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Peninsula Pulse – Jan. 8 – 15, 2016

In this issue

  • Free Music, Family Art Day, Winter Hikes & More Weekend Plans

    It’s sure to be another beautiful and quiet weekend on the peninsula. Looking for something fun to do? We’ve got our top picks for the weekend ahead to get you out of the house! Friday, January 15 Loaves and Fishes Enjoy a free family style meal at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College during this month’s Loaves […]

  • 59th Annual Angel Ball Raises $40,000 for Scholarship Fund

    The Door County Medical Center Auxiliary thanks all those who contributed to the success of the 59th annual Angel Ball Scholarship Fund. The Angel Ball was held at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club, and proceeds from the event raised more than $40,000 for the scholarship fund. Scholarships are awarded to high school graduates, hospital employees, […]

  • Featured Pet: Pickle

    Hi there, my name is Pickle. I am a beautiful girl with a black and white coat and am at the prime age of six years old. Some say I have many similarities to the fabulous Marilyn Monroe and I tend to agree. First, Marilyn and I both have a matching facial beauty mark. In […]

  • Common Council Battle Over Street Vacation

    The continuing rift between the old guard and new guard in Sturgeon Bay government was made even more apparent at the Jan. 5 Common Council meeting when freshman District 1 Alderwoman Kelly Catarozoli said to District 5 Alderman Jerry Stults, “I see my job as an elected official and you seem like a lobbyist for […]

  • Door County Civility Project to Host “Speak Your Peace” Workshops

    The Door County Civility Project will host a series of workshops, called “Speak Your Peace,” to promote civility in the community. These interactive workshops are free and open to the public. Each workshop is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to explore the meaning of civility and learn techniques for enhancing everyday interactions with […]

  • Roy Lukes: Hairy Woodpecker

    The Hairy Woodpecker, that bird without so much as one hair on its body, is one of my favorite birds on our property. I say this from an ecological viewpoint and not from what these wood “chiselers” had done to our wooden house built in their woods. It has been known for a long time […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Supporting All Peaceful People of God

    The Church Council of Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay wishes to express our concern about the growth of prejudice and intolerance toward the Muslim faith communities in our country. Recent comments have preyed upon the fears of many of our citizens. In reality, terrorism, extremism and attacks on innocent people are in […]

  • News Bulletin: Jan. 8 – 14

    Sturgeon Bay has been nominated as one of the 10 Happiest Seaside Towns in America and an online poll is in progress to determine which town will be named No. 1. Voting is easy and there is no sign up. Voting is open through 2 am Jan. 25. You can vote from the same device or […]

  • Knowing the Snow: Door County Native Enters World of Heli-Skiing

    He lists his addresses as Vail, Colo., and Door County, Wis., but when I first met Stewart Birmingham, he was a Gibraltar High School Ski and Snowboard Club member, taking part in one of the many ski trips I coordinated for youths. But he was never an ordinary skier. He was the one doing backflips […]

  • Pet Talk: Jan. 8, 2016

    By Sally Salopek Q: We have a cat named Charlie who is always knocking things off of shelves and counters. Some of the things have broken, like a glass. Is there any way we can stop Charlie from this bad habit? A: Sometimes cats will send items crashing to the floor because of vigorous play, […]

  • Financial Counseling Offered to Young Mothers through New Cradle to Career Program

    Thanks to a grant from the Women’s Fund of Door County starting with the 2015-16 cycle, Money Management Counselors powered by FI$C, will provide specialized one-on-one financial counseling and educational presentations to young mothers and families in collaboration with the Door County Cradle to Career (DCCTC) Program and women’s groups in local churches. The DCCTC […]

  • Science Snippet: Jan. 8, 2016

      The dragonfly’s head is mostly eyes, as it has been for more than 300 million years. These eyes are essential to their survival because they are carnivores (meat eaters) and they must catch and eat smaller flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and even smaller dragonflies. Their oversize eyes, which have a visual range […]

  • Learn About Transportation Options from Door-Tran

    Door-Tran will host transportation information workshops in 2016 called “Getting Where You Need To Go.” At these workshops, learn how Door-Tran and their transportation partners can get people where they need to go. Various transportation options were implemented in the past nine years based on needs in the community. Door-Tran staff will provide an overview […]

  • Obituary: Emery R. Krueger

    Emery R. Krueger, 92 years, of Sturgeon Bay, joined the love of his life in heaven on Monday morning January 4, 2016. He was born January 20, 1923 in Green Bay, the son of the late Richard and Louise (Nowitke) Krueger. Emery attended Roosevelt Grade School and Green Bay East High School class of 1941. […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Save Eagle Tower Update

    Our Save Eagle Tower petition has reached 1,232 signatures. The petition was created and circulated by Door Property Owners. The comments show that the majority of people would like the tower restored. Our petition has been sent to Governor Walker, Senator Frank Lasee, Jean Romback Bartels (DNR-NE WI Director), Senator Robert Cowles and Representative Joel […]

  • Obituary: Barbara Jean Vickery

    Barbara Jean Vickery, 77, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Monday afternoon, December 28, 2015, at Ministry Door County Medical Center. She was born June 28, 1938, in Green Bay, the daughter of the late Robert J. and Jean (Gray) Simon. Her father, Robert, was killed in action in WWII at the offensive in New Guinea […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Heed the Plea for Preservation

    Paul Burton’s recent accurate letter lamenting Sturgeon Bay’s loss of, and threats to, the public’s best interests should be heeded. It would be well to extend his plea for preservation to all of Door County in all of its various policies, special interests and endangered treasures. That includes our wooded roads, our water views, our […]

  • Door County Cradle to Career Launches New Programs in 2016

    The Door County Cradle to Career (DCCTC) coalition launched a new program at Lakeshore CAP on Third Avenue in Sturgeon Bay. The program is designed to connect pregnant individuals and parents of young children with a supportive network of resources offered by Door County Departments of Public Health and Human Services, Door County Job Center, […]

  • Reps in the News: Jan. 8 – 14

    Governor Scott Walker On Jan. 4, Governor Walker requested a joint session of the Wisconsin State Legislature on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 7 pm for the purpose of delivering the 2016 State of the State Address. Source: Walker press release  Representative Reid Ribble Ribble released the following statement after voting on Dec. 18 with a […]

  • Ridges Receives Rotary Grant for Landscaping Projects

    Tom Guyette, past district governor of Rotary Club District 6220 and chair of the district’s foundation, spoke at the Jan. 6 meeting of the Rotary Club of Door County North, held at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor. Guyette presented a check from the District 6220 Rotary Foundation to the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor […]

  • Eagle Tower Report Questioned with Peer Review

    When Eagle Tower was closed last May for structural concerns, followed with a recommendation that the tower be torn down, the public held its breath. Then in September park officials said the tower will most likely be taken down in the fall and all hope seemed lost. Now, after a peer review of the original […]

  • Sister Bay Takes Ideas for Empty Property Downtown

    Residents who attended the Jan. 5 meeting of the Sister Bay Economic Development Committee were asked to return to third grade. Using foam paper, colored pipe cleaners and glue, they colored up their vision for what Sister Bay should do to the “Braun property” on the corner of Bay Shore Drive and Mill Road. While […]

  • St. John Bosco School Receives Certificate of Recognition of Veteran Support

    St. John Bosco Catholic School received a Certificate of Recognition from the State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs for their support of Wisconsin veterans. This certificate was presented to St. John Bosco in appreciation for their 2015 Veteran’s Day project. In honor of Veterans Day, the students in first through eighth grade wrote personal […]

  • By the Numbers: Affordable Care Act

    2.9 Average increase in marketplace premiums from 2014 to 2015.   10 Percentage of non-elderly adults in the U.S. who remain uninsured.   41 Percentage of silver plans that have narrow provider networks.   5.7 million The number of people who will be uninsured in 2016 because 20 states (including Wisconsin) are not expanding Medicaid. […]

  • Ski and Snowshoe for Free at Crossroads

    Crossroads at Big Creek lends, free of charge, an array of ski and snowshoe equipment, sizes to fit age 3 through large adult. When trail conditions permit, go to the Crossroads Maintenance Building where volunteers will fit you with equipment, share a few pointers and a trail map and send you out on groomed (classical […]

  • Annual Appeal for Habitat for Humanity

    Door County Habitat for Humanity has had a terrific response to its annual appeal and as of Dec. 22 has raised 20 percent of the goal. As Door County Habitat for Humanity enters its 23rd year, the goal is to provide a home for the Miller family. Additionally, they plan to complete 12 A Brush […]

  • Clean Air Act Violations Filed Against Volkswagen

    The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, filed a civil complaint on Jan. 4 in federal court in Detroit, Michigan against Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC, Porsche AG, and Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (collectively referred to as […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Thanks for Successful Kettle Campaign

    Nancy Kexel-Calabresa sends a big thank-you to the many folks who rang the bell for The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign in Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor this season. Nearly 200 ringers donated more than 700 hours of volunteer time to raise funds for the essential emergency services the Army provides right here in Door […]

  • Door County Humane Society Changes Adoption Hours in 2016

    The Door County Humane Society (DCHS) is making two substantial changes to its organization to better serve the Door County community and to increase the number of adoptions taking place at DCHS. In 2016, DCHS has changed the visiting and adoption hours that are open to the public. “Being open until later in the day […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Right to Life Walk on Jan. 21

    As we mark 43 years of legalized abortion, the Door County Chapter of Wis. Right to Life will again be having a silent Candlelight Prayer Vigil Walk on Thursday, Jan. 21, starting at 6:30 pm, meeting in front of the Government Center, 421 Nebraska St., and proceeding to the hospital. This silent prayer vigil walk […]

  • Bank of Luxemburg to Open New Branch in Kewaunee

    Bank of Luxemburg has announced plans, contingent on obtaining regulatory approval, to build a new branch in Kewaunee. During construction, the bank is planning to operate a branch in temporary location, opening early 2016. In addition – considering all the changes that other Kewaunee-area financial institutions are undergoing – this new Bank of Luxemburg branch […]

  • High School Winter Athletics: Jan. 8, 2016

    GIBRALTAR Boys Basketball Jan. 8 @ Southern Door, 7:30 pm Jan. 12 vs. Sturgeon Bay, 7:30 pm Girls Basketball Jan. 8 vs. Oneida Nation, 7 pm Jan. 9 @ Florence, 2:15 pm Jan. 14 vs. Kewaunee, 7:30 pm   SEVASTOPOL  Boys Basketball Jan. 12 vs. Southern Door, 7:30 pm  Girls Basketball Jan. 12 @ Gresham, […]

  • Obituary: Virginia Theresa Tolson

    Virginia Theresa Tolson, 88, of Sturgeon Bay, formerly of California and Florida, went Home to the Lord Tuesday night, December 29, 2015, while at Golden Living Center-Dorchester where she had been living the past four years. She was born May 6, 1927, in Hagerstown, MD, the daughter of Francis James Butler and Anna R. (Matthews) […]

  • Register for 2016 Learning in Retirement Classes at NWTC

    Registration for Learning in Retirement (LIR) Spring 2016 classes begins Jan. 11 in the NWTC Lounge at 10 am. It begins with a two-hour presentation, followed by registration. Registration Week continues Monday through Friday, Jan. 11 – 15, 10 am – 2 pm, in the NWTC Lobby. The deadline for all registrations is Jan. 15; […]

  • Obituary: Ruby Dufek

    Ruby Catherine Elizabeth (Schulties) Dufek, formerly of Gardner, passed away on January 2, 2016.  She was born November 14, 1915, to the late John and Adeline Schulties.  Ruby just celebrated her 100th birthday.  In 1936, Ruby was united in marriage to Matt Dufek with whom she celebrated almost 60 years of marriage.  They farmed in […]

  • An Outlook: To Err is Steve (At Least During the Holiday Season) or, I Am A Dink

    I prefer my life to have a routine. When I go to sleep at night I have a pretty good idea of what the next day will include, and though some unexpected things always arise, I manage them because the framework of my day generally goes as planned. The holidays wreak havoc on my routine, […]

  • Municipal News: Jan. 8 – 14

    City of Sturgeon Bay: The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing in the council chambers at noon on Jan. 12 regarding a request from Jim Olson Chrysler for a variance on the municipal code that requires impervious surfaces not to exceed 70 percent of the total lot area. The request is to […]

  • Commentary: A New Tool for Giving

    It took nearly 10 years, four renewals of temporary laws, two budget crises, and one government shutdown, but eventually our friends in Washington finally came together to give our communities a powerful tool for charitable giving both today and in estate plans. On Dec. 18, new legislation was signed into law which restored and made […]

  • Door County History in Pictures: Horse-Drawn Mower, 1955

    Marilyn Peterson sent in this photo that she took while vacationing in Door County in July 1955. “I was quite taken by the mower at Gibraltar Schools as I’d never seen it done by a horse-drawn apparatus. I have no idea the identity of the gentleman, but the house in the background is still there. […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Leaders Have Considered the Public Good

    As a former alderman and mayor in Sturgeon Bay, I read Paul Burton’s recent letter with interest and disagreed with just about everything he said about my hometown. My family has a long history of service and involvement in a number of developments in Sturgeon Bay and the downtown waterfront areas as well. When I […]

  • Monday Night Volleyball: Jan. 8, 2016

    STANDINGS As of Jan. 4, 2016 A League, W-L Nicolet Beach Concessions, 23-1 Music Masters DJs, 13-8 Bayshore Powerballers, 11-10 Bay Area Transplant, 6-15 YMCA, 1-20 B League, W-L Red Room, 26-1 Renard’s Cheese, 22-5 Brick Lot, 15-12 Hatco, 12-15 Econo Double Baggers, 10-17 Para Tran, 10-17 Whiskepedia, 9-18 Peninsula Podiatry, 6-21 RESULTS Jan. 4 […]

  • Commentary: The Public Trust and AB 600

    By Arlen Christenson   Wisconsin is blessed with beautiful and productive lakes, rivers and wetlands. Our waters abound in opportunities for boating, fishing and hunting, swimming, and enjoying scenic beauty. Best of all the waters of Wisconsin belong to us, the people of Wisconsin. The state holds them in trust solely for our benefit. It […]

  • Ethel and Tom Davis Join Forces for Dickinson Poetry Series

    A central Wisconsin couple joins forces as the featured poets at the Dickinson Poetry Series on Jan. 13, 7 pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in north Ephraim. Ethel Mortenson Davis was raised on a dairy farm in Marathon County where she was instilled with a deep sense of the earth and its diverse creatures. […]

  • Announcing the 2016 Hal Prize Contest

    The Peninsula Pulse proudly presents the 2016 Hal Prize. The Hal Prize is open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and to photographers throughout the United States. The contest offers publication in the Peninsula Pulse’s annual Literary Issue, reaching a readership of 17,000. Cash awards of up to $150, a week stay at Write On, […]

  • Learn to Improve Habitat Naturally at Master Gardeners Lecture

    On Jan. 12 at 7 pm, the Door County Master Gardener’s Association Continuing Education Program will present “Improving Habitat with Native Plants” at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay. Coggin Heeringa is the presenter. Most gardeners love songbirds, butterflies and other wildlife. Recent research on the interactions between plants and wildlife done by Dr. […]

  • When Snow Blankets the Forest

    The elementary student stared at the thermometer in disbelief. His class was on a winter field trip to Crossroads at Big Creek and at one of the activity stations, the children were asked to take the temperature of the air and then to insert the thermometer as deeply as possible into the snow and check […]

  • Questions & Artists: Peggi Kroll-Roberts

    When I first saw Peggi Kroll-Roberts’ paintings, I was intrigued by the seeming simplicity of the work. Here was a great painter who had achieved what most of us want: a simple way to show the subject. Her work is based on a complete understanding of her subject, knowing important values, and using only what […]

  • Manners Matter: Jan. 8, 2016

    Dear Mary Pat, What do you think of a friend who never has dinner parties or group gatherings at her house, to reciprocate, because she doesn’t want to get her house dirty? Signed, RELAX Sturgeon Bay, Wis.   Dear RELAX, I think your friend might have some issues with perfectionism, or maybe she has OCD? […]

  • DPI Introduces New “Wisconsin Writes” Video Series

    The Department of Public Instruction is filling a void in the world of educational materials thanks to a collaborative project involving DPI staff and more than a dozen authors from around Wisconsin. The video series, called “Wisconsin Writes,” features walk-throughs of the writing process by each author and a look at their typical workday. Each […]

  • Overheard and Pet Peeves: Jan. 8, 2016

    OVERHEARD Are there tid-bits of conversations you’ve heard while standing in line at the grocery store, serving a table, or walking down the sidewalk that make you smile, cringe or laugh out loud?   “There are no bad musicians from the 80s.”   “I was probably living at Camp David then. We weren’t paying attention […]

  • Server of the Week: Monika Petkute

    If your vehicle is in need of fuel And your body is too Stop to see cashier Monika Petkute at Sister Bay Mobil on Highway 42.   She’s a hard-working lady Who loves the great outdoors too! When not working hard all day Hanging with her 2-year-old Leila is what she loves to do.

  • Readers Rampant to Discuss “The Kitchen House”

    Readers Rampant book club of the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Public Library will meet Jan. 12 to discuss The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. Book club meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 2:30 pm in the library’s Community Room. Light refreshments are served. The February selection, for the Feb. 9 discussion, […]

  • Businesses Invited to Door County Wedding Vendor Strategic Planning & Marketing Conference

    Door County businesses or individuals that benefit from the wedding industry are invited to attend the inaugural Door County Wedding Vendor Strategic Planning & Marketing Conference on Jan. 12, 9 am – 12 pm. The conference is presented by Door County Style Wedding Magazine and the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center, and will be held at […]

  • Kathy Surges Wins Hardy Raffle

    The Hardy Gallery is pleased to announce their annual fundraising raffle drawing came to a close on Oct. 13, 2015 with Kathy Surges, owner of Hide Side Corner Store in Fish Creek, as the lucky recipient of a masterful work created by Bonnie Paruch. This year’s fundraiser was the most successful to date, selling more […]

  • Distinguished Lecture Series Opens with “New Physics” Lecture

    On Jan. 9, Door Community Auditorium (DCA) will present the first installment of its 2016 Distinguished Lecture Series. At 9 am, DCA’s Distinguished Lecture Series will offer a lecture titled “Searching for New Physics at the High-Energy Frontier (Without Actually Going There),” presented by St. Norbert College lecturer Dr. Michael N. Olson. Olson will discuss […]

  • Call for Art Teams for PenArt’s Mad Hatter’s Ball

    Creative competition in madcap, timed events is in store for members of Art Teams at the Mad Hatter’s Ball on Jan. 23, 6 – 9 pm, at Peninsula School of Art in Fish Creek. Anyone 21-years-old and older is invited to form a team of six members to compete for prizes during the Ball. Artistic […]

  • The Bestseller List: Jan. 8, 2016

    HARDCOVER FICTION 1. All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr 2. The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins 3. Rogue Lawyer, by John Grisham 4. The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah 5. Go Set a Watchman, by Harper Lee HARDCOVER NONFICTION  1. Thing Explainer, by Randall Munroe 2. Between the World and Me, […]

  • Applicants Sought for Alice in Dairyland

    The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is accepting applications for the 69th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s official agriculture ambassador. Application materials are due Monday, Feb. 8. “This position has provided me with unique professional development opportunities unlike any job I’ve had before,” said Teyanna Loether, the 68th Alice in Dairyland. “Each day […]

  • Trivia: Jan. 8, 2016

    This week’s question: According to the United States Postal Service, what are the five most common street names in the country? Answer: In next week’s issue.   Last week’s question: What was the first American brewery to sell beer in cans? Answer: G. Krueger Brewing Company of Newark, New Jersey in 1935.  

  • Washington Island Artists Featured in UU Gallery

    The Washington Island Art Association (WIAA) kicks off the New Year in the UU Gallery with a two-month long exhibit. This second annual WIAA show at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County features artists who are members of the Association. The group formed in the early 1960s when artists gathered at Martha Stelter’s Holiday […]

  • “Trashed” to be Viewed and Discussed at UUF

    Were you shocked by the amount of trash you created during the holidays? Mark your calendar to see a film designed to make you think before you buy. The documentary Trashed will be viewed and discussed on Jan. 19 at 4:30 pm. Admission is free. In this groundbreaking environmental documentary, Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons […]

  • Pulse Price Report: Jan. 8, 2016

    Crop prices (Jan. 4) Rio Creek Feed Mill – Algoma Commodity Price Basis New-Crop Corn $3.33/bushel -0.50 New-Crop Soybeans $8.08/bushel -0.75 New-Crop Wheat (SRW) $4.18/bushel -0.65   Fox River Valley Ethanol – Green Bay Corn $3.26/bushel -0.33 New-Crop Corn $3.43/bushel -0.40   Basis: The difference between the local cash price for a commodity and the […]

  • Bruce Joffe Releases New Book

    Sturgeon Bay pastor and professor Bruce H. Joffe knows that his new book, My Name Is Heretic: Reforming the Church, from Guts to Glory, is bound to upset some people, especially those who believe that the Bible is absolutely inerrant and literally true. Promotional copy on the book’s back cover reads: “You can’t box God […]

  • Enough Snow to Ski for Free at Crossroads

    Crossroads at Big Creek looks very different now that Door County has some snow. Sparkling drifts cover the hills, trees appear flocked, and tracks reveal the evidence of the mammals that make Crossroads their winter home. Volunteers at Crossroads have established trails. Some trails are designated as ski trails which Facilities Manager Rich Propsom grooms […]

  • Johnsmith Returns to White Gull for Concert

    Johnsmith will be featured in concert at the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek on Jan. 13 at 8 pm. Wisconsin based singer-songwriter Johnsmith describes himself as a bard. “The role of the bard in every society is to hold up a mirror to that society, to convey and reveal – through the mysterious alchemy […]

  • Cheers!: Is This the Holy Grail?

      Once the brandy cake was in the oven on Christmas Eve, I turned my attention to a long anticipated bottle of Lindeman’s Faro Lambic. Where do I begin to sing the praises of this wonderfully inspiring beer? Will “Yum!” suffice? Here’s what the label says: “Lindeman’s Faro is a lambic made from local barley, […]

  • Door County Pickers Open Coffeehouse Concert Series

    The first Coffeehouse Concert is scheduled for Jan. 9 with the Door County Pickers and an evening of down-home music from some of the peninsula’s favorite musicians. The concert takes place at 7 pm in the Door Community Auditorium (DCA) Fireside Lobby. Guitarist Larry “Thor” Thoreson will emcee the evening, which will feature music on […]

  • Framed: Polar Bears in Jacksonport

    Jacksonport Polar Bear swimmers make their way back to warm, dry land after taking the plunge on New Year’s Day. Photo by Len Villano.

  • Hillside Inn of Ephraim to Reopen Doors in 2016

    The Hillside Inn of Ephraim will reopen its doors in February 2016. Diane Taillon, owner/broker of Arbor Crowne Properties, and a longtime, year-round resident of Ephraim, has been dreaming of this day for many years, and it’s now a reality. “The Hillside Inn is one of the most iconic historical structures in Ephraim and Door […]