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Peninsula Pulse May 5-12, 2023

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In this issue

  • Bygone Technology: The Party Line

    I recently celebrated the anniversary of my birth 65 years ago. I am also the longest-tenured employee of the Peninsula Pulse and have been around Door County since 1970, before most of our staff was even born. Given these facts, I occasionally regale my coworkers with stories and details of what Door County was like […]

  • Ride On in 2023: Spring Classic and Fall Challenge fees increase May 15

    Fees increase May 15 for two great Door County cycling events. More than 500 riders have already signed up for the Peninsula Century Spring Classic on Saturday, June 17, which begins and ends at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. The ride is capped at 1,000 riders, so register now to lock in your spot for […]

  • Neri Wins 15th Half Marathon, Kowalke Shatters Women’s Record

    The top prize in the 15th annual Door County Half Marathon stayed local Saturday when Sevastopol graduate Eduardo Neri cruised to victory. The 29-year-old finished 1:18 ahead of four-time winner Rodee Schneider. Zachary Jindra took third in 1:17:53. Fourth overall was claimed by women’s winner Caitlin Kowalke of Shorewood, WI. Kowalke destroyed the previous women’s […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Safe-School Suggestions for LGBTQ+ Students

    The League of Women Voters of Door County recently hosted a community event about the health and well-being of Door County youth during which a panel presented the results of the most recent Door County Youth Risk Behavior Survey and discussed the programming available in the county that focuses on mental health and healthier lifestyles. […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Fish Creek Site Not a Good Fit for Affordable-Housing Project

    I have been a year-round resident in Door County for 35 years. I live near the Fish Creek Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is located off County F.  At a district board of supervisors meeting back in January, a developer approached the board with the idea of leasing some of the district’s property north […]

  • Letter to the Editor: Thanks to Voters, Welcome to New Board Members

    Now that the election dust has settled and the annual meeting is behind us, I would like to thank the electors in the Town of Gibraltar for coming out and voting on April 4. I thank the 437 voters for reelecting me as your town chair. I so enjoyed the three weekends I spent getting […]

  • Birch Creek Adds Solar Panels on Two Buildings

    As it explores ways to reduce its impact on the environment, Birch Creek Music Performance Center has chosen solar panels as one of the initiatives it’s undertaking to upgrade its infrastructure and technology plans. Now the center has installed new solar panels on its East Campus faculty dorm and its Miller Music Center. They will […]

  • Controlled Burns Help Pollinators

    Fish Creek resident Jim Bator contracted with Door County Prairie Company to perform controlled burns of two wildflower fields on his property. The burns are done every few years to remove grasses that can take over and allow the warm plants to get a start without the weeds getting ahead of them. These controlled burns […]

  • Gibraltar Girl Scout Troops Celebrate Earth Day

    In honor of Earth Day, Gibraltar Girl Scout troops invited all Door County Girl Scout troops to Camp Cuesta for a morning of learning about the environment and celebrating the outdoors. The Scouts participated in a low ropes course and team-building activities, learned about migratory birds and built bird feeders, and discovered how they can […]

  • Volunteers Wanted for Pollinator Project

    The Door County Land Trust is recruiting volunteers to collect data for Budburst, a collaborative project with the Chicago Botanic Garden. Volunteers will monitor and study the pollinators of Pitcher’s dune thistle and other important dune plants at the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Nature Preserve. Working closely with botanic garden researchers and Land Trust staff, […]

  • Gilbert Named Chair of Sustainability Task Force

    Julie Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Door County, has been named chair of the newly formed sustainability task force for Destinations International’s advocacy committee. The task force will provide input on sustainability strategies that will benefit the members of Destinations International regarding this initiative. The Washington, D.C.–based Destinations International is a global association for […]

  • Spring is the Time to Test Soil

    Have your soil tested by the University of Wisconsin Soil & Forage Analysis Lab in Madison through Extension Door County. A standard soil test identifies soil pH, the percentage of organic matter in the soil and the amount of phosphorus and potassium. Take soil samples to the Extension Door County office, 421 Nebraska St. in Sturgeon […]

  • Volunteer at Crossroads

    Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help Crossroads at Big Creek with land-restoration efforts May 6, 9-11 am. Instruction, equipment, gloves, cookies and lemonade will all be provided. The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society will host its next monthly meeting – which are always open to the public – on May 9, 7 pm, at the […]

  • FOPPI Seeks Volunteers May 6-7

    Friends of Pilot and Plum Islands (FOPPI) is looking for volunteers to help get The Shoreline ready for the summer season. The work days are May 6-7, 8:30 am – 4 pm. Volunteers will help with painting, cleaning and general maintenance projects. Experience is not required, but carpentry skills, experience with fiberglass-repair kits or knowledge […]

  • Green Banks Coming

    Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #195 on April 19, creating the Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation to advise on creating the state’s first Green Innovation Fund, also known as “green banks.” The Green Innovation Fund and its partners will leverage public and private financing to invest in projects that provide […]

  • Survey Shows Bipartisan Support for Conservation Funding

    A recent statewide survey of Wisconsin voters – funded by The Nature Conservancy in the state and conducted by FM3 Research (D) and New Bridge Strategy – shows continued and strong support for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. Nine out of 10 Badger State voters continue to support the state Legislature dedicating public funding for conservation. […]

  • Solar-Power Celebration at Björklunden

    The Climate Change Coalition of Door County and Lawrence University in Appleton are partnering to present the Door County Solar Celebration May 12-13 at Björklunden, 7590 Boynton Lane in Baileys Harbor. The theme is Solar Power: From Science to Policy to Plugging In. The event will begin May 12, 10 am, with Lawrence University assistant […]

  • Donation to Land Trust Extends Legacy Preserve

    The Door County Land Trust (DCLT) recently accepted a land donation from the Bogdanowicz family that includes 150 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. Located in the Town of Clay Banks, this land is directly to the south of the DCLT’s Legacy Nature Preserve at Clay Banks, so it extends the preserve’s boundary.  To complete the […]

  • Volunteer Land Stewards Keep Land Trust Sites Safe

    Despite the skills, knowledge and abilities of its employees, the Door County Land Trust could not properly protect its ever-growing number of ecologically significant and sensitive sites without help. Fortunately, the county serves as a magnet for nature lovers, so the Door County Land Trust (DCLT) can draw from a corps of 250 volunteers. Some […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Buddha

    Meet Buddha, a 1-year-old cat who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. This beautiful, brown-and-white fur baby weighs eight pounds and cannot wait to share snuggles in a loving home.  Buddha (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=52415789) is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, and she goes home with a certificate for a free veterinary exam […]

  • Young Girl Raises Funds for Veterans

    Over Easter weekend, Keke Delsart ran a roadside stand as a community-service project to support veterans, and the AMVETS organization thanked her for her hard work. Delsart attends Rural Virtual Academy.

  • Grant Secured for Community Garden Project

    The Wisconsin Master Gardeners Association has awarded a $400 grant to the Door County Master Gardeners Association to assist the group in expanding garden resources for the Toft Community Garden, located behind the historical Toft House. To find out more or join the effort, email [email protected] or call 920.421.4366.

  • NTN Benefits from Fundraisers

    An April 4 Share Night fundraiser that Culver’s hosted to benefit Neighbor to Neighbor (NTN) raised $522.68. Jimmy John’s also held a promotion through which it donated $1 per sandwich on one day, raising $325.

  • Sunshine Resources Donates $5,000 to Aspiro

    Sunshine Resources of Door County donated 40% of all March sales in its retail store to Aspiro, a disability provider in Green Bay whose fleet of buses was damaged in a fire. The amount raised was just shy of $5,000.

  • Lions Club Rose Sale

    During its February and March rose fundraiser, members of the Sturgeon Bay Lions Club sold 935 dozen roses, raising $8,300. All money from the sale will go to local nonprofits, high school scholarships, the Wisconsin Lions Camp, financial aid for eyecare and more. Club members thank those who supported the organization by purchasing roses.

  • $28,000 Awarded During April Giving Circle

    During the April 24 gathering of the 100+ Women Who Care of Door County (100+WWC) giving circle, the Boys & Girls Club of Door County received the primary award of $14,000 and the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. The two other nonprofits considered for this quarter […]

  • Workshop Addresses Chronic Conditions

    The Living Well workshop, hosted by the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Lakeshore, is for those living with chronic and ongoing conditions that affect their daily life and activities. The six-week workshop – open to Kewaunee County residents – will begin May 10. A $10 donation is suggested. Call 1.877.416.7083 to learn more and […]

  • Learn About Medicare

    The ADRC of Door County is hosting informational sessions about Medicare.  For those new to the program, New to Medicare covers all the ins and outs. The next session is being held May 16, 1 pm, at the NWTC Learning and Innovation Center, 2438 S. Bay Shore Dr. in Sister Bay. The monthly Medicare Minute […]

  • The Shoals Aims for July Completion

    14 individuals and families have already moved into the affordable-housing complex One of the largest income-qualified housing projects in the area is nearing completion in Sister Bay. As of early May, 14 individuals and families had moved into the units, with 31 more units under construction and expected to be completed during the next three […]

  • SDFD Preparing to Reorganize, Minus Nasewaupee

    After what Forestille village president Terry McNulty called a “last-ditch effort” to persuade the Town of Nasewaupee to remain in the Southern Door Fire Department (SDFD) was unsuccessful last month, the other three municipalities are now preparing for what will happen to the SDFD before Nasewaupee starts operating its own department in the fall of […]

  • Fish-Fry Fundraiser for Summer Baseball Program

    The Gibraltar summer youth baseball program is hosting a drive-through fish-fry fundraiser May 7. Dinner pickup will take place 3-6 pm at Alexander’s, 3667 Hwy 42 in Fish Creek. The $15 dinner includes fish donated by Northern Door fishermen, boiled potatoes and onions, coleslaw, rye bread and dessert. No reservations are needed; call 920.493.4928 with […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Police Department Makes Two Arrests for Stolen Vehicles

    Two arrests have been made in conjunction with six reports of stolen vehicles, with additional arrests forthcoming, according to the Sturgeon Bay Police Department. Between Feb. 7 and April 10, the police department had received six reports of stolen vehicles or vehicles damaged as a result of a person(s) attempting to steal them. The reports […]

  • ‘Discover Wisconsin’ Highlights Carlsville

    Discover Wisconsin will highlight Carlsville during its May 6 episode, when host Andrea Boehlke and her sisters take on the unincorporated area within the Town of Egg Harbor for adventuring, tasting and shopping. Learn more at discoverwisconsin.com.

  • Personal Checks Stolen From Door County Mailboxes

    The Door County Sheriff’s Office has responded to several forgery/fraud calls regarding personal checks that have been “washed.” Suspects have removed personal checks from mailboxes and put the checks through a process to remove the ink on the check. Once the ink is removed, they put their name on the check and cash it. To […]

  • Youth Mental-Health and Wellness Panel

    Northern Door Activism and United Way of Door County are hosting a panel discussion and interactive forum on mental health and wellness in youth May 10, 5:30 pm, at Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery, 2450 S. Bay Shore Dr. in Sister Bay. The discussion will focus on topics in which parents have expressed interest, such […]

  • Security Stepped Up After Threatening Email Sent to Southern Door Students

    The Southern Door School District notified parents May 1 about a threatening email that was sent April 30 to a group of high school students and that remained, as of May 3, under investigation by the Door County Sheriff’s Office.  Individuals who specialize in internet crimes were leading the investigation; a law-enforcement presence had been […]

  • Pilot Training for Trishaws

    Cycling Without Age Door County (CWADC) is training volunteers to pilot trishaws – light, three-wheeled vehicles with pedals – May 13, 9 am – 12 pm, at the Northern Door YMCA, 3866 Gibraltar Road in Fish Creek. Those who are interested should have a valid driver’s license and be skilled cyclists. Get more details by […]

  • Sturgeon Bay High Schooler Suspended for Allegedly Creating a Hit List

    A Sturgeon Bay High School student was suspended last Friday for allegedly creating a post-note titled “Hit List” with several students’ names on it. A faculty member discovered the note and took it to school administration and law enforcement. School staff and law enforcement worked together to identify the student they believed had created the […]

  • Is It a Sidewalk or a Pedestrian Way?

    The Village petitions the Supreme Court to decide A state appeals court decided in March that the Village of Egg Harbor had illegally condemned Shipwrecked Brew Pub’s private property to create a pedestrian way – not a sidewalk. The village isn’t standing down for that ruling. Last week, the village filed a petition with the […]

  • Coming Up: Memorial Day Events

    The Billy Weiss American Legion Post 527 of Sister Bay and VFW Post 8337 of Ellison Bay are hosting memorials May 29. During a brief ceremony at 8:30 am, a wreath will be placed at the Veterans Memorial marker at Hendrickson Park, on the corner of Highway 42 and Mill Road in Sister Bay.  At […]

  • Prospectus Finalized to Attract NERR Visitor Center

    The finishing touches have been put on a plan seeking to bring a visitor center to Sturgeon Bay as part of the process to establish the Green Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). The city’s Ad Hoc NERR Advisory Committee met last week to discuss the outreach strategy to attract the visitor center, which includes […]

  • CCR: Sexual Assault Awareness Month Collaboration Appreciation

    by SOPHIE SIELEN, County Coordinator/Victim Advocate, Family Services Sexual Assault Center Throughout April, community members were encouraged to look for the color teal – the color of sexual-assault awareness – on display courtesy of community partners and businesses. With April concluded, the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) would like to express appreciation to the community for […]

  • Project Plans Discussed to Finish Door County Granary

    The Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation (SBHSF) held an informational meeting April 26 in the Jane Greene Room of the Door County Library’s Sturgeon Bay branch to discuss the Door County Granary restoration project that’s taking place on the city’s West Waterfront. The meeting was part of the application process for the SBHSF to receive […]

  • New Bass-Tournament Restrictions Favored in Sturgeon Bay

    Emotions flared April 26 when Sturgeon Bay’s Joint Parks and Recreation Committee/Board recommended changes to fishing-tournament rules as they relate to using the city’s facilities. Should the recommendation be adopted by the Common Council, to take effect in 2024, use of the city’s launching ramps and other facilities for holding catch-and-release bass tournaments would be […]

  • Mother’s Day at Virlee

    Virlee Gunworks is offering free shooting and range rentals for all moms May 13-14 in celebration of Mother’s Day. Find out more at virleegunworks.com.

  • Door County Coffee Has a New Look

    Door County Coffee is marking 30 years in business with a rebranding campaign that includes removing the word “tea” from its name – although it will still offer selections of loose-leaf tea – and introducing a new logo, new packaging across all product lines, website changes and updated signage and point-of-purchase materials.

  • Bertram Building Out a Broadband Backbone

    When Bertram Communications purchased Baileys Harbor–based Door County Broadband (DCB) in April 2022, Jim Bertram, CEO and president, said he planned to build a fiber-optic network in Door County – a move that would bolster DCB’s wireless network and offer faster speeds and stability to its customers, Bertram said at the time. As motorists who […]

  • Register for DCEDC’s Annual Meeting

    The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is holding its 33rd investors’ meeting and luncheon May 18, 11:30 am, at Stone Harbor Resort, 107 N. 1st Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. The keynote speaker is Mike Ward, vice president of business and community development at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. During the meeting, DCEDC representatives will […]

  • Door County Ranks Among Best Counties to Own a Small Business

    Door County ranked third-best of the state’s 72 counties – behind Pepin and Clark counties – to own a small business in 2022, according to a study released by the New York–based financial technology and advice company SmartAsset. The designation is based on the number of small businesses operating in each county, how much income they […]

  • Around the Door: Seaplane Lands in Baileys Harbor

    A seaplane lands April 28 in Baileys Harbor with the tugboat Donny S in the background. The seaplane took off shortly after landing, but the tugboat remains in the harbor after more than a year.

  • Server of the Week: Sara Richards

    Golfing and food are found at this place,Along with Sara and her smiling face! She likes to share videos of her dog, Olive.Sara can also whistle and hum at the same time –which she’s proud of! She likes to golf and swim,And the Door County Cherry Burger is what she recommends! Server of the Week […]

  • Farm-Safety Courses at NWTC

    Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) is offering a farm-machinery and tractor safety class in Luxemburg and Sturgeon Bay in June. Each class includes instruction about farm and driver safety, first aid, equipment maintenance and more, as well as a grain-bin rescue demonstration. Registration is open for the Luxemburg course (#51288) and the Sturgeon Bay course […]

  • The Clearing Releases 2023 Workshop Schedule

    The Clearing Folk School has released its 2023 schedule of one- and two-day workshops running June 7 – Nov. 7.  Classes are being offered in the arts, fine crafts, natural sciences and humanities. Examples of hands-on learning opportunities include painting in multiple media, hand forging/blacksmithing, drawing, basket weaving and more. Get writing tips to document […]

  • Gibraltar Crafts Inclusive Restroom Policy

    School board will take up the policy May 8 With about 20 residents in the audience Monday, members of the Gibraltar School District’s Policy Committee heard support, advice and only a little resistance to nondiscrimination guidelines that have been controversial in some regions of the nation. Policy Committee chair Jessica Sauter said the district – like […]

  • Kopischke Becomes UWGB Assistant Professor

    Following a nationwide search, Alan Kopischke is a new assistant professor for UW-Green Bay (UWGB) Theater and Dance. He has taught theater and arts-management courses at UWGB for the past six and a half years, most recently as an associate lecturer, and he has a decades-long career as a professional actor with theater companies nationwide.  […]

  • Folk Festival Brings Back In-Person Event

    The Door County Folk Festival is returning to an in-person event July 7-9, with dance workshops, dance-review sessions, presentations, discussions and evening dance parties with live music, all taking place at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor. Registration is now open, with early-bird savings available through June 7. Learn more and register at dcff.net.

  • Death’s Door Dance Festival to Return in July

    Welcoming artists from around the Midwest and beyond, the Death’s Door Dance Festival will return to Northern Door July 27-30. The free event will include three performances, a children’s book reading with Indigenous choreographer/author Ria Thundercloud, a movement-and-poetry workshop with dance artist Janet Lilly and poet Susan Firer, a community discussion with dance artist/anti-racist educator […]

  • Concert Features Music of United Kingdom, Ireland

    Colin Welford & Friends will present a free concert May 7 (the time has yet to be announced) at the Ephraim Moravian Church, 9970 Moravia St. It will showcase the musical heritage of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III. Guest musicians are tenor Scott Ramsay, soprano Cyndy […]

  • Last-Chance Barn Dance May 13

    The Door County Folk Alliance is hosting its final dance of the winter season May 13, 7-9 pm, when caller Mike Grimm will lead participants through circle and long-line dances, and the Sugar on the Floor Barn Dance Orchestra will provide live music. All levels of dancers are welcome, but the alliance recommends that children […]

  • Midsummer's Music Festival

    Music for Food Concerts May 13, 14

    Midsummer’s Music is presenting Music for Food concerts May 13, 3 pm, at Birch Creek’s Juniper Hall; and May 14, 3 pm, at the Ephraim Moravian Church – both part of a musician-led initiative for local hunger relief.  The featured musicians are flutist Mona Christensen of Birch Creek, violist Allyson Fleck of Midsummer’s Music, violinist Roy […]

  • TAP Kicks Off Season with World Premiere

    Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) will begin its 2023 season May 10, 7:30 pm, with a pay-what-you-will preview of I Carry Your Heart with Me by Jennifer Blackmer.  The play – a one-woman tour de force featuring Milwaukee-based actor, director and theater educator Karen Estrada, who is making her Door County debut at TAP – is making […]

  • Northern Sky, Maritime Museum Distribute Free Tickets to All Door County Students

    Northern Sky Theater and the Door County Maritime Museum are inviting all Door County students to a complimentary evening of entertainment under the stars, as well as admission to the Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay.  Nearly 4,000 free ticket coupons will be delivered to every elementary, middle and high school student in all five Door […]

  • Culture Club: Bringing A New Story to Life

    by JACOB JANSSEN, artistic director of Third Avenue PlayWorks As we at Third Avenue PlayWorks kick off our 2023 season, we are thrilled to be part of the inaugural World Premiere Wisconsin Festival. In the words of the festival organizers, it features a “diverse assortment of stories being told across our collective stages, which in […]

  • Mural Created at Newport Visitors’ Center

    Newport Wilderness Society volunteer Alison Whitney has completed a new mural – her first mural project – inside the Newport State Park visitors’ center. The society provided funds for the materials, and Whitney donated more than 200 hours to design and create the mural. To complete it, the workspace was cleared of its original exhibit; […]

  • Run/Walk to Raise Funds for Inclusive Kewaunee Playground

    The Kewaunee County’s public health and parks and recreation departments are hosting a 5K/10K run/walk, as well as a kids’ run for ages 5-17, on May 20 to raise money for an inclusive playground at Bruemmer Park. Registration will begin at 8 am, and the non-timed run/walk will start at 9 am at Bruemmer Park, E4280 […]

  • Cosplay Event Returns to Kewaunee

    Want to step into the past or the future? At Times of Future Past – a festival for any era – you can do both. It will return to Kewaunee’s Winter Park June 10-11, 10 am – 5 pm. Produced and managed by an all-female steering committee, this unusual event blends historic figures such as Mark […]

  • House and Garden Walk Slated for July

    The Door County Medical Center (DCMC) Auxiliary will host its 62nd House and Garden Walk on July 25, 9 am – 5 pm.  This event featuring docent-led tours of some of Door County’s most distinctive and historical homes and gardens is the auxiliary’s major fundraiser, and proceeds from this year’s walk will benefit DCMC’s Behavioral Health […]

  • New Mushroom Club Hosts Mushroom Day

    A group of mushroom enthusiasts has formed the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club to celebrate mycology (the study of fungi), provide education, and promote mushroom safety and sustainability, community and connections with nature. The club’s first Mushroom Day will take place May 6, 1-3 pm, at Crossroads at Big Creek’s Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St. […]

  • Docent-Led Hikes at the Clearing

    This season, The Clearing Folk School is offering free, docent-led, interpretive hiking tours lasting about two hours, starting at the Jens Jensen Visitor Center and visiting the historical campus area of the property.  No registration is necessary for the hikes, which will begin at 1 pm on many Saturdays and Sundays, May 7 through the […]

  • Parking Reconsidered for Egg Harbor Highway Project

    Poised on the brink of borrowing up to $7.5 million for its long-planned highway-redevelopment project, Village of Egg Harbor officials are again reconsidering a decision about parking in the core downtown section. Megan Sawyer, Egg Harbor village administrator, said bonds are on schedule to be sold next week, but the parking decision does not need […]

  • Learn about the Growth of Carlsville

    Sarah Tanck Anschutz will share her story of growing up in Carlsville during the next Egg Harbor Historical Society program May 9, 2 pm. Carlsville was once a hamlet with just one parking lot to serve patrons of the Carlsville Tavern, but other establishments in the area also served the local farm community and have […]

  • New Programs Spend Lodging Taxes on Parks

    A surplus of 2022 room-tax collections will be spent on parks, according to a plan created by Destination Door County (DDC) and approved by the Door County Tourism Zone Commission (Commission). “It’s extremely important for us to reinvest back into the community that we love,” said DDC president and CEO Julie Gilbert during the April […]

  • 2,300 Runners Expected for 15th Door County Half Marathon

    Peninsula State Park will be a runner’s haven this Saturday, May 6, as the Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5K return to the roads of the “emerald treasure.” More than 2,300 runners are expected to take part in either the half marathon or the Nicolet Bay 5K on the closed-road course that’s been […]

  • A Very Old Quilt Sleeps in a Lighthouse

     by ADDIE BROYLES There’s a quilt that sits on the end of a bed upstairs in the lighthouse at The Ridges Sanctuary. Built in 1869, the Baileys Harbor range lights are two buildings 930 feet apart that, together, function as a navigation tool to guide boats through the nearby harbor. They are the only lighthouses […]

  • Track Chair Donated to The Ridges Sanctuary

    The grounds of The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor will be accessible in new ways now that Kinect M1 has donated an Action Trackchair. The motorized, all-terrain wheelchair will allow individuals who have mobility impairments, or who may not feel comfortable accessing a rustic trail, to explore The Ridges. The Trackchair will be used for […]

  • Door to Nature: Ascomycetes in the Spring

    There are only a few mushrooms worth seeking in the spring woods. The black morel is one that sometimes appears before the yellow or brown morel, and both of these are edible in limited amounts. One year, two friends from Suamico visited, and we picked 16 pounds of yellow morels in one day. We divided […]

  • Culture Club: Heritage Village Offers a Step Back in Time

    by Amy Frank, Executive Director, Door County Historical Society If you’re looking for a fun, educational and family-friendly experience, look no further than the Door County Historical Society’s Heritage Village at Big Creek. This historical village at the corner of Michigan Street and Highway 42/57 in Sturgeon Bay allows visitors to experience life in Door […]

  • Sól Grass Music Festival Announces Lineup

    The third Sól Grass Music Festival will return to Washington Island June 16-17, when bluegrass fans can explore everything the island has to offer and take in performances by 12 of the best national touring, regional and local bands. Them Coulee Boys are headlining this year’s festival, joined by Chicken Wire Empire, Wood Belly, Dig […]

  • Student Spotlight: Savannah Turritin

    Sturgeon Bay senior Savannah Turrittin holds up her “temperature blanket.” Every row of a temperature blanket is a different color based on the average temperature for the day; for example, a 50-degree day might be teal, and a 60-degree day might be baby blue. At the end of the year, the crafter’s knitted or crocheted […]

  • Wild Things: Spring Birding to Heat Up Soon

    Warm south winds will help to bring migrants north  by KEVIN NAZE, [email protected], Peninsula Pulse contributor With the last blast of winter-like cold and snow behind us, it’s time to look forward to the best birding of the year. Southerly winds and milder air will soon bring a large influx of colorful visitors to Kewaunee […]

  • Ellison Bay Artist Exhibits Icons in Iowa

    Ellison Bay iconographer Robert Appel exhibited 37 of his icons this spring at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He’s been painting icons in the Greek style for 25 years, and some of them hang in the Church of the Nativity in Jacksonport and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sister Bay, as […]

  • Opening Reception at Ladybug Glass May 5

    Stop by Ladybug Glass Studio & Gallery on May 5, 5-8 pm, during First Friday Art in Algoma. The gallery is hosting an opening reception featuring new photography by gallery owners Kimberly and John Lyon, and light refreshments will be served. John specializes in astrophotography, creating detailed photos of the night sky using telescopes and […]

  • Open Door Pride Art Mixer

    Open Door Pride and ARTicipation Studio & Gallery are co-hosting a Fun Night Pride Mixer on May 17, 5-8 pm, that’s free and open to the public of all ages. Get creative with stencils, colored pencils, greeting cards and tie-dyeing; meet Open Door Pride members; and learn about how much the group’s mission to celebrate […]

  • Call for Hardy Exhibit Entries

    The Hardy Gallery will begin its 2023 season with the 61st Wall-to-Wall Juried Exhibit, on display May 26 – July 9. An opening reception will take place May 26, 5:30-7 pm. Submissions will be accepted in person May 19-20, 10 am – 3 pm, at the gallery. All entries will be juried to determine five […]

  • Potters’ Guild Holds Spring Tour

    After a winter of producing work, seven members of the Door County Potters’ Guild will participate in the group’s annual spring open house and pottery tour May 6-7, 10 am – 5 pm. The tour stretches from Ellison Bay to Sturgeon Bay, highlights galleries that are owned by potters who have studios on location, and […]

  • The Many Media of Erin LaBonte

    In Erin LaBonte’s Algoma studio, three sculptures of standing women with protruding stomachs and large breasts stand in the corner.  “I made it when I was pregnant,” LaBonte explained. “My life, relationship and my experience as a woman are changing, and that has my art changing, too.” Most of LaBonte’s creations are about women in […]

  • Author to Sign Book About Major League Baseball

    Jacob Kornheiser, the author of The Cup of Coffee Club: 11 Players and Their Brush with Baseball History, is doing a book reading and signing May 6, 1-2 pm, at Yardstick Books. Reaching the major league is a pipe dream for most young baseball players in America. The Cup of Coffee Club tells the stories […]

  • Book Recommendation: ‘No Two Persons’ by Erica Bauermeister

    Recommended by DEB WAYMAN, Owner, Fair Isle Books With the elegance of Olive Kitteridge’s interwoven short stories (but with a much more appealing focal character), this latest work by the ever-more-skillful Erica Bauermeister is a delight that’s full of rich explorations of the complexity of human nature. The novel’s unusual plot follows the varied lives […]

  • Local Author Tells Native American History in New Novel

    by WINIFRED [email protected] It’s a cloudless night in the second half of the 17th century, long before ferries or even the name Washington Island existed. Ogima, the young narrator of Sturgeon Bay resident Thomas Davis’ new work, is crossing to the place that he and his people, the Potawatomi, call Wassekigganeso. He is accompanying a […]

  • Sister Bay Hosts Free Appliance and Drug Recycling May 13

    Do you have old appliances, lawnmowers or prescription drugs you don’t know what to do with? Bring them to Sister Bay’s appliance recycling and drug drop-off event on Saturday, May 13 from 9 am – 1 pm.  The village is sponsoring the event at the Sister Bay Sports Complex at 2155 Autumn Court in partnership […]

  • Door County Parks are Lecture Topic

    Door County Parks manager Tim Kazmierczak will make the case that “You Gotta Love Door County Parks” during the next presentation in the Door County Master Gardeners Association’s educational lecture series May 4, 6:30 pm, at Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay. Kazmierczak will present an overview of the 20 county […]

  • Blood Drive at SDHS May 4

    The Southern Door High School (SDHS) Student Council and the American Red Cross are sponsoring a blood drive May 4, 9 am – 2 pm, in the high school gym. Anyone who is at least 17 (or 16 with parent permission), weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good health may donate blood. The […]

  • Obituary: Richard E. Anderson

    Richard Endre Anderson, “Andy”, age 85, of Menomonie, WI died Saturday, April 29, 2023.   He was born December 11, 1937, in Sturgeon Bay, WI to Endre and Esther (Olson) Anderson. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1955. Andy held a role as chaplain’s assistant in the 32nd division while serving in the […]

  • Obituary: Mary L. Pfister

    January 27, 1956 ~ April 30, 2023 Mary Pfister, 67, of Sevastopol, died peacefully on April 30, 2023, at Aurora Bay Care with her family at her side, due to complications from diabetes.  She was born Jan. 27, 1956, to Melvin and Nancy Pfister.  Mary graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1974 and shortly there […]

  • Obituary: James J. Dickelman

    October 15, 1933 ~ April 29, 2023 James (Jim) Joseph Dickelman, 89, of Sturgeon Bay died on April 28, 2023, following a brief illness. He was born in Two Rivers to Charles and Emily (Swoboda) Dickelman on October 15, 1933. Jim graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1953, and soon after joined the Army, […]

  • Obituary: Susan J. Klemas

    September 17, 1944 ~ April 28, 2023 Susan Joan Klemas, 78, of Sturgeon Bay died at Cherry Cove on April 28, 2023.  She was born September 17, 1944, in Iron River, MI to Victor and Mabel (Christensen) Klemas. Susan graduated from Iron River High School and then earned a degree in elementary education at Northern […]

  • Obituary: Ruth Elizabeth (Donnell) Pfiester

    April 9, 1951 ~ April 25, 2023 Ruth Elizabeth Pfiester, 72, of the Town of Forestville (Sturgeon Bay), WI, died in the comfort of her home Tuesday, April 25, 2023, with family at her side. She was born April 9, 1951 in Staten Island, NY, the daughter of Lawrence “Larry” Alexander Donnell and Florence “Flo” […]

  • Obituary: Michael John Hughes

    9/12/1974 – 4/24/2023 We are heartbroken and sad to announce Michael “Mike” Hughes died on Sunday the 24th of April in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Michael’s absolute love was exploring the beautiful canyons and National Parks of the south west, on foot. He has made many backpacking trips into the Grand Canyon.  He is […]

  • Obituary: Kenneth Edward Krejcik

    May 24, 1932 ~ April 24, 2023 Kenneth Edward Krejcik, 90, formerly of Sister Bay, died Monday morning, April 24, 2023 while at Angel’s Touch Assisted Living in the Town of Ledgeview (De Pere) where he had been residing the past two years. He was born May 24, 1932 in Chicago, IL, the son of […]

  • Obituary: Jonathan Brodie Howell

    October 2, 1937 ~ April 24, 2023 Jonathan Brodie Howell, age 85 of the Town of Jacksonport, died on Monday, April 24, 2023, surrounded by his family.  He was born on October 2, 1937, to the late John and Elizabeth (Brodie) Howell in Cheltenham, England.  He served England as a Royal Marine.  He travelled the […]

  • Obituary: Martha J. Todd

    November 2, 1944 ~ April 14, 2023 Martha Josephine Sanders Todd (Marty) died on April 14, 2023, in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on November 2, 1944. She grew up in the small town of Tell City, Indiana and lived in Vincennes, Indiana, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pewee Valley, Owensboro, and Louisville, Kentucky and […]

  • Obituary: Hannelore “Lore” J. Konkle

    December 28, 1941 ~ April 19, 2023 Hannelore “Lore” Johanna Konkle, age 81 of Sturgeon Bay, died on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on December 28, 1941, in the small mountain city of Hallein, Austria. She immigrated to the United States and lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, and […]

  • Obituary: Randy G. Schuster

    June 30, 1953 ~ April 24, 2023 Randy Gerard Schuster, 69, of Sturgeon Bay, died on April 24, 2023, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay.  He was born on June 30, 1953, in Fond du Lac to Reuben and Edna (Eisenhut) Schuster. Randy enjoyed military history and toy collectables.  He loved his dogs, Roxy, […]