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Peninsula Pulse May 13-20, 2022

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In this issue

  • Letter to the Editor: Fire Department Conflicts Are Not Unusual; Political Leadership Can Help

    I’m a former Nasewaupee resident and member of the Southern Door Fire Department [SDFD], 1995-2014, and I served as captain of the department, 2007-14. I was shocked to read the story in the Peninsula Pulse recently [“Nasewaupee Residents Urge Board to Leave Southern Door Fire Department,” April 29 issue].  Apparently the SDFD is in turmoil […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Homeowners Must Demand Energy-Efficient Homes

    A small but passionate group of U.S. architects and builders, myself among them, has advocated for years for the design and construction of high-performance homes, which can save 80% or more energy compared with code-built homes. We have created this type of construction to not only reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and help reduce the impact of […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Wisconsin Supreme Court Keeps Republican Thumb on the Scale

    This is about maps and about which district you vote in. It makes a big difference in who gets elected. Shame on the Wisconsin Supreme Court majority that ruled in favor of the most gerrymandered map presented to them, after their initial troubling decision to consider only “least-change” maps. Compared to more than 20 other […]

  • Letter to the Editor: If Republicans Are Borers, Democrats Are Stumps

    A much-too-frequent contributor to the Peninsula Pulse letters column has given us a new way to be reminded of how rotten the Republicans can be. The man from Sister Bay tells us those scoundrels prefer riots over debates. He finds our democracy struggling due to Republican policies similar to the difficulties of our ash trees, […]

  • CULTURE CLUB: Third Avenue PlayWorks

    by AMY FRANKManaging Director, Third Avenue PlayWorks At Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP), we know that the arts create a sense of community, belonging and joy, and this season, we’re excited to highlight and support some of the many incredible organizations across Door County through our Community Partners Program. TAP will partner with local organizations for […]

  • Uho Pohjonen Featured as PMF’s Grand Finale Performer

    Finnish pianist Juho Pohjonen will be replacing Peter Jablonski for the grand finale concert of the Peninsula Music Festival’s (PMF) “Nordic Greats” Symphony Series. Pohjonen is regarded as one of today’s most exciting instrumentalists. He performs widely in Europe, Asia and North America; collaborates with symphony orchestras; plays in recital and chamber settings; and is […]

  • Rogue Presents Youth Theater Camp

    Is your child looking for a great summer adventure? Rogue Theater’s summer Youth Theater Camp – entering its ninth season – may be just the thing. In fact, many of the young actors have returned year after year; some have served as assistant coaches; and several have performed in Rogue’s adult productions.  Rogue’s dedicated performing artists […]

  • Midsummer’s Music, Birch Creek Partner for Food-Pantry Benefit Concert

    Midsummer’s Music and Birch Creek Music Performance Center are collaborating with United Way of Door County to present a free concert benefiting the Door County Food Pantry Coalition as part of the nationwide Music for Food program. The concert will be held May 14, 2 pm, in Birch Creek’s Juniper Hall, 3821 Cty E in […]

  • Nasewaupee Residents Favor Expanding Town Board to Five Members

    Nasewaupee is Door County’s third-largest municipality by population, but it has only three members on its town board, which is smaller than many of the county’s municipal boards that have smaller populations. An effort is now underway to add two town supervisors to the board. During last month’s annual town meeting, Nasewaupee residents backed a […]

  • Gray Days Perfect for Horseshoe Bay Photo Shoot

    Alpine course revitalization rolling along Motorists on Highway G might have thought Horseshoe Bay Golf Club was hosting a college golf match or lessons the first week of May, when a couple of groups of seven young men and women – clad in clothing suitable for cold, windy days at the British Open – milled about on […]

  • Door County Identifying Community-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Challenges

    Early 2021 marked a year into a global pandemic and nine months since the first Black Lives Matter protests erupted in communities across the country, including in Door County, following the murder of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin. In April 2021, Chauvin became the first white Minnesota police officer to be convicted of […]

  • Dining By the Bay Returns May 19

    Great food for a great cause Five talented chefs and five courses will make for one incredible meal during Dining by the Bay, returning Thursday, May 19, to Maxwelton Braes in Baileys Harbor.  “After an extremely successful event in 2019, which raised nearly $30,000 for the YMCA’s annual campaign, the pandemic caused the [event’s cancellation] […]

  • Spring Foraging: Wild edible plants to gather now

    As temperatures begin to rise and hearty winter dishes take a back seat to fresh greens and salads, this time of year offers an ideal opportunity to try your hand at foraging for tasty spring edibles.  “[Foraging] is the beautiful intersection of going on a hike that’s productive and coming home from that hike with […]

  • Spring Fresh

    Several local farmers markets will start up again this month A sure sign of spring is the return of local farmers markets, but what you’ll find available at spring markets, compared to farmers markets later in the season, is very different.  Around the Door, a variety of farmers markets are opening up, offering locally grown […]

  • Live Music Scene

    Live Music Scene Grab your dancing shoes, and hit the town for one of these great live-music performances. Check our events calendar in this issue for more details, and watch for our Summer Music Preview, to be released in June. David Hatch May 13, 1-4 pm, Harbor Ridge Winery Playing classic rock, pop, country and […]

  • Writing Her Way through Grief

    How Amythyst Kiah used songwriting to create music and healing On Friday, May 13, Grammy-nominated songwriter Amythyst Kiah will perform in a solo concert at Door Community Auditorium, which is partnering with Write On, Door County and its Health & Healing Writer’s Conference, set for May 13-15.  Rolling Stone calls Kiah “one of Americana’s great […]

  • Bits & Bites: A Facelift for Bayside

    One of the exciting things about the food scene in Door County this time of year is the announcement of new places to try and exciting updates about tried-and-true favorites. If you’re keeping up, here are two to keep on your radar.  Bayside Tavern Turns Back Time To celebrate 100 years, Bayside Tavern, 4160 Main […]

  • COVID Infection-rate Gap Closes, But Fewer Hospitalizations and Deaths for Vaccinated

    It used to be that the unvaccinated would contract COVID-19 at a rate 1.1 times higher than the vaccinated. That is no longer true. The vaccinated are “almost getting it at the same rate,” said Sue Powers, Door County health officer/public health manager, during a May 9 update to the Health and Human Services Committee. […]

  • Listening Sessions Scheduled on Former Nelson Property

    The Town of Baileys Harbor invites members of the public to share thoughts about the Nelson’s hardware, motel and garage buildings with the project team from Edgewater Resources of St. Joseph, Michigan, during a listening session Monday, May 16, 6-7:30 pm, at the town hall auditorium, 2392 Cty F in Baileys Harbor. The following night, […]

  • Northern Door Volleyball League Registration is Open

    Calling all volleyball teams! Registration is now open for the Northern Door Volleyball Summer League, and new teams are encouraged to form and join.  Teams compete on Wednesday nights under the lights and Door County stars on the County A courts in Fish Creek. The season will run from June 1 through the end of […]

  • Softball Pioneers Down Eagles, 2-1

    Wind gusts were aplenty while runs were scarce May 6 when Sevastopol’s softball team hosted Southern Door for a Packerland Conference contest in Institute. The game was tied at a run apiece in the bottom of the fifth inning when Bailey Rikkola hit a ball to the infield to score Naomi Rikkola in what turned […]

  • Clippers Shut Out Vikings, Sweep Twin Bill

    Sturgeon Bay’s varsity baseball team scored all the runs it needed to win in the top of the second inning May 5 when the Clippers shut out Gibraltar/Washington Island, 3-0, in the first game of their doubleheader at Fish Creek. The two Sturgeon Bay runs in the top of the second were set up by […]

  • Sarkis Leaving Destination Sturgeon Bay, New Hires Join Team

    Destination Sturgeon Bay (DSB) is saying farewell to its marketing and events director, Carly Sarkis, who will be pursuing a new business venture in Sturgeon Bay. Her last day will be June 6.  Andrea Buboltz will be DSB’s new events director, handling event coordination for DSB’s 10 annual events and managing the Sturgeon Bay farmers […]

  • DC League Baseball: And They’re Off

    As we all know, nobody’s perfect. Not even a perfect stranger. In a quick haste to get the first article out, I butchered a couple of names last week. For Kolberg, I forgot Nick LeCaptain in the preview, partly because at the time I was watching a spring-football press conference with his brother and had […]

  • Environmental Council Panel Examines Local Issues

    “The Past, Present and Future of Door County” is the second program in a three-part series that the Door County Environmental Council is sponsoring to examine the many issues facing Door County residents. It will be held May 18, 7 pm, at the Kress Pavilion, 7845 Church St. in Egg Harbor. Attend in person or […]

  • Leave No Trace Tuesday Returns May 17

    Leave No Trace Tuesday – a monthly community mixer that Destination Door County hosts monthly on the third Tuesday – will resume May 17, 5-7 pm, at Birch Creek Music Performance Center, 3821 Cty E in Egg Harbor. Volunteers should meet in the parking lot to learn about Door County’s Leave No Trace Seven Principles, sign […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Laney

    Laney is a lovely, 1-year-old pup who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. Her soft, brown eyes and quirky ears are sure to melt anyone’s heart. Laney prefers to be the top dog and would do best in a home where she is the only dog. Like all dogs […]

  • Habitat Bowl-A-Thon Raises $8,000

    Door County Habitat for Humanity’s April 3 Bowl-A-Thon raised about $8,000, courtesy of 48 bowlers who dressed up in tropical attire and leis, ready to roll some bowling balls to support Habitat. Members of the Wittenmeyer family, for whom Habitat will be building in a few weeks, stopped by to join the fun.

  • $2,600 Raised for Defibs4DoorCounty

    Door County North thanks the community and the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department for their contributions to and participation in the recent spring open house, a special evening of food and camaraderie that raised more than $2,600 for the Defibs4DoorCounty campaign to purchase lifesaving automated external defibrillators.

  • Dairy Promotion Committee Celebrates Dairy Month

    Community members are invited to join the Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion Committee for its annual kickoff breakfast at Rendezvous of Luxemburg on June 2, when the 2022 Honorary Volunteer Award recipient will be announced. Enjoy a breakfast buffet of scrambled eggs and cheese, sausage, bacon, fruit and more, served 6:30-8 am.  The program will begin at […]

  • Sevastopol FFA Alumni to Host Dairy Breakfast

    The Sevastopol FFA Alumni group will host its 41st annual dairy breakfast July 3, 6-11:30 am, featuring farm-fresh, all-you-can eat breakfast, live music by Modern Day Drifters, Mayberry carriage rides and a petting zoo. The breakfast will be held this year at Cherryland Dairy, 4926 W. Town Line Road in Sturgeon Bay. Tickets are $12 […]

  • Step Up Your Nutrition with ADRC of the Lakeshore

    Join the ADRC of the Lakeshore on June 8, 9:30-11:30 am, to learn how nutrition affects falls, why muscle matters, how to get enough protein and fluids, and how to eat better to improve your health. The class will be held on the lower level of the Kewaunee County Public Health & Human Services Building, […]

  • CPR and AED Education Day May 21

    The Door County Fire Chiefs Association’s Defibs4DoorCounty campaign is partnering with the Compress & Shock Foundation on May 21 – this year’s CPR and AED Education Day – to offer two free training classes.  The hands-on training will give participants, ages 13 and older, a basic level of comfort with CPR and automatic external defibrillator (AED) […]

  • Memorial Day Ceremony at Little Sister Cemetery

    The Billy Weiss American Legion Post 527 of Sister Bay and the VFW Post 8337 of Ellison Bay will hold a Memorial Day ceremony May 30, 10:30 am, at the Little Sister Cemetery near the intersection of Little Sister Road and Pebble Beach Road. All are welcome to attend to honor deceased veterans. Attendees are […]

  • Community Discussion on Death Positivity

    Marggie Moertl of Embrace Your Inner Self will join Steve Freier, an afterlife researcher and writer for The Inner Voice Magazine, to host their fourth monthly community-discussion group May 19, 1-2:30 pm, at the ADRC, 916 N. 14th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. All beliefs are welcomed and respected in this discussion group, whose purpose is […]

  • CCR: It Shouldn’t Hurt to Be a Child

    by CORI McFARLANE, Deputy Director, Door County Department of Health & Human Services The sad reality is that children in our nation – and right here in Door County – are abused and neglected. According to the latest national data, 1,750 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States in 2020. Child protective services investigated […]

  • County Makes Offer on Duplex for Sober Living Facility

    “We have found a house” is a phrase uttered by the few who are lucky enough to have done so during an incredibly tight housing market. It was said this week by Joe Krebsbach, health and human services director, about the duplex that could become the County of Door’s Sober Living Facility. The transitional facility […]

  • Island School District Demonstrates 21st-Century Excellence

    School earns two awards for integrating environmental best practices into everyday projects, solutions and learning “The island can limit their elective opportunities, but not their opportunities to connect and make a difference in their own community.” — Miranda Dahlke, middle school math and science teacher, Washington Island School District  Students and leaders at the tiny […]

  • New Broadband Committee Planning County-wide Summit

    The voices clamoring for reliable, fast, affordable broadband service are not universal in Door County. A number of municipalities aren’t sure whether they want to plan for it, pay for it or even talk about it. “There are quite a few on the fence,” said Jessica Hatch, the county’s new broadband coordinator. “They don’t know […]

  • Mad about Tea

    The Algoma Public Library hosted an Alice in Wonderland–themed tea party May 7 when guests were treated to tea, lemonade and small treats, and learned proper tea etiquette. Photos by Katie Haasch, adult services librarian.

  • Author Reading During Write On Member Event

    Paul Lisicky was a recent featured author at Write On, Door County, where, in addition to his master class, he read from his works during a Write On member event. Lisicky has written Later: My Life at the Edge of the World (an NPR Best Book of 2020), The Narrow Door (a New York Times […]

  • Meet Children’s Author Jk Palmer at Novel Bay

    Enter the world of a house that moves to Door County to find its family and other whimsical stories in the children’s books by author JK Palmer of Sturgeon Bay. The tales she weaves are ones that children relate to and parents enjoy reading. Talk to Palmer, and learn more about her books during a […]

  • J.P. Jordan to Give Author Talk

    Sister Bay author J.P. Jordan will discuss his latest mystery thriller, All In, at the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Library on May 16, 2:30 pm. During the talk – to be held in person and virtually – he’ll share a behind-the-scenes look at being a writer, the book’s story line and characters, how he conducted his research and […]

  • Literacy Door County Seeks Volunteer Tutors

    Literacy Door County – which provides one-to-one instruction to those who struggle with the English language – is hosting a training session for people who are interested in becoming volunteer tutors in its adult tutoring program.  The session will be held May 14, 10 am – 12:30 pm, at Hope United Church, 141 S. 12th Ave. […]

  • Book Recommendation: ‘The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot’ by Marianne Cronin

    I was finishing this book when my husband looked over and said, “A book shouldn’t do this to you.” But I think books should make you feel all the emotions, so sometimes that includes tears streaming down your face. The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a sweet story about two people who […]

  • Book Recommendation: ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea’ by TJ Klune

    Recommended by MARY SAWYER, Branch Manager, Ephraim Library “Don’t you wish you were here?” reads the caption of a seascape mouse pad sitting on Linus Baker’s office desk. Never have I read a book that made me wish to be there quite like Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, set in an unnamed fantasy […]

  • Hal Prize Expands Photography Categories

    Partnership with Peninsula School of Art grows The 2022 Hal Prize for Photography will offer new opportunities for photographers to enter work in five categories: landscape/nature, people, animals, black and white, and drone. The expansion is a result of the continued growth of the contest and the wide range of styles it now attracts. The […]

  • Discover Wisconsin Launches Photo Contest

    In partnership with the Wisconsin Counties Association, Discover Wisconsin has launched its popular photo contest via social media, through which 12 fan-submitted photos will be published in Discover Wisconsin’s annual calendar. Access the guidelines and other information about the contest at bobber.discoverwisconsin.com, and submit entries by the May 31 deadline. Following the submission and voting […]

  • Northern Arts Collective Puts Out Call for Artists

    Northern Arts Collective invites professional and emerging artists to submit works for consideration for its first annual Small Town Revival Art Exhibit, to run Oct. 1-31, with an opening reception set for Oct. 2, 4-6 pm. In recent years, many of the nation’s rural areas have experienced an influx of new visitors and residents as […]

  • Arts Centers Partner for Open House

    On May 21, Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) and Write On, Door County will present free community open houses and free programs to celebrate the visual and literary arts.  PenArt (peninsulaschoolofart.org), 3900 Cty F in Fish Creek, will begin with Family Art Day, 9 am – 12 pm. Taking a cue from the current exhibition in […]

  • Bazyli Opens for the 2022 Season

    Bazyli Studio Wearable and Textile Art is open for its eighth season. Resident artists Peter Ciesla and Skye maintain their studios adjacent to the gallery, surrounded by nature and gardens, at their home north of Baileys Harbor. The gallery features wearable art and 2D textile art, and it represents a small group of regional and […]

  • New Gallery Displays Work of Emerging Artists

    The Art Shed gallery and studio will host a grand opening May 28, 2-6 pm. Art Shed creators John McCaulley and his wife, Amanda, seek to give emerging and lesser-known local artists – more than 18 currently – a place to showcase their love of art and their work in painting, printmaking, ceramics and more. The art, […]

  • Painting the Off-Season

    Elysia Michaelsen’s work will delight viewers at the Miller Art Museum Elysia Michaelsen makes paintings of what is no longer there in its usual or expected state, yet persists in altered forms. She’s the director of education and residencies at Peninsula School of Art, and she will also have some of her work displayed in […]

  • Editor’s Note: The Perennial Return of a Peninsula Spring

    I don’t open two of my dresser drawers for more than half a year. Maybe I peek a couple of times in December and February just to remember what’s in there, but otherwise, the summer shorts and tops remain closed up in the dark for seven months. That is one of the best things about […]

  • Welcome Back, Blossom Run

    Last weekend’s Door County Half Marathon kicked off the community’s road-race season, which, mostly, has been on hiatus for the past two years. The Door County YMCA Blossom Run is another that’s returning to an in-person event when runners step up to the start line May 14 at Harbor View Park in Egg Harbor.  “The […]

  • Wild Things: Spring Fishing Heats Up as Air, Water Temperatures Rise

    High winds delay bass tourney opener by KEVIN NAZE, [email protected] Gusty south winds Monday pushed back the two-day Sturgeon Bay Bass Tournament – the first of two major bass-fishing contests in Door County this week – to a Tuesday start. Tournament director Gary Nault said the event, which featured a $10,000 first-place prize, would be […]

  • Promoting Wellness through Sound

    Looking for a way to hit pause and clear your mind? Take a cue from ancient Buddhist monks by giving singing bowls a try.  Though most commonly known for its prominence in Tibet, Nepal and India, the ancient singing-bowl meditative practice has been part of cultures around the world for thousands of years. The sound […]

  • Obituary: Mary Jane Combs

    January 15, 1931 ~ May 7, 2022 Mary Jane Leake Combs, 90, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, died peacefully on May 7, 2022 at the Pete and Jelaine Horton Skilled Nursing and Hospice Care Center at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Jane was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but spent most of her childhood […]

  • Obituary: Sandra M. Greaves

    October 31, 1942~May 5, 2022 Sandra M. Greaves, 79, Green Bay, died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 5, 2022.  She was born October 31, 1942 in Sturgeon Bay to Norman and Marie (Tenor) Knutson.  She married Arthur Greaves on August 15, 1964 at Corpus Christi Church in Sturgeon Bay. Sandy worked as a medical assistant and […]

  • Obituary: Joyce M. Malvitz

    August 2, 1933 ~ April 22, 2022  Joyce Marie Malvitz, 88, died Friday, April 22, 2022. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Joyce, the beloved daughter of Herman (Rex) and Irene Hanamann was born in the town of Pierce on August 2, 1933. On February 4, 1956, Joyce married the love of her life, […]

  • Obituary: Margaret (LeRoy) Monfils

    June 21, 1924 ~ May 7, 2022 Margaret Lena (LeRoy) Monfils, 97, of Green Bay and formerly of Brussels died  on May 7, 2022.  She was born June 21, 1924, in Brussels to Ernest and Alice (Dachelet) LeRoy.  On January 25, 1944, she married Clarence Monfils in Namur.  He preceded her in death on November […]

  • Obituary: Robert H. Brogan

    November 24, 1932 ~ May 3, 2022 Robert H. Brogan, died May 3, 2022 at the age of 89. Bob was born in Milwaukee, WI, November 24, 1932, to Hugh C. Brogan and Helena M. Merkatoris Brogan. He attended grade school and high school in Kewaunee and Whitefish Bay, WI, then earned a B.B.A. degree […]

  • Egg Harbor Man Wins 14th Door County Half Marathon

    The Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5k returned to spring for the first time since 2019 on Saturday, and more than 1,500 runners were rewarded with perfect May weather for a race.  For the first time, a Door County resident won the Door County Half Marathon. Grayson Stout, 27, of Egg Harbor finished […]

  • Obituary: Robert P Templin

     January 4, 1935~May 2, 2022 Robert P Templin, 87, died May 2, 2022, following a long arduous fight with Cancer. He was born January 4, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois to Anna (Wiggins) and Paul William Templin. He resided most of his life in Melrose Park and River Grove, Illinois. Robert (Bob) met the love of […]

  • Obituary: Isaac T. Sorenson

    August 12, 2009 ~ May 3, 2022 Isaac Terrance Sorenson, 12, of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., died peacefully on May 3, 2022, at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. He was born on August 12, 2009, in Green Bay to Terry and Toni (Martin) Sorenson. Isaac entered the world rapidly and set his own course. He amazed every […]