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Peninsula Pulse February 19-26, 2021

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In this issue

  • Obituary: Audrey S. (Hasenjager) Neinas

    August 21, 1935-February 6, 2021 Audrey died at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers, WI Saturday Feb. 6. She was born in Egg Harbor to Orville and Amanda (Bley) Hasenjager. Audrey attended and graduated from Sevastopol High School. On May 10, 1958 she married Elton Neinas at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay.  Audrey […]

  • Bowling League Results

    Apple Dumpling League Feb. 12, 2021 • High team game: Strike Force 909 • High team series: Drinking Team–Bowling Problem 2,440 • High game (women): Lisa Hartel 245, Penny Kramer 235, Gail Chadek 230 • High series (women): Lisa Hartel 608, Gail Chadek 592, Kathy Franke 590  • High game (men): Scott Voeks 279, Chris Blish […]

  • Framed

    What a sight – and delight – to be surrounded by fresh snow on the Ahnapee Trail near Algoma. Photo by Hannah Spaude.

  • Server of the Week: Chef Burt Martinez at Cornerstone Pub

    Picture yourself in the kitchen at the Cornerstone: The tickets are piling up, but you’re not alone. No, Chef Burt Martinez is beside you, calm and collected, Crafting masterpiece Mexican and American specials the guests have selected. He’s been at this a while – 10 years to be exact. A joy to cook alongside, he’s always […]

  • The 115-Year History of the Whistling Swan

    Today the Whistling Swan is known as one of the county’s finest restaurants. An intimate dining room seats 56 guests who come for an inventive, ever-evolving menu, carefully curated wine and beer list, and cozy confines.  Since 2003 it has been under the stewardship of owners Bill and Michelle Tressler and manager Scott Zimmerman, who […]

  • White-nose Syndrome Wiping Out Bat Populations 

    High water table prevented Door County bat count in 2020; Midwest cave bat populations have crashed 97% during the past decade Researchers want to know whether the Door County bat population stands any chance of rebounding, but high groundwater levels during the late fall of 2020 prevented biologists from completing a count of the bats […]

  • CCC To Host Green Tier Legacy Communities Discussion

    Join the nonpartisan Climate Change Coalition (CCC) of Door County on March 10, 7 pm, for a free, virtual discussion of the state’s innovative Green Tier Legacy Communities program and the benefits it offers.  Green Tier is a forward-looking, cost-saving approach to helping businesses and communities foster good environmental and sustainability practices, maximize their resources […]

  • Bits & Bites

    Parallel 44 Winery Vineyard Walks On Feb. 27, Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery will host a vineyard walk with owner and winemaker Steve Johnson. Tickets – available online while supplies last – include the walk and talk, wine samples at various locations throughout the vineyard, a glass of wine of your choice to enjoy by the […]

  • Education Notes

    Gibraltar Reopening High School, Switching to Five-period Day Gibraltar Area School District officials, teachers and parents are preparing for more big changes in the middle of this unusual year of education during COVID-19-prevention protocols. Gibraltar is eliminating a somewhat grueling two-block schedule and switching to a five-period day March 2. The district also announced a […]

  • Todey to Head WASB Board, Southern Door Chooses Valedictorian, Salutatorian

    Sue Todey has been elected to a one-year term as president of the Wisconsin Association of School Board’s (WASB) 15-member board of directors. She represents WASB Region 3, which comprises 36 northeast Wisconsin school districts.  WASB Executive Director John Ashley said, “Our association and the children of Wisconsin will continue to benefit from her leadership.” […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Do You Believe in Miracles?

    We at the Stella Maris Catholic Parish are celebrating our five-year food-pantry anniversary and publicly thanking all who have re-created a miracle cited in the Bible’s often-referenced Sermon on the Mount. Our Fish Creek church’s 24/7 food pantry continues to multiply food, just as in the time of Jesus, when the crowd of thousands was […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Kudos to Door County Public Health

    This past week, my husband and I received our second COVID-19 vaccinations at the Door County Public Health vaccination clinic. Due to the uncertainty about how many vaccines the department would be getting week to week, Public Health has had to cancel and reschedule appointments. The department has always responded promptly and kindly to our […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Pledge to Serve and Protect Not Upheld

    I’m an independent thinking, 100 percent disabled veteran. I’m not boasting or seeking your pity. It is my opinion that the Republican senators who voted no on Feb. 13 were devoid of conscience or character.  What Mitch McConnell said afterward was too little, too late. It was as empty as what Robert S. McNamara said […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Science Guides Mask Wearing

    I read with interest the profound knowledge of Sharon Thill’s “Why I Don’t Wear a Mask [Feb. 5 issue].” Wow. I hope she has submitted her qualifications and research to HHS and suggested her nonexistent credentials as a replacement for Dr. Fauci. Masks are worn in health care facilities and disaster zones all the time, […]

  • Letter to the Editor: A Clear Reason for a Nonpartisan Solution

    Gov. Tony Evers’ budget address on Feb. 16 was bold and inclusive. He covered many topics of urgent concern to Wisconsinites: difficult issues that should be genuinely debated in the Legislature. And here’s where gerrymandering rears its ugly head. There is little chance that the current Republican Legislature will even debate the governor’s proposals. Because […]

  • Coordinated Community Response: Raising Awareness of Teen Dating Violence

    Many people think of February as a month dedicated to showing special people how much they’re loved. But it’s also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: a chance to promote awareness of and education about teen dating violence and keep those efforts going all year long. Dating violence can be carried out through unhealthy in-person behaviors […]

  • Door County Is Kerry Vavra’s Muse

    When Kerry Vavra retired to Door County in 2007, he had plans to create welded yard art.  It seemed like a doable plan. In Chicago, his medium – scrap steel – was free and in generous supply, but he soon discovered that wasn’t the case in Door County.  “If you can’t get the steel for […]

  • Southern Door Tops Valders to Advance to Regional Final

    Southern Door’s Alex Daoust is well aware of the significance of Friday’s 67-65 win over Valders in the Division 3 boys basketball regional semifinal.  “My brother Kyle and his team never have been able to beat this Valders team,” he said. “I also have encountered two losses to Valders in the playoffs. We knew going […]

  • Heise and Stephens of DCMC to Discuss Vaccine Distribution Monday

    Dr. Jim Heise, DCMC Chief Medical Officer, and Brian Stephens, DCMC CEO, will be live on Facebook Monday, Feb 22, at 6 pm with a COVID-19 vaccination distribution update. Join the conversation to get the most recent news on COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Dr. Heise and Mr. Stephens will address as many questions and concerns as […]

  • ADRC Seeks Feedback With Questionnaire

    The Door County Aging and Disability Resource Center is seeking community feedback as part of updating its strategic plan.  The “Three Year Aging Plan” serves as a platform to create, improve and expand services the center provides to the community.  People can find and fill out the questionnaire in muleiple ways: 1. Online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V2J9QJ3   […]

  • Wild Things: NRB Approves Short Window for Winter Wolf Hunt, Trapping

    Will the legal battle over wolves ever end? The on-again, off-again plan to manage gray wolves has taken more twists and turns than the curvy section of Highway 42 near Northport. Wolves have been delisted and relisted as federally endangered species five times during this century alone, and none of them due to declining populations. […]

  • Wild Ones: Help Native Plants Prepare for Spring

    Seed giveaway provides a start The Door County Seed Library’s first seed giveaway was a success, but several of the participants asked, “Why do you have to do this when it’s still cold? The answer is simple: because it’s still cold. Some Wisconsin native wildflowers have evolved to survive the winter and germinate in the […]

  • Skate This: Teresa K. Hilander Community Ice Rink

    The recent cold snap isn’t great for a lot of outdoor activities, but it makes for a great base of ice at the Teresa K. Hilander Community Ice Rink in Sister Bay. The rink has been a popular spot this winter as people seek safe, outdoor activities. Founded in the late 1990s by a local […]

  • Manners Matter: Still Not Cool to Eat Peanut Butter with Your Fingers

    Dear Mary Pat, Now that everyone is sanitizing and washing their hands constantly, is it cool to eat peanut butter out of the jar with your fingers again? Sincerely, Sticky Fingers Sevastopol, Wisconsin Dear Sticky Fingers, No, it’s not cool to eat peanut butter out of a jar with your fingers. Ever. Same goes for […]

  • 2021 Hal Prize Judges Announced

    The organizers of the Hal Prize are excited to announce the annual contest’s poetry, fiction and nonfiction judges. Mark Wunderlich will serve as the 2021 poetry judge. His first book, The Anchorage, was published in 1999 and earned the Lambda Literary Award. He has also received the Writers at Work Award, Jack Kerouac Prize and […]

  • Door County Writes: ‘I became distracted’

    by Jocelyn Swanbeck Winkel I was going to write a poem todaybut I was distracted byshadows lengthening on the lawnmurmuring summer is slipping byI have no yardstick by which to measure days andtime slips away like ripples on the waterI have no child to rescue in midstream before waves carry him awayI am at the […]

  • Door County Writes: ‘Recollections of a German Christmas Market’

    by Heidi Ross Writing prompt: Tell a story about a time when you were very cold. Help your readers picture exactly where you were and what you were doing. You’re allowed to use the word “cold” only twice! The winter air crackled with the warmth of Christmas cheer. Wandering around the Christkindlmarkt in my not-quite-warm-enough […]

  • Door County Writes: ‘Eight Young Men’

    Writing prompt: Tell a story about a time when you were very cold. Help your readers picture exactly where you were and what you were doing. You’re allowed to use the word “cold” only twice! by Jim Nitz Eight young men from the juvenile prison had qualified for early release if they completed our 30-day […]

  • Book Review: ‘Quilters of the Door’ by Ann Hazelwood

    Ann Hazelwood is a quilter, certified quilt appraiser, former president of the National Quilt Museum and, for 30 years, the owner of a quilt shop in Old Town, St. Charles, Missouri. She’s also written travel books, but when Hazelwood sold her quilt shop in 2008, she turned to writing novels about quilting: three series of […]

  • Algoma Library Displays Special Quilt

    The Algoma Public Library is featuring a quilt made by Margaret Naysmith that depicts masked faces of people worldwide who have been affected by the pandemic and quarantine. When dropping off her quilt at the library, Margaret said that during this difficult time, it’s so important that our community foster unity and peace.

  • YMCA Breakfast Reflects on Positive Impact

    The Door County YMCA (doorcountyymca.org) hosted its annual Community Breakfast on Feb. 11 to celebrate and reflect on the positive impact the YMCA has made during the past year and to look forward to meeting future needs. “We have so much to be proud of as we celebrate our 35th birthday this coming August,” said […]

  • In-person CTA Class Offered in March

    An in-person Certified Tourism Ambassador class will be offered March 30 at The Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor. All tables will be socially distanced, and every precaution will be taken to ensure participants’ safety. Learn more at facebook.com/doorcountyCTA.

  • Marggie Hatala Hosts Free, Online Community Discussions on ‘End of Life’

    Marggie Hatala – a registered nurse and life doula – will host free, online community discussions about our final chapter monthly on the first Wednesday, 10 am – 11 am. The next discussion will be held March 3. Join adult children, aging parents, those facing terminal disease and interested others to share concerns, ask questions […]

  • Community Foundation and Service Club Partner to Offer Youth Grants

    The Door County Service Club Coalition has partnered with the Door County Community Foundation to offer two grant programs.  Youth as Resources Grants provide financial support to projects in which youth use their skills, talents and abilities to serve or educate others. Youth in Theatre Grants financially support local theatrical productions in which youth play […]

  • Sister Bay’s Ice Out Contest Begins

    Guess the date and time when the ice will go out in Sister Bay when you vote – as often as you like – in the 83rd annual Ice Out Contest at participating Sister Bay businesses. Support local businesses and get multiple chances to win great prizes.  Look for the Goat on a Boat out on the […]

  • Fight Over Fundraising Arm is Latest Twist in Egg Harbor Fire Department Squabble

    New board of directors issues life support to dissolved organization The charitable arm of the Egg Harbor Fire Department – the Egg Harbor Firefighters Association, Inc. – is not actively fundraising right now due to COVID-19, but the organization is alive. That status seemed questionable in late January, according to a press release issued by […]

  • Leadership Door County Starts New Speaker Series

    Leadership Door County will begin a new speaker series focusing on leadership during challenging times. The programs will be presented monthly on the fourth Wednesday, 12-1:15 pm, on a donation basis. Barb Johnson-Giese of Door County Medical Center will present the first program Feb. 24, 11:30 am: a discussion of self-care for leaders. (The time […]

  • Dollar General Hearing Scheduled for Feb. 25

    Heading into a public hearing on a developer’s proposal for a Dollar General store in the Town of Egg Harbor, We Are Eggs Against Dollar General has obtained more than 2,600 signatures on a petition opposing the Tennessee-based discount chain store. The proposed site is at the junction of Highway 42 and Hillside Road, next […]

  • Habitat for Humanity Holds Fundraisers and Raffle

    Door County Habitat for Humanity (DCHH) is selling World’s Finest Chocolate brand candy bars in its ReStore on 14th Avenue and, soon, at locations throughout Door County. On Feb. 23, 5:30 pm, DCHH will host virtual Build Bingo via Zoom. Cards are on sale at the ReStore for $5 each, and all participants are automatically […]

  • Updated Visitor Policy at Door County Medical Center

    Door County Medical Center has updated its policy for visitors and support people, effective Feb. 15. • Patients younger than 18 may have two parents or guardians present, and they must be in the patient’s room at all times. • Emergency-department patients may have one support person who must be in the patient’s room at all times, […]

  • Gallagher Thanks Sturgeon Bay Fire Department

    Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) visited the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department last Friday to thank its members for their work in putting out the Feb. 1 fire aboard the MV Roger Blough, a freighter ship docked for the winter at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. Gallagher presented the department with a copy of an entry he had made […]

  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade Postponed

    Destination Sturgeon Bay (DSB) has postponed the 2021 St. Patrick’s Day Parade until 2022. After consulting with Door County Public Health and the City of Sturgeon Bay, all parties felt it was in the community’s best public-health interest to postpone the event. “While we know this is disappointing, we hope you can understand the steps […]

  • Kitchens to Host Listening Session Feb. 25

    Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) will host a series of one-hour, virtual listening sessions Feb. 25 – beginning at 9 am, 1 pm and 5:30 pm – to give his constituents an opportunity to share their thoughts on the proposed 2021-23 biennial budget and other state matters.  “These listening sessions are very important to me because […]

  • Mueller Appointed to Joint Egg Harbor Fire Commission

    Egg Harbor resident Cambria Mueller has been appointed to fill the seat on the Joint Egg Harbor Fire Commission that was recently vacated by Commissioner Bill Miller. The commission oversees the operations of the fire department that serves both the Town and Village of Egg Harbor. Village President John Heller asked Mueller to consider the […]

  • Sister Bay Puts Moratorium on Lodging Development

    The Village of Sister Bay voted Tuesday to affirm its plan commission’s recommendation to place a six-month moratorium on new transient lodging establishments in the B-1, B-2 and B-3 districts, as well as a moratorium on Conditional Use Permits throughout the village. Several vacation-rental developments have been built in Sister Bay during recent years as […]

  • Six Candidates Selected for Gibraltar School Board Race

    Gibraltar School District voters winnowed the list of eight candidates to six during the Feb. 16 primary election. Those six candidates will now face off for three seats on the Gibraltar School Board in the April 6 election.  With 100 percent of precincts reporting and a total 2,943 votes cast, the candidates who received the […]

  • Obituary: James Richard Murphy

    October 3, 1943 ~ February 15, 2021 James Richard Murphy, 77, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Monday, February 15, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. He was born October 3, 1943 in Chicago, son of the late Thomas and Adeline Murphy. He graduated from Oak Lawn High School with the Class of 1962 […]

  • Obituary: Richard Louis Enigl

    August 4, 1967 ~ February 7, 2021 Making his Grand entrance during the Cherry season in Door County, Wisconsin. Blessing his loving parents John and Mary Ann Enigl Sr. This brought to our family great joy and a whole lot of “what the heck is he doing now?” LOL! How Wonderful Life is as we […]

  • Obituary: Judith Ross Stevenson

    May 18, 1936 ~ February 13, 2021 Judith was a loving mother of Sara (nee Stevenson) Sarna (Ed) and Mary Beth Stevenson. Proud grandmother of Joshua Sarna. Sister of John W. Ross (Judith) and aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents John L. Ross and Naomi Schilling Ross […]

  • Bruemmer Provides Matching Donation for New Zoo Exhibit

    Kewaunee County is planning to break ground this year on a new exhibit at Bruemmer Park Zoo (bruemmerparkzoo.com) through a $100,000 matching donation from Steve Bruemmer, grandson of Leo Bruemmer and great-nephew of Otto Bruemmer. Steve Bruemmer also recently provided $20,000 to purchase four life-sized animal statues for the zoo’s green space.  Now he’s working […]

  • Obituary: Karsten Topelmann

    July 14, 1929 ~ February 13, 2021 Karsten Topelmann died peacefully on February 13th at his home, surrounded by his daughter, son and daughter-in-law. A resident artist of Ephraim since 1971, he contributed to the Door County community and touched many through his artwork. Karsten was born in Munich, Germany, and knew he wanted to […]

  • Obituary: Esther Fae (Bennett) Eshelman

    March 18, 1927 ~ February 11, 2021 Esther Fae (Bennett) Eshelman, 93, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Cardinal Ridge after a long illness. She was born March 18, 1927 to Carl Roger and Grace Maude (Householder) Bennett in Bonaparte, Iowa. She attended public schools and was active in clubs at […]

  • Obituary: Marguerite “Peggy” Elizabeth (Slater) Van Vleet

    March 20, 1933 ~ February 8, 2021 Marguerite “Peggy” Elizabeth (Slater) Van Vleet, 87, of Sister Bay, died peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society – Scandia Village. She was born March 20, 1933 in Port Huron, Michigan, daughter of the late Charles Vernon and Marguerite Elizabeth (Sage) Slater. Peggy graduated […]

  • Obituary: Eunice Mae (Carmody) Londo

    December 11, 1933 ~ February 13, 2021 Eunice Mae Londo, 87 years, of Sturgeon Bay, died Saturday, February 13, 2021 at her home surrounded by family. She was born December 11, 1933 in Sturgeon Bay, the daughter of the late Paul and Ann (McCarty) Carmody.  She graduated from Sevastopol High School and continued her education […]

  • ‘Grateful’: Englebert Falls One Win Short of State Title

    Southern Door’s Grant Englebert chose an attitude of pride over disappointment despite falling one win shy of a wrestling state title Saturday. After losing 18-7 to Random Lake’s Aiden Vandenbush in the Division 3 160-pound state-title match at Wausau East High School, Englebert looked collectively at a career during which he qualified for three consecutive […]

  • 6,500 Residents Now Have 1 Dose of Vaccine

    Though vaccines for COVID-19 have shipped slower than originally hoped, Door County has made significant progress getting people their first dose. Through Friday, Feb. 12, 6,500 people in Door County had received a first dose of the vaccine, or 17.4 percent of all residents. Six percent have received both doses. Door County Medical Center announced […]

  • Obituary: Edward “Eddie” Price

    April 5, 1945 ~ February 11, 2021 Edward John Price, 75 of Brussels, passed away at his home on February 11, 2021 due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.  He was born April 5, 1945, in Red Springs Township to James and Ardis (Quinney) Price Jr.  He was a member of the first class to […]