Sept. 4 – 18

• The Sister Bay Parks Committee and citizens discussed the expansion of the swimming pier at the village’s public beach Sept. 15. JJR Engineers presented a plan that would extend the pier by 60 feet. Extending the pier would create a natural expansion of the sand beach. The pier would retain its “L” shape and still allow for jumping off the end of it, which makes the beach popular among kids.

The design, which received approval from the gathering of about 20 people at the beach gazebo, includes removal of the old Helm’s Four Seasons pier and the large rock wall along the shore. Sand would replace the rock, and a boardwalk separating the beach from the grass section of the park would be added.

It’s expected to take up to six months for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to review permitting applications. If permits are approved, work on the pier could begin in the fall of 2010.

• Governor Jim Doyle approved a grant for $107,200 through the state’s Harbor Assistance Program to cover 80 percent of the cost of the project at Sand Bay Dock. The project involves reconstructing 86 feet of the dock wall and dredging work.

• The project team from Kubala Washatko Architects of Cedarburg presented its Historic Structures Report on the Cana Island Light Station Sept. 16. The team spent several months examining the buildings and grounds and researching its history. The work forms the core of the historic property management program and provides a road map for future preservation efforts.

• The Village of Ephraim has an accepted offer to purchase a 50 ft. by 50 ft. parcel of land next to the Anderson Dock. The village currently leases the property for parking. Closing date for the $91,000 purchase is Nov. 20.

• A public hearing for Ephraim’s Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for Oct. 12. Interested citizens can view a copy of the plan at the village office, the Ephraim library, or on the village Web site at http://www.ephraim-wisconsin.com.