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Peninsula Pulse May 24-31, 2019

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In this issue

  • Southern Door Softball Heading to State

    A preseason goal became reality for the Southern Door softball team Thursday. The Eagles defeated Packerland Conference rival Oconto 6-0 to win the Chilton Sectional title and advance to the Division 3 state tournament Friday at Goodman Diamond in Madison. “At the beginning of the year the coaching staff challenged the girls to think about […]

  • Door County Thrive Hosts Dandelion Dinner

    Door County Thrive herbalist David Laluzerne and the Dandelion Culture are hosting a dandelion dinner June 13, 5-8 pm, at Egg Harbor’s Kress Pavilion. Hors d’oeuvres, wine and dandelion lore will be served at 5:30 pm; dinner will begin at 6 pm. The menu includes dandelion pesto on crackers with smoked fish, dandelion wine, ramp-and-potato […]

  • Dinner in the Vineyard Returns Aug. 29, 2019

    Top Door County chefs are reuniting for the second Dinner in the Vineyard: a five-course meal at Gathering Ground’s vineyard on Washington Island on Aug. 29. The evening will include a cocktail hour with passed appetizers and libations from local breweries and wineries; a vineyard tour; and a big-table, family-style dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients. […]

  • Hacienda Opens Milwaukee Taproom

    Hacienda Beer Co. will open the doors – and a few really big windows – on June 1, 11 am, at its new east-side Milwaukee taproom, 2018 E. North Ave. De la Buena will take the stage at 9 pm. At the grand opening, enjoy a diverse draft lineup of favorite staples and a few offerings […]

  • Door County Medical Center Births

    Lydia and Pete Nikolai of Washington Island are the parents of a boy born May 27, 2019. The maternal grandparents are Margaret and Kirby Foss, and the paternal grandparents are Patty and Tom Nikolai, all of Washington Island.Alesha Marth and Eric Dishong of Sturgeon Bay are the parents of a boy born May 20, 2019. […]

  • Local Chefs Shine in YMCA’s Dining by the Bay Fundraiser

    The first Dining by the Bay fundraising dinner for the Door County YMCA was held on May 23 at Maxwelton Braes in Baileys Harbor. It was a change from the previous 17 years of annual fundraising events known as Dining Around the Door. “Dining Around the Door was a great event that will hold a […]

  • Craftsmanship for a Cause: Mudbone and the Traveling Guitar

    Dan “Mudbone” Thimm kicked off a summer-long raffle for a custom Mudbone guitar last Friday when he placed the instrument in a display case above the cabinets at Sturgeon Bay’s Get Real Café. The one-of-a-kind guitar is the product of several months of work by Thimm, the owner and founder of Mudbone Guitars, and the […]

  • Pet Tip: Offer Positive Reinforcement When Your Dog Comes

    The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus is temporarily “pawsing” adoptions while it houses many dogs from other shelters to assist those shelters as they work through an animal-health situation. WHS will resume regular adoption processes soon. Until information about pets looking for new homes returns to this space, here are some tips for […]

  • Miss Door County Seeks Executive Director

    The directors of the Miss Door County organization are stepping back, leaving an opening for a new executive director. The volunteer-led committee seeks a passionate individual (or team) with strong organizational and leadership skills and an understanding of the Miss America organization. The committee also seeks volunteers. Interested? Email [email protected].

  • Tech Schools Could Get More Funding

    News that the next state budget could provide more funding for technical colleges was welcome news in communities that need more skilled workers. “We truly appreciate the way Governor Evers and state legislators have come together to support our students and our communities,” said Jeff Rafn, president of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). “As they […]

  • Carly Sarkis Joins Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center

    Savanna Townsend, marketing and promotions director for the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center, is leaving to work with the University of Minnesota’s Leadership University Program. Her last day will be June 4. Replacing Townsend will be Carly Sarkis, a DePaul University graduate with a degree in hospitality leadership. Most recently employed by the Edgewater Hotel in […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Grad Enters Peace Corps

    Sturgeon Bay High School graduate Emilie Schartner planned to leave for Mongolia on May 29 to begin training as an English education teacher volunteer with the Peace Corps. The daughter of Jodie and Jesse Schartner earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Lakeland University. “I am excited to be completely thrown out of my comfort […]

  • Tech Students Awarded Rouer Scholarships

    Dave Rouer, owner of Rouer’s Road House and founder of the Gardner Community Foundation, came up with the idea for a scholarship after talking with customers about the need to support the trades. With the help of several Southern Door small-business owners, he sponsored fundraisers and collected donations for a scholarship fund, which awarded three […]

  • Kelsey Earns Jody Boes Scholarship

    The Jody Boes Scholarship was established in 2017, in partnership with Bill and Pam Welter, to provide nurses who are pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate with $2,500 to apply toward tuition. This year’s recipient is Jeannine Kelsey. A 1997 graduate of Bellin College of Nursing, she holds an RN and BSN. After a hiatus […]

  • Students Awarded Counard Scholarships

    Three area high school students have earned $1,000 Carole Counard Scholarships to use in furthering their education. The scholarships, part of the Door County Visitor Bureau’s (DCVB) Spirit of Door County program, are named after the late Carole Counard, a longtime DCVB employee. The recipients are Elizabeth Atencio and Gabriel Lettie from Gibraltar High School […]

  • Gardner Holds Electronics Recycling Event

    The Town of Gardner, in partnership with the Southern Door County School District, will hold an electronics-recycling event – rain or shine – on June 8, 9 am – 1 pm, in the high school parking lot. The event is open to the public, and proceeds will benefit the Southern Door Elementary STEAM program. Recyclable items include computer […]

  • Humane Society Rummage and Bake Sale June 7-8, 2019

    Shop ’til you drop at the annual rummage and bake sale to benefit the Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus. The fundraiser will be held June 7-8 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 692 Tacoma Beach Road in Sturgeon Bay. For a $5 donation, you may start your treasure hunting June 7, 12-6 pm, and […]

  • Thomas Paine Dinner June 6

    The 10th annual Thomas Paine Common Sense Dinner will be held June 6, 6-8 pm, at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor. Rep. Staush Gruszynski of Assembly District 90 in Green Bay will discuss water issues. He serves on the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality.Dinner includes salads, sandwiches, wraps, desserts and beverages catered by […]

  • Manners Matter: Business Consulting

    Dear Mary Pat, My little sister started a business and is in over her head. She’s always worked in an office, and this venture was a big leap from her former career. She’s a hard worker, but she’s making choices that may cost her everything. Even though my wife and I have owned a small […]

  • Gibraltar, Sturgeon Bay Win Regional Baseball Titles

    Gibraltar 11, Crivitz 3 Gibraltar defeated Crivitz 11-3 to win its Division 4 baseball regional title Wednesday. It was the second consecutive title for the Vikings. “It’s a great feeling winning a regional title two years in a row,” Gibraltar’s Trevor Reinhardt said. “We have come together at a good time.” The Vikings move on […]

  • Art Collector Lends Works to Kress

    The Village of Egg Harbor’s Public Arts Initiative and the Richeson School of Art & Gallery are jointly presenting A Lifetime of Art: a retrospective of the artwork collected by Jack Richeson, including watercolor, oil, casein and pastel paintings. It will open with a free, public reception May 30, 5-7 pm, at Egg Harbor’s Kress […]

  • Find Fine Art in Sunset Park

    FIND FIE ART IN SUNSET PARK On May 25, 10 am – 5 pm; and May 26, 10 am – 4 pm, the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center (SturgeonBay.net) will welcome artists from across the nation as they showcase and sell their original artworks during the Fine Art Fair at Sunset Park. Honors for first, second and […]

  • ‘Magic Landscapes’ at PenArt

    Peninsula School of Art’s newest exhibition, Magic Landscapes: Contemporary Landscape Painting, will open May 24 and run through July 13. It features works by seven nationally recognized artists – Beth Edwards, Breehan James, Amy Talluto, Shannon Estlund, Zoe Hawk, Misha Kligman and Michael Kruger – who draw on the aesthetics of the Magic Realism movement of the […]

  • Idea and Cappaert Galleries Host Dual Opening Receptions

    On May 26, 4-7 pm, Idea Gallery and Cappaert Contemporary Gallery will host dual opening receptions. The accomplished contemporary artists represented at both galleries work in a spectrum of media, diverse styles and subject matter, and many exhibit nationally and internationally. Idea Gallery represents 50 artists. Featured in its Exhibit I are Karen Gunderman (painting/ceramics) […]

  • Outdoor Art at Plum Bottom

    Plum Bottom is welcoming the warmer weather with its annual Outdoor Art Show, May 25-June 1, at its Plum Bottom Road location. Be the first to see new bodies of work, and meet the artists. Sharon Miller-Thompson will be on hand May 25, 11 am – 2 pm, to showcase her incredible mastery of metal, glass […]

  • Artzy Studio Celebrates Five Years

    ARTZY STUDIO CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS Artzy Studio will reopen its doors May 24 to celebrate its five-year anniversary in Ephraim, and all are welcome to a reception on May 25, 2-5 pm. The boutique-style store is the brainchild of artist, owner and retired art teacher Cynthia Koshalek, who offers antiques, collectibles, and items that she […]

  • Fine Line’s ‘Exhibit I’ Features Glass, Paintings, Fiber

    Fine Line Designs Gallery (finelinedesignsgallery.com) will open Exhibit I on May 24, with an artist reception on May 25, 4-7 pm, featuring glass artist Wesley J. Hunting, painters Liz Maltman and Shelby Keefe, and fiber artist Martha Fieber. Keefe will be on-site May 26, 11 am – 2 pm, for a demonstration. Hunting’s career in […]

  • Brilliant Stranger Introduces New Fair-Trade Clothing

    Dawn Patel, owner and founder of Brilliant Stranger (brilliantstranger.com), is introducing a spring and summer line of fair-trade collaborated clothing – designed to enhance the “brilliant light” within each person – and jewelry made by Sister Bay artist Mary Beth Mead. Brilliant Stranger will kick off the 2019 season with two days of live music and […]

  • Reception and Demo at Edgewood Orchard Galleries

    RECEPTION AND DEMO AEDGEWOOD ORCHARD GALLERIES Edgewood Orchard Galleries will host a reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres on May 25, 4-7 pm, to introduce Exhibit I’s featured artists: furniture-maker and sculptor Nathan Hatch, jeweler Patricia Locke and painter Dale Olsen. They will speak briefly about their work at 5 pm. Exhibit I will be […]

  • ‘Wall-to-Wall’ Salon Opens Hardy’s Season

    The Hardy Gallery will present its annual kickoff celebration, the Wall-to-Wall Salon, May 25, 5:30-7 pm. Guests will get a sneak peek at the submissions for the Annual Juried Exhibit prior to the jury selection. This two-week exhibit – May 25 through June 6 – is a favorite among visitors because they can vote for their favorite […]

  • Frykman’s New Works Include Reclaimed Eagle Tower Wood

    FRYKMAN’S NEW WORKS INCLUDE RECLAIMED AGLE TOWER WOOD Frykman Studio Gallery will hold a reception May 25 and 26, 10 am – 5 pm, to highlight new art by four artists. Refreshments will be offered; artists will be available to chat; and guests can enter a drawing to win a wood carving or photograph. David Frykman […]

  • Bazyli Studio Starts Fifth Season

    Bazyli Studio Wearable Art in Baileys Harbor, now open for its fifth season, represents the work of resident artists Peter Ciesla and Skye, as well as wonderful artists from around the state and beyond. The gallery carries Ciesla’s dynamic clothing designs, which use linens, organic cottons, silks, hemp/cotton blends and other natural fabrics. He has […]

  • Celebrating Eggs-cellent Art in Egg Harbor

    The Egg Harbor Business Association and the Public Arts Initiative are celebrating the Village of Egg Harbor’s 55th anniversary and supporting public visual arts in the community through EGGstravaganza: a summer-long event featuring 28 large-scale egg sculptures that artists have been transformed into art masterpieces using various media. This event gives artists the opportunity to […]

  • Hardy Seeks Artists for Community Mosaic

    The Hardy Gallery (thehardy.org) is looking for artists to participate in its annual Community Mosaic Project, which it launched in 2008 – in partnership with the Artists Guild in Sturgeon Bay – as a way to bring the community together to create a visual tapestry of public art. The Hardy invites original-artwork submissions in any medium from […]

  • Popelka Leads Glass-Techniques Course in Thailand 

    Artist Residency Thailand invited Sturgeon Bay glass artist Jeremy Popelka to design and organize a three-week course for the Prem International School, north of Chiang Mai, Thailand. During May, Popelka will work with established and emerging Thai glass artists who have varied focuses in glass techniques. The program also includes involvement from Silpakorn University and […]

  • Sievers Shop Features Teachers’ and Students’ Fiber Art

    The shop at the Sievers School of Fiber Arts features handmade, original fiber art and fine crafts made by more than 80 of its teachers and students. The selection includes jewelry, wearables, baskets, handwovens and distinctive gifts, plus a wide range of knitting and weaving yarns, needles, patterns, notions, craft and gift books, and all […]

  • Woodwalk Gallery Celebrates 25th Season

    Having worked together on an 80,000-square-foot bathroom renovation, Jillaine Burton and her husband, Andrew Seefeldt, are comfortable taking on large projects and working at the same pace: fast. So when they moved to Door County, taking on the 10-acre Woodwalk Gallery property was exciting, not daunting. Burton and Seefeldt took over ownership and management of […]

  • Jane Hamilton Headlines 2019 Washington Island Lit Fest

    One of Wisconsin’s most heralded authors, Jane Hamilton, will be the keynote speaker at the Washington Island Literary Festival, Sept. 19-22, at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center. Hamilton is the author of The Excellent Lombards; The Book of Ruth, winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award for first fiction; and A Map of the World, a New […]

  • Skalka to Sign at Novel Bay

    Death by the Bay, the latest book in author Patricia Skalka’s Dave Cubiak mystery series, will be fêted at an open house May 26, 12-4 pm, at Novel Bay Booksellers, 44 N. Third Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. During the open house, Novel Bay will offer a 15 percent discount on the purchase of any three […]

  • Door County Library Joins Nationwide Programming Celebrating Moon Landing

    Door County Library has joined more than 16,000 libraries nationwide to participate in the summer learning program A Universe of Stories, which coincides with NASA’s 60 years of achievement and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing. Plans include many STEAM activities and training opportunities.   Door County Library will offer many public programs […]

  • Skalka Wins Best Mystery Honors

    The Midwest Independent Publishing Association (MIPA, mipa.org) has announced the winners of its 29th annual Midwest Book Awards, which recognize quality in independent publishing in the Midwest. All books were copyrighted in 2018 and entered by publishers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Winners were […]

  • Steel Bridge 2019

    Downsizing the festival to nurture the dream A message from pat mAcdonald Not everyone is cut out to be P.T. Barnum. Some of us shy away from any glint of grandiosity, finding greater fascination in subtler, more mysterious constructs. All the people I’ve met in my life could maybe fill a stadium, but I doubt […]

  • Memorial Day Weekend: Busy on the Water

    Spring is here and summer is near, but it’s still winter in the water. That’s one of the safety-related messages that the Wisconsin DNR and U.S. Coast Guard has for boaters and other recreationists as we head into a busy holiday weekend. Water has gradually been warming into the 50s in some shallow bays and […]

  • An Organizational Journey

    The KonMari cleaning method The idea of purging your home of unwanted clutter isn’t new. People have been donating bags of clothes, trinkets and more for years, but the idea of finding more organization in your life has become even more popular with the birth of the Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, which […]

  • Alan Kopischke Plays Nine Characters in TAP’s ‘Absolute Brightness’

    Currently on stage at Sturgeon Bay’s Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) is a production with nine characters ranging from the lead character – a hard-boiled detective – to an awkward, 16-year-old girl to the force-of-nature owner of the Hair Today Salon to a German clock repairer to the British owner of a school for dance and theater […]

  • Black-Belt Promotions

    Door County Martial Arts held black-belt promotions at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA on May 14. Martial artists promoted to first-degree black belt were Zoey Stuth, Theo Goode and Cyrus Alrand. A second-degree black-belt promotion went to Timothy Alrand, and Daniel Barnard earned his third-degree black belt. Submitted.

  • Benjamin Moore Paint Now at Door County Log Home Supplies

    Door County Log Home Supplies isn’t just for log-home owners anymore because it’s now also Door County’s only Benjamin Moore paint vendor. Located between Champeau Flooring and Lampert Lumber in Sister Bay, Door County Log Home Supplies specializes in staining and maintaining log homes and structures. Call 920.839.5545 or email [email protected] to find out more.

  • CAFO Documentary Has Wisconsin Premier in Sturgeon Bay, ‘Right to Harm’

    When the husband-wife filmmaking team of Annie Speicher and Matt Wechsler made the highly praised 2016 documentary Sustainable (now showing on Netflix), they heard a lot about Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). “But we were hearing all the classic arguments of animal-welfare issues or environmental issues,” Wechsler said. “We were not hearing at all about […]

  • GEO-DC To Lead Festival of Nature Hikes

    The Greater Escarpment Organization of Door County (GEO-DC) is joining The Ridges Sanctuary’s Festival of Nature during Memorial Day weekend. GEO-DC will sponsor two educational hikes aligned with the ecological and geological elements of the Niagara Escarpment. Mike Schneider of The Clearing in Ellison Bay will focus on escarpment flora during his hike, and Roger […]

  • The Kids Get It – Do We?

    by Dick Smythe How many of us, how many politicians, can muster the courage displayed by a 16-year-old Swedish girl, Greta Thunberg, who, starting in August 2018, has skipped school every Friday in summer heat, rain and winter snow to protest outside her nation’s parliament buildings about her government’s failure to address the rapid global […]

  • Door County League Baseball: May 19 Results

    May 19 Results All games were rained out. Standings Egg Harbor 1-0 Institute 1-0 Sister Bay 1-0 West Jacksonport 1-0 Baileys Harbor 0-1 Kolberg 0-1 Maplewood 0-1 Washington Island 0-1 May 26 Schedule All games played at 1:30 pm. Sister Bay @ Institute Baileys Harbor @ Kolberg West Jacksonport @ Washington Island Maplewood @ Egg […]

  • Blossom Run Results

    Top Two-Mile-Run Finishers Female 1. Kayla Lehman, 13.36 2. Darcy Strasman, 15.06 3. Jaclyn Moeri, 15.16 4. Stella Nicoli, 16.52 5. Anika Steinbach, 17.54 Male 1. Markus Tassoul, 12.23 2. Garrett Ulberg, 13.25 3. Greg Peters, 13.45 4. Alex Rice, 13.57 5. Luke Selle, 13.58 Top Five-Mile-Run Finishers Female 1. Autumn Smith, 37.55 2. Susan […]

  • Sister Bay Legion Post 527 Named for Billy Weiss

    by Patty Williamson, PhD On March 1, 1946, American Legion Post 527 was formed in Sister Bay and named in honor of Billy Weiss. Greg Casperson, whose father, Clyde, was the second commander of the post, said he’d often heard his father tell how the post’s name was selected. Because the post’s founders did not […]

  • Sweetness Door County Opens May 24

    Sweetness Door County – the county’s first dessert-and-wine bar – will open May 24 at Julie’s Park Café in Fish Creek after the café closes for the day. Trevor Treml, the manager and pastry chef of Sweetness Door County, is focused on creating exquisite, made-from-scratch desserts that taste even better than they look. In addition […]

  • 2019 New Businesses

    New Businesses Sturgeon Bay 108 Collective Bay Winery Bayside Auto Bridge Up Brewing Dan’s Kitchen Dancing Dragonfly (formerly Reynolds House B&B) Shirts-n-Bay & More (formerly Door County Gifts) Door’s Fleurs & Orchard Novel Bay Booksellers NutMeg Spice Bakery Old Post Pub Olive Benefits The Pearl of Door County Union Supper Pub Egg Harbor Big Easy […]

  • Letters to the Editor: Let Roe v. Wade Stand

    The proposal of bills in several states, which ultimately may be challenged before the SCOTUS seeking to overturn Roe v. Wade has brought forth a firestorm of opinions, rhetoric and gross misstatements. It is an issue full of emotion, opinion, personal belief and not logic or science. What does it mean to call yourself Pro […]

  • Reps in the News: Evers Vows to Veto Abortion Restrictions

    Representative Joel Kitchens The Joint Committee on Finance approved a budget motion submitted by Rep. Kitchens that will defray a portion of the costs that Washington Island incurred during a natural disaster in 2018. Kitchens’ budget motion requests that the state provide the island with $2 million from the Wisconsin Disaster Fund to cover part […]

  • ‘Right to Harm’ Wisconsin Premier

    Right to Harm’s Wisconsin premiere will take place at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay on May 30, 7 pm. A Q&A will follow with one member of the husband-wife filmmaking team of Matt Wechsler and Annie Speicher. On May 31, 7 pm, the film will premiere in Kewaunee County at James May North, […]

  • Current Economic Trends Signal Alarm

    by Jim Schuessler, Executive Director, Door County Economic Development Corporation Wisconsin’s unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in April, a record low for the state. Before anyone starts handing out cigars and chirping “Happy Days Are Here Again,” there is a canary in the coal mine gasping for air, and these numbers are actually indicative of […]

  • Municipal Meetings: May 27-30

    DOOR COUNTY City of Sturgeon Bay: May 28 – Finance/Purchasing & Building Committee, 4 pm. County of Door: May 28 – county board, 9 am; Board of Adjustment, 6:30 pm. Town of Gardner: May 30 – Board of Review, 6 pm. Town of Gibraltar: May 28 – Plan Commission, 7 pm. Town of Jacksonport: May […]

  • State News: Tourism Funds, Ballast Water Research, OxyContin Lawsuit

    Budget Committee Passes Tourism-Marketing Funds Republicans on the Legislature’s budget committee have voted to increase state tourism funding, though not by as much as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers wanted. The GOP plan would spend an additional $1.6 million on tourism marketing during the next two years, which is about a 42 percent increase over what […]

  • Julie Davis Leaves Boys & Girls Club

    Julie Davis, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Door County, will begin a new position as the workforce-development director for the Milwaukee-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) on May 30. She has been with the organization for eight years – as program director and then, in 2013, as executive director. She oversaw […]

  • Door to Nature: Wild Strawberries

    There perennial fruit in the large rose family, both wild and cultivated, could very well be called the “robins’ delight.” You guessed it: the strawberry. The open hillside near my home used to have many plants that would bloom during the last half of May. We never found any berries developing, though, due to the […]

  • The Hidden Casualties of War

    I never met Lawrence Beckwith. I have little idea what kind of man he was – whether he was a great athlete or loved baseball, whether he was predisposed to heart disease or diabetes. Mary Dannhausen, my mother, doesn’t have the answers to most of these questions either. Or her late younger brother. Or her […]

  • News Bulletin: Boston Whaler Makes Last Rescue

    WHAT HAPPENED • The Gibraltar Fire Department’s Boston Whaler may have made its last rescue run May 16 for two anglers whose bass boat was taking on water. The men were several hundred feet off the Cottage Row shoreline in Fish Creek. Assistant Fire Chief Jerrad Anderson said the two men were rescued without incident […]

  • High School Sports Schedule: May 28-31

    GIBRALTAR Baseball May 28-29 – Regionals, TBD Girls Soccer May 30 – Regionals @ Kohler, 7 pm Golf May 28 @ Hunters Glen, 9 am Track & Field May 31 – State @ Veterans Memorial Stadium, La Crosse SEVASTOPOL Baseball May 28-29 – Regionals, TBD Girls Soccer May 30 – Regionals @ Kohler, 7 pm […]

  • Spring Cleaning Reveals Artistry at Al’s

    On Deck isn’t the only business with new curb appeal in Sister Bay. Since April 9, Jim Mineau of Little Suamico and his grandson Levi have been busy taking a sandblaster to the walls of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. They have chipped away at more than four decades of stain, linseed oil and pine tar […]

  • Half-Days at Door County Kayak Tours

    Door County Kayak Tours will offer half-day tours during which guests will paddle to secluded beaches, enjoy a locally sourced picnic and take a short hike before returning. Each tour will provide a memorable experience at locations such as Cana Island Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park, Cave Point County Park and Door Bluff County Park. A […]

  • Once Upon Our Peninsula: May 20-25

    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 22, 1874 LIQUOR SUIT The first case under the new liquor law came off last Saturday. H. Hahn was arrested and tried for selling Beer […]

  • Letters to the Editor: Do Not Privatize Emergency Response in Door County

    In my 30+ year career I have worked with and for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. The difference is night and day. For-Profit will always be just about that – profit, the monetary bottom line. Decisions will be made with the primary objective of money. Nonprofits, while practicing fiscal responsibility, make their mission – the people […]

  • Letters to the Editor: Republican Party Not What It Used to Be

    Former U.S. Senator Richard Lugar passed away April 28th. Senator Lugar served as a Senator from Indiana for 36 years, from 1977 to 2013, and was known as one of the stalwarts of the Republican Party. While a U.S. Senator Lugar worked on finding solutions to energy security, world nutrition, and controlling weapons of mass […]

  • Memorial Day Events

    Sturgeon Bay Ceremonies will begin on Monday, May 27, 8:30 am, at Bayside Cemetery with VFW Post 3088, which will also provide the flag. They will continue at 9 am at St. Joseph’s Cemetery with American Legion Post 72, then at 9:30 am at the Dorchester with AMVETS Post 51. The city ceremony will begin […]

  • On Deck Gets A Facelift

    When thousands of Memorial Day visitors round the bend and head down the hill into Sister Bay this weekend, a fresh look at On Deck Clothing Company will welcome them. The building now has the look of four distinct storefronts with varying colors and rooflines, but it’s still home to just On Deck. The facelift […]

  • FSA Reminds Producers to Report Failed or Prevented Planting

    Sandy Chalmers, state executive director of the USDA’s Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA), reminds producers to report failed or prevented planting acres to establish or retain FSA program eligibility. “FSA offices have been receiving reports of winterkill alfalfa and mixed forage throughout the state,” Chalmers said. “Producers must report those losses before replanting.” For losses […]

  • Door County Rod & Gun Club League Standings

    May 9, Week 3 A Division Team: Points, Total Meissner Landscaping: 3, 17 Denessen Contracting: 5.5, 15 Howie’s Tackle & Archery: 3, 8.5 Lily Bay Sand & Gravel: 6, 8.5 Harbor Retreat: 8, 8 Institute Saloon: 4.5, 7.5 Wolters Engraving: 1.5, 7.5 24: Greg Meissner 23: Kevin Bley, Stan Hein, Travis Mueller, Kurt Hein, Clint […]

  • By the Numbers: Wisconsin Lakes

    4 The number of lakes in Brown and Outagamie counties, making them the counties with the fewest. 10 The number of inland lakes in Door County: Arbter (also known as Mud and Schmok), Big March (also known as Gunnerson), Bley Pond, Bradley Lake (also known as Little), Butler Pond, Clark Lake, Coffee Swamp, Dunes Lake […]

  • A Child’s Adventures in Water

    by Carolyn Kane People love to be near water – oceans, lakes, rivers, streams. What landlubber hasn’t dreamed of a seaside cottage or a house on a bluff with a view of Lake Michigan? Or, for those who cherish grander daydreams, a 400-year-old mansion like Manderley in Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, complete with a path […]

  • Registration Closes May 26 For Celebrate Water Summit

    Don’t miss the 2019 Celebrate Water Summit, June 4-6. Registration closes May 26. Cave diver Jill Heinerth will deliver the keynote presentation June 4, 7 pm, at the Door Community Auditorium; it’s free and open to the public. June 5 will feature a luncheon discussion with author Dan Egan and educational presentations by Joel Brammeier […]

  • Cheryl Wilson Retires from DC Library After 30 Years

    Cheryl Wilson, technical support specialist at the Door County Library, will retire this spring after 30 and a half years of service. She began working part time at the circulation desk in 1988 while finishing her work with the Department of Natural Resources. Throughout the years, she’s worked with three library directors, was in charge […]

  • DCMM Engaging with Local School Districts

    The Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM) is launching new programs to engage with local school districts. In May, the museum is partnering with Luxemburg-Casco Intermediate School to start an ongoing project to display maritime artwork created by students from around the peninsula. The first exhibit will be on display at the museum May 22 through […]

  • DCMC Partners with Community Blood Center

    Door County Medical Center (DCMC) and the Community Blood Center (CBC) held a May 14 cookie-cutting event and kickoff blood drive to celebrate their ongoing partnership. CBC has been the sole provider of blood and blood products to DCMC since fall 2018. A cookie cutting, in place of a ribbon cutting, marked the first day […]

  • Door-Tran Receives Partner Grant

    Door-Tran will receive an ITNAmerica Trusted Transportation Partner grant, with support from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Such grants go to respected transportation nonprofits to support free or discounted rides to eye-care appointments for older adults and visually impaired community members. The grant also recognizes Door-Tran as offering the highest-quality transportation services for seniors. “We are one of […]

  • 2019 Recipients of Rotary Club Scholarships

    The Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 12 graduating seniors of Door County high schools in recognition of their volunteer, personal and academic achievements. The Service Above Self Academic Scholarship recipients were Madelyn LeClair and Payton Pluff of Gibraltar, Carson Talbert and Ashley Ellefson of Sturgeon Bay, Natalie Meikle of […]

  • 100+ Women Who Care Donate $14,000 to Door CANcer

    Door CANcer has received more than $14,000 from 100+Women Who Care (100WWC) of Northern Door County. Since 1997, Door CANcer has been helping families in the county whose lives are being affected by cancer. 100WWC has a simple format: each quarter, members nominate three nonprofit organizations, and each gives a five-minute presentation and answers questions. […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Students Receive Bordui Scholarships

    Emily Tess and Josie Morkin, seniors at Sturgeon Bay High School, are winners in the 2019 Bordui Foundation scholarship competition. Tess will receive $20,000 to support her studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Morkin will receive $20,000 to attend Columbia University.The foundation’s trustees chose the winners based on grade point average, test scores, an […]

  • Award Winners Announced at Sunshine House Annual Dinner

    At Sunshine House’s 48th annual Awards Dinner on May 6, Helen Cordon played her accordion before CEO Cindy Weber thanked the crowd, discussed the past year’s happenings and previewed future plans. Elise Christensen earned the Female Employee of the Year Award, and Patrick Ratajczak was the Male Employee of the Year Award winner. Community Partnership […]

  • Cancer Survivor Auctions Guitar for Charity

    Daniel Thimm, owner of Mudbone Guitars in Sturgeon Bay and a stage IV metastatic prostate cancer survivor, auctions off a guitar once or twice a year and donates the proceeds to charity. This year he chose Door CANcer as the recipient. Door CANcer and Mudbone Guitars will be holding a summer-long raffle, during which the […]

  • AED/CPR Classes Offered at Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Station

    The Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department is partnering with the American Safety & Health Institute to offer classes about how to properly use an AED and perform CPR. The four-hour classes will teach infant, child and adult CPR and offer a two-year certification. They will take place June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, […]

  • Duplicate Contract Bridge Returns June 7

    The Door County Bridge Club (email: [email protected]) will begin another season on June 7. Sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), it will host tournament-style duplicate contract bridge games every Tuesday at 12 pm and every Friday at 9 am, through the end of September, at Stella Maris Catholic Church, 7710 Highway 42 in […]

  • Southern Door Selling Bricks in Convocation Plaza

    Leave your mark on Southern Door School’s Convocation Plaza by purchasing an engraved brick to honor your current or past student, a favorite staff member, or an academic, musical or athletic accomplishment. Service organizations and businesses may also buy a brick (logos can be added for an additional fee) to demonstrate community support. A four-inch-by-eight-inch […]

  • James May Screens Movies About Environmental Protection

    James May North, 219 State St. in Algoma, will screen Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time on May 28, 6 pm, as one of the final programs of Algoma’s Art of Water month. Green Fire explores Aldo Leopold’s career and his enduring influence, tracing how he shaped the modern conservation […]

  • Door-Tran Raises Money to Save D2D

    In March, the Door County Board of Supervisors received three recommendations about the future of the Door 2 Door (D2D) ride service, and the board will vote on the issue at its meeting on May 28, 9 am, at the Government Center. In April, Door-Tran asked local businesses for support to save D2D. (Door-Tran is […]

  • Pet Tip: How to Redirect Cats’ Scratching Behavior

    The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus is temporarily “pawsing” adoptions while it houses many dogs from other shelters to assist those shelters as they work through an animal-health situation (visit wihumane.org/news to learn more). WHS will resume regular adoption processes soon. Until information about pets looking for new homes returns to this space, […]

  • DA Colleen Nordin Earns Advocacy Award

    by Family Services’ Sexual Assault Center Each year in April, Family Services’ Sexual Assault Center and the Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center recognize those in the community who are making a significant difference in the lives of victims of sexual assault or child maltreatment. This year the recipients of the Excellence in Advocacy Award […]

  • A Gathering of Pen Pals

    A room inside the Door County Community Center was buzzing on May 21 when a group of pen pals who have been corresponding since December met in person for the time. “I think it’s great,” said Grant, a student in Heidi Richard’s fourth-grade class at Sunrise School in Sturgeon Bay. “I think it’s great, too,” […]

  • Server of the Week: Justin Hartel

    Justin is the manager who works at Bay Hill. Just living here is quite a thrill. If we need help, we’ll give him a call. He takes care of everything – one and all. ~ Submitted by Dorothy Lindsey

  • Manners Matter: Man of the House

    Dear Mary Pat, I’m worried about the relationship between my husband and our kids. They see him as this grumpy guy who walks through the door after work barking orders. They listen to him, and I know they love him, but he acts a little more like a drill sergeant than the loving man I […]

  • Framed: Gibraltar Writing Club

    On May 13, Alissa Ehmke (left), assistant editor of the Peninsula Pulse, spent time with the Write On, Door County and Friends of Gibraltar Grade 5 Creative Writing Club. The students heard a little about what goes on at the Pulse and then worked on a small assignment. The students selected their own writing topics, […]

  • Bay Winery Debuts on Bay Shore Drive

    In less than a decade, Ryan Zahler has gone from not drinking wine to becoming a wine appreciator, winemaker and owner of the small-batch Bay Winery in Sturgeon Bay. Originally from southern California, Zahler ironically didn’t find an interest in wine until moving to Door County for a work assignment in 2011. “I moved here […]

  • Door 44

    Door 44’s New Location Ties Wine to Terroir

    When Steve Johnson and Maria Milano honeymooned in Napa Valley in the mid-90s, the experience led to a life-altering career change. “It was a beautiful, sunny day,” Johnson said. “We were at Coppola Winery and grabbed a bottle of red and a baguette, ventured into the vineyard and said, why not Wisconsin?” He was thinking […]

  • Expert Says Potawatomi Tower Can Be Saved

    An expert on timber says that Potawatomi Tower can be repaired to serve another 90 years for an equal or lesser cost than reconstructing or tearing it down. And repair could be completed in as little as 10 days, according to Dan Tingley of Wood Research & Development, a firm in Jefferson, Oregon. The Sturgeon […]

  • State Superintendent of Schools Visits Washington Island

    One of the biggest names in education – Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Stanford Taylor – visited the smallest district in Wisconsin, Washington Island School District, on May 21 with Scott Jones, her chief of staff. She spent the day visiting classrooms to meet with administrators, teachers and students. “We want to hear […]

  • Singers from Chicago’s Lyric Opera to Perform at Shepherd of the Bay

    Singers from the Lyric Opera of Chicago – soprano Desirée Hassler, mezzo soprano Pamela Williams, tenor John Concepcion and baritone Michael Cavalieri – will return to Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church on June 7, 7 pm, to present A Few of Their Favorite Things, with Judith Jackson at the piano. The concert is open to the […]

  • Griffon Quartet Celebrates One Year

    The Griffon Quartet will play at Egg Harbor’s Kress Pavilion on May 25, 7 pm. To conclude and celebrate their first season as Midsummer’s Music’s quartet in residence, Griffon members will perform Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 33, No. 3, “The Bird;” Philip Glass’ String Quartet No. 3, “Mishima;” and Brahms’ String Quartet No. 2 in […]

  • Final Ship Announced in Tall Ships Event

    Windy is the final tall ship of nine to be announced for the Nicolet Bank Tall Ships event. Sailing from Chicago’s Navy Pier, Windy is a 148-foot, traditional four-masted gaff topsail schooner built with modern materials and integrating modern amenities and safety features. But, like old trading schooners and sail training ships, this traditional sailing […]

  • Volunteers Needed for Crossroads Trail Run/Walk

    Organizers of the Crossroads Trail Run/Walk, held on June 22, are seeking volunteers to assist with refreshments, hand water to participants, direct them to the right route, cheer them on at the finish line and hand out native plants to the finishers. The race starts at 8 am and will conclude by 10:30 am. All […]

  • Egg Harbor Farmers’ Market Open for the Season

    The Egg Harbor farmers’ market has begun! It takes place in Harbor View Park on Fridays, 9 am – 1 pm, through the end of October, weather permitting. Jeanne Kuhns will provide live music on June 14, July 19, Aug. 15 and Sept. 6. The Egg Harbor Business Association is still accepting applications for the […]

  • Get Well Water Tested through Crossroads

    Crossroads at Big Creek will also offer a gentle, one-hour nature hike to Ida Bay – passing through several habitats – on May 26, 4 pm. Meet at the parking lot at the Canal Road/Buffalo Ridge Trail intersection. Join the Door County Beekeepers Club for its monthly meeting in the Collins Learning Center’s lecture hall on May […]

  • Aldrich to Offer QiGong Classes

    Local artist, massage therapist and wellness instructor Jen Aldrich is offering an eight-week series of QiGong classes starting June 3 on Mondays at 5 pm, Tuesdays at 8 am and Wednesdays at 10 am at Dancin’ on the Door in Egg Harbor. Drop-ins are welcome. “Many people have never heard of QiGong, the Chinese martial […]

  • One Health WI Cuts Ribbon in Algoma

    The Algoma Area Chamber welcomed One Health WI – a veteran-owned, woman-owned CBD oil company at 219 Steele St. in Algoma – with a ribbon-cutting and light lunch on May 17 for 40 attendees. They learned about CBD oil and the face, bath and body products and services that One Health WI will offer. Owners […]

  • Initiative to Reduce Illegal Tobacco-Product Sales

    Wisconsin WINS is a science-based initiative designed to reduce illegal tobacco-product sales to minors by using positive reinforcement. The coalition sends congratulatory letters to clerks who do not sell tobacco to youth and educates those who would. Retailers who sell tobacco products can train their staff at no cost at WITobaccoCheck.org. Parents, teachers and the […]

  • “Sage-ing” Lecture by Trish Black June 23

    The Northern Door Health & Wellness Ministry (NorthernDoorHealthWellness.com) continues its Community Health Information Programs with “Sage-ing” on June 23, 4 pm, at First Baptist Church in Sister Bay. Trish Black, a certified Sage-ing leader, will discuss growing older with wisdom, dignity and grace. The ministry also offers free blood-pressure screenings monthly on the second Tuesday, […]

  • Bauman to Present Workshops on Herbal Remedies

    Herbalist Joanne Bauman with Prairie Magic Herbals will return to Junction Center Yoga Studio to present three new workshops. Women’s Herbs for Health on June 8, 10 am – 12 pm, will offer wisdom about using herbal remedies to support breast and bone health, natural energy and vitality, common moontime-to-menopause changes and more. Herbal Antibiotics on […]

  • Obituary: Clifford G. Ehlers, PhD

    Oct. 31, 1928 – May 21, 2019 Clifford G. Ehlers, PhD, 90, of the Town of Egg Harbor died surrounded by his family. Cliff was born to Edward and Rose (Thorn) Ehlers of rural Sturgeon Bay. He graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1946. After working on the family farm for two years, Cliff departed […]

  • Obituary: Susan A. Blahnik

    July 19, 1945 – May 19, 2019 Susan A. Blahnik, 73, of Sturgeon Bay died at her home with family by her side. She was born in Manitowoc, the daughter of the late Milton and June (Blahnik) Hanson. Susan graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc in 1963. On August 22, 1970, she married George […]

  • Ephraim Highway Reopens May 24

    Ephraim business owners are breathing a sigh of relief now that the most disruptive portion of the Highway 42 reconstruction project is wrapping up in time for Memorial Day weekend. “I can definitely say I’m thrilled they’re ahead of schedule,” said Todd Bennett, owner of Chef’s Hat restaurant. The construction has detoured traffic around the […]

  • High Schoolers Wow Audience at LibraryLIVE

    The kickoff for LibraryLIVE’s season, featuring outstanding students from Door County’s high schools, packed the Miller Art Museum on May 11. Vocalists and musicians performed a variety of works, including The Vagabond by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Mozart’s Concerto in G and moving operatic and theatrical pieces. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the performances, and the library […]

  • Raddatz Duo to Play at Glacier Ledge

    Friday-night live music begins at Glacier Ledge Restaurant & Bar (doorartisancheese.com) on Memorial Day Weekend. Celebrate Glacier Ledge’s third season with a weeklong event starting and ending with live music on May 24 and 31. Guests can have fun at the fire pits and the outdoor bocce and corn-hole area and enjoy the late-night bar […]

  • Obituary: Thomas R. McDonald

    Feb. 28, 1937 – May 17, 2019  Thomas Rodrick McDonald, 82, of Sturgeon Bay died at his home. He was born in Wausau to Harold and Susan (Mayer) McDonald. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1955. His greatest loves in high school were cross-country running and curling. On June 7, 1958, he married Judith Rae Jaecks. In 1965, […]

  • Obituary: Harold “Harry” Arthur Kohls

    Dec. 7, 1936 – May 15, 2019 Harold “Harry” Arthur Kohls, 82, of the Town of Sevastopol died at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. Harry was born in Jacksonport to Amelia and Arthur Kohls. He entered the Army in 1955 after attending Sevastopol High School. After his service in 1958, Harry worked in […]

  • Obituary: Allan Edward Hasenjager

    June 4, 1929 – May 15, 2019  Allan Edward Hasjenjager, 89, of the Town of Sevastopol died at Anna’s Healthcare CBRF in Sturgeon Bay with family at his side. He was born in the Town of Jacksonport, the son of Orville Carl Hasenjager and Amanda Florence (Bley) Hasenjager. Allan attended Sunny Point School in the Town of […]