Navigation

Peninsula Pulse November 19-26, 2021

Published

In this issue

  • 2021 Door County Holiday Celebrations

    Here’s a guide to holiday parties, tree lightings and more Door County holiday celebrations in 2021. Egg Harbor Holly Days Nov. 26-27, throughout Egg Harbor  An exciting old-fashioned winter weekend including Breakfast with Santa, an elf hunt for children, Mistle Dough shopping contest, tree lighting & caroling, horse-drawn wagon rides, and the One Barrel 2.62 […]

  • Hospital Breaks Ground for Sister Bay Clinic

    One year from now northern Door County patients will have a new clinic to visit. Door County Medical Center broke ground on its new Sister Bay Clinic Friday, a project several years in the making that is expected to be completed this time next year. The new $14.5 million, 30,000 square-foot facility will consolidate and […]

  • Supervisors Change the Way They’re Paid

    The Door County Board of Supervisors has passed a new pay structure based on an annual salary rather than per diem rates. Supervisors will be paid $7,500 annually in 12 equal, monthly installments. Those who conduct a public hearing during a committee meeting can claim an additional $25 per hour, and all supervisors can be […]

  • ‘Station Eleven’ Premieres Dec. 16 on HBO Max

    In 2019, HBO Max announced that it would be adapting Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel for a miniseries, and the first trailer was released recently. A Door County Reads selection for 2021, Station Eleven tells the story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior and a nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered […]

  • ‘New York Times’ Editors to Announce Year’s Top Books

    On Nov. 30, the New York Times will announce its list of the 10 best books of 2021, but before the list is published for the general public, the Book Review will announce the titles in a virtual event just for subscribers. Editors Gal Beckerman, Lauren Christensen, Greg Cowles, Emily Eakin, Elisabeth Egan, MJ Franklin, […]

  • Register For, Donate to Imagination Library Program

    The Door County Partnership for Children and Families (DCPCF), a program of United Way of Door County, has served more than 1,100 of the county’s children during the past three years through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program – a free-book program for kids through 5 years old. Children who are registered for the program receive […]

  • Give the Gift of Creativity with the ‘8142 Review’

    A showcase of writing and photography is coming this Thanksgiving with the publication of the 8142 Review.  This new periodical is the home of the Hal Prize, the annual creative-writing and photography contest presented by the Peninsula Pulse and Write On, Door County. From 874 submissions, a panel of esteemed judges selected 26 works of […]

  • ‘Who’s Who In America’ Names Gonzales a Top Artist

    Jodi Rose Gonzales has been named a Top Artist by Marquis Who’s Who in America after being inducted into the biographical registry in July. Gonzales is a visual artist, art therapist and author who focuses on healing and empowerment through creativity. Her work is currently on display in the Miller Art Museum’s Wildlife Biennial XX […]

  • Eli Dietzel

    Former Clipper Dietzel Earns All-Conference Honor

    Former Sturgeon Bay soccer standout Eli Dietzel was named Midwest Conference Second Team All-Conference. The sophomore midfielder for Ripon College was named to the team through voting by the league’s head coaches.  Dietzel is the college’s first All-Conference selection in eight years. He helped lead the Red Hawks to their highest win total (five) in […]

  • Miller Art Museum Opens ‘Wildlife Biennial XX’

    The Miller Art Museum’s Wildlife Biennial XX – on display through Dec. 30 – comprises 46 pieces by 24 regional artists, including three featured artists: Federico Pardo, Nancy Aten and Dan Collins. Pardo, a Colombian biologist, photographer and filmmaker, shares eight photographic portraits of animals from around the globe, captured while on expeditions with National Geographic, […]

  • Art Exhibit at TAP Evokes Red Sea Coast

    Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) is exhibiting artworks by Magdy Basstorous in its lobby gallery, 239 N. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. The exhibit is open to the public Tuesday – Friday, 12-5 pm. Born in Egypt and painting since he was 8 years old, Basstorous is a prolific artist who has forged his own path […]

  • ‘Corn Lineup’ Debuts on Scarves at Turtle Ridge

    Turtle Ridge Gallery is introducing a cashmere scarf with a new, autumnal art piece featured on it: the “Corn Lineup” design, created by gallery owner Mary Ellen Sisulak.  Indigenous people in prehistoric Mesoamerica domesticated flint corn or maize as a food source, and Sisulak said, “I have always been fascinated by the diversity of color […]

  • Holiday Craft Sale at St. Mary’s in Algoma

    Browse hundreds of gift items during the holiday craft and vendor sale Dec. 4, 9 am – 3 pm, at St. Mary’s School gymnasium, 214 Church St. in Algoma. The sale will also feature a bucket raffle, door prizes drawn hourly, concessions and a cookie sale. Admission is free. All proceeds will support the school.

  • Make Wreaths, Swags at The Ridges Sanctuary

    The Ridges Sanctuary, 8166 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor, will host a wreath-making workshop Dec. 3 and 4, with these time slots available: 10-11:30 am, 12-1:30 pm and 2-3:30 pm.  The cost of $20 per person includes a frame, wire, greens and decorative items with which to create a wreath or swag. Additional wreaths and […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Dallas

    Dallas (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=47997886) is a handsome, two-year-old cat who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. This creamy-orange kitty loves attention and gets excited around toys and other cats. He would do best in a home with children older than 8.  Like all cats at WHS, Dallas is neutered, vaccinated and […]

  • Holicek Honored for Peninsula State Park Advocacy

    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks has recognized Chris Holicek, president of the Friends of Peninsula State Park (FPSP), with an Individual Member HERO award. The awards honor Friends groups and individuals who have contributed substantial time and energy to a state park, forest or trail. Holicek is one of two 2021 individual award winners. […]

  • Plus-Plus Play Time at DC Kids & Baby Boutique

    Door County Kids & Baby Boutique will host a special holiday open house during Egg Harbor’s Holly Days Nov. 26-28, 10 am – 4 pm, all three days.  The shop will feature a Plus-Plus hands-on play time for kids and “kidults.” The Plus-Plus toy line is designed and produced in Denmark using 100% wind energy. […]

  • Message Centers, Maps Guide Bruemmer Park Visitors

    Six new outdoor message centers at Bruemmer Park are assisting visitors with park rules, trail information, maps for the Ahnapee State Trail and Bruemmer Park hiking trails. Follow the 1.35-mile Quarry Trail, the 1.23-mile River Trail or the 0.49-mile Zoo Loop.  “Bruemmer Park is really transforming with the new improvements at the zoo, and with […]

  • American Legion Post 372 Draws Raffle Winners

    The American Legion George W. Goetz Post 372 in Forestville held its annual Veterans Day raffle Nov. 13 at the Community Center in Brussels. The winners were Lori Delorit of Sturgeon Bay, $250; Terry Mueller of Forestville, $100; Judy Ullman of Sturgeon Bay, $75; Barbara Landowski of Sturgeon Bay, $50; Adam Faltersack of Biloxi, Mississippi, […]

  • Belgian Heritage Center Receives Recovery Grant

    The Belgian Heritage Center has received a Wisconsin Humanities Recovery Grant that’s funded in part by funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  The Belgian Heritage Center, 1255 Cty DK in Brussels, is located in the Namur National Landmark Historic District on the former St. Mary […]

  • Griffon String Quartet Receives Packers Foundation Grant

    The Green Bay Packers Foundation has chosen Midsummer’s Music’s resident string quartet, the Griffon String Quartet, to receive a grant supporting its outreach work in Green Bay. The quartet works with youth through the highly interactive Einstein Series for school-aged children. Quartet members give private and group lessons, and they visit schools to perform and […]

  • Kewaunee County Clean Sweep a Big Success

    Kewaunee County Emergency Management reported a successful 2021 Clean Sweep event at the Kewaunee County Hillside Highway Shop in Casco.  During the event, volunteers – with the help of Veolia, which specializes in hazardous-waste disposal – collected approximately 8,758 pounds of unwanted agricultural and household hazardous-waste items from more than 165 participants, breaking multiple records.  “The focus […]

  • Crossroads Receives Cellcom Green Gift

    A $1,000 Cellcom Green Gift will go to Crossroads at Big Creek, a preserve that conducts research and offers education and outdoor experiences to inspire environmental stewardship in learners of all ages. The Green Gift will support Crossroads’ efforts to add a trail map to its Ida Bay Preserve to increase use and provide additional […]

  • Associated Bank Awards Grant to Altrusa Club

    Associated Bank has awarded the Altrusa Club of Door County a $2,000 grant for its annual Back-to-School Fair. The money will be used to purchase athletic shoes and socks for participating students. Statistics shared on the Shoes That Fit website report that having the proper athletic shoe increases self-esteem and physical activity and improves behavior […]

  • Ericksons Support HELP of Door County

    Although Domestic Violence Awareness Month has ended, HELP of Door County’s important advocacy work does not end. That’s why Bob and Connie Erickson donated $5,000 to support HELP as it continues its mission throughout the year, and they hope others will also donate to help fund this important mission. HELP of Door County (helpofdoorcounty.org) provides […]

  • Follow The Star Church Tour Debuts Dec. 19

    St. Peter’s Lutheran Church has created a new, free, self-guided event: the Follow the Star Church Christmastide Tour. Community members may tour eight churches in the Sturgeon Bay area to enjoy their Christmas décor Dec. 19, 1-4 pm. Churches participating in addition to St. Peter’s, at 108 W. Maple St., are Friends Community Church, 201 […]

  • Holiday Party Returns to Southern Door High School

    The Southern Door School District invites everyone who is 62 or older and who lives in the Southern Door community to attend the 35th annual holiday party Dec. 8, 1 pm. The students and faculty of Southern Door High School sponsor this event and provide student-crafted door prizes, a holiday-themed music program and a lunch […]

  • Historical Museum Hosts Santa, Is Open Extra Hours

    The Door County Historical Museum will host Santa and Mrs. Claus on Nov. 20, following the annual Christmas by the Bay parade until 1 pm. Santa will visit with museum-goers of all ages in his beautiful, historical sleigh, and Mrs. Claus and museum staff members will pass out festive refreshments.  The museum, located at 18 […]

  • Fr. Tony Birdsall Featured on ‘Wisconsin Life’

    In a new PBS Wisconsin Wisconsin Life episode that first aired Nov. 18 at 7 pm, Fr. Tony Birdsall – a retired priest, Door County native and chicken farmer – tells his story of serving a different kind of flock. His exotic chickens keep him happy and well supplied with eggs, and they win him plenty of […]

  • Door to Nature: Christmas Bird Counts

    Interested in helping with the two upcoming bird counts? Email [email protected] and use the subject line, “Connect with Charlotte Lukes.”            This is the time of year when we begin organizing the annual Christmas bird counts. The Sturgeon Bay count will take place all day Saturday, Dec. 18, and the Southern Door count will follow […]

  • WILD THINGS: Fear the Deer? COVID-19 Hype Mars Gun Hunt Opener

    Just when you thought things couldn’t possibly get more bizarre this hunting season, the state’s Department of Health Services (DHS) issued a press release Monday that went viral.  Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there’s no evidence that wildlife are a source of COVID-19 illness for people – or that people […]

  • Jacob Janssen Named New Artistic Director at TAP

    After completing a nationwide search, Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) has selected Jacob Janssen as its next artistic director. Janssen is a highly regarded director, producer and arts leader who believes in making theater accessible to everyone. Throughout his career, he has sought to create work that fosters community, sparks conversation and delights audiences. He is […]

  • Candidate Filing Period Opens Dec. 1

    County Board Vice Chair Susan Kohout not running for reelection It’s not too early to be thinking of spring for those who want to serve in a local-government post. The candidate filing period for the spring election opens Dec. 1, the first day when candidates may circulate papers. The deadline to file those candidacy papers […]

  • Front-yard RVs Cause Concern in Baileys Harbor

    “Go RV-ing,” an ad campaign says. But it probably didn’t mean “go camping long term” on your lawn. Baileys Harbor needs an ordinance to stop residents and vacation-property owners from, essentially, doing just that: parking RVs in their yards and driveways and using them as living spaces, according to the chair of the town plan […]

  • Demand High for Children’s Vaccines

    Dr. Jim Heise, chief medical officer at Door County Medical Center, and Dr. Amy Fogerty, a pediatrician, discussed vaccinations for children ages 5-11 during a Facebook Live session Monday. Those vaccinations are now being offered at the hospital, through Door County Public Health and at Walmart.  “I am strongly recommending the vaccine for all children […]

  • Baileys Harbor Pursues Better Broadband

    A Baileys Harbor technology and government-finance expert is helping to distribute a survey to residents and property owners, screen contractors, and help pursue federal funds for better internet connections throughout the town. This summer, town board members heard that an unprecedented amount of federal money could become available for providing high-speed broadband internet service to […]

  • SS Badger Transports Memories when Arriving for Maintenance

    The arrival of the SS Badger in Sturgeon Bay this month for routine maintenance drew onlookers to the ship canal and lured photographers to various vantage points as the ship passed between piers of lift bridges. Facebook came alive with comments from residents and tourists, some posting photos of the ship passing under Sturgeon Bay’s […]

  • NORTHERN DOOR BELL RINGERS NEEDED

    The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign in Northern Door County has a special need for volunteer bell ringers. Funds raised through donations at the red kettles help individuals and families put food on the table, pay bills, pay for shelter and place gifts under the tree. All money collected stays in Door County to fund […]

  • Washington Island Residents Vote to Repair Island Tower

    The Mountain Park Lookout Tower on Washington Island moved closer to repair Tuesday night. Town electors – island residents who are 18 or older – gathered for a special meeting and voted 61-24 to purchase one acre of land connected with the tower for $15,000. By a 60-25 vote, electors also authorized the borrowing of […]

  • Liberty Grove May Add Garbage-Collection Services

    Liberty Grove is investigating the feasibility of offering garbage and recycling services to residents through the town.  Supervisor Janet Johnson said the service could not only save residents money on waste-collection services, but also address a long-standing problem of residents who are illegally dumping garbage at town parks and in private dumpsters. “Over the years, […]

  • Historical Museum Hosts Mr. and Mrs. Claus Saturday

    The Door County Historical Museum will host Santa and Mrs. Claus on Nov. 20, following the annual Christmas by the Bay parade until 1 pm. Santa will visit with museum-goers of all ages in his beautiful, historical sleigh, and Mrs. Claus and museum staff members will pass out festive refreshments.  The museum, located at 18 […]

  • Obituary: Dolores Marie (LeCloux) Balza

    May 11, 1953 ~ November 14, 2021 Dolores M. Balza, 68 years old of Sturgeon Bay, died Sunday, November 14, 2021, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. She was born May 11, 1953, in Sturgeon Bay the daughter of the late Wallace and Marie (Jeanquart) LeCloux. Dolores graduated from Southern Door High School in 1971. For 26 years […]

  • Local Realtors Association Creates Storybook Trail

    The Door County Board of Realtors has received a $5,000 placemaking grant from the National Association of Realtors to help transform the service road in Egg Harbor’s Frank E. Murphy Park (co.door.wi.gov/542/Frank-E-Murphy-County-Park) into a paved, handicapped-accessible children’s storybook trail along the shore of the bay of Green Bay that tells the story of the Lighthouse […]

  • Experience Natural Christmas at The Ridges

    Spend time this holiday season surrounded by natural beauty during The Ridges Sanctuary’s annual Natural Christmas, set for Dec. 11, 3-6 pm, at the Cabins at The Ridges, 8288 Cty Q in Baileys Harbor. Guests can stroll the softly lit Hidden Brook boardwalk, roast marshmallows and chestnuts around an outdoor fire, and listen to holiday […]

  • Tiny Trekkers Program Begins Nov. 30 at The Ridges

    Children up to age 3 and their caregivers are invited to The Ridges Sanctuary for Tiny Trekkers: Holiday in the Woods, a program designed to foster an early love and respect for the natural world. Active play in nature between caregivers and children provides lasting impressions. The program includes three sessions – Nov. 30, Dec. […]

  • Egg Harbor Holly Days Nov. 26-27

    An exciting old-fashioned winter weekend including Breakfast with Santa, an elf hunt for children, Mistle Dough shopping contest, tree lighting & caroling, horse-drawn wagon rides, and the One Barrel 2.62 fun run! Festivities will kick off Friday, Nov. 26, with some new and returning activities. Kids of all ages will be on the lookout for elves hidden in participating […]

  • Crossroads Declares Nov. 26 Green Friday

    At Crossroads at Big Creek, Nov. 26 will be Green Friday rather than Black Friday, so the preserve and educational center will feature events focused on evergreens to celebrate the start of the holiday season.  Programs will start at 9:30 am with Family Science: Evergreens, a program of hands-on activities about evergreen trees in the […]

  • Trek to the North Pole Nov. 20 at Crossroads

    Crossroads at Big Creek, Nicolet National Bank and the Door Community Child Development Center are presenting Trek to the North Pole on Nov. 20, 2-8 pm. Venture through the woods of Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, for a journey filled with scenes and readings from The Polar Express. The 1.5-mile, Christmas-filled adventure will […]

  • Fish Creek Says Yes to Waterfront Purchase

    Fish Creek’s public waterfront will be a little longer next year. On Monday, voters in the Town of Gibraltar approved the purchase of 0.49 acres of property on the shoreline adjacent to the town dock for $3.5 million.  The final tally was 114 in favor and 47 against the purchase of the Holiday Harbor Cottages, […]

  • Peninsula Poetry: Anne Emerson

    Anne Emerson has lived in Door County since 1969, when she left her writing job at the University of Chicago Press to open Edgewood Orchard Galleries. She and her husband, Minnow, raised their children, Nell and Tucker, here, and they are now blessed with five grandchildren all living nearby. Children have been central to Emerson’s […]

  • Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade

    Jacksonport will celebrate its 25th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 25, 10:30 am, in downtown Jacksonport.  “What’s great about it is [that] it really helps out a local charity and someone in the community who’s in need,” Pete Thelen said. The proceeds will benefit the food pantry at Sister Bay’s Door of Life […]

  • Trottin’ Time: Get ready to run this Thanksgiving

    For many, next Thursday, Nov. 25, will be a time to gather with family or friends, share a meal and reflect on what they’re thankful for. For others, it will be all of those things plus a chance to lace up their running shoes for one last cool-weather run before the snow falls. If you’re […]

  • One Barrel 2.62 Fun Run Nov. 27

    Join a few hundred other fun-loving runners in Egg Harbor on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to start running off your Turkey Day indulgences. The One Barrel 2.62 Fun Run is back to help you and your family celebrate the start of the holiday season.  Runners will receive a great One Barrel 2.62 Fun Run race […]

  • SBAC Offers Blood Flow Resistance Training

    Sister Bay Athletic Club (SBAC) is offering the newest innovation for health, fitness and recovery: B Strong Blood Flow Resistance Training. With this training, an exerciser can safely modify blood flow in the limb during exercise to make the brain think the muscle is working very hard, even with low weight exertion. This allows a person […]

  • Obituary: Joy Ann Raines

    July 20, 1949~November 13, 2021 Joy Ann Raines, 72, of Baileys Harbor, died peacefully with her loving family by her side on Saturday, November 13, 2021. She was born July 20, 1949 in Sturgeon Bay, daughter of the late Wallace M. and Florence Emma Frida (Haucke) Simonar. Joy was a devoted mother, who was full […]

  • Obituary: Raymond Norbert Krofta

    January 28, 1929 ~ November 11, 2021 Raymond Norbert Krofta, 92, of Sturgeon Bay, died early Thursday morning, November 11, 2021 at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. He was born January 28, 1929 in the Town of Gibson near Mishicot, one of thirteen children born to Rudolph and Mary (Kraus) Krofta. Ray grew […]

  • Obituary: Elton E. Spaid

    March 20, 1926 ~ November 13, 2021 Elton Spaid 95, died on November 13, 2021, at Oak Park Place care center in Green Bay, WI.  He was born on March 20, 1926, on the family farm in the Town of Nasewaupee, Door County, to Emil and Margaret (Pfister) Spaid.  Elton attended Lincoln Grade School and […]

  • Obituary: Judith A. (Wagner) Schmelzer

    April 8, 1934 ~ November 11, 2021 Judith A. Schmelzer, 87 years of Sturgeon Bay, died Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Cherry Cove CBRF. Judy was born April 8, 1934 in Sturgeon Bay, daughter of the late Dairold and Dorothy (DeFaut) Wagner. Following her graduation from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1952, she pursued a […]

  • Obituary: Carter Stai

    January 1, 1974 ~ November 9, 2021 Carter R. Stai, 47, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Nov. 9, 2021.  Carter was born Jan. 1, 1974, to Charlotte (Colombo) Stai.  He was a graduate of Southern Door High School, Class of 1992. Carter was a fun-loving person with an energetic personality.  If you needed help, he […]

  • Obituary: Gordon Lawrence Hegenbarth

    February 29, 1932 ~ November 4, 2021 Gordon Lawrence Hegenbarth, 89, of Sister Bay, died peacefully on November 4, 2021 at Good Samaritan Society-Scandia Village in Sister Bay with Susan, his wife of 66 years, at his side. Gordon was born February 29, 1932 in Columbus, OH, the son of Lawrence and Marian Louise (Richter) […]

  • Public Health Announces Drive-thru COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

    The Door county Public Health Department is offering drive-thru COVID-19 booster vaccine clinics Nov. 17 and 18. The clinics will be held at the Emergency Services Building located at 916 North 14th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay.  The first clinic will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17 from noon – 5:30 pm. The second will be held […]

  • Obituary: Jeannette Stokel

    December 24, 1922 ~ November 9, 2021 Jeannette Lena Stokel, 98, of Forestville died at Anna’s House in Sturgeon Bay on November 9, 2021.  She was born December 24, 1922, in Newmarket, New Hampshire to Homer and Helen (Roy) Lemieux. Jeannette was born at home on Christmas Eve.  After grade school, she went to work […]

  • Obituary: James Johnson

    November 5, 2021 James J. Johnson, age 85 of Berwyn. Beloved husband of the late Loretta (nee Cullen), loving father of Jaqueline (Gregg) Tracy and Karen (Adam Engelhardt) Freeman, cherished grandpa of James (Lexie), Michelle, Joseph and Matthew and great grandpa to Jayden, dear brother of Mary (Bob) Perlewitz. Memorial Visitation Monday, November 15th, 4:00pm […]

  • Obituary: Jean A. Harvey

    August 2, 1935 ~ November 7, 2021 Jean Arlene Harvey, 86, of Sturgeon Bay, died on November 7, 2021, at Sturgeon Bay Health Services.  She was born on August 2, 1935, in St. Croix Falls, WI to George and Luella (Olson) Witzel. Jean was known for her kindness and her love of animals. She loved […]

  • Obituary: Millard C. Christianson

    September 7, 1923 ~ November 4, 2021 Millard Clifford Christianson, 98 of Sturgeon Bay, died on November 4, 2021, at Cardinal Ridge CBRF.  He was born on September 7, 1923, in Sturgeon Bay to William and Hannah (Oenes) Christianson.  On June 23, 1951, he married Iris G. Schumacher in Sturgeon Bay, she preceded him in […]

  • Obituary: Rev. Terry Kinney

    March 18, 1939 ~ November 5, 2021 Rev. Dr. Terry Dan Kinney, 82, of Sturgeon Bay, died on November 5, 2021, at his home.  He was born March 18, 1939, in Madison, WI to LaVerne and LaVerne (Knutsen) Kinney.  On August 24, 1963, he married Cynthia Boller in Madison, she preceded him in death on […]