By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 4, 2007
The Door County Department of Community Programs wants to hear from you regarding any aspect of agency administration, programming or their budget Wednesday at a public meeting. Community Programs will hold its first of two meetings Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the County Board Room. The meeting location is on the third floor of the County Government Center at 421 Nebraska Street.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public with an opportunity to offer comment to Department of Community Programs board members. Interim Director of Community Programs Mike Van Dyke said this meeting is required by state statute.
(Audio Here)
The agency provides a comprehensive array of statutorily defined services to Door County residents experiencing challenges in the areas of mental health, alcohol and other drug abuse, mental illness or developmental disabilities. Van Dyke hopes to get community feedback on the programs offered.
(Audio Here)
Van Dyke said that because of the levy caps that the State Legislature has placed on county government, it is a significant issue the Department of Community Programs. As the counties cost increases annually, they have to take a closer look at what programs and services they are able to fund at the county level.
Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to offer comment regarding agency programs or budget may submit their written statements to the Department. The meeting comes a week after the resignation of Director Mark Morrison and the announcement that Community Programs will have another budget deficit of at least $556, 026. That is the same deficit noticed during the 2006 fiscal year.
By Brian Sonnenberg DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 4, 2007
The Door County Board of Supervisors rejected the DNR's proposal to eradicate the Emerald Ash Borer from the area. The proposal mandated tree removal within a 1/2 mile radius around the invasive species. EAB has gripped Door County as a major invasive problem. The bug attacks ash trees, and in the Midwest alone, has killed 14-16 million trees. County Board Chairman Charlie Most says it's difficult to stop, and simply cutting down trees is not the answer.
(Audio Here)
Outside firewood is a common way EAB enters a territory, and Door County banned introducing outside wood to the area. The Land Conservation Committee decided against the proposal, and County Board Supervisors followed the advice. Most says Board Supervisors realized quickly that cutting trees would damage Door County's natural beauty. To find a solution, Most says the Land Conservation Committee and DNR must work together.
(Audio Here)
Personally, Most realizes his property would lose most of its trees. He believes the DNR's proposal would have altered many other properties in Door County as well.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 4, 2007
Former Door County resident Ellen Farrell Baker will be at the Anderson Barn History Center on Wednesday, August 15 at 7:00 pm to discuss her recently published novel, entitled Keeping the House. Passtimes Books of Sister Bay, the host of the event, will also have copies of Baker’s book available for purchase.
Baker worked at the Ephraim Historical Foundation for three summers as well as a full year in 2000 – 2001. She explains that the first seeds of Keeping the House were actually planted while working at the Foundation. She began to write a novel about the story of a family called the Mickelsons who had lost a son in World War I. The novel she was working on at the time never did get published, but many of the characters she developed for that first novel did make their way into “Keeping the House.”
Authors and critics alike are raving about Baker’s first novel. Fannie Flagg, author of Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven, says “Ellen Baker’s first novel is a wonder! I couldn’t have liked it more!” Buffalo News says “Do yourself a major favor at the bookstore this summer: pick up Ellen Baker’s Keeping the House and start reading. Don’t be surprised if you can’t put it down.”
For every book sold, Passtimes Books will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Ephraim Historical Foundation to be used for the preservation and maintenance of the Ephraim Village Museums as well as historical programming.
The Ephraim Historical Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1949. The purposes of the Foundation are to sustain the beauty of Ephraim for the enjoyment of residents, guests, and visitors; preserve and foster preservation of historical monuments, buildings, structures, sites, documents, and relics; and to foster the development of cultural services especially within the Village of Ephraim, but also including the State of Wisconsin.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 4, 2007
With the recent tragedy in Minneapolis, many are wondering about bridge safety both here in Sturgeon Bay and all across Wisconsin. The bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis killed at least five and injured nearly 80 people. Rescuers are still searching for those missing. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has released information about the state's bridges. DOT Bureau of Structures Director Beth Cannestra says 16 bridges similar to the one in Minneapolis were identified and will be inspected again next week. Cannestra says every bridge in the state is inspected at least once every two years, often more.
(Audio Here)
Cannestra says the DOT is very concerned and sensitive to this issue and how it relates to Wisconsin. She says they are very tuned in to information that is coming out of Minnesota regarding characteristics in those structures to key in on.
(Audio Here)
The bridge closest to Sturgeon Bay that is on the list of 16 to be examined is in Brown County on Highway 32/Main Street. That bridge passes over the Fox River.
(Audio Here)
Some bridges in Wisconsin have been categorized as S.D. or Structurally Deficient. According to information released by the DOT, Sturgeon Bay's Michigan Street Bridge has been labeled S.D. as well as F.O. or functionally obsolete.
(Audio Here)
All of the state’s 13,654 bridges are inspected every two years. Cannestra says the state follows federal standards and guidelines for bridge inspections. Cannestra says the DOT does stay on top of their bridge inspections and has the public's safety at the forefront. DoorCounty DailyNews.com did request more information about Sturgeon Bay's bridges, however that data was not available. We will hear more about this from DOT Bureau of Structures Director Beth Cannestra as soon as that information is available.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 3, 2007
Counterfeit money has been circulating throughout Door County recently. Whether you are a business owner or not, everyone is at risk of being a victim. Door County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Investigator Connie Schuster says there many signs that indicate your money could be fake. Making counterfeit money is not too difficult and Schuster encourages you to be on the look out, or you could be the next victim.
(Audio Here)
When banks discover a counterfeit bill, they will turn it in to the Secret Service. In that case, the person who has discovered it loses the face value of the counterfeit money. Schuster says another thing to look for is the watermark on larger bills. She says this can be found by holding the bill up in the light. A watermark will appear next to the portrait. Schuster talks about another way people are trying to pass counterfeit money.
(Audio Here)
Schuster asks both business owners and individuals keep their eyes open. While someone may be in possession of counterfeit bills, it does not mean they were the ones who produced it.
(Audio Here)
If you believe a suspect is attempting to pass counterfeit money, Schuster says to avoid confrontation and contact the Door County Sheriff's Department. At the same time, she says to try to get as much information about that individual as possible. Description of the suspect and vehicle, including license plate number, could be useful information to law enforcement authorities. Producing counterfeit money is a federal offense and Schuster says those found guilty stand to face serious consequences.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 3, 2007
Eight-year-old Tyler R. Reinke has died after a farm accident yesterday. The Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department responded to the call at E4840 Adams Road in the township of West Kewaunee yesterday at about 3:30PM. After investigation by the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department, it was determined that Tyler accidentally fell into a gravity box unloading grain into an elevator. He became submerged in the grain and suffocated. Tyler was transported to Aurora Bay Care in Green Bay and pronounced dead at about 5:00PM.
By Brian Sonnenberg DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 3, 2007
Bill Tishler will hold a book signing tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. at Novel Ideas in Bailey's Harbor. Tishler is a Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture at UW-Madison. He graduated from Gibraltar High School and worked at Peninsula State Park. His interest in the park drove him to write, "Door County's Emerald Treasure, A History of Peninsula State Park." The book uncovers many facts and photos from the park's early years. Tishler talks how his experience with the park led him to write the book.
(Audio Here)
The UW-Madison professor and graduate discovered many interesting facts. The park housed a CCC camp with 22 buildings for young men. Tishler says people created many different proposal for uses of the parks.
(Audio Here)
Tishler will sign copies of his book at Novel Ideas in Bailey's Harbor tomorrow. He enjoys chatting about park history and encourages everyone to experience Peninsula State Park a true gem of Door County.
By Brian Sonnenberg DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 3, 2007
The Door County Humane Society participated in Carlsville Days last weekend to raise money for the organization, and the event marks only one of several throughout the summer. The Door County Humane Society, near the Cherryland Airport in Sturgeon Bay, covers a
huge area. Without the benefit of a central location, the
organization commits to becoming more visible in Northern Door
County. Executive Director of the Door County Humane Society Carrie
Todd says events, like Carlsville Days, consume the organization
throughout the summer. (Audio Here)
The humane society must raise 95% of its annual operating budget each year. Therefore,
getting exposure only helps the cause. Aside from donations, Todd
encourages you to become a member of or volunteer at the shelter. If
you prefer not working with animals, you could volunteer at local
events to show your support for the humane society. Todd says
volunteers are extremely important to the efforts of the Door County
Humane Society.(Audio Here)
On September 8th, the Door County Humane Society will hold "Bark in the Park", a fundraiser for the shelter, and it requires a tremendous volunteer effort. Participants will walk a two-mile course at Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay. The walkers generate pledges before the event to benefit the humane society. You can get more information about the event at www.dooranimals.com.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 2, 2007
Door County will need to adjust to at least a $1 million deficit from the Department of Community Programs after the budget for the 2007 fiscal year is released, according to Door County Finance Director Shirley Skalish. The $1 million plus deficit will be noticed over a two-year period.
Department of Community Programs Director Mark Morrison resigned yesterday. The resignation comes after a 2006 department deficit of $556,026. Skalish said the 2007 fiscal budget is not complete yet, but projections indicate that the Department of Community Programs will again see a deficit of at least $556,026.
Personnel and Human Resources Director James Jetzke confirmed that Mark Morrison resigned yesterday, August 1. However, he would not comment on why the resignation was tendered. Jetzke confirmed that a replacement interim director has been named and Mike Van Dyke will occupy the position for a one-month period.
(Audio Here)
After a brief retirement, the former Door County Social Services Director Mike Van Dyke will once again be a county employee. He can only stand in as interim director for one month because of prior commitments. Jetzke said the position has not been posted yet. As soon as they receive permission from the administrative committee, the county will begin looking for a new Director of Community Programs.
(Audio Here)
The Department of Community Programs will account for over $1 million in budget deficit over a two-year period alone, according to projections for the 2007 fiscal year.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 2, 2007
Last year Habitat For Humanity built three homes in Door County and this year they're
shooting for four. Habitat is a non-profit organization that
provides housing for those who would not normally be able to own a
home. Executive director Rick Nelson says in the past, Habitat built
an average of 1.5 homes a year. Nelson is proud of Habitat's recent
accomplishments. Last year's three homes were a record and the group
hopes go beyond that this season. Nelson talks about the three homes
that are planned to be built this year. (Audio Here)
After those projects are nearly complete, Nelson hopes to get going on the fourth home. The plan is to get the exteriors on the home
started so that crews can work on the inside during the winter. (Audio Here)
Nelson says there are plenty of opportunities for community members to help out with any of these projects. If you would like to donate property, materials, time and labor or snacks for volunteers, contact Rick Nelson at Habitat For Humanity's Sturgeon Bay office.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 2, 2007
The Wisconsin Cherry Growers are once again hosting their Cherry Booth at the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, Wisconsin this week. Chris Zvara of Sturgeon Bay will be coordinating the Cherry Grower’s Booth for the 8th season. “We hear tons of stories from people who have fond memories of Door County,” said Chris. “They love to tell us what they do when they’re here, where they stay and, of course, they all love Door County
cherries!”The Cherry Turnovers remain the most popular item, commented Chris. The turnovers, along with all of the other bakery items are prepared fresh daily and shipped to the fair. Other popular cherry treats available for sale at the Cherry Grower’s booth include cherry crisp, cherry pies and cherry floats made with vanilla ice cream and Cherry Soda.
Much of Zvara’s time at the Wisconsin State Fair is spent educating fair visitors on when they can pick cherries and where they can purchase cherry related products year-round. “All of our booth workers are well-versed in the cherry industry,” assured Chris. “It is our job to be ready for any cherry-related question that might come along.”
The Cherry Ambassador, Debby DeWitt, will also be on hand at this year’s state fair to educate the public on the health benefits of tart cherries, promote their use in cooking and demonstrate a variety of recipes using Door County cherries.
For more information on the Wisconsin Cherry Growers visit their website at www.wisconsincherries.org.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 2, 2007
The Door County Master Gardener Association is hosting their second annual Open House. The educational garden space called The Garden Door is located on the grounds of the University of Wisconsin’s Peninsular Agricultural Research Station on Hwy 57 just north of Sturgeon Bay. The Open House will be held on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. “Sights of the Garden” in the form of a Kaleidoscope by artist Robert Anderson will be featured along with “Tastes of the Garden” via a Pesto Recipe Contest, a guest speaker, and complimentary refreshments showcasing the summer garden’s herbal bounty.
Highlighting the newly-installed Herb Garden, the “Pesto Festo” will explore new ideas for using basil and display some of the many varieties of basil that can be grown. “Pesto Festo” will incorporate pesto recipe tasting and judging, as well as a special presentation by herbalist Jane Knaapen Cole on growing and using herbs.
Attendees will be treated to the “Sights of the Garden,” with self-guided tours of The Garden Door. Of special note will be the sights enhanced by the creation of Door County kaleidoscope artist Robert Anderson. His Garden Kaleidoscopes can be found in such places as the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
Door County Master Gardeners Association, Inc. is a group of professional and amateur gardening and horticultural enthusiasts who have obtained their Master Gardener Certification by completing a training course through the UW-Extension, passing a final exam, and contributing an annual requirement of volunteer service hours. The mission of the Wisconsin Master Gardener program is to provide community horticultural support through volunteerism, education, and environmental stewardship. Individuals interested in joining the Door County Master Gardeners may inquire at the UW-Extension office as to the application process and schedule for the next Training Course.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 2, 2007
Former President with the Sister Bay Lions Club Bill Henning received word last week that District 27B2 will be receiving a lifetime achievement award for their work in preventing blindness. The award ceremony will be held at the Fox Cities Performing Art Center on Saturday September 22. The Wisconsin Lions Foundation and Prevent Blindness Wisconsin work together to help the fight against blindness and to ensure that every child from six months to eighteen years old sees properly. Through the efforts of local Lions and Lioness Clubs, screenings are taking place in local day care and preschool facilities. Vision problems affect one in every five school-age children and one in every twenty preschool-age children. Henning talked about what it means to receive this type of recognition.
(Audio Here)
The Lions Clubs of Door and Kewaunee Counties fell into the role of providing screening sort of by accident. The state cut funding for the testing and the Lions stepped up to ensure no child would have to go through school with undetected vision problems.
(Audio Here)
Throughout Door and Kewaunee Counties, there are 54 Lions and Lionesses that are trained to conduct the screenings. Henning said vision screening is important because 85% of a child’s learning is related to sight. He added that when vision problems begin in early childhood, a child does not know he/she has a problem because the brain compensates for the poor vision. Therefore, the child with a vision problem won’t complain, and he/she may not have symptoms that parents would notice. Finally, some vision problems must be identified before the child reaches the age of five to ensure successful treatment. This is true of Amblyopic, also known as lazy eye, which if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 2, 2007
Last month, 1127 people in Door County received "food stamps." The program is technically called Wisconsin Food Share. This federal program is designed to supplement the food income for eligible families. Door County Social Services Economic Support Supervisor Joanne Ator says there are many people right here in our area who would really struggle to make it without the Food Share program also known as food stamps.
(Audio Here)
Ator says "food stamps" are only good for food products, not paper, alcohol, tobacco or even prepared foods. She says sometimes people are surprised to hear that Door County residents need assistance. Many think there are plenty of employment opportunities, especially during the summer months, but Ator says that doesn't always seem to be the case.
(Audio Here)
Ator says the concept of disposable income is something to consider as well.
(Audio Here)
When asked if there are those in Door County who may be in need of the program but have not stepped forward, Ator said that it certainly a possibility. If you struggle to put food on the table, you may be eligible for the Wisconsin Food Share program. Ator says the department is more than willing to answer any questions. She encourages those struggling to stop by to see if they too may be eligible.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 2, 2007
A replica of the historic ship, the Niña, is docked in Sturgeon Bay today. Columbus'
favorite ship will be accessible to the community
at the Great Lakes Yacht Services until its departure early Tuesday
morning August 7. The ship will officially open to the public
tomorrow. While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ship for walk-aboard, self guided tours. The hours of operation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. every day the ship is in port. The charge for adults to tour is $5, $4 for seniors and $3 for students 5-18. Children under four are free and no reservations are necessary.
Ships of this period were not built from a set of plans but from the mental template in the head of the shipwright who based the dimensions of the ship on a set of proportions.
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Different
proportions, varying from region to region were used for different
types, however, all were based on the length of the keel. Captain
Kyle Friaus talked about the historical replica. (Audio Here)
The vessel is as close to identical to the original as it gets. Friaus is sure the people of Door County will be amazed with the stories they hear from the crew and the impressive attention to detail that is displayed on the ship.
(Audio Here)
The most impressive aspect of the Niña is in the way it is maneuvered. Captain Kyle Friaus said people are always amazed when they hear there is no steering wheel.
(Audio Here)
The Niña will officially open to the public tomorrow.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 1, 2007
Sunset Beach in Sturgeon Bay is under beach advisory today after the Division of Disease Control and Prevention in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a warning Monday. The advisory was issued after a group of
microbiology students from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
conducted a routine water test. A sample is taken from the water in
the center of the beach and brought back to their laboratory
facilities at the Crossroads at Big Creek. Sunset Beach tested in between 235 and 1000 colony-forming units/100 milliliters of water. The water temperature at the time of the examination was 77.9 degrees. Any beach with heightened levels of E. coli is issued an advisory. If the level tests over 1000 CFU/100 mL the beach is closed. Sunset Beach was found to have 488.4 CFU/100mL of water.
Other Door County beaches that tested a little higher than normal but not at an advisory level include:
Nicolet Beach - 155.6 CFU/100 mL
Jackson Harbor Ridges - 74.3 CFU/100 mL
School House Beach - 70.3 CFU/100 mL
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 1, 2007
Plant life needs a lot of water during this time of year. Plants, flowers, shrubs and trees all feel the affects of the hot temperatures and lack of rainfall. That's why owner of Briggsville Gardens Richard Briggs says to keep a close eye on the plant life in your yard if you want them to survive. While all plant life in the yard needs water to survive, many people forget
about shade plants.(Audio Here)
Briggs says mulching is a good idea. He says any organic matter, whether shredded tree bark or compost, will do. Mulch will help cover and shade the soil so that it will not dry out as fast.
Briggs says different types of plant life are affected in different ways when it come to getting the proper amount of water. Since most nurseries water their plants at least once a day, young plants need special attention once you get them home and in the ground. Briggs says the early morning hours are the best time to water and the middle of the day during peak temperatures is the worst. While it is not good for some plants to stay wet all night, busy schedules may not allow much time for watering. In this case, a PM watering is better than nothing. Briggs says to keep in mind that young or recently planted greenery need lots of water. An established root system is not yet in place for these plants and that makes it harder for them to find water in the ground.
In part two of this series, we'll hear more tips from owner of Briggsville Garden Richard Briggs about the importance of properly watering plants during this time of year.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 31, 2007
A $37,500 grant was awarded to Eau Claire based Clean Water Solutions today. Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton and Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Rod Nilsestuen made the special trip to Sturgeon Bay to present the grant at partner firm Heat Treat Furnace. Lawton talked about the grant and said many apply for it but only a few are available every year. She talked about past recipients and was pleased to report that
much success
has come from the grants. In attendance today were community leaders
such as Sturgeon Bay Mayor Tome Voegele, City Administrator Kevin
O'Donnell, council member David McAllister, County Administrator
Mike Serpe and Door County Economic Development Corporation
Executive Director Bill Chaudoir. Lawton talks about Clean Water
Solutions.(Audio Here)
The money will be used to help Clean Water Solutions develop their final product. Following the presentation of the grant today, Clean Water Solutions President Pete Marsnik spoke more about the company and their plans for the future. While
stipulations for the grant
state that the money must be used within three years, Marsnik said
the funds would be used well before that. Three of this year's
sixteen Agriculture Development and Diversification grants went to
companies in Northeastern Wisconsin.By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 31, 2007
The ease of the internet has steered many to their keyboards but cyberspace can be a
dangerous place says Door County Sheriff's Department Investigator
Jim Valley. If you are over the age of 18 and would like to learn
more about the world wide web, a free seminar entitled "Protecting
Children Online" will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Valley says the word is spreading about what can happen on the
internet, however he believes many do not know how scary it can be.
You do not have to be a parent to attend the seminar. Valley says
it's for anyone who wants to know more about cyberspace. He talks
about what will be discussed at the seminar. (Audio Here)
It seems these days kids know more about computers than their parents and this seminar will address that issue. Valley says online predators are just waiting for you to enter sensitive information so they can steal your identity and your reputation. He says everyone over 18 should attend the seminar.
(Audio Here)
The "Protecting Children Online" seminar will be the Door County Sheriff's Department on Thursday and Friday from 6:30PM until 8:30PM and on Saturday from 9:30AM until 11:30AM. There is no cost to attend.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 31, 200
During the summer, many student athletes are gearing up for the season and most of them are not drinking enough water when working out. Door County Public Health Nurse Mary
Ellen Smith says it is very important to stay hydrated.(Audio Here)
Water is best, but products like Gatorade or Powerade work too. However, Smith is concerned about calories and sugar with that. She says water is just fine and works as it should in this situation. Taking sips often is a good idea.
(Audio Here)
Smith also says kids should wear light colored, light weight clothing on hot, sunny days.
(Audio Here)
In the next part of this series, we'll talk more about the dangers of hot, humid days. Smith will talk about why it is so important to be prepared and what could happen if you are not.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 31, 2007
With temperatures expected to exceed the 80's in Door County and with humidity on the rise, parents should consider getting their kids ready for safe fun in the sun. Door County Public Health Nurse Mary Ellen Smith says these warm sunny conditions are very harmful for infants. She says it is a good idea to avoid bringing babies younger than 6 months old
out in the sun at all.(Audio Here)
Smith says to dress babies in lightweight clothing and have them wear brimmed hats. For young children, Smith says it is important to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. The SPF should be at least 15.
(Audio Here)
If your child does get burnt, it is suggested that they have a cool, not cold, bath. In addition, apply a soothing lotion that is made especially for this purpose. Prime time sun hours are from 10:00AM-4:00PM, so keeping out of direct sunlight during those times is a good idea. Also, deet (a common ingredient in insect repellents) lowers the effectiveness in sunscreen. That means a higher SPF should be used when applying both sunscreen and insect repellent. Finally, one thing to realize is that the skin never forgets. The results of solar radiation, ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) are cumulative over a lifetime. That is why we become more sensitive to sun exposure as we get older. In fact, just one blistering sunburn as a child more than doubles chances for skin cancer later in life.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 30, 2007
Residents of the city of Algoma are invited to join their neighbors for the third annual Algoma's Night Out. The Algoma Police Department and Algoma Neighborhood Watch are teaming up to sponsor the event designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness. Algoma Police Officer Craig Kolbeck said the department also hopes to generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and send a message to criminals that Algoma neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. He talked about the organizations that will be present.
(Audio Here)
From firefighting equipment to the Eagle III helicopter, this is an ideal event to bring the entire family to. Inside the Algoma Youth Club, several community outreach booths will be set up. Kolbeck said a fan favorite is the cop dunk tank.
(Audio Here)
From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Algoma residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights and spend the evening with neighbors and police. A special event in the Legion Park area near the lakeshore will include free food, door prize drawings, fun for children and a chance to see, learn from and interact with local law enforcement authorities.
This year, residents are asked to bring non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the local food pantries. Anyone bringing a food item will receive an additional chance to win a door prize.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 30, 2007
With the death of 37-year old John P. Fickett of Sturgeon Bay on a Jet Ski last weekend, it is important to remind everyone of personal watercraft safety. Door County DNR Warden Chris Kratcha says safety must come first. In the past weekends he has seen boaters violating some basic laws.
(Audio Here)
With some boats receiving damage there will continue to be strict enforcement of the slow no wake laws in and around Sturgeon Bay.
Another concern Kratcha has is the common practice of jet skis wanting to spray other boaters. Also, the old saying "it takes three to ski" is a law and Kratcha has seen a few of those violations as well.
(Audio Here)
The amount of complaints about personal watercraft has subsided a bit over the years, according to Kratcha. He said there are laws out there that some people are unaware of when it comes to driving these craft.
(Audio Here)
Kratcha wanted to remind everyone when boating in heavy traffic you can never be to safe. He said being a defensive driver or operator is a great idea when cruising the waterways of Door and Kewaunee counties.
By Brian Sonnenberg DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 30, 2007
HELP of Door County empowers victims by
practicing intervention and prevention. In 2006, the HELPline
received over 2000 calls in Door County. Half of those calls were
deemed crisis calls. HELPline operators refer callers to shelter,
food, transportation and medical treatment. If deemed necessary, the
operators give access to the organization's resources. HELP of Door
County encourages you to dial 9-1-1 if you're in immediate danger;
however, operators can assist in a crisis situation. Treasurer at
HELP of Door County Arvid Munson talks about striking a balance
between intervention and prevention.
(Audio Here)
Physical violence does not simply encompass all abuse cases. HELP
cites verbal, sexual, emotional and financial as other forms of
abuse. Munson realizes the other abusive behaviors can be difficult
to identify. Even the elderly can fall victim to abuse at retirement
and assisted-living facilities. Munson says HELP has specifically
focused prevention efforts at youth and the elderly.
(Audio Here)
HELP of Door County is planning a major fundraiser September 16th.
The event requires a $60 donation to HELP of Door County and will
feature wine tasting along with cheese, appetizers and a silent
auction. Mainstreet Market in Egg Harbor greatly assisted HELP of
Door County in coordinating all the activities. Munson thanks
Mainstreet Market for organizing all the wholesale wine producers in
the area to raise money for a great cause in Door County.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 30, 2007
There are many reasons teenagers have to pay more for automobile insurance. Owner of Schmitz Insurance Phil Schmitz said there are a number of things that teens can do to lower those rates. The first thing he said teenagers need to do is avoid any collision or accident. Once an insurance agency sees a driver has been involved in an accident it is more likely that will happen again. Along with avoiding accidents, Schmitz said speeding tickets could raise rates through the roof.
The second thing Schmitz said that will drop young driver auto insurance rates is selection of vehicle. He talked about things that could save your child some money.
(Audio Here)
Schmitz said a Dodge minivan has the lowest insurance rates. He realizes that most college kids don't want to be seen driving a minivan, but if you are looking for the lowest rates that is the way to go. Insurance agents can be helpful when buying your first car.
(Audio Here)
High school and college students are often times eligible for a good student discount. Students with a grade point average of 3.0 and higher can save a fair share on monthly car insurance bills.
(Audio Here)
Keeping a clean driving record, selecting a conservative vehicle, and keeping good grades are all ways that students can save money on auto insurance. With gas prices near $3.00 per gallon, it is nice to know there are other ways for teenagers to save money.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 31, 2007
Peninsula Players Theatre, America's oldest professional resident summer theater, opens the musical comedy "Little Shop of Horrors" tomorrow. Audrey II, an exotic plant featured in the show, will take over the theatre-in-a-garden and its stage for a three-week run ending in a 4 p.m. matinee performance Aug. 19. "Little Shop of Horrors" features several songs to feed one's funny bone such as "Suddenly Seymour," "Downtown," "Somewhere That's Green" and "Feed Me."
One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a household name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. This prolific duo redefined the animated musical film genre with Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin."
Meek and mild floral assistant Seymour becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers and nurtures an exotic plant that has a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore offering Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. But as Audrey II's hungry demands increase, all that Seymour holds dear is threatened as the plant's sinister agenda for global domination is revealed.
The Players perform Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7:30 p.m. with a special matinee performance Sunday, Aug. 19. Ticket prices are $31.25 and $28.25; there are no performances on Mondays.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 30, 2007
The name of the 37-year-old Sturgeon Bay man that was killed Saturday in a Jet Ski accident was released late yesterday. He has been identified as John P. Fickett. The accident took place at approximately 5:00 p.m., when Fickett's Jet Ski collided with a boat in the bay of Green Bay near Sawyer Harbor. The location of the accident was near Potawatomi State Park in the Township of Nasewaupee.
The operator of the boat and one passenger were not injured. A 13-year-old passenger in the boat sustained minor injuries, according to Door County Sheriff Terry Vogel. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is continuing an investigation into this matter. The Door County Sheriffs Department warns all watercraft operators to use caution when operating any recreational equipment on water.
By Brian Sonnenberg DoorCountyDailyNews.com
July 30, 2007
Each summer, Gibraltar High School holds classes for the children of Door County migrant workers. Door County provides migrant workers with jobs in the apple and cherry orchards each summer. Migrant workers, with a family, face certain challenges when trying to educate their children. With constant movement, the children do not earn a regular education; however, the Gibraltar School District helps these children obtain an education through summer programs. Gibraltar Superintendent Dr. Stephen Seyfer says the process starts with reviewing a student's standard paperwork.
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Gibraltar provides the students with transportation, meals and educational activities. In addition, the school tends to the specific health needs of the student. Seyfer says when a child moves constantly, sometimes parents will overlook health issues. Seyfer talks about what these students mean to Gibraltar High School.
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Gibraltar enrolled 30 kids in this summer's program. The program has assisted migrant farm families for roughly 30 years.