In this issue
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For Grooms Family, COVID-19 Results in Permanent Move
Elizabeth Grooms and her family are the faces behind one of the many Door County real estate transactions that have taken place during the coronavirus pandemic. Grooms and her husband, Troy; son, Mason; and three dogs relocated from the Chicago suburb of Oak Park to Baileys Harbor in September. “I had this moment,” Elizabeth said. […]
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League of Women Voters Celebrates Record Turnout
After months of comprehensive voter-education and outreach efforts across Wisconsin, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin (LWVWI) is celebrating a record-high voter turnout during the recent presidential election. “Despite the challenges the pandemic posed, Wisconsin voters were committed to making their voices heard in this election,” said Debra Cronmiller, LWVWI executive director. “This could […]
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Door County Supports Repair of Potawatomi Tower
During its October meeting, the Door County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution supporting repair of the Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower. The resolution asked that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) assess the repairs needed for the tower from a historical perspective and encouraged the DNR to repair the tower in a […]
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Erosion Control Project Proceeding at La Salle Park
With a 14-7 vote on Tuesday, the Door County Board of Supervisors agreed to kick in half the costs of installing 150 feet of rip rap at Robert La Salle County Park to protect the shoreline and decrease erosion. The Door County Facilities and Parks Committee awarded the bid Oct. 14 to Hutchinson Property Services […]
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Proposed Resolution to Increase Room Tax
The Town of Baileys Harbor will consider a resolution to increase the room-tax rate to 8 percent during its Nov. 23 budget meeting. The town board postponed a vote on the resolution during its Nov. 9 meeting, with town Chair Dave Eliot recommending that the resolution and agenda be clarified further before the board voted. […]
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Become the Solution to Your Complaint
I’m in the market for a new car, but I learned that if I get a hybrid because I think it’s the right way to go for fuel economy and the environment, the state of Wisconsin is going to tax me more. There’s a $75 annual surcharge for hybrid electric vehicles, implemented under the state’s […]
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DPAS Launches Young People into Space
by Coggin Heeringa, Program Director and Naturalist, Crossroads at Big Creek University of Arizona sophomore Shea DeFour-Remy grew up on the island of Trinidad, but throughout his childhood, he visited his grandparents in Door County. And when he was here, he attended the programs of the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS). Because DPAS members are […]
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TAP and City to Partner for Grant
The Sturgeon Bay Common Council agreed to submit a grant on behalf of Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) that would be used for the theater company’s current renovation of its 239 N. 3rd Ave. space in downtown Sturgeon Bay. TAP has raised $2 million in donations and pledges from private donors and foundations toward the $3.5 […]
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La Cocina Catering Offers Northern Door Pizza Delivery
Karen and Gil Garza – the Ellison Bay couple behind La Cocina Catering – have been busy this season as their pizza delivery service has picked up during the pandemic. Now in their fourth year of business, the Garzas run the only restaurant offering free local delivery in Northern Door, from the intersection of Highway […]
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Door County takes home two awards Destination Door County (DDC) and the Baileys Harbor Community Association (BHCA) were recently honored for the work they’ve done this year to protect public health while supporting business continuity during a global pandemic. The two groups received their awards from Destinations Wisconsin during the statewide tourism organization’s annual fall […]
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Door County districts work to keep students safe and nourished During what is surely one of the most challenging school years educators have ever faced, different schools have adopted different rules to keep students and staff safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Meal delivery has been just one of numerous hurdles that districts have needed to […]
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Gibraltar Schools Have First Reopening Plan Since Spring
Remote learning continues, basketball practices scheduled For the first time this school year, there’s a plan for allowing students back into the building in the only Door County school district that has kept classrooms closed to students since spring. This does not mean the Gibraltar School District will reopen the building to students anytime soon, […]
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County, City Approve 2021 Budgets
Door County Passes 1.21 Percent Levy Increase The Door County Board of Supervisors approved its 2021 budget and tax levy Nov. 10 following a public hearing during which no public comments were offered. Total expenses are projected at $89,943,239, with revenue at $59,250,650. Property-tax payers make up the difference with a levy of $30,692,589, which […]
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46-unit Attainable Housing Project Proposed for Sister Bay
Almost three years after a countywide study revealed a gap of more than 200 rental apartments in northern Door County, a new proposal for affordable units is on the table in Sister Bay. Marissa Downs presented a broad-strokes plan to the Sister Bay Plan Commission in October for a 46-unit complex on 12.6 acres near […]
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Deck Mostly Cleared for Shipbuilder Improvements
Updates on the approvals for Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding The path has largely been paved for Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) to proceed with plans to improve its Sturgeon Bay campus in preparation for work on the U.S. Navy guided-missile frigate contract awarded to Fincantieri Marinette Marine in April. The improvements would be constructed in the south […]
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Lynn Gilchrist’s art career has traversed the spectrum of the expected and unexpected The way Lynn Gilchrist talks about her life and art is to describe a series of breakthroughs – or pivots – in her thinking about art. She left a quiet Chicago suburb in 1968 to attend Oberlin, a top-ranked liberal arts college, to major […]
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Greens N Grains Offers Local Pasture-Raised and Free-Range Turkey
As Thanksgiving approaches and plans for the big holiday meal are coming together, Greens N Grains in Egg Harbor is taking advance orders for pasture-raised turkeys from Sunset Farms in Brussels (17-22 pounds at $5.25 per pound) and for free-range turkeys from Mary’s Free-Range Turkeys, based in central California (8-25 pounds, $3.49 per pound). Mary’s […]
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Wild Things: It’s the Final Countdown: Gun Deer Opener Is Nov. 21
If ever there was a year to escape to the outdoors, this is it. COVID-19 and political bickering have tarnished 2020, filling the airwaves and social-media feeds with conflicting and misleading information. There’s no escape. Or is there? Some of the best social distancing on the planet is taking place in fields and forests up […]
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What should and should not be adapted By its very nature, theater requires a suspension of disbelief. Often sets and costumes are minimized because of budget constraints or aesthetic choice, and there’s an understanding that audience members will fill in the gaps with their imagination. Also, depending on the ambition of the script, it’s impossible […]
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Hike This: Ellison Bluff County Park
Photos by Aleah Kidd Although Ellison Bluff County Park is on the shoreline of Green Bay just south of Ellison Bay, there’s no access to the water because the bluffs facing the lake soar 100 feet high. There is, however, a wonderful lookout and picnic area complete with a stairway that takes visitors to the […]
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Server of the Week: Maggie Moroney at Cornerstone Pub
Maggie is a senior at Gibraltar, And she never seems to falter. She’s active in sports and still, She works part time at Cornerstone Pub and Grill. She’s great with her customers, Keeps calm under pressure, And as for her grades, they couldn’t be better! — Nominated by Ellie Soderberg
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Trading the Big Apple for Whitefish Bay
Musician Todd Carey has come full circle to call Door County home after his career in pop music has taken him to Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City When COVID-19 started to make headlines in January, musician Todd Carey was about to set sail on a cruise ship to perform with the Grammy Award-winning […]
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Masonic Lodge Delivered 241 Meals
Members of the Sturgeon Bay Masonic Lodge (H.S. Baird #174, hsbaird174.com) and the Order of the Eastern Star (Honor Chapter #1) prepared and delivered 241 traditional turkey dinners to area ADRC families and those who are unable to leave their homes. The meals included turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, brussels sprouts, rolls and […]
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100+ Women Who Care Continue Awards
While COVID-19 continues to challenge Door County, the 100+ Women Who Care of Northern Door County (100+WWC, 100wwcnortherndoor.org) giving circle continues to recognize and reward local nonprofit organizations. The latest recipients were announced during an Oct. 26 virtual meeting. Adopt A Soldier Care Packages received the main award of $10,000 for local veterans and service […]
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Gathering Ground Online Fundraiser
Because of the pandemic, Gathering Ground is hosting an online fundraiser instead of its annual Dinner in the Vineyard, which brings together Door County chefs and farmers to celebrate local flavors. This year, Gathering Ground hosted its third annual internship program, continued to develop organic management practices for its vineyard and orchards, maintained the weekly […]
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Door County Medical Center (DCMC) is partnering with Senior Life Solutions to offer an intensive, outpatient group-therapy program on DCMC’s main campus, 323 S. 18th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. This program is designed to assist senior adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress from age-related health concerns or difficult life transitions such as […]
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Sunflour Artisan Bakery is kicking off its annual toy drive for the Boys & Girls Club of Door County. Those who drop off an unwrapped gift will receive two scones of their choice. A donation container will be available for those who do not wish to shop, and gift cards are also welcome. Gift-givers will […]
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Bell Ringers Needed for Salvation Army
This year, the funds raised through the Salvation Army’s red kettles are needed more than ever. The organization expects to serve many more people through food assistance, paying bills, providing shelter and helping to place gifts under Christmas trees. At the same time, consumers are carrying less cash and fewer coins, and there is a […]
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Operation Christmas Child is Nov. 16-22
Operation Christmas Child (OCC) volunteers are preparing for the safe collection of hundreds of Christmas packages during the pandemic. Filled gift boxes will still be collected during OCC’s nationwide collection week, Nov. 16-22, but in a different way. Volunteers in protective gear will be ready to unload filled gift boxes at the OCC drop-off location […]
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Record turnout, an impending recount and a Republican-ordered investigation Against the backdrop of a state investigation into unsubstantiated rumors of voter fraud, the official tally of Door County’s vote was completed on Tuesday during the county canvass. Door County Clerk Jill Lau said no differences were discovered during the canvass. The perfect count came even […]
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Governor Issues New Advisory, Cases Rise Sharply in Door County
Gov. Tony Evers issued an emergency order Tuesday advising – but not requiring – residents to stay home, avoid social gatherings of people that are not part of the same household, and encouraging businesses to take additional steps to protect workers, customers, and the surrounding community. Evers also announced he will be introducing new COVID-19 […]
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Northern Sky Presents Virtual ‘Home for the Holidays: Where You Are’
Join Northern Sky Theater for its Dec. 12 extravaganza, Home for the Holidays: Where You Are. An all-day, online artist marketplace will feature one-of-a-kind offerings from your favorite Northern Sky company members, and Jeff Herbst and Katie Dahl will host a daylong social-media gathering, 9 am – 6 pm, with stories and greetings from company […]
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Griffon String Quartet to Present Virtual Programs
The Griffon String Quartet will present four virtual programs. The first, be held Nov. 15, 3 pm, will feature Mozart’s Divertimento K.563, Dohnányi’s Serenade in C Major, Op. 10, and commentary from featured members Vini Sant’Ana, Blakeley Menghini and Ryan Louie. Access the concert at midsummersmusic.com, Midsummer’s Music’s Facebook page or the Griffon String Quartet’s […]
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Southern Door Students Receive Mental-Wellness Kits
Southern Door elementary students received mental-wellness kits courtesy of United Way of Door County. The kits are intended to give students some tools to help them to regulate and express themselves in a healthy way and to manage their mental health when they’re feeling upset, frustrated, sad or stressed. The kits include a creative drawing […]
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Obituary: Dr. Joan A. Traver Appel, MD
June 4, 1940 ~ November 7, 2020 At 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2020, Dr. Joan A. Traver Appel, MD died. Joan Amalia was born June 4, 1940 to Edward and Isabelle (Cryowski) Traver in Detroit, MI. She spent her early years in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. After graduating from Oak Park High School, […]
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January 25, 1934 ~ November 5, 2020 Dolores Mary Bauer, 86, of Sturgeon Bay, died suddenly Thursday, November 5, 2020 in Green Bay following an apparent heart attack. She was born January 25, 1934 in Institute, Town of Sevastopol, the daughter of the Werner and Martha (Ferron) Graf. Dolores grew up attending Saints Peter and […]
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Sturgeon Bay Utilities Earns Smart Provider Designation
Sturgeon Bay Utilities has earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for showing its commitment to low-cost, quality, safe and reliable electric service. The SEP designation, which lasts for two years, recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in smart energy program structure, energy efficiency and distributed energy […]
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Jake Cummings on the Door County Economic Development Corporation
Door County alumnus Jake Cummings has joined the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC), energized to facilitate business growth in the community he loves. After graduating from UW-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in economics, the Sturgeon Bay High School graduate spent fewer than two years in Denver before he and wife, Maddie – a Sturgeon […]
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Sevastopol Dedicates Bench in Memory of Paula Symons
On Oct. 29, during Homecoming Week activities, Sevastopol School District students, faculty and staff members dedicated a bench in memory of Paula Symons, who died from cancer in May 2019. Symons served the school for 20 years as an elementary school secretary and secretary to the athletic director. “She loved the kids, and she loved […]
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By Mike Shaw “If anyone’s good at following orders, it’s going to be a veteran.” With those words, Beth Wartella, a former U.S. Navy enlistee and now Door County’s veterans service officer, described why those who have served in the military should have little trouble abiding by strong stay-at-home advice this Veterans Day, however reluctantly. […]
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Tia Nelson to Discuss Climate Change
Tia Nelson, daughter of Earth Day founder Sen. Gaylord Nelson, will speak at a free, virtual Climate Change Coalition of Door County program (climatechangedoorcounty.com/upcoming-events/tia-nelson) on Nov. 18, 7 pm. Nelson, who is the managing director for climate at the Outrider Foundation, will present Outrider’s video When the Earth Moves and discuss the environmental movement’s greatest […]
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Letter to the Editor: Redraw Fair Maps
There’s a Washington joke about what to name the local NFL football team. How about the Gridlocks? There may be many reasons for government gridlock, but one important factor in many states such as Wisconsin is the gerrymandering that’s done so precisely these days by computers. With districts drawn to favor one party, primary winners […]
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Letter to the Editor: Thankful for Land Trust’s Work in Door County
During a recent trip to our second home in Door County, I couldn’t help but notice the variety of political signs along the highway as well as the country roads. However, I would like to ask everyone to look beyond the signs to the beauty and wonder of nature that is Door County. For some […]
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Letter to the Editor: The Price of Freedom Is High
When Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” more than 200 years ago, he called America “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Those words are as true today as they were then. Throughout this nation’s history, America’s soldiers, sailors, air personnel, Marines and Coast Guard personnel have bravely answered […]
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Letter to the Editor: Unconscious Ableism Fueling Work to Save Potawatomi Tower
It brings me great sadness to see the efforts by two state legislators, the Sturgeon Bay and Door County Historical Societies, the City of Sturgeon Bay, the Town of Nasewaupee and some local community members to preserve the observation tower at Potawatomi State Park at the detriment of the rights and interests of the largest […]
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Letter to the Editor: Mines Are Not an Inherent Evil
Whenever I read stories opposing the development of new mines, I’m torn because I’m an environmentalist, yet I’m constantly reminded and proud of my family’s history in the mining industry – on both my maternal and paternal sides. It’s an intriguing dichotomy. My maternal grandfather was an underground iron-ore miner, and my paternal grandfather was a […]
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Letter to the Editor: Need More Details about Local COVID-19 Spread
I heard Dr. James Heise, Door County Medical Center’s chief medical officer, during a late-afternoon radio interview (97.7 FM) on Oct. 28, during which he said COVID-19 in Door County was “rampant.” To my knowledge, that’s about as strong a description made by any health official in Door County. He expressed frustration about the failure […]
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Stenzel Medals, Sevastopol Finishes 5th at State
Olivia Stenzel finally got her medal. Three times the Sevastopol senior had run her way to the state girls cross-country meet, and three times she had gone home disappointed. On Oct. 31, she wrote a new chapter in a stellar high school career. Stenzel finished in 19:36.11, just a hair behind Jenna Anders of Fall […]
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Obituary: John Edward Bladholm
March 27, 1930 ~ October 30, 2020 John Edward Bladholm died October 30, 2020 in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was being treated for heart and lung problems and then COVID-19. John was born to Oscar Bernard and Florence Estelle (Buck) Bladholm in March 1930 in Chicago, in the midst of […]
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February 8, 1937 ~ November 5, 2020 Niles Harry Malvitz, 83, of Gardner, died suddenly due to Covid on November 5, 2020, at Aurora Bay Care in Green Bay. He was born on February 8, 1937, in Sturgeon Bay to Harry and Adele (Denil) Malvitz. Niles worked for Tweet Garot in Green Bay for most […]
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April 18, 1947 ~ October 21, 2020 Donald Morrill, age 73, died at his home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, October 21, 2020. Despite having spent the majority of his years in Chicago, Don was born April 18th, 1947 to Rose Weirick, in Tacoma, Washington. When Rose later married William “Bill” Morrill in 1952, Don was […]
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May 6, 1931 ~ November 1, 2020 Marvin G. Volden, age 89, of Sister Bay, formerly of Chicago, died peacefully Sunday, November 1, 2020 at Hearthside in Sister Bay. He was born May 6, 1931 in Illinois, son of the late Elmer and Nora (Carlson) Volden. Marv graduated from Amundson High School in Chicago. He […]