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Peninsula Pulse November 20-25, 2020

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In this issue

  • ADRC Launches Adopt-A-Grandparent Program

    The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Door County has launched an  Adopt-A-Grandparent program aimed to foster positive, meaningful relationships and help people feel less lonely.  The organization’s goal is to match participants with an individual with similar interests to get to know each other via phone, video chat, virtual games, or handwritten letters. All […]

  • UUF Announces Social Justice Scholarship

    The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Door County (UUFDC) will award a $1,000 scholarship to a Door County graduating senior who demonstrates an outstanding personal commitment to social justice.  This opportunity is open to all Door County graduating high school or homeschooled seniors. The deadline to submit an application is March 17, 2021. Application guidelines, requirements and […]

  • Door-Tran Honors Volunteer of the Year Dale Johnson

    Door-Tran typically recognizes a Volunteer of the Year when it holds its annual meeting in April, but because of the pandemic, the meeting was canceled this year, which delayed the announcement. The Volunteer of the Year honor went to Dale Johnson.  Johnson and his wife, Michele, became Door-Tran volunteer drivers in March 2015. There were […]

  • Feed My People Closed Until Further Notice

    The Feed and Clothe My People Thrift Store, 204 N. 14th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay, will be closed until further notice as COVID-19 worsens in Door County. The Feed My People food pantry will remain open during the usual hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 2-6 pm; and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 am – 2 pm. If you […]

  • Bank of Luxemburg To Open Fish Creek Location

    In the spring, Bank of Luxemburg (bankofluxemburg.com) plans to open its second Door County branch at 9331 Spring Road, Suite B20, in Fish Creek’s Top of the Hill Shops. With on-site staff and an Interactive Teller Machine, the branch will offer full-service banking: deposits, investments, loan applications and more.  “With tremendous support from our local communities, […]

  • How It’s Done: Embroidery at Hat Head

    Ever wonder how hats are embroidered? Patrons of Hat Head get a little peek behind the curtain. The store features a single-head embroidery machine that’s stationed by the checkout so that curious shoppers can see the process in action. The machine can sew one item – such as a hat, shirt, blanket or towel – at a […]

  • Conservation Land Funding at Risk

    Wisconsin and Door County trails saw more hiking use during the pandemic and likely will see a surge in snowmobiling this winter, but funding is in jeopardy for acquisition of lands for public use and conservation purposes. Fifty-eight organizations – including Door County Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, municipal organizations, the Ice Age […]

  • Kerwin to Sit On Roof to Raise Money for United Way

    Peter Kerwin, board president of United Way of Door County, will rise to just about any challenge to help the organization meet its goal of raising $650,000 this year.  Proof of this is Kerwin’s decision to sit on the roof of the ERA Starr Realty building at 14 S. 3rd Ave. in Sturgeon Bay on […]

  • Sticker Shock? Gibraltar Residents Can Weigh In on Budget Nov. 30

    The Town of Gibraltar got a lot of extra road work done in 2020, but taxpayers will be paying the price for it in 2021. The town spent $373,490 more than it budgeted in 2020 – much of that for paving Peninsula Players Road and Gibraltar Road.  Neither road was in the town’s budget for this […]

  • Gardner Adopts Mining Moratorium, but it Won’t Stop Proposed Quarry

    Gardner residents have convinced their town officials to adopt a nine-month moratorium on new or expanded mining operations. Their successful lobby, however, won’t prevent a quarry from being opened next door to them, according to the town’s attorney. Taylor Pluff with Pinkert Law Firm said that because the landowner had already applied for permits to […]

  • Local Communities, DC Broadband Scramble to Get Grant Requests In

    A 190-foot fixed wireless broadband tower will be erected in Randy Halstead’s former cow pasture by the end of the year. “I was willing to do anything to get better broadband in Jacksonport,” said the chair of Jacksonport’s Town Board.   Door County Broadband (DCB) is constructing the tower on Halstead’s County V property, located halfway […]

  • THIS OLD STORE: Englebert’s Clover Farm Store Was A Fixture in Forestville

    Gilbert and Agnes Englebert built their Clover Farm Store next to their home in Forestville in 1946 and owned it until 1967. Their daughter, Mary Englebert Neinas, remembered that it was a busy village back then.  “I grew up in the store,” she said. “Ours was one of three grocery stores in Forestville for a […]

  • Climate Corner: Is Climate Change Harming Our Health?

    by Dave LaLuzerne Climate change does not cause diseases, but the bad news is that global warming is increasing our exposure to many diseases and is already harming health around the globe. The good news is that the actions we must take to stop further warming will not only save money, but they will also […]

  • Sister Bay Village President Dave Lienau Resigns

    Dave Lienau, president of the Village of Sister Bay since 2013, unexpectedly announced his resignation Tuesday, Nov. 24. He will continue to serve as chair of the Door County Board of Supervisors. Lienau resigned to take a position as a village employee: as manager of the Sister Bay Marina.  During its Dec. 1 meeting, the […]

  • Editor’s Note: Thanks Giving

    Fasting has been a trend for a number of years in our country. I have a couple friends who have used one of the various apps available to help them along their fasting journeys to their next eating window. It’s not easy for me to deliberately deprive myself of food, given that my eating window […]

  • Village, Shipwrecked Spar over Sliver of Land

    To the Village of Egg Harbor, it’s a long-unused sliver of property that could be used to connect its downtown sidewalks to the off-road pedestrian path that links the village to its public beach. To the owners of Shipwrecked Brew Pub, it’s a neglected parcel with seating potential that they’re unwilling to part with.  Now […]

  • The Death of the Artist in Door County?

    Great galleries, loyal patrons, reasonable costs of living make the difference The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech by William Deresiewicz is a provocative book, if not necessarily persuasive.  Deresiewicz had the wonderful idea of looking at the state of art – visual, […]

  • Beerntsen Retiring from Door County YMCA

    Tom Beerntsen, CEO of the Door County YMCA, has announced his March 31, 2021, retirement. He’s served in the position for six-plus years but has long been a part of the YMCA organization. “During his tenure, Tom improved the visibility and image of the Door County YMCA, helped build a strong staff, improved staff culture, […]

  • Cautious Optimism for Prep Sports

    Cautiously optimistic, hopeful and grateful. This summarizes the feelings of local athletic directors, coaches and athletes as the Packerland Conference embarks on the winter seasons despite the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. “I’m happy but nervous at the same time,” said Southern Door Athletic Director Korey Mallien. Southern Door was the only school […]

  • Open-Records Case Tackles COVID-19 Business Transparency

    The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has filed an amicus curiae brief in an open-records case in Waukesha County involving an effort to block the release of records containing the names of businesses with at least 25 employees where at least two employees have tested positive for COVID-19 or have had close contacts […]

  • Pioneer Progress

    Newest Door County school addition not quite sewn up for winter The Sevastopol School District’s 600 students will enter buildings next fall that could be called “amazing,” rather than “a maze.” At this stage of the construction, however, the two-story building addition is still being puzzled together by construction managers. Architects had to design the […]

  • Referendum Coming for Kress Pavilion

    And parking solutions stalled in the Village of Egg Harbor When the village embarked on plans to build the Kress Pavilion, detractors said the combination library, community center and meeting space would not be able to pay for itself. Just two years after the pavilion opened, the village has its answer. The village is considering […]

  • The State of the Food Scene, Nov. 20

    Your weekly winter dining update Since Gov. Tony Evers’ recent address, some local establishments have closed their indoor dining, and others have adopted online-ordering systems. Cornerstone Pub in Baileys Harbor announced on its social media that “due to the governor’s mandate and Gibraltar School District’s amended back-to-school plan, as a large gathering place, we have […]

  • Field Season Wrap-up from DC Invasive Species Team

    A total of 143 acres of invasive species were treated this year by Sam Koyen, Conservationist, Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department  The 2020 field season was a busy one for the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST)! This year was certainly a challenge – public-outreach and education strategies had to be modified because […]

  • Schultz Brings Fresh Perspective to Fish Creek Civic Association

    by Vanessa McGowan, [email protected] Karlie Schultz is the Fish Creek Civic Association’s new marketing and outreach manager, joining the organization following her work as the member-relations coordinator for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. Schultz started with the association in September, commuting at first, before becoming an official Door County resident last week. “I like being […]

  • Gibraltar Sets Dates for Students to Re-enter Building

    Parents can opt to send elementary children starting Dec. 7 For the first time since last spring, some Gibraltar students could return to the classroom soon. On Monday, Gibraltar Board of Education President Stephen Seyfer made a motion to grant a parent option for in-school learning for elementary school children beginning  Dec. 7, barring a […]

  • Time to Raise the Room Tax?

    Municipalities are considering an increase in the room-tax rate in what would be the first rate increase since the tax began in 2007. The Town of Baileys Harbor will be the first to formally consider a resolution recommending an increase in the room-tax rate from 5.5 to 8 percent during its Nov. 23 meeting. The […]

  • Gibraltar Board Lowers Auditorium Rent

    It’s not “curtains” for the Door Community Auditorium (DCA), but the lost revenue from canceled DCA shows has been just under half a million dollars.  With that said, Martha Luber Perine, DCA’s board president, asked the Gibraltar School Board to reduce the monthly fees it charges the DCA from $2,000 to $750. The board agreed […]

  • Door to Nature: Bittersweet Vines with Colorful Fruit

    The drab landscape colors – now that strong winds have blown most of the colorful leaves off the deciduous trees – might have a few bright spots where bittersweet berries remain on clinging vines. There are two species of these colorful, fruiting vines that grow along fencerows, woodland edges and river banks. American or climbing bittersweet, native […]

  • Framed: Peninsula State Park Tower

    This new walkway leads through the trees to the reconstructed tower in Peninsula State Park. The Friends of Peninsula State Park organization shared photos provided by the DNR construction team on its Facebook page. Note that the tower is still under construction and therefore closed to the public.

  • How Actors Act, Part One: The Method

    For many reasons, I love working with young actors who are taking their first steps onto the stage, but my favorite part is seeing them say a line, or make a gesture, or move across the stage without anything informing their decisions.  Acting, like all things, has fundamentals to master, and the way I introduce […]

  • Server of the Week: Joel Toerpe at the AC Tap, The Blue Ox and Pink Door Events

    Joel is loved and very well known, At this time, he’s studying for his cicerone. He makes a living serving wine and beer,  And if you need someone to take your shift, he’ll volunteer. He loves to talk about the Cubs and the Bears, He’s also someone who really listens and cares. So make sure […]

  • Wild Things: Hunters Hope Rain Holds Off for Annual Gun Deer Opener

    As if 2020 hasn’t had enough bad news, forecasters have predicted the possibility of more than an inch of rain during the opening weekend of the gun deer hunting season. No matter the weather, thousands of hunters will take a break from the almost nonstop noise about politics, COVID-19 and the latest gossip about celebrities […]

  • Hike This: Hiking during Hunting Season

    We are now in the thick of hunting season: The popular gun deer hunting season runs Nov. 21-29, but varieties of small-game hunting take place well into the winter months. This means that many hiking areas with public access will be hunting grounds for the next few months, so when you’re visiting them, it’s smart […]

  • At-Home Christmas Store Kits Available From Door County 4-H

    Door County 4-H will offer a safe alternative to the Children’s Christmas Store this year by offering an At-Home Christmas Store Kit that contains seven craft projects plus some wrapping supplies. These festive, easy-to-make crafts will make great holiday gifts. Kits will be available to order until Nov. 20 at forms.gle/KmEfjXBN8bvu4kAK6. After placing an order, […]

  • Jacksonport Polar Bear Plunge Postponed until 2022

    Because of health concerns regarding large gatherings, the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club has postponed its 35th annual plunge into Lake Michigan. The next plunge will be held Jan. 1, 2022. The event started with just one swimmer in 1986 and now regularly attracts hundreds of swimmers and hundreds more spectators to Jacksonport’s Lakeside Park beach.

  • Get Outside at Crossroads at Big Creek

    Crossroads at Big Creek (crossroadsatbigcreek.org) is doing its part to help stop the community spread of the coronavirus by offering virtual programs or individualized outdoor experiences only.  Until further notice, the Crossroads buildings are closed, but the restrooms, trails and kayak launch are open daily. The community is encouraged to visit the preserves for recreation, […]

  • TAP to Stream ‘#ENOUGH’ on Dec. 14

    Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) is one of many theaters, schools and civic organizations nationwide that’s participating in #ENOUGH: Plays To End Gun Violence. On Dec. 14, these organizations will simultaneously present individually produced readings of original short plays written by middle and high school students from across the country. The #ENOUGH Nationwide Reading is the […]

  • Northern Sky Theater Hosts Full-Day Holiday Event

    In conjunction with Northern Sky Theater’s Dec. 12 event, Home for the Holidays: Wherever You Are, Door County Delivered is offering specialty Northern Sky gift boxes this holiday season.  Available for $125 or $200, these boxes include an assortment of Door County treats, music and gift items. Order boxes by Nov. 27 for delivery in […]

  • Kits Ready for Door Peninsula Winery’s Virtual Tasting

    In May, the Door Peninsula Winery in Carlsville began hosting wine tastings virtually via Zoom and Facebook Live.  “We started back at the height of quarantine, and it’s grown from there,” said marketing director Beth Levendusky. “All season we’ve been looking for ways to see more of our customers, but safely.” The winery will host […]

  • Hacienda Beer Co. to Release 4 New Beers on Black Friday

    Beer lovers can order the new varieties in advance at linktr.ee/haciendabeer for pickup Nov. 27-29 at either the Hacienda North Avenue Taproom in Milwaukee or the Door County Brewing Co. Taproom and Music Hall in Baileys Harbor. New varieties include:  Velvet Bulldozer 2020 The 2020 Velvet Bulldozer builds on last year’s Black Friday release of […]

  • Corner Cafe Is Now 3rd Avenue Cafe

    A local family has bought the former Corner Cafe business at the corner of Louisiana Street and 3rd Avenue in Sturgeon Bay. The renamed 3rd Avenue Cafe will still offer familiar menu favorites, as well as some new additions.  Its Facebook page reads, “Aside from the menu being slightly different, for the most part, it’s […]

  • Obituary: Marilyn Jean Cooper

    October 11, 1932 ~ November 14, 2020 Marilyn Jean Cooper, 88, of the Town of Gibraltar, died on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. She was born October 11, 1932 in Green Bay, the daughter of the late Joseph Albert Ruttner and Anna Matilda (Dworak) Ruttner. Marilyn grew up […]

  • Obituary: Evelyn (Casper) Kirchner

    February 15, 1928 ~ November 15, 2020 Evelyn (nee, Casper) Kirchner, of Washington Island, formerly of Milwaukee, died peacefully on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society – Scandia Village in Sister Bay. She was born February 15, 1928 in Milwaukee, daughter of the late John Sr. and Agnes (Riepl) Casper. Evelyn graduated […]

  • Obituary: Delbert Eugene Brandley

    March 22, 1952 ~ November 14, 2020 Delbert Eugene Brandley, 68, of Brussels, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. He was born March 22, 1952 in Sterling, Kansas, son of the late Gorman Duri and Theda Ellen (Elliott) Brandley. He grew up on the 600 […]

  • Obituary: Neil J. McCarty

    February 13, 1921 ~ November 12, 2020 Neil Joseph McCarty was born in Kaukauna on Feb. 13, 1921. He died on November 12, 2020. His birth and death, and much of his life, took place in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.  Neil was an outstanding student at Kaukauna High School (class of ‘38), and a graduate of Notre […]

  • Obituary: Donald John Fleisa

    July 27, 1930 ~ November 1, 2020 Donald John Flesia, 90, of Sheboygan, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, died on Tuesday November 10, 2020, at Azura Memory Care. Born on July 27, 1930, in Kenosha, he was the son of the late John Batista and Catherine Madeline (Martino) Flesia. Shortly after he was born, they moved […]

  • Obituary: Nancy Martha Wilterding Davis

    November 1, 1927 ~ November 11, 2020 Nancy Wilterding Davis died quietly in her sleep on November 11, 2020 at the age of 93. She was born on November 1, 1927, the first child of John Howard and Florence (Colburn) Wilterding in Green Bay, WI. She grew up in Menasha, WI with twin siblings Gretchen […]

  • Obituary: Ruth Dorothy (Smejkal) Gray

    October 18, 1925 ~ November 14, 2020 Ruth Dorothy (Smejkal) Gray, 95, of Baileys Harbor, died on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the Skilled Nursing Facility in Sturgeon Bay. She was born October 18, 1925 in Sturgeon Bay,daughter of the late Wenzel and Dora (Haberli) Smejkal. She graduated from Sevastopol High School with the Class of 1943. On […]

  • Obituary: Eleanor Louise (Langoehr) Bowers

    May 16, 1939 ~ November 12, 2020 Eleanor Louise Bowers, 81, of Baileys Harbor, died on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Waupun, Wisconsin. She was born May 16, 1939 in Sturgeon Bay, daughter of the late Lawrence and Esther Frances Marie (Staver) Langoehr. She graduated from Gibraltar High School with the […]

  • Obituary: Edward E. Stoeger

    April 26, 1942 ~ November 12, 2020 Edward Ernest Stoeger, 78, of Valmy in the Town of Sevastopol, died Thursday morning, November 12, 2020 while at Woodside Villa Assisted Living in Ashwaubenon. He was born April 26, 1942 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Ernest Charles Stoeger and Lucille Agnes (Ehlers) Stoeger. Ed grew up […]

  • Obituary: Beatrice L. Marchant

    July 14, 1927 ~ November 12, 2020 Beatrice Lorraine Marchant, 93, of Brussels, died on Nov. 12, 2020.  She was born July 14, 1927, in Brussels to Antone and Octavia (Johnson) LeRoy.  On July 4, 1945, she married Willard J. Marchant in Duvall.  He preceded her in death on Dec. 21, 2008. For many years, […]

  • Obituary: Gerard Thomas Dewane

    January 7, 1952 ~ November 1, 2020 Gerard Thomas Dewane, 68, of the Town of Sevastopol, died in the comfort of his home, early Sunday morning, November 1, 2020 with his wife, Jude, at his side. He was born January 7, 1952 in Green Bay, the son of Sheridan Patrick Dewane and Dorothy Margaret (Fitzgerald) […]

  • Obituary: Tom “TJ” Johnson

    September 17, 1950 ~ November 10, 2020 Thomas N. Johnson, 70, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, currently of Wausau, died early Tuesday morning, November 10, 2020 at Marshfield Clinic following complications of cancer. He was born September 17, 1950 in Duvall, Kewaunee County, the son of the late Norbert and Lillian (Fabry) Johnson. Tom graduated from […]

  • Obituary: Verdene Berres

    October 3, 1925 ~ November 10, 2020 Verdene M. Berres, 95, of Sturgeon Bay, died on November 10, 2020 at the Algoma Long Term Care Unit.  She was born October 3, 1925 in Milwaukee to Harry and Pearl (Torstensen) Berg.  She graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School and lived in Sturgeon Bay until her health […]