Navigation

Peninsula Pulse July 10-17, 2020

Published

In this issue

  • Obituary: Elizabeth Louise Madsen Ciesar

    October 19, 1939 – June 29, 2020 Elizabeth Louise Madsen Ciesar, 80, of Fish Creek, Wisconsin, died June 29, 2020.  Beth was born October 19, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois to Eileen Mae Hearle Madsen and CarlTheodore Madsen (Sister Bay WI). Beth graduated from George Rogers Clark High school in Hammond, Indiana, and achieved a BS in Fine Art at Purdue […]

  • Leadership Changes, New Experiences at Crossroads

    For Laurel Hauser, the new interim executive director of Crossroads at Big Creek, taking the lead at the preserve on the edge of Sturgeon Bay was a natural fit in more ways than one.  “Our family has loved Crossroads and been users of Crossroads forever,” said Hauser, a former Sturgeon Bay Common Council member and […]

  • Murakami’s Works Challenge in the Best Ways

    by Andrew Kleidon-Linstrom, [email protected] When I dig into a new piece of fiction, I’m always excited to enter a new world. I’m a big sci-fi and fantasy buff because I love taking an epic journey, getting attached to a cast of characters and turning my brain off by indulging in action and mystery.  As a […]

  • TAP Kicks Off Public Capital Campaign

    With half of the $3.5 million already raised, demolition has begun Performing-arts centers are riding out the wave of the coronavirus pandemic with canceled shows, plays and musicals across the country. On 3rd Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP), too, has gone quiet with the cancellation of its summer season. Inside, however, a […]

  • Wendy Carpenter: Using Textile Art to Facilitate Healing

    One day in December, as Jennifer Seydel sat in her living room and struggled to comprehend the tragedy that had radically changed the trajectory of her life, the name of a woman she had met only once popped into her head: Wendy Carpenter. Seydel and her husband, Mark, had met Carpenter briefly, years before, during […]

  • Bay View Lutheran Church Gives Nearly $30,000 in Awards and Scholarships

    The Bay View Lutheran Church’s Endowment Committee has given a total of $29,765 in awards and scholarships from the Ken Anderson Endowment Fund. In the area of Bay View education programs, Donna Van Ramshorst, faith formation deacon; and Dori Arbter, high school youth worker, each received an award to attend the National Youth Workers Convention […]

  • Women Who Care of Northern Door County to Award Local Nonprofits

    The next quarterly meeting of the 100+ Women Who Care of Northern Door County giving circle will be livestreamed on Zoom on July 20, 6:30-7 pm. That night, the organization will award more than $19,000 to local nonprofits, bringing its donations since its 2018 inception to $138,000. Three nonprofits will be up for consideration and […]

  • Door County Historical Museum to Open July 13 for 81st Season

    The Door County Historical Museum, at the corner of 4th Avenue and Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay, will open July 13 for its 81st season, but the pandemic has made it necessary to reduce the number of days it’s open, its hours and the number of visitors allowed in at a time. Until further notice, […]

  • League of Women Voters to Sponsor Online Candidate Forum

    The Door County League of Women Voters (LWV) is sponsoring an online candidate forum July 13 for the office of Door County Treasurer.  The purpose of all LWV forums is to help voters select the most qualified, best-suited person for the office. These are not debates. These events consist of opening and closing statements and […]

  • Housing and Economic Development Authority to Host Webinar

    The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) will host a webinar July 13, 1 pm, to gather input for the launch of the competitive application process for its new rural affordable workforce housing pilot. The pilot will work with stakeholders from at least three rural communities to develop partnerships and processes. Rural community leaders, […]

  • PET TIP: Coming When Called

    Coming when called is something dogs must be taught how to do, and the only way to get your dog to come reliably is with training. The best way to teach this is to take small steps, have patience and be consistent! Here are some tips to help with your training: • First practice “Come” on […]

  • Wons Opens Door County base for SailTime Boat-Share Program

    Bill Wons has opened a Door County base for the SailTime boat-share program – the only Wisconsin base north of Milwaukee. He is captain of the Alissa Joy, a 35-foot Beneteau Oceanis sailboat that’s docked at Wave Pointe Marina, 3600 Cty CC in Sturgeon Bay.  SailTime Door County offers regular, flexible time on the water without […]

  • Ephraim Yacht Club’s Scholarship Fundraiser Canceled

    The Ephraim Yacht Club’s (EYC) Aaron R. Moore Scholarship fundraiser has been canceled for 2020. The fundraiser – and many contributions from Door County merchants, restaurants and inns – support the program to provide sailing scholarships for Door County youth who could not otherwise afford sailing lessons.  The EYC plans to resume its efforts in 2021 to […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Utilities to Add New 24/7 Kiosk

    Sturgeon Bay Utilities will soon make bill paying safer and easier through a new kiosk at its office at 230 E. Vine Street. Construction is scheduled to start this month. The kiosk – available 24/7 – will accept cash, checks, credit cards and debit cards. Additional lighting and security cameras are being added to the area […]

  • Farm Service Agency Accepting Applications for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

    The USDA’s Farm Service Agency will now accept applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through an online portal, expanding the options available to producers to apply for this program, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the pandemic. Through the portal, producers can certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and […]

  • Sevastopol Parents of Four-Year-Olds Should Contact School District

    The Sevastopol School District is asking all parents of four-year-old children – or children who will turn four before Sept. 1 – who reside within the district’s boundaries and who plan to enroll their child in school starting in the fall to contact the school.As planning progresses for the fall, district staff members want to […]

  • Nor Door Athletics Baseball Tournament: Jul. 10-17

    Results July 3 West Jacksonport 12, Institute 4 July 5 Maplewood 5, Washington Island 1 Kolberg 0, Egg Harbor 9 Sister Bay 13, Baileys Harbor 1 Standings Sister Bay, 2-0 West Jacksonport, 2-0 Egg Harbor, 2-0 Maplewood, 1-1 Kolberg, 1-1 Institute, 0-2 Washington Island, 0-2 Baileys Harbor, 0-2 Schedule All Sunday games start at 1:30 […]

  • Letter to the Editor: The Right of Revolution

    Throughout history, when the wealthy, aristocratic ruling class becomes excessively greedy, oppressed citizens eventually revolt. This right of revolution comes from the philosophy that all people have the right to life, liberty and a fair share of wealth. When this is not happening, people have banded together to instigate a revolution and replace the government […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Help the Baileys Harbor Green Site

    In recent years, Baileys Harbor has been fortunate to have access to the Green Site facility, which promotes recycling and provides a place to take compostable yard waste. Our Baileys Harbor maintenance crew has done an amazing job of caring for the Green Site – many thanks! And, because it always looks so good out […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Anonymous Cowards

    It was sad but not surprising to read the “Dear Anonymous Caller” letter in the Pulse. It does seem that there is an element of our society that prefers to make anonymous calls to the police, make obscene gestures while driving by in a cloud of exhaust fumes, and parade around carrying assault weapons with […]

  • Letter to the Editor: The Choice

    Letter to the Editor: The Choice Since the 2008 election, American voters haven’t been choosing “business as usual.” We are fed up, sick of the status quo of the state and its never-ending hunger for more power and control. Obama in 2008 and 2012 provided that choice. He was a community organizer and a young, […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Newport Wilderness Society Indebted to G. Leonard Apfelbach

    The Newport Wilderness Society and the people of Wisconsin lost a good friend and benefactor with the passing of Dr. G. Leonard “Len” Apfelbach.  I recently received two very different email messages that were actually linked. The first asked whether the Newport Wilderness Society had an upcoming astronomy program at Newport State Park – the writer […]

  • Letter to the Editor: To the Sister Bay Village Board

    We residents of Sister Bay trust that you not only act in our best interests but also see the big picture and plan long-term for our village, especially as members of our community try to open their businesses and restart our local economy. It’s wonderful to see so many businesses open and people back to […]

  • Editor’s Note: Help Us to Help Us All

    I’m happy to report that two months to the day that I started here at the Peninsula Pulse – May 4 – we were reunited with our belongings inside our new home.  It would not have been possible without the generosity of a best friend who allowed us to invade her home and privacy while we waited […]

  • Parks Committee Discusses Hotel Parking, Pebble Beach

    The Village of Sister Bay’s Parks and Properties Committee discussed parking for CHOP and the Dörr Hotel on June 29. Jaco Management, which owns the properties, requested that the public-parking signs for the parking lot behind CHOP come down after the hotel is completed. Plan Commission Chair Denise Bhirdo said it’s unclear, however, whether the […]

  • Access Expanding at Door County’s Libraries

    Starting July 13, the Door County Library will reopen with increased hours and services and limited browsing at all of its branches: Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Forestville, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove, Sturgeon Bay and Washington Island. The pickup service will also still be available.  The library has made many adjustments to service in […]

  • League of Women Voters of Door County Celebrates Senarighi’s Contributions

    Sturgeon Bay – The League of Women Voters of Door County (LWVDC) announced that longtime Chair Shirley Senarighi completed her term July 1. She’s been a league member since 2007 and has served in a leadership role since 2008.  In light of COVID-19, a celebration of Senarighi’s service could not be held, but the LWVDC’s […]

  • Campground Altercation Results in Two Wounded, Two Charged

    Two men were charged with felony battery following a July 4 altercation at a group campground on Washington Island. Artur Buts, 31, and Roman Malychkovych, 31, both from Chicago, were each taken into custody and charged with felony substantial battery with intentional bodily harm. Malychkovych was also charged with disorderly conduct. Door County Sheriff’s Office […]

  • PHOTOSYNTHESIS: Emerald Ash Borer Trails

    The Emerald ash borer is an invasive, wood-boring beetle that kills ash trees by eating the tissues under the bark. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, they are native to northeastern Asia and likely hitchhiked to the U.S. from China on wood from shipping crates.  The invasive bugs kill ash trees, causing them […]

  • Zero Sum Walking Lightly on the Earth

    Imagine starting a business. Difficult, right? Now imagine starting a business in which the amount and type of resources used are such that their impact on the planet is nonexistent. How can such a business be successful? That’s what Stroyan Dimitrov has set out to discover. The owner of a juice bar and breakfast cafe […]

  • Cultured DC Creates Sourdough, Other Fermented Foods

    There’s a new sourdough culture in the county, and we have the COVID-19 pandemic to thank because it allowed baker Mattea Fischer to devote herself to building her new business.  “I found myself without a full-time job, and I’m very privileged to have benefited in some small way as I was forced to create a […]

  • Historic Listing Sought for Potawatomi Tower

    Can the structure be repaired in place without breaking accessibility laws? Yes, no and maybe, depending upon who answers. The Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation (SBHSF) had been plugging away at efforts to save the 75-foot Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower, only to learn earlier this year that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) […]

  • Golf League Results: July 10, 2020

    IDLEWILD Senior Men’s Thursday 8:30 am Group  July 2, 2020 • Longest putt #11: John Melland • Closest to pin #13: Mike “Shoobie” Schumacher  • Closest second shot #15: John Tong • Closest to water #17: Joe Sutter • Low gross: (first) Jim Schaefer 39, (second) Dan McCluskey 40 • Low net:  Mark Jinkins 30 Open to all senior […]

  • Know Your Grower: Robbens Nest Farm

    Location: North of Sturgeon Bay at 4724 Mathey Road Acreage: 20 acres Meet your growers: Josiah Robben and Joe Lopez, plus farm dogs Judy and Dexter Josiah Robben and Joe Lopez have been growing and selling vegetables and flowers for 17 seasons in Door County, following in the footsteps of Robben’s grandparents’ self-sustaining family farm […]

  • Framed: The Rhythm Chicken

    On an otherwise subdued Fourth of July in Door County, the Rhythm Chicken – wearing a mask that was a little different from what the rest of us are wearing – held a parade of one in Baileys Harbor. Photo by Brett Kosmider.

  • Manners Matter: Cover Up Swimsuits in Restaurants, Stores

    Dear Mary Pat, I know we live in a resort area where swimsuits are common attire, but why do adults think it’s appropriate to go into a restaurant or store without a cover-up? If you’ve been at the beach all day and are going to pick up your dinner or pop into a store, layer […]

  • Server of the Week: Sophie Gillis at Wild Tomato in Fish Creek

    Favorite thing to do when you’re not working? I enjoy walking my dog through Peninsula State Park and painting in my free time.  Favorite place to swim in Door County? Nicolet Bay Beach.  What’s your secret talent? Being able to make most situations funny ones. I enjoy making my friends and customers laugh.  Favorite saying? […]

  • Wild Things: Major League Fishing Event ‘Live’ in Door County

    Not everyone’s a fan, but there’s no denying that bass-fishing tournaments have played a huge role in putting Sturgeon Bay on the map as a world-class smallmouth fishery. And this week, the area has the potential to lure even more visiting anglers when the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour and 80 of the top […]

  • Beach of the Week: Sand Bay Town Park

    Tucked away on the lake side of Liberty Grove in Sand Bay Town Park, Sand Bay Beach is both a versatile and relatively low-traffic beach. Depending on the day, it could be a great place to participate in an energetic beach scene or take a summer beach read and relax.  A large, grassy area contains […]

  • Lost Treasures: Baileys Harbor’s Lake Theatre

    A movie theater in Baileys Harbor?! Yup. Not that long ago, you could catch a summer flick next door to the Cornerstone Pub. For 53 years, the reels spun at the Quonset hut, one of 93 structures built for the military during World War II and then repurposed after the war.  Orville and Elton Voeks […]

  • Max Capacity at Peninsula State Park

    During the three years that Jennifer Birkholz has been park superintendent at Peninsula State Park, she’s never had to issue a capacity closure. That changed July 4, when motorists were parking on the grass and in the picnic areas.  “At that point, we have to turn people away,” Birkholz said. The closure to motorists – […]

  • Blackbird Bake Shop Offers Custom Cakes, Cupcakes

    Professionally trained baker and pastry chef Sara Unkefer has opened her own business in the space where Cloud Nine had been on County Q between Baileys Harbor and Sister Bay. The new venture, Blackbird Bake Shop, is not currently open to the public, but it is open for custom cake and cupcake orders.  Unkefer, who […]

  • Rowleys Bay Resort’s Fish Boils Are on Pause

    Grandma’s Swedish Bakery’s Pecan Rolls Are Not After a trial run opening during the July Fourth weekend, owner Jewel Ouradnik announced on Instagram that the restaurant and fish boils at Rowleys Bay Restaurant and Resort are going to be closed for the time being.  “With the business model we have and our lack of staff, […]

  • Your Summer Lobster Roll is at Harbor Fish Market

    Although we aren’t surrounded by the salty waters of the ocean here in Door County, you can still indulge in the coastal favorite sandwich of the summer: the lobster roll.  Several places throughout the peninsula serve a lobster roll, but last week I tried Harbor Fish Market in Baileys Harbor, which is known for its […]

  • Door County Delivered Donates to Emergency Response Fund

    Door County Delivered recently donated $1,011 to the Door County Emergency Response Fund – the result of 10 percent of each of its Classic Door County Delivered box purchases being set aside for donating. Door County Delivered features a Support a Cause box, whose recipient organization will change every few months. The next recipient organization will […]

  • Ephraim Historical Foundation Summer Season Begins

    The Ephraim Historical Foundation’s (EHF) 2020 summer season began July 8, when its museums are open by appointment only for small-group guided tours Wednesday – Friday, 10 am – 2 pm. Tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Visitors may ride the EHF’s new electric tram or walk among the buildings. Masks […]

  • Lil Diablas Popping Up with Frozen Treats

    Claire Erickson has handmade ice cream and other frozen treats to soothe your summer cravings for something cool at her Lil Diablas frozen-pop stand. Erickson crafts these delicious treats herself using mostly local ingredients and creative flavor combinations.  “My passions are art and food, so I decided to blend the two together to create beautiful, […]

  • Northern Sky Theater Toasts Mary Seeberg

    Northern Sky Theater is celebrating the 23-year tenure of board chair Mary Seeberg with an online event July 17, 7 pm, via Zoom. Northern Sky artists will perform some of Seeberg’s favorite songs, and Jeff Herbst and Seeberg will share favorite memories from her 23 years with the troupe. For a donation of $50, patrons […]

  • Alltop, Stoppelenburg to Perform at Church of the Atonement

    Stephen Alltop – a harpsichordist, organist and former Peninsula Music Festival conductor – will play the organ July 12 and 19 for online services at Fish Creek’s Church of the Atonement. His wife, soprano Josefien Stoppelenburg, will be the soloist. Access the online services at atonement-fishcreek.org. Alltop, a Northwestern University School of Music faculty member, […]

  • Rogue Continues Drive-in Theater with One-Acts

    Rogue Theater’s second weekend of drive-in theater will be a night of one-act plays July 11  and 12, 6 pm. Starting the evening will be Post-Its by Paul Dooley and Winnie Holzman. The hilarious, heartbreaking and inherently human tale – performed by Clara Wendland and Marcel Bruyere – shares the journey of a couple’s life together as […]

  • No Concerts, Movies in Waterfront Park through August

    The Sister Bay Parks Committee, in agreement with the Sister Bay Advancement Association, decided not to hold festivals or events on village property during July. This policy has now been extended through August, so concerts and movies at Sister Bay’s Waterfront Park and the Door County Festival of Fine Arts have been canceled. Concert and […]

  • Red Putter to Host NON-Tournament

    The Red Putter Mini Golf will hold its first NON-tournament this year. Bob Yttri, well-known Putter proprietor, always said, “Safety first!” so that’s what echoed in the minds of daughter Tracy and son-in-law Chris Opper when they decided to cancel the 2020 Red Putter Pro Tournament, scheduled for Aug. 1. Yttri began the tournament in […]

  • Crossroads Offers Private Nature Programs

    Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, has received a $5,210 grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities, to support the Big Dig: a project that would bring together 250 middle school students for hands-on archaeological experiences at The Cove Preserve. Plans for the […]

  • Take a Guided Hike at The Ridges Sanctuary

    Join a Ridges naturalist for a relaxing, informative, guided hike through The Ridges Sanctuary to see the Upper Range Light lantern room and historical cabins. The hikes – appropriate for all ages – are offered Tuesday – Friday, 10 am.  Online registration is required, and groups are limited to six participants. Meet at the Cook-Albert Fuller […]

  • Gonzales Offers WonderDoodles, YogaDoodles Workshops

    Jodi Rose Gonzales will host WonderDoodles Intuitive Art Journaling on July 16, 1-3:30 pm; and YogaDoodles on July 18, 10-11:30 am, both at the Spa at Sacred Grounds in north Ephraim. Both workshops will include a gentle yoga practice and resources for including the techniques in a regular writing or art-journal practice. All supplies will […]

  • Concert Series Begins at von Stiehl Winery

    The von Stiehl Winery (vonstiehl.com), 115 Navarino St. in Algoma, has begun its popular summer concert series on Fridays (2:30-5 pm) and Saturdays (12:30-4 pm). Relax on the outdoor terrace on the Ahnapee River – with a Lake Michigan view – while enjoying some von Stiehl wine or Ahnapee Brewery craft beer.  Upcoming Friday performers include the […]

  • Evenings in Ephraim Concert Series Begins July 13

    The annual Evenings in Ephraim concert series will begin July 13 with Mark Raddatz & Sons. The free concerts are held Mondays, 6-8 pm, in Harborside Park, where attendees can spread out to enjoy the music and the stunning sunsets over Eagle Harbor.  This year’s series will include local favorites Katie Dahl, the Cherry Pickers, […]

  • Live Music Lives!

    Live music continues throughout the peninsula. Check out performances at Harbor Ridge Winery, One Barrel Brewing, Door 44 Winery, Parallel 44 Winery, Sonny’s, the Maple Grove Retro Motel Pavilion, The Cookery and more! The calendar is ever-changing, so visit DoorCountyPulse.com/events to check out the up-to-date listings, times and more options for live music.

  • Jocko Rader Senior Scramble Set for Aug. 13

    The 29th annual Jocko Rader Senior Scramble will take place Thursday, Aug. 13, beginning at 9 am, at Idlewild Golf Course in Sturgeon Bay. Social distancing will be observed, and a box lunch will be provided. There will be two divisions based on players’ index – the Nicklaus Division (total team index of 52-74) and the […]

  • Obituary: Robert Charles Buchner

    May 13, 1973 ~ June 30, 2020 Robert Charles Buchner, 47, of Baileys Harbor, died at home on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. He was born May 13, 1973 and was raised by Alfred Charles and Sharon Valerie (Bell) Buchner. After graduating from Reedsville High School with the Class of 1991, Rob enlisted in the Wisconsin […]

  • Obituary: Jeffrey C. Coulter

    November 11, 1949 ~ July 5, 2020 Jeffrey Charles Coulter, 70, of Portland, Oregon died on July 5, 2020 due to Corticobasal Degeneration.  Jeff was born to the late Charles and Dorothy Coulter on November 11, 1949, in Portland, Oregon.  He graduated from Ulysses S. Grant High School and received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from […]

  • Obituary: Kay M. Jones

    November 7, 1959 ~ July 1, 2020 Kay Marie Jones, 60, of Sturgeon Bay, died at her home with her family by her side on July 1, 2020.  She was born on November 7, 1959, in New Holstein, WI to Carroll and Lorna (Vandermissen) Bailey.  On November 1, 2008, she married the love of her […]

  • Obituary: Suzanne Lee Michaud

    July 11, 1939 ~ July 3, 2020 Suzanne Lee Michaud, 80, of Sturgeon Bay, died early Friday morning, July 3, 2020 at Anna’s Healthcare CBRF. She was born July 11, 1939 in Laurium, MI, the daughter of Wilfred Raymond Johnson and Lila Agatha (Solmonson) Johnson. Suzanne graduated from Calumet High School in 1957 and went […]

  • Obituary: Gloria Palmeri Erickson

    April 30, 1931 ~ June 28, 2020 Gloria Palmeri Erickson, 89, of Sister Bay, died on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. She was born Gloria Celeste Palmeri on April 30, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of the late Joseph and Alma (Heed) Palmeri. Gloria graduated from Amundsen High […]