In this issue
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Creating a Pollinator Paradise
The next Door County Master Gardeners Association lecture on Feb. 9, 6:30 pm, will feature Mark Dwyer discussing easy ways to enhance a garden to maximize pollinator appeal. Watch the virtual program on the big screen at Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, or at home via Zoom. Request a Zoom […]
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Groundhog Day Parade Marches Through Ellison Bay
Celebrate Groundhog’s Day in style at Ellison Bay’s annual Groundhog Day Parade. Starting at 4 pm, the parade will march through downtown Ellison Bay and stop at the Mink River Basin, 12010 WI-42. There, participants can enjoy free “groundhog stew” (no groundhogs will be harmed in the making of the stew.) Anyone can march in […]
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Letter to the Editor: A Farewell to William Welter
We were saddened to hear of the recent passing of William Welter [Dec. 21, 2022]. Bill’s commitment and service to Third Avenue Playhouse (PlayWorks) (TAP) was as immense as his shoulders were broad. He was a patron, a generous donor, a board member, a committee member and a good friend. Bill’s importance to TAP cannot […]
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Letter to the Editor: Resilience and the Climate Crisis
For me, the end of 2022 brought a welcome distraction from my climate anxiety. The joy of the holidays and the heavy snowfall in December allowed me to relax and remember what winters in Wisconsin used to feel like. Unfortunately, the start of 2023 brought back above-average temperatures and my anxiety along with them. Now […]
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Zoning Changes for Smaller Homes, Lot Sizes The Sturgeon Bay Common Council has scheduled a Feb. 7 public hearing for a discussion of proposed revisions to the city’s zoning districts. The changes under consideration for single-family dwellings in R-2 and R-3 districts include a reduction of minimum lot widths from 70 to 50 feet and […]
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Push to Restore Potawatomi Tower Includes New Survey
A survey that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened until Feb. 13 asks members of the public whether they want to restore the Potawatomi State Park observation tower and add a helical ramp, or build a new tower with a helical ramp. It doesn’t ask whether the historical tower should simply be […]
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Sturgeon Bay Common Council Backs Grant Application for Granary
On a 5-2 vote Jan. 17, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved a resolution to submit a Vibrant Spaces Grant application to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for completing the public restroom facilities that will be part of the renovation of the Teweles and Brandeis grain elevator on the city’s West Waterfront. Receiving a […]
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Door From Above: The Winter Fleet
The winter fleet sits in its overwinter harbor at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay. Photo by Paul Haan.
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Eliza is an absolutely adorable, 5-year-old pup who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. This darling dog weighs 48 pounds and would do just about anything for a tasty treat. Like all dogs at WHS, Eliza (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=51792081) has been spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, and she goes home with a […]
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YMCA’s Capital Campaign Goal in Sight
The capital campaign to renovate and expand the Door County YMCA’s Sturgeon Bay Program Center is within $130,000 of its $10.2 million goal. As 2023 kicked off, local YMCA membership had also reached an all-time high; programs were full; and both facilities were buzzing with activity. Half of the facility is now under renovation where […]
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Tavern League Donates to Otumba Park Project
Door County Tavern League members have donated $1,250 to the Otumba Park Project in Sturgeon Bay, and the league is asking the Tavern League of Wisconsin Foundation to match these funds for a total contribution of $2,500.
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Habitat for Humanity Celebrates 30 Years
Door County Habitat for Humanity (DCHH) invites the public to share in the month-long celebration of its 30th anniversary, Jan. 26 – Feb. 28. The organization has built 48 homes thus far and is working on homes 49, 50 and 51. To help build the next homes in Door County, DCHH hopes to raise $30,000 through […]
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Piggly Wiggly’s Community Day of Giving raised funds for the Koinonia Kupboard Food Pantry inside the First Baptist Church of Sister Bay and the Door of Life Food Pantry. Pictured are (front row, from left) Dan Nesbitt, Piggly Wiggly co-owner; Winnie Jackson of First Baptist Church; Heidi Penchoff of Door of Life; Tom Nesbitt, Piggly […]
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Concert Benefits Feed & Clothe My People
The Griffon String Quartet’s Dec. 16 Music for Food benefit holiday concert raised $750 and 110 pounds of food for Feed & Clothe My People. Midsummer’s Music is the Door County representative of the Boston-based Music for Food program, whose concerts have raised funds to create more than 1.5 million meals. Details about Music for […]
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Snowmobiler Raises Money for MS Society
Doug Schopf, president of the Door County Snowmobile Trails Association, presented a $500 check to Ron Bochek to support Bochek’s 29th year of fundraising and trail guiding for the Wisconsin Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Bochek will ride his snowmobile in the Jan. 26 MS Ride with several hundred other riders in Lac du […]
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Midsummer’s Music to Receive $10k Grant
The National Endowment for the Arts has approved Midsummer’s Music to receive a Challenge America award of $10,000. It will support the Griffon String Quartet’s B Double Sharp program: music performance and instruction for rural Wisconsinites who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, or are in need of geriatric care, and their caregivers. “The presentations are […]
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STRIDE Creative Sticker Contest
STRIDE Creative is hosting a countywide sticker-design contest for youth to promote mental wellness in the community. Semifinalist honors will be awarded for each participating school, and a grand-prize winner will be announced via Facebook Live on March 15. The winning design will be reproduced and distributed to the public, and winners will receive gift […]
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Uptown Wellness is offering a free self-defense workshop Feb. 11, 10:30 am – 12 pm, when a female fourth-degree black belt will focus on the five stages of attack, recognizing potential attackers, preventing attacks, applying self-defense techniques and using simple weapons/protection tools. The workshop at Uptown Wellness – Unit 22 in the lower level of the Country […]
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An eight-week chess class for students will take place every Sunday, Feb. 5 – March 26, 4:30-5:30 pm, at the Ephraim Moravian Church. Students will learn the basics, including opening moves, tactics and end-game strategies. The cost is $80 per student, and parents may play for free with their children at the church, 9970 Moravia St. […]
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Learning to Recognize Unconscious Bias
The League of Women Voters of Door County is offering a learning opportunity for its members and the public on becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community (DEI). Maria Douglas, senior DEI manager at the state League of Women Voters office, will lead participants in self-reflection and share information about how individuals and groups […]
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The NWTC Learning and Innovation Center in Sister Bay is partnering with the American Heart Association to offer a CPR Heartsaver AED class Feb. 6, 8 am – 12 pm, followed by a Heartsaver First Aid class, 12:30-4:30 pm. The cost of each class is $35.85. A CPR mask is required for the CPR class, […]
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Server Breaks the Sound Barrier
If you stop for a meal at A’Boat Time, a new family-run restaurant in Sturgeon Bay, you might see other diners brushing up on their sign language. That’s because one of the servers, Brook Black, was born deaf. Instead of taking orders verbally, she hands customers a laminated menu with dry-erase markers so they can […]
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Two Big Projects, One Green Company
Wind-farm service vessel and world’s largest LNG barge to be built at Sturgeon Bay shipyard Global maritime and energy companies are relying on Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) in Sturgeon Bay to build two large vessels on the cutting edge of the energy industry. Parent company Fincantieri Marine Group has confirmed that FBS will soon begin […]
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North Shore Bank Celebrates 100 Years of Service
North Shore Bank has kicked off its centennial anniversary – a yearlong celebration of customers, employees and the community to express appreciation to everyone who has supported the bank in its growth and successes. To commemorate this milestone, North Shore Bank’s signature Bank on Kindness program will include events to highlight the value of kindness and […]
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Bank of Luxemburg Promotions, Retirements
The Bank of Luxemburg has promoted Sue Neuzil – who has been with the bank for six years – to vice president of human resources. Previously the senior human resource generalist, she is replacing Denise Kinjerski, who is retiring as senior vice president of human resources after 43 years. Jake Dittmann, who has been with the bank […]
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Workshop on Lodging Marketing Strategies
Learn how to better reach potential lodging guests during a workshop set for Feb. 8, 1 pm, at the Kress Pavilion. Workshop hosts Destination Door County and Geiger & Associates Public Relations will offer examples of creative marketing used by a variety of U.S. lodging properties, share low- or no-cost ways to reach potential guests […]
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Food Scarcities Hit Restaurant Owners Hard
Early in 2022, avocado costs skyrocketed, saddening guacamole lovers and causing avocados to vanish briefly from some restaurant dishes. The year before, restaurant owners had trouble finding, or affording, potatoes. In recent months, an outbreak of avian flu decimated flocks of egg-laying hens in large facilities nationwide and worldwide, causing Americans to rethink their breakfast […]
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Adult Qigong Classes at Studio234
STUDIO234 is offering adult Qigong classes with instructor Jen Aldrich on Saturdays, Jan. 28 – March 4, 10 am. Qigong is an ancient, breath-and-slow-movement practice that cultivates the life-force energy of the body, mind and spirit. It is gentle enough for seniors and those with limited mobility, and it’s excellent for body/mind health. Aldrich has […]
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Packerland Conference Math Meet
Week of Jan. 16, 2023 (Name, high school, points) Seniors: Christy Braun, Sturgeon Bay, 35; Luke Nell, NEW, 32; Jonathan Paulsen, Kewaunee, 31; Laura Zittlow, Southern Door, 31; Brady Paul, NEW, 30 Juniors: Ezra Linnan, Sevastopol, 38; James Zittlow, Southern Door, 35; Hannah Hwang, NEW, 32; Merrick Mann, Sevastopol, 31; Margaret Herbirch, NEW, 30 Sophomores: […]
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Restaurateur’s First Book Coming Soon
This spring, Jessica Grasse, co-owner of Grasse’s Grill in Sister Bay, will be releasing Healing Hikes of Door County: A Meditative Guide to 10 Northern Door County Hikes. Mary Ann Rinkleff took the book’s cover photo, and Grasse’s aunt Janine created the watercolors throughout. All proceeds will support improved access to mental health in Door […]
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Poet’s Latest Book is a Love Letter to Home
Local poet Joseph Lopez has released Scared Gods, his most vulnerable work to date. It’s a study of a poet as he moves from nature to the city, a reflection on love and change, and an expression of his love for Sturgeon Bay and its people. This work starts small, grows bolder until it yells, […]
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UW-Green Bay Fall/Winter 2022 Honors List
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has announced the names of the undergraduate students who earned academic honors for the fall/winter 2022 semester. Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average (GPA), which represents all “A” grades, receive highest honors. High honors go to students who earn 3.99-3.75 GPAs, and those who earn 3.74-3.50 GPAs receive […]
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Seeking Native Speakers for Multilingual Reading
Write On, Door County is looking for people whose first language is not English to take part in a virtual reading Feb. 21, 7 pm, as part of International Mother Language Day: the day the United Nations has declared to “promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by the people of the world.” […]
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Enrollment Open for Gibraltar 4K, Kindergarten
Gibraltar Elementary School will open the enrollment window Feb. 1 for new students who intend to enroll in the 2023-24 4K or kindergarten programs through Gibraltar. To be eligible for the 4K program, children must be four years old by Sept. 1, 2023, and to be eligible for kindergarten, children must be five years old […]
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Book Recommendation: ‘Fairy Tale’ by Stephen King
Recommended by DOMINIC FRANDRUP, Director, Door County Library Seventeen-year-old Charlie is able to save the life of a cranky, old bachelor thanks to the barking of the man’s aging dog and eventually discovers the secret to the man’s vast wealth and the decay of the biggest house in town: a padlocked shed in his backyard […]
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Wisconsin Civics Games Registration Open Through Feb. 20
Registration for the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation’s Wisconsin Civics Games – a program that seeks to promote civics education and encourage Wisconsin high school students to develop an interest in public service – is now open. The 2023 Civics Games’ regional competitions will be held virtually April 13 and 14. Then the top-performing teams will advance […]
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Door County Reads Events Begin
The 2023 Door County Reads program will start this weekend with its official kickoff event. The selection this year is Andrew Graff’s Raft of Stars: the tale of two boys who run away into the wilds of northern Wisconsin and the people who are out searching for them. Former Gibraltar teacher and outdoor enthusiast Ron […]
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Gibraltar Approves Replacing Leaky Roof and Windows in DCA The Gibraltar Area School Board on Monday approved contracts to replace the roof on Door Community Auditorium and to spend three years and up to $90,000 total replacing windows for safety reasons. The board will replace 13-14 windows per year for three years in the old, […]
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Terry Murphy Releases Eighth Album
Wisconsin singer-songwriter Terry Murphy has released his eighth studio album, Wasted Potential, in digital and CD formats. Fans are hailing this collection as some of his best work: a refined sound shaped by the extended family of Door County musicians who helped to make the album possible. The songs tell the story of life in […]
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Dead Horses at the Kress Pavilion
Dead Horses – an intimate, folk-inspired conversation between two close friends – will take the Kress Pavilion stage Feb. 10, 7 pm, during its Art of Music winter concert series. Guitarist/singer Sarah Vos and bassist Daniel Wolff weave a vibrant patchwork of classic and contemporary influences that span traditional roots, indie folk and experimental musical idioms, and […]
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PMF’s new music director finds bits of his heritage in Door County There’s an old joke, according to Norwegian conductor Rune Bergmann, that Norwegians and other Scandinavians didn’t show much imagination when they immigrated to America because many of them settled in cold, woodsy areas that were nearly indistinguishable from the places they’d left. “They […]
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Pond Hockey Tourney Seeks Scorekeepers
Do you want to be a part of the action at the Door County Pond Hockey Tournament? Organizers are seeking volunteers to help them host nearly 50 teams at the Sister Bay Sports Complex for a full day of hockey on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. Volunteers are needed to keep score during the games. Shifts […]
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This Week’s Activities at Crossroads at Big Creek
It’s going to be a week of fun and games at Crossroads at Big Creek, starting with Science Saturday on Jan. 28, 1-4 pm. Stop by the Collins Learning Center to explore science through games, and enjoy hot chocolate and a fire. The Quantum Revolution lecture series will continue Jan. 28, 1-4 pm, at the […]
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Celebrate the Season at Fish Creek’s Winterfest
The first weekend of February will soon be here, and that means one thing: Winterfest – Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition – will return for its 35th year. And this just might be the year when you become an ice-bowling champion, win the not-so-serious Fruit Loop Fun Run, learn to play the stumpf fiddle or hunt down a […]
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Trees and Mushrooms: How Are They Connected
It was in the autumn of 1993 when my late husband, Roy, and I set out on a four-week driving trip to see the mountains and giant trees of the Pacific Northwest. We had both taught classes at The Clearing Folk School in Ellison Bay and were eager to see some of the places that […]
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Bits and Bites: Lunch by Drömhus and Fish Creek Market
Drömhus Adds Lunch Service Drömhus – the self-described “celebration venue and eatery” on Jefferson Street in Sturgeon Bay – is adding lunch service to its offerings. Enjoy soups, salads, flatbreads, coffee, Fika treats and more Wednesday-Sunday, 11 am – 1 pm. It’s also open 5-9 pm for dinner service. Learn more about Drömhus, 611 Jefferson St., and see […]
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Wickman House Earns James Beard Nomination
Mike Holmes woke from a crazy restaurant-service nightmare Wednesday, only to learn a few minutes later that his restaurant had achieved one of his dreams. “I was having this dream where it was the height of COVID, and we were having to do Wickman service at my parents’ house,” Holmes said. “Then I woke up, […]
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Griffon String Quartet Auditions Open
The Griffon String Quartet is holding auditions for new members. “I am happy to report that the final phase of the Griffon transition is in motion,” said violinist and founding member Roy Meyer. “We are now accepting applications for the positions of second violin, viola and cello.” Applications are being accepted online through March 15, […]
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Cast Announced for “The Play’s the Thing” by Peninsula Players Theater
Peninsula Players Theatre has announced the cast for the first play reading in its annual The Play’s the Thing series. A reading of Painted Desert, a new play by Christopher G. Smith, is scheduled for Feb. 6, 7 pm, at Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Lane in Baileys Harbor. In Painted Desert, a charming but possibly dangerous […]
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The Knobs’ First 2023 Improv Show
The Knobs improv group, which began in 2022 and features local talent, is giving its first show of the year Jan. 31, 7 pm, at Peach Barn Brewery, 2450 S. Bay Shore Dr. in Sister Bay. Get there early to grab a seat, beer or seltzer. There’s a $10 cover charge. You never know what […]
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Music, Comedy, Mystery and More at Third Avenue Playworks
Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) has announced the lineup for its 2023 season: five shows – from new work to fun-filled classics – running from May to December. The world premiere of I Carry Your Heart with Me by Jennifer Blackmer will take the stage May 12-28. In this work – presented as part of the inaugural World […]
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TAP’s new play-reading club brings dramatic literature to the fore Many people haven’t read a play since they skimmed Hamlet in their high school English class, but Jacob Janssen, artistic director at Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP), thinks more people should. That’s why TAP, in conjunction with the Sturgeon Bay Library, has started a monthly play-reading […]
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Door County’s New Theater Troupe Focuses on Classics
Heads up, Door County – there’s a new theater company in town. Actors Collaborative Door County (ACDC) is kicking off its first production at the end of this month. It’s starting small with a six-person cast performing a one-act play titled Hello Out There, but the organization’s founder – theater instructor and longtime actress Ginger Auld […]
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Algoma Sculptor Juried Into New York Show
Algoma sculptor Bren Sibilsky was recently juried into The Healing Power of ART Inspired by Nature exhibit, sponsored by Healing Power of Art & Artists, an initiative of Manhattan Arts International. She has previously earned several Awards of Excellence in this New York show, as well as a Best of Show in 2007. Sibilsky’s piece, […]
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Watercolor Workshop at ARTicipation Studio & Gallery
ARTicipation Studio & Gallery will host a watercolor workshop with Steve Krueger on Jan. 28, 1-4 pm, when he will guide participants through the basics of watercolor technique and share tips and tricks that he’s learned throughout his many years as a watercolorist. The cost of $55 includes all materials, but participants are welcome to […]
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How Does a Curator Choose Artists’ Work to Exhibit?
For Helen del Guidice, being a curator in 2023 means spending plenty of time on Instagram. It’s a great way to find artists’ work to exhibit at Sturgeon Bay’s Miller Art Museum and to monitor “what other galleries are offering, who’s talking about what, who’s rising, who’s going stagnant,” she said. When del Guidice scouring […]
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Tourism & the Visitor Economy: The Visitor Economy Can Help Us All
by JULIE GILBERT, President and CEO, Destination Door County A new initiative called the Community Investment Fund that we launched recently is now a reality. Earlier this month, we hosted several information sessions that provided details about how local units of government and 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations can apply for funding assistance for projects that […]
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July 18, 1953 ~ December 15, 2022 Michael Dale Martin, 69, of Sister Bay, WI, formerly of Lexington, OH, died Thursday morning, December 15, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society – Scandia Village in Sister Bay. He was born July 18, 1953 in Marion, OH, the son of Dale Franklin Martin and Elsie Kathryn (Long) Martin. […]
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September 22, 1942 ~ January 22, 2023 Carol Lynn Williams, 80, of Baileys Harbor, WI, passed away Sunday morning, January 22, 2023 at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, WI with family at her side. She was born September 22, 1942 in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Russell “Russ” Walter Weibler and Shirley […]
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August 19, 1933 ~ January 20, 2023 Jean Neuman, 89, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully at home on Friday, January 20, 2023. She was born August 19, 1933 in Chicago, daughter of the late Robert G. and Gladys A (Colley) Rutter. Jean graduated from Taft High School with the Class of 1951. On December 27, […]
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March 12, 1929 ~ January 22, 2023 Farmer, county historian and environmental conservator, George L. Evenson, 93, of Sturgeon Bay died Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Sturgeon Bay Health Services. George was born Louis George Evenson on March 12, 1929 in Sturgeon Bay the son of the late Louis and Selma (Hendricks) Evenson. He graduated from Sevastopol […]
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April 14, 1935 ~ January 20, 2023 Douglas O. Kuhlka, 87 years, formerly of Nekoosa, WI died January 20, 2023, at his home in the Town of Jacksonport surrounded by his family. He was born April 14, 1935 in Babcock, WI the son of late Otto and Lauretta (Keenan) Kuhlka. Douglas served his country with the U.S. […]
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Obituary: Janet Marie Mickelson
January 17, 1928 ~ January 21, 2023 Janet Marie Mickelson, 95, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Door County Medical Center, Pete and Jelaine Horton Center Skilled Nursing Facility surrounded by her sons. She was born January 17, 1928, in Sawyer, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Clarence M. and Esther […]
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August 14, 1966 ~ January 21, 2023 Randy A. Fike, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Aurora Bay Care Medical Center in Green Bay, due to cardiac complications. He was born August 14, 1966 in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania son of the late Jack and Irene (Clayton) Fike. Randy graduated from Waynesburg High […]
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Egg Harbor Unveils Updated Highway Redevelopment Plan
Comments are being taken until Jan. 25 A recording of the meeting about the Village of Egg Harbor’s Highway 42 project, as well as the village’s presentations and the project plans, can be found at villageofeggharbor.org. The village is taking comments on those plans until 5 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 25, by email at [email protected] […]
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Obituary: Stephen Albert Gerdmann
December 2, 1942 ~ January 18, 2023 Stephen A. Gerdmann, 80, of Sturgeon Bay, beloved son of Alfred and Alma Gerdmann died Wednesday January 18, 2023 at Aurora Bay Care Medical Center in Green Bay. Stephen was their first born son and his surviving siblings are Nancy (William) Antink, Anthony (Lynn) Gerdmann, Lancing (Swanee) Gerdmann, […]
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Obituary: Elizabeth “Betty” Anne Gagnon
November 19, 1937 ~ January 15, 2023 Elizabeth “Betty” Anne Gagnon, 85, of the Town of Jacksonport, died Sunday afternoon, January 15, 2023 at Sturgeon Bay Health Services. She was born November 19, 1937 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Adolph and Anna (Klauke) Schmidt. Betty’s family moved to Door County in 1951, building a […]