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Peninsula Pulse June 25-July 2, 2021

In this issue

  • Sister Bay Athletic Club Reopens under New Ownership: Gym now offers 24/7/365 access

    Last March, the Sister Bay Athletic Club (SBAC) appeared to be another small-business casualty of the pandemic. Previous owner Shannon Mough recalled that it was a difficult decision to close the facility because she knew it filled a need in the Northern Door community.  “I knew we couldn’t maintain it,” she said, “but I also […]

  • Ball Auto and Truck Parts Celebrates Opening of New Location

    Ball Auto and Truck Parts and the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of Ball’s new location at 1508 Sunset Ave. in Algoma with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Ken Weinaug, executive director of the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce, opened the ceremony; Ball Auto owner Brad Bosar added remarks and thanks; and he […]

  • Which Foods Pair with Fireworks?

    Nothing says Independence Day like burgers and brats, and this weekend, each celebrating town is putting its best foodie foot forward with featured purveyors of all things fried, grilled, smoked and flavorful. Here are just a few of the special offerings you can find. Sturgeon Bay will pull out all the stops. The Dog House […]

  • Suds with Sophie: The Beers America Loves Best

    Although craft brewing continues to grow through a variety of new breweries, beer styles, ingredients and experimentations, there’s no denying a simple truth: This nation loves IPAs. There are so many bits and pieces to cover about IPAs, and because we’re gearing up to celebrate the Fourth of July, I figured this would be a […]

  • Bits & Bites

    Twelve Eleven Opens  Sister Bay has a new home for wine at Twelve Eleven Wine+Provisions. The new space on Highway 57 held a soft opening last weekend is now serving six days a week. The bar and provisions shop offers selections from Twelve Eleven winery and two other California labels plus beer and cider, with […]

  • Tread Softly on Local Trails: Preserving nature means preventing off-trail forays by humans and dogs

    Hikers have no problem finding a trail on the peninsula or nearby islands, thanks to its five developed state parks, 19 county parks and the pristine lands managed by nonprofit organizations such as The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy. Now, if folks could just stop straying off those trails. Local […]

  • Door, Kewaunee Snag Coastal Communities Grants

    About $100,000 of $1.41 million in coastal grants to 40 Wisconsin communities have come the way of Door County and Kewaunee County. This week, Gov. Tony Evers announced the awards for the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grants, which support quality of life, foster economic development, create resilience, and protect and improve the Great Lakes resources […]

  • A Talk with Gibraltar’s Next High School Principal: DeBroux bringing sports, teaching, activities leadership to Door County

    Handling a new combination of duties while getting acquainted with the Gibraltar School District does not intimidate Gibraltar’s newly hired high school and middle school principal, James DeBroux. In an effort to “rightsize” the administrative staff at Gibraltar, the school board this spring eliminated one leadership position and added some administrative duties from the athletic […]

  • Southern Door’s Maple-Syrup Experience Gets a Boost

    Local farmer Jim Wautier recently directed a $2,500 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to the Southern Door County School District, which it will use for its sugar shack and maple-sap tapping experience.  “We appreciate Mr. Wautier’s advocacy for our school,” said Superintendent Patti Vickman. “The donation will help to make some necessary repairs […]

  • Gibraltar School Honor Rolls 2020-21

    Semester 2, 2020-21 HIGH SCHOOL Highest Honor Roll Sofiya Ackerman, Elijah Adler, Cora Carriere, Quincy Chomeau, Jackson Hitzeman, Angel Jauregui, Alex Laughlin, Elizabeth Lecy, Makena Murre, Marcus Reinhardt, Garrett Voight High Honor Roll Francisco Aguayo-Valdivia, Chloe Alexander, Sophia Alexander, Zoe Armbruster, Genesis Bautista Sanchez, Emmaly Bertges, Colleen Carlisle, Mia Chomeau, Krista Church, Sarah Daubner, Italia […]

  • Letter to the Editor: 2SLGBTQIA+

    I enjoyed reading the Pulse’s coverage of Pride Month 2021. However, with the long history of indigenous peoples in the state of Wisconsin and Door County, it was disappointing to see that Two-Spirit was not included in the coverage. Such individuals are found in many tribes and are considered neither male nor female. They have […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Voting Recommendations to Help Improve Democracy

    The right to vote should be sacred in America. That right should especially be treated as sacred by local, state and federal governmental bodies. Those bodies should make it their sacred duty to do everything possible to make voting for their eligible citizens easy to practice. Instead, today some governmental bodies are working hard to […]

  • Letter to Editor: Partisan Differences Stand in the Way of Healing Climate Change

    In his opening remarks to the Security Panel at the April 22 Leaders Summit on Climate, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated: “Today, no nation can find lasting security without addressing the climate crisis. … (R)ising temperatures and more frequent and intense extreme weather events in Africa and Central America threaten millions with drought, […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Help Bring Fair Elections Back to Wisconsin

    In November 2020, Door County citizens overwhelmingly approved the advisory referendum to make redistricting a nonpartisan process in this state. Door joined 13 other Wisconsin counties that have passed similar referendums by an average of 72%. Clearly, Wisconsinites want fair elections and fair maps, regardless of their party affiliation. Our representative, Joel Kitchens, recognized this […]

  • Pulse of Philanthropy: For Many Charities, the Economic Crisis Continues

    The Door is open! From the cars lined up on the highway to the people lined up at Al Johnson’s, it’s clear that Door County has reopened after more than a year of this horrible pandemic. The advance-reservation rates reported by our lodging establishments indicate that this may be the busiest season in Door County […]

  • Editor’s Note: Confessions of a Once-Burned Headline Reader

    We often lament around here the comments posted on our social-media pages by people who have clearly read only the headline of a story and not the story itself. This isn’t everyone. Our analytics show that our readers spend a healthy amount of time reading individual stories. Thank you for this. We spend a healthy […]

  • Fitzgerald Caps Career with State Title

    When she broke the state record in the long jump, only to see her own record broken 20 minutes later, Abbey Fitzgerald thought she may have missed her best shot at a state championship.  The Gibraltar senior went into the WIAA State Track and Field meet seeded fourth in both the long jump and triple […]

  • Week 6 Northern Door Volleyball League Standings

    STANDINGS (through June 23) Blue Horse swept an intense matchup of previously unbeaten teams June 23 to move into a first-place tie with Husby’s. Blue Horse took all three games against four-time defending champion P.C. Junction, including 16-14 wins in each of the last two games. The loss has some wondering whether P.C. Junction general […]

  • Door County League Baseball Week 7 Results

    STANDINGS Sister Bay 7-1Washington Island 7-1Kolberg 5-2West Jacksonport 4-4Institute 3-5Egg Harbor 3-5Maplewood 2-6Baileys Harbor 0-7 RESULTS June 25 Sister Bay 8, Institute 4 June 27 Kolberg @ Baileys Harbor (postponed) Washington Island 8, West Jacksonport 1 Egg Harbor 12, Maplewood 1 SCHEDULE All Friday games are played at 7:30 pm; all Sunday games are played […]

  • Server of the Week: Eric Gordon at Gills Rock Coffee

    12625 Hwy 42 in Ellison Bay At Gills Rock Coffee, Eric provides more than just a hot cup of joe; He welcomes furry friends – there’s a coffeehouse park for your doggo! Eric loves the coffee – it’s organic and fair trade; Combine it with friendly customers, and at Gills Rock, he’s got it made.  After […]

  • Framed

    Though Ephraim’s Fyr Bal was canceled this year, the tradition of lighting a bonfire to burn the winter witch and welcome summer continued on June 19 on the beach across from the Old Post Office restaurant. Photo by Tad Dukehart.

  • Cases of Tickborne Illnesses on the Rise in Recent Weeks

    Door County Public Health issued a press release late afternoon June 29 regarding tickborne illnesses in Door County. Read the full release below. Ticks are currently active in Wisconsin, and in recent weeks, there have been a higher than average number of cases of illnesses spread by ticks reported to Door County Public Health. In […]

  • DCHA Featured Pet: Mac

    Meet Mac (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=47871012), a seven-year-old cat who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. Her gorgeous green eyes are a sight to behold! Having previously lived with other cats and kids, Mac would be a great addition to any home.  Like all cats at WHS, she is spayed, vaccinated and […]

  • Free Well Testing for Private-Well Owners

    Kewaunee County – The Kewaunee County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) is offering free well testing for up to 300 private-well owners as part of a comprehensive study of groundwater quality in Kewaunee County. “We hope that Kewaunee County residents and businesses with private wells will agree to assist this study as we continue […]

  • Save Our Democracy Rally 

    Sturgeon Bay – Indivisible Door County is sponsoring a rally in support of American democracy on Monday, June 28, 6 pm, at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay. Speakers will read “farewell to democracy” letters; then marchers will cross both bridges and return to the park for a wrap-up. The point of the rally is to […]

  • New Hire Puts Gibraltar Administrative Team in Place

    Fish Creek – Gibraltar school officials took quick action this month to replace the principals who resigned or took jobs elsewhere earlier this spring. One week after promoting Lisa Wing to interim elementary principal and director of learning, the school board approved on June 21 hiring James DeBroux as the new secondary-school principal. DeBroux has […]

  • Nominations for County Board Vacancy Due July 14

    Door County – Supervisor Laura Vlies Wotachek’s resignation, effective June 17, has created a vacancy on the Door County Board. Wotachek’s District 9 encompasses portions of the City of Sturgeon Bay’s east and west sides, Wards 5-6 and 22-24. Those wishing to be considered for appointment to the vacant seat must submit a letter of […]

  • One Final Round of Bricks for Graham Park

    Sturgeon Bay – Destination Sturgeon Bay is doing one last sale of brick pavers for the new Graham Park, a privately funded, public green space below 1st Avenue at the foot of the Oregon Street Bridge on Sturgeon Bay’s east waterfront. The park is nearly complete, with Rob Soukup’s water-feature centerpiece, “Confluence,” scheduled for completion […]

  • Sister Bay Shuttle Bus Service Begins

    Sister Bay – The Sister Bay village shuttle bus is back for the 2021 season, June 24 – Sept. 5. It will run every 30 minutes, Thursday – Saturday, 5 pm – 2 am, with the last pickup at 1:30 am at JJ’s La Puerta. After Labor Day through mid-October, the service will run Friday […]

  • Stories from the Earth

    Digging into ancient civilizations with archaeologists at Crossroads Picking through someone’s garbage would reveal a lot about the owner’s lifestyle – what the person ate and drank for sure, and possibly something about his or her leisure-time activities, like spending or reading habits.  Calling this activity an archaeological dig sounds far more intriguing, but sifting […]

  • A Summer of Free Music

    The summer of live music has just begun, and there are opportunities to take in a free concert all week long and all summer long. Here’s a roundup of the area municipalities that are offering concerts in their parks. Ephraim Go for the music, and stay for the sunset and views over the water every […]

  • ADRC’s Lakeshore’s Farmers Market Vouchers are Back

    The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the Lakeshore’s farmers market vouchers are back. Eligible individuals can visit one of the ADRC’s outreach sites or office locations to pick up the vouchers, which are offered to seniors to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs from certified local farmers. A grant from the […]

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Door County, Red Putter Host Purple Putter FUNdraiser

    Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Door County will again partner with the Red Putter mini golf course, 10404 Hwy 42 in Ephraim, for the fifth annual Purple Putter FUNdraiser on June 26, 10 am – 10 pm. “Beginning in 2017, the Red Putter has generously donated $1 per game that is played on Purple Putter day, plus […]

  • Bits & Bites: Sunday Funday at HarBar, a Drink with a View and More

    The HarBar, located outside the Florian II Supper Club in Baileys Harbor, will have outdoor games, rafts on the water, frozen and regular cocktails, and more.

  • NEWS NOTES

    New Hire Puts Gibraltar Administrative Team in Place Fish Creek – Gibraltar school officials took quick action this month to replace the principals who resigned or took jobs elsewhere earlier this spring. One week after promoting Lisa Wing to interim elementary principal and director of learning, the school board approved on June 21 hiring James […]

  • Celebrating Pride in Sister Bay

    The first Northern Door Pride event at the Sister Bay village hall drew hundreds of people to celebrate Pride Month on June 22. Raffles and donations brought in an estimated $5,000 that will be donated to Open Door Pride and Courage Milwaukee, a movement to provide housing and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth who are displaced […]

  • AROUND THE DOOR: Kids Fishing Derby

    Father’s Day, June 20, was also the day of the 36th annual Kids Fishing Derby at Little Lake in Sturgeon Bay. (From left) Chad and Landon Rosemergy of Sturgeon Bay participated, with Landon proudly showing off one of his catches. Photo by Mike Brisson.

  • Town Denies Village’s Request to Change Dog Park Boundaries

    On Monday, the Egg Harbor Town Board denied the Village of Egg Harbor’s request to reconfigure Harbor Hounds Dog Park and extend the dog park into a portion of town-owned land. Town Clerk Pam Kraul said the main reason for denying the request was preserving the historical significance of the property. “It’s one of the […]

  • Mariner’s Park Plans Coming into Focus

    A vision for Mariner’s Park is taking shape in Gills Rock.  An ad hoc committee has been formulating improvement ideas for the new park, which was created when the Town of Liberty Grove purchased three shoreline parcels in 2018. Work on the property has been limited because the purchase included a stipulation that Betty Weborg […]

  • PENDING LEGISLATION: Bill Designed to Correct Room-Tax Collection Issues

    A bill designed to make it easier to collect the correct amount of room-tax revenue from short-term-rental companies and digital platforms such as Airbnb is on its way to Gov. Tony Evers for his signature. “We have asked the governor to sign it by June 29 so the new law can take effect by the […]

  • WILD THINGS: Wisconsin’s Wolf Controversy Is Not Going to Go Away Quietly

    Tuesday’s second virtual gathering of Wisconsin’s Wolf Harvest Advisory Committee was much like what we see in today’s politics: highly polarized, and not a whole lot of meeting in the middle. Just a day ahead of the five-hour meeting, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the state’s pre-hunt 2020-21 winter wolf population […]

  • Algoma Celebrates 25 Years of the Crescent Beach Boardwalk

    About 125 people gathered in Algoma on June 22 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Crescent Beach boardwalk and thank the volunteers who gave their time and energy to build it. Speakers focused on the dedication of the citizens who dreamed, fundraised and built the boardwalk, which is now a popular spot for recreation […]

  • Obituary: Darrel C. Graf

    March 4, 1939 ~ June 21, 2021 Darrel C. Graf, 82, of Sturgeon Bay, died at his home on June 21, 2021.  He was born March 4, 1939, in Sevastopol to Werner and Martha (Ferron) Graf.  Darrel graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1957.  Starting in high school,  he served his country in the […]

  • When Worlds Collide: Times of Future Past festival offers immersive experience for all fandoms

    What do Theodore Roosevelt, Spiderman, Sir John Falstaff, Link from The Legend of Zelda and Thomas Edison have in common? All five will be in attendance at Kewaunee’s newest fantasy festival, Times of Future Past. It will bring together characters and fandoms from throughout time and space June 26-27, 10 am – 5 pm, at Kewaunee’s […]

  • Open Door Pride Celebrates (Mostly) Virtually

    The fifth Open Door Pride Festival will be held virtually – for the most part – on Saturday, June 26, but festival founder and chair Cathy Grier expects that some people will gather at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay for a smaller celebration. “We’re not encouraging crowds, but people are going to come,” she said, “and […]

  • July Fourth Is Just around the Corner

    Let’s get back to it Already planning your Independence Day weekend? Here are a few things to know before next week. If you’re all in for fireworks, you have plenty of options during the July Fourth weekend and even beyond. On July 3, Egg Harbor will shoot off its display over the harbor after music […]

  • Hybrid Hairpin 5K Run/Walk Set for July 4

    Friends of Gibraltar (FOG) will host the July 4 Hairpin 5K Run/Walk both in person and virtually this year. With safety in mind for the many individuals and families that do the run, FOG is offering flexible options for participating and submitting times. “There’s so many unpredictable things, so if people decide they want to […]

  • Tour Historical Horseshoe Bay Farms

    Horseshoe Bay Farms will continue its tours June 25, 1 pm; and June 26, 10 am. Throughout the tour of about an hour and a half, a guide will walk participants around the property and into select barns to share the nonprofit’s rich history and its vision for the future.  Tours at Horseshoe Bay Farms, […]

  • Inaugural Farm and Field Bike Tour on Washington Island

    Gathering Ground will host its first Farm and Field Bike Tour on June 27. During this family-friendly ride of about 14 miles, riders will enjoy Washington Island’s rural beauty while learning about its agricultural projects. With tours of Island Orchard Cider’s orchard; Sweet Mountain Farm’s bee farm; Gathering Ground’s orchards, vineyards and grazing sheep; and […]

  • Ginger House Adds Friday Drop-in Yoga Class

    The Ginger House, a new picnic and wine boutique at The Settlement Shops, has added yoga to its event schedule. Mae Daniels, a certified hatha yoga teacher, will lead a hatha yoga class every Friday, 4:30 pm. No prior yoga experience is required. For a $15 fee, participants are invited to drop in – no registration […]

  • Obituary: Leon “Butch” Jacques

    January 16, 1940 – June 4, 2021 Leon “Butch” Jacques of DePere died on June 4, 2021. The son of a farming family led by Pearl (Mathu) and Elmer Jacques, he was born in Forestville on January 16, 1940.  Butch attended Algoma High School (class of ‘57) and enlisted in the US Marine Corps following graduation. He […]

  • Obituary: Leon “Pat” Patrick Zak

    April 13, 1945 ~ June 8, 2021 Leon Patrick Zak, 76, of Egg Harbor, died on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. He was born April 13, 1945 in Sturgeon Bay, son of the late Raphael and Jean (Hanson) Zak. He graduated from Plymouth High School with the Class of […]

  • Obituary: Jeffery Scott Nagel

    July 5, 1955 ~ June 8, 2021 Jeffery S. Nagel, 65 years of Ellison Bay, died at his home Tuesday morning, June 8, 2021. He was born July 5, 1955, in Waterloo, Iowa the son of the late Jerome and Lueva (Perry) Nagel. The family moved to Green Bay and Jeff graduated from East High […]

  • Obituary: Steven R. Bertz

    August 8, 1952 ~ June 10, 2021 Steven Bertz, Sturgeon Bay businessman and Executive Chef, died peacefully at his home after a lengthy battle with many cancers, on Thursday, June 10, 2021, with his wife, son, and daughter in-law at his side.  He fought a great fight and when he was down, he always seemed to find […]

  • Obituary: James Edwin Crass

    March 25, 1945 ~ June 16, 2021 James Edwin Crass, 76, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay. He was born March 25, 1945 in Sturgeon Bay, son of the late Merton Joseph and Sylvia Elsie (Walker) Crass. Jim worked for Premier Concrete as a truck […]

  • Obituary: Joan L. Contratto

    March 9, 1932 ~ June 14, 2021 Joan L. Contratto, 89, died early Monday morning, June 14, 2021 at Door County Medical Center. She was born March 9, 1932, in Carbondale, Pennsylvania to Raymond and Louise (Mannion) Scanlon. Joan attended Ben Franklin High School in Carbondale. In 1970, she married John M. Contratto in Hilbert, Wisconsin […]