
In this issue
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Public Service Commission Awards $24 Million in Broadband Grants
The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin has awarded $24 million in broadband-expansion grants. The total amount is greater than all previous expansion-grant rounds combined, and the funds will go to communities and providers to expand high-speed internet in unserved and underserved areas of the state. “Current events underscore the fact that access to broadband […]
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Letter to the Editor: Feel the Need to Cancel? It’s OK
The number of people searching for “coronavirus appointment cancel” has sharply increased, and it continues to rise, according to Google Trends. Many salons are upping their sanitation practices in order to protect their clients. Many have posted requests that if you’ve been sick, please stay away. Probably a good measure. However, if we’re going to […]
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Letter to the Editor: Don’t Equate Low Risk with Low Precaution
I was encouraged to see the leading article describing Door County’s take on COVID-19, but disheartened by the lack of proactive awareness with respect to precautionary measures of social distancing that was reported. As global and national news reports continue to communicate daily escalations, Door County appears relatively unconcerned. I’ve heard everything from “It’s just […]
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Letter to the Editor: Endorsing Wotachek ‘Wholeheartedly’
Laura Vlies Wotachek is running for re-election as District 9 county supervisor, and I endorse her re-election wholeheartedly. Laura and I first met on the set of a local film production more than five years ago, and we quickly became friends. Since then, we have worked together on other projects, including the Door County Fairest […]
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Letter to the Editor: ‘Quite the Opposition’
“Quite the opposition” is the evaluation that Peter Hurth of Baudhuin Engineering made as the Door County RPC unanimously denied the CUP that the Margaret Dreutzer Trust applied for. In no particular order, and in hopes of recognizing everyone who worked to protect the quarry, thank you to: • The 250-plus people who sent letters in […]
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Letter to the Editor: Money to the Rich
As one who truly detests how the airline industry treats travelers, I do not want the government giving them a dime of relief money. They have made millions of dollars while thumbing their noses at us, and now they are crying for a bailout. Give the money to the people who truly need to survive. […]
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Letter to the Editor: Wotachek ‘Lives, Breathes and Believes in Door County’
With the upcoming elections, I want to share my experience regarding Laura Wotachek, who is running for re-election for the District 9 supervisor position. I am hopeful my personal experience with Laura will help you to determine whom to cast your vote for in the upcoming election. Laura is relentless in making our community a […]
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Letter to the Editor: Supporting Laura Vlies Wotachek
Samuelson’s Creek/White Birch Inn would like to go on record as supporting Laura Vlies Wotachek in her quest for reelection as county board supervisor in District 9. Since our reopening, she has been a great supporter of us and has brought us a lot of return business. As restaurant/hotel managers, we face a continuing struggle […]
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Manners Matter: Juggling It All
Dear Mary Pat, My husband and I are finding it hard to juggle our work schedules (we’re both working remotely) while helping our three children with their schoolwork. I deliberately didn’t go back to work until my kids were old enough to be in school full time. They are obviously our first priority, but we […]
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State News: March 27 – April 3
Farmers Brace for Coronavirus Impact As the novel coronavirus continues to spread across Wisconsin, the state’s farmers are bracing for how the pandemic will affect the agricultural industry. Darin Von Ruden, president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, said many farm operators are old enough to be considered part of the high-risk population for the virus. […]
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Destination Door County Update
by Jack Moneypenny, President and CEO, Destination Door County I wanted to share what we at Destination Door County are doing as we continue to navigate this global health crisis. We’re hopeful that, by working together now and following the recommendations from state and local health authorities, we will have the best chance to enjoy […]
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Cadence Production Remains at Full Capacity
Cadence (cadenceinc.com) has maintained stable production output as it navigates the COVID-19 challenges. Production at all of Cadence’s five facilities remains at full capacity, with no significant supply disruptions. All Cadence employees remain safe, with no known infection or exposure. The company has created a response team that meets daily to address the ongoing situation. […]
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Door County Maritime Museum Welcomes Paige Funkhouser
The Door County Maritime Museum welcomes Paige Funkhouser as its new community engagement manager. She will engage visitors in meaningful experiences with our region’s maritime history and the museum’s collections and exhibitions, and she will also lead the planning and execution of events including the spring and fall Door County Lighthouse Festivals, the Classic and […]
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Nominations Open for Shanty Days Honoree
The 34th annual Shanty Days will be held on Lake Michigan in downtown Algoma Aug. 14-16. This “celebration of the lake” is a fun-filled family festival that has become an Algoma tradition and yearly destination for residents and tourists alike. The event features one of Wisconsin’s largest parades, a car cruise and show, 150-plus arts-and-crafts […]
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USDA Reminds Investors to Report Land Holdings through AFIDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds international investors who buy, sell or hold interests in U.S. agricultural land that the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires them to report their land holdings and transactions to the USDA. International investors must file AFIDA Report Form FSA-153 with the FSA county […]
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Alcoholics Anonymous Resources
Many Door County support groups are unable to meet in person because of the novel coronavirus and the Safer at Home order from Gov. Tony Evers. Local Alcoholics Anonymous organizers are reassuring those who need help that there are still options during the state shutdown. A limited number of online meetings are available, but this […]
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Reps in the News: March 27 – April 3
Representative Joel Kitchens Rep. Joel Kitchens asked constituents to support local businesses in whatever way they can during the COVID-19 crisis. “During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever that we support our small businesses,” Kitchens said in an e-newsletter. “Because of the need for social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the […]
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The state Senate postponed its planned session on March 24 because of restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said the Senate will likely schedule an extraordinary session later this spring to take up bills that the chamber had planned to consider during that session. The Legislature may also convene to modify […]
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Sevastopol Co-Valedictorians Announced
The Class of 2020 Sevastopol High School co-valedictorians are Madisen Duginski, the daughter of Sarah and Jake Duginski; and Sophia Lautenbach, the daughter of Amy and Leif Lautenbach. Duginski has been a multi-year member of Sevastopol Math Team and FFA. In the fall, she participated in cross-country and hopes to contribute to the track team […]
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Sevastopol’s 4K Screening Canceled
The Sevastopol School District 4K Development Screening and Child Find event planned for April 2 has been canceled, and a new date has not yet been determined. Visit sevastopol.k12.wi.us to read updates about other school-district events.
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Going Garbage & Recycling Announces Changes Due to COVID-19
Going Garbage & Recycling announces changes to their circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective March 27, 2020, Going Garbage will only accept credit/debit cards at their drop-off site at 10564 Old Stage Road in Sister Bay. No cash will be accepted. House account charges will be invoiced like usual. Also, the Going Garbage office […]
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HELP of Door County Cancels All Support Groups
HELP of Door County has canceled all support/FYRE groups and closed HELP of Door County to the public until further notice. Staff will be working from home and at the office as needed. The Visitation and Exchange Program will be limiting services to just scheduled exchanges. It is HELP of Door County’s priority to protect […]
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Door County Women’s Club Offers $500 Scholarship
The Door County Women’s Club is sponsoring a $500 scholarship for the 2020 fall term for women who are 25 or older, living in Door County with financial need, and returning to an accredited higher-education institution. The application deadline is April 15. To learn more, call RaeLynn Dalske at 920.495.6003 or 920.746.0580.
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Windows 10 User Group Creates Technical-Support Facebook Page
The organizers of the monthly Windows 10 User Group at the Aging & Disability Resource Center in Sturgeon Bay are also moderating the technical-support Facebook page called Door County Tech Advice. All are welcome to join the group to discuss issues they’re having or provide tips.
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Episcopal Church of Christ Releases Weekly Homilies Online
The Episcopal Church of Christ the King and Holy Nativity are suspending all regular services and church meetings, but Fr. Olin Sletto, vicar of the Sturgeon Bay and Jacksonport churches, has made his weekly homilies available on the churches’ website, cckhn.org.
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Guidelines for Parents Who Share Placement of Children during Pandemic
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts offer these guidelines for parents who share placement of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Be healthy: Comply with all health guidelines and model good behavior through intensive handwashing, wiping down frequently touched surfaces and maintaining social distancing. Be mindful: Be honest […]
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Champion Shrine Offers Daily Online Mass
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, 4047 Chapel Dr. in Champion, is offering daily, live-streamed, online mass at 8:30 am on its Facebook page and, beginning the week of March 23, at championshrine.org. The masses will also be archived on the shrine’s YouTube channel. All public masses at the shrine are suspended […]
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Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Special Airs March 27 on PBS, WPR
Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Daniel Kelly and Jill Karofsky will discuss issues central to their campaigns for a seat on the state’s highest court in a candidate special that will be broadcast statewide on Friday, March 27 at 7 pm. The 2020 Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidate Special will include interviews from each candidate and will […]
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PenArt Keeps Creativity Flowing during COVID-19 Pandemic
Although the Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) campus is closed to the public at least through April 19, it’s offering new initiatives that will be (mostly) virtual. On Fridays, PenArt will post a family- and kid-friendly art project on social media with all of the instructions needed to complete the project. Local families may do […]
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Door Community Auditorium Offers Cultural Content on Facebook
Before the start of the Door Community Auditorium’s (DCA) season in late June, the DCA will be doing everything it can to ensure that patrons will be safe and comfortable during performances. DCA offices will be closed to the public during the Gibraltar School closure through May 5. Beyond health and safety protocols, the DCA […]
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Write On Offers Virtual Programming during ‘Safer at Home’ Order
Write On, Door County is canceling its in-person programming through May 7, including the Writing on the Door Fiction Conference, which had been scheduled for May 1-2. If you have already registered for a class, you may receive a full refund, request that funds be applied to upcoming conferences or classes, or donate your tuition […]
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Publishing Industry News: March 27, 2020
Curious about what’s happening in the world of books and publishing? Catch up on the biggest acquisitions, news, adaptations and more here! • Faced with the loss of a major exhibitor and widespread postponements of public events, Reedpop has rescheduled the BookExpo, BookCon, and Unbound events originally planned for late May to late July at […]
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Door Shakespeare Amends Show Schedule
UPDATE: This year’s summer season at Door Shakespeare has been canceled. See updated information here. In light of the COVID-19 situation, Door Shakespeare has amended its show schedule. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] was to have its first performance on May 20 at the Ephraim Village Hall, but it will now run […]
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TAP Cancels ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’
The Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) board of directors has decided to suspend TAP’s production of Tiny Beautiful Things, scheduled for May 14 – June 7. Ticket holders will receive an email with details regarding ticket exchanges, donations and refunds.
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Peninsula Players Extends Scholarship Deadline to April 27
Peninsula Players Theatre is extending the deadline for its student scholarships from April 6 to April 27. A $500 scholarship will be awarded this spring to one student at each of the Door County high schools. Scholarship applicants must be Door County high school seniors who intend to enroll as full-time college or technical students […]
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The Door County Master Gardeners Association (DCGMA), in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, is canceling its public events through mid-April, as well as its May plant sale, because of COVID-19 concerns. The following events will not take place: Charlotte Lukes’ March 31 bird program; Molly Doane’s April 7 urban-gardening presentation; Jamie Patton’s April 14 […]
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Although the Collins Learning Center at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay is closed, all three of its preserves are still open to the public. Visitors of all ages should practice social distancing while exploring. No programs will be held at Crossroads until further notice, but staff members will post updates, maps and activities […]
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Candidates: Southern Door School Board
Pamela Parks, 47 Parks, 47, is married with three teenage children. A Southern Door High School graduate, she has a bachelor’s of social work from Carthage College and a master’s of social work from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. • Experience: I currently work as the assistant to the register in probate and family court commissioner in […]
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Candidates: Gardner Town Board
Kevin Fleischman Kevin Fleischman did not respond to repeated requests to respond to our questionnaire. Michele Ploor Michele Ploor, 47, has been married to Aaron Ploor for 24 years, and they have two children. She graduated from Sevastopol in 1991, studied cosmetology and barbering at Martins School of Hair Design and NWTC, and completed the […]
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Candidates: Sevastopol Town Supervisor
Four candidates for two positions Robert Gamble Gamble, 73, lives with his wife and has two adult children. He’s a U.S. Army veteran and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College. Relevant Experience/Civic Engagement Gamble has served on boards for YMCA swimming and gymnastics teams, Jaycees, BSA, AMVETS and as one of Door County’s Veterans Advisory Committee […]
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Candidates: Village of Sister Bay Trustee
Five candidates for three positions Rob Zoschke Zoschke, 54, has served as a trustee since 2016 and holds a B.A. from Lake Forest College. He has twin 10-year-old daughters. Denise Bhirdo Bhirdo, 55, is a Gibraltar graduate who has served as village president or trustee for a total of 22 years. During that time, she has […]
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My home landscape could be the best one in the neighborhood – this, according to a flyer I received from a lawn-care company. Its innocuous name implied green, beautiful, verdant bliss. All I had to do was subscribe to the service. I would get four applications a year, covering the entire yard with fertilizers and […]
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Look What’s Happening in Texas Oil and Gas Country!
by Dick Smyth “A high-wattage Texas Republican has become the unlikeliest hero of the Green Revolution.” Ale Ross is the mayor of Georgetown, Texas. He won the 2018 election with 72 percent of the vote, and thanks to his support, Georgetown – with a population of 67,000 – is now the nation’s fifth-fastest-growing city. Fifty thousand […]
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Northern Door Thursday-Night Darts: Mar. 27-Apr. 3
Week 10 Results Mr. G’s 10, Bley’s 8 Hat Tricks Kyle Krauel, Bley’s, 1 Paul Klansky, Mr. G’s, 1 Denise Plassmeyer, Mr. G’s, 1 Nine Dart Out Paul Klansky, Mr. G’s, 1 Overall Stats Casey’s 94-50 Mr. G’s 94-68 Island Fever 83-79 Bley’s Bar 74-70 Mike’s 73-89 Coyote 57-87 The Mill 57-87 Hat Tricks Brad […]
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Candidates: Door County Board, District 9
Laura Vlies Wotachek Wotachek, 37, lives with her husband and two daughters. She is working toward her bachelor’s degree at UW – Green Bay and is a graduate of the UW Government Leadership Academy. She holds a paralegal associate degree, nursing associate degree (licensed RN), and is an emergency medical technician graduate (nationally registered and […]
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Candidates: Door County Board, District 16
Randy Halstead Halstead, 65, has two adult children. The Sevastopol High School graduate has taken a ship-fitting course at the technical school in Sturgeon Bay in addition to his work as a farmer and local board representative. Relevant Experience/Civic Engagement I’m a former member of the Sevastopol School Board. I’ve also been on the Jacksonport […]
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Candidates: Door County Board, District 7
Erin Tauscher Tauscher earned her bachelor of arts in Spanish studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and her master’s in occupational therapy at UW-Madison. Relevant Experience/ Civic Engagement Community-level committee work requiring teamwork, leadership, negotiation and decision-making skills: Health and Wellness Support Group for people with Parkinson’s Disease at the Northern Door YMCA; Patient […]
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Candidates: Door County Board, District 4
Kara Counard Counard, 38, has one teenage son and deep Southern Door roots. She is a UW-Green Bay graduate with a degree in English/creative writing and a minor in art and communications. Relevant Experience/Civic Engagement I have been a registered voter since I was 18 years old. I take local and national politics seriously, researching […]
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Candidates: Door County Board, District 3
Lora Jorgensen Jorgensen, 43, has one adult daughter and has spent five years as a Village of Forestville trustee and is the administrator of the Door County Environmental Council. She earned her BA in business administration and sustainable business, at UW-Green Bay, and sits on the board of directors of the Clean Water Action Council, […]
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Candidates: Liberty Grove Town Supervisor
Three candidates for two positions Janet Johnson Janet Johnson, 67, spent 20 years working as the Town of Liberty Grove treasurer and clerk until retiring in 2019. She attended one year at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, plus continuing-education classes; and she raised her children in Door County. Matt Stone Matt Stone, 28, has […]
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Small Business Disaster Loan Program Accepting Wisconsin Applications
The Door County Economic Development Corporation announced today that Small Business Administration’s (SBA) disaster loans are now accepting applications from Wisconsin businesses. The loans are the primary form of federal assistance for the repair and rebuilding of non-farm, private sector disaster losses. The disaster loan program is the only form of SBA assistance not limited […]
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For Door County Schools, A New Lunch Break
In the days leading up to the March 18 statewide school closure, Sturgeon Bay School District staff, volunteers and students worked to prepare and package more than 7,000 meals to send home with students. To help curb the novel coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Tony Evers ordered public and private schools to close by March 18. There […]
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Door County Fire Chiefs Form Coalition to Assist with COVID-19 Hardships
The Door County Fire Chiefs Association has joined forces with other local entities to create a resource to provide information and assistance to the residents and guests of Door County through the duration of the hardships surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. The association – with the cooperation of and support from the Door County Public Health Department, […]