This Week: HWY Construction Under Way; Mental Health Month Events

Construction is underway on a 17.5-mile stretch of Highway 57 between Sturgeon Bay and Baileys Harbor. The $6.4 million project by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) includes resurfacing lanes and shoulders and associated improvements.

This week’s work includes installation of erosion control measures along the project route and grading and shaping the ends of guardrails in various locations. The highway will be open with flagging in various locations. The project is expected to be completed in mid-June.

Further north the DOT is resurfacing Highway 42 from Scandia Road on the north end of Sister Bay to Wisconsin Bay Road in the Town of Liberty Grove. The $2.68 million project will resurface 9.8 miles of road, with work completed by June 25.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Month, and the Door County Mental Health Focus Group (MHFG) is highlighting ways to help individuals process the events of the past year while also building up skills and supports that extend beyond COVID-19. 

The MHFG is sponsoring a Facebook Live event for youth and families Tuesday, May 4 at 6:30 pm featuring art therapist and yoga instructor Jodi Gonzales.   The week of May 10 the group is focused on the Employer Community. A mailing will be sent to community employers including mental health resources to support their workforce. On Thursday, May 27, MHFG will host a Zoom event featuring a short film on anxiety and depression, along with a discussion with a panel of experts.   

Details on these events can be found on Facebook here>>

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Available Again

Door County Medical Center now estimates more than 67% of Door County adults over age 20 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Door County Public Health will change its vaccine clinic for first appointments from a drive-thru model to a walk-up clinic beginning May 5. The change is a result of decreasing demand for vaccinations.

Public Health will be offering the Johnson & Johnson as well as the Pfizer vaccines at its weekly vaccine clinics. Individuals may choose the type of vaccine desired when appointments are scheduled. To schedule an appointment for your first dose  of COVID-19 vaccine visit www.bookdcph.timetap.com/ There is no cost for the vaccine.

All individuals age 16 and up are eligible for the vaccine. 

Golden Heart Awards Return

The Volunteer Center of Door County has closed its doors, but the Golden Heart Awards live on. The ceremony honoring the many people who give back to our community returns virtually Thursday, May 6.

The event will be held at the Sturgeon Bay High School Auditorium at 6 pm, with only nominees and a guest in attendance. Pam Seiler and Dan Tjernagel will serve as emcees and streaming available on YouTube and Facebook.

Meetings of Note

The Town of Egg Harbor will hold a public hearing Thursday, May 6, for a winery proposed for Willow Road from Eric and Amy Gale. That meeting starts at 6 pm. The public can comment through zoom. Meeting details available here>>

On Wednesday, the Village of Sister Bay reviews a proposed ordinance that would require the wearing of facemasks in most public places in the village. Meeting agenda and attendance information here>>

The Town of Gibraltar Board of Supervisors is expected to finalize its choice for the town’s first administrator at its regular meeting Wednesday. The town has been discussing the change in structure for at least a year, and allocated funds in this year’s budget for the hire. 

The town joins Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay, the Village of Egg Harbor, Ephraim, and Liberty Grove in hiring an administrator to execute municipal business.