For an organization that has to flip pancakes and sling drinks for much of its funds, last week’s passage of the omnibus spending package was a sigh of relief for the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department. Included in the $1.7 trillion Omnibus Appropriations Act passed last week by Congress was $900,000 towards a new fire truck for the department. The new pumper tanker will replace its current one, which has served the community for over 20 years. The purchase would have to happen sooner rather than later, but Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief says the federal funds will allow the communities to hit the reset button regarding budgeting for other department needs.

Also receiving funds from the passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Act was the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society, which received $3.3 million in federal funds to continue their efforts converting the former Teweles and Brandeis grain elevator into an agricultural museum and civic center.