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Peninsula Pulse – May 11-May 18, 2018

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In this issue

  • PODCAST: Amy Ensign Takes New Role, the Impact of Ellsworth Peterson

  • 2018 Door County Farmers Markets

    Do you want more local flavor in your diet? Dozens of Door County producers and growers bring fresh food to markets around the peninsula several days a week. Find farm fresh eggs, flowers, produce, locally baked breads and much more as you learn to cook with the seasons. Meet your farmer, learn new recipes, and […]

  • Brandy Miettenen, Lamyra Adams Receive Herb Kohl Scholarships

    A $10,000 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation 2018 Initiative Scholarship was presented to Sturgeon Bay High School senior Brandy Miettenen at a recognition luncheon hosted by Herb Kohl, Wisconsin philanthropist and businessman. The Herb Kohl Initiative Scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated a high level of motivation, have shown strong promise for achieving success in college […]

  • Algoma Raises Awareness for Mental Health

    The Live Algoma Emotional Well-being Workgroup and UW-Extension educators have partnered to increase awareness about the importance of mental and emotional well-being and to reduce the stigma around mental illness. The community has come together to offer many supportive programs and activities. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the group aims to build public […]

  • Daniel Kane Hired as Director of EMS Communications

    Daniel Kane was hired as director of the newly created Emergency Management – Communications Department for the county. He started his new role May 7. This new department will be located at the Justice Center and will manage Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management for the County. Daniel comes from the City of Appleton Health […]

  • Door County Community Foundation Purchases Nicolet Bank Building

    The Door County Community Foundation announced it has purchased the former Baylake Conference Center and Clock Tower property from Nicolet National Bank. “Downtown Sturgeon Bay has had some rough news in recent months,” said Bret Bicoy, president and CEO of the Door County Community Foundation. “Yet we strongly believe that Door County’s largest downtown district […]

  • Egg Harbor Historical Society Places Sign at Sunnypoint Gardens

    The Egg Harbor Historical Society (EHHS) recently placed the second of its historic school signs, this one at Sunnypoint Gardens. Why Sunnypoint Gardens? Because directly across the highway is one of five schools that served the residents of the township of Egg Harbor for many years, Sunny Point School, District #4  from 1883 to 1965. […]

  • DCMC Auxiliary Event May 22

    The Door County Medical Center Auxiliary will host a recruitment and recognition event at the CenterPointe Marina Clubhouse on May 22, 5 to 7 pm. Come find out what the auxiliary does in the community, learn more about volunteer opportunities and have fun. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. To RSVP, contact Robin Hamm-Jackson […]

  • Sevastopol High School Fundraiser May 19

    A Sevastopol High School scholarship fundraiser takes place May 19 at the Valmy Happy Hour from 11 am to 9 pm. A percentage of all food and drink orders will help fund the Sevastopol Extraordinary Volunteerism (SEV) Scholarship Fund. The fund was started two years ago by several women from the class of 1973. There […]

  • Washington Island Rec Center Open House May 19

    The Washington Island Mosling Recreation Center will host an Open House and Health Fair May 19, 12:30 – 2:30 pm. There will be demonstrations, information, screenings and refreshments. This event celebrates 30 years of the Mosling Recreation Center, and is co-sponsored by the Washington Island Community Health Program. Contributions accepted. Funds given to the Rec […]

  • Egg Harbor Library Ribbon Cutting May 19

    Join the Village of Egg Harbor and the Door County Library to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Egg Harbor’s new Community Center and Library. With a curated carnival of activities, join the celebration May 19, 9:30 am to 3 pm. Kicking off with a ribbon cutting ceremony, the event features free activities, […]

  • League of Women Voters Annual Meeting May 17

    The public is invited to join League members and friends of the League of Women Voters for their annual meeting on May 17 at Samuelson’s Creek Pub & Grille in the White Birch Inn, Sturgeon Bay. Registration starts at 5 pm, the annual meeting begins at 5:30, with dinner at 6:15, followed by speaker Erika […]

  • Written Off, The Raising of America are Movies That Matter at UUF

    Movies That Matter is teaming up with local community impact organizations, showing two movies in May at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County in Ephraim. On May 15 at 4:30 pm Written Off will be presented by the Door County Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition. On May 16 at 4:30 pm, The Raising of America […]

  • Youth Government Day for Kewaunee County Students

    On May 2, nearly two dozen high school students from Algoma, Kewaunee and Luxemburg learned about the inner workings of local government in Kewaunee County during Youth Government Day. Throughout the course of the day, elected officials provided insight on their roles and gave tours of their offices. The day started with students taking an […]

  • Lt. Governor Kleefisch Hears From Wine Trail Members

    Until they learned last week from Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, members of the Door County Wine Trail did not know why a bipartisan bill that would have allowed them to stay open past 9 pm failed when it seemed to be sailing along so smoothly. The change would have allowed wineries to cater to parties […]

  • Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive May 12

    The 26th annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive in Door County is Saturday, May 12. Customers simply leave their donation of non-perishable goods next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail. Letter carriers will collect the food donations as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food agencies. […]

  • EPA Narrows Ozone Pollution Areas

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final ruling on the districts in Wisconsin that are polluted with ozone. The agency significantly narrowed the areas of the state that are considered in nonattainment, or areas that would be subject to greater environmental regulation, at the urging of Wisconsin officials. Ozone pollution in Wisconsin, particularly the […]

  • Return of the Raptors: Kestrels

    By Rob Hults When you’re driving the rural roadways of Door County, you’ll spot lots of birds perched on the power lines along the road. Among the robins, blackbirds, mourning doves and the like, there is a good chance a falcon is perched there, too. The American kestrel (falco sparverius) has adapted well to the […]

  • Nonfiction: When the Cardioderma Cor Sings

    Birds sing; mockingbirds, sandhills and robins sing…a bird as doesn’t sing is risking excommunication. Wrens sing ceaselessly…a friend with a famous jungle experience relates how the chatter of a house wren reminds him of an AK-47. Same tinny, toy-like staccato, if not quite so lethal. The sound of wrens, he says, haunts him. Birds sing, […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Blackboard & Border Wall

    As teachers strike across the country seeking a living wage, and the current administration insistence on spending 28 billion dollars for a southern border wall, maybe an acceptable form of each can be achieved. Number One priority, our children’s education. Establish a fair and equitable wage for our teachers. Acquire the latest tools of technology […]

  • Heritage Farm Presents “Our Dairy Past” Series

    Heritage Farm announces the first of a three-part series, “Our Dairy Past,” as a way to reunite farmers in northeast Wisconsin with their past memberships in local cooperatives, dairies and cheese plants. The first in the series will cover Lake to Lake Dairy Cooperative and showcase the “Lake to Lake Girl” that was featured on […]

  • Wisconsin Stays on Top of Specialty Cheeses

    With 27 percent of the nation’s total cheese production, Wisconsin maintained its ranking as the nation’s top cheese producing state in 2017. At 799 million pounds, specialty cheese accounted for 24 percent of Wisconsin’s total cheese production. This was an increase of 24.2 million pounds more than 2016. Of the state’s 132 cheese plants, 99 […]

  • High School Sports Schedule: May 11 – 18

    GIBRALTAR Baseball May 12 vs. Coleman, 9 am May 15 @ Peshtigo, 4 pm Golf May 15 @ Wander Springs, 12:30 pm Softball May 12 vs. Manitowoc Lutheran, 10 am May 14 vs. Roncalli, 4:30 pm May 15 @ Peshtigo, 4 pm Track & Field May 14 @ Algoma, 3:30 pm May 17 – Home […]

  • The Bestseller List: May 11, 2018

    TRADE PAPERBACK FICTION Pachinko by Min Jin Lee Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Exit West by Mohsin Hamid Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr TRADE PAPERBACK NONFICTION Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann Evicted by Matthew Desmond The View from Flyover Country: […]

  • Pirates Putting for Patriots

    Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf in Sister Bay will host the 12th annual Putting for Patriots fundraiser May 11 through May 28. This national event will occur simultaneously at 33 Pirate’s Cove, Pirate’s Island and Jungle Golf miniature golf courses throughout the United States. This May event culminates Memorial Day weekend and supports three charities that […]

  • Somos Latinas Profiles Wisconsin Women, Activists of Change

    New Wisconsin Historical Society Press book, Somos Latinas: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists, written by Andrea-Teresa Arenas and Eloisa Gómez, shares the stories of 25 women with Wisconsin ties who have lived the words of celebrated Latina activist Dolores Huerta, who wrote the book’s foreword. From outspoken demonstrators to determined individuals and collaborators working for […]

  • Bazyli Studio Wearable Art Opens for Season

    Bazyli Studio Wearable Art Gallery in Baileys Harbor opens for the season May 12. The studio and gallery are home to resident artists Peter Ciesla and Skye. The new season brings Ciesla’s one-of-a-kind clothing designs that are created with his own plant-dyed, organic fabrics as well as coats, jackets and vests made with linen, hemp, […]

  • Mother’s Day Hike at Crossroads

    Crossroads at Big Creek continues to celebrate water and nature with this week’s hikes. Hikes are free and open to the public. On May 12, Crossroads focuses on water with a walk to the dock and lecture. At 10 am join in for an hour-long walk to the dock on The Cove Preserve. Participants can […]

  • Kewaunee County Tourism Up $2.4 Million in 2017

    The Wisconsin Department of Tourism reports that direct visitor spending rose to $20 million in 2017 for Kewaunee County, which is up from $17.6 million in 2016. “We had two really big things happen for Kewaunee County in 2017,” said Jennifer Schneider, Kewaunee County tourism coordinator and public information officer. “We hosted Wisconsin Farm Technology […]

  • Cain Goettelman Wins First Yacht Club Race of Season

    Cain Goettelman brought his nearly new Flying Scot out of hibernation on Sunday, April 29, to win the inaugural Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club sailboat race of the 2018 season. Goettelman, with seasoned sailor Rob Elliott as crew, logged three first-place finishes. Griff Goetsch and Jeff Berg were a close second place; Larry Burris with crew […]

  • Looking for a Door County Golf League?

    Door County golf courses have a long history of golf leagues. If interested in joining one, there are a number to consider. Below are leagues listed by course. If we missed you, send your league information to [email protected].   ALPINE 7715 Alpine Road, Egg Harbor Tuesday Men’s League. Call Alpine Pro Shop for more information […]

  • Climate Change Forum Returns May 19

    “Taking Action to Build a Resilient Planet” is the theme of this year’s Door County Climate Change Forum, set for 9 am to 2:15 pm on May 19 at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. This fifth annual forum features both local and global leaders whose work models action in fostering individual and community engagement […]

  • Spring Fling: Nature Walks in Peninsula State Park

    Peninsula State Park offers two spring nature walks this week. On May 10, from 10 to 11:30 am, walk a two-mile route to see sky-high bluffs of the Niagara Escarpment, to watch for trilliums and to learn park history. Eagle Trail is muddy, slippery and a difficult trail. Meet at the Eagle Tower parking lot. […]

  • Jacksonport Farmers Market Beings May 15

    Jacksonport’s farmers market, sponsored by the Jacksonport Area Business Association, starts May 15 at Lakeside Park. The market will be held on Tuesdays from 9 am to 1 pm. The market features more than 30 booths with many local produce growers with a wide variety of fresh garden fare each week. Fruits and vegetables vary […]

  • TAP Veterans Star in “Stella and Lou”

    Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) veterans Claire Morkin and Drew Brhel star in their second show of the season, Stella and Lou, directed by James Valcq. Brhel said of the play, “It’s basically about nothing. It’s not really about anything except for these two people.” Stella and Lou takes place in a South Philadelphia bar called […]

  • By the Numbers: The U.S. and Wisconsin Wine Industry

    1 Grapes rank as the highest value fruit crop in the U.S. 2 The percentage of U.S. winery Direct to Consumer (DTC) sales in 2017. That amounted to 5.78 million cases shipped, estimated at $2.7 billion, an increase of 15.5 percent higher in value than 2016. 5 The top five wines by volume sold are […]

  • State News: Senator Removed from State Budget Committee

    Schimel Conference Attendance Questioned State records show the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a conservative Christian organization, spent nearly $4,000 to cover Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel’s travel to the California conference in July. The statement indicates ADF also paid Schimel a $300 honorarium. The Southern Poverty Law Center has classified ADF as an extremist hate […]

  • Memorial Service: Karl Nystrom

    A memorial service will be held May 26, 11 am, with visitation from 10 am until the time of service at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor.

  • Foundation Offers Tree-Care Booklet with Donation

    The Arbor Day Foundation is offering a handy tree-care booklet designed to help people plant and care for trees. Anyone can receive Conservation Trees, a user-friendly booklet featuring illustrations, colorful photos, and easily understood descriptions, by making a $3 donation to the Foundation this month. “Conservation Trees is an ideal resource for tree planters,” said […]

  • Municipal Meetings: May 11 – 18

    DOOR COUNTY City of Sturgeon Bay:  The common council meets at 7 pm May 15. The Plan Commission meets at 6 pm May 16. County of Door:  The Highway & Airport Committee meets at 9 am May 14. The Finance Committee meets at 1 pm May 14. The Administrative Committee meets at 9 am May […]

  • Rogue Theater Selects Cottage Row Mystery to Produce in 2019

    When Stuart Champeau and Lola DeVillers founded Rogue  theater in 2013, Champeau said, “Our theme is theater for the community. There are lots of talented people in Door County who are looking for a space to express themselves.” In the past five years, Rogue has provided many community residents the opportunity to perform and has […]

  • Reps in the News: Sen. Johnson Staff Visit Ephraim May 16

    Governor Scott Walker On May 9, Gov. Walker presented pet food maker Carnivore Meat Co. of Green Bay, Gehl Foods of Germantown and Optimum Vehicle Logistics of Milwaukee with the 2018 Governor’s Export Achievement Award in recognition of their success in global business development. “Wisconsin exports increased by 6.1 percent in 2017 and are off […]

  • Blossom Run Saturday in Egg Harbor

    The YMCA’s annual Blossom Run takes place in Egg Harbor Saturday, May 12. The event offers a five-mile run, two-mile run/walk, and a one-mile youth run, all leaving from the Egg Harbor Marina. The runs take participants down White Cliff Road on an out and back course. Registration starts at 7 am, with the race […]

  • Maxwelton Braes Hosts ’80s Inspired Adult Prom

    In celebration of neon, Michael Jackson, hairbands and spiked punch, Maxwelton Braes Lodge and Thyme Cuisine present Prom Night Back to the ‘80s on May 12. For one night, Maxwelton Braes takes guests back in time to when Madonna was queen and Mötley Crüe was king. The evening starts with a spiked punch cocktail hour […]

  • Celebrating 100 Years of 4-H

    The Door County Historical Society will host its monthly dinner program, “100 Years of 4-H in Door County,” presented by 4-H Youth Development Director Dawn Vandevoort on May 21 at the Log Den Restaurant. The history of 4-H is a story of youth education, community pride, responsibility, personal leadership and volunteerism. While constantly changing to […]

  • Framed: Suzanne and Joanne Metzel Meet Dewy the Droplet

    Suzanne and Joanne Metzel, artistic volunteers for Celebrate Water, stopped by the Celebrate Water Day festivities on May 5 and said hello to the Celebrate Water mascot, Dewy the Droplet. Photo by Grace Johnson.

  • Sister Bay CrossFit Opens Memorial Day Weekend

    Now locals and visitors can enjoy the benefits of CrossFit, an internationally recognized fitness regimen, at Sister Bay CrossFit. Julie (Mangan) Schaffer, 1986 graduate of Gibraltar High School, will coach classes starting May 24 at Door County Fitness Studio, 10583 Country Walk Drive. For ages 14 and older, CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning […]

  • Obituary: Mary K. Frischmann

    Mary K. Frischmann, 79, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. and Cape Canaveral, Fla., was called home to Heaven on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. She was born March 20, 1939 in Canton, OH, the daughter of Robert and Marion (Glesner) Malzahn. Mary spent her childhood in Sturgeon Bay and met her husband, Joseph K. Frischmann while studying […]

  • Server of the Week: Daysha Michaels at BayCare Eye Specialists

    Her name if Daysha Michaels, and she has a great demeanor. You’ll think so too, after you’ve seen her.   – Submitted by Dorothy Lindsey

  • Door County Fair Scheduled for Aug 1 – 5

    The 2018 Door County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 1-5 at John Miles County Park in Sturgeon Bay. Community residents, both youth and adult, are encouraged to exhibit in the many different categories of Junior Fair (youth entries) and Open Class. New in 2018, the fair is moving to an online entry process. Premium Lists […]

  • Obituary: Helen Marie Seiler

    Helen Marie Seiler died peacefully at home attended by her daughter Linda and numerous angels on Sunday May 6, 2018 at the age of 90. She was born June 18, 1927 in Baileys Harbor. On March 12, 1946 she married Sylvester ‘Sy’ Seiler at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor. They grew more in love […]

  • Opera Singer to Visit Sturgeon Bay

    Sturgeon Bay middle and high school choral musicians will work with Keith Harris, a New York City-based opera singer, voice teacher, and voice-over artist, on May 21. Harris will sing with the middle and high school men as well as with the high school mixed choir in the Spring Choral Concert on May 22, 7 […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Rocket

    New this week is Rocket, a two-year-old male tabby who was living on the streets of Sturgeon Bay and is ready for a home of his own. He had a minor injury to his paw when he arrived, but the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus got him cleaned up, healthy, and back in […]

  • Reflective Writing Workshop May 15

    Marggie Hatala will host a reflective writing workshop, Finding the Preciousness of Life, on May 15 from 10 am to 2 pm. Participants will meet at the Ephraim Historical Foundation’s Svalhus Research Library. A light lunch will be provided. Participants will use journals for self-reflection to explore patience, generosity and compassion. There are two subsequent […]

  • Edgewood Orchard Galleries Supports Nature Center Expansion

    Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek is playing a key role in efforts to raise funds for expansion of the White Cedar Nature Center at Peninsula State Park. Owners Nell and J.R. Jarosh got involved last summer when they held a benefit for the project. A percentage of the proceeds from art sold at the […]

  • News From This Week’s Past: Electricity, Marriage License Law

    All items are from the Door County Library’s newspaper archives, and they appear in the same form as they were first published, including misspellings and grammatical errors.   The Expositor May 12, 1876 An artillery company is under process of organization in this place. We understand that the intention is to build a fort upon […]

  • NWTC Opens Sister Bay Center

    Representatives from the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and Nicolet National Bank cut the ribbon on the new Learning and Innovation Center May 7 before a crowd of around 100 people on a sunny spring day. While the center has been open and offering workshops since April, aspiring students and lifelong learners can enroll in […]

  • Obituary: Patricia Carr Tansill Cramer

    Patricia Carr Tansill Cramer, known as Tricia, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2018 with her husband, Chris, by her side at their home in Fish Creek. Tricia and Chris were married in 1982. They first met at the wedding reception of close friends who had been prodding them to meet. Tricia was born in […]

  • Packerland Conference Standings: May 7

    Packerland Conference Standings As of May 7   Baseball Win-Loss NEW Lutheran 3-1 Peshtigo 3-1 Oconto 2-1 Sevastopol 2-1 Sturgeon Bay 1-1 Gibraltar 1-3 Kewaunee 1-2 Southern Door 1-2 Algoma 0-2   Girls Soccer Win-Loss-Tie-Points Sturgeon Bay 2-0-0-4 NEW Lutheran 1-1-0-2 Sevastopol-Gibraltar 1-1-0-2 Kewaunee 0-2-0-0   Girls Softball Win, Loss Kewaunee 3-0 Oconto 3-0 Algoma […]

  • Obituary: Jean Ellen Fenlon

    Jean Ellen Fenlon, 72, of the Town of Egg Harbor, passed away Friday night, May 4, 2018 at the Door County Medical Center Skilled Nursing Facility with family at her side. She was born July 12, 1945 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Lawrence Wilson Steele and Esther Myrtle (Stolpe) Steele. Jean graduated from Washington High […]

  • DCEDC Hires Firm for Housing Stock Study

    The shortage of affordable year-round housing and seasonal worker housing that plagues the peninsula has been fretted about and discussed at many levels, but, finally, a study is underway that hopes to present some solutions. On May 3 the Door County Economic Development Corp. (DCEDC) convened a public meeting at the Kress Pavilion in Egg […]

  • Free Airplane Rides for Young Eagles Day

    The EAA Chapter from West Bend presents another Armed Forces and EAA/Young Eagles Day at Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport on June 2. Free airplane rides for kids ages 8-17 include instruction before and during the flight. Before take-off, pilots explain what will take place during the flight including review of aeronautical charts, identifying reference points, preflight inspection […]

  • League of Conservation Voters Endorses Caleb Frostman

    Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters endorses Caleb Frostman for Wisconsin’s Senate District 1 and Ann Groves Lloyd for Assembly District 42. These upcoming special elections on June 12 are critically important to conservation in Wisconsin. “I am honored to receive this endorsement,” Frostman said. “As a passionate outdoorsman since childhood, I know that the recreational […]

  • Obituary: Janet S. Tate

    Janet S. Tate, 68, of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin and Winter Park, Florida passed away May 2 in Saint Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, Wisc. Janet was born in Paris, Illinois, spent her early years in Dana, Indiana and grew up in Central Florida. She graduated from Winter Park High School and The University of Central […]

  • Bobby Jo Valentine to Preform at Shepherd of the Bay

    Singer/songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine will appear in concert at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay on May 19 at 7 pm. Valentine’s music exists outside the lines of any genre and the thoughtful lyrics and catchy melodies reach listeners on all paths of life. The poetic nature of Valentine’s stories and songs […]

  • Turtle Ridge Introduces Miniature Art

    Reflecting the new larger art pieces by Mary Ellen Sisulak, these mini-art pins and earrings incorporate leather and stones into small vignettes. The pins have multiple layers of leather that are tooled, textured and painted. Agate, jasper, labradorite, crystals and silver are added for colorful interpretations of miniature landscapes and still lifes. Turtle Ridge is […]

  • Svalhus Research Library to Open in Ephraim

    The Ephraim Historical Foundation (EHF) begins a new chapter May 16, with the opening of the Svalhus Research Library. Located at 3060 Anderson Lane in Ephraim, this historic building has served a variety of functions in its more than 120-year history.   The Svalhus, Norwegian for “cooling house,” was built around 1890 and owned by […]

  • Overheard and Obsessions: May 11, 2018

    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? “It looks like a jockstrap on tables.” “I’m just paranoid now that there are always ducks outside my door.” “If I had […]

  • Photographer Brings Lost Relics to TAP Gallery

    The Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) Lobby Gallery presents the photography of Ty Helbach, May 9-June 16.   Fueled by ardent wanderlust, bestowed with the gift of an impeccable eye and an insatiable love for photography, Helbach has been documenting his favorite subjects professionally for more than a decade. Helbach’s gift for conveying depth and emotion […]

  • Manners Matter: Lost All Manners in the Divorce

    Dear Mary Pat, I was browsing around a gift store and couldn’t help but overhear the conversation that a couple nearby was having. It became clear within a few moments that the man had been divorced and was now with a new(er?) girlfriend. She’d point something out and he would say, “Oh yeah, I used […]

  • Trivia: Who Created Mother’s Day?

    Question:  Who created Mother’s Day? Answer:  Anna Jarvis, a social activist who wanted to honor her mother, created the holiday in 1908 and it was officially recognized in 1914. Jarvis later worked to remove it from the calendar as the holiday became too commercial.

  • Indigo Dyeing Opens Whitefish Bay Farm Gallery

    Whitefish Bay Farm Gallery kicks off the 36th season May 18 at noon. The gallery specializes in fiber art – hand felting, hand weaving, knitting and crochet – along with naturally colored (un-dyed) and naturally dyed yarns from the resident flock of Corriedale sheep. The gallery also features functional pottery and a smattering of photography. […]

  • Jerry Apps Revisits UW Campus Days in “Once a Professor”

    Jerry Apps, author of Limping through Life, continues his life story with his newest Wisconsin Historical Society Press release, Once a Professor: A Memoir of Teaching in Turbulent Times. In this continuation of the Apps life story, the former agriculture professor shares stories from his UW years, from 1957 to 1995. Stories include his experiences […]

  • Ellison Bay Potters Design Music Award

    At the annual workshop of the Association of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestras (AWSO), the Service to Music Award was presented to Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR). AWSO serves as a resource for the growth and appreciation of orchestral music in Wisconsin. The annual workshop was held at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music on April 27 in Milwaukee. […]

  • Juddville Clay Studio Gallery Opens for Season

    Door County artists Rebecca Carlton and Tony Staroska opened their 13th season at Juddville Clay Contemporary Studio Gallery. Juddville Clay specializes in contemporary ceramic art. Visitors will find outdoor sculptures for home and garden; Door County Tile Collections of flowers, leafs and milagros; tile murals; and decorative vessels ranging from small, intimate forms to large […]

  • Ross Dippel Introduces Death’s Door Knockers Improv Group

    Ross Dippel has two degrees in theater and earned his master’s as a member of the first graduating class from the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting in Washington, D.C. He’s appeared in major roles at the Kennedy Center and other theaters from coast to coast. He’s been in films and on television, He’s […]

  • Guitarist Scott Fields to Perform in Sturgeon Bay

    Traveling from Germany to tour the US, Scott Fields will perform solo guitar pieces from his recent CD Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame on July 28, 7 pm at Popelka Trenchard Glass in Sturgeon Bay. This concert is part of the BEGIN music series. Having performed frequently in Chicago during his formative years, at […]

  • Volunteers Recognized at Sunshine House Awards Dinner

    article and photos by Cindy Germain Outstanding work of the clients, staff and partners of Sunshine House was recognized Monday night at their Annual Awards Dinner at Stone Harbor Resort. The well-attended event is in its 47th year of the Sunshine House’s long history as the premiere service provider for Door County’s citizens with special […]

  • By the Numbers: Politics and Global Warming

    On May 8, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication released a new report, Politics & Global Warming. Among the findings – according to a nationally representative survey of registered voters taken in March – more Republicans are convinced that global warming is a result of human activity, and, therefore, are more supportive of climate […]

  • Obituary: Christine Marie LaCrosse

    Christine Marie LaCrosse, 50, of the Town of Nasewaupee, quietly passed at home with her family by her side on Thursday, May 3, 2018 following a short, but courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was born November 14, 1967 in Port Washington, the daughter of Charles Jerome Becker and Paulette Josephine (Wilmot) Surk. Christine’s family […]

  • Door County Poet Laureate Co-authors First Prize Chapbook

    On April 28, Jeanie Tomasko from Middleton, and her co-author Sharon Auberle, Door County Poet Laureate, were awarded first prize for their chapbook, Dovetail, published by Bent Paddle Press. Twenty-eight chapbooks were entered by 29 poets. The prize was given by the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets at its spring conference in Oshkosh. Chapbook contest judge […]

  • Chaudoir Returns to DCEDC as Interim Director

    A familiar face was at the Kress Pavilion for the Door County Economic Development Corporation’s housing study event on May 3. Former DCEDC Executive Director Bill Chaudoir has returned to serve as interim director after former director Caleb Frostman left the position on April 27 to pursue the 1st Senate district seat as a Democratic […]

  • Obituary: Lorene Kay Arnold

    Lorene Kay Arnold, 79, of Sturgeon Bay, WI, passed away in the comfort of her home on Monday, May 7, 2018. Her life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 110 N. 5th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with […]

  • Jacksonport Celebrates Horsepull History

    For generations, horses pulled boulders to the edges of Door County farm fields on a steel or wood “stone boat.” The Jacksonport Advancement Corporation celebrates that strength and spirit at the annual Maifest Horsepull at noon on May 27. Activities begin with horseback demonstrations from the 4-H Drill Team and Door County’s own trick roper […]

  • New Role for Amy Ensign at Door Shakespeare

    Door Shakespeare announces the appointment of Amy Ensign as its new managing director. Ensign has more than 30 years of experience in theatre, instructional design, retail sales, training and marketing. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in drama. After meeting and living on the west coast for a number of years, […]

  • Celebration of Life: Rod DeMaranville

    Family and friends of Rod DeMaranville will gather to remember him on May 19 at The Ridges in Baileys Harbor. The informal celebration of his life will take place from 1 to 4:30 pm.

  • Cheers!: All Bocked Up

    How could you pass up a beer with this name – Bock’s O-Chocolates. Are you kidding? A chocolate doppelbock? I’m in. I miss the days of the annual spring release of bock beers. I’m thinking of the pre-craft days. Bock, a strong, dark, malty lager, was always released in the spring. Point Bock, Huber Bock, […]

  • Poetry and Politics are Focus of Write On Workshop

    On May 17, 1-3pm, Ed Werstein will share his knowledge of writing poetry in “Writing to the News,” a special workshop offered by Write On, Door County at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The program is free, but donations are accepted. “Writing to the News” uses current headlines and quotes to serve as poetic prompts to […]

  • Gibraltar Food Truck Owners File Lawsuit Against Town

    On May 10, Lisa and Kevin Howard, owners of White Cottage Red Door officially notified the Town of Gibraltar they are taking the first step toward filing a lawsuit against what they say is an unconstitutional ordinance that is preventing them from operating a county-permitted and state-licensed food truck. The store owners tried to satisfy […]

  • Gibraltar School Hosts Informational Meeting on Remodel May 14

    The Gibraltar Board of Education will hold an informational meeting on the proposed remodel of the secondary library and media center and classrooms at 7 pm Monday, May 14. The meeting will include a presentation by Somerville Architects & Engineers and Frank O. Zeise Construction Co.

  • Obituary: Phyllis Catherine Ingwersen

    Family and friends mourn the loss of Phyllis Ingwersen, wife of artist James J. Ingwersen. Phyllis died peacefully on Tuesday, May 1, in Door County, Wisconsin. She was 89 and had homes in Sister Bay and Scottsdale. Phyllis was a journalist, an actor, and a painter. In spite of a 1962 sell-out exhibit of her […]

  • Falling Into Place: Washington Island Artist Cathy Meader

    Cathy Meader peers out the window and describes the painting she might create if she stepped outside her Washington Island home, set up her easel and poised a paintbrush, “Something foggy and quiet and cozy. I love capturing a feeling, the essence.” This love and instinct to create art, to capture a feeling, was fostered […]

  • Obituary: Ellsworth L. Peterson

    Ellsworth L. Peterson, 94, a lifelong Sturgeon Bay industrialist and philanthropist, died at his home on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. He was admired and loved by his family, friends, and many employees as a role model for his quality of character, integrity and civic dedication. Born in Sturgeon Bay on January 16, 1924, to Fred […]

  • Obituary: Clifford Leroy Wolter

    Clifford Wolter, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side on April 30, 2018, at Door County Medical Center, just short of his 86th birthday. He was born May 3, 1932 in Evanston, IL, the first son of Clarence and Ella (Koch) Wolter. He was united in marriage to Janet Schumacher […]

  • Hardy Gallery Begins 56th Season with Wall-to-Wall Salon

    The Hardy Gallery continues tradition with their annual kick-off May 26, 5:30 – 7 pm, for the annual Wall-to-Wall Salon. Guests get a sneak peek at all submissions for the Annual Juried Show. Now a two-week long exhibition, Wall-to-Wall features all artwork submitted for the juried exhibit prior to the jury selection. The public is […]

  • Master Gardners to Hold Annual Plant Sale

    The Door County Master Gardeners Association will hold its annual plant sale at the UW Peninsular Agricultural Research Station on May 26, 9 am to 12 pm. Enthusiasts should arrive early as the best sell out quickly. The sale has been known to open a bit before 9 am if lines are long. Featured this […]

  • 2018 Door County Folk Festival Registration Now Open

    Registration is now open for the 2018 Door County Folk Festival (DCFF), held July 11-15 in Baileys Harbor. There are a number of changes to this year’s festival:  workshops and parties will all be held in Baileys Harbor; there’s a new group of regional dance instructors; Jim Stoynoff’s band will provide live music for the […]

  • Republican Senate Primary Candidate Q&A

    Republican voters in the 1st Senate district have a difficult choice ahead of them on Tuesday, May 15. Two conservative candidates are vying for the Senate seat that was vacated at the end of the year when the highly vulnerable former Senator Frank Lasee took a position in Gov. Scott Walker’s administration. Walker was forced […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Thanks for Supporting Belgian Heritage Center

    All of us at the Belgian Heritage Center in Namur would like to thank everyone who came out to support our Booyah & Bread event. Though we were forced to reschedule it to April 29 due to the snowstorm, we were thrilled to see so many come out for the fresh baked bread, homemade booyah […]

  • Obituary: Yolanda “Londa” Doney

    Yolanda “Londa” Doney found eternal peace on April 20, 2018 at the age of 83. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allen; parents, Consuelo & Luciano Benavides, Sr.; brother, Lou Benavides, Jr. She was a devoted, loving mother to her 6 children: Deborah (Pat) Hellen, Kevin (Rachel), Russell, Walt (Sherry) of Casper, WY, Philip […]

  • Door County Medical Center Births: May 1

    Nathan and Alana Hadley, Sturgeon Bay, are the parents of a daughter born May 1, 2018. Carrie and David Herlache, Sturgeon Bay, are the maternal grandparents. Melissa Maedke and Josh Hadley, Sturgeon Bay, are the paternal grandparents.

  • Gibraltar Facing Litigation Over Food Truck Ban

    The owners of the food truck at White Cottage Red Door may pursue litigation against the Town of Gibraltar if the town board does not rescind a town ordinance that was modified last year to prohibit food trucks throughout the town. Meanwhile, the town may be pursuing legal action against the Door County Planning Department […]

  • Letter to the Editor: A Poem for Mother’s Day

    This Mothers Day I’d like to send out this poem to honor all mothers, written by my mother, Kathleen Kerscher, who passed away 20 years ago. MOM Whether our Moms are living or dead, I know there’s one thing can be said. No matter how old we might be, Her loving ways we’ll always see. […]

  • Letter to the Editor: A Chicken in Every Pot, Election Year Phenomena

    Often erroneously attributed to Herbert Hoover in 1928 as he was running for re-election, a Republican operative wrote an ad for the New York Times, “Under lower taxation America has … stabilized employment …  Republican efficiency has filled the workingman’s dinner pail … Republican prosperity has … put the proverbial ‘chicken in every pot,’ And […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Mission Accomplished, Mr. President

    Mr. President:  You did it! You’ve accomplished the impossible! The doubters among the elites and fake news media are left, mouths agape, standing in awe of your orange magnificence! You have not only assured world peace into the next millennium by single handedly ending the Korean War and denuclearizing the peninsula, you have made America […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Defining Your Agenda

    Doubtless readers have heard of “Stockholm Syndrome,” describing the psychological effect on those recent victims who were suffering under authoritarian injustice and politically partisan power structures working to benefit a favored few, while extracting heavy costs from the many. These victims, formerly conditioned to bow and scrape for any tiny favors under oppressive regimes, continue […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Great Shipyard Tour, Aside from Crying Babies

    Kudos to the Sturgeon Bay shipyard folks for presenting their work up close and personal. I have new respect for the effort it takes to build or maintain the big boats that visit here. Beautiful weather and well organized. Just a couple of small suggestions:  the toddlers and crying babies were distracting and made it […]

  • Letter to the Editor: More Sad than Angry

    Let me start out by saying I am in support of Andre Jacque for the 1st District State Senate seat. I am Garey Bies the former State Representative for the 1st District of the State Assembly (7 terms-14 years). When Andre was considering running for the seat of the 2nd district and we met to […]

  • Celebrate Water Kickoff a Success

    Celebrate Water Door County started their year of water on May 5 in Sturgeon Bay’s Sawyer Park. Visitors were able to enjoy the sunshine, free pizza, talks from Rep. Joel Kitchens and Door County Community Foundation CEO and President Bret Bicoy, birds from Open Door Bird Sanctuary, and more. Photo by Grace Johnson.

  • Door County Visitor Spending Up $11 Million in 2017

    Visitor spending in Door County was up $11 million dollars last year according to a report from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The publication of the state’s tourism economic impact report for 2017 coincides with National Travel and Tourism Week, which runs from May 6-12, 2018. Door County visitors spent $358.7 million in 2017, an […]

  • Algoma Visitor Center Volunteers Take Local Tour

    Algoma Visitor Center volunteers took a tourism tour as a unique way to acquaint the more than 30 dedicated volunteer staff with the newest sights and places of the Algoma area. Algoma Chamber Executive Director Sara Krouse organized the daylong event on April 27 for the volunteers who staff the visitor center seven days a […]

  • Door to Nature: Garlic Mustard

    Strong southwest winds are blowing today and this first day of May is the warmest one of spring, a season we thought would never arrive. I’ve lived up here in northern Door County for nearly 46 years and this was the coldest, snowiest and latest spring I ever experienced. The dry brown woodlands are finally […]

  • Algoma Dentist Works to Aid Sleep Apnea Sufferers

    Article and photos by Cindy Germain A local Algoma dentist has had a personal journey to wellness and is now helping people sleep better. For those suffering from sleep apnea, the unique treatment Dr. Rebecca Havel provides may make a difference. Sleep apnea, the lack of adequate oxygen during sleep, has been connected as a […]

  • Pulse Price Report: May 8

    Crop prices (May 8) Rio Creek Feed Mill – Algoma Commodity Price (per bushel) Basis Last Year Corn $3.53 -0.50 $3.26 Soybeans $9.42 -0.79 $9.52 Wheat $4.42 -0.73 $3.63 Oats $2.36 1.00 N/A   United Cooperative – Denmark Corn $3.53/bushel -0.40 New-Crop Corn $3.71/bushel -0.48 Wheat $4.40/bushel -0.75   Basis:  The difference between the local […]

  • A Man of Another Era: Ellsworth Peterson Dies at 94

    For six decades, Peterson Builders Inc. pumped oxygen into the lifeblood of the Sturgeon Bay economy. The shipyard known for building Navy vessels employed more than 1,000 people at its peak, and when profits soared, they were proudly shared with employees. The revenue that trickled up went to executives who lived down the street, and […]

  • Great Lakes Water Height Well Above Average

    Following 15 years of generally dry weather, the four upper Great Lakes – Superior, Huron, Michigan and Erie – are all well above average. Lakes Huron, Michigan and Erie are at their highest levels for this time of year since 1998. Water levels on the Great Lakes rise and fall in response to natural water […]