Peninsula Pulse – September 25 – October 2, 2015

Published September 25th, 2015

Modern Day Drifters, Pumpkin Palooza, Haunted Mansions & More Weekend Plans

The first weekend of one of the favorite months on the peninsula is almost here and as expected, the county will be filled with Autumn festivities, pumpkins, scary tours and fall foliage. Are you ready for it? Thursday, Oct. 1 Door County Half Marathon Registration Opens The ninth annual Door County Half Marathon will return […]
Blessing of the Animals Set for Oct. 4 at St. Luke’s

The Feast of St. Francis is celebrated in many Christian traditions with a Blessing of the Animals. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church invites the community to bring their pets to the church on Oct. 4 at 1 pm. The blessing will be in the parking lot of St. Luke’s at 2336 Canterbury Lane. For more information […]
Obituary: Rodney “Rod” C. Bohn

Rodney “Rod” C. Bohn, 81, of Sturgeon Bay, died suddenly Thursday evening, September 17, 2015, at Ministry Door County Medical Center after suffering an apparent stroke early Thursday. He was born May 1, 1934, in Centuria, Wisconsin, the son of the late Elmer Victor and Lucille Emma (Grossman) Bohn. Rod was a graduate of U.W. […]
Obituary: Diane Lee Stracka

Diane Lee Stracka, 81, of the town of Sevastopol in Sturgeon Bay, WI, died Monday, September 21, 2015, in the comfort of her home. She was born May 13, 1934, in Hartford, WI, the daughter of the late Leland Peter and Nina Joyce (Mann) Gehl. Diane graduated from Hartford High School in 1952. She received […]
Lessons from a First-Time Half-Century Rider

We were five miles into our ride when the sprinkles of rain hit us and the heavy wind picked up off Eagle Harbor, pushing at us as hard as we pushed against it. Any other day, we probably would have agreed that maybe it was not the day for a bike ride and headed back […]
By the Numbers: The Changing Demographics of America

26.3 Percentage of non-white voters in the 2012 election, a record high. 50 Percentage of births in the U.S. that have been to people of color since 2011. 2043 The year ethnic minorities will become the majority in the U.S. 1.4 million The number of immigrants who acquire citizenship and the right to vote each […]
Municipal News

City of Sturgeon Bay: A special meeting of the Common Council that was called for the afternoon of Sept. 22 to approve financing for the controversial Sawyer Hotel Development and consider a resolution authorizing the sale of the property to Sawyer Hotel Development LLC was postponed by Mayor Thad Birmingham just minutes after it was […]
Egg Harbor’s New Administrator Starts Oct. 1

Perhaps the biggest personal challenge facing Ryan Heise, who assumes his new role as administrator for the Village of Egg Harbor on Oct. 1, is acclimating to winter after spending the past 10 years in Florida. “I really enjoy being outdoors. It’s just really easy to be outdoors in Florida. Swim trunks, flip-flops and out […]
Science Supports Responsible High-Capacity Well Use

By Andy Wallendal and Gordon Speirs When it comes to water, farmers are passionate. Water is essential to growing crops. Preserving the ability to use water for future farming generations is just part of being a farmer.   Wisconsin is fortunate to enjoy an abundant supply for drinking, growing crops, nourishing livestock, manufacturing products and recreation.   […]
Book Fair in MDCMC Lobby

Door County Medical Center Auxiliary will hold a book fair in the main lobby of Ministry Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay on Oct. 19, 10 am – 3:30 pm, and Oct. 20, 9 am – 2 pm. Proceeds will go to the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to high school graduates […]
Dan Burke Recognized as Conservationist of the Year

Dan Burke, executive director of Door County Land Trust (DCLT), was recognized at a ceremony in Madison on Sept. 24 as Conservationist of the Year, a title awarded by Gathering Waters: Wisconsin’s Alliance for Land Trusts. Burke has been helping DCLT become a treasured and highly respected institution for nearly 20 years. Under his leadership, […]
High School Fall Athletics, Sept. 25-Oct.2

GIBRALTAR Cross Country Oct. 1 @ Sturgeon Bay, 4:30 pm Football Sept. 25 @ Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah, 7 pm Oct. 1 @ Bowler, 7 pm Soccer Sept. 26 @ Broadview Soccer Complex, 9 am Sept. 28 @ Roncalli, 4:30 pm Sept. 29 vs. Gresham, 6:30 pm Oct. 1 vs. Algoma, 6:30 pm Volleyball Sept. 26 @ […]
Southern Door SHIELD Program Receives Grant

The Door County Community Foundation has awarded the Southern Door School District a Sustainability Grant from the Education Fund. This grant provides financial support for the SHIELD program, a district-wide educational program that stands for Students Helping, Involving, Educating, Leading & Deterring. The SHIELD program is a component of a county-wide initiative called Project 180, […]
Stella Maris Parish and Climate Change Coalition Co-Sponsor “Pope Francis, Creation and the Common Good: Reflections on His Recent Encyclical”

Stella Maris Roman Catholic Parish and the Climate Change Coalition of Door County will co-sponsor a presentation titled “Pope Francis, Creation and the Common Good: Reflections on His Recent Encyclical” on Sept. 29 at Stella Maris-Fish Creek. Norbertine Brother Steve Herro will be the speaker. The program begins at 7 pm, and is free and […]
Obituary: Ethel Rich

Ethel Rich, 76, formerly of Waupaca, was called Home to be with the Lord early Monday morning, September 21, 2015, while at Golden Living Center-Dorchester in Sturgeon Bay, with her sister, Alberta, by her side. Arrangements are pending at this time and have been entrusted to the care of Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services […]
News Bulletin: New Eagle License Plate Design in High Demand

WHAT HAPPENED On Sept. 1, 2015, Governor Scott Walker proclaimed September 2015 as Coastal Awareness Month in Wisconsin in recognition of the important impact that the Great Lakes have on the state. Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are integral to Wisconsin’s economy, recreation, tourism, cultural history and quality of life. The Governor’s proclamation is a […]
Lace ‘Em Up at the Hey Hey 5K

There’s a new fun run coming to Baileys Harbor Sept. 26 to kick off the Baileys Harbor Autumnfest weekend. The Hey Hey 5k will start and end at the Door County Brewing Co. taproom at 8 am, and all runners get some great swag for joining the inaugural event. Each participant will receive a special […]
Casino Night Benefits Boys & Girls Club of Door County

The Boys & Girls Club of Door County will host its second annual Casino Night on Oct. 8, 6:30 – 10 pm, at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. The event will include casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. “After the overwhelming positive feedback we received from last year’s attendees we had […]
Johnson: Security Is Main Issue In America and Election

During the 42 days of Congressional summer recess, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said he hit all 72 counties to talk to the people of Wisconsin. From that whirlwind tour and in the 43 telephone town hall meetings he has held since knocking Democrat Russ Feingold from the U.S. Senate seat in the 2010 election, Johnson […]
Construction Update, Sept. 25-Oct. 2

Hwy. 57 Schedule: Sept. 2015 to Nov. 2015 Length: 0.5 Miles Cost: $932,686 Location: Pine Road Mitigation Site and County C and Hwy. 57 intersection. Description of project: The project involves mitigation site maintenance at the Pine Road Mitigation Site and constructing J-turns at the intersection of County C and Hwy. 57. Work includes traffic […]
Learn CPR at Sister Bay Fire Station

The Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department will offer classes to educate the community in the proper method of using an AED and performing CPR. All classes are being offered at the Sister Bay Fire Station on Mill Road. The CPR/AED class on Oct. 29 from 6 to 10 pm will teach infant, child […]
Birth, Allison and Kevin Lauder

Allison and Kevin Lauder, Sturgeon Bay, are the parents of a son born on Sept. 16, 2015, at Ministry Door County Medical Center. Maternal grandparents are Don and Shelly Petersilka, Sturgeon Bay. Paternal grandparents are Dan and JoAnn Lauder, Sturgeon Bay.
Door County Alcohol & Other Drug Coalition Holds Community Conversation at Stone Harbor

Join Door County Alcohol & Other Drug Coalition for a community conversation with Mike Knetzger on the impact of drinking and driving on Oct. 6 at 6 pm at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. Wisconsin has the highest rate of drunken driving in the nation and does not criminalize the first offender, even though […]
Sister Bay Buzz

By Zeke Jackson, Sister Bay Village Administrator The colors are starting to change all over the peninsula and there was no better way to spot the color change than on a bike ride and there were plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery on two wheels last weekend with the Peninsula Century Fall Classic. […]
An Outlook: County Sales Tax Figures Show Strong Growth

Last week we received word from the Door County Visitor Bureau (DCVB) that room tax collections for July of this year were 6.2 percent up from July of 2014. The DCVB went on to report that, for the first seven months of this year, room tax collections are up 7.1 percent above the same […]
Door County History in Pictures: Kangaroo Lake

A postcard view of the bridge that preceded today’s causeway across Kangaroo Lake. Note the misspelling of Baileys Harbor as Bayley’s Harbor. Photo courtesy of the Door County Historical Museum, 18 N. 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay. Open 10 am – 4:30 pm daily, May 1 through Oct. 31.
Pat Scieszinski Wins Grape Stomp for Neighbor to Neighbor

Door Peninsula Winery held its annual Grape Stomp during Carlsville Day. At the Grape Stomp, local nonprofits competed to win a prize of product from Door Peninsula Winery. Pat Scieszinski, the grape stomper for Neighbor to Neighbor, took first place in this year’s competition. Other nonprofits competing in this year’s Grape Stomp included United Way […]
Marriage, Brooke DeVrou and Erik Linton

DeVrou & Linton Reception Brooke DeVrou and Erik Linton were united in marriage on Aug. 8, 2015, in a garden wedding in Oostburg, Wis. The bride is the daughter of Rev Wayne and Amy DeVrou of Oostburg. The groom is the son of Tim and Cindy Linton of Sister Bay. Erik and Brooke reside in […]
Science Snippet: Isolating Mutations in Multifactorial Genetic Diseases

A gene is made up of a specific sequence of a 20-letter coding alphabet. A mutation results when the sequence becomes altered, and the gene fails to make the proper protein (enzyme). If this enzyme is critical to cell function, a disease state can result. Some diseases result from a mutation (change) in a […]
Clearing Folk School Supporter Undertakes 275-Mile Walk from Evanston to Door County

Typically, we walk to the store or to school and work as long as it is not too far, the weather is nice and we have the time. But on Sept. 30, one woman will journey on foot from her home in Evanston, Ill. to The Clearing Folk School in Ellison Bay. “A couple […]
Lynn Ohnesorge Graduates from Wisconsin Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Institute

Lynn Ohnesorge, clerk/treasurer, for the Village of Egg Harbor, was among the 111 officials who graduated from the 2015 Wisconsin Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Institute held July 12-17. This training institute is one of the largest programs in the United States and is recognized nationally and internationally. The institute is designed to advance the professional […]
Land Trust Celebrates Community Conservation

Vermont resident and nationally renowned land conservation leader Peter Forbes brings his expertise in “community conservation” to Door County when he presents the keynote address at the “One Land, Many Voices” celebration, Oct. 4, 7 – 9 pm, at the Door Community Auditorium, Fish Creek. “One Land, Many Voices” is a free, community event sponsored […]
Reps in the News: Gov. Walker Stops Presidential Campaign

Governor Scott Walker The Wisconsin governor entered the primary in July as a front-runner in Iowa and a darling of both the conservative base and powerful donors after winning battles against public unions in his home state. But that promising start was quickly dashed after poor debate performances dried up support from donors. “Today, I […]
Paul Santoriello Wins First in Pesto Festo for Mojito Pesto

The Taste of the Garden Door and Pesto Festo were celebrated on Sept. 12 at the Peninsular Agricultural Research Station just north of Sturgeon Bay on Hwy 42. More than 300 visitors shared the experience and visited various gardens, toured the grounds, tasted vegetables from the garden and other culinary delights. Winners of the Pesto […]
Silent Sports Column: Entering the Offseason

For me, the Ironman triathlon is over and I have no more races this year. For you, perhaps it was the Fall Challenge or Door County Century bike ride that capped your season off in the past few weeks. I recognize that, for some, colder weather marks the beginning of an endurance-filled winter with […]
Going Native: Another Invasive, Another Task

By Peter Sigmann Natural landscaping with native plants does away with some of the conventional chores such as watering, fertilizing and chemical treatments, but this style of gardening presents other tasks such as transplanting, thinning and the removal of undesirable or invasive plants. The first step of clearing a lawn surface for natural landscaping […]
Donate Your Deer

Hunters can help feed needy people throughout Wisconsin this fall by taking these simple steps: Donate any legally harvested deer by dropping it off at a participating processor by Jan. 31, 2016. Prior to donating the deer, field dress and register it and write your confirmation number on the carcass tag. Handle the carcass as […]
Obituary: Pamela Ann Papke

Born to life August 6, 1948. Entered the fullness of Eternal Life September 13, 2015. Passed away peacefully and unexpectedly with her family at her side, Pat holding her hand tenderly. Loving and life partner, Patricia Warner. Beloved sister of Robert (fiancé Lisa) Papke, Marlene (Kenton) Sorenson, Bonnie (Greg) Petry, and Bryan, Bruce and Doug […]
Obituary: Elizabeth Louise Wilkinson

Elizabeth Louise Wilkinson (“Betty”), age 91, Prospect Heights, IL and Sister Bay, WI, died unexpectedly September 16, 2015. Betty was born on June 19, 1924 to Walter and Laura (Harker) Koehler in Madison, WI; grew up in Morgantown, WV; graduated from West Virginia University; and did graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin where she […]
Obituary: Philip Raymond McGuire, Jr.

Phil, 81, of Baileys Harbor and Denison, Texas, died in his wife’s arms on Sept. 17. A retired psychiatrist, Phil was an avid fisherman, accomplished nature and bird photographer and a connoisseur of music, Badger football and Texas barbecue. Phil is survived by his wife Cynthia, sons Philip III and Patrick, stepdaughters Kaileen (Ed) Stehel […]
Judge Suggests DOJ, DNR Practiced Willful Ignorance of Law

When the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced on Sept. 11 that it was granting a petition for the modification of a pollution permit for Kinnard Farms in Kewaunee County that included ignoring two actions deemed necessary by Administrative Law Judge Jeffrey Boldt last November, they certainly caught the attention of the judge. A press […]
Breakfast, Discussion and Open Conversations at Stone Harbor

The public is invited to take part in a Community Conversation about increasing employment opportunities for Door County residents with disabilities on Sept. 29, 8 – 10 am, at Stone Harbor Conference Center in Sturgeon Bay. There will be a free breakfast, panel discussion and open conversations. For more information, contact Melissa Wolfe at 920.495.0211.
2016 Door County Half Marathon Registration Opens Oct. 1st

The time to lock in your spot in the May 7, 2016, Door County Half Marathon is coming soon. Registration for the 9th annual race in Peninsula State Park opens Oct. 1, 2015. This beautiful, challenging race is capped at 2,300 registrants and has filled far in advance of race day each of the last […]
Revenue, Enrollment, Aid Trends Changed from 1990s

By Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance Although changes in school finance have been small and incremental in the past two decades, the cumulative effect is that in 2015 it bears only limited resemblance to the mid-90s, the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX) concludes in a new report appropriately titled “Increasing Complexity, Unplanned Change: The Story of School Finance […]
“Music for an Autumn Afternoon” at Sturgeon Bay High School

On Oct. 4 at 2 pm, “Music for an Autumn Afternoon” will be performed at the Sturgeon Bay High School Auditorium. This is piano recital featuring Patty McKinnon, Bob Nickel and Jennifer Hanson. Refreshments to follow.
Obituary: Jill R. Harding

Jill R. Harding, 53, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully in her sleep at home on September 15, 2015. She was born November 25, 1961, in Sturgeon Bay, to Robert and Madelyn (Salmon) Ostrand. On June 17, 2006, she married Michael Harding in Sturgeon Bay. Jill graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1979, and attended […]
Featured Pet: Joe Boxer

Hello, Door County, my name is Joe but most people call me by my nickname, Joe Boxer, because I am a purebred Boxer. While I have no affiliation with the Joe Boxer Clothing Company (yet!), I am certainly handsome and strong enough to be a male model. I have a stunning rich brown coat with […]
Taste ‘The Stinkies’ at Wisconsin Cheese Masters’ Stinkfest

Jim Pionkoski of Wisconsin Cheese Masters hopes he can entice some newcomers to stinky cheeses at his Stinkfest. “This is the first-time ever sampling it for us,” he said. “The main customer we have been getting in has always been somebody buying it for their father. We’re hoping we get a lot of people here […]
Flu Vaccine Clinics Scheduled for October

Flu vaccine clinics have been set by the Door County Public Health Department. Flu vaccine clinics for adults include: Oct. 1, 10 – 11:30 am & 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Washington Island Community Center; Oct. 8, 3 – 4 pm, Brussels Community Center; Oct. 9, 11 am – 12 pm, Liberty Grove Town Hall; Oct. […]
Nancy Ruff Discusses the Importance of Sleep at First Baptist Church

Northern Door Health & Wellness Ministry continues its Community Health Information Programs with an upcoming presentation on sleep on Oct. 25 at 4 pm at First Baptist Church, Sister Bay. Nancy Ruff, Respiratory Care Practitioner and Registered Polysomnographic Technologist, will discuss why sleep is important; sleep disturbances; sleep apnea causes and treatments; and consequences of […]
DIY Bikes Stations in Fish Creek

Door County’s abundant local, county and state parks, diverse shoreline and charming back roads entice cyclists to explore. In response to the increasing numbers, the Door County Visitor Bureau is encouraging businesses to install complimentary do-it-yourself bicycle maintenance service stations. These stations provide the opportunity for cyclists to check the air in their tires and […]
Walk to Support HELP of Door County and Victims of Domestic Violence

HELP of Door County is beginning October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a free, family-friendly walk, “Walk With Me.” On Oct. 1, anyone who would like to show support of HELP of Door County’s mission to eliminate domestic violence and the victims and children they serve, should be at Martin Park between 4:45 and 5 […]
Obituary: Arthur W. Merrill

Arthur W. Merrill, 94, of Egg Harbor, died Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at Ministry Door County Medical Center. He was born May 29, 1921, in Watertown, Massachusetts, the son of the late Arthur G. and Rosamond Jeanette (Buchan) Merrill. Art served his country in Europe shortly after the Normandy Invasion of WWII in the recon […]
Meander through the Meadows at Crossroads

The meadows of Crossroads at Big Creek are magnificent this time of year. Join the naturalist on Sept. 26 at 11 am for a casual meander through the meadows of the Crossroads preserve to enjoy nature’s final flower show of the season. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. The trip will last about an hour […]
Papercuttings by Sister Clarice at JCC

Jacksonport Craft Cottage Gifts now features the papercuttings of Sister Clarice Steinfeldt, SDS. Sister Clarice was born in Port Edwards, Wis., and graduated from John Edwards High School. In 1947, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Savior in Milwaukee. Sister Clarice received her art degree from Alverno College. After 32 years […]
Lawrence Cello Studio Performs Old Favorites at Björklunden

Lawrence University’s Björklunden will host a joint concert on Sept. 27 at 1:30 pm. The Lawrence Cello Studio makes their annual trip to Björklunden and will perform old favorites as well as some new discoveries. Joining the cellos will be the piano studio of Michael Mizrahi. This free concert is sponsored by the Boynton Society […]
Golf League Results, Sept. 18-25

IDLEWILD Senior League Handicap Championship (Sept. 17) Best Net Scores: Champion – Jim Budny, 34; Second – Wayne Turk, 35; Third – Jude Gosz, 35; Fourth – Pete Hegrenes, 36; Fifth – Glenn Ocock, 38; Sixth – Tom Portz, 39. Best Gross Scores: Jim Budny 39; Wayne Turk 43; Pete Hegrenes 43; Jude Gosz 44; […]
2015 Cow of the Year Produces 56,780 Pounds of Milk

Excellent-95 Gold Medal Dam, Siemers Dundee Hilda, has been selected as the 2015 Cow of the Year by the Wisconsin Holstein Association. Hilda was bred and developed by Siemers Holsteins located in Newton, Wis., and is owned by Jordan Siemers. Each year, the Wisconsin Purebred Cattle Association selects a cow to represent her breed as […]
Registration Open for St. Norbert Workshops

St. Norbert College Language Services will hold the following events in October for the general public: Norwegian Heritage workshop: Oct. 5, 6-8 pm, on the St. Norbert campus. For those planning to travel to Norway or simply interested in learning more about the country’s culture and heritage. The cost is $30 per person, $25 for […]
Door County Brewing Co.’s Silurian Stout with Vanilla Available Oct. 1

Door County Brewing Company is excited to announce the award-winning Silurian Stout with Vanilla will be available Oct. 1. Head brewer Danny McMahon’s milk stout recipe took home the St. Paul’s People’s Choice Award at this year’s St. Paul Summer Beer Fest. “We were very happy to announce Door County Brewing Co. as this year’s […]
The Cheese Insider: Fun Dairy Facts

by Michael Thomas We all know that Wisconsin is the king of cheesemaking in North America. Our dairy dominance and the economic impact of this industry in our state are hard for anyone to dispute. Although the total number of dairy farms in Wisconsin continues to shrink, the total number of cows and the milk […]
Trivia: What’s the Origin of “Jaywalker?”

This week’s question: What is the origin of the term “jaywalker?” Answer: In next week’s issue. Last week’s question: How many days does it take the average snail to travel one mile? Answer: 115
Maritime Museum’s Festival of Trees Returns Nov. 14

After a successful third season in 2014 in which 42 festively decorated trees could be found throughout the Door County Maritime Museum, the Merry-Time Festival of Trees returns in 2015. The festival will run from Nov. 14 through Dec. 8 with visitors invited to see what is expected to be an even grander extravaganza of […]
Door to Nature: Puffball Mushrooms

Every now and then I long for a quiet, sunny Saturday afternoon in early fall, about the time the Sugar Maple leaves are changing color, when I can return to one of my boyhood haunts in the woods. Reminiscing is so sweet when it can be done where happy-go-lucky experiences as a youngster were […]
Keeper of a Legacy: Joan Vieth Champeau

Who would have thought that a young girl from Menominee, Michigan, who starred in the Frosh Frolics, aspired to be a beautician and worked for a colonel in the Army during the events of Iwo Jima and Tarawa during World War II, would become one of Door County’s finest artists? Joan Vieth Champeau would prove […]
Learn Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal History at Historical Society Program

During the Door County Historical Society’s Sept. 27 program at Heritage Village at Big Creek, Captain Bob Desh will explore the creation of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. The Ship Canal was an 18-year long and arduous process beginning with a Wisconsin charter in 1864, the first dirt scooped in 1872, the meeting of Sturgeon […]
Linden Gallery Presents “A Photojourney in Yunnan”

A Photojourney in Yunnan, an exhibit currently showing at Linden Gallery in Ellison Bay, features the work of 24 photographers from across the country. All attended workshops under the direction of noted international photographer Douglas Beasley at the Linden Centre in southwestern China. Yunnan Province is known as South of the Clouds, a region hidden […]
To the Batcave!: First Public Tours of Horseshoe Bay Cave A Success

Millions of years of evolution took place between cave-dwelling Troglodytes and the 21st century human being, but some modern humans just can’t wait to get back into a cave. When the Door County Parks Department announced it was giving tours of county-owned Horseshoe Bay Cave on Sept. 19 in one-hour slots from 9 am […]
Hardy Raffles Bonnie Paruch Painting to Benefit Preschoolers

Peninsula Preschool announces a new partnership with The Hardy Gallery, one that benefits not only the thriving artistic community of Door County but also the lives of preschool children. This fall, Peninsula Preschool and the Hardy Gallery are selling raffle tickets to win an original painting by well-known Door County artist Bonnie Paruch through the […]
Isherwood: To Love Storms

To love storms is a sick and criminal attitude, up there with picking your nose, scratching your butt and sleeping with dogs. How I acquired my sense and love for storms is self-explanatory, to confess being a farmkid. A farmkid is somewhere between a juvenile delinquent, a reform school graduate, a biker and a thug, […]
StageKids Holiday Show Auditions Open to All Students

Third Avenue Playhouse (TAP) is pleased to announce auditions for their annual StageKids Holiday Show. Auditions are open to students ages 5 and up and to adults. Ryan Patrick Shaw will direct. Students from throughout Door County are encouraged to audition. No appointment necessary. Open auditions will be held: Oct. 5, 4 – 7 pm; […]
Grape Harvesters Needed at Parallel 44

Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery has announced a call for harvesters. This opportunity is a lot of fun and only happens once a year. This year, Parallel 44 will harvest on Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 5 & 10. They’re looking for about 15 to 20 people to help on each of the three days. Harvesting […]
Manners Matter: Be the Positive Influence

Dear Mary Pat, I am in my first year participating in school sports and on a personal level, so far so good! But on a team level, not so much. Whenever our coaches ask better of us, some of my teammates come up with excuses as to why they can’t try harder. They whine and […]
Folk-bluegrass Rockers Emerald Grove Coming to Brewery

The first thing that caught my eye when perusing the website of Madison-based Emerald Grove is the band’s self-described genre of “switch-blade folk.” Naturally, it was one of the first things I asked about during a recent phone interview with Emerald Grove guitar-banjo-harmonica player, Kyle Smith. “We call it folk that will stab you if […]
Habit-Forming Fun: ‘Nunsense’ at Peninsula Players

Those who once attended a parochial school taught by habited nuns especially enjoyed the 1985 appearance of the musical comedy Nunsense by Dan Goggin, just as they had been entertained by John Powers’ 1975 novel (and subsequent stage/screen adaptations) Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Graduates of traditional Catholic schools often found their educational […]
Support the Literary Arts at Edgewood’s Benefit Show

Edgewood Orchard Galleries’ final show of the season benefits Write On, Door County and includes images of reading, writing, or storytelling, such as “Writing Table with Tulips and Sunrise” by John Sayers. The opening reception will be held Sept. 26, 1 – 5 pm, and the benefit show will be on display Sept. 26 – […]
Models & Their Makers at Maritime Museum

In May, Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay announced its two-year Sea Dogs exhibit and its goal to reach younger audiences by implementing interactive technology and videos throughout the display. But in the gallery across the space now occupied by Sea Dogs is a permanent exhibit that reaches audiences by doing just the opposite […]
The Return of Wearable Art to Sister Bay Village Hall

The Door County Wearable Art Show returns to the Sister Bay Village Hall Oct. 3-4. Amy Taylor and her Kinda Nifty Hinged Jewelry will be shown at this year’s show, featuring her 14K and 18K gold and sterling silver jewelry. Her work is completely constructed (no cast elements) with an emphasis on unique hinge work, […]
Theater M to Present “Cabin Fever” at Woodwalk

Theater M, part of the theatrical branch at Woodwalk Gallery, presents Cabin Fever: A comedy of menace, by playwright Joan Schenkar. Cabin Fever, which will be performed as a staged reading, features three mean-spirited oldsters on a country porch, reciting horrifying and hysterically funny stories about local customs. Written in 1980, Cabin Fever has been […]
Framed: Copper and Xavier Gaddes

Copper and Xavier Gaddes take a book-loving break next to the Little Free Library on Scandia Road. Photo by Sara Larsen.
Pulse Price Report, Sept. 25 – Oct. 2

Crop prices (Sept. 22) Rio Creek Feed Mill – Algoma Commodity Price Basis Corn $3.44/bushel -0.41 Soybeans $7.99/bushel -0.75 Wheat (SRW) $4.42/bushel -0.55 Fox River Valley Ethanol – Green Bay Corn $3.56/bushel -0.29 New-Corn Crop $3.50/bushel -0.35 Basis: The difference between the local cash price for a commodity and the Chicago cash price (where […]
Celebrate the Season at Fall Harvest Fest

Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market will host its annual Fall Harvest Fest on Sept. 26, 10 am – 5 pm, with complimentary tasting of its wines, local micro brews and specialty foods. The fun also includes fresh-picked apples, free guided winery tours – every hour from 10 am – 4 pm; and two delicious […]
Tracy Grammer Brings Masterful Storytelling to Lost Moth Concert

Tracy Grammer will be in concert at Lost Moth Gallery on Sept. 27 at 7 pm. Grammer is an American folksinger who the Boston Globe calls “ one of the finest pure musicians anywhere in folkdom.” Grammer is known for her work as half of the folk duo Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer and for […]
Spaces Filling Fast for Chambers Island Tour

One tour is already sold out, but another has space remaining for the Door County Maritime Museum’s first Fall Lighthouse Festival weekend. An abbreviated version of the popular Lighthouse Festival in June, the Door County Maritime Museum is offering a couple of its most popular tours Columbus Day weekend. These fantastic nautical adventures will take […]
Ramble Thru The Ridges on Sept. 26

Ramble Thru The Ridges returns for a second year on Sept. 26 at 9 am. Surrounded by the early fall beauty of The Ridges, the event begins with a special presentation on birds of prey by REGI (Raptor Education Group, Inc). This year, educators from the Antigo-based bird rehabilitation organization will feature six Avian Ambassadors, […]
Overheard and Pet Peeves, Sept. 25 – Oct. 2

OVERHEARD Are there tid-bits of conversations you’ve heard while standing in line at the grocery store, serving a table, or walking down the sidewalk that make you smile, cringe or laugh out loud? “They weren’t blooming. They were just hard little balls.” “My gut doesn’t tell me anything ever, except when I’m hungry.” “I think […]
“I Love A Piano” Continues at TAP through Oct. 18

Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano is playing at Third Avenue Playhouse through Oct. 18. I Love A Piano is a musical cavalcade celebrating the early years of one of America’s most beloved songwriters. Featuring almost 50 Irving Berlin songs, the show includes a number of unknown rarities as well as all-time classics such as […]
Festival of Books & Authors at Peninsula Bookman

The Peninsula Bookman will host its second annual Festival of Books and Authors on Sept. 26. This year, five Wisconsin writers and a dozen of their books will be featured. This year’s event will include Kathleen Ernst, author the recent release from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, A Settler’s Year, as well as the Chloe […]
Dylan Lauger Focused on Concrete Design

The Door County Art League will hold its next monthly meeting on Sept. 28, with Dylan Lauger, concrete designer, leading the program. Lauger, owner of Lauger Concrete and Design in Sturgeon Bay, will give the program at Hope Church, 141 N 12th St., Sturgeon Bay, at 7 pm. He has worked in concrete for 17 […]
Play the Little and Big Cups for Ed Strege Family Memorial Fund

Two upcoming memorial golf tournaments celebrate the life of Door County local Edward Strege by playing the game he loved. All skill levels are invited with “little” and “big” events in Ephraim. Red Putter Mini Golf will host the second annual Little Eddie Little Cup on Sept. 26 and Peninsula State Park Golf Course will […]
“Mushrooms Galore” at Savory Spoon Cooking School

Fall is a good season to take a cooking class as Savory Spoon Cooking School has an international cooking class as well as a feature class on mushrooms. On Sept. 26 at 6 pm, travel the world during “In Good Tastes.” In this class you will learn to make mayonnaise, custard and some poaching tips […]
Server of the Week: Hannah Brandt, Gills Rock Coffee

When your travels take you up to Gills Rock, Be sure to drop in at Hannah’s coffee shop, An expert barista, the best bar none. Grab a hot cup when you’re on the run, A mocha, a latte or a cafe au lait, Served up with a smile that will make your day!
Artists Bring One-Of-A-Kind Pieces to Plum Bottom

Meet three artists working in different media on Sept. 26, 12 – 5 pm, at Plum Bottom Pottery & Gallery. Silversmith Amanda DeWitt, stained glass artist Josephine Geiger, and wood turner Ed Brogan will be on hand to show their newest collections. DeWitt will show her latest fall jewelry line and will be at the […]
Miller Announces Winners of 2015 Juried Exhibition

The Miller Art Museum recently announced the eight artists who received awards in conjunction with the organization’s 40th Juried Annual exhibition. The awards were presented at a free public opening reception on Sept. 12 at the museum in Sturgeon Bay. Deborah Rosenthal, Curator of Exhibits and Collections, handed out the awards honoring both established and […]
Lauretta Kelley Finds Art Inspiration in Paris

The Door County Art League’s artist of the week is league co-president Lauretta Kelley. A reception will be held Sept. 26, 3 – 5 pm, and everyone is welcome. Kelley is an artist that finds inspiration in the beautiful barns within the shores of Door County. She said: “I am driven by this philosophy to […]
Cheers!: Big Footprint to Fill

I think it takes a lot of chutzpah to name yourself after the greatest lake in the world. After all, Lake Superior is a big name to live up to. So, beers from the Lake Superior Brewing Co. of Duluth, Minn., better be big, bold and, well, superior. I started my Lake Superior journey with […]
Nancy Rafal Digs into “Wintergreen Ridge”

The Friends of Lorine Niedecker are hosting the seventh annual Lorine Niedecker Wisconsin Poetry Festival on Oct. 16 – 17 at the Dwight Foster Public Library in Fort Atkinson, Wis. The goal of the Poetry Festival is to celebrate Wisconsin poetry. All events are free and open to the public. Niedecker visited The Ridges Sanctuary […]
Eclipse of the Harvest Moon

The Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS) has chosen the “Eclipse of the Harvest Moon” as the theme for Astronomy Evening 2015. The evening of the full moon, indoor activities will begin at 7:30 pm at the Astronomy Campus of Crossroads at Big Creek, 2200 Utah St. Viewing of the Lunar Eclipse will begin around 8 […]
The Bestseller List, Sept. 13, 2015

TRADE PAPERBACK FICTION 1. The Martian, by Andy Weir 2. Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel 3. My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante 4. Ordinary Grace, by William Kent Krueger 5. To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee TRADE PAPERBACK NONFICTION 1. The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown 2. The Mindfulness […]
Door County Historical Society’s Monthly Dinner Features “Funeral Practices of the Past”

The Door County Historical Society will host its monthly dinner meeting featuring a presentation on “Funeral Practices of the Past” by Todd Huehns on Sept. 28. The catered dinner meeting will be at 6 pm at Prince of Peace Church, 1756 Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay. Heuhns will tell the story of “Funeral Practices of […]
Celebrating Stinky Cheese: Wisconsin Cheese Masters Holds Inaugural Stinkfest

Stinkfest is the name Jim Pionkoski of Wisconsin Cheese Masters in Egg Harbor is calling a special cheese tasting he will host on Saturday. This will be the first time in five years of business that he will provide samples to customers of Limburger and its cousin, aged brick, but it will be outdoors instead […]
Spice Band Takes the Stage at Pumpkinmania!

The Lodge at Leathem Smith welcomes the Spice Band to the stage on Sept. 26 at the second annual Pumpkinmania! The Spice Band traces their beginnings to 1964 and has opened for a number of iconic acts. A partial list includes The Crickets (Buddy Holly’s band), The Buckinghams, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The […]