By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 26, 2007
Just because the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department may know of an incident involving underage alcohol consumption, doesn't mean they can tear down the door and start making arrests. Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski says this is a touchy subject and everyone has rights that should not be violated.
(Audio Here)
Joski says it is important that the officers handle the situation appropriately and added that it can get frustrating at times. Probable cause, personal property and people's right were all words that Joski mentioned. However, when asked if the rules or laws should be changed, Joski said this.
(Audio Here)
Joski says there are different procedures depending on the situation. In almost every raid, it is not only the underage drinker that is punished but also the adults around them. If it was in a tavern, the owner would be fined. If the bust took place on private property, the liability could go back onto the property owner.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 26, 2007
Strategic Planning will be the topic of discussion at Sturgeon Bay's Special Common Council meeting on Tuesday. Mayor Tom Voegele had proposed that the session take place and after months of coordinating schedules, the council will meet at Crossroads at Big Creek on Tuesday morning for the special meeting. UW-Extension Community Development Educator Rob Burke will moderate the meeting. Burke has only a few hours to get through the detailed agenda.
(Audio Here)
Burke says one of the main objectives of the strategic planning meeting is to get the council thinking ahead. He'd like the council to talk about what they want to accomplish in the next few years.
(Audio Here)
Burke says the council will try to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. He says the group may have to meet again, if they do not get through the agenda. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will meet for the special strategic planning session on Tuesday morning at Crossroads at Big Creek at 8:00AM. This meeting is open to the public, however public comment will not be welcomed.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 26, 2007
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is calling on Northern Door residents to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday. The meeting will focus on a project to resurface portions on Highway 57 and replace storm sewer in Bailey's Harbor. DOT Region Director Mike Berg.
(Audio Here)
Berg says the DOT is trying to create better riding surfaces, which would ultimately be safer. He says this is a routine project but concerned citizens should come out to voice their opinions.
(Audio Here)
The DOT will meet wil residents on Wednesday, August 29 at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall from 5:00PM until 7:00PM.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 26, 2007
With fire trucks ranging in price from $250,000 all the way up to $1 million, there are a lot of options for fire departments theses days. Some of these rigs are equipped with everything but the kitchen sink. From your typical medical equipment to some of the most high tech gadgets, technology is making a difference in the way firefighters are able to fight fires these days. Tim Herlache, Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief, said that their department hasn't bought a new ladder truck since 1987, and paid $343,000 for that truck. The last pumper-truck they acquired cost around $250,000.
(Audio Here)
Equipment to extract people from crumpled cars, tools to help resuscitate people who have suffered a heart attack and reinforcement equipment for collapsing buildings are just a few things fire departments have been adding to the trucks over the past few years. Each department prepares emergency vehicles and fire trucks a certain way to best serve the community they protect.
(Audio Here)
Hoses now have the capabilities to spray water, foam or a dry chemical mix. Herlache believes every department in the county has foam capability. Most use compressed air foam systems often times referred to as CAFS. Herlache said trucks are now much better built and the changes have made a difference in what firefighters can accomplish.
(Audio Here)
Communication difficulties due to the geographic lay of the land in Door County are one of the biggest difficulties facing firefighters these days. An advanced technologically sound system is being implemented this year. The new system will make it much easier for all departments in the county. Until the system is up and running, communication will not be ideal.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 26, 2007
The most honored play of 2005 is now treading the boards of Peninsula Players Theatre in Fish Creek through Sept. 2. Peninsula Players is one of the first theater's in the country to be producing John Patrick Shanley's "Doubt" since the close of its Broadway run and
National Tour. Set in a Bronx Catholic school shortly after the
Kennedy assassination, Sister Aloysius the school's principal, kicks
off a private investigation of her charismatic, well-liked school
chaplain, Father Flynn, when she begins to question the nature of his relationship with a young student. Sister James, a rookie teacher reports some suspicious behavior to Sister Aloysius who is quick to surmise the worst, something the naïve young nun never meant to imply. Managing Director Audra Baakari Boyle said this production has received a lot of recognition.
(Audio Here)
Although Sister Aloysius revels in the fact that students fear her, she is devoted to her
church and school and begins an unwavering crusade to expose the
father's wrongdoing even though she has little to back up her
suspicion except her intuition. Baakari Boyle said there is just a
short amount of time left before the show ends. (Audio Here)
The Players perform "Doubt" Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7:30 p.m. with a special matinee performance Sunday, Sept. 2. A post-show discussion will be held Saturday, Sept. 1. Ticket prices are $31.25 and $28.25; there are no performances on Mondays. For more information or to reserve tickets phone the Players' box office at 920-868-3287 or visit the website at www.peninsulaplayers.com .
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 26, 2007
Just because you're retired, doesn't mean it's time to stop learning. Door County Learning In Retirement's new course catalog recently came out. Classes this season include topics like: Broadway Melodies, Mystery Novels, Sustainable Homes, Islamism and Identity Thefts, Scams & Fraud just to name a few. LIR President Eldor Kaiser explains what "Learning In Retirement" is all about.
(Audio Here)
59 classes are available this season. Course presenters are volunteers who would like to teach others about their interests. You must be a member to attend these courses. The membership fee is $50 and allows to take all classes or just a few. The membership is also good for one year. Curriculum Committee Chairperson Linda Berns talks about who can join Door County Learning In Retirement.
(Audio Here)
There are options when it comes to membership fees. Part time Door County residents or those not interested in enrolling for a full year will receive a discounted price that is only valid for a certain season. Courses are held at NWTC.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 25, 2007
Phosphorus affecting lake water quality is not only a concern in Door County but all across the state. A recently proposed bill could mean that fertilizers containing phosphorus would be banned in some areas. A public hearing on this issue will take place on Tuesday in Madison at 10:00AM. The bill, co-authored by State Senator Mark Miller, is proposing that phosphorus fertilizers not be applied to lawns, golf courses and other grassy areas. However, such fertilizer could be used to establish grass during its first growing season and in cases where the soil is determined to be deficient in phosphorus. The ban would also not apply to agricultural land.
Senator Mark Miller.
(Audio Here)
Miller understands that not everyone concerned about the issue can attend the public hearing but he says your voice can still be heard. He encourages those with an opinion about phosphate fertilizers to pick up the phone or better yet, send an email.
(Audio Here)
The public hearing on SB 197 will take place at the State Capitol in Madison on Tuesday at 10:00AM. For more information about how to send your thoughts and opinions to Madison regarding banning fertilizers with phosphorus on lawns, golf courses and other grassy areas, email sen.miller@legis.state.wi.us, phone 608-266-9170 Toll Free 877-862-4825 Fax 608-266-5087 or visit www.legis.state.wi.us/senate/sen16/news/
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 25, 2007
Eighth Congressional District Representative Steve Kagen was in Algoma yesterday to learn more about the proposed boat ferry. Algoma has been working on this for quite some time. Many meetings and a lot of discussion has been taken place and that is what happened yesterday.
Representative Steve Kagen.
(Audio
Here)Kagen noticed there is a lot of planning that must go into this project to make it successful and worthwhile.
(Audio Here)
Council member and Chair of Algoma's Ferry Boat Committee Ken Taylor was also at yesterday's meeting. He says it was a visioning meeting for community leaders of Frankfurt, MI and Algoma. Taylor says the object of the gathering was to see if the two states and communities can come together by way of ferry boat.
(Audio Here)
If all goes well, the ferry boat would carry passengers and cars. Taylor says a commercial ferry is not their interest right now. A feasibility study will be conducted and Taylor says there are still many more steps that must take place to be sure that everything has been correctly. He says both communities want to follow the proper process to be sure no rash hasty decisions are made.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 25, 2007
Another Door County Economic Development Corporation entrepreneurial class has graduated and O'Meara's Irish House finished with the best business plan. DCEDC Business Development Manager Sam Perlman says this is the sixth year the entrepreneurial class was offered and he was pleased to see 18 students representing 13 businesses this time around. O'Meara's Irish House owner Megan O'Meara had the best business plan of the class. For that she won a $1,000 cash award and a $5,000 advertising package for her business from the DoorCountyDailyNews.com radio stations. Perlman talks about O'Meara's business plan.
(Audio Here)
Megan O'Meara said the store has been there for 32 years but she has owned it for the last eight. O'Meara said she had never taken any formal business classes so it was a good way to get a fresh start with marketing and business planning. When asked if she looks at her business in a different way now, O'Meara said this.
(Audio Here)
O'Meara said she had some tough competition in the DCEDC Entrepreneurial Class but was pleased to have won the best business award. She highly recommended the class.
(Audio Here)
The twelve-week DCEDC Entrepreneurial Training course will again be offered in Door County beginning in January 2008. Contact the Door County Economic Development Corporation for information about the class.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 25, 2007
Without Feed My People/Clothe My People, many throughout the county would have to choose between paying a bill and eating. This non-profit organization has been helping people get by for almost 25 years. Board member Vicki Amundson says this assistance is provided on both a emergency and ongoing basis. She says Feed My People strives to do it in a friendly atmosphere with respect and dignity to everyone. All of this is possible through the generosity and help from the community. Amundson talks about last year's numbers.
(Audio Here)
The other piece of the organization is the Clothe My People portion. Community members donate gently used clothing to be resold in the thrift store. There is a myth that only certain people can shop there but board member Joe Miller says that is not true. He says there are many nice items available that may be purchased at a reasonable price. Aside from clothing, Clothe My People will also accept random donations of home decorative items, small appliances and other things. While the organization is thankful for all donations, they stress the gently used part. If, while sorting through the donations, a volunteer comes across something they would not use themselves, they will not put it on the shelf to be resold. The downside is there is a price to dispose of those items. Nonetheless, Amundson and Miller spoke on behalf of the organization when they said the facility would not exist without the community.
(Audio Here)
Many people throughout Door County know about Feed My People/Clothe My People and pass on their gently used clothes or non-perishable food items throughout the year. Amundson and Miller say they will continue to reach out to those who need help. They also work on collecting donations from those who can afford to help others.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 24, 2007
Some Sturgeon Bay parents are looking to get some feedback from the community on how they feel about the Co-Curricular Code of Conduct. With schools in the area revising their
code in a number of different ways, Sturgeon Bay parents want to
know if the same should be done here. Superintendent Joe Stutting
will be at the meeting, mainly to observe the vibe and feelings from
parents and community members.(Audio Here)
Stutting says this is a topic comes every couple years. He says sometimes people are concerned that the code is too strict other times its the opposite.
(Audio Here)
In addition to parents and community members, Sturgeon Bay Athletic Director and football coach Gary Rabach, principal Bob Nickel, police chief Dan Trelka and DePere High School Athletic Director Jeff Byczek will comment and answer questions regarding this topic. Parents, families and community members are invited to attend this discussion on possible revisions to the Co-Curricular Code of Conduct on Sunday in the Sturgeon Bay High School Commons at 6:30PM.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 24, 2007
Sturgeon Bay Utilities recently purchased a new hybrid Toyota Prius. The purchase was questioned this week by local car dealerships. Joe Witt, owner of Witt Peninsula Ford Lincoln Mercury was critical of the company for not checking with the three local car dealers before buying from Sheboygan.
General Manager of Sturgeon Bay Utilities Jim Stawicki said they placed a classified ad in the paper and did not receive any bids from the local dealers. The company was looking to buy a Prius in particular because of the proven track record. Stawicki talked about the importance of conserving energy.
(Audio
Here)Stawicki is thrilled to announce the gas mileage registers at 52 miles per gallon. He hopes other Sturgeon Bay residents consider a hybrid purchase. The hybrid electric vehicle allows SBU to become leaders in conservation and renewable efforts, according to Stawicki. He commented that they paid $3,500 above the state purchasing price for a non-hybrid common vehicle. The savings will be noticed in the gas mileage and repair cost, he said.
(Audio Here)
The vehicle cost approximately $23,000. SBU also was given a $2000 grant from WPPI, their energy provider. The company follows a public bidding policy and the bids were out on May 5. Stawicki said no one returned a bid so the Utilities Commission allowed them to negotiate the purchase. The General Manager of Sturgeon Bay Utilities said they were not interested in another make or model for their hybrid purchase. He said because WPPI had two Prius hybrids in their fleet and because the reports were so positive, they felt more comfortable with the Toyota model.
SBU does feel shopping local is important and they have purchased a number of their vehicles from local dealers in the past. However, Joe Witt would have appreciated a phone call and the opportunity to match them up with a Mercury Mariner or Ford hybrid vehicle.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 24, 2007
Door County Emergency Management Director Ann Demuese has been taking many calls inquiring about the burn ban and she reports that it is still in effect. Parts of Door County did get some rain in the last couple days but DeMuese says that's not what will lift the ban.
(Audio Here)
DeMeuse says many people are asking why the ban is still in effect. She says while some parts of the county did see some rain in the past couple days, it has been quite limited.
(Audio Here)
The burn ban was enacted on August 6 and unless we see our grass and foliage start to green up in Door County, the ban will stay firmly in place. DeMuese thanks everyone for their cooperation and promised to notify the public via the radio station of DoorCountyDailyNews.com as soon as the ban is lifted.
By Eric Cullen DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 24, 2007
O'Meara's Irish house in Fish creek
has been in business for 32 years. Chicago native Megan O'Meara,
took over as the second owner eight years ago. It is a store full of
items from Ireland including sweaters, jewelry, and crystal in which
both Irish and non-Irish folks have enjoyed in its existence. Meagan
was excited about her shipment of Irish sweaters.
(Audio Here)
The sweater patterns are from the Aran Islands off the west coast of
Ireland.
O'Meara's also specializes in embroidering family crests. She has
over 500,000 names available for family crests that come from all
over Europe. She has them embroidered outside of the store.
(Audio Here)
More recently, Megan has provided lodging at the store. She provides
a one bedroom suite called the Canamara suite. Canamara is a
district west of Ireland comprising of a broad peninsula which is
fitting to the geographical makeup of Door County.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 24, 2007
It's been a couple months since the Log Den Restaurant had problems with their water and they've done quite a bit to address the problem. Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership Board Member Ed Douglass knows quite a bit about water quality. Previously, he worked in Public Health in developing countries and says he is a communicator and does not claim to be a medical doctor. Douglass says it was not fair that the Log Den sat under the spotlight for so long.
(Audio Here)
Douglass says the Log Den is not alone in this issue and results from other commercial wells in the area have come back negative in the past as well.
Log Den Owner Wayne Lautenbach says they did do a lot to address the water problem. New systems have been installed to treat the water and while Lautenbach was not sure what the final price tag will tally up to be, he guesses this project will cost them about $50,000, maybe even more. That is in addition to the initial cost of about $20,000 they spent on installing the well in the first place. Lautenbach talks about what has been done to treat the Log Den's water.
(Audio Here)
Lautenbach says he's not sure how the virus got into their water in the first place. While others questioned what was going in neighboring wells, Lautenbach said he was most concerned about getting the problem cleared up at the Log Den and that is something they have done.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 24, 2007
Door County's Cherryland Airport will be partially shut down for a few days while crews work on repairing the runways. Airport Director Keith Kasbohm says, weather permitting, the north/south runway will be closed today.
(Audio Here)
After work on the north/south runway is complete, crews will start on the east/west runway. The only time both runways will be closed is when work is done to the middle intersection. Kasbohm says he's happy to get this project going and is looking forward to the seeing the improvements.
(Audio Here)
Kasbohm says announcements have been sent to flight centers and pilots should know ahead of time if the runway will be closed or not. The airport will remain open for emergency helicopter flight. Kasbohm says this project is dependant on the weather. He says this process will not occur if rain is in the forecast. Funding for this project consists of $144,000 in state funds and $36,000 in county funds.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 23, 2007
All of Door County is still experiencing what is being phrased as a severe drought. For that reason, Door County is still under a burn ban. Ann DeMeuse, Door County Emergency Management Director, said she is in contact with the National Weather Service every day. Reports indicate that over the past seven days only .5" rain fell throughout the county. DeMeuse said some areas north of Sturgeon Bay received even less rain than .5" of rain.
(Audio Here)
The National Weather Service recommends that two to three inches of rain fall before the burn ban is lifted. DeMeuse said it looks like it will be a while before we get that kind of rain.
Obviously, with the geographic location of Door County some places have received more rain than others have. Places closer to Lake Michigan, south of Sturgeon Bay, have received a sufficient rainfall. DeMeuse said fire chiefs throughout the county share in the belief that it is too dry to lift the ban at this time.
(Audio Here)
The Door County burn ban was enacted on August 6. DeMeuse has been with Emergency Management for eight years. She said this is the longest lasting ban in her tenure. The National Weather Service believes the peninsula is experiencing some of the driest conditions in the state.
The only fires that are being allowed under the burn ban are for cooking purposes only. DeMeuse said if you are cooking on an open fire it is essential to have sufficient water near by and do not walk away from the blaze. Ensuring fires are 100% completely out is the most important aspect of cooking fires during this time, according to the manager of Emergency Services.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 23, 2007
After a few months of vacation, the Sturgeon Bay band will be getting back together soon and director Heidi Hintz has spent most of the off-season gearing up for a big year. Hintz was my guest on the WBDK Arts & Entertainment Page recently and she is looking
forward for school to start. Hintz says band members will begin
practicing once classes commence and she hopes students will
remember to bring their instruments to school, especially on that
first day. She says since kids are so busy during the summer, band
is in session only during the school year. However, there are some
students who do attend a summer band camp. The Sturgeon Bay High
School band lost 22 seniors to graduation but gained 45 new freshman
musicians. When asked what the most popular instrument is in the
Sturgeon Bay band, Hintz said this. (Audio Here)
Hintz says lessons and practice are so important to the development of a musician. When asked how she arranges the band according to chair, Hintz says she seats them based on what she hears in lessons.
(Audio Here)
Hintz expressed her excitement for the upcoming year. She is excited to get the band started. Aside from the upcoming performances at Sturgeon Bay Schools, Hintz says the band also likes to stay involved in the community. She says to keep an eye open and look out for the Clipper band at various events around town.
By Eric Cullen DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 23, 2007
The
Door Community Auditorium has an advantage over the rest of the
local theaters. They have performances year round. More and more
visitors have taken a liking to the auditorium having their
first two sellouts this season in over three years. Patti Podgers is
the public relations manager for the theater.(Audio Here)
One of their unique features of the season will be the Saturday of Labor day weekend when the Jack Daniels Original Cornet Band comes to town.
(Audio Here)
Jack Daniels of Jack Daniels Whiskey started the band in Lynchburg Tennessee. The band that will be performing there is based on the original band.
(Audio Here)
The auditorium will end the year with three holiday shows that start in November and go through December.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 23, 2007
Sturgeon Bay Utilities recently purchased a Toyota Prius from a Sheboygan car dealership. The purchase of the hybrid vehicle was made to set an energy saving example for Sturgeon Bay residents. There was more than one example set by the purchase however, according to Owner of Witt Peninsula Ford Lincoln Mercury Joe Witt.
The Sturgeon Bay car dealership was never contacted about bidding a hybrid vehicle. Witt says the example to shop locally was avoided by Sturgeon Bay Utilities. Joe Witt said buying a fuel efficient hybrid vehicle is a positive example, however they backtracked on another issue.
(Audio Here)
SBU General Manager Jim Stawicki said they put a classified ad in the paper asking for bids on a hybrid vehicle. When the local dealers did not respond, Stawicki said the decision to purchase from an out of town dealer was made. We will hear more from Stawicki on this matter tomorrow.
Witt said a classified ad can easily be missed and obviously, it was not seen by any of the local dealers. The owner of Witt Ford said it would not have been that hard to pick up the phone and make three phone calls. The fact of the matter is that one of the dealers may have had a better price on a hybrid vehicle and you are supporting the businesses that pay SBU bills, according to Witt.
The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are hybrid vehicles and provide extremely similar features and energy cost savings. Witt said the Mercury and Ford hybrid vehicles run off battery power when driving under 30 miles per hour. The model is a sport utility vehicle. The engine does not turn on when it is idling or driving under 30 miles per hour. Deep city driving allows a motor vehicle operator to reach gas mileage at 38 to 40 miles to the gallon.
(Audio Here)
The opportunity to shop local was avoided on a major purchase by Sturgeon Bay Utilities, according to Joe Witt. When people support local businesses, the money is recycled in the community on the average of seven times, he said. The official purchase price of the SBU Toyota Prius was just under $23,000.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 22, 2007
The 87-year-old Kewaunee man driving the golf cart in yesterday's accident on Highway 42 in the Town of Pierce has died as a result of injuries. Kewaunee resident Joseph Novak was driving a golf cart when he entered the roadway and collided with a vehicle driven by Donald Jacobson of Algoma. Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski described the incident.
(Audio Here)
The Alaska Golf Club is in the town of Pierce. The motor vehicle was a 1992 Pontiac Firebird driven by Jacobson. The southbound vehicle hit the cart. Novak was transported by Kewaunee Rescue transported to Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay. Joski said the area of Highway 42 was heavily marked for pedestrian and equipment crossing.
(Audio Here)
The Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department does not believe excessive speed was a partial cause in the accident. Joski said witnesses said the vehicle did not appear to be traveling unnecessarily fast. The Sheriff said the preliminary investigation has already found that the Algoma man operating the motor vehicle will not be at any fault. They have determined that the golf cart failed to yield before entering the roadway.
The Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department will survey the s-shaped portion of Highway 42 and see if there is any additional signage or need to drop speed in the area and contact the State Department of Transportation. One possibility that Joski conjectured was the establishment of a clearly marked crossing area. A cross walk would centralize any golf cart and foot traffic and hopefully make the area more safe for everyone, according to Matt Joski.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 22, 2007
Some schools in the area are making revisions to their Co-Curricular Code of Conduct and there are people in the Sturgeon Bay School District who feel this topic merits some
attention. On Sunday, members of the Sturgeon Bay School District
will gather to listen to and ask questions regarding the Code of
Conduct. Some parents are interested in DePereHigh School's Code of Conduct which includes issues of drug and alcohol testing and acceptable behavior and academic performance. Individuals like Superintendent Joe Stutting, principal Bob Nickels, police chief Dan Trelka and DePere High School Athletic Director Jeff Byczek will comment and answer questions regarding this topic. Sturgeon Bay Athletic Director and football coach Gary Rabach will be
there too.(Audio Here)
Rabach says he was involved with past committees that have looked at this issue. He says this will be the third time this is being discussed during his time at Sturgeon Bay. Rabach did not take a stance on the matter either way and added that it will be an informational, no action is expected to take place.
(Audio Here)
Parents, families and community members are invited to attend this discussion on possible revisions to the Co-Curricular Code of Conduct on Sunday in the Sturgeon Bay High School Commons at 6:30PM.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 22, 2007
Learn the ABC's of boating on Saturday in Algoma. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla is presenting "ABC: America's Boating Course" this weekend and both new and experienced boaters are invited to attend. ABC course leader and Flotilla membership training officer Harold Schwartz says everyone should know about safe boating habits
before they hit the water. This course will provide a plethora of
information on the right and wrong ways to boat. (Audio Here)
A relatively new law requires all boat operators born on or after January 1, 1989 to complete the course. This course will fill that requirement.
(Audio Here)
America's Boating Course will be at the Algoma Youth Center on Saturday from 8:30AM until 4:30PM. The cost for adults in $30 and $20 for those under 18 and with an adult. That course fee will include eight hours of instruction, a text book, CD, exam, certificate and lunch. Registration is required. To register by phone call Jerry Haegle at (920)487-5923, email fco4o6@dcwis.com or visit www.coastguardauxsturgeonbay.org
By Eric Cullen DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 21, 2007
Changes to Sister Bay's water front districts are in the works. The village planners have begun working on a project that would extend from Marina Park to the Helm's Four Seasons Hotel. Village manager Bob Kufrin has been in Sister Bay for almost three and a half years and encourages everyone to attend the Comprehensive Utility Plan Advisory Committee meetings.
(Audio Here)
The CUPAC meetings will be on September 6 at 6:00 P.M. to get feedback from the public about the plan.
The town has purchased the Helm's Hotel and will tear it down to add recreational park improvements throughout the entire area. Plans are to help extend the parks to the east side of Bay Shore Drive to maximize the public's investment in the open space.
Since Sister Bay is considered a year round tourist town, they also look to improve their parks for winter activities.
(Audio Here)
For more information on Sister Bay, visit their website at www.sisterbay.com.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 22, 2007
The Sturgeon Bay Common Council accepted proposed changes to the Big Box Ordinance that included an Economic Impact Analysis yesterday. The proposed changes also
eliminated the word "sustainability" from the from the purpose
section of the ordinance. Again, a number of residents stood up at
the podium to express their thoughts and concerns about this topic.
Comments voiced were both in favor of and in opposition to the
amendments. Council member Tom Benschawal began the discussion on
the topic and saidthis.
(Audio Here)
Council member and commissioner Jim Michaud said that the Plan Commission is looking into that and believes it is important as well. The commission is currently reviewing how
other communities have compiled their verbiage for requiring
environmental impact studies. (Audio Here)
The council also tossed around the option to add an amendment that would include the environmental study last night. There was some confusion on what the correct procedure would be for that. City Administrator Kevin O'Donnell said it was sort of a grey area when looking at the process that would include a public hearing in the procedure. Ultimately, the council voted against that amendment and stuck with the originally proposed second reading of the ordinance. The changes will go into effect on August 26, with the moratorium expiring the following day.
Also
last night, council member Ben Meyer's resolution that would call
for immediate action to safeguard our regional waterways was
discussed. (Audio Here)
The council voted to pass this on issue on to the Community Protection & Services Committee for their review.
The topic regarding denying a request from Todd Weckler to operate a taxicab in Sturgeon Bay was tabled. There seemed to have been some confusion on the reason the request was being denied. Market saturation seemed to have been the reason for denial but council
member Ron Vandertie was not certain that was the case. The council
advised Police Chief Dan Trelka to investigate the situation based
on a letter that was submitted to the council prior to the meeting.
The letter included some accusations that were not made clear
publicly at the council meeting. Also yesterday, it seems the council was able to agree on a date to conduct their strategic planning session. It looks like the council will meet on Tuesday, August 28. The meeting would be from 8:00AM until 1:00PM, however the location was not announced last night. This session would be open to the public however comments from the community would
not be welcome at that time. The council also took time to recognize some city employees last night. Sturgeon Bay Police Sergeant Gary Rabach has retired and will continue to serve the community as a liaison officer for Sturgeon Bay schools. Rabach served on the department from 1985 until last month. A group of city employees got together to run in a marathon recently. City employees Chad Houggard, Marty Oleniczak, Michael Smith and Jackie Gast were recognized for their participation in the Corporate Challenge. The next Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be Tuesday, September 4.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 21, 2007
The Door County Sheriff's Department and Sturgeon Bay Police Department are cracking down on drunk driving throughout the month of August. Over the Limit - Under Arrest, a statewide law enforcement campaign against drunk driving, runs through September 3.
Area law enforcement will have extra patrols out looking for drunken
driving tendencies. Sergeant Jon Koch of the Door County Sheriff’s
Department said warnings are not offered and excuses are not
excepted when some one is driving under the influence of alcohol.
Koch stated that if you are over the limit, you will be arrested. (Audio Here)
Last year, alcohol-related crashes in Wisconsin killed 305 people and injured almost 6,000, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol’s Bureau of Transportation Safety. Like all other states, In Wisconsin you legally are not allowed to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or greater. Koch said the reduction from a .10 BAC has limited the number of alcoholic beverages a person can consume and still drive legally.
(Audio Here)
Besides a mandatory arrest, drunken driving violators also face fines and increased insurance rates. Refusing a blood-alcohol test can result in loss of license and seizure of the vehicle. People who drink are urged to find a designated driver, take public transportation or a taxicab, or check with taverns and restaurants that provide patrons with safe rides home.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 21, 2007
Thousands of students suffer from undiagnosed vision problems in Northeast Wisconsin alone. School registration is taking place throughout Door and Kewaunee Counties this week and Dr. Eric Paulsen of Door County Eye Associates said that much of today's education depends on vision. Because of that fact, Paulsen believes annual eye checkups are essential to a child’s development.
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The owner of Door County Eye Associates said children should go in for their first eye appointment before they enter school. If eye problems are caught early enough, optometrists can prescribe corrective measures. An eye doctor is looking for a number of things with a first time patient.
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Making sure that the basic eye health is adequate, ensuring there is no pathology, checking to see if the eyes are working together, testing for focus close up and far away and looking for the eye movement to be coordinated and easy to perform are other priorities during a first time eye appointment.
Dr. Eric Paulsen said children have no other frame of reference for their poor vision. A young person may be seeing at 80/20 and not realize there is a vision problem. If a child goes undetected, there may be serious side affects that could curb their abilities to learn in the classroom.
By Eric Cullen DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 21, 2007
For over twelve years now, the Dovetail Gallery & Studio has turned heads in Egg Harbor with their stunning artwork and memorabilia. Specializing in egg decorating, Kathleen Mand Beck not only displays and sells her creative pieces to visitors, but also has a fine collection of stunning, historical art.
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Mand Beck also resides in her studio, which was built in 1873. When she purchased the home, all of the logs had been painted over which preserved the wood.
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She uses only unfertile eggshells from domestic birds. The shells are sanitized and cleaned out before she receives them. She uses everything from goose to quail to ostrich eggs for her pieces of art.
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The studio also displays an original Faberge' egg for its permanent collection. The egg is a trademark of Peter Carl Faberge' who was a famous goldsmith and jeweler in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For more information about the gallery, visit their website at http://www.dovetailgallery.com.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 21, 2007
The Sturgeon Bay Common Council has another chance to deal with the Big Box Ordinance tonight. The second reading to the proposed changes will take place tonight. At the last meeting the council was opposed to the 115,000 square foot size cap but voted in favor of the economic impact analysis. They eliminated the word sustainability in Section 1, which talks about why the ordinance was created. If the council passes the second reading, Section 1 will read as follows: To protect the community economic health.
Also tonight, the council will vote on Calling for Immediate Action to Safeguard Our Regional Waterways. This resolution was introduced by council member Ben Meyer. The effort is an attempt to clean up the water in the bay.
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Other items on tonight's agenda include; a recommendation to approve proposed shoreline filling and restoration at 1304 Memorial Drive and a recommendation to deny a request from Todd Weckler to operate a taxicab in Sturgeon Bay. To wrap up the meeting, the council will attempt to select a date for a strategic planning session. This session was proposed weeks ago, however the council has yet to pick a date to meet. Tonight's Sturgeon Bay Common meeting will be in the Council Chambers tonight at 8:00PM.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 21, 2007
The Sturgeon Bay Police Department is pleased to announce a significant reduction in the City’s crime rate and also a significant increase in the clearance of the crimes that have been reported. While crime rates have been increasing at a state and national level, the local count is quite impressive, according to Sturgeon Bay Police Chief Dan Trelka. It is projected that the overall crime rate in Sturgeon Bay will be down 35% in 2007.
Sturgeon Bay had a total of 226 reported crimes in 2006. Through the first six months of 2007, a mere 74 crimes have been reported to police. Reported crimes include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft (including motor vehicle theft), and arson. The number of reported crimes in Sturgeon Bay has generally been about 200 annually over the past decade. Trelka talked about the difference between state wide numbers and the more impressive local figures.
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To put the statistical information in perspective, the odds of being the victim of a reported crime in Wisconsin is typically about 3.2 out of 100. It is projected that the odds of being the victim of a reported crime in Sturgeon Bay in 2007 are going to be about 1.5 out of 100. In addition, the Sturgeon Bay Police Department has cleared about 60% of the crimes that have been reported to the police department in 2007. In 2006, the state average for clearing reported crimes was 23%.
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Trelka attributes the reduction in the crime rate and the increase in the clearance rate to the officers’ hard work and pro-active law enforcement activities, the community’s willingness to be a partner in making Sturgeon Bay safer, and the efforts of the City council to embrace the police department’s strategic vision in regards to crime reduction. One such example Trelka sighted was his ability to assign a patrol officer to investigative duties.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 21, 2007
A feature on Wisconsin Public Television airing at 10:00 p.m. tonight will shed light on a practice that has a proven track record in dealing with bullying, sex offenders and habitual criminals. Part time Door County resident and Distinguished Professor of Law at Marquette Law School Janine Geske will be featured in the documentary on restorative justice.
Restorative justice focuses on crime or offensive behavior as an act against another individual or community rather than the state. The victim plays a major role in the process and may receive some type of restitution from the offender. The term encompasses a growing social movement to institutionalize peaceful approaches to harm, problem solving and violations of legal and human rights. These range from international peacemaking tribunals such as the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission to innovations within our criminal justice system, schools, social services and communities. Geske further explained the problem solving effort.
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A direct victim offender meeting will also be shown on the TV program. A case involving a 14-year-old girl that committed a serious crime will be talked through in a face-to-face meeting between the offender and the victim. The positive that comes from the meeting is emotional and educational for both parties. The give and take conversation often ends in the offender or criminal realizing how his or her actions have harmed another person.
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Restorative justice can be used in the classroom. A circle conversation centered on bullying has worked in numerous settings, according to the Distinguished Professor of Law at Marquette Law School. Geske said the Public Television program is intended for families, teachers, psychologists, law enforcement authorities, administration and upper level management. Restorative justice can be used in any setting at any time. Geske believes the program will expand the options for families, schools and businesses dealing with a wide variety of harmful actions by a person or party.
"Restorative Justice...Repairing the Harm" airs tonight on Wisconsin Public Television at 10:00 p.m.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 20, 200
$100 a week is the cost to stay at Sturgeon Bay's Kimberly House and only serious residents will be considered. The Kimberly House is an adult transitional living facility that provides a safe alcohol and drug free environment. House manager Lynn Schuster and board vice chair Jeff Berg joined me on the WBDK Morning Edition last week to talk about the Kimberly House. Those interested in staying at the Kimberly House must be committed to bettering themselves. Schuster says while quite comfortable, a stay at the Kimberly House is no vacation.
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In addition, the Kimberly House works closely with Door County Community Programs and residents must visit with counselors as well. Along with those rehabilitation sessions, Berg says simple work around the house is important.
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Family also plays a large role in the recovery process. Schuster says a resident's family, especially children, are asked to participate.
Finally, Schuster says past residents will continue to be a part of the Kimberly House family. She says they often stop by to check in and mentor new residents.
The Kimberly House depends greatly on donations from the community to make ends meet. This year, $77,000 is needed to keep their doors open. If you would like to help, contact the Kimberly House.
Kimberly Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 751
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 746-9224
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
August 20, 200
A hit and run that occurred last Tuesday in the City of Kewaunee is still under investigation. The Kewaunee Police Department is again asking for your help in solving the crime. They received numerous tips that turned out negative on the driver and vehicle. Police Chief Frank Salentine thanked the community for their involvement in this matter, but is still searching for answers.
The accident happened at the intersection of Dodge Street and Center Street in the City of Kewaunee. A 49 year old Kewaunee man was driving his moped east on Center Street when a white, two door Saturn heading north on Dodge Street failed to stop for a stop sign. The white Saturn drove into the path of the moped, causing it to collide with the car.
A witness stated the white Saturn was driven by a young man with another younger adult man in the passenger seat.
The vehicle in question would have left side damage, from approximately the driver's door to the taillights. Pieces of the white Saturn were collected; they include the driver's door handle and a plastic corner piece from the bottom of the car, just in front of the left rear wheel.
The driver of the moped was hospitalized as a result of the accident.
The Kewaunee Police Department has contacted the Wisconsin State Patrol and is asking for their assistance in this case. Those with information about this incident are encouraged to contact the Kewaunee Police Department at (920) 388-5010.