One of the four finalists for the Sturgeon Bay City Administrator position has withdrawn his name from the process. Carlo Pilgrim from Boothbay Harbor, Maine has dropped out of the race. Replacing Pilgrim is Stephen Crane from Lowell, Maine.

Stephen Crane
Education: MPA;The George Washington University;1997
BA-Political Science;Syracuse University;1995

Experience: Special Projects Coordinator;City of Worcester Executive Office of Economic & Neighborhood
Development;Lowell,MA;12/2006-Present
Urban Renewal Project Manager;City of Lowell Office of the City Manager-Division of Planning &
Development;Lowell,MA;08/2001-12/2006
Legislative Assistant;US Representative Gerald Kleczka;Washington,DC;06/1998-05/2001

Yesterday was a big day for the contractor as they poured sidewalk on most of the west side of the project. The red colored concrete between the curb and sidewalk will be poured today bringing the concrete work to completion. And also the making the big question of when the road will be open more pressing.
To the casual observer, during the day there will appear to be no reason that the road should not be opened. There are however some significant things missing. These include street lights, trees, pavement markings and traffic signs. The pavement markings are being installed now but there is still 5 days of work to complete them. The street signs are scheduled to be installed next week Tuesday, because they need to give yesterdays concrete a few days to harden. The wiring for the street lights is also scheduled for next Tuesday and the installation of the poles would start the next day but will take several days to complete. Street trees are to start on Wednesday but will also take several days to complete.
This all means that we will have 4 sub-contractors working in different parts of the street making the addition of traffic a hazard for the motorists and the construction workers. Therefore, adding traffic onto the road can occur only after there is enough traffic control in place to safely allow traffic and when we can limit the remaining contractors to working on one side of the road or the other. I believe this will occur on Wednesday of next week. At that time, One traffic lane and one parking will be open from Jefferson to Michigan with the expectation that both traffic lanes will be open for the July 4th Weekend. From Michigan to Oregon the road will be open for the July 4th weekend but may be closed for a day or two the following week to complete the work in each block.
Please be patient as we get to the end of the project, this is when the detailed finish work is being done that will ultimately make us happy with the project in the long haul. Rushing to finish only makes for mistakes, and we have already caught a few today, that will need to be repaired.
Now is also the time to inspect your buildings as the project cleanup will be starting on Friday (June 27th). Please feel free to point out areas that need attention while they are working on your buildings to insure that everything is taken care of the first time.

The Brickner Family Dairy Farm in Nasawaupee was the recipient of the "WRLU Lunch on the Farm" awarded Wednesday afternoon. The Lunch was sponsored by Econofoods, Jim Olson Motors, Phil Schmitz Insurance and the radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com. Over 25 people enjoyed a catered lunch supplied by Econofoods. The Brickner Farm is operated by Pete and Angela Brickner and others including Pete's father Larry. Pete Brickner talked about the award.
(Audio Here)
Pete and Larry have worked the farm since the mid-70's and purchased it from the Sperbers in 2005. Pete Brickner credits his family and the
 commitment necessary to run a success farm.
(Audio Here)
The Brickner's are the eighth family farm to be recognized for the "WRLU Lunch on the Farm" since 2001.

In Photo from left: Paul Schmitt, Pete Brickner & Larry Brickner)

John Carlson
Peoria IL

Education: MPA;University of Illinois at Springfield
BS-Psychology;Illinois State University;Normal,IL

Experience: City Administrator;West Peoria,IL(Pop. 4,762);2003-Present
Personnel Director/Risk Manager;County of Peoria,IL(Pop. 183,433);1999-2003
Director of Administration(1983-1999);Communicable Disease Program Coordinator(1980-1983);Peoria
City/County Health Department;Peoria,IL


Barbara Grant
Appleton WI

Education: MPA;UW-Oshkosh
BS-Education & Communication;UW-Madison

Experience: Partner;Public Management Partners,LLP;DePere,WI;2001-Present
Interim Administrator/Clerk;Suamico, WI(Pop. 10,600);1999-2001
Village Coordinator(Administrator);Sherwood,WI(Pop. 2,400);1996-1999
Recycling Manager;Winnebago County Solid Waste;Oshkosh,WI;1993-1996


Stephen McNeil
Winneconne WI

Education: BA-Political Science;Holy Cross College;Worcestor,MA;1968
Your Town,Preserving Rural America;National Endowment for the Arts-National Historic Preservation
Trust;Syracuse University;1997
Various Courses;Orton Foundation;1998-2002

Experience: Village Administrator/Zoning Administrator/Economic Development Director;Winneconne, WI(Pop.
2,500);07/2003-Present
Executive Director;Winneconne Community Development Authority;2004-Present
Village Manager;Enosburg Falls,VT(Pop. 1,400);7/94-2/02


Carlo Pilgrim
Boothbay Harbor ME

Education: MBA;Chaminade University;Honolulu,HI;1985
Finance & Business Management Courses;University of Dallas;Irving,TX;1978-80
BS;East Tennessee State University;Johnson City,TN;1970

Experience: Town Manager;Boothbay Harbor,ME(Pop. 1,400);2001-2007
Town Manager;Boothbay,ME(Pop. 3,300);1993-2000
Town Manager;Newport,ME(Pop. 3,300);1987-1992

When friends June Nirschl and Judy Roy sit down with a cup of tea one thing is certain: their most recently penned poems will be on the table between them. Accomplished poets whose work has appeared in a number of Wisconsin publications, the two friends have recently self-published their second volume of poetry entitled “Two Off Q: a conversation in poetry.”
Charming in its celebration of special moments, the selection of poems was truly a labor of love. “A poem eats at you; something happens that you just have to put into poetry,” said Roy. “It echoes around your heart.”
Following the publication of their first book of poems, “Slightly Off Q” published in 2004 with fellow poet Nancy Rafal, Nirschl and Roy found they had more to put into words. Working individually and in styles all their own, the two found their poems naturally complimented each other. “We looked at the poems we had written and they naturally fell into categories, including Whimsy, Whispers from the Past, Among Those We’ve loved, and Presence. And they really do read as a conversation between us. It was Judy’s idea; as she has said our ‘voices’ work well together.”
Unlike prose which has more of a universal appeal, the two friends acknowledge that poetry proves more of a challenge. “Poetry really needs to be read out loud,” suggested Roy. “There is a special quality to each word a poet employs to create specific images. Another suggestion is to read the poems individually. Don’t read the poems back-to-back. Take time to absorb the story in each poem.
“Poems are like chocolates. You can’t eat too many all at once.” Added Nirschl, “Poems read silently should take the same amount of time as reading them aloud; don’t’ read them any more quickly.”
Members of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets, the women also belong to the local Wallace Poets Group. The eight members critique each other’s work and actively promote the art of poetry. They regularly present poetry readings.
Whether writing of the sweetness of grandchildren, long lost friends, the affects of growing older, or triumphant moments, June Nirschl and Judy Roy are masters of the word and the grace of their writing echoes in Voltaire’s quote, “Poetry is the music of the soul, and , above all, of great and feeling souls.”
I’m Patti Podgers for DoorCountyDailyNews.com.

June Nirschl and Judy Roy poetry readings:
June 24, The Meadows at Scandia, Sister Bay, 2 pm
June 26, Peninsula Bookman, Fish Creek, 7 pm
July 13, Blue Horse Café, Fish Creek, 2 pm
July 31, Neville Museum, Green Bay, 7 pm
August 2, The Bridge, Egg Harbor, 5:30 pm

“Two Off Q: a conversation in poetry” is available:
Through the authors, in local bookstores, The Clearing, and The Ridges.

Traffic passing along County Highway C early Monday morning saw an unusual sight on their commute to work. A six-point buck in full velvet was running circles as fast as it possibly could for over an hour before the Department of Natural Resources responded to the call and put the animal to rest.
It looked like a dog chasing its tail in the middle of a cornfield on the north side of the road on County Highway C, 100 feet shy of Highway M. At least fifty vehicles slowed to catch a glimpse of the deer that was acting extremely bizarre. The buck was no more than 10 feet off the highway at any given time. On a few different occasions the animal crossed onto the road.
A group of men that stopped to watch the odd behavior were sharing what they though was wrong with the animal. Some said it was probably hit by a car, others said chronic wasting disease and one man said the deer had a brain worm. Believe it or not, the third man was the closest.
Northern Door County Conservation Warden Mike Neal said that by the way it responded to noise it was able to hear but could not see. The deer, according to Neal was blind.
(Audio Here)
Neal said he has seen a deer act like this on a number of different occasions. Neal is confident that the animal was suffering from what is called cranial abscess. As the antlers develop, a small fracture in the skull occurs. Bacteria will gain access into the animal’s brain and cause an infection. Neal said the infection leads to a loss of all cognitive functions and the animal must be put down.
The state had a chronic wasting disease scare over three years ago in the southwest region of the state. The crazy behavior that the buck was exhibiting scared a number of commuters into believing this may be a case of the disease.
(Audio Here)
Neal is taking every precaution with this case. He removed the head off the animal and is sending it to the state DNR laboratories for testing. The lab will check for such illnesses as CWD and tuberculosis. The tests should be complete in two to three weeks and Neal said he would share the test results with the radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com when confirmed.
The conservation warden said if you see a deer acting in a similar way, you should call the DNR or the sheriff's department to put the animal out of its misery and eliminate the threat the animal poses to traffic. This can happen at any time of year, in any location and to any size of deer.
There has never been a case of Chronic Wasting Disease detected in a deer in Door or Kewaunee Counties. The closest occurrence took place in Sauk County.

A unique opportunity to tour some of Door County's finest artisans studios will be available this Friday. The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts in downtown Ephraim announced the schedule for its 2008 Art Studio Tours. Friday, June 27 from 4 to 9 p.m. will be the seasons fist tour. Enjoy a guided trolley tour with a behind the scenes visit to the studios of some of Door County's finest working artisans, many of which are nestled off the county's main traveled roads. Executive Director of the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts Jan Comstock said the guided art studio tour is a truly unique Door County experience.
(Audio Here)
The first tour will take participants to the studios of nationally recognized artists Keith and Deanna Clayton, Jim Ingwersen, and Charles "Chick" Peterson. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the artists while enjoying a private demonstration, refreshments and dinner at a Sister Bay fine dining establishment. Comstock said this Friday's event will be informative, entertaining and a lot of fun.
(Audio Here)
The FHCA's Art Studio Tour began in 2001 as a weekly open studio series to offer visitors and residents alike a glimpse behind-the-scenes into the creative processes of the many professional artists working in the Door Peninsula. In the seven years since it's inception, it has grown in popularity and continues to be a favorite among visitors.
Reservations are now being accepted for the three tours, scheduled for Fri., June 27, Fri., August 29 and Fri., September 26. The narrated trolley tour runs from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. The ticket price per person is $75 (plus tax) and includes transportation by Door County Trolley, hors d'oeuvres, a cocktail, dinner (a choice of three entrees), dessert, and gratuity. Pickup times and location will be given at the time reservations are made.
Don't miss this opportunity to participate in the popular Art Studio Tour, enjoy the creative company and workspaces of Door County artists, and discover why and how Door County has become a haven for visual artists. For more information about the Art Studio Tour and to make reservations, call (920) 854-2210, send e-mail to info@thehardy.org or visit www.thehardy.org .

Less than three weeks into his new position as Peninsula Players’ managing director, Brian Kelsey is off and running.  And as the Players open their 73rd season with Kelsey at the helm, spirits are high and hopeful for a successful run.  “It’s initiation by fire; everything is happening so fast,” Kelsey smiled.  “The days are long right now.  I think I actually took a few minutes to just stand and look at the water for 30 seconds.  But the position offers new challenges and I am ready.”
     As Kelsey steps into his new role at the Players, he is supported by a solid cast and crew.  “Our board under President Ted Laitner’s leadership is incredible.  They empower all of us to do our jobs.  And the staff is like a family; they’ve been together for years and know each other really well.  They have been welcoming and helpful.  Each of us knows what our job is, but we also work as a team.  I am reminded of this year’s Tony Award winning director who said something like ‘you accepted me into the family when you didn’t need to,’” Kelsey recalled.  “That’s exactly the way I felt.”
     The Peninsula Players 2008 schedule is something of a rebirth season, according to the managing director.  Featuring a selection of four comedies—from the classic to the romantic—the season’s concluding play takes a dangerous turn with a first ever Sherlock Holmes.  “And who better than Greg Vinkler (artistic director) to play Holmes,” said Kelsey.  “There is a real connection between the Players and Sherlock Holmes.  Founder Caroline Fisher was actually married to actor Basil Rathbone who was the first actor to play Holmes.”
     This season the Players is hosting a variety of activities to provide patrons with an up close and personal experience.  Beginning June 22, eight Sunday “behind the scenes” tours will introduce patrons to the backside of the Players.  Saturday Afterglows, featuring the Luna Bar, a bonfire, and a meet & greet cast and crew, will be open to play patrons.  Post show talks will provide for a discussion of the plays, highlighting the creation of each production.
     Honoring the tradition and history of the Players and the Town of Gibraltar’s Sesquicentennial, the company will present scenes from their first production “Hay Fever” on Monday, July 28.  First performed in July 25, 1935, the Noel Coward play set the standard for future productions.  The public is invited to bring a blanket and find a place on the grass in the Fish Creek Park--the original site of the first Peninsula Players Theatre—for this special presentation.
     Peninsula Players has received a second National Endowment for the Arts grant to support The Big Read.  The 2009 selection is Mark Twain’s classic “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”  A complete The Big Read schedule of events will be available later in the year.
     With an eye to the future, Kelsey is enthusiastic and energized by his new position.  “Theatre exists to challenge, and that is and continues to be, our goal at the Players.  I am very excited to be part of this company and look forward to wonderful things.” 
     The new and improved Peninsula Players theatre is in its third season.  Although some patrons recall the old theatre with a nostalgic nod to the past, more times than not Kelsey says “it is a love/hate relationship.  Some patrons purchased the old deck chairs to burn them, others to save them.”  In support of the Players patrons can purchase a seat for $2,500.  All contributions benefit the Players capital campaign.
     For a complete Peninsula Players performance schedule and calendar of special events call the box office at 920.868.3287 or visit www.peninsulaplayers.com.

The Brussels, Union Gardner Fie Department made an amazing save during a barn fire on Cemetery Road in Brussels late Saturday afternoon. A fire started at the Mark and Chris Rockendorf farm around 1:30 p.m. and first responders, fire trucks and pumpers were on the scene minutes later. The close proximity of the fire department and the barn fire allowed for a rescue that B.U.G. Fire Chief Kurt Vandertie called excellent work.
On the way to the blaze, Vandertie called for mutual aid and firefighters and fire trucks from as far away as Algoma, Luxemburg and Sturgeon Bay were there within ten minutes. Vandertie said the mutual aid response was second to none.
(Audio Here)
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The barn is "L" shaped and heavy smoke was billowing from the structure upon arrival of the first crew. Knowing that it was a working dairy farm, the fire chief knew that by calling in mutual aid immediately, they had a better chance at saving the operation.
(Audio Here)
Southern Door Fire, Red Cross, and WPS were also at the scene. The Rockendorf farm did suffer damage, but their relatives own a farm right down the road and the animals will be able to be stored and milked on that property while Mark and Chris sift through their options.

Starting today, the City of Sturgeon Bay Street Department will be doing road reconstruction on 14th Avenue near the Egg Harbor Road intersection. Public Work Works Superintendant Jerry DeMarb said there will be no through traffic allowed. The Senior Center driveway will be accessible from Georgia Street and Michigan Street.

Also today, both leaves of the new Maple to Oregon Street Bridge will be down during working hours. From tomorrow to Tuesday, July 15, one leaf will be in the opened position at 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM if there is a demand for it. Additionally, one leaf of the bridge will be open every evening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

If you are a commercial vessel and need both up please call ahead at (920) 858-3570 during working hours.
Great care should be taken when passing the bridge as the work barges and tugs will continue to occupy the area during the coming months.
Please let them know you are coming via channel 16.

Eighth Congressional District Representative Steve Kagen continues to speak out against manipulation of oil prices and called for passage of legislation that would rein in harmful oil speculation. Kagen joined Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI) and other members of Congress in support of legislation that would curb excessive speculation in the energy markets. Speculation has been identified as a key factor that is driving up the price of gas.
“I am working hard to bring about the changes we need, like helping everyone in Wisconsin who is struggling to pay for the gas and energy required to stay in business and stay alive, said Kagen. “The cost per barrel for crude oil has more than doubled from a year ago, while this week we are forced to pay close to $4.00 per gallon, even though our U.S. oil companies post record profits and had so much oil that in January they exported 335,000 barrels of diesel per day to Mexico and Europe.” Congressman Steve Kagen discussed his disappointment with oil companies.
(Audio Here)
Kagen cited recent Congressional testimony by a former commodities trader Michael Masters where he stated that investors seeking to protect themselves from the falling dollar have invested in oil and other commodities without actually taking possession of the oil and creating artificial demand. This is driving the price of oil up and making it more expensive for gas stations to purchase the gas you put in your tank. The Congressional representative is fed up with the high gas prices.
(Audio Here)
“The evidence reveals we have adequate supplies of oil. While demand is going down the price at the pump is going up. We need to take action,” said Kagen.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will hold a special closed session meeting on Monday to choose the finalists for the open city administrator position. The council met last week and chose 11 semi-finalists out of the 48 applicants. Public Administration Associates co-owner Bill Frueh says investigation or research on those 11 is being done right now. That information will be presented to the council on Monday. The hope is that the city council will choose 4 final candidates after reviewing that information on Monday.
(Audio Here)
Frueh says Public Administration Associates has reviewed the applicants and passed on their opinions to the council.
(Audio Here)
Sturgeon Bay's next city administrator should be chosen by the end of July says Frueh, but probably will not be in place until September.

Door County residents are showing more interest in sustainability than ever before. Local sustainability fairs have been well attended and more area residents are taking place in other state and national events. This week, the 2008 Foth Conference on Sustainability: Balancing People, Planet and Profit was held in Appleton.
The conference provided small business owners and managers the opportunity to learn about sustainable business practices, hear practical examples of what can be done within a business and leave with the ability to begin exploring their own goals and initiatives. Owner of Perry's Cherry Diner in Sturgeon Bay Perry Andropolis recently visited a similar convention with a major focus on hydrogen vehicles on the West coast. He said the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Conference is another great opportunity for people concerned about our environment to bring great ideas back to the county.
(Audio Here)
The 2008 Foth Conference on Sustainability featured Sarah James and Torbjorn Lahti, award-winning authors of The Natural Step for Communities, and Bob Willard, author of The Sustainability Advantage. Door County Economic Development Corporation Economic Development Manager Sam Perlman said this was a great conference.
(Audio Here)
The conference was tailored to chief elected officials, board members and department heads of local and regional units of government, and senior executives, directors and business leaders with responsibility for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives or related programs within organizations of any size.
More informationis available at: http://foth.com/resources/fothconferenceonsustainability.pdf

Andrew L. Hohl of Green Bay was the 22 year old man found in the water off Indian Point Road on Washington Island Wednesday. This was the second drowning fatality in two days. The call was reported to the Door County Communication Center at about 8:30 Wednesday night. Door County Sheriffs Department Chief Deputy Gary Behling said Hohl had been missing since June 11. According to Behling, Hohl had left the Ellison Bay area in a canoe with a musical instrument, bicycle and a backpack. As of Friday, none of the items had been recovered says Behling.

The summer season affords more volunteer opportunities to people living and visiting on the Door Peninsula. From arts and entertainment to physical fitness events, Door County is the place to be this summer. Not all of these great events could happen however, without the help and determination of volunteers. Volunteer Center of Door County administrative assistant Holly Feldman says this is a great time of year to lend a helping hand.
(Audio Here)
There is an immediate need in counties throughout Wisconsin for volunteering individuals or teams to assist in cleanup and restoration in flood zones in the southern part of the state.
Locally, the Door County Triathlon is fast approaching and volunteers are needed in all aspects of the event, according to Feldman.
(Audio Here)
Volunteers helping at the triathlon will receive a free t-shirt, a free meal, and lots of smiles, said Feldman. Other needs in Door County currently include someone interested in narrating a tugboat tour. This opportunity begins in mid-July. Help is also needed in the visual and performing arts field and food distribution to low income families.
If you are interested in learning about more volunteer opportunities or have a need for volunteers, contact Chris Henkel at (920)746-7704 or volunteercenter@doorcounty.com. Visit them at http://www.volunteerdoorcounty.com to view or post volunteer opportunities.

Democratic candidate for State Assembly District 1 Chris Baeb continues to build momentum. The seat is now held by Republican Garey Bies and that his primary opponent is Dick Skare. He has received his fourth labor union endorsement in the past month. The Kewaunee Boilermakers recently announced their support for Baeb. "We believe Christopher is the strongest candidate for the middle class," says Rosendo Castro president of local 487.
Unions do not typically endorse candidates in a primary race. Baeb said he is hearing from numerous labor unions that they are ready to stand behind the candidate they best feel represents their needs and concerns.
(Audio Here)
Being a labor union member, Baeb feels he truly does have the blue-collar worker's best interests in mind. The employees at Kewaunee Fabrications, which employs over 280 heavy fabrication specialists, are currently on strike because of wages and benefits.
Baeb would like to see a compromise and have the employees back to work as soon as possible. "This is a great example of labor taking a hard stance for what they believe in. Multibillion dollar companies cannot continue to look for profits on the backs of the middle class employees," said Baeb. The State Assembly candidate feels that things are falling into place for his campaign.
(Audio Here)
Christopher received the endorsement from the United Steel Workers, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers of Door County, and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters on May 26. The latest endorsement was extremely meaningful to Baeb because of their current labor dispute. This is the fourth union endorsement the Luxemburg native has received in one month’s time.