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Peninsula Pulse February 11-18, 2022

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In this issue

  • Peninsula Players Announces Upcoming Play Readings

    Peninsula Players Theater will present in-person and virtual audio recordings of recent works by playwrights Kristine Thatcher and Sean Grennan as part of its winter play reading series, The Play’s the Thing.  A reading of Thatcher’s The Safe House will be performed March 7, 7 pm. In 1982, Bridget returns home to Lansing, Michigan, from […]

  • MIKE AT THE MOVIES: Aiming Broadly, Don’t Look Up Hits Nothing Squarely

    by MIKE ORLOCK [email protected] Adam McKay has made two of the best satires of recent years: The Big Short (2015), a big hit at the box office and on the awards circuit, skewered the rampant greed of Wall Street brokers who broke the world economy back in 2008; and Vice (2018), his barbed biopic of […]

  • Election Today

    Who’s on the Ballot and Where to Vote  Voters in several municipalities that feed into the Gibraltar School District and those who live within District 20 in Sister Bay and Liberty Grove will be casting ballots on Tuesday, Feb. 15, for the spring primary election. Polls will open at 7 am and close at 8 […]

  • Humane Society Reduces Dog Adoption Fees through Feb. 18

    Looking for unconditional love this Valentine’s Day? The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has announced that all adoption fees for adult dogs have been reduced by 50% through Feb. 18. Dogs who have been available for adoption for 10 days or longer, dubbed “Benchwarmers,” have fees of just $25. Across the organization’s five campuses, there are […]

  • Meetings to Watch

    Sturgeon Bay Common Council, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 6 pm City Hall, 421 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay The agenda hadn’t been posted by the Peninsula Pulse deadline, but one of the items the council was scheduled to consider was whether to transfer management of the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market to Destination Sturgeon Bay.  Door County Finance […]

  • Mariner’s Park Improvements on Slow Pace

    The slow pace of development at Mariner’s Park in Gills Rock won’t pick up anytime soon.  When the town purchased three parcels on the Gills Rock shoreline in October of 2018 for $1.45 million, it did not anticipate making major changes immediately because the purchase agreement stipulated that former owner Betty Weborg could continue to […]

  • New Trees, Trail Plan Coming for Fish Creek

    Four new trees will be planted at Fish Creek beach this spring, the Gibraltar Parks and Lands Committee announced Feb. 8. An elm will be planted to replace a recently planted tree that blew down during a wind storm last year, and the others are meant to eventually provide shade and repair the canopy that […]

  • Highway Access Lacking for Future Development

    Land sales and rezoning requests are picking up and signaling future development along Highway 42/57 within the Town of Sevastopol from Culver’s north to C&W Auto. The town’s comprehensive plan defines the area as a commercial corridor, so requests for zoning changes for commercial development are expected, said Dan Woelfel, town board chair, on Tuesday. […]

  • Door Community Auditorium Reschedules First Nations Talks

    Door Community Auditorium has rescheduled a planned series of talks about First Nations in response to the increase in COVID-19 infections in the area. The series will open Feb. 12 with Margaret Rose Ellis, Yotsi’nahkwa’talihahte; and Mirac Ellis, Shako’tsyuntha, speaking about the Oneidas. Originally from New York State, the Oneidas came to Wisconsin through “a […]

  • Bits & Bites

    Soul Memory Black Lager Is Back A winter beer favorite will return to the Hacienda Beer Co. taproom this weekend after gaining a bit of a cult following after its debut last winter. Reminiscent of a crisp stout, Soul Memory Black Lager features notes of dark chocolate and espresso, as well as subtle hints of […]

  • ENJOY THE NIGHT SKY DURING NEWPORT’S CANDLELIGHT SKI

    Newport State Park will host its 32nd annual Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe on Feb. 12, 5:30-8 pm. Gather that special someone, family members and friends for a breathtaking view of the Milky Way while surrounded by the beauty and serenity of a glistening, snowy landscape. This magical journey begins with more than 300 candles […]

  • CROSSROADS PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES

    A Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe at Crossroads at Big Creek will kick off Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Fire and Ice Weekend (conditions permitting) Feb. 18, 6-8 pm. During the event, Crossroads Meadow Trail will be lined with luminaries to provide a magical, memorable winter experience. A candlelight hike will be offered if there’s not enough snow […]

  • DOOR TO NATURE: Door County’s Toughest Fungi

    Most people think of mushrooms as small, soft growths on the forest floor, or sometimes on trees, or perhaps only those that come in boxes at the grocery store. However, many mushrooms – also called fungi – are very hard annual or perennial growths on trees in a variety of forests. During my 50 years of […]

  • Ice On!

    Pond Hockey Work Starts Weeks Before the Puck Drops  When you live in Door County year-round, out-of-towners often ask, “What’s there to do in the winter?” On Saturday, 49 teams will take to the ice for the 2022 Door County Pond Hockey Tournament, clearly demonstrating to both locals and visitors that the fun doesn’t stop […]

  • Alexander’s Wins Broomball Title, Again

    It was Alexander’s (in white) facing off against Johnson’s Park (in black) on snow-covered ice Feb. 6 for the Hilander Cup trophy. Alexander’s earned the championship trophy of the Northern Door Broomball League with a 4-3 victory at the Teresa K. Hilander Community Ice Rink in Sister Bay. Photo by Myles Dannhausen Jr.

  • Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training Opportunity

    The Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program, a statewide effort to promote awareness, understanding and stewardship of the state’s natural resources, is offering a training course at The Clearing in Ellison Bay. The $275 course involves 40 hours of classroom instruction and field experiences in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship. Once trained, Wisconsin Master Naturalists provide […]

  • Turn Your Property Into a Deer Destination

    The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to share information about its Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) via Zoom on Feb. 16, 6 pm. DMAP is a cooperative effort among the DNR, landowners and hunters to provide habitat and deer-herd-management assistance to those who are interested in managing their property […]

  • Memory-Screening Clinics in Kewaunee County

    The dementia care specialist with the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the Lakeshore will be holding free memory-screening clinics.  Dementia is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with Alzheimer’s being the most common cause of dementia among older adults. This disease is often difficult to understand and can […]

  • Spectrum Awards $500 to Ephraim Fire Department

    Spectrum has donated $500 to the Ephraim Fire Department through its national Spectrum Employee Community Grants program. The funding will go toward updating equipment. “On behalf of the members of Ephraim Fire, we cannot thank Spectrum enough for selecting us to be one of their grant recipients,” said Justin MacDonald, fire chief of the Ephraim […]

  • Peninsula Gun Club Hosts Balloon Shoot

    The Peninsula Gun Club will host its first annual balloon shoot Feb. 20, 9-11 am, when the targets will be balloons. All are welcome to enjoy this friendly, fun competition that’s open to those with .22-caliber long rifles, and participants must have their own ammo. No registration is needed. The entry is $5 for 10 […]

  • Packerland Conference Math Meets: Jan. 31, 2022

    (Name, high school, points) Seniors: Maggie Stephens, Sturgeon Bay, 40 (perfect score); Arry VanLieshout, Sturgeon Bay, 34; Jessica Kielpikowski, Kewaunee, 34; Andrew Konop, Sturgeon Bay, 33; Makayla Ash, Sturgeon Bay, 32 Juniors: Espen Walker, Sturgeon Bay, 40 (perfect score); Christy Braun, Sturgeon Bay, 37; Luke Nell, NEW, 33; Russell Pudlo, Sturgeon Bay, 32; Laura Zittlow, […]

  • Strivers Excel Gold Gymnasts Earn Gold

    The Door County Strivers Excel Gold gymnastics team earned gold Jan. 22 at the Pink Invitational in Marinette/Menominee.  Alexa Seyfer-Jimenes earned gold on the floor with a 9.4, gold on beam with a 9.5 and gold in the all-around with a 36.20. She also grabbed a bronze medal on vault with an 8.5. Teammate Shylee […]

  • Wrestling

    Busy Day for Eagles Youth Wrestlers

    Southern Door youth wrestlers got a lot of work in last weekend.  On Feb. 4, 25 wrestlers took part in an event that matched wrestlers by skill level. Coach Kevin Slezewski said it featured no medals or podiums, “but good experience and team camaraderie.” Young Eagles also competed Feb. 5 in two events. Jona LeFevre […]

  • DC United Takes Boys Swimming Conference Title

    The Door County United swim team won the Eastern Wisconsin Conference swimming and diving championship at Kiel on Feb. 5, recording 106 points to outpace second-place Plymouth, which had 95.  Jacob Norton helped lead the way by taking first in the 100 breaststroke and 50 freestyle events. Norton joined Race Kasten, Drew Rass and Connor […]

  • Enter Tavern League’s Nine-Pin Bowling Tourney

    Registration is open for the Door County Tavern League’s nine-pin bowling tournament Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 at Apple Valley Lanes, 1217 N. 14th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. Proceeds will benefit Door County charities.  The entry fee is $100 per team, with prizes for the top four teams. The tournament will also feature door prizes, […]

  • Nature Preschool to Open for Enrollment in March

    The Ridges Sanctuary has announced open enrollment for its Dragonfly Nature Preschool for the 2022-23 school year, and the program has been expanded to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-11:30 am.  “The expansion of the Dragonfly program comes in the wake of growing recognition of outdoor education,” said Katie Krouse, director of operations at The Ridges, […]

  • Zittlow Selected for Wisconsin Leadership Seminar

    The Southern Door High School teaching staff has selected sophomore James Zittlow as this year’s nominee for the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar. The program honors outstanding sophomores throughout the state and gives them the opportunity and encouragement to recognize their leadership potential through emphasizing responsibility, service, inclusiveness and decision making. The Wisconsin Leadership Seminar will take […]

  • Southern Door Selects Badger State Delegates

    Southern Door High School has selected its junior-class Badger State delegates for 2022: Greta Gutschow will represent the school at Badger Girls State June 19-24 at UW-Oshkosh, and Hunter Malvitz will attend Badger Boys State June 12-18 at UW-Eau Claire. The weeklong program teaches the principles of democracy in a representative government. Attendees form cities, […]

  • Gibraltar Fills Two School Board Spots

    One appointee is also a candidate in the upcoming election The Gibraltar Area School Board has filled the seats vacated through two recent resignations with new members Jeremy Schwab and Luca Fagundes. They’re replacing Amie Carriere, who resigned from the board around New Year’s, and Angela Sherman, who resigned in December.  The two vacant seats […]

  • February Reading Challenge at Algoma Library

    Join the Algoma Public Library for its second annual Family Winter Reading Challenge by tracking your reading on the Beanstack app through Feb. 28 to be entered to win a prize. Paper tracking logs are also available through the library. The challenge is open to families and individuals of all ages. Find more details at […]

  • Application Deadline Approaching for Write On Programs

    February 15 is the last day to submit applications for two upcoming Write On, Door County programs.  The first is its second master class of the year, On Urgency: A Memoir and Creative Nonfiction Workshop with Paul Lisicky, a best-selling author and Rutgers MFA Program director. The second is the annual Dick Scuglik Memorial Residency […]

  • Wild Things: Walking on (Frozen) Water

    Scientists invade Great Lakes next week by KEVIN NAZE, [email protected] U.S. and Canadian scientists will join thousands of ice anglers on the frozen waters of Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes next week.  While fishers will be trying to hook the catch of the day, more than two dozen researchers will be drilling through the […]

  • Legal Brief: Dying with Their Rights On: Mental Health and the Law

    by JOAN KORB, [email protected] By the mid-1850s, there was a growing movement to reform mental-health laws in the United States, opposing the housing of people with mental illness in facilities with criminals.  An early leader of the movement was Dorothea Dix, a social reformer and mental-health advocate who established several hospitals, including St. Elizabeth’s in […]

  • Book Recommendation: ‘The Kiss Quotient’ by Helen Hoang

    Recommended by Morgan Mann, Community Relations Library Assistant, Door County Library The Kiss Quotient is a heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that is part family and cultural dynamics, and part coming of age and sweet romance.  Stella, the protagonist, is a wealthy, successful woman who also happens to have Asperger’s. Analyzing data is easy, but […]

  • Pulse of Philanthropy: Insights on Giving in Affluent Households

    by BRET BICOY, President and CEO, Door County Community Foundation   For nearly a decade, the Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: Charitable Giving by Affluent Households has been conducted in partnership with Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. It is the most comprehensive, longitudinal study of the giving habits of America’s wealthy families. The […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Democrats Invest in Our Future

    Recently, two major investments of our tax dollars were announced in Door County: $3.5 million for child care and $1.75 for our tourism-industry infrastructure. Together, these two forward-looking, tremendous reinvestments of our tax dollars are strengthening the future of our county. The child care grant, to the United Way, not only helps the working families […]

  • Finding the Truth in Fiction: Q&A with science-fiction author Rebecca Zornow

    Want to learn more about writing science fiction and fantasy stories? Join author and book coach Rebecca Zornow for a program at Write On, Door County on Feb. 22, 4-5:30 pm. During Hobbits, Heroes and Hovercrafts, participants will learn more about “world building, reader expectations and drafting and editing tips specific to speculative fiction.” Zornow […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Beware!

    Last week, a dapper Ron Johnson released his first television ad announcing his intent to run for a third term in the U.S. Senate, thereby breaking his principled promise to limit himself to two terms. He says he must run to save the country from dangerous “Democrat policies.” The danger lies primarily in inflation, caused […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Prophecy?

    “Americans will suffocate from their freedoms!” Indeed … Quite a prophetic pre-COVID-19 statement by a Pakistani character in the 2012 movie American Dervish. And also the tragic, frightening ending for so many unvaxed, unmasked victims of COVID-19, exercising their rights (to infect others?), or even just victims of plain ignorance. Yes, it’s happening. Reminds me […]

  • Galentine’s Day Paint & Sip at Twelve Eleven

    Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a Paint & Sip at Twelve Eleven Wine + Provisions on Feb. 12, 1-3 pm, when Jess Bowne, a local artist and the owner of Jess Flippin’ Fabulous, will lead participants in creating whimsical, Door County-inspired paintings as they enjoy the wine of their choice.  The cost of $35 per person […]

  • Valentine’s Weekend Pop-Up Show at Bazyli Studio

    Bazyli Studio Wearable and Textile Art will host a pop-up show Feb. 11-13, 10 am – 5 pm, featuring Ilze Heider’s smaller, hand-crafted bags; Joanna Alot cashmere and silk scarves; Carter Smith thermal tops and leggings; Peter Ciesla’s one-of-a-kind, naturally dyed clothing creations; and Bazyli Jewelry, including the most recent addition, dragonfly pins. Find out […]

  • Door County Amplify Celebrates One Year

    Door County Amplify – a social-media endeavor supporting BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) artists in Door County – celebrated its one-year anniversary Jan. 27. Door County Amplify is the project of artists Lachrisa Grandberry and Molly Rhode, known for their work onstage at Northern Sky Theater. One year ago, the pair launched a community […]

  • Mac Schueppert’s Vivid World

    Sturgeon Bay artist shows it’s never too late to create On a January day, when the thermometer struggled to reach the teens, Mac Schueppert pointed her phone through fences around Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to get photos of recently arrived lakers.  “At this time of year, I am one of those crazy boat nerd people,” she […]

  • For the Love of Food

    It’s been said that food is love. If that’s the case, Door County restaurants are serving up plenty of love this weekend through Valentine’s Day-inspired specials, from dinner to dessert to wines. DINNER The Fireside Restaurant7755 Hwy 42 in Egg Harbor Celebrate with your sweetie a couple of days early, on Feb. 12, with The […]

  • Bird Sanctuary Open to Guests Feb. 12

    Enjoy the beauty of winter and meet birds of prey during Open Door Bird Sanctuary’s (ODBS) Winter Open Days Feb. 12 and March 12, 11 am – 3 pm. Also enjoy the trails for a snowshoe, hike or cross-country ski. (Provide your own equipment.) The three trails provide about two miles of prairie, hardwood and pine […]

  • DCA Coffeehouse Concert Series with Paul Taylor Moves to Livestream

    Livestreamed performances continue to have a place On Feb. 12, Door Community Auditorium (DCA) will welcome multi-instrumentalist Paul Taylor as the first performer in the 2022 Coffeehouse Concert Series. But this year, Taylor – known for music that merges Parliament and Afrobeat with funk, blues and jazz – will perform via livestream. “In the past, the Coffeehouse […]

  • Memorializing the Music Maestro

    Supporters are raising funds to restore the auditorium in memory of Bob Nickel, who passed away Feb. 2 Longtime business-education teacher, principal and musician Bob Nickel retired last summer before seeing many of the repair projects he’d requested for the Sturgeon Bay High School auditorium. Just months into his retirement, Nickel received a diagnosis of […]

  • Roots Yoga Class Combines Sound and Movement

    Unwind and settle in during Restorative & Sound, a special class that Roots Yoga and Healing is offering Feb. 13, 2-3:30 pm. Enjoy gentle stretches and restorative yoga with guided meditation; then let the gentle vibrations from singing bowls relax, harmonize and restore your mind and body. The class is suitable for everyone, and no […]

  • Community Discussion Centers on Death Positivity

    Marggie Moertl of Embrace Your Inner Self and Steve Freier, a writer for The Inner Voice Magazine, will host a free community discussion group at the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Door County, ​​916 N. 14th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, on Feb. 17, 1-3 pm. The discussion will focus on steering perceptions away […]

  • Obituary: Violet J. Knipfer

    June 19, 1921 ~ February 1, 2022 Violet J. Knipfer, 100 (and eight months), of Sturgeon Bay, died at The Skilled Nursing Center at Door County Medical Center on February 1, 2022.  She was born on June 19, 1921 in Milwaukee, WI to Minnie (Pillath) and Andrew Cimino.  She married Edward J. Knipfer in 1944 […]

  • Maritime Museum Receives $1.75 Million Grant

    The Door County Maritime Museum and Lighthouse Preservation Society will receive a $1.75 million state grant to finish the Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower’s 10 floors of educational exhibits highlighting Door County’s maritime history. The news came to the museum via a phone call from the governor’s office at 4:55 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 1, […]

  • New Owners for Uncle Tom’s in Ellison Bay

    Uncle Tom’s Candy, the iconic candy store located in the old Newport School House in Ellison Bay, and previously owned by Heather Laughlin, was sold to Rebecca Whipple and Ryan Mueller, both formerly of Milwaukee. Whipple and Mueller moved to Ellison Bay in late November 2021, and have been working with Laughlin to learn the […]

  • Obituary: Janet Shirley (Kingland) Luser

    June 5, 1941 ~ February 4, 2022 Janet Shirley Luser, 80, of Egg Harbor, died peacefully on Friday, February 4, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born June 5, 1941 in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Thor and Kathrine (Ingram) Kingland. On December 14, 1957, Lawrence “Larry” Luser and Jan were united in marriage. […]

  • Obituary: Noretta Kaye

    July 28, 1937 ~ February 5, 2022 Noretta Germaine Kaye, 84, of Brussels died peacefully at Pinecrest Village with her family by her side on Feb. 5, 2022.  She was born July 28, 1937, in Brussels to Edward and Viola (Renier) Englebert.  She married Daniel Kaye on November 10, 1973, in Brussels, he preceded her […]

  • Obituary: Robert Karl Lau

    July 16, 1932 ~ February 4, 2022 Robert Karl Lau, 89, of Sturgeon Bay, died early Friday morning, February 4, 2022, at his daughter’s home with his children at his side. He was born July 16, 1932, in Door County the son of the late Harry and Cecilia (Groth) Lau. Robert graduated from Sturgeon Bay […]

  • Obituary: Jane Mary (Meunier) Brauer

    March 23, 1928 ~ January 31, 2022 Jane Mary Brauer died January 31, 2022, at the age of 93. She passed away peacefully at Door County Medical Center with her daughter by her side. She was born March 23, 1928 in Gillett, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Charles and Clara (Vandermause) Meunier. As a teenager, […]

  • Obituary: Judith Ann (Sitko) Wittenkeller

    March 26, 1945 ~ January 26, 2022 Judith Ann Wittenkeller, 76, of Fish Creek, died on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. She was born March 26, 1945 in Oak Park, Illinois, daughter of the late Roman and Helen Sitko. Judy was united in marriage with Allen Wittenkeller, for 52 years. She retired from ATT as a […]

  • Obituary: Donna Rae (Whitacre) Fuller

    May 24, 1938 ~ January 31, 2022 Donna Rae Fuller, 83, of Sturgeon Bay, died Monday morning, January 31, 2022 at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. She was born May 24, 1938 in Fayette County, PA, the daughter of Ray and Bessie Lorraine (Thompson) Whitacre. Donna attended Uniontown High School and graduated with […]

  • Obituary: Robert Nickel

    November 3, 1960 ~ February 2, 2022 Robert Nickel, 61, died on February 2, 2022. He was born in Ripon, WI, on November 3, 1960, to Harvey and Mary Ann (Poritz) Nickel and raised in Princeton, WI.  On June 11, 1988, Bob married the love of his life, Mary (Klapatch), at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church […]

  • Obituary: Murray H. Zahn

    April 30, 1958 ~ January 31, 2022  Murray H. Zahn, 63, of Sturgeon Bay, died at home on Jan. 31, 2022.  He was born April 30, 1958, in Sturgeon Bay to Herbert and Germaine (Grovogel) Zahn.  Murray graduated from Sevastopol High School and worked for Dave’s Tree Service for many years. Murray was an avid outdoorsman who […]