
In this issue
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Gibraltar Says No to Incorporation Idea
Bruce Hill’s proposal for the Town of Gibraltar to pursue incorporating part of the municipality into a village received little support at a Dec. 4 town meeting. Hill said he believes that the desires of the more rural residents of the town are different from the desires of those who live and work in the […]
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Run the Door Hosts Holiday Fun Run and Walk
The Door County Silent Sports Alliance’s Run the Door group will present the seventh annual Bridge to Bridge Holiday Lights Fun Run and Walk at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, starting and finishing at Kitty O’Reillys Irish Pub, 59 E. Oak St., Sturgeon Bay. The free running/walking event will be up to three miles in […]
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Ralph Murre is something of a jack-of-all-trades, and as any good jack must, he’s tried his hand at writing a few poems. Now 75, Murre has been around Door County, mostly, since the late 1960s. He’s done a bit of fathering and grandfathering here, and he served as the county’s fourth poet laureate from 2015 […]
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Letter to the Editor: When Voters Don’t Count, Representative Democracy Falters
There are serious and thoughtful discussions occurring throughout Door County concerning the availability of decent, safe and affordable housing in the county. Most discussions are centered on the supply side: How do we induce and enable developers to build such housing? Very few thoughtful discussions appear to be focused on the demand side: How do we […]
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The Sturgeon Bay High School Business Department will again be coordinating a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) course with Yvonne Torres of the Door County Visitor Bureau. Graduates of this program become county-certified and nationally certified CTAs – a designation that looks great on job applications and résumés – and many local employers seek this customer-service certification. More […]
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Northerners League Nov. 12 • High team game: AC Tap 869 • High team series: AC Tap 2,478 • High game (men): Leif Mickelson 240, Tyler Adams 213, Bubba Laughlin 210 • High series (men): Leif Mickelson 616, Tyler Adams 607, Bubba Laughlin 507 • High game (women): Rose Polcen 206, Heather Laughlin 203, Syndal […]
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NWTC Expands Baking and Pastry Certificate
In response to demand for more training in the food-service industry, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) will expand the baking and pastry certificate at its Sturgeon Bay campus beginning in January. “We are thrilled to expand the baking program to our Sturgeon Bay campus,” said Mike Vander Heiden, dean of business, information and technology. “This […]
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Letter to the Editor: Vaping Folk Hero
The “Your Reps in the News” article on Nov. 22 regarding Sen. Ron Johnson begins by telling us that he “has become somewhat of a folk hero on vaping websites since 2016.” Yay? I think nay. Apparently he “has scored a victory” for the vaping industry by most recently convincing President Trump to renege on […]
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By the Numbers: Community Newspapers
1,408 Number of daily newspapers 7,000-plus Number of nondaily community newspapers 70.3 Percentage of nondaily community newspapers with circulation less than 15,000 8,125 Average circulation of nondaily community newspapers 34,515 Average circulation of daily newspapers 150 million Weekly readership of nondaily community newspapers 38.95 Average number of minutes spent with each edition of the local […]
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Letter to the Editor: Another Casualty in Trump’s War on American Institutions
The Trump administration has waged a quiet war on many of our institutions by dismantling them from within. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is the most recent victim. The CFPB was designed to be an independent watchdog for consumers. Congress established it in the aftermath of the 2008 recession to address problems relating to […]
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Letter to the Editor: Response to Conrad
Nathan Conrad [“Advocacy Group in Favor of Back Forty Mine,” Nov. 22, 2019] has dismissed citizens’ concerns about the potential pollution of the proposed Back Forty sulfide mine as “anti-mining rhetoric rather than proven, 21st-century science and technology.” This is an incredible claim from the lobbyist who represents Aquila Resources, the Canadian mining company that […]
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When the temperature starts to drop and the nights become a little longer, Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) in Fish Creek begins offering many programs that are open to members and nonmembers. If you’re artistically inclined – or just inspired to try your hand at some artistic endeavors for the first time – PenArt has opportunities […]
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State News: Wisconsin Corn Harvest Still Running Late
As winter weather moves into the state, not all Wisconsin farmers have finished harvesting this year’s corn crop. The latest crop-progress report from the state’s U.S. Department of Agriculture office shows that only 57 percent of corn for grain has been harvested, which puts the harvest 22 days behind last year and 18 days behind […]
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Representative Joel Kitchens Rep. Joel Kitchens released the following statement regarding a bill that has been criticized for making it easier to place violent sexual offenders in areas where children may be present: “I can assure you that the purpose of SB-60 was not to put our children in danger by allowing sex offenders to […]
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GIBRALTAR Boys Basketball Dec. 9 @ Brillion, 7:15 pm Dec. 13 @ Kewaunee, 7:30 pm Girls Basketball Dec. 6 vs. Brillion, 7:30 pm Dec. 12 vs. Kewaunee, 7:30 pm SEVASTOPOL Boys Basketball Dec. 10 vs. Peshtigo, 7:30 pm Dec. 12 vs. NEWCHAA, 7:30 pm Dec. 13 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas, 6 pm Girls Basketball Dec. […]
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Letter to the Editor: Thank You for Making Rib Fest a Success
During the holiday season, when we are focused on kindness, gratitude and generosity, we want to thank those who helped to make the Neighbor to Neighbor 2019 Rib Fest a great success. First of all, we thank the chefs who represented the Carrington Pub and Grill, Door County Hardware Team, Casey’s BBQ and Smokehouse (a […]
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Digging into Wisconsin’s Sexual-Assault Kit Backlog
by the Family Services Sexual Assault Center During the past few years, there’s been a significant amount of controversy regarding the backlog of sexual-assault kits in Wisconsin that have gone untested. In 2015, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) received $2 million in grant funding to address the backlog of 6,837 unsubmitted sexual-assault kits (SAK) […]
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Letter to the Editor: Do Elected Representatives ‘Represent’ Voters?
Some of our elected representatives have lost their way. Many of them no longer listen to their constituents and instead follow the leaders of their party rather than the voters. In a recent poll, 80 percent of Wisconsin residents supported common-sense gun laws, including both expanding background checks and the red-flag proposals. In response to […]
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A strong history of unified representation in Madison gets results by Tom Strong, Operations Manager, Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) As a relatively new member of Team DCEDC, I’ve been consistently impressed with the corporation’s work, including collaborative efforts with other organizations that have similar missions. The Door/Kewaunee County Legislative Days event is no […]
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DOOR COUNTY City of Sturgeon Bay: Dec. 10 – Finance/Purchasing and Building, 4 pm. Town of Clay Banks: Dec. 12 – Town Board, 6 pm. Town of Jacksonport: Dec. 9 – Parks Committee, 7 pm. Dec. 10 – Plan Commission, 8 am. Town of Liberty Grove: Dec. 10 – Parks and Property, 9 am; Economic Development Committee, […]
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Letter to the Editor: Community Thanksgiving Dinner Set Record
The community Thanksgiving dinner held at the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church provided meals for 375 individuals – a new record. This year, 185 people dined at the church, and 190 home deliveries and carry-outs were prepared. This long-standing event has been successful largely because of the tremendous community support it receives. We thank the […]
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Letter to the Editor: Sturgeon Bay: Where Your Door County Experience Begins
The new signage Sturgeon Bay created is an excellent step toward making people aware that this special community is a place you must add to your Door County visit. We have so many specialty shops and services, not to mention one of the best health-care resources in the state. I would suggest one addition to […]
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Giving to Charity Makes Us Happy
“If you want to feel good, you have to go out and do some good.” Oprah Winfrey articulated a fundamental value that many of us share, but sentiment isn’t sufficient for scientists. Thus researchers set out to answer a complex question: Can people enrich their own lives through charitable giving? The answer brings us to […]
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LRB-4224 Room-tax remission Rep. Joel Kitchens is introducing a bill that would make technical changes to state law that the Door County Tourism Zone Commission has sought for years. Taxes are currently collected by zip code. Because multiple municipalities can share a single zip code, it’s difficult to know which municipality should receive those room-tax […]
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The Wisconsin State Patrol is seeking applicants to serve as state troopers and inspectors. “At the Wisconsin State Patrol, we’re always looking for dedicated individuals who embrace challenge, enjoy helping others and find satisfaction in giving back to their state and local communities,” said Superintendent Anthony Burrell. Along with enforcing traffic laws, inspecting commercial motor […]
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County Seeks Input on Younkers Furniture Building
The County of Door is encouraging residents to play an integral role in developing a new community destination, so it has engaged consultants to study the relocation and consolidation of the Door County Archives into part of the former Younkers furniture-store building. In addition to the archive, the building could house other resources such as […]
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Financial Advising Coffee Club Dec. 11
Edward Jones (edwardjones.com) financial adviser Tara Pierre will host a roundtable-discussion coffee club for women Dec. 11, 8 am, at Glas Coffeehouse, 67 E. Maple St. in Sturgeon Bay. Pierre will provide education on financial-market topics. Seating may be limited, so reserve your spot by calling Pierre’s office at 920.746.0781.
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Letter to the Editor: Conrad Letter Misleading
The Nov. 22 letter to the editor from Nathan Conrad, “executive director,” Natural Resource Development Association, is misleading. A few months ago, this person listed himself as “communications director.” His so-called “association” is listed as having only two people as associates. This man did not tell us he lives in Canada or that he is […]
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Annual Bazaar and Bake Sale at Sister Bay Moravian on Dec. 7
Sister Bay Moravian Church will hold its annual bazaar and bake sale Dec. 7, 10 am – 2 pm. Enjoy the holiday bake sale, an arts-and-crafts fair, handmade rugs by 101-year-old Hazel, gifts and decorations made by the youth of the congregation, a homemade potato-soup lunch and more.
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Door County ADRC Hosts Intro to Sage-ing Course
When Social Security began in 1935, men had a life expectancy of 58 and women had a life expectancy of 62. Today we’ve been blessed with an additional 20 to 25 years of life, many of which are healthy years. The big question is, how do we live these years to make them the most […]
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Reflective-Writing Circle to Meet Dec. 14
Join Marggie Hatala for another ongoing, open reflective-writing circle Dec. 14, 10-11:30 am. The group will meet monthly to experience the group energy of meditation and breathwork plus reflective writing time. This group is for anyone who is interested in opening to, developing a deeper awareness of, and seeking guidance from the ever-present divine voice […]
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Pet Photos with Santa at Algoma Visitor Center
The Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce will host Santa Claus Dec. 14, 11 am – 1 pm, at the visitor center, 1226 Lake St. in Algoma, so that area residents can have their pet’s picture taken with the jolly elf. A goodwill offering or nonperishable food donation to benefit the Kewaunee County Food Pantry is […]
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Habitat for Humanity Collecting Nonperishable Food for Stella Maris Pantry
Door County Habitat for Humanity (DCHH) and St. Peter’s Lutheran School are partnering to collect nonperishable food for the Stella Maris food pantry in Fish Creek. Drop off unexpired, nonperishable food items at the DCHH ReStore, 410 N. 14th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm; and Saturday, 9 am […]
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Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed in Door County
It’s that holiday time of year again! The Salvation Army is seeking volunteer bell ringers – individuals, couples, families and people from churches, schools and civic organizations – through Dec. 28. Last year, more than $70,000 was raised to help 125 individuals and families in Door County, plus more than 700 children. The Salvation Army in Door […]
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Giving for Sara Food and Hygiene Drive Accepting Donations through Dec. 31
Help stock the shelves at area food pantries and help community members in need this holiday season by donating a healthful food item or personal-hygiene product to the Kewaunee County Health and Human Services Department’s (KHHSD) Giving for Sara Food and Hygiene Drive. “This is about putting a meal on the table and providing essentials […]
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Telepediatrics Introduced at DCMC
Telemedicine services at Door County Medical Center (DCMC) now include telepediatrics and TeleNICU, which allow physicians in remote areas to access pediatric subspecialists with audio and video capability. “Our mission at DCMC is to improve the health and well-being of our community,” said DCMC pediatrician Amy Fogarty. “Through our partnership with Hospital Sisters Health System […]
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John Contratto Receives Inaugural Award from Club ItaloAmericano
John “Giovanni” Contratto of Sturgeon Bay is the first recipient of the Pete and Marlene Feira Founders Award, given by Club ItaloAmericano of Greater Green Bay (clubitaloamericano.org, facebook.com/ClubItaloAmericanoGB), a social organization for those with a passion for Italy, Italian heritage and way of life. The award, named for two of the club’s founding members, recognizes […]
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Meet Fridge, an 11-month-old kitten who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. She’s one of 72 cats that were rescued from a hoarding situation in Green Bay last month. After being examined by our veterinary team and receiving necessary treatments, Fridge has a much better outlook on life. Despite […]
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Annual Right off the Wall Exhibit at Meadows Gallery
The next Meadows Art Gallery exhibit – the eighth year of Right off the Wall – features Door County artists who work in diverse media selling their pieces at affordable prices “right off the wall.” The exhibit will run daily, 10 am – 5 pm, through Jan. 6 at the gallery, located in Sister Bay’s Scandia Village. […]
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‘Change of Wind’ Opens Dec. 6 at James May North Gallery
James May North will present Change of Wind – a group exhibition featuring Monika Meler, Heather Macali, Juan Alberto Negroni and Nichole Gronvold Roller – beginning Dec. 6 and running through Jan. 25. The show is free and open to the public. Join the artists for the opening reception Dec. 6, 5:30-8 pm, at James May […]
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Plum Bottom Presents Annual Ornament Show
Find the perfect addition to your yuletide tree within the selection of one-of-a-kind ornaments created by Plum Bottom’s family of artists at the gallery’s annual ornament show Dec. 7, 10 am – 5 pm, at the Plum Bottom Road Gallery, 4999 Plum Bottom Road in Egg Harbor. Presenting artists include Pat Black, Laurel Grey, Gail […]
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UU Gallery Features Work by Stephen Wysocki
The Unitarian Universalist Gallery, 10341 Hwy 42 in north Ephraim, is presenting paintings by Stephen Wysocki Dec. 8 – Jan. 26. The artist lives and works on his family’s bison ranch in Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin, where he paints in acrylic and oil to convey the beauty he sees there every day. He gravitates toward “ordinary […]
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Christmas Open House at The Clearing Folk School
All are welcome to The Clearing Folk School’s annual Christmas open house Dec. 12-13, 10 am – 4 pm, at the Jens Jensen Center, 12171 Garrett Bay Road in Ellison Bay. Enjoy mulled apple cider and tasty treats from volunteers, cozy up to a crackling fire and register for Winter Program classes. The Clearing’s indoor […]
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Publishing Industry News: Dec. 6, 2019
• Carol Hinz at Lerner/Carolrhoda has bought world rights to The Most Beautiful Thing by Kao Kalia Yang, illustrated by Khoa Le. Drawn from the author’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this picture book weaves together her story with that of her beloved grandmother. Kao Kalia Yang’s book The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir was […]
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Dickinson Poetry Series Features Jack Redell Dec. 11
Jack Redell will take to the Dickinson Poetry Series stage Dec. 11, 7 pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 10341 Hwy 42 in north Ephraim. The series includes readings by the featured poet, an open mic during which poets from the audience may present a poem, and a reception following the poetry when the audience […]
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Pre-Order Available for Jordan Spencer’s Nonfiction Debut
Door County resident Jordan Spencer is releasing his book, We have a lot to talk about … It’s cancer, which is available for pre-order at amazon.com. At 28, his wife, Megan, was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer and beat it. The book delves into the couple’s story and their decisions to change their lifestyle to focus […]
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Dollar General Sent Back to Drawing Board
Plan falls short of green-space requirement Big business met rural Door County on the latter’s home turf in the old Sister Bay Village Hall on Nov. 26. That’s when representatives from Midwest Property Development presented their plan for a Dollar General store to the Sister Bay Plan Commission. Its proposed location is the corner of […]
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Sevastopol School Exceeds Expectations
The Sevastopol School District exceeds expectations as defined in the Accountability Report Cards released by the Wisconsin Department of Instruction. “We are pleased the district meets this measure as defined by the state report cards,” said Kyle Luedtke, Sevastopol superintendent. “We are committed to continuous growth in learning for all students, and we look forward […]
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Manners Matter: Unrequited Christmas Presents
Dear Mary Pat, I always find it uncomfortable when someone gets me a Christmas present and I don’t have a gift for them in return. The budget stretches only so far, and I feel a little overwhelmed thinking about getting gifts beyond my immediate family and close friends. What’s the cutoff? Where should your gift […]
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TAP Offers New Year’s Eve Production and Celebration
Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) will host a special New Year’s Eve celebration in conjunction with the Dec. 31 performance of A Tuna Christmas. Immediately following the show, patrons can mingle with the cast and staff in the lobby, enjoying food, drinks and a few surprises to help ring in the new year. Tickets are available […]
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Peninsula Singers’ Christmas Performance Part of 40th-Anniversary Season
The Peninsula Singers will continue to celebrate their 40th-anniversary season by offering their annual Christmas performance. This sparkling celebration of winter fun and holiday magic will feature traditional and contemporary works, world music, beloved carols, masterworks and seasonal favorites, and it will honor Gladys Austgen, a longtime Singers member and former assistant director. Mary Hall […]
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Griffon String Quartet Offers Four Concerts
The Griffon String Quartet will soon perform four winter concerts. Hailed for its “superb playing, palpable chemistry, spirit and emotional connection,” the ensemble will feature Beethoven’s Quartet No. 7 in F Major and Smetana’s Quartet No. 1 in E Minor, “From My Life,” as well as holiday favorites and a sing-along. The concerts are free, […]
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Peninsula Symphonic Band and Community Choir of Door County Present ‘A Christmas Festival’ Dec. 12
The Peninsula Symphonic Band and Community Choir of Door County will combine their talents to present A Christmas Festival on Dec. 12, 7 pm, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1756 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay. The band and choir, under the direction of Jason Palmer and Cheryl Pfister, respectively, will perform favorite holiday carols […]
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Algoma Community Band Performs Holiday Favorites Dec. 11
The Algoma Community Band will open its annual holiday concert with a flourish and end with a sleigh ride through fluffy snow Dec. 11, 7 pm, in the elementary school Performing Arts Center. Under the direction of Tom Mueller, the holiday concert will offer comfort, joy and good tidings through favorite Christmas songs by Irving […]
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Sister Bay Moravian Church Hosts Dec. 8 Concert
The Sister Bay Moravian Church will host Come, Light of the World on Dec. 8, 4 pm. This secular and sacred benefit concert celebrating the hopeful power of light will feature music by the Sister Bay Moravian Choir and Bell Choir, Sara Bong on piano, Patrice Champeau on flute, and more. The concert is free, […]
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TAP Announces Performance Lineup for 2020
Ready for another great theater season in 2020? Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) has announced its plays and will welcome returning performers Doug Mancheski, Karen Moeller, Drew Brhel, Dan Klarer and Ryan Schabach. (Full casting will be announced later.) C. Michael Wright of the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre will join TAP’s co-artistic directors, Robert Boles and James […]
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Jacksonport Tree Lighting Dec. 7
The Jacksonport Advancement Corporation and the Jacksonport Women’s Club invite one and all to the annual Christmas-tree lighting Dec. 7, 5:45 pm, at Lakeside Park in Jacksonport. After singing carols around the tree, head to the Jacksonport Town Hall, 3365 Cty V, for a Christmas party featuring food, fun and friends at 6 pm. Admission […]
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Rotary Club’s Holiday Fair: Dec. 7 during Harbor Holiday
The Rotary Club of Door County North will kick off the season with its annual holiday fair Dec. 7, 10 am – 2 pm, at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. This year the event will be bigger than ever, with more than 20 vendors; Bearded Heart Coffee will be selling coffee and pastries; and Lampert […]
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DCMM’s Merry-Time Festival of Trees
Create a new holiday tradition! Visit the eighth annual Merry-Time Festival of Trees at the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, where decorated trees and wreaths donated by businesses and individuals will grace the museum’s galleries. Visitors can also purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win one of the beautifully decorated trees. Kids […]
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Learn the History of Christmas Trees at Crossroads
Join Crossroads at Big Creek’s researcher-in-residence, Emily Rux, on Dec. 6, 2 pm, for an archaeology workshop. She’ll conduct an open lab so that participants can experience cleaning and sorting the artifacts that have been unearthed at The Cove and Ida Bay Preserve (or just observe). No experience is necessary. Meet in the Collins Learning […]
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Well Water Study Results Revealed
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Environmental Research and Innovation Center will present results of the fall 2019 Door County Private Well Water Study in two meetings next week. The first presentation is Dec. 9, 6 pm, at the Town of Gibraltar Fire Department and the second is Dec. 10, 6 pm, at the Sturgeon Bay ADRC. […]