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Peninsula Pulse – May 20 – 27, 2016

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In this issue

  • Maritime Tower Project Receives State Approval

    This past fall, the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay announced its intent to expand its facilities with an 11-story tower. The tower is intended to serve as an observation platform and to provide additional space to house new exhibits. Since then, the project has been quietly moving forward. On May 18 the project […]

  • Run, Recite And Remember This Memorial Day Weekend

    This busy weekend offers opportunities to explore and learn about the artists, history, and natural beauty that make Door County unique. Friday, May 27 Poetry Slam The 6th grade students at Gibraltar Schools have put together an afternoon of poetry and friendly competition. Matt Burress will perform live music for the event. Admission is five […]

  • Frykman Gallery Holds Spring Reception

    The Frykman Studio Gallery would like to invite the Door County community and all visitors to a Spring Open House on May 28 and 29, to celebrate the start of the new season (their ninth in Sister Bay). Heather and Luke Frykman will be around to present, on their big-screen TV, a new slideshow of […]

  • Ephraim Untangles Alcohol Ordinances

    Before Ephraim can begin issuing alcohol licenses, it first must handle a major change to the ordinance that has permeated into many chapters of the village code. On top of approving Chapter 15, the village ordinance on alcohol licensing, the village must also repeal all of the ordinances that prohibited alcohol in the first place. […]

  • Learn about Door County Barn Quilts at Jacksonport Historical Society Meeting

    Barn quilts have become one of the many attractions in Door County. How and why did they get started? Do they have a meaning? Where are they? These are just a few of the questions that will be covered at the Jacksonport Historical Society’s (JHS) presentation on May 25 at 7 pm at the Jacksonport […]

  • UWGB Archivist to Speak at Peninsula Genealogical Society Meeting

    The Peninsula Genealogical Society will host a guest speaker, Debra Anderson, from the  University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Area Research Center. Anderson is the coordinator of the Archives and Special Collections at the center and in the past has won the governor’s award for Archival Advocacy. Anderson will discuss the collections that the Area Research Center houses for […]

  • Sister Bay Buzz: May 20

    By Zeke Jackson, Village Administrator The 12th annual Community-Wide Rummage Sale will be held rain or shine May 21, 8 am – 4 pm. With more than 50 sale sites, this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever. I’m happy to report there will be all sorts of treasures to purchase in and […]

  • First Lady Tonette Walker Visits Peninsula State Park

    Around 40 people showed up on a foggy day in Peninsula State Park to join Wisconsin’s First Lady Tonette Walker on her “Walk with Walker” event on May 12. The walks are used to promote both tourism and health and wellness and Walker wanted to hold the 50th edition of the walk in one of […]

  • Mild Winter Could Halt Great Lakes Icebreaking Resources

    U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes are concerned that the mild winter of 2015/2016 will derail efforts to build a second heavy icebreaker. Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) is warning in its 2016 State of the Lakes report it is concerned that the mild ice season is going to lull Great Lakes shipping and those […]

  • Baring It All: Art from the perspective of a life drawing model

    “The beauty of drawing an animate human is to dive into the anatomy of a human, to dive into all the different shapes of the body, and to really enjoy the energy of a human, of what we are.” When Gretchen Geurts gets a call to attend a life drawing class, she doesn’t bring pens, […]

  • Minnesota Abstains in Preliminary Water Diversion Approval

    In a May 18 telephone conference, representatives from seven Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces gave approval to the city of Waukesha’s request to divert water from Lake Michigan. Minnesota abstained from voting while key officials there continue to exam the diversion plan. The approval includes conditions the regional body placed on the application, […]

  • Sailor Identified as De Pere Man

    At about 8:30 pm on May 13, the Door County Sheriff’s Dept. was notified of a sailboat that had washed ashore near Wood Lane and N. Stevenson Pier Roads. The boat was about 50 feet offshore in about five feet of water. B.U.G. Fire launched its rescue boat and boarded the vessel, finding no one […]

  • DNR Wrestles with Whitefish Management

    Who makes best use of a public resource such as Lake Michigan? Is one group’s use of the resource better than another’s? If you are a commercial fisherman, you believe you are making the best use of the resource because your catch is going to people who otherwise would have no other access to fresh […]

  • Be Alert for Fake IRS Calls

    Fake IRS calls are hitting Wisconsin residents hard, and everyone is asked to be on guard against these scam attempts. Two Door County residents recently reported falling victim to these scammers. If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately. The Consumer Protection Hotline at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection […]

  • Sevastopol Athletes Plan Collegiate Careers

    Sevastopol high school seniors Matt Newman, Brad Stoeckel and Cory Carlson have all committed to play for their respective collegiate athletic teams this fall. Newman will continue his basketball career at the University of Wisconsin-Marinette. Stoeckel will head to Lakeland College for soccer and Carlson will compete in track and field at UW-Stevens Point. The […]

  • Julian Dawson Returns to Door County for Songwriting Workshop

    Julian Dawson is a singer/songwriter based in Somerset, England. To date, he has made 23 albums. His music has taken him around the world, performing on stages in Europe as well as the United States. On May 29 and 30, Dawson will bring his 40 years of performing experience to Washington Island, where he will […]

  • By the Numbers: National Maritime Day

    May 22 is recognized as National Maritime Day in honor of the May 22, 1819, voyage of the American steamship/sidewheel/sailboat Savannah, which set sail from Savannah, Ga., for the first transoceanic voyage fueled by steam (although part of the voyage was made under sail). The Savannah was actually supposed to set sail on May 20, […]

  • Walker Calls for Support to Johnson Campaign

    Governor Scott Walker Walker says Republicans need to “focus like a laser beam” on helping Sen. Ron Johnson win re-election, but he isn’t making the same call to action for presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Walker spoke for more than 30 minutes at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention on May 14 and didn’t mention […]

  • Kewaunee County Municipal News: May 20 – 27

    City of Algoma: The Protection of Persons & Property Committee meets at 4 pm on May 23. The Parks & Recreation Committee meets at 5:15 pm on May 23. The Board of Appeals meets at 6 pm on May 24. The board of Review meets at 10 am on May 25. The Medical Center Board […]

  • An Outlook: Economic Data from the Past, or How Little Has Changed

      While infrequent, being overly tired can sometimes have advantages. My case in point is the following column, which I discovered because I was too tired to write something completely new for this issue (and I had promised the editors I would have something for them). This was originally published in the pages of the […]

  • Weekend Weather Wizard: Early Taste of Summer

      I’d only been walking in the woods for a few minutes, when I noticed something was missing…my wife Mary. I glanced over my shoulder and felt slightly antsy, thinking that she had forgotten something in the car. “Release the hounds!” I thought, referring to our Brittany named Ruby who was in tow. However, knowing […]

  • Armed Forces Day Veterans Breakfast May 21

    The 2016 Armed Forces Day Veterans Breakfast will be held Saturday, May 21, from 7 to 11 am at the Corpus Christi School Gymnasium, 722 W. Maple St., Sturgeon Bay. Tickets are $8 at the door, or available from any member of the AMVETS, American Legion, VFW or Marine Corps League. Enjoy scrambled eggs, ham, […]

  • The Importance of PGA: Posture, Grip and Alignment

    As spring is ending and summer nears, many of you are dusting off your golf clubs for the first time. If this is the case for you, make your first few trips to the practice range more fun and beneficial by paying close attention to a few fundamentals known as PGA – Posture, Grip and […]

  • Practicing Sonar Search Techniques on Lake Michigan’s Shipwrecks

    When Keith Cormican of Black River Falls took his boat Bruce’s Legacy into the waters of Baileys Harbor, it was the most fun he has had pushing off of a dock. Cormican and his torpedo-like sonar were searching for shipwrecks, namely the F.J. King, still undiscovered after going down in 150-feet of water back in […]

  • Evers Responds to Supreme Court Public Instruction Case

    State Superintendent Tony Evers offered a statement on the May 18 4-3 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision on Coyne v. Walker, affirming the state superintendent of public instruction’s administrative rule-making authority. The ruling is a blow to Republicans who wanted to limit the power of the Department of Public Instruction. “Today’s ruling is a victory for […]

  • Time for Wisconsin to Join the Clean Energy Future

    By Tia Nelson On the 46th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, the United States joined 160 countries in signing the Paris Agreement on climate change. The agreement was negotiated at the 21st UN Conference of the Parties in that city late last year. It sets ambitious goals that include holding planetary warming to […]

  • Roy Lukes: Bonaparte’s Gulls

    A very authoritative bird book states simply and to the point that, “Gulls nest on the ground…” This is not entirely true. The black-headed Bonaparte’s gulls nearly always nest in small fir or spruce trees in the boreal (far northern) forest. Indeed they are an exception to the rule. Let’s say that most gulls nest […]

  • Isherwood: Windows In the Bathroom

    My bathroom faces south, meaning my bathroom window faces south, nothing strange about that. In fact all three of my bathroom windows face south, a nice little bay it is, windows all around. Nice place to look out at the world, if my bathroom at this point does give some visitors the creeps. Mindful that […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Bike Auction May 24

    The Sturgeon Bay Professional Police Association will hold its annual bike auction at 5 pm on May 24 in the police department parking lot. Potential buyers can view the bikes to be auctioned off all day up until the time of auction. Approximately 40 bikes of all sizes and conditions will be auctioned off, along […]

  • Door County Municipal News: May 20 -27

    City of Sturgeon Bay: The Parking & Traffic Committee meets at 3:30 pm on May 23. The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at noon on May 24 regarding a request to vary the pitch of the roof for a new dwelling on a vacant lot just north of 534 S. 15th […]

  • Nick Kita Named To Baseball All-Conference Team

    The Ripon College baseball team received three all-conference selections on May 12 as senior Nick Schmitt and sophomores Nick Kita and Drew Slade did the honors. The Red Hawks’ three selections are tied for the second-most among the five Midwest Conference North Division teams. Kita is making an appearance on the All-Conference team for the […]

  • Door County League Baseball: May 15, 2016 Results

    Standings As of May 15 Egg Harbor 2-0 Kolberg 2-0 West Jacksonport 2-0 Institute 1-1 Sister Bay 1-1 Baileys Harbor 0-2 Maplewood 0-2 Washington Island 0-2   Results May 15 Sister Bay 1, Egg Harbor 4 Maplewood 3, Institute 7 Washington Island 3, Kolberg 12 West Jacksonport 14, Baileys Harbor 6   Schedule All games […]

  • Martial Arts Students Return from ABBA Tournament

    (Left to right) Cyrus Alrand, Maryann Alrand, Timothy Alrand, Bianca Lazarevski, Christian Fifield and Chris Lazarevski participated in the American Black Belt Academy (ABBA) Open Invitational Tournament on May 7. These students are from Door County Martial Arts.

  • High School Spring Athletics: May 20-26, 2016

    GIBRALTAR   Baseball May 20 vs. NEW Lutheran, 5 pm May 23 vs. Southern Door, 5 pm May 26 – Regionals, TBD   Golf May 20 @ Luxemburg-Casco, 10 am May 24 & 25 – Regional @ Lena’s Parkway’s Golf, TBD   Softball May 20 vs. NEW Lutheran, 5 pm May 24 – Regionals, TBD […]

  • Say Hello to the New National Mammal, the Bison

      by the U.S. Department of the Interior   On May 9, 2016, President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act into law, officially making the American bison the national mammal of the United States. This majestic animal joins the ranks of the Bald Eagle as the official symbol of our country – and much […]

  • Letter to the Editor: More Support Needed for Local Fire Departments

    My compliments on your informative piece highlighting a fire fighter training class and, by extension, the fire & rescue service in northern Door County [“Two Veterans Train New Crop of Volunteer Firefighters” by Jim Lundstrom]. Public awareness is vital for increasing support of the local fire departments responsible for delivering these services. All of the […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Thankful for “Door to Nature” Columns

    Seconds ago I turned the pages of the Pulse to read that Roy Lukes is at home battling cancer. Mr. Lukes, I thoroughly enjoy reading your column and am so thankful for the way you highlight aspects of nature that otherwise may be overlooked by a lot of us. Thank you for your gifts of […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Car Buyers

    This is an unusual letter in that it is a consumer warning that almost certainly applies to you. You can take this letter either of two ways: as a consumer – beware when you go to buy a car; or as a political statement to show you which side your state government is on – […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Neighbors Who Care

    I’m so grateful to live in a county that cares so deeply for one another. A few months ago, a group came together to find creative ways to assist our neighbors in finding resources in times of need. The first outcome of this work is a postcard every household will receive that provides detailed information […]

  • Science Snippet: Bacteria May Affect Brain Function

      Gathered together and weighed, our gut bacteria would weigh from one to three pounds. Scientists are learning that these bacteria may have a substantial influence on brain function, including anxiety, depression and even autism. In one study, it was found that about 70 percent of people with autism have a different mixture of gut […]

  • Explore the Niagara Escarpment in Canada with Door County Land Trust

    In celebration of 30 years of protecting Door County’s exceptional lands and waters, the Door County Land Trust will host a seven-day natural history tour to experience the similarities and differences between the Bruce Peninsula and Door County environs. The tour is scheduled to take place Sept. 18 – 25. Door County is positioned on […]

  • Arts, Crafts & Plants at Settlement Farm Market Plant Sale

    Mark your calendar for May 28 to attend the Settlement Farm Market Plant Sale from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. The annual plant sale (and more) features locally grown annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, tomato plants, seedlings, trees, shrubs and bushes, and also local art and nature crafts for the home. Salzsieder Nursery will offer an […]

  • Master Gardeners Host Annual Plant Sale at Research Station

    The Door County Master Gardeners Association will hold its annual plant sale at the UW Extension Peninsular Research Station on May 28, 9 am – noon. Local gardeners will want to come and browse the terrific variety of plants on sale this year. There will be annuals, vegetables, herbs, perennials, some wildflowers, and wildlife friendly […]

  • USDA Releases Honey Bee Loss Report

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) released the results of its first ever Honey Bee Colony Loss survey. The survey queried more than 20,000 honey beekeepers about the number of colonies, colonies lost, colonies added and colonies affected by certain stressors and gleans state-level estimates on key honey bee health topics. […]

  • Public Comments Sought on Great Lakes Beach Listings

    Public comments and feedback are needed to help the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources complete its annual listing of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior beaches. Following significant water level changes in 2014, DNR intensified its annual review of Great Lakes beaches and updated the listing. DNR is now encouraging feedback on the latest list, which […]

  • Northern Door YMCA Opens Doors to New Lifestyle Center

    On May 13 at 5:30 am, Door County YMCA board member Mike McCutcheon was the first person to use the new, 3,800-square-foot lifestyle center at the Northern Door Program Center. Under construction since October 2015, the expansion opened its doors to rave reviews. “Our members have been very pleased with the results, and as visitors […]

  • Volunteers Needed for Door County Sled Dogs Grand Opening Prep

    The Door County Sled Dogs (DCSD) are looking for a few good volunteers. In preparation for the June 2016 grand opening of their new Discovery Center on Hwy. 42 in Ephraim, the DCSD nonprofit is looking for help with a great community project – “Habitat for The Rescues!” Join the DCSD team as they put […]

  • Gibraltar Sixth Graders to Hold JDRF Walk on May 26

    The sixth graders at Gibraltar School are sponsoring a walk for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) this month. JDRF is working to find a cure so people in the future don’t have to go through Type 1 Diabetes. The sixth grade class said they think what they’re doing is helpful because a few classmates have […]

  • Scholarship Funds Available to Door County Renaissance Faire Student Volunteers

    The Door County Renaissance Development Group (DCRDG) is pleased to announce they will award $2,500 in scholarship funds this year. These funds in the amount of $500 each will be awarded to four individual students who are continuing their education. The final $500 award will go directly to the Door County school from which the […]

  • Cowboy Church Hosts Barn Dance at Sister Bay Village Hall

    The Cowboy Church of Door County will host a barn dance with live music on May 21, 7 pm, at the Sister Bay Village Hall. At this dance fundraiser, patterns will be taught before each dance is called, allowing beginners to have a good time. Circle, squares, and contra dances will be taught. As a […]

  • Develop Mindfulness at New Six-Week Series

    Barbara Wulf will lead a six-week mindfulness series at United Methodist Church in Sturgeon Bay beginning May 24. Mindfulness develops moment-to-moment awareness. In these classes participants will learn various forms of mindfulness meditation including sitting meditation, mindful movement, body scan, and the use of breath as a stress reduction tool. The dates of the series […]

  • “Spring into Sumemr” Plant and Bake Sale at Ephraim Moravian Church

    The Ephraim Moravian Church is holding its annual “Spring into Summer” fundraiser on May 28, 8 – 11 am. This popular spring event includes a free continental breakfast for all who attend, including Moravian Sugar Cake and Lovefeast Buns, coffee and juice. The gigantic plant sale is the main event, with hundreds of plants shared […]

  • Pancake and Porkie Breakfast at Baileys Harbor Stella Maris Parish

    The Knights of Columbus will hold a Memorial Day Pancake and Porkie Breakfast on May 29, 9 – 11 am, at Stella Maris Parish in Baileys Harbor. All-you-can-eat homemade buttermilk pancakes will be served along with Door County cherries, fresh fruit cup, coffee, orange juice and milk. The cost is $7 adults, $5 kids 6-12, […]

  • Altrusa Receives Shopko Foundation Grant for Back-to-School Fair

    Altrusa International of Door County is thrilled and grateful to announce the receipt of a Shopko Foundation grant of $500 for the 2016 Back-to-School Fair. This grant will be used for school supplies to be distributed at the August event held in Sturgeon Bay. The Shopko Foundation’s Community Charitable Grant Program has generously supported Altrusa’s […]

  • Boys & Girls Club Members Mind Their Manners at Tea Party

    No elbows were seen on the tables at the special tea party held on May 5 for a group of Boys & Girls Club members. During April, Club members had an option to attend a weekly session discussing etiquette, table manners and basic social skills. Those girls and boys who completed all four sessions of […]

  • Lois Staege Named DKREA Outstanding Volunteer

    During the week of May 2 – 6, National Teacher Appreciation Week, The Door-Kewaunee Retired Educators’ Association (DKREA) presented a “thank you” gift to all public school employees in both Door and Kewaunee counties. It included a bookmark and a pen from the DKREA to thank employees for their dedication and commitment to public education. […]

  • Second Round of Well Testing Offered by Healthy Water Door County

    Healthy Water Door County, a fund of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc., is pleased to announce a second round of free well testing for Door County residents. This program is part of a long-term initiative to promote high quality drinking water while providing a convenient way for Door County residents to monitor their well […]

  • Wisconsin’s League of Women Voters to Hold Annual Meeting in Egg Harbor

    The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Door County will host the LWV Wisconsin Annual Meeting on June 3–4 at the Landmark Resort near Egg Harbor. The key speakers include: June 3 – Robert Atwell, CEO and Chair of Nicolet National Bank, will address “The Economic Case for Improving Water Quality;” Representative Joel Kitchens will […]

  • Southern Door Students Recognized for Academic and Artistic Achievement

    Southern Door students have recently received recognition for their many achievements. Southern Door students were chosen for the Bay Area Musician’s Honor Choir. The following students were selected: Dennis Counard, Brooke Dantoin, Jolene Feeney, Cameron Friehe, Devin George, Erika Haberli, Anna LeBrun, Matthew Martinez-Garcia, Dustin McKinnon, Ben Richling, Maddie Weatherwax and Porsha Warwick. Congratulations to […]

  • Door-Kewaunee Retired Educators’ Association Represented at WREA Meeting

    Members of the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association (WREA) recently met in five locations throughout the state: Rice Lake, Appleton, Black River Falls, Port Washington and Baraboo. Jesse Harness, Kathy Frisk, Charlie Frisk and Ellen Mathu represented the Door-Kewaunee Retired Educators’ Association (DKREA). In addition to exchanging up-to-date information, the meeting also highlighted educational challenges and […]

  • Obituary: Adolph “Addie” James Schartner

    Adolph “Addie” James Schartner, 82 years, of Egg Harbor, passed away Sunday afternoon, May 15, 2016 at his home. He was born January 13, 1934 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Adolph Edward Schartner and Ella Mae Walker. After attending S.S. Peter & Paul School as a boy, he graduated from Sevastopol High School. Following […]

  • Obituary: Stuart J. Keys

    Stuart J. Keys, an avid sailor, lost his life doing what he loved in the waters of Green Bay on May 14, 2016. He was born in Lombard, Illinois to James and Alice Keys on September 29, 1956. Stuart spent his childhood in Wheaton, Illinois where he graduated from Wheaton North High School in 1974. […]

  • Obituary: John C. Mallien

    John C. Mallien, 56, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Saturday evening, May 14, 2016 at his home. He was born September 8, 1959 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of John “Jack” E. Mallien and Kathryn Ann Lienau. Following his graduation in 1977 from Frankfort High School in Michigan, John joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served […]

  • Obituary: Patricia Rockwell

    Patricia Rockwell, 74, of Sturgeon Bay passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2016.  She was born March 15, 1942 in Milwaukee to Leo and Ruth (Tadych) Rozek.  On April 8, 1961, she married Gene Rockwell.  He passed away on Oct. 19, 2002. Pat worked at Junior House Collectibles, a high end clothier in […]

  • Obituary: Fay Annette Cochenet

    Fay Annette Cochenet, 79, of Sturgeon Bay passed away on May 14, 2016 at Whispering Heights.  She was born April 20, 1937 in Sturgeon Bay to Ernil and Edna (Jacob) Anderson. On Jan. 18, 1959 she married Douglas L. Cochenet who preceded her in death on Aug. 28, 2002. In 1955, Fay graduated from Sturgeon […]

  • Obituary: Hazel Gayleen Fischer

    Hazel Gayleen Fischer, 82, of the Town of Jacksonport, Egg Harbor, who was a loving wife, mother and surrogate mother to many, passed peacefully on Friday, May 13, 2016 into her loving Father’s arms after a yearlong battle with illness and cancer. She was born May 27, 1933 in Iuka, KS, the middle child of […]

  • Obituary: Willard “Bill” Sperber

    Willard “Bill” Sperber, 92, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away at Golden Living on May 11, 2016.  He was born on May 31, 1923 in Nasewaupee to Emil and Amanda (Schmidt) Sperber.  On June 24, 1944, he married Verna Wierschke at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Algoma. After graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School, Bill welded […]

  • Obituary: Cleyon Dart

    Cleyon Dart, 75, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away at Bellin Hospital on May 10, 2016.  He was born on May 19, 1940 to Melvin and Pearl (Delwiche) Dart. Cleyon worked on the Great Lakes for many years.  He worked for several companies during his life, including Roen Salvage of Sturgeon Bay. He was a very […]

  • Birth: Amanda and Nathan Eytcheson

    Amanda and Nathan Eytcheson of Algoma are the parents of a boy born on May 4, 2016, at Ministry Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay. Maternal grandparents are Brenda and Neil Karnopp, Kewaunee. Paternal grandparents are Kellie and Fred Eytcheson, Algoma.

  • Featured Pet: Fiona the Pomeranian

    This is Fiona, an eight-year-old Pomeranian. She came to the Door County Humane Society (DCHS) as a stray, and is now on a quest to find a forever home and loving family. My light tan, longhaired coat makes me an adorable furball to cuddle with. DCHS kennel staff describe her as a pleasant, happy girl […]

  • Pulse Price Report: Bee Deaths Sting U.S. Economy

    This week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released survey results that showed a six percent increase in honeybee deaths during the winter, with 28 percent of bee colonies dying. The USDA estimates that a quarter of all the food we eat comes from plants pollinated by bees. A decrease in bee pollination could […]

  • New Sister Bay Apartment Complex Holding Open House

    Premier Real Estate Management LLC of Brookfield, Wis., is holding an open house Memorial Day Weekend for its first property in northern Door. Niagara Ridge – named for the Niagara Escarpment which forms Door County – consists of 36 luxury apartment units on N. Highland Drive in Sister Bay. The complex has three buildings and […]

  • Russ Warren Named Executive Director of Midsummer’s Music Festival

    Midsummer’s Music Festival’s Board of Directors named Russ Warren executive director following the recent retirement announcement of Mark Kunstman. Warren was hired as Midsummer’s Marketing Director in 2015 for the organization’s historic 25th anniversary season. With enthusiastic support of the organization’s Marketing Committee, he was instrumental in attracting record high attendance for the year. Warren […]

  • Increase in Cargo Transportation by Great Lakes Freighters in April

    U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters moved 7.3 million tons of cargo in April, an increase of 9.7 percent compared to a year ago. The April float was also 7 percent above the month’s 5-year average. Iron ore cargos for the steel industry totaled 4.4 million tons, an increase of 30 percent compared to a year ago. […]

  • USDA Announces Favorable Mortgage Change

    U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service Administrator Tony Hernandez announced a series of changes that will make it faster and cheaper for homeowners to refinance USDA mortgages. “These changes reaffirm the Obama Administration’s commitment to middle-class Americans, and I am pleased that we continue to provide affordable housing to support thriving economies in rural […]

  • Cheers!: Ahnapee Brewery’s Barrel-Aged Cherry Stout

      I was not at all surprised to learn last October that the small and relatively young Ahnapee Brewery of Algoma, Wis., won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its Munich Helles – a lager. It’s a classy lager made in a country that has little respect for lagers due to […]

  • Server of the Week: Andrea Sommrude @ the AC Tap

    Andrea Sommrude, bartender fair, Serves indoors and outdoors; no matter where She’ll bring food or drink to those with a need And rides into the sunset on her motorcycle steed.

  • Overheard and Shout Outs: May 20, 2016

    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?   “The only time things get exciting is when the Packers score or if someone tries to cut in line for the ferry.” […]

  • Trivia: How Fast Did the “Galileo” Travel in 1995?

    Question: How fast was the unmanned Galileo spacecraft going when it entered Jupiter’s atmosphere in 1995 (six years after it launched with the space shuttle Atlantis)? Answer: 108,000 miles per hour (or 30 miles per second)

  • Manners Matter: Hand Over the Keys Please

    Dear Mary Pat,   My dad just turned 89 and is in great health overall. In fact, most people don’t believe me when I say how old he is. The only place where he is showing his age is behind the wheel. He is having issues with his vision and his reaction times aren’t what […]

  • Free Clearing Hikes Cover History & Landscape of School

    The Clearing Folk School will once again offer free, docent-led hikes covering the 81-year history, folklore and landscape of the school and its 128-acre property. These interpretive hiking tours will visit the historic buildings and campus, which are on the National and State Historic Registers, led by volunteer docents. The approximate two-hour hikes begin at […]

  • Naturalist-Led Hikes Offered at Crossroads at Big Creek

    Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay will host a couple of upcoming naturalist-led hikes. On May 21 at 10:30 am, go in search of spring wildflowers. The Crossroads Preserve is always interesting, but in spring it is particularly lovely as tiny flowers dapple the sides of the trails. Hikers should meet at the Collins […]

  • Cana Island Lighthouse. Cathy Glasnap.

    Cana Island Tours Offered during Blessing of the Fleet Fest

    The Door County Maritime Museum will participate in the Blessing of the Fleet event in Baileys Harbor on May 21, highlighted by special restoration tours of Cana Island. “Tours of Cana Island Light Station include admission to the island, a climb up the historic lighthouse tower and a special detailed overview of our current and […]

  • Parade, Arts & Crafts and Modern Day Drifters at Maifest

    A weekend of fun and excitement is on tap in Jacksonport over Memorial Day weekend as the community prepares for the 44th annual Maifest celebration, scheduled for May 28 & 29. Since 1973, the lakeshore community has hosted Door County’s unofficial summer kick off festival at Lakeside Park, located at the intersection of County V […]

  • Solo CD Released by George Sawyn

    Door County musician George Sawyn recently released a CD of tunes that will be, for many, what the title indicates: an old, familiar friend. You’ve Got a Friend contains a dozen duo solo guitar renditions of Sawyn’s favorite songs from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, including “Hotel California,” “Here, There and Everywhere,” “Take Five,” and […]

  • Door County Ukulele Society Begins Summer Practice Schedule

    The Door County Ukulele Society began their summer practice schedule May 15. The Ukulele Society is open to all ukulele players and skill levels, locals and visitors alike. Practices will be held on the following days at the Northern Door YMCA from 1 – 3 pm: June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24, Aug. […]

  • A Human Portrait of Small-Town Life at Third Avenue Playhouse

    Sturgeon Bay’s Third Avenue Playhouse brings small-town Texas to Wisconsin in Patio/Porch. The play, directed by James Valcq, consists of two one-act plays, with each pair of characters played by the same two actresses, Amy Ensign and Jacque Troy. The first act, titled “Patio,” revolves around two sisters named Jewel and Pearl. Pearl is putting […]

  • Blessing of the Fleet: Baileys Harbor Debuts Maritime Fest

    Baileys Harbor will host the very first Blessing of the Fleet Festival this weekend, May 21-22. The town seeks to celebrate its maritime heritage with festivities located at or near the marina, including a traditional blessing ceremony, maritime tours, historic programs, music and food. The maritime industry has played a crucial role in the establishment […]

  • The Clearing Forges Ahead on Blacksmithing Studio

    Still firm ground and a light mist did nothing to dampen the spirits of a group of The Clearing’s staff, board members and supporters who attended the symbolic May 12 groundbreaking for the folk school’s newest addition: a 1,400-square-foot blacksmithing and metal craft workshop. “We’re excited about being able to do metal craft at The […]

  • Duplicate Contract Bridge Club Starts Again

    The Door County Bridge Club will resume for another season of duplicate bridge on June 7. Sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), duplicate bridge games will be held every Tuesday at 12 pm and every Friday at 9 am from the beginning of June through the end of September. The club meets at […]

  • Fuel Creativity with Rogue Children’s Theater Camp

    Is your child dreaming about a great summer adventure? To help bring dreams to life for children in our community, Rogue Theater has created a Children’s Theater Camp. Rogue’s dedicated performing artists work with young people to not only develop their theater arts skills but also to increase their creativity. Theater games and exercises will […]

  • Former LPGA Player Teaching at Bay Ridge Golf Course

    Julie Pyne returns this season to Bay Ridge Golf Course to help golfers improve their golf scores. The Sister Bay golf course hosts the six-week session, which in the course of one hour per lesson, can take several strokes off your golf score. Pyne retired from the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and discovered that […]

  • Indigo Dyeing Demo at Whitefish Bay Farm Gallery

      Whitefish Bay Farm Gallery opens for the 34th season on May 20 at noon. The gallery specializes in fiber art – hand felting, hand weaving, and knitting – along with beautiful naturally colored and naturally dyed yarns from the resident flock of Corriedale sheep. The exhibit also includes functional pottery, wood turned pieces and […]

  • Simple Spiritiles at Santa Fe Shop

    Santa Fe Shop welcomes artist Houston Llew to show his work for the 2016 season. It is not a simple task to branch out from an established medium and create something new. Late hours, artist wages and ramen noodles join the blood, sweat and tears of growing a new art concept from a classic medium. […]

  • New Crane Collages at Plum Bottom Pottery and Gallery

    Plum Bottom Pottery and Gallery is in full bloom and open seven days a week. Spring has sprung and the gallery is full of new art and the gardens are bursting with flowers. More than 300 tulips are bursting in the Doug Mancheski perennial gardens with more flowers making their appearance daily. Plum Bottom is […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair is Full of Fun

    Bring family and friends to Sunset Park May 28 and 29 and browse some of the best art in Door County and the Midwest. The 18th annual Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair will host more than 100 fine artists displaying and selling their original pieces of art in such forms as sculpture, glass, paintings, jewelry, […]

  • Master Artist Franne Dickinson Exhibits at TAP

    Third Avenue Playhouse’s Lobby Gallery welcomes the artwork of Franne Dickinson for display May 19 – June 5. Dickinson is the owner of Toe Path Studio/Gallery in Ephraim where she has shown her vivid post-impressionist paintings for 20 years. A teacher, student and mentor in the Door County arts community, Dickinson was honored as the […]

  • Watercolor and Pastel Demo at Settlement Shops

    Great Northern by Design will host watercolor and pastel artist Kathleen Nelson on May 28, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Nelson has been a working artist and educator for 20 years. This is the 12th year that she has come to Great Northern to share her painting expertise. She loves nature and is always inspired […]

  • Door County Art League Gallery Opens for 10th Season

    The Gallery of Door County Art League (DCAL) opens for its 10th season on May 28, providing a variety of affordable fine art in 2D and 3D work created by 27 Door County exhibiting artists that are members of the DCAL. Watch for special events throughout the season, including receptions, demonstrations, gift certificate drawings and […]

  • Welcome Home Party for Wence and Sandra Martinez at Mr. Helsinki

      After hanging at Mr. Helsinki all winter, Martinez Studio closes the show at the Fish Creek restaurant on May 26, 5 – 7 pm. Join Sandra and Wence Martinez for a toast to their Silver Smithsonian Ribbon and to the new season. “Going out into the wide, wide world is lovely and all that, […]

  • Margaret Lockwood Gallery Hosts Grand Opening May 29

    One of Sturgeon Bay’s most historic buildings has been brought back to life and is now the new home of Margaret Lockwood Gallery. The grand opening reception is scheduled for May 29, 3 – 5 pm. There will be beverages and appetizers by Nistebox, music by Tarl Knight and a performance by Jaco the Magician. […]

  • Chief Oshkosh Hosts Native Trunk Show

    On May 28, 10 am – 4 pm, Egg Harbor’s gallery of native heritage, Chief Oshkosh Native American Arts, at 7631 Highway 42, will host a special Native Trunk Show. Owner Coleen Bins is inviting the public to attend. The artisans included in the show include Sara Hoida, Brenda John and Stephanie & Brad VanEvery. […]

  • Write On Begins Open Mic Series, “Moveable Mic”

    Write On, Door County introduces “Moveable Mic,” a new monthly open mic reading series. Hosted by poets and artists Sharon Auberle and Ralph Murre, Movable Mic begins at the Fireside Restaurant, 11934 Highway 42, Ellison Bay, on Tuesday, May 24, 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, songs and more are encouraged to […]

  • Maifest Book Signing with Local Author Phyllis Zatlin

    During the Maifest celebration on May 28 & 29, the Jacksonport Historical Society (JHS) will sell their celebrated book series in the JHS booth next to the Erskine Root Cellar, on the west side of Highway 57 at County V. Of special interest for commemorating American veterans is a small volume, published late last summer, […]

  • Gibraltar Sixth Graders Share Poetry at Slam

    This month, Gibraltar School’s sixth graders are holding a poetry slam fundraiser in the Door Community Auditorium on May 27, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. For the past couple weeks, the sixth graders have been studying teen activism and recently began to write different forms of poetry. Now, at the end of this unit, they would […]

  • California Poet Visits Door County for Workshop, Reading

    Internationally recognized poet Donna Hilbert, of Long Beach, California, will visit Write On, Door County, where she’ll offer a daylong workshop on May 26. She will wrap up her visit with a reading from her work at 7 pm on May 31 at the Miller Art Museum, 107 S. 4th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay. The program, […]

  • The Bestseller List: May 20, 2016

    TRADE PAPERBACK FICTION 1. A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman 2. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, by Fredrik Backman 3. The Little Paris Bookshop, by Nina George 4. Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes 5. A Spool of Blue Thread, by Anne Tyler   TRADE PAPERBACK NONFICTION   1. H […]