In this issue
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Complaints have been coming into our office about issues of the Peninsula Pulse arriving late in mailboxes, or not at all. This predates the holiday package crush, so we can’t blame that. We deliver the papers to the local post offices and they are responsible for delivering them to all mailboxes in Door County. If […]
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Letter to the Editor: Policy Choices
During the holiday season many of us tend to spend more time thinking about our neighbors, community and people living all around the world; that’s a good thing. Apparently though, it is difficult to sustain such a level of concern, and passion throughout the year. Poverty and its bedfellows – hunger, disease – as well […]
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Letter to the Editor: Fair Maps and New Congressional Leader Needed
Important votes by our Congressman, Mike Gallagher, highlight how gerrymandered congressional districts are those in which the incumbent has no fear of losing re-election. Gerrymandering strips voters of their role in holding elected officials accountable. Instead of being accountable to the voters, Rep. Gallagher and others in safe, gerrymandered seats are accountable only to their […]
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Letter to the Editor: Congressional Grinches Take Christmas from American Families
In this special season of the year, many of us think with pleasure of the holidays and delight in our children and grandchildren. We love baking cookies, hanging stockings by the chimney with care. The excitement of Santa visiting every house in the world on Christmas Eve to bring joy to the hearts of children […]
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Letter to the Editor: Love Thy Neighbor Has No “Except” After It
In this most holy season as we gather with family and friends, we have much to be thankful for because of where we live. Along with wars raging on different continents we have different types of conflicts here at home. There are people that are trying to divide us, to teach us how to hate […]
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Dec. 13, 1958 – Dec. 4, 2023 It is with great devastation and profound heaviness and sorrow that we share that Scott Arnold Worley, 64, of Berry, Kentucky, died at his home in Berry on Dec. 4, 2023. He was deeply loved by his daughter, family, and friends. Born on Dec. 13, 1958, in Green […]
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Obituary: Margaret L. (Lowinger) Needelman
March 4, 1947 – Dec. 2, 2023 Margaret L. Needelman, 76, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sibling, aunt, and friend, died on Saturday Dec. 2, 2023. She is survived by her loving husband of over 50 years, Jerold Needelman; her two sons, John (Katrina) and William (Elana); three grandchildren, Brandon, Lily, and Ezra; and two brothers, […]
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Obituary: Kenneth Eugene Kehoe
Feb. 9, 1963 ~ Dec. 2, 2023 Kenneth Eugene Kehoe, 60, of Sturgeon Bay, died in the comfort of his home, Dec. 2, 2023. He was born Feb. 9, 1963 in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, the son of Kenneth Eugene Kotowske and Sandra Lee (Phillips) Hillmer. Ken attended Sturgeon Bay High School and […]
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Jan. 21, 1951 – Dec, 9, 2023 James Patrick “Jim Mac” McArdle, 72, Sturgeon Bay died unexpectedly on Dec, 9, 2023. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on Jan. 21, 1951 to Philip and Phyllis (Ruess) McArdle. Jim was a Vietnam veteran and served twenty years in the National Guard. After a career […]
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Obituary: Ronald Aloysius Ploor
Nov. 28, 1939 – Dec. 8, 2023 Ronald Aloysius Ploor, 84, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 at Door County Medical Center. He was born Nov. 28, 1939 in Sturgeon Bay, son of the late Aloysius Anton and Emily Mathilda (Wilke) Ploor. After graduating from Sevastopol High School with the […]
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Obituary: Anne M. (Burt) Bernklau
April 7, 1937 – Dec. 5, 2023 Anne M. Bernklau, 86, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, with her family by her side. Anne was born on April 7, 1937, to the late Robert and Armella (Weiss) Burt in Kenosha. She was a 1955 […]
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1963 – Nov. 25, 2023 Gibbar G. Benson, more fondly known as Gibby, passed away at the age of 60 on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. He bravely lost a short battle with cancer, but is now by his “sweet Jesus’” side. He was surrounded by love as he […]
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Sept. 14, 1928 – Dec. 3, 2023 Ethel Mae Uecker 95, of Forestville, died at Sycamore Lodge Senior Living in Algoma on Dec. 3, 2023. She was born on Sept. 14, 1928, in Sturgeon Bay to Herman and Edna (Kramer) Sperber. Ethel graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1945 and then worked for Schneider […]
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Give The Gift Of History from DCHS
The Door County Historical Society (DCHS) suggests a membership could be the holiday perfect gift. Membership perks include free admission to Eagle Bluff lighthouse, discounts on unique history-related merchandise, special pricing for monthly dinner programs and access to exclusive events. To purchase a membership go to doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org/membership or call 920.421.2332.
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Volunteers Needed For Red Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army’s volunteer Service Extension program in Door County has opportunities for volunteers for two-hour bell ringing slots and openings for board membership. The Salvation Army’s volunteer service extension in Door County provides emergency services and financial support for people in critical situations from donations and the money raised locally during the bell-ringing campaign […]
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Crossroads At Big Creek December Events
Crossroads at Big Creek hosts Fireside at Crossroads from 1-4 pm each Saturday in December. Stop in the Collins Learning Center to warm up after a hike or enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and popcorn around the fire. Board games will be available for use. At 2 pm on Dec. 9 meet […]
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Tree Seedlings Available To 4th Graders
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering free tree seedlings to every fourth-grade student in Wisconsin as part of the department’s annual Arbor Day tree planting program. Wisconsin fourth grade principals, teachers and those who homeschool can now place seedling orders and coordinate delivery by completing the 2024 Arbor Day application by March […]
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Broomball Team Signup Under Way
Cooler temperatures mean ice season is around the corner at the Teresa K. Hilander Community Ice Rink in Sister Bay. Once temperatures consistently dip below freezing, crews can begin making ice on the rink. Keep an eye on the rink Facebook page at facebook.com/sisterbayicerink for updates on ice conditions. It’s also time to get your […]
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Trails Initiative Would Connect Northern Door Communities
Public input sought at Dec. 12 meetings Residents from throughout Door County can provide ideas and learn more about proposed bicycle and walking trails linking communities and beaches at an event at the Kress Pavilion Dec. 12. During open-house-format meetings 10 am-noon and 5-7 pm, at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor, residents, business owners, […]
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Server of the Week: Niko Valiyev, Blue Horse Bistro
When you’re down in the Crick, head to the Blue Horse for your caffeine fix. You’ll find a hustling barista by the name of Niko, he’ll fix you up right to get you on the go. Straight from the gym or off the pitch, always stocking, serving and cleaning on the quick. His coffee designs […]
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Registration Open for Young Writers Conference, Women’s Mentoring Program
Registration is open for “Telling the Truth of Our Lives,” the Dick Scuglick Memorial Residency and Fellowship, and the Young Writers Conference. Through Dec. 10, Write On, Door County is accepting applications for “Telling the Truth of Our Lives,” a year-long, women’s mentoring program starting in 2024. The program is designed for women who would […]
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Announcing the 2023 Hal Prize Winners
The Hal Prize is finishing another year of celebrating writing and photography, with the announcement below of the winning authors and photographers – some of those Door County residents. You’ll find the top six photography winners in this issue. The winning entries will also be printed this month in the 8142 Review, as well as […]
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Christmas Stories for Kids at Your Local Library
By JEANINE BRENNAN Egg Harbor Library branch manager Children’s books are gifts that keep on giving, and they’re an easy way to add to your family’s holiday traditions. Here are a few that can be found at your local library. Red and Green, by Lois Elhert. This book is a fun adaptation of The Night […]
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Trade Paperback Fiction 1. A Court of Thorns and Roses, by Sarah J. Maas 2. All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr 3. Bookshops & Bonedust, by Travis Baldree 4. The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman 5. A Court of Mist and Fury, by Sarah J. Maas Trade Paperback Nonfiction 1. Killers […]
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List compiled by Write On, Door County. Among the many celebrations in December are a few lesser-known holidays for readers and writers. Dec. 10 is Dewey Decimal System Day, as well as Emily Dickinson’s birthday. Dec. 17 is the publication anniversary of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Dec. 20 is Poet Laureate Day. Dec. 21 […]
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Free TAP Tickets Through Door County Libraries
Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) is collaborating with Door County Libraries to help patrons “check out” TAP. Coupons are available at all eight of our Door County Library locations while supplies last. Coupons come out by show and each admits up to two theatergoers. Pick them up before they are gone. Contact TAP for show time […]
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Healing Through Writing With Mary Mullen
Visiting writer and Write On, Door County resident Mary Mullen presents a special edition of the organization’s free monthly program, Healing Through Writing, on Dec. 12, 11-1 pm. The program is for people with little-to-no writing experience, as well as those who have an established creative practice and want to focus on writing as a […]
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Winter Solstice Solace, a display of handmade quilts by fiber artist Vicki Ash, will be on display at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County Art Gallery until Jan. 28. Ash layers colorful fabrics, thread and beads to create her quilts, taking inspiration from her surroundings and carrying on her family’s long-standing tradition of creating […]
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Evergreen Party At Turtle Ridge
On Dec. 8, 3-6 pm, Turtle Ridge Gallery and Boutique is celebrating the season with an Evergreen Party. Guests can enjoy holiday refreshments and find gifts for loved ones, including three new holiday card designs by Mary Ellen Sisulak. Free gift wrapping will be provided, and the first 20 shoppers will receive a goodie bag […]
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Dec. 8 is Family Art Friday at M3, the Miller Art Museum’s satellite space. From 10 am – 12 pm, young artists can make tree-themed assemblages or try their hand at paper-weaving. This month’s High School Art Ambassadors meeting will take place Dec. 11, 5-7 pm. The meetup is intended for Door County high schoolers […]
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Sturgeon Bay eatery Drömhus will be wrapping up 2023 with several music events planned throughout the month of December. Dec. 8, 15, 22 and 29 are vinyl nights. Guests can enjoy food and drink specials and bring their own vinyl to play, or listen to one of Drömhus’ vinyl records. On Dec. 10, 17, 24 […]
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Gibraltar Secondary Schools Concert At DCA
The choirs at Gibraltar Secondary Schools will present their fall concert on Dec. 12, 7 pm. Led by choir director Sara Bong and accompanied by pianist Janet Anderson, sixth grade, eighth grade and high school choirs will perform seasonal selections by composers like John Leavitt, Emily Crocker, Joseph Martin and John Rutter. Gibraltar staff and […]
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Second-generation Rockabilly Hall of Fame rocker Robby Vee will take the stage on Dec. 16 for a holiday party at Stone Harbor Resort. Tickets cost $40 per person, $75 per couple or $350 for a table of 10, and include a heavy appetizer buffet and a wine pour. Doors open at 6 pm; the show […]
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April 1, 1953 – Nov. 13, 2023 Paula Kasten age 70, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on Nov. 13, 2023, in Tucson. She was born on April 1, 1953, in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Paula was a very adventurous, compassionate, and generous person. Always willing to help others. Paula is survived by her life partner Dave […]
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Obituary: Catherine Antonissen
Dec. 10, 1938 – Dec. 3, 2023 Catherine (Bultman) Antonissen, 84, of Maplewood, died on Dec. 3, 2023, at the Pete and Jelaine Horton Skilled Nursing Center in Sturgeon Bay following a month-long illness. Cathy was born on Dec. 10, 1938, in Algoma to Anthony Sr and Vera (Haack) Bultman. Her greatest joys and blessings […]
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Meet Waylon, a 5-month-old dog available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. He weighs 27-pounds and is first in line for anything playtime. This cutie pie would be a wonderful fit for any active family looking to add a fun-loving pooch to the pack. Like all dogs at WHS, he […]
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Christmas Tree Farmers Enjoy Their Fresh-Air Jobs
John Neinas created a dream retirement job for him and his wife, JoAnn, more than 30 years ago. He spent a career as an electrician on boats and supervising 20 men at Peterson Builders. He started planting Christmas trees for County H Tree Farm west of Stevenson Pier Road in 1989 and is glad he […]
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Parent Corner: The Holiday Magic of St. Nick’s Tree Farm
A wagon ride through the growing rows of petite pine trees, past an inflatable Santa, sparkly snowman, and painted reindeer, towards the playhouses strung with lights, to the burning bonfire or old Chevy truck with a stuffed Grinch in the cab – it will all have your little one smiling and pointing, playing and laughing. […]
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Listen Up! Mink River Ramblers
Dec. 10, 4 – 6 pm, Mink River Basin, 12010 state Hwy 42 in Ellison Bay This Door County rock band plays tunes reminiscent of the Easy Rider soundtrack as a part of the Giver Fest fundraiser event.
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An Afternoon with Amelia (Ford)
Catch her on Dec. 9, 12-3 pm, at Harbor Ridge Winery, 4690 Rainbow Ridge Road in Egg Harbor. Her performance is part of a holiday party that will offer wine and drink specials. The creator of the Wisconsin Area Music Industry’s [WAMI] 2023 Album of the Year is coming to Egg Harbor. Amelia Ford is […]
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The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Door County is offering ways to stay active through the winter, including chair yoga, ballroom dancing, cardio drumming and strength training classes. Chair yoga classes take place on Wednesdays at 10:30 am and cost $3 per class, payable to the instructor. Ballroom dancing classes take place on […]
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$40,000 Matching Gift Challenge For Land Trust
World-traveling photography teammates John and Jean Van Den Brandt are putting their money where their passion lies – in protecting the wild spaces of Door County for future generations. The wildlife photographer and his wife and field assistant, Jean, have visited some of the most remote landscapes on the planet – hundreds of miles from […]
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Food and Family at Black Orchid Catering
Two sisters form Black Orchid Catering to share their culture through their cooking A midlife crisis arrived a few years early for Aisha Umar. “I worked in the restaurant industry for about six years,” Aisha said. “I was mostly waitressing and working front-of-house. Then I think I hit my crisis and I wanted something of […]
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Chives, Thyme Offering Wine Dinners
Chives restaurant in Baileys Harbor is presenting a six-course wine dinner on Dec. 14 at 6 pm. Founding Chives bar manager and sommelier, Lucas Schoenfeld, will share his wine industry insights. Head chef Brady Miner’s menu will feature scallops, locally sourced lamb and dessert by Chive’s in-house, classically-trained French pastry chef. Call 920.839.2000 for reservations. […]
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Astronomical Society Celebrates Dark-Sky Victory
As part of an ongoing campaign against light pollution that affects stargazing, Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) celebrated a local business’s project that improved lighting about two miles from the society’s 17-inch telescope. Tom Gwilym, DPAS Vice President and northern Wisconsin advocate for the International Dark-Sky Association, persistently wrote letters and lodged complaints for more […]
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Hailey DuBois’ Plan to Change the World
We receive a lot of emails at the Peninsula Pulse, but rarely from one so young, spirited and passionate. “What I am emailing you about today is what I would like to do to educate the community about a problem we face in the world,” wrote Hailey DuBois, a 16-year-old junior at Sturgeon Bay High […]
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Just a week after news broke that Zion Early Childhood Education center in West Jacksonport will close later this month, another group announced it hopes to open a new center by summer of 2024. Sevastopol resident Kayla Lehman said discussions are progressing quickly on the Children First Development Center. Lehman said she is pursuing the […]
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Reetz Enters Race for Circuit Court Judge
The deadline for the candidate filing period for the spring, April 2 election is Jan. 2, but already another candidate has announced a run for the seat that will be left vacant by the retiring Door County Circuit Judge in Branch One, D. Todd Ehlers. Shortly after Ehlers announced in August he would retire after […]
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HELP of Door County’s Milly Gonzales Leaving
The Board of Directors of HELP of Door County announced that Executive Director Milly Gonzales has accepted the position of Associate Director of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, the statewide domestic violence coalition. “Milly’s leadership of HELP through the last five years has made the organization stronger and she leaves it in solid financial condition and […]
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Green Gifts Awarded To Three Local Nonprofits
Wisconsin-based wireless carrier Cellcom, which directs money from recycled cell phones to environmental projects, has selected three Door County nonprofits to receive a share of its annual Green Gifts: $1,000 to Open Door Bird Sanctuary to expand its bird care building; $300 to Crossroads at Big Creek to support creation of a map to allow […]
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Legal Aid Society Of Door County Receives Gift
The Door County Bar Association recently made a gift of $1,000 to the Legal Aid Society of Door County, a nonprofit corporation organized in 1989 to provide access to the legal system for low-income families and individuals. In addition to volunteer attorneys, the Legal Aid Society relies on donations to fulfill its mission. Legal Aid […]
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Southern Door Seeks Grants For Greenhouse, Dust Collection System
There’s still a chance Southern Door School District will have enough money remaining in a contingency fund to build the shell of a greenhouse included in a voter-approved capital-improvement plan. Southern Door schools interim superintendent Tony Klaubauf said he has made construction of the greenhouse a priority, after school officials learned that an indoor athletic […]
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Retirements, Resignation Open Up Band, Computer Science, Math Jobs At Gibraltar
Gibraltar Area School Board members had nothing but good things to say about two longtime educators who turned in retirement notices, effective in June. Charlie Eckhardt, secondary school instrumental music teacher since 2000, is resigning effective June 7 and noted that administrators and Gibraltar school boards “graciously afforded me the autonomy to run a small […]
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Egg Harbor Marina Back in Place with Heavier Chains
Repairs cost the Village of Egg Harbor $26,000 after windblown waves Aug. 3 snapped chains and caused Egg Harbor docks to float 10 feet out of position. Village Administrator Megan Sawyer said Edgewater Resources engineers, and Mike Kahr from Death’s Door Marine, devised a plan to move the docks back into their original position and […]
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Bids Higher than Expected for Highway Reconstruction
Bids came in higher than the engineers’ estimate for half of the upcoming major projects along state Highway 42 in the Village of Egg Harbor, so the village is looking for ways to curb costs on other portions. In addition, the probable cost overruns mean the village will borrow more money in spring when it […]
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New Deadline Set for Completion of Granary Project
On a 5-2 vote, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council last month approved an extension through the end of next July to “substantially complete” the restoration of the Teweles and Brandeis grain elevator on the West Waterfront. Before approving the latest development agreement amendment, the council voted 4-3 against going into closed session to discuss the […]
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Bipartisan Bill Would Improve Response To Harmful Algal Blooms Last week, U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alabama) introduced the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act (HABHRCA) of 2023, a bipartisan bill to improve response to harmful algal blooms that have the potential to threaten aquatic ecosystems, hurt local […]
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Planning Started for Waterfront Near Yacht Club
The City of Sturgeon Bay has hired the Michigan-based Edgewater Resources as a consultant to develop a plan on how best to use the waterfront area on city-owned property at the end of Nautical Drive next to the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club. The Common Council last month approved a $20,800 contract for Edgewater Resources to […]
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FWS Meeting With Sportsman’s Club Again About Pilot Island
For the second time this year, the Washington Island Sportsman’s Club will sit down with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) over concerns it has with the current condition of Pilot Island. Sportsman’s Club member Rip Koken said the public meeting is set for Dec. 14 starting at 10 am in the Washington Island […]
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Jacksonport Completes Website Change
After about eight months working on updates, the Town of Jacksonport website changed from a previous .org address to jacksonportwi.gov on Nov. 30. Jacksonport Town Clerk said the old address will not work and will pop up with warnings. For more information, email [email protected]
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Outdoor Rec Contributes $9.8 Billion To State Economy
A report released this week shows that Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry contributed a record-breaking $9.8 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, growing 6.8 percent over the previous record set in 2021. The Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) showed it was the highest contribution by […]
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Thanks to the Community for Angel Scholarship Donations Thanks, once again, to the generosity of our Door County community, $42,000 was raised for its scholarship fund at the Oct. 21 Angel Scholarship Gala. These funds will enable the scholarship committee to award scholarships to Door County and Algoma high school graduates who are pursuing healthcare careers, […]
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14th Avenue Condo Project Well On its Way
Construction work is underway after Sturgeon Bay’s Aesthetic Design and Site Plan Review Board voted last month to approve revised plans for two residential condominium buildings at the site of the former cherry-processing facility along North 14th Avenue near Tadych’s Marketplace and Walmart. The 1.87-acre site at 1361 N. 14th Ave. is where Estes Investments […]
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TAP Hires New Managing Director
Amy Mueller is joining Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) as its new managing director. Previously, Mueller wrote grants and stewarded a portfolio of donors and sponsors as American Players Theatre’s development director. She also spent over five years as Door Shakespeare’s executive director, and most recently, served as the grants director for the Door County YMCA. […]
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Natural Christmas at the Ridges
The Ridges Sanctuary gives families and friends an opportunity to participate in an old-fashioned holiday event while surrounded by natural beauty. The event offers a wreath-making workshop and free holiday crafts for all ages. Guided hikes and tours of the Range Light are available throughout the event. Admission is free. The fee for the wreath-making […]
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County Board Chair Lienau Won’t Run in 2024
A big seat on the Door County Board of Supervisors will open up after the current chair, Dave Lienau, announced he won’t seek reelection. Lienau has served as chair since 2016 and on the board since 2014. “I wanted to get the word out soon so people have time to consider it and put their […]
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Letter to the Editor: Tammy Baldwin is Wisconsin’s Bipartisan US Senator
In this season of good tidings and cheer, Tammy Baldwin comes to my mind. We Wisconsinites are so fortunate to have her as our U.S. Senator. She is currently supporting a bipartisan Senate bill that will reduce the high cost of insulin. More than 37 million Americans live with diabetes, including over 400,000 Wisconsinites. This […]
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Letter to the Editor: Open Letter to U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher
I am so, so sorry that you were offended by the National Railroad Museum’s acceptance of the Satanic Temple’s entry in their Festival of Trees. It is heartening, however, that we have public officials like yourself to alert us of these un-Christian groups, spreading their message, “to encourage benevolence and empathy, reject tyrannical authority, advocate […]
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Scandia Village Transfer Delayed
Scandia Village will soon have a new operator, but how soon is still in question. In September it was announced that Stone Bridge Health Care had purchased the retirement center and long-term care facility that is home to about 13% of Sister Bay’s population, and is the village’s largest employer. The 150-unit campus includes 18 […]
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Letter to the Editor: Open Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife
We don’t think you get it! You are messing with our livelihood on these Lake Michigan islands and Door County. Our economy thrives because of the tourists and vacationers. They come to fish, swim, snorkel, dive, kayak, boat, paddleboard and enjoy the unpolluted waters of Lake Michigan. They come for the beauty of our natural […]
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Letter to the Editor: Public Should Not Be Forced to Pay for Private Education
The story by Craig Sterret in the Nov. 24-Dec. 1 issue of the Peninsula Pulse [“Private-School Voucher Program Keeps Growing”] only begins to illustrate the harmful effects of the out-of-control Wisconsin Private School Choice Program. The trend is alarming. The $299,284 the Sturgeon Bay school district has lost to private schools, including the neighborhood Catholic […]