In this issue
-
Bills Signed into Law, and a Bill to Watch
BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW Senate Bill 373, now Wisconsin Act 89, which relates to making school-district and school financial information available to the public. The law requires the Department of Public Instruction to create an online portal, available beginning in the 2023-24 school year, that displays financial data collected from all school districts, county children […]
-
COVID-19 shots now available for children ages 5-11 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that everyone ages 5 and older get vaccinated to help protect against COVID-19. Although children are at a lower risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected and get sick from the […]
-
Town of Gibraltar Changes Course in Alibi Lawsuit
The Town of Gibraltar has dropped its lawsuit alleging that the Alibi Marina violated the town’s riparian rights when it built Pier 4 a quarter-century ago, but it’s not giving up its quest to have the dock removed. On Sept. 7, the town filed an amended complaint withdrawing its allegation that the pier violated the […]
-
Hearing Held on Bill to Fix Potawatomi Tower
No “immediately actionable project” available for structure’s repair, governor’s office says A bill relating to the repair of the Potawatomi State Park observation tower has moved forward, but an email from Gov. Tony Evers’ office indicates the project is mired in disagreement. Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) sponsored the bill, which asks Evers to allocate […]
-
WILD THINGS: Deer Running Day and Night As Rutting Bucks Seek Mates
There’s no better time to spot mature bucks than during the November whitetail breeding season. That’s exciting if you’re an archer or crossbow hunter with an open tag, but it’s far less so if you’re just trying to get somewhere safely on a rural roadway. Vehicle-deer collisions always peak during the first few weeks of […]
-
‘Icons of Door County’ Captures Peninsula’s Beauty
Door County photographer Luke Collins has published his first book, Icons of Door County, featuring a variety of his favorite images of the peninsula’s most memorable and recognizable parks, landmarks and vistas. From Cave Point to the Anderson Dock, the “winding road” to Peninsula State Park, Collins highlights each location with a series of photographs. […]
-
November Reading Recommendations
Silverview by John le CarréRecommended by John Maggitti, manager, Novel Bay Booksellers John le Carré, the unchallenged master of the espionage novel, leaves us and this world with Silverview: a succinct narrative about the ends one will go to to remain relevant. This is not le Carré in long form. This is le Carré as […]
-
Exploring the Library: Door County Historical Books Online
by Laura Kayacan, Adult Services Librarian, Door County Library Two influential books of note for researching Door County’s history and people are History of Door County, Wisconsin: The County Beautiful by Hjalmar Holand and History of Door County, Wisconsin by Charles I. Martin. Both are available online in a number of locations, and you can […]
-
Southern Door FFFA Alumni Toy Show Returns Nov. 28
The 16th annual Southern Door FFA Alumni Toy Show will take place Nov. 28, 9 am – 2 pm, in the gym at Southern Door High School, 2073 Cty DK in Brussels. Visit a wide array of toy vendors, including toy-tractor vendors, as well as other booths with a variety of items for sale. Attendees […]
-
Avenue Art on 3rd Opens in Sturgeon Bay
Avenue Art on 3rd – a new custom-framing, design-consulting and art gallery – opened Nov. 4 in Sturgeon Bay at 39 S. 3rd Ave. When the space next to SŌMI Gallery became available, Door County artist Karen Hertz-Sumnicht jumped at the chance to open the new space. She had owned and operated Avenue Art & Company in […]
-
Civility Corner: The Second Tool of Civility: Be Silent to Listen
by Orlaine I. Gabert, Door County Civility Project The first tool of civility, discussed in the Aug. 6 issue of the Peninsula Pulse, is to pay attention. Listening is the second tool of civility. Most of us believe we’re good listeners, but probably we’re good hearers instead. Listening goes beyond hearing what is said to […]
-
100+ Women Who Care Selects Three Fall Recipients
The 100+ Women Who Care of Door County (100+WWC) giving circle met at Egg Harbor’s Kress Pavilion in October to recognize and award grants to Peninsula Preschool, Door County Habitat for Humanity, and the Washington Island Community Health Program. Members listened to presentations about the organizations, then voted to select the honorees. Ann Morgan, co-founder […]
-
Operation Christmas Child Gears Up for Drop-Off
Operation Christmas Child volunteers are preparing for the safe collection of hundreds of Christmas packages Nov. 15-21, when donors may donate their shoeboxes filled with gifts curbside at First Baptist Church, 610 N. 5th Ave. in Sturgeon Bay. Volunteers will be ready to unload the filled shoeboxes, and paperwork can be completed digitally curbside or […]
-
Free Well Testing in Kewaunee County
The Kewaunee County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) is offering free well testing for private well owners as a continuation of its comprehensive study of the county’s groundwater quality. The program is accepting up to 300 participants for testing in November. As of Nov. 1, 100 spots remained. Those who received a free well […]
-
Sevastopol alumna Michelle Schuster opens Pilates studio Walking into the Door County Pilates studio for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found: a small studio space that felt warm and inviting. After a year of stagnation, I was excited to get moving and try out owner Michelle Schuster’s new offerings. Her fitness […]
-
Two Men, Two Wars, Two Stories
After graduating from high school, two friends from Port Washington, Wisconsin, enlisted to serve their country during World War II. Both were sent to Camp Dix, New Jersey, in preparation for their service. One was Joe Demler, who would head to the European Theater and be captured during the Battle of the Bulge. When liberated […]
-
Back in the day, city and county leaders believed they needed to get a handle on the child care challenges facing the county, so the City of Sturgeon Bay earmarked $10,000 and Door County government earmarked $20,000 for a future child care study. Fast-forward to a time of increased awareness about the difficulties parents have […]
-
Deer-vehicle Collision Season Arrives
Collisions between deer and motor vehicles always peak during the first few weeks of November during the whitetail breeding season. We’re not there yet with the data, but so far there have been 78 deer-vehicle collisions in Door County through the end of September. Fortunately, those accidents did not cause any injuries or fatalities, and […]
-
Bodie (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=48702079) is a friendly, nine-year-old cat who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. This gentle giant weighs 14 pounds and wants nothing more than to lounge next to you all day long. He loves to play and be petted. Like all cats at WHS, Bodie is neutered, vaccinated […]
-
DC United Wins Conference Swim Title
Christy Braun (Sturgeon Bay) led the way as Door County United girls dominated the Bay Conference swim championships. Braun earned First Team All-Conference in all events she participated in and was named the Bay Conference Swimmer of the Year. The team went undefeated in conference matchups and earned First Team All-Conference champion status in every […]
-
Egg Harbor Fire Chief Steps Down
Egg Harbor Fire Chief Andy Staats and his wife, EMS crew chief Ashley Staats, have resigned their leadership positions in the department that serves both the Village and Town of Egg Harbor. Both tendered their resignations last week, but they will remain with the department to serve as firefighters and emergency responders. Assistant Fire Chief […]
-
Cherry-Industry Innovations Selected for Smithsonian Exhibit
If the Town of Forestville doesn’t immediately pop up in connection with Door County’s cherry industry, Julie Schmelzer may succeed in changing that. As the director of business development for the Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC), Schmelzer submitted an application to the Smithsonian Institution – the world’s largest museum, education and research complex – that […]
-
PERSPECTIVE: Maximizing Your Charitable Deduction
The S&P 500 has hit a new all-time high more than 50 times this year. The good news is that there is a way for you to avoid some capital-gains taxes, earn a substantial tax deduction and do a tremendous amount of good for the community you love: Consider using some of your highly appreciated […]
-
Southern Door Schools Loosen Mask Requirements
The wearing of facial coverings became optional for most students and staff members in the Southern Door School District on Monday, Nov. 1. Southern Door Superintendent Chris Peterson noted that in August, the school board gave him instructions to monitor COVID-19 and variant case levels in the district and authorized him to change masking requirements […]
-
Share Workforce Stories through Write On Program
Write On, Door County will present a special, two-part program for those who work in the hospitality and service industries to share their workplace stories. This free program will be offered Tuesday, Nov. 9, and Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1-4 pm, and it’s limited to 12 participants. Playwright and theater artist Rae Binstock will lead participants […]
-
Wild Ones: Free Seeds to Start your Native Wildflower Garden
When my mother used to comment that so-and-so neighbor had really let her garden “go to seed,” she was not being charitable. How our understanding has changed! When flowers go to seed, nature is working. It means that plants have bloomed. Pollinators have visited them. Seeds have formed. And those seeds will nourish winter birds […]
-
Virtual Veterans Stories Virtual event, Nov. 10, 11 am • Visit the DoorCountyLibrary.org calendar for Zoom details Author and Door County resident Jerry Grassel shares experiences from his time in Europe during the Cold War in his book, Cold War Stories Unclassified: Revealing, Amusing, and Educational. Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11, 11:30 am, Aging and Disability […]
-
Still at Play: Remembering Franne Dickinson
Franne Dickinson lives on through her art and the memories of the legions who adored her and called her a friend Artist, supporter of the arts, teacher, author. A woman so strong in family, friends and faith. An inspiration to those who knew her, the heart and soul of local artists – all of these […]
-
Sturgeon Bay Ski Clinic Features US Ski Coach
SnowKraft Nordic will host a free clinic with US Ski Team coach Bryan Fish on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 1-3:30 pm. The clinic will include hands-on dryland instruction in cross-country ski technique, fundamental movement practice and strength sessions. A fireside question and answer session with Fish will follow. Participants are asked to bring athletic shoes, […]
-
Obituary: Faye Jeanette Erickson
April 27, 1928 ~ October 31, 2021 Faye Jeanette Erickson, 93, of Sister Bay, died peacefully on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Society – Scandia Village, with family at her side. She was born April 27, 1928 in Sister Bay, the eldest of three children born to the late Reuben Clifford and […]
-
Northern Door Turkey Trot/Dog Jog Debuts Nov. 25
The Sister Bay Athletic Club (SBAC) and Door County Fitness Studio (DCFS) are joining forces to present the first annual Northern Door Turkey Trot/Dog Jog on Nov. 25. The event features a one-mile and 5K course, both starting at the SBAC, 10581 Country Walk Lane, Unit 9; and ending at DCFS, 10583 Country Walk Dr. […]
-
Sister Bay Bowl Scores with Fall Fest Float
Earl’s Sister Bay Bowl has been awarded the Best Float honor for its entry in the 2021 Fall Festival parade. The float was a team effort that included repurposing bowling pins, WPS cable spools, white sheeting and other materials to create a giant birthday cake celebrating the 75th Fall Fest. The team’s leaders were Rho […]
-
Crossroads Bustles with Fall Activities
The next week will be busy at Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay. The Junior Nature Club – a group for preschool students and their siblings and guardians – will meet Nov. 5, 10 am, to look for mushrooms. Gatherings usually involve a short hike, so bundle up. The Door County Seed Library […]
-
Info Session for Proposed Gibraltar Land Purchase
The Town of Gibraltar will host a second informational meeting for residents to learn more about the town’s offer to purchase the Holiday Harbor cottages at 4149 Main Street in Fish Creek. The town has an accepted offer to purchase the property and six piers for $3.5 million. The purchase requires the approval of town […]
-
Destination Door County Annual Meeting Nov. 16
Destination Door County’s new President/ CEO Julie Gilbert will be on hand for the organization’s annual meeting Nov. 16 at Mr. G’s in the Town of Sevastopol. “I am really looking forward to my first official event on November 16th at the Destination Door County Annual Meeting,” Gilbert said. “This is the perfect time to meet the business community and […]
-
Flanagan Cruises to 2021 Half Marathon Victory
Francis Flanagan of Milwaukee was the first of 981 runners to reach the finish of Saturday’s Door County Half Marathon. The 36-year-old finished in 1:15:07, outpacing four-time winner Rodee Schneider by a minute and 46 seconds. Tim Kowols of Green Bay finished third. Former Gibraltar cross country runner Greg Bott, 44, finished 7th in 1:22:46. […]
-
Obituary: Carol Ann (Alwes) Newman
November 16, 1937 ~ October 28, 2021 Carol Ann Newman, 83, of Ellison Bay, died Thursday morning, October 28, 2021 at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. She was born November 16, 1937 in Chicago, daughter of the late Arthur William and Dorothea Augusta (Hemmelgarn) Alwes. In the summer of 1953, the family moved […]
-
February 10, 1934 ~ October 27, 2021 Janet M. Rader, 87, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Oct. 27, 2021. She was born Feb. 10, 1934, in Door County to Walter and Grace (Halverson) Seiler. Janet was baptized on Mar. 18, 1934, and confirmed on Nov. 9, 1947, by Rev. Walker at Forest Lutheran Church in Carnot. On […]
-
Vanished Links: Door County golf courses that were barely there
When golf courses close, as Bay Ridge in Sister Bay did in early 2020, nature often takes over, and only memories of played rounds remain. As decades pass, any signs of those tracks can disappear altogether. That’s the case with several pieces of land in Door County, where at least three courses either never opened […]
-
March 30, 1956 ~ October 27, 2021 Wayne Joseph Kinnard, 65, of Brussels died at his home on October 27, 2021. He was born March 30, 1956 in the Town of Red River to William and Lorraine (Jandrin) Kinnard. On November 20, 1987, he married Suzanne Mary Conard in Algoma. Wayne worked at Lampert’s Lumber […]
-
Obituary: Wesley Gene (Wes) Graf
March 16, 1955~October 5, 2021 Wesley Gene (Wes) Graf (66) died at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska October 5, 2021. He was born in Sturgeon Bay, WI on March 16, 1955 to Walter and Ruby (Jonas) Graf. He graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1974. Wes worked for the State of Alaska Dept of Transportation […]
-
Obituary: Rev. Clarence “Clink” Lee Gall
February 7, 1940 ~ October 25, 2021 The Reverend Clarence “Clink” Lee Gall, 81, died on Monday, October 25, 2021. Clarence was born on February 7, 1940 in Bismarck, North Dakota, son of the late Adolph and Wilma Thelma (Nickisch) Gall. The family home was in Wishek, ND, where Clink grew up and attended school. The family […]