced […]

  • Obituary: Patricia L. Elliott

    Patricia L. Elliott, 80, of Sister Bay, died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Door County Medical Center. She was born December 7, 1935 in Vigo County, Indiana, the daughter of the late Leo and Iona (Adams) Todd. Pat graduated from Fontanet High School. In 1951, she married Edward P. Elliott at Terre Haute, Indiana. She […]

  • Marriage: Nicholas Craig Bastian and Joy Alvina Manweiler

    Nicholas Craig Bastian and Joy Alvina Manweiler married on June 18, 2016 at Ellison Bay Park with Richard Burress officiating. The 4 pm ceremony was followed by a reception at the park. Mr. Bastian is the son of Craig and Valerie (Daubner) Bastian of Sister Bay. He is a 2005 graduate of Gibraltar High School […]

  • Birth: Nov. 30, 2016

    Molly and Joshua Latour, Algoma, are the parents of a son born Nov. 30, 2016, at Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay. Maternal grandparents are Jean and Thomas Junio, Luxemburg. Paternal grandparents are Cindy and Richard Latour, Kewaunee.  

  • Featured Pet: Cookie

    Would you like a Cookie? No, not the cookie that you bake and decorate during the holiday season, but a beautiful canine currently living at the Door County Humane Society (DCHS). This lovely girl came to DCHS recently as a stray. Cookie has a stunning blonde coat and weighs 32 pounds. Cookie is about a […]

  • Brussels Shining Stars 4-H Club Hosts Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 17

    The Brussels Shining Stars 4-H Club is hosting an all-you-can-eat waffle, pancake, and ham Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 17, 8-10:30 am, at Brussels Community Center, 1366 Junction Road. Cost is $6 and $3 for children 9 and under. Those donating canned goods can save $1 off the total. Attendees can participate in free crafts […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Lions Club Invites Families to Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 18

    The Sturgeon Bay Lions Club invites everyone to their annual all-you-can-eat Breakfast with Santa at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church Social Hall on Dec. 18, 7:30 – 11:30 am. The visit with Santa is from 9 to 11 am and includes a free picture. Advanced adult tickets are $8 in advance or $9 at the […]

  • Sevastopol School Hosts a Series of Holiday Concerts

    The Sevastopol School Music Department welcomes all families, friends and community to a series of holiday concerts. The Middle School and High School Band and Choir Winter Concert is Dec. 19 at 6:30 pm at the Elementary Gym. The Senior Citizen Appreciation Concert/Dinner is Dec. 20. First through fifth grades will perform a concert in […]

  • SOS Support Group Meeting is Dec. 19 at Sturgeon Bay Library

    The Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Door County group has a meeting this month on Dec. 19 at 7 pm. If you have lost a loved one due to suicide, feel free to join the SOS – Door County support group. The holidays can be a hard time, and the group will help you navigate through […]

  • Luxemburg Soldier Sends Holiday Greeting from Kuwait

    Sgt. Bobbi Wessel of Luxemburg sends a video greeting from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, to family and friends in Luxemburg. You can view her holiday greeting from Kuwait at dvidshub.net (then type her name into the search engine).

  • Spring Non-partisan Election Nomination Papers Due Jan. 3, 2017

    The Door County League of Women Voters reminds citizens that it’s time to take action if considering running in the spring non-partisan election. Non-partisan elected positions are not affiliated with any political party and include local school boards and municipal boards seats. If interested or to learn more about running, contact your local school or […]

  • Everyone Invited to Gibraltar High School’s Holiday Concert on Dec. 19

    The community is invited to Gibraltar Secondary Choir’s Holiday Concert at Door Community Auditorium (DCA) on Dec. 19, 7 pm. There will be special appearances by the Bells of Praise Bell Choir, the Gibraltar Elementary Honors Choir, and members of the Peninsula Singers. The concert culminates in a Community Sing of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from […]

  • Door 2 Door Announces Some Changes for 2017, Including Southern Door Expansion

    Door 2 Door Shared Ride Taxi Service, which is Door County’s low cost public transportation system, will undergo some changes in 2017. Beginning Jan. 1, the shared ride taxi service will be expanded to include Southern Door. The new expanded area will be called the Far South Zone. To adjust for this change the reservation […]

  • One Week Left for Door County Humane Society’s Game of Homes Adoption Event

    On Dec. 3 the Door County Humane Society (DCHS) kicked off their Game of Homes Holiday Adoption Event. From now until Dec. 23, adoption fees for all cats up to and including eight years of age will be just $20; cats older than eight years are adoptable for any donation amount. All cats are spayed […]

  • Community Invited to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church’s ‘The Longest Night’ Service

    The community is invited to “The Longest Night: A Service of Light in the Midst of Darkness” on Dec. 21, 6 pm, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. Christmas (among other holidays) can be a difficult time. The loss of loved ones, the anguish of a broken relationship, health concerns, loneliness or […]

  • Door County YMCA Hosts Red Cross Blood Drive Dec. 27

    The Door County YMCA in Sturgeon Bay will hold a Red Cross blood drive on Dec. 27, 9 am – 2pm. Donors of all blood types are needed this holiday season to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit […]

  • 2017 Door County Barn Quilt Calendars Now On Sale

    Door County 4-H has created the 2017 Door County Barn Quilt Calendar and they are now for sale at a reduced cost. The calendars are available at the UW-Extension Office in the Government Center in Sturgeon Bay, at Barn Door Quilts and the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay and the Jacksonport Cottage – Gallery […]

  • Altrusa of Door County Receives Green Bay Packers Foundation Grant

    In early December, Altrusa of Door County was awarded the substantial grant of $2,500 from the Green Bay Packers Foundation. These funds will be used to provide grade-specific school supplies, backpacks, gym shoes, paid registration fees and other necessities to underprivileged children attending Altrusa’s Back-to-School Fair next August. Altrusan Cheri Meyvis wrote for this funding […]

  • Egg Harbor Lions Club Donates $1,000 to HELP of Door County

    Steve Vickman, HELP of Door County executive director, attended the December meeting of the Egg Harbor Lions to give them a short presentation on the organizations’ program of work. The Egg Harbor Lions had a presentation for him as well – a generous donation of $1,000. “The Egg Harbor Lions Club supports many worthy causes […]

  • Money Management Counselors to Start Blog and E-Newsletter, Specifically for Women

    Thanks to a grant from the Women’s Fund of Door County, starting with the 2016-17 cycle, Money Management Counselors (MMC) powered by FI$C, will provide financial capability education and information designed specifically for women and girls in Door County. Money Management Counselors FI$C will provide financial capability education using technology in the form of an […]

  • Southern Door Seeks Nominees for 2017 Alumni Hall of Fame

    The Southern Door County School District is seeking qualified nominees for its 2017 Alumni Hall of Fame. Nominees must be former students who graduated from Southern Door 25 years ago or more. Nominees should have distinguished themselves in both their career and community with significant contributions made at the local and state or national levels. […]

  • Pro Products Facility Nabs Recognition for Ourown Construction Corp

    Ourown Construction Corp has been named to Varco Pruden’s 2016 Hall of Fame as Best in Category nationwide for the Pro Products, Inc. facility in Sturgeon Bay. Varco Pruden is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc., and has a network of more than 1,000 builders across the United States and Canada. The 38,712 […]

  • Door County Gift Certificates Available at DCVB Welcome Center

    Give the gift of Door County with a Door County gift certificate. With denominations of $10, $25 and $50, they can be purchased by cash, check or credit card in person at the Door County Visitor Bureau (DCVB) Welcome Center (1015 Green Bay Road, Sturgeon Bay), by phone at 800.527.3529 or online at DoorCounty.com. Door […]

  • UWGB Seeking Businesses and Organizations for 2017 Spring Job & Internship Fair

    The University of Wisconsin – Green Bay (UWGB) is seeking businesses and organizations to join their 2017 Spring Job & Internship Fair, scheduled for March 1. Due to increased demand for access to the fair by employers and their limited event venue space, Career Services has implemented the following criteria to be met by employers: […]

  • USDA Accepting More than 500,000 Acres into CRP Grasslands Program

    Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Deputy Under Secretary Alexis Taylor announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept more than 504,000 acres that were offered by producers during the recent ranking period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands enrollment. Through the voluntary CRP Grasslands program, grasslands threatened by development or conversion to […]

  • Framed: Ridges’ Natural Christmas

    The sounds of the season could be heard by all at The Ridges’ Natural Christmas on Dec. 10. Photo by Len Villano.

  • Manners Matter: Why Am I at the Kiddie Table?

    Dear Mary Pat,   My cousin is getting married soon. I was really looking forward to going to the wedding until I found out that my boyfriend and I are going to be at the kiddie table at the reception. And by “kiddie,” I’m not talking pre-teens…there will be six children, four of whom still […]

  • Overheard and Pet Peeves: Dec. 16, 2016

    OVERHEARD Are there tid-bits of conversations you’ve heard while standing in line at the grocery store, serving a table, or walking down the sidewalk that make you smile, cringe or laugh out loud?   “You’re like a hamburger…I’m like a carrot.”   “Are your feet furry?”   “We love you, that’s why we yell at […]

  • Trivia: Who Was the First Person to Run a Marathon?

    Question: Who was the first person to run a marathon, and what was his fate?   Answer: Upon arrival in Athens, Pheidippides shouted “Nike!” (meaning ‘victory’ in Greek). He died of exhaustion immediately after.  

  • WPT Receives Emmy Award for Birch Creek Televised Performance

    The 2016 Midwest Emmy Awards were held Dec. 3 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown and broadcast live by WGN. For their segment “Percussion at Birch Creek Music Performance Center” Wisconsin Public Television was honored with a Midwest Emmy Award for Best Arts/Entertainment Programming (Special Series). The segment was filmed as a portion of a larger […]

  • Rogue Theater Presents Holiday Readings for the Whole Family

    Rogue Theater, together with Door County’s Learning in Retirement’s Winter Reading Theater class, will present two classic stories for the holiday season. Readers Lee Ann Casper, Carol Jensen-Olson, Sharon Thill and Mary Beth Williams will join with director David Clowers to present staged readings of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Thomas and “Dulce […]

  • Time to Sign Up for TAP’s 2017 Acting and Playwriting Classes

    Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) offers courses in acting and playwriting from the first week of January through the second week of February. Classes are taught by TAP’s professional Company at the year-round professional theater in historic downtown Sturgeon Bay. Five- to seven-year-old StageKids explore creative play on stage in “Theatre Games,” focusing on gentle guidance […]

  • PMF Now Accepting Applications for Emerging Conductor Program

    The Peninsula Music Festival is now accepting applications for its Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program. Now in its fifth year, the Peninsula Music Festival’s Karen Smuda Emerging Conductor Program provides training and exposure for aspiring conductors with a professional orchestra. The program’s intention is to provide broad experience with all aspects of orchestra conducting and […]

  • Northern Sky Presents ‘Home for the Holidays’

    “It all started as an opportunity to extend that holiday feeling beyond Christmas morning,” said Holly Feldman of Home for the Holidays. “So many people talk about the ‘let down’ that follows shortly after the ‘build up’ for the holiday season.” The show “has been very popular with folks who cherish the season and don’t […]

  • Small Forest to Play Pair of Christmas Shows

    Every year Small Forest’s Jeanne Kuhns, Marybeth Mattson, Pat Palmer, with special guest George Sawyn, pick out some of their favorite Christmas music to share with the wonderful Door County community. Small Forest will hold their annual Base Camp Christmas Show on Dec. 16 and their Lost Moth Gallery Christmas Show on Dec. 22. Both […]

  • Play It Forward Concert to Benefit Go Bo! Foundation

    On Dec. 29, Door Community Auditorium (DCA) will present its fourth annual Play It Forward concert, bringing together many of Door County’s favorite musicians to benefit a worthy cause. Through these musicians’ donated time, as well as the freewill donations collected at the concert, Play It Forward celebrates the warmth and light of the holiday […]

  • Hagen Family Holds Annual TAP Reunion Concert Dec. 17

    Join the Hagen family for their annual reunion concert at Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) on Dec. 17 at 7:30 pm. Native Washington Islander Julian Hagan and his family of musicians present a multi-generational celebration of Christmas every year at TAP in Sturgeon Bay. Full of songs and stories, the show features a wide variety of […]

  • Crossroads Hosts Christmas Bird Count Dec. 17

    No matter how bleak a winter day may be, watching birds can lift the spirits. Crossroads at Big Creek is in the process of developing new bird feeding stations. The ones they have now are temporary as they experiment with placement and styles. But unless it’s windy, birds, in surprising numbers and variety, are coming […]

  • Hear Eagle Tower, Nature Center Updates at Peninsula State Park’s First Day Hike

    On January 1, Peninsula State Park will sponsor a First Day Hike, offering visitors the opportunity to start the year off with a family friendly trek led by Park Naturalist Kathleen Harris and the Friends of Peninsula State Park. After hearing five-minute updates about Eagle Tower and the Nature Center addition, join Peninsula Park’s Naturalist […]

  • ‘Farmers’ Almanac’ Predicts Cold, Snowy Winter

    Winter is coming. And if you ask the folks at the Farmers’ Almanac, Midwesterners are in for a cold and snowy one. The longtime purveyors of mostly accurate long-range weather predictions released their 2017 issue in August and with the official start of winter just a few days off, it’s feeling pretty accurate. Old Man […]

  • Quilting For Community: Algoma business owner sends quilts to fire victims

    All Mary Stewart did is said she wanted to make some quilts. After two weeks of opening her new shop, the Quilted Fish, to quilters and sewers of all levels for the benefit of Tennessee wildfire victims, it’s fair to say Mary has done a lot more than that. Her simple desire to meet local […]

  • Pulse Honors Lost Musicians of 2016 with Vinyl Tribute

    I was honored to be asked to serve as DJ for the Pulse annual holiday party. After giving it some thought, I suggested we celebrate the musicians who died in 2016. So many. Prince, of course. David Bowie. Leon Russell. Sharon Jones. Bernie Worrell. Rudy Van Gelder. Kay Starr. Scotty Moore. Keith Emerson. Leonard Cohen. […]

  • Fee Increases, Corporate Sponsorships Recommended for State Parks

    Shortly after Secretary Cathy Stepp rolled out the plans for reorganization, the DNR made recommendations to increase revenue at Wisconsin’s state parks leading into the 2017 budget cycle. The Walker administration tasked the DNR with finding ways to balance its $1.4 million budget shortfall following the elimination of tax-supported funding in the 2015-17 state budget. […]

  • ‘Empire Falls’ Is Door County Reads Selection for 2017

    It’s wintertime once again, and with this cozy season comes the time when hundreds of Door County folks all read the same book at the same time. The book chosen for the 10th anniversary of Door County Reads is Empire Falls by Richard Russo. Courtesy of the Friends of Door County Libraries, copies of the […]

  • DNR Calls for Efficiency with Reorganization

    A proposed reorganization of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) over the next year will consolidate the department’s divisions to seek efficiency, but some are viewing the changes as a dismantling, with an inevitable reduction in the department’s services. The changes come at the heels of a funding crisis at Wisconsin state parks, with lawmakers […]

  • UUF Screens ‘The True Cost’ in Movies that Matter Series

    A free screening of The True Cost, a 2015 documentary directed by Andrew Morgan, will be shown at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Ephraim on Dec. 20 at 4:30 pm. The True Cost is a global documentary that explores the fashion industry around the world, examining where we are, how we got here, and how […]

  • Savory Spoon Cooking School to Take Culinary Trip to Gascony

    2017 marks the third year Janice Thomas of Savory Spoon Cooking School will take a group on a culinary and cultural trip to Gascony. The trip is scheduled for May 7-13, 2017. Southwest France is a foodie’s paradise and the specialties of the region will speak to your palate like no other. Duck confit, prunes, […]

  • Buy Work from Right Off the Wall at Meadows Gallery

    Right Off the Wall is the next show at the Meadows Art Gallery. It has become a tradition of many of the Meadows artists during the Christmas season to exhibit affordable artwork for unique gift choices. The show is currently up and will run through Jan. 12. With this show it is possible to buy […]

  • Call for Art for PenArt’s ‘Art at Studio 54’ Exhibit

    A 1970s disco theme underscores the exhibition Art at Studio 54, to be held Jan. 7-14 at Peninsula School of Art, 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek. All artists of any media and every skill level are invited to submit both 2D and 3D work up to the size of a vintage vinyl album cover […]

  • Bestseller List: Dec. 4, 2016

      HARDCOVER FICTION 1. Small Great Things, by Jodi Picoult 2. All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr 3. Moonglow, by Michael Chabon 4. News of the World, by Paulette Jiles 5. The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead HARDCOVER NONFICTION 1. Hillbilly Elegy, by J.D. Vance 2. The Hidden Life of Trees, by […]

  • 55 Acres of Trees Cleared at Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport

    Residents near the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport were surprised after being told there would be some brush cutting and tree topping around the airport to find a clear-cut operation that leaves a section of the airport along Maple Grove looking like a bomb was exploded there. Fish Creek resident Tony Fiorato, who lives on Gibraltar Road, just […]