Navigation

Peninsula Pulse October 1-8, 2021

Published

In this issue

  • Golf League Results Sept. 22 – 23, 2021

    IDLEWILD Thursday 8:30 am Senior Men’s Group Sept. 23, 2021  • Closest to the pin on #6: Bill Borchardt • Longest putt on #9: Bill Utley Open to all men aged 50 or older. First tee is at 8:15 am. Seasonal play depends on the weather.  MAXWELTON BRAES Bonnie Braes Ladies 9-Hole League 2021 final results […]

  • Three Holes-in-One at Maxwelton Braes

    Carol DeVault had a hole-in-one Sept. 17 on hole #8 at Maxwelton Braes Golf Course in Baileys Harbor. Then Jim Bresnahan at Maxwelton Braes sent this update: “Wow! Nothing all year until Carol had hers, [and] now two more.” They were Tom Leighty of Hayward, Wisconsin, on Sept. 22 on hole #17; and Terry Murphy […]

  • Golf League Results Sept. 30, 2021

    IDLEWILD Thursday 8:30 am Senior Men’s Group Sept. 30, 2021  • Closest to the pin on #13: Gregg Schuchhardt • Longest putt on #18: Bill Utley Open to all men ages 50 or older. The group will end in October, but a few may still play at 8:30 am.

  • Pat Hellen Memorial Scramble Raises $7,500 for YMCA

    (Above) Jim Bresnahan presents Tyler Powell of the Northern Door YMCA with a check for $7,500, which was raised during the second annual Pat Hellen Memorial Scramble. (From left) Jim Musiel, Deb Hellen, Tyler Powell, Jim Bresnahan, Jeanine Bresnahan and Carl Podlasek. The second annual Pat Hellen Memorial Scramble raised $7,500 at Maxwelton Braes Golf […]

  • Wisconsin Golf Season Ends with a Flourish

    It’s (almost) closing time A public servant and avid golfer from Sturgeon Bay had a deep desire to drive to Whistling Straits to see the best golfers in the world compete in the Ryder Cup because he said such a collection of amazing players would never return to the spectacular lakeside course northeast of Sheboygan. […]

  • Village of Sister Bay Logo

    Sister Bay’s First Capital Improvement Plan Reveals Big Picture

    “Going without a CIP is planning to fail by failing to plan.” Those were the words of Nate Bell, a Village of Sister Bay trustee, regarding the importance of the village’s first formal Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), covering 2022-26.  “The village has always incorporated some CIP planning into its budget process, but this plan is […]

  • Cherry Hut

    Creativity Helped Local Breweries Stay Afloat

    Part 2 of COVID-19’s impact on craft breweries Craft breweries across the nation certainly felt the effects of COVID-19. Restrictions and precautions affected nearly every aspect of the “craft beer life,” from sampling and flights, to brewery touring, to socializing in taprooms. This sudden change forced breweries to examine their business models to find room […]

  • Who Spends What on Public Safety?

    More From the Door County Budget Project>> Budgets for the smallest to largest municipalities have some form of public-safety expenditures relating to law enforcement, fire protection, ambulance service, first responders, inspections and emergency government activities. But not all municipalities are equal in this regard. The City of Sturgeon Bay, for example, has a professional fire […]

  • What You Can Learn from the Door County Budget Project

    In October 2020, I was five months into my position with the Peninsula Pulse when municipalities began crafting their 2021 budgets. As something of a local-government geek, I don’t find budget discussions akin to watching paint dry. Still, and even with the convenience of virtual meetings at a pandemic high last fall, we couldn’t Zoom […]

  • Property Taxes, Revenue Sources and How Much Your Municipality Is Worth

    More from the Door County Budget Project>> Wisconsin municipalities have various revenue sources to fund services, but they rely heavily on the property tax, deriving some 42.2% of their revenues from it. That is more than any other Midwestern state and nearly twice the national average of 23.3%. In Door County, that proportion is often […]

  • Property-Tax Revenue Collections versus Net New Construction

    More From the Door County Budget Project>> Since 2005, Wisconsin has used net new construction within a municipality to cap property levy tax increases. Advocates say the strategy helps keep a lid on property taxes. Opponents say low-growth municipalities are unfairly penalized. The cap may also cause some municipalities to take on more long-term debt […]

  • Debt as a Percentage of Total Expenses

    More from the Door County Budget Project>> The Door County Budget Project calculates debt payments for all municipalities – also known as debt service – in relation to a municipality’s largest fund, the general fund. We took it a step further by using the raw data to calculate how much each municipality spends annually on […]

  • Events Commemorate the Fires of 1871

    Peshtigo  Bailey Koepsel, executive director of the Door County Historical Society, will be a keynote speaker at the Oct. 7-9 Forest History Conference commemorating the Peshtigo Fire. It will take place at the Embers 1871 restaurant, W3529 Cty B in Peshtigo. Koepsel will speak about the Williamsonville Fire, which ravaged southern Door County and killed […]

  • PODCAST: Hospital’s Big Expansion Plan with Brian Stephens

    Door County Medical Center is building a 30,000 square foot clinic in Sister Bay, bringing a dramatically expanded service to northern Door County. Brian Stephens talks to Myles Dannhausen about the plan, what it brings to the community, and the future of health care in northern Door County.

  • Sturgeon Bay Opens New Pickleball Courts

    Sturgeon Bay celebrated the opening of a new pickleball complex Oct. 5. The seven-court complex is the largest in the county, and it’s a welcome addition for enthusiasts of the fast-growing sport.  Appearing at the opening was Mike Barker, head of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department; David Ward, mayor of Sturgeon Bay; Jay Renstrom, […]

  • Learn More about the Fires of Oct. 8, 1871

    The Peshtigo Fire was the deadliest fire in U.S. history, claiming an estimated 1,800 to 2,500 lives while destroying millions of acres of land across northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. To learn about the event, and to hear the stories of the survivors, see the resources below. Firestorm at Peshtigo: A Town, Its People, and […]

  • PODCAST: Door County Maps New Districts. What Does That Mean for Voters?

    In August, the U.S. Census Bureau released the data necessary for state and local governments to redraw the political-district maps that will be in place for the next 10 years. While state lawmakers wrangle new district lines into place for the state’s 99 Assembly seats, 33 Senate seats and eight congressional districts, counties map out […]

  • Baileys Harbor Seeks New Town Board Supervisor

    Baileys Harbor – Town officials are looking to their neighbors to step up soon after accepting the resignation Tuesday evening of town board Supervisor Jake Erickson, who had served in the position for about a year and a half. Erickson said some unexpected things had come up that demanded his time, so he could not […]

  • Nominate a Northeast Wisconsin Veteran for Inaugural Award

    Northeast Wisconsin – Nominations are open for the inaugural Northeast Wisconsin Veteran of the Year Award from Rep. Mike Gallagher’s office.  The award will honor one of the many veterans who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in their community after returning home from service. If you know a […]

  • Assembly Approves Critical Race Theory Bill

    Madison – The state Assembly voted along party lines Tuesday to advance a controversial proposal that would limit how race and racism are taught in elementary, middle and high schools across Wisconsin, the Associated Press reported.  Teachers would be barred from giving lessons that convey that one race or sex is superior to another and […]

  • Kline Chosen as Southern Door Interim Coach

    Southern Door High School – An investigation of a complaint found no wrongdoing by the Southern Door High School head football coach, but on Monday, Ryan Zuehlke resigned, according to Superintendent Chris Peterson. There was no police involvement in the investigation, and the district and Zuehlke have parted ways “amicably,” Peterson said. Ben Kline is […]

  • County Maps New Districts

    In August, the U.S. Census Bureau released the data necessary for state and local governments to redraw the political-district maps that will be in place for the next 10 years. While state lawmakers wrangle new district lines into place for the state’s 99 Assembly seats, 33 Senate seats and eight congressional districts, counties map out […]

  • DCHS Featured Pet: Stella

    Stella (wihumane.org/adopt/animal?id=29463740) is a lovely, eight-year-old cat who’s available for adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus. This sweet senior is quite shy and would do best in a home with children older than 5. Like all cats at WHS, she is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, plus you get to name your […]

  • Christ Child Society Honors Three Charter Members

    During the Christ Child Society’s annual luncheon – this year celebrating its 25th year of caring for children – the society recognized Linda Soukup, Angie Kopf and Sarah Anschutz as being members since the chapter began in 1996.

  • Bold Palette-Knife Works Shine at Idea Gallery

    Idea Gallery is showcasing the work of renowned Minnesota painter Jeff Boutin, who’s captured the essence of Cave Point’s rocky shoreline while painting en plein air during summer visits to Door County. His work also includes close-up compositions of Ice Age boulders and intimate beach scenes.  Boutin is an oil painter who uses palette knives […]

  • Respect Life Prayer Line Set for Oct. 17

    A Respect Life Prayer Line will take place Oct. 17, 1:30-2:45 pm, when people from all Christian denominations are invited to gather along Sturgeon Bay’s Michigan Street for peaceful, public witness and silent prayer to end abortion. Participants will stand 10-15 feet apart and hold signs as they pray silently, each in their own way, […]

  • WHS Hosts Vaccination Clinic for Cats, Dogs

    The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus is working to keep the county’s animals happy and healthy through hosting a low-cost, public vaccination clinic for cats and dogs Oct. 8, 9 am – 12 pm, at the WHS Door County Campus, 3475 Park Dr. in Sturgeon Bay. The vaccination costs are $15 for distemper/parvo, $15 […]

  • ADRC of the Lakeshore Offers Dementia Series, Living Well Workshop

    • The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of the Lakeshore will offer a Living Well workshop series for adults experiencing chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, depression, anxiety or the residual effects of a stroke. Participants will receive support from others who are traveling the same journey, find […]

  • ‘Hats are Pure Fun’ Trunk Show at Turtle Ridge

    Turtle Ridge Gallery-Boutique will host a Hats Are Pure Fun trunk show Oct. 2-3, 10 am – 5 pm. It will feature work by Kathleen Gaffey, a talented millinery artist who started Brim and Dash following a long love affair with hats. After years of couture sewing for women’s evening wear, one hat class was […]

  • Operation Fan Mail Honors Ruth Schmelzer Potier

    The Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Solutions paid tribute to WWII U.S. Navy veteran Ruth Schmelzer Potier of Sturgeon Bay, and her family, in conjunction with Monday’s game against Detroit. Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families and veterans at each Packers home game, is marking its 15th season in 2021.  In […]

  • Spectacular Shipwreck Displays in Whitefish Dunes State Park

    by Carl Eisenberg, President, Wisconsin Marine Historical Society On the Lake Michigan side of Door County, in Whitefish Dunes State Park, there are excellent shipwreck displays near the parking lot, a picnic area and the lakeshore. One can get down the rocky shore to the water’s edge, even when it’s windy. There are two sets […]

  • Power Up!: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    by Anni Lampert, HELP of Door County Advocate and CCR Co-coordinator October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, first observed in 1981 as a time to speak up about domestic violence, raise awareness and support survivors of this devastating, yet common experience. This year’s theme is Power Up, which encourages people who identify as engagers, or […]

  • The Grooms Family: One Year Later

    This is the final installment in our series about how the coronavirus pandemic inspired one family to make a lifestyle change. There may be no official time line or step-by-step process for the transition from new Door County resident to true Door County local, but for Elizabeth Grooms and her family, being here a full […]

  • Write On Hosts First Door County Book Fair

    Write On, Door County will host its first Door County Writers and Book Fair – a free, family-friendly event – on Oct. 2, 10 am – 3 pm, outside under a large canopy tent. It will go on rain or shine at Write On, Door County, 4210 Juddville Road south of Fish Creek. More than 30 writers […]

  • October Reading Recommendations

    Looking for something a little atmospheric or creepy to read for fall? Try one of these recommendations! Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-GarciaRecommended by Mary Sawyer, branch manager, Ephraim Library  Mexican Gothic is the perfect book for the season of spoooooky Halloween. Set in the hinterlands of 1950s Mexico, this suspenseful story includes an eerie old […]

  • Final Wearable Art Show of the Year Oct. 2-3

    The Door County Wearable Art Show, set for Oct. 2-3, will feature the work of eight wearable-art designers and makers during an exhibition and sale of beautiful clothing, accessories and jewelry. During this final event of the year, attendees will find the fine design work of local and regional fiber artists Martha Bennett, Ann L. […]

  • Master Shibori Artist at Bazyli Studio

    This fall, Bazyli Studio Wearable and Textile Art is featuring designs by master shibori artist Carter Smith. His leggings and unisex thermal tops will keep you warm as the seasons change, and his silk jackets, kimonos and dresses will make beautiful statements during the upcoming holiday season. In addition, Bazyli is hosting its annual sale […]

  • Littman Collection at Bad Moravian

    A collection of Chelsea Littman’s work is on display at Bad Moravian, 3055 Church St. in Ephraim, through Oct. 8. An opening reception will be held Oct. 3, 4-7 pm. This collection, which has been developing since 2017, is a compilation of fleeting memories set in silica. They are moments suspended, even as they have […]

  • ‘An Artist’s Alphabet’ Returns to the Kress

    Interrupted by the pandemic, An Artist’s Alphabet – an excerpt from Brian Pirman’s Animal Collage Series – is returning to the Kress Pavilion through the efforts of the Egg Harbor Public Arts Initiative. The works incorporate vintage engravings and letterforms representing the complete alphabet. Pirman, an award-winning regional artist and collegiate educator, uses his background in fine […]

  • Small Studio Creates Big Art: Rob Williams produces abstract landscapes in Gills Rock

    Rob Williams, who holds a master’s degree in art from the University of Illinois, taught art in Chicago suburban schools before buying a house in Gills Rock in 1990 as a summer place. After retiring to Door County, he opened the Rob Williams Studio/Gallery in 2004.  His home, gallery and studio are at 753 Isle […]

  • Medical Center Unveils Plans for Sister Bay Clinic

    The Sister Bay Plan Commission liked what it saw of the proposed Door County Medical Center (DCMC) Sister Bay Clinic and granted preliminary approval of the plans Tuesday evening. “Preliminary approval means we like what we see,” said Denise Bhirdo, chair of the village’s plan commission. Budgeted at $14.5 million, the two-story, 30,000-square-foot project at […]

  • Make the Most of Your Fall Camping Trip

    Tips for snagging a spot, and what to take along once you do There are plenty of reasons to visit Door County in the fall. Autumn colors, lots of festivals and fewer crowds are a few that come to mind. But for some, the cooler temperatures and slower pace of the shoulder season signal something […]

  • Quick Action with Fire Extinguishers Prevents Possible Disasters

    Fish Creek – Two fires in Fish Creek during the past month were doused by people making split-second decisions with fire extinguishers. On Sept. 10 around midnight, a passerby noticed flames coming from a Main Street space that serves as a small laundry. A dryer there had caught fire. The passerby ran into the laundry, […]

  • After 4 Hours, Shipwrecked Decision Tabled

    Plan commission will meet again Oct. 12 After four hours of lengthy and often contentious deliberation, the Egg Harbor Plan Commission tabled discussion of an expansion proposal from the owners of Shipwrecked Brew Pub. The commission will take up the issue again during an Oct. 12 meeting.  The owners of Shipwrecked have proposed adding a […]

  • Featured Tour Guide: Ed Schriner-Schmitt

    Bringing frightening fall fun to Door County one story at a time The wind howls through the trees, causing their trunks to creak and early fall leaves to rustle along the path. That was just the wind, wasn’t it? With a crowd gathered in front of him, Ed Schriner-Schmitt tells the harrowing tale of the […]

  • Obituary: William Wallace Sampone

    September 23, 1944 ~ September 26, 2021 William Wallace Sampone, 77, formerly of Baileys Harbor, died Sunday afternoon, September 26, 2021 at Bishop’s Court Senior Residential Care in Allouez with family at his side. He was born September 23, 1944 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Carl and Margaret Grace (Burlo) Sampone. Bill grew up […]

  • Leaf Peepers, Rejoice! What science tells us about fall colors

    Fall is all about getting cozy, and there’s nothing more cozy than seeing the landscape painted with vibrant autumn reds, oranges and yellows. (Well, except maybe when you look out your window late at night in the winter and see everything blanketed in a fresh snowfall, illuminated only by a dim streetlight, but let’s not […]

  • Lighthouses Shine Brighter Surrounded by Fall Colors

    The 2021 Fall Lighthouse Festival, running Oct. 1-3, includes air, land-based, boat and adventure tours that reach all 11 of Door County’s lighthouses and three to the south. Many of the tour excursions take place only during the Lighthouse Festival and provide exclusive access to several structures that are not typically open to the public, […]

  • New Race Director for Crossroads Trail Run

    During the 12th annual Crossroads Trail Run, held June 19 at Crossroads at Big Creek, 293 runners from nine states participated, and $12,000 was raised to support Ski for Free, educational programming and Crossroads’ general fund. It was the most that this event has ever generated. Since the inaugural race in 2010, Gretchen Schmelzer has […]

  • Archaeological Dig, Solar Tour at Crossroads

    Organizers of the fall archaeological dig at Crossroads at Big Creek (crossroadsatbigcreek.org) are accepting reservations from learners of all ages to work with professional archaeologists during a 45-minute session on weekdays through Oct. 7. The goal is to discover artifacts that help tell the stories of the First Nation people and the early European settlers […]

  • Obituary: Donald “Digger” W. Rae

    October 3, 1934 ~ September 24, 2021 Donald “Digger” W. Rae, 86 years old, of Sturgeon Bay and Menasha, died suddenly Friday afternoon, September 24, 2021, at Door County Medical Center Emergency Room after suffering an apparent heart attack. Donald was born October 3, 1934, in Menasha, the son of the late William and Alice […]

  • Obituary: Donald Albert Mikels

    February 28, 1951 ~ September 22, 2021 Donald Albert Mikels, 70, of Sturgeon Bay, died Wednesday morning, September 22, 2021 at Edenbrook Nursing Home in Green Bay.  He was born February 28, 1951 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of George Harry Mikels and Joyce Donna Mikels. Don attended Sunny Point School in the Town of […]

  • Obituary: Jane McKinley Worobec

    September 25, 1919 ~ September 19, 2021 Jane McKinley Worobec, 101, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin died on Sunday, September 19, 2021, just a few days short of her 102nd birthday on September 25th, to the happy beginning of her new home. Jane’s daughter, Lucy Worobec Groth of Sturgeon Bay, WI, sat at her side in the hours […]

  • Obituary: Lisa K. Smith

    November 12, 1956 ~ September 21, 2021 Lisa K. Smith, 64 years, of Sturgeon Bay died Tuesday, September 21, 2021 while at Sturgeon Bay Health Services due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. She was born November 12, 1956 in Lebanon, Indiana the daughter of the late Harold and George Anne (Thrush) Brooks. Lisa graduated from […]

  • Obituary: Mildred Johanna Jacobsen

    September 7, 1927 ~ September 18, 2021 Mildred Johanna Jacobsen, 94, died on September 18, 2021 at her home on Washington Island surrounded by her family. Mildred was born to Norman Koebel and Emma (Rahr) Koebel on September 7, 1927 in Plymouth. She graduated from Plymouth High School. Mildred married Paul Goodman on August 17, 1946. They lived […]

  • Obituary: Trudy Ann Berkhahn

    August 5, 1949 ~ September 21, 2021 Trudy Ann Berkhahn, 72, of Sturgeon Bay, died at home on Sept. 21, 2021.  She was born August 5, 1949 in Sturgeon Bay to Homer and Margaret (Weckler) DeBroux.  On Oct. 29, 1966, she married Robert Glenn Berkhahn at St. Francis Xavier Church in Brussels. Trudy was employed […]