By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 18, 2008
The Door County YMCA in Sturgeon Bay held a dedication ceremony for the youth sports complex this afternoon. Named after his grandfather, Nick Greisen donated $12,000 to the YMCA to build a multi-purpose sports complex and track. The Stanford E. Kramer Memorial Youth Sports Complex and Recreational Track was filled with 75 youth and adults to break in the new facility today. YMCA Executive Director Dan Powell described the day’s events.
(Audio Here)
Nick Greisen, his parents, grandmother brother Chris and other family and friends were all at the dedication. The ribbon cutting was unique. Instead of a big pair of scissors, kids ran through the ribbon on the track symbolizing what the new facility will provide for the community.
Nick is a middle linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens and his brother Chris plays quarterback for the Georgia Force in the Arena Football League. Both boys said their grandpa helped mold them into who they are today.
(Audio Here)
All of the 75 people in attendance took a symbolic lap around the track. The kids enjoyed an autograph session with the professional football players and a cake and lemonade social followed the dedication. A beautiful plaque is in place in front of the track.
YMCA kids constructed a giant thank you sign that was staked in the infield as well.
Greisen said it feels great to give back to the community that has given so much to him over the years.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 18, 2008
Traffic traveling north and south on Highway 42/57 will be a little more complicated for the next two weeks near the Door/Kewaunee County line. Until August 1, traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions from approximately one-half mile north and south of the Macco Road intersection in Kewaunee County. In addition, traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions from approximately one-half mile south of Cloverleaf Road to one-half mile north of WIS 42/County MM. Macco Road and Cloverleaf Road crossing will be completely closed during construction, while Stone Road and WIS 42/County MM will remain open. Traffic will be restored to four lanes starting next weekend. However, traffic this weekend will have to merge into the single lane in these two areas along highway 42/57. Traffic may back up at times and law enforcement asks that you please slow your speed when approaching the construction project. The area is clearly marked and you will know in advance that a lane merge is ahead.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 18, 2008
The Wisconsin Singers make an annual appearance at the Southern Door High School Auditorium to help raise funds for the University of Wisconsin Alumni Club of Door County. The traveling group is high energy, extremely professional and is made up of some of the most talented young singers, dancers and musicians the state has to offer.
Sturgeon Bay graduate and class of 2007 salutatorian Kendra Schmitt auditioned to play alto saxophone for the Wisconsin Singers and was selected as their newest member. Schmitt said she was thrilled with the news that she was accepted as the Wisconsin Singers only alto saxophone player.
(Audio Here)
Schmitt won the John Phillip Susa award as a senior in the Sturgeon Bay High School band. As a sophomore, she also received the band director’s award. She took a year off playing the instrument last year as a freshman. She was persuaded to get back into it this summer and realized she missed playing. Kendra is thrilled to be apart of this gifted group of musicians.
(Audio Here)
Schmitt has a retreat this weekend and there is a two-week music boot camp before the school year. Being a Wisconsin Singer is a major time commitment. She will have the opportunity to travel around the state performing at some of Wisconsin's premier music venues. She is especially excited about performing for a Door County audience at the annual University of Wisconsin Alumni Club performance sometime in April.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 18, 2008
Some state assistance will get more Sturgeon Bay kids walking and biking to school. Sturgeon Bay recently received nearly $200,000 for Safe Routes To School funding. Local
residents and city workers collected data regarding paths to and
from schools at the end of 2007 and earlier this year.
Municipalities wishing to receive funding had to submit grant
applications in March and word Sturgeon Bay was chosen to receive
the assistance took place last week. In a letter from Governor Jim
Doyle, he said these Safe Routes To School projects will help
improve safety and encourage children to walk and bike to school.
Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak.
(Audio Here)Olejniczak says specifics on the project are currently being organized. He says the original proposal asked for nearly $300,000. Some things will need to be eliminated from that plan for now and Olejniczak says they must figure out which components will be funded by the state. Olejniczak is pleased to have received this assistance.
(Audio Here)
Olejniczak says this program was designed to get kids to school safely using means other than bus or vehicle. It is not yet clear when or where these plans will be implemented but Olejniczak expects improvements to take place at various schools in Sturgeon Bay.
Sturgeon Bay's Safe Routes To School Task Force will meet on Tuesday at 4:00PM in the City Hall Community Room.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 18, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded $17,335 to the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department for operations and safety needs. Fire Chief Tim Herlache plans to purchase hoses, water tanks and a water gun. Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. made the announcement and was full of compliments for the accomplished fire chief.
(Audio Here)
Herlache and Kalin Montevideo wrote and applied for the Homeland Security grant. This is the fifth year in a row they have received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the amount desired. The previous amounts Sturgeon Bay Fire received were $65,000, $75,000 $48,000 and $28,000.
Herlache said, "The Sturgeon Bay Fire Department is extremely pleased that we were awarded this grant for much needed equipment. It certainly will help us protect our community.”
(Audio Here)
The Sturgeon Bay Fire Department has approximately 13 full time and 18 part time firefighters. “Our firefighters keep us safe each and everyday and we are working hard to get them the best resources possible,” said Congressman Kagen. “This grant will allow them to purchase necessary equipment to continue to keep us safe.”
Since 2001, Assistance to Firefighters Grants have helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
This Assistance to Firefighters Grant is 95% funded by the Department of Homeland Security. Herlache said the city will only need to foot the bill on 5% of the overall purchase price for this "essential" equipment.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 17, 2008
There was a major hit
to Door County's cherry crop this year but Seaquist Orchards owner
Dale Seaquist says there should be some for local residents. Last
season's drought and long
hard winter were reasons for the loss. Seaquist says the sweet
cherries were pretty much a complete loss but some tart cherries are
almost ripe for picking.
(Audio Here)
Seaquist says their orchards have some cherries but he does not
expect it to be a very profitable year. He says the quality of the
cherries should be fine, it's the quantity that has been affected.
(Audio Here)
Seaquist says almost all of Door
County's sweet cherries were wiped out this year and his
orchard will harvest mainly tart Montmorency. The surviving cherries
will likely be ripe in a couple weeks, assuming the weather
cooperates.
(Audio Here)
A normal cherry harvest usually lasts about three weeks but that
will not be the case this year. Seaquist expects this year's crop to
be harvested in about a week but says that can be broken up over a
short period of time. He says they will probably harvest for a day
or two, take a day off, then harvest again. With the limited number
of cherries, Seaquist does not expect the locally grown harvest to
stick around for very long. There will be no exporting of Door
County cherries this year, but some local residents will be lucky
enough to enjoy the harvest if they act fast.
By Matt Mleziva DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 17, 2008
The 91st annual Kewaunee County Fair will start today at the fairgrounds in Luxemburg. The "Big K" features exhibits, music, food, carnival rides and national act concerts. This weekend the free midway stage will include Sonny Geraci and "The Outsiders", "Cherry Pie", and national recording artists "Little Texas". Kewaunee County Fair Association Secretary Al Hoppe talks about the new midway stage.
(Audio Here)
The Grandstand entertainment includes a state wide draft horse pull, a tractor pull, demolition derby and the 4th annual Kewaunee County Star Search. Al explains the importance of the Fair.
(Audio Here)
The "Big K" is expected to draw over 15,000 visitors from Northeast Wisconsin and surrounding areas.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 17, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay High School track is now off limits to rollerblading. This decision was made last night in the high school library at the monthly board of education meeting. The track had a seal coat and new paint job applied at the end of June. The company, who performed the work, advised the district not to allow rollerblading on the track. They said that rollerblades will ruin the seal coat and paint in just a few years. A motion to ban rollerblading on the track passed. Superintendent Joe Stutting said this was not an easy decision for the board.
(Audio Here)
Stutting was pleased to report that the negotiation committee reached a tentative agreement with the teacher associate union on June 23, 2008. The union ratified the contract on July 8, 2008. The new three-year contract will include a 3% raise each year. Each teacher associate, who takes the insurance, would receive an HRA. Stutting called the insurance a more consumer driven product.
The goals developed from the strategic plan process last school year were revised and passed by the board as well. The goals include technological upgrades and setting higher standards in the classroom.
Stutting also said the board decided to enact a stricter dress code on the length of skirts girls are allowed to wear to school. The Superintendent said this will eliminate distraction in the classroom.
(Audio Here)
Finally, the cost of school breakfast and lunch also increased after the board voted unanimously to raise the cost of breakfast by $.25 and $.10 for school lunch.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 17, 2008
Crescent Beach in Kewaunee County is closed for the second straight day because of heightened levels of e. coli present on the beach and in the water surrounding the public property. Results from beach testing showed 1732.9 cfu (colony forming units) of e.coli present in 100ml of water. Any results higher than 1000 cfu/100ml closes a beach. Swimming at a beach that is closed due to heightened levels of e.coli means there is a serious risk you could become ill.
When results come in exceeding 235 cfu/100ml, a beach advisory is issued. The levels tested at Crescent Beach in Algoma far exceeded that level. While the levels are high, it does not compare to results registered at the City of Kewaunee Beach on nearly the same date last year. Beach testing on the 15th of the month showed 2419.6 cfu of e.coli present in 100ml of water in that location.
The Division of Disease Control and Prevention in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the beach closure. To keep up with the latest beach closings and advisories visit www.wibeaches.us.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 16, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay Common Council unanimously passed every major agenda item at last night's meeting. Following routine business, the council talked about the traffic impact analysis for the proposed Walmart Supercenter. This issue was discussed at the last
meeting and at that time council member Ben Meyer suggested verbiage
be added regarding a pedestrian analysis as well. City Engineer Tony
Depies talked about the traffic analysis at yesterday's meeting.(Audio Here)
The council voted in favor of that motion yesterday.
Asbestos will have to be removed from the Peterson Pool Building before it is razed. After an inspection, it was determined there are two areas where asbestos was discovered says Depies.
(Audio Here)
$50,000 has been allocated to the razing of the Peterson Pool Building. Even with this additional fee, the total price of this project is roughly $35,000. Depies says razing should take place in about three weeks.
The council voted in favor of allocating up to $5,000 for the celebration of the Maple to Oregon Bridge. The initial motion indicated that the county and state donate similar amounts. After contacting the state, council member Jim Michaud said that is not a possibility. Michaud says the state does not give out donations for celebrations. The amendment to the original motion changed the language to eliminate a requirement from the county and state and instead encourage a donation. The council voted in favor of allocating the $5,000 donation to the celebration. A committee has been formed to organize that event. That committee will meet next Wednesday to discuss further details. The next Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be Tuesday, August 5.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 15, 2008
Door and Kewaunee Counties along with eight other lakeshore counties in the state have fallen under an air quality watch. The advisory is expected to last through the middle of the week. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources listed the ten counties at an orange level. The warnings that go along with this watch include keeping unhealthy or older people, those with respiratory diseases and active adults and children indoors.
The DNR cites ground-level ozone stemming from pollution from vehicles, power plants, factories and organic compounds as the source. When these pollutants chemically react with heat and humidity, it creates potentially dangerous surroundings for the aforementioned groups of people.
The unhealthy levels of ozone can aggravate asthma, reduce your lung capacity and functionality and affect various chronic lung diseases. The DNR said extended exposure could result in permanent lung damage. They are advising all members of the public to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, reduce driving, minimize outdoor wood fires and conserve electricity.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 15, 2008
The July meeting for the Sturgeon Bay School Board is filled with critical decisions that will affect the pocketbooks of parents, the ability to use the schools facility for exercise and the five-year goals of the district. July is usually time for the Sturgeon Bay School Board to breeze through a routine meeting. Instead, a number of issues that will affect the majority of the school population will be on the table tomorrow night at 7:00 in the high school library.
Superintendent Joe Stutting said the board will need to make a number of hard decisions. The first will be the potential raise in cost for school breakfast and lunch. Food Service Director Sandy Andre is proposing a $.25 increase in breakfast and a $.10 raise for school lunch.
(Audio Here)
The high school received a grant to resurface the track. The project was completed two weeks ago and it is already showing signs of wear. Stutting said it was an expensive project and in order to preserve the sealant for more than two years, the district may need to ban rollerblading on the track.
(Audio Here)
The board will also address the tentative agreement with the teacher associate union. The term would approve three-year contract extensions. Board members will also discuss the sale of a school bus, approval of a creative arts alliance board and an agreement with the YMCA for facility sharing.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 15, 2008
Saturday on Washington Island, a record number of concerned citizens attended a listening session hosted by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold. Feingold has held 1,038 listening sessions across the state of Wisconsin since he was first elected in 1992. This was the most well attended session of any Feingold held in his sixteen years of public service. Over 200 people packed the Washington Island Community Center that went fifteen minutes over the allotted time.
Washington Island Town Chair Tim Jessen said there were more questions asked than the Senator was accustomed to and he took the extra time to address a number of various issues.
(Audio Here)
Feingold was straightforward with his opinions on a number of hot topics facing Wisconsin citizens, according to Jessen. He said the real purpose of the visit dealt with the dredging of the Detroit Island West Channel. The ferry channel between Washington Island and Gills Rock is the lifeblood of the island, the town chair said.
(Audio Here)
Jessen, members of the Washington Island Ferry Line, Steve Kagen and a few other local politicians will meet with Feingold next month to further discuss the future of the Detroit Island West Channel. Tim Jessen said the listening session was a major success and he believes a great deal of good will come from Saturday’s event.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 15, 2008
Temperatures have been fluctuating between the mid 50's up to the mid 80's over the past two weeks and tire pressures can alter in this transitional period of summer. That is why Service Advisor at Witt Peninsula Ford Lincoln Mercury Jason Maccoux said it is a good time to stop in and have your tires inspected. Proper tire inflation, tire wear, balance, and front end alignment are all things that Witt Ford does during tune-ups and if anyone is concerned with their tire life Maccoux encourages them to have the highly trained staff take a look at your vehicle. Making sure all of these things are taken care of can make a noticeable difference in your fuel economy as well. Maccoux talked about what proper alignment means to a vehicle.
(Audio Here)
Maccoux stresses the importance of changing your oil every 3,000 miles to keep the engine running smoothly for a long time. Every other oil change is a good time to replace the filters. Besides oil changes, a regular tune up will also help keep your vehicle performing at a high level. (
Audio Here)
The price of unleaded gasoline has skyrocketed near the $4.10 per gallon mark and that has everyone talking about ways to preserve fuel. These simple things will help your gas mileage. Maccoux said if you have any questions regarding vehicle maintenance or fuel efficiency, stop in and feel free to ask.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 15, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will talk about Walmart traffic impacts, asbestos at the Peterson Pool and the Maple to Oregon Bridge celebration at tonight's meeting. The traffic
impact
analysis is a requirement for Walmart if they intend on moving
forward with their plans to expand. Walmart must apply for a
conditional use permit as well as rezoning and that can only be done
once the proper impact analyses are complete. Also tonight, the council will talk about asbestos removal from the Peterson Pool. An inspection of the building determined that asbestos was used in two areas and must be removed prior to demolition. The price of the asbestos removal is nearly $3,000 and the project would be carried out by AAA Asbestos in Sturgeon Bay.
Sturgeon Bay may see another ward created soon. Due to the recent annexation of Duluth Avenue, a ward 26 must be created to accommodate the different ballot style and legal description for election purposes.
Finally, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council will talk about allocating $5,000 from the contingency fund for the city celebration of the Oregon to Maple Street Bridge, provided the county and state donate similar amounts. The donation recommendation is from the Finance Purchasing and Building Committee. However, the Park & Recreation Committee suggests the celebration include recognition of the Department of Transportation, Coast Guard, Army Corps. of Engineers, Park and Rec. Board & Committee as well as current and past council members. This celebration will require sponsorship from the city, county and state according to committee member Christie Weber. The city would provide use of parks on both sides of the bridge, garbage cans, clean up, bleachers, and if possible, a stage for entertainment and speakers. The council will vote on the $5,000 donation from the city. Tonight's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be at 8:00PM in the City Hall Council Chambers.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 14, 2008
Lieutenant Governor and Door County resident Barbara Lawton challenges Wisconsinites, to use the Carbon Credit program. This program can help people save and even make
money while conserving energy she adds. This week, Lawton will be
meeting with leaders from the Farmers Union. She says farmers stand
on the front line to drive that change with an innovative program
that makes it possible for them to recast the challenge of global
climate change as an opportunity to make their farms more
profitable.(Audio Here)
Other businesses that enroll agree to a cap on their green house gas emissions and they agree to reduce emissions every year says Lawton.
(Audio Here)
Lawton says it is a voluntary program but once contracts are signed, they are legally binding on all parties. To date, the Farmers Union has sold more than $7.5 million in carbon credits nationwide and over 3.5 million acres have been enrolled in the Farmers Union carbon credit program.
(Audio Here)
Lawton says the Farmers Union offers Wisconsin farmers a way to see their share of the growing green economy in a way that will leave a proud legacy and healthy land through their heirs. For more info phone 800-272-5531 or visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 14, 2008
'Tis
the season for dame's rocket and this invasive currently sits atop
the list of most wanted for the Door County Invasive Species team.
Dame's rocket is an invasive species that, once established, will
take over and make it impossible for new plants to grow. Coordinator
Bob Bultman says dame's rocket is pink, white or purple. (Audio Here)
Like garlic mustard, dame's rocket should be pulled before it goes to seed. Bultman says that will happen soon, so now would be a great time to eradicate both dame's rocket and garlic mustard.
(Audio Here)Bultman says hitchhiker hounds tongue is another invasive specie that will wreak havoc soon. This invasive forms a burr that sticks to fur and clothing. It is then dispersed to other areas to grow there too.
(Audio Here)
Bultman says those are the top invasives to fight right now. He says it is important to pay attention to when these plants are going to seed before getting rid of them. Pulling invasives at the wrong time means while you eliminate one plant, the seeds that fall could result in many, many plants that will take its place.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 14, 2008
Back for another season, A Cabin With A View is on the American Folklore Theatre stage. A Cabin With A View is an original production written by Dave Hudson and Paul Libmann
and was new to AFT last year. Managing Director Kaye Christman talks
about A Cabin With A View. (Audio Here)
Christman says this is a great show complete with wonderful music and humor.
(Audio Here)
A Cabin With A View hits the American Folklore Theatre stage every Thursday at 8:00PM and on Saturdays at 8:30PM. General admission tickets are $16 for adults, $7.50 for teens, and $4.50 for kids 12 and under. Children under 3 are free. A Cabin With A View will run through August.
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 14, 2008
The Door County Environmental Council will talk about if and how wetlands can solve septic problems on Wednesday. This will be the first of DCEC's summer seminar series. Executive director Jerry Viste talks about the keynote speaker.
(Audio Here)
Viste says this system handles all the sewage for the school. A created wetland is where the wastewater goes up instead of going down into the ground water. You can learn more about wetlands at the Door County Environmental Council summer seminar on Wednesday at 7:00PM at Crossroads at Big Creek. Click for more information!
By Karyn Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 14, 2008
As the space between residential and wildlife areas get smaller and smaller, the chances of having unwanted and dangerous visitors on your property is greater. Door County Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha says it is not uncommon to see wild animals making a home in a residential area. This can be a nuisance for many.
(Audio Here)
Kratcha says landowners can hunt or trap the nuisance animals themselves or get assistance. Those helping to remove the unwanted animals must be licensed and must follow the proper guidelines.
(Audio Here)
Kratcha says homeowners can attempt to trap the animals themselves. He says there are a couple different methods. More information can be found online. Kratcha says to use caution around these nuisance animals. Some may become domesticated and are no longer afraid of humans. Kratcha says that can be a dangerous situation, so proceed with caution.
For more information phone the USDA Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at (800) 433-0663
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 14, 2008
Beginning today, weather permitting; The City of Sturgeon Bay Street Department and the Door County Highway Department will be paving North 14th Avenue from just south of the Egg Harbor Road intersection through the Georgia Street intersection.
While the pavement is being put down and until the barricades are moved, no traffic will be allowed on the street. Sturgeon Bay Public Works Superintendent Jerry DeMarb said this should be the final pass in a long project.
(Audio Here)
The Door County Senior Center will be made accessible by entering from the east by way of John Miles County Park. The street department will place signs up to make the access to this property easier.
The project was highly anticipated for a number of years, according to DeMarb. He said it will be a relief to have this project finished.
(Audio Here)
If you have any questions or concerns about the street closure on Monday, you may speak to Jerry or Jennifer by contacting the Sturgeon Bay Public Works Department between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM. at (920) 746-2912.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 12, 2008
There are a number of procedures that should be taken before pumping fuel into your boat. Every year boat explosions occur because of carelessness and a lack of information. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member Ray Kostiuk said the procedures are simple, definitely not time consuming, and frankly there are no excuses for not following them. Before pumping your fuel Kostiuk said boaters should take portable tanks off the vessel and fuel them on the dock, close all hatches and other openings, put out all smoking materials, and turn off engines, all electrical equipment, radios, and all other appliances. Kostiuk said passengers should never be on board while fueling and DO NOT SMOKE around fueling areas. He gave one more piece of advice while fueling.
(Audio Here)
After fueling your vessel, Kostiuk said to open all ports, hatches, and doors to ventilate and run the blower for at least five minutes before starting the engine. Check the bilge for fuel vapors before starting the engine, and keep the fire extinguisher at hand before turning the key or pulling the rope. Kostiuk said safety precautions on a boat could mean the difference between life and death.
(Audio Here)
Explosions can happen on any sort of vessel where gasoline is involved. Kostiuk added that all boaters should practice the one-third-rule. One third of fuel should be used for going out, one third for getting back, and one third for reserve.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 16, 2008
The annual Door County Book Sale begins Thursday, July 24 in the lower level of the Door County Library in Sturgeon Bay. Thousands of titles in every genre imaginable will be on sale throughout the three day event. Members of the Friends of Door County Libraries Organization will have an opportunity to get a head start on the general public Thursday night, July 24 from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m.
If you are not currently a "friend," president of the Friends of the Door County Libraries organization Jan Campbell said interested parties can sign up anytime before the event.
(Audio Here)
The books have been made available by donations from the community and by the many library discards. Hard cover book sales will begin at $1.00 each and children’s books starting at $.25. A special feature of this years sale is the addition of an excessive amount of "like new" books for children.
(Audio Here)
Antique, vintage and collectible books will also be available for purchase. A nice selection of original, vintage Postally unused Curt Tike Door County Postcards will be for sale, as well. The sale will be open to the public on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The money raised through this event is used for various technological enhancements and library improvements throughout the Door County network of facilities.