By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 23, 2007
The Door County YMCA is calling on the youth of our community to exercise your mind. Students in grades 8-12 are invited to join the Y's Youth In Government delegation. Youth Sports Director Brooke Tanck says students can learn more about this group at their kick off meeting on Monday.
(Audio Here)
Students are sure to learn a lot in Youth In Government, says Tanck. Its also a good way for them to find out if they may want to further their studies in governmental issues.
(Audio Here)
Students will work throughout the year on various topics and in February they'll head to Madison for three days. There students will take what they have learned and put it into play.
(Audio Here)
Students in grades 8-12 can learn more about the YMCA's Youth In Government on Monday. The kick off meeting will be in the board room at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA at 7:00PM.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 23, 2007
If you enjoy Peninsula State Park, you are encouraged to become a member of the Friends group. While many have enjoyed Pen Park for years, it wasn't until recently that the Friends group was formed. Member John Maring.
(Audio Here)
Maring invites all those who enjoy Peninsula Park to join the Friends group. He says many of us have enjoyed the park for years and now is your chance to give back a bit. By-laws and organization of the group and committees has been the focus until now. Maring hopes all who love Pen Park will step forward to show their support. When asked what is meant to be a Friend of Peninsula State Park, Maring said this.
(Audio Here)
Charter memberships good through 2008 are $25 for an individual and $40 for a family. Each new member receives a handsome cloth charter member patch. Please contact John Maring 920 854-2623 or e-mail Norm Aulabaugh at nra@ticon.net by September 19, for more information.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 23, 2007
Senator Alan Lasee hopes the Propane Safety Act will go into effect soon. The bill has been referred to the Committee of Commerce, Utilities and Rail in the Senate. Lasee
expects the co-sponsor and committee chair Senator Jeff Plale to
support the bill, however, he is not sure when a hearing on this
issue will take place. Lasee says the Propane Safety Act comes after
the Ellison Bay tragedy took the life of two people and injured
seven last summer. (Audio Here)
Lasee says after months of delay and consideration, it was decided that property owners would work together with Diggers Hotline to determine where propane lines are located. Lasee says currently, Diggers Hotline does ask a series of questions, but inquiries about propane are not mentioned. There are many other pieces to this proposed bill. Lasee says when a property changes hands, there should be some documentation indicating if propane is being used on the property and where those lines are located.
(Audio Here)
Lasee says Plale is planning a hearing on October 11, however, no bill has been scheduled yet. He hopes Senator Plale will expedite this propane bill as quickly as possible. Lasee looks forward to discussing the Propane Safety Act further at the committee meeting on October 11.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 23, 2007
The
YMCA America On The Move initiative is in full affect and
there are a number of activities that are going on at both Door
County facilities to celebrate. Executive Director Dan Powell says
America On The Move is an effort that encourages people to
take an extra 2,000 steps and reduce meals by 100 calories every
day. Door County's America On The Move began yesterday and tomorrow
there are a number of great things available for to the community. A
free blood pressure screening will take place on Monday morning at
7:30. After that, people are invited to "Learn how to read a food
label." That class will be at the Sturgeon Bay facility at 9:45AM.
Another Community Walk will take place tomorrow. That walk will be
led by Mayor Tom Voegele and will begin at noon. Powell says this
year's America On The Move initiative is even
bigger and better than last year. He says last year they set aside
only a couple days for the effort in one area of the county and
there were less activities planned. (Audio Here)
Like everyday this week, free fitness classes will be offered on Monday. Adults are invited to try Fit For Life, Step Class, Healthy Choices, Water Walkers and AquaFit. When asked if it was easy to keep in shape, stay fit and make healthy decisions, Powell said this.
(Audio Here)
Powell says diet, exercise and emotional & psychological well-being all play a role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. America On The Move is an effort to encourage that initial step or to take extra step towards a healthy lifestyle. Click Here! For more America On The Move events! Stayed tuned to learn more about this positive initiative.
By Patti Podgers DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 22, 2007
Each year Gibraltar Area Schools announces a theme around which enrichment activities are planned for students in grades from pre-school through high school. “The 2007 - 08 theme is ‘Creative Outlets for Wellness,’” announced Friends of Gibraltar (FOG) coordinator Vinni Chomeau. “We are very excited about this year’s related activities. Our
theme is very positive, enriching, and artistic and there will be
something for every student.”Collaborating with organizations and individuals throughout Door County is an integral part of the yearly theme which relies on volunteers, community members, and parents to facilitate the related programming. The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts is the first partner in Creative Outlets for Wellness. The focus of this program is to assist students in developing creative skills and to exposure to career opportunities in the arts.
“This is a student-oriented project,” Chomeau emphasized. “We will begin with workshops whose topics the students suggested; from there the students will select a specific workshop. As we move through the school year, the students will be mentored by local artists and professionals in art-related fields as they work on their individual projects.
“Their final artworks will be on exhibit at the end of the school year. This first collaboration has begun the school year and will conclude with the end of the school year. It will be very exciting to see the completed projects,” said Chomeau. An end-of-the-year exhibit will feature the final projects.
In addition to the collaboration with the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts, Gibraltar Area Schools’ students will participate in a performance by Dallas Black Dance in mid-October. Illustrator Renee Graef whose work includes the American Girl series will be a guest presenter in December in a collaboration with the Door Community Auditorium and Peninsula Art School.
“We have a very full schedule of special events planned for all of the students,” explained Chomeau. “We can always use volunteer help and we’d love for everyone to join FOG. There are so many opportunities to support our students and the enrichment programming we bring to them.”
For additional information on Friends of Gibraltar contact Vinni Chomeau at 920.868.3284, extension 205.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 22, 2007
The Door County YMCA is calling on everyone to get more active
and get "On The Move." Executive director Dan Powell says this is a
nationwide Y effort to reach out to all communities in America.
America On The Move begins today and during this week, Powell
hopes everyone will get moving and stay active.
(Audio Here)
To celebrate "America On The Move," both Door County YMCA locations
will offer special programs throughout the week. Powell says
America On The Move will kick off today. In Sturgeon Bay, Y
staff members will be at Harvest Fest and a community walk is
scheduled for 1:00PM. Log books will also be handed out and Powell
says documenting what you eat and how active you are is a great way
to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Tomorrow both Door County YMCA
facilities will open their doors for Community Day. This is a day
when all non-members can check out the Y for free.
(Audio Here)
That's all just the beginning of the America On The Move
initiative. On Monday, a free blood pressure screening will be
offered, you can learn how to read a food label and take advantage
of a free fitness class as well. Powell challenges Door County
residents of all ages to get off the couch and get on the move.
Click Here! For more America On The Move events!
Stayed tuned to learn more about this positive initiative.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 22, 2007
The Door Kewaunee Business and Education Partnership is working hard to tell students that there are plenty of good paying jobs right here in our area. In the first part of this series, Business and Education Manager Tara LeClair talked about the Spring Job Fair, job shadowing, group tours and the high school home construction project. In addition to those programs, LeClair says Tool Time and Careers On Wheels reach out to students of all ages. These programs are scheduled every other year.
(Audio Here)
Aside from the home construction project, another first this year is the Youth Apprentice and Co-op Program. LeClair says Gibraltar and Algoma High Schools are participating in the career exploration pilot. The program is for high school juniors and seniors. LeClair says six students will be involved in the semester long course.
(Audio Here)
LeClair says students will not be paid for this class. She says this is a great way to give students a taste of what they could be doing after school. LeClair says DKBEP is trying to prepare students for the workforce and hopefully call them back to Door County following college.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 21, 2007
Sturgeon Bay resident Bill Sturdevant uses his creative thinking on a daily basis and is in the middle of writing and publishing a series of science fiction stories. Using the pen name of Wilhelm Weiss, Sturdevant is writing his ninth book.
"The Quest of Mankind" was Sturdevant's first published novel. The book was released last year. He is in the process of publishing the second in a ten novel series entitled "Exploration and War." The Science Fiction fantasy writer said the "Quest of Mankind" is different from your typical science fiction read.
(Audio Here)
Sci-Fi fantasy deals with the world of imagination in terms of vampires, dwarfs and elves. Sturdevant also likes to write about the human emotions and translate that into his works. The Sturgeon Bay resident is a self-taught writer who began writing sci-fi in 1985.
The series jumps around like the timetable illustrated in Star Wars. The original book is going to be the fourth story released.
Wilhelm Weiss's series has been well received by local readers, and apparently Hollywood too. Sturdevant said a major film company might be looking at turning the novel into a motion picture at some point.
(Audio Here)
The Door County author is waiting for a big break, but all indications lead him to believe this story may be put on the big screen. Copies of the first book can be purchased online. Copies are also available through the Door County Library.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 21, 2007
An exhibit entitled "One Tree: 14 Artists," will be on display from September 28 through November 3 in the Guenzel Gallery of Peninsula Art School. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, October 6 from 5-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The exhibit encompasses a wide range of disciplines- from oil painting to photography, to blacksmithing. The artists have utilized the wood of a maple tree in varying degrees to create functional and display-oriented works. According to the exhibit's creative consultant and furniture craftsman, Michael Doerr, of Sturgeon Bay, an intriguing aspect to the show is its diversity.
"One of the cooler parts of this project was seeing how differently every artisan viewed the use of the tree," he says. "Some were looking for lumber yield, others for wood turning and still others as material to burn when firing pottery."
The Silver Maple is estimated to be about 100-150 years old, and measures almost two feet in diameter. Nothing was wasted in harvesting the tree. Unclaimed wood was bundled for fuel for pottery firings and firewood, and more sizable portions and cut "rounds" will form pedestals to display smaller works in the exhibit.
In addition to Doerr, artists participating in the "One Tree" project include names like Joel Thomas, Margaret Lockwood and Jon Hanson.
Although the work of many disciplines will be represented in "One Tree: 14 Artists," Doerr says the participants have mutual feelings regarding their natural muse.
"Any artist who works with a natural product has a reverence for it," Doerr says. "I think there was a common reverence for the tree. When you cut into the wood it's always different, even if it comes from the same kind of tree. Working with wood is always new and exciting."
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 21, 2007
Door County Sheriff Terry Vogel announced today that Juan Miguel Chavez has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine in Door County.
On November 8, 2005, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Guadencio Flores and Juan Miguel Chavez with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The indictment also included three counts of cocaine delivery and the forfeiture of a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe used in conspiracy and registered to Chavez.
The violations occurred in September and October 2005. Chavez fled the scene of the arrest and remained at large until he was arrested in Chicago in December of 2006. There was another man that fled and is still running from authorities.
On April 25, 2007, Chavez pled guilty to the conspiracy charge. He was sentenced in Green Bay to 37 months in prison. A joint undercover investigation by the Door and Kewaunee Counties Drug Task Force led to Chavez's conviction. Door County Sheriff Terry Vogel said this case is sill being investigated.
(Audio Here)
Door County Narcotics Investigator Mark Winkel was the lead case agent. The investigation revealed that Chavez drove himself and another man from Chicago to Brown and Door Counties, where Flores provided the cocaine. Flores distributed the cocaine in northern Door County.
During the investigation, an undercover officer bought multiple ounces up to one half kilogram from Flores. Officers seized over three quarters of a kilogram of cocaine during the investigation. Chavez, an Illinois resident, was living part time in Door County at the time of the drug deals. Flores was previously sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison and is currently serving that sentence. Sheriff Vogel believes a case like this deters drug dealers from operating in Door County.
(Audio Here)
Vogel said with the amount of cocaine seized through this case this bust ranks in the top five in his 32-year career in law enforcement. However, one man is still at large after escaping from authorities the night of the bust. Vogel commented that they are still following his contacts and will be continuing the investigation.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 21, 2007
Downtown Sturgeon Bay will be filled with arts and crafts, scarecrows, pumpkins and people tomorrow for the annual Harvest Festival. The festival will be celebrated citywide but the party will be centered on Third Avenue. They will close the street for the day and allow people to enjoy a family friendly event. A car show will also be happening along Third Avenue throughout the day.
Manager at the Ladder House Paul Salm said the old firehouse where they operate from, used to play a big role in the event. He wants to keep the historic building involved and is doing so in a unique way this year. The street in front of the Ladder House will be a place for the family to enjoy a carnival type atmosphere.
(Audio Here)
Salm invites you to stick around after the festival for the first annual Harvest Moon Celebration from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. They will have live music under the tent performed by Corky Siegel and Dorothy Scott. Salm said many residents have been asking for more from the fest and the Ladder House is answering those requests.
(Audio Here)
The Ladder House is happy to be a part of Sturgeon Bay tradition and is looking forward to meeting the community tomorrow. With their focal point being family fun during the day, Salm feels this is a great opportunity to appeal to an audience that they may not target on an everyday basis.
The fun and festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 20, 2007
Sevastopol Superintendent of Schools Steve Cromell said the fact that legislators cannot settle the state budget is hurting school districts throughout the state. Working with an undetermined budget leaves many questions for school boards that are trying to sort their way through tough financial times. Funding cuts have plagued districts with declining enrollments for the past five years. Cromell said the current state budget situation is not doing Sevastopol any favors.
(Audio Here)
The state position on lack of final budget numbers is disconcerting, according to Cromell. However, he said there comes a point at which the district needs to be able to do a projection and move forward with the school's budget. Cromell explained how Sevastopol is in a different situation than most area districts.
(Audio Here)
The Sevastopol School District is in good financial standing, according to the new Superintendent of Schools. He is excited about his position and the opportunities that lie ahead of the students, faculty and parents involved in Sevastopol Schools.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 20, 2007
Peninsula Players Theatre will hold four free public seminars on consecutive Saturdays this fall, starting this week. From 2 - 3:30 p.m. a Stage Violence Demonstration in the Peninsula Players Rehearsal Hall will be the program. Players actor/director and fight choreographer Joe Foust will lead the demonstration and will partner with Players actor Kevin McKillip in revealing some of the secrets behind safely depicting dangerous-looking scenes of violence, fighting and combat on stage. Foust and McKillip have both attained the rank of “Actor/Combatant” through the Society of American Fight Directors.
Three other seminars will be presented on Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 13 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. in the Players Rehearsal Hall. Players artistic director Greg Vinkler, who presented a very popular seminar on Shakespeare last fall, will participate in two other seminars this fall. On Sept. 29 Vinkler will be joined by his “Be My Baby” co-star, Carmen Roman, to discuss the process and challenges of developing the many complex relationships they have portrayed together over the years.
On Oct. 6 Vinkler will lead another Shakespeare seminar, but this year with a different twist. This time he will be accompanied by two other actors, Joe Foust and Cassandra Bissell, who will demonstrate varying approaches to famous Shakespeare scenes with and under the direction of Vinkler.
On Oct. 13 perennial Players favorite Bob Thompson will talk about his career and the history of the Players, while occasionally reading some favorite speeches and scenes in his seminar, “An Actor’s Life.” The venerable Thompson is well-known for his many years with the Peninsula Players as actor, director and artistic director as well as his work as an actor on Broadway and in Chicago.
This series of seminars is being presented free to the public because of the overwhelming response to Vinkler’s popular seminar “An Afternoon with Shakespeare,” presented last fall.
Public reservations are required. Space is limited to 25 people for each event. Call the box office today at 920-868-3287 to reserve your spot.
Saturday Sept. 22 2 - 3:30 p.m.: Stage Violence, with Joe Foust and Kevin McKillip
Saturday Sept. 29 2 - 3:30 p.m.: Stage Relationships, with Greg Vinkler and Carmen Roman
Saturday Oct. 6 2 - 3:30 p.m.: Shakespearean Scenes, with Greg Vinkler, Joe Foust and Cassandra Bissell
Saturday Oct. 13 2 - 3:30 p.m.: An Actor’s Life, with Bob Thompson and Todd Schmidt
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 20, 2007
If you purchased ground beef from the Piggly Wiggly store in Sister Bay this summer, it is possible the meat may be contaminated with E. coli. The store is undergoing a voluntary recall for products labeled "Ground Chuck" and "Certified Angus Beef Ground Round 85% Lean." The sell by date on the potentially contaminated packages is July 15 through August 5. The voluntary recall allows consumers to return the meat to Piggly Wiggly for a full refund. Consultant with the Wisconsin Food Safety Service Dave Flora said infections in two people may be associated with ground beef products sold at Piggly Wiggly stores in Monroe, Wisconsin and Sister Bay. The contaminated beef came from suppliers and it is not directly related to store operations. Test results reveal no E. coli in later sampling of ground beef products from the two stores.
(Audio Here)
The store was inspected and tested by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture after the incident. Tests proved that Piggly Wiggly in Sister Bay was clear of E. coli.
Anyone who consumed these products and became ill should consult a physician or contact their local health department. E. coli is a potentially deadly bacterium. Very young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems, such as transplant recipients or HIV patients, are the most susceptible.
Symptoms normally appear 2-8 days after exposure. E. coli infections in adults generally clear up within one week. Children may shed the bacteria in their stool for up to three weeks. Consumers can help prevent E. coli by cooking ground beef to 160 degrees F and by carefully washing hands before and after food preparation.
Dave Flora talked about what consumers should do if they suspect they have the infected product in their freezer.
(Audio Here)
Piggly Wiggly is working with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in their continuing investigations.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 19, 2007
Moving ahead with the Door County Room Tax issue, members of Sturgeon Bay's Finance/Purchasing & Building Committee will attend a round table discussion regarding the Tourism Zone Commission on Thursday morning. Finance committee chair David McAllister says Sturgeon Bay may be interested in contracting and they'd like to know if that option would be available. McAllister talks about contracting.
(Audio Here)
The proposed room tax is 5.5%. Sturgeon Bay already has a room tax of 4%. The County Tourism Zone Commission round table will be on Thursday at 9:00AM. The discussion will take place at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. The Sturgeon Bay Finance/Purchasing & Building Committee will not take any formal action at this meeting.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 19, 2007
Isadoora Theatre Company will open its 6th season of theatre with the Steve Martin comedy "Picasso at the Lapin Agile." The production is directed by Renee Kujawski and will be presented at the newly renovated Sturgeon Bay High School auditorium, Oct 4-7 and Oct 11-14.
Isadoora is proud to announce a cast of both familiar and fresh faces. Appearing in "Picasso at Lapin Agile" are: Jeffrey Berger as "Einstein," Michael Bleck as "The Singer," Andy Couffou as "Freddy," Amy Ensign as "Germaine," David Clowers as "Gaston," Hervy Hodges as "Picasso," Margaret Magle as "Countess," Craig McClelland as "Sagot," Anne St. Henry as "Suzanne/Female Fan," and Bill Bauernfeind as "Schmendiman." Lynn Berger is serving as Assistant Director and Stage Manager.
The cast consists entirely of local Door County residents. Several of the cast members have appeared in previous Isadoora productions while for others this will be their first. Director Renee Kujawski commented, "This unique and hilarious show by Steve Martin is being brought to life by a wonderful cast. The audience will be rolling on the floors laughing because of the genius of the script, the talent of the cast, and how everything is just molding together. We're having fun!" Hervy Hodges said this theatrical production will make audiences laugh. He believes it also will get them thinking.
(Audio Here)
Written by the comedian Steve Martin, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is a long-running, Off-Broadway comedy that places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian café in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the painter set the art world afire with cubism. The two geniuses mull over the century's achievements while assortments of characters stop by to visit. Hodges explained his character.
(Audio Here)
The cast and crew have been rehearsing since late August to stage "Picasso at the Lapin Agile." The show will play at the Sturgeon Bay High School Auditorium and is a great kick-off for Isadoora's 6th season. Thursday through Saturday shows are at 7:30 PM. Sunday matinees are at 2 PM. Tickets are available for $12 by calling the Isadoora box office phone at 920-493-3667, or at the door.
Isadoora Theatre Company celebrates theatre through its basic elements of movement, music, story and thought. The company provides theatrical experiences of intellectual integrity fulfilled by open self-examination and artistic risk for the educational and cultural enrichment of the community. For more information, visit www.isadoora.com
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 19, 2007
Volunteers continue to be part of the driving force behind the Door County Humane Society. From dog walkers, to kennel cleaners, and even veterinarians, there are many people who play a large role in making things run smoothly at the shelter. Pets At Home
Veterinarian Dr. Jim Johnson helps out every Thursday at the Humane
Society. He has a very good working relationship with the shelter.(Audio Here)
Door County Humane Society Executive Director Carrie Counihan is quite pleased to have Dr. Johnson on board.
(Audio Here)
Johnson says he has a great time at the shelter. He is happy to visit with the animals and the staff, as well as provide medical and surgical operations for the cats. Counihan says Dr. Johnson has not only done wonders for the cats but has also done a lot for the staff. She says Johnson provides the staff with a lot of knowledge and understanding about the animals they care for everyday. In addition, Counihan estimates that the shelter saved nearly $80,000 in medical expenses because of all the volunteer veterinarians that provide care to the Humane Society animals. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed at the Door County Humane Society. Counihan says you do not have to be a surgeon to help out. If you share a love for animals she says chances are, they'll find something for you to do.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 19, 2007
Strategic planning and street work were some things discussed at last night's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting. The meeting started with suggestions by council member Steve
Mann.
After weeks of attempting to get the topic of Plan Commission
representation on the agenda, Mann asked that the issue be tabled
last night. Previously, Mann expressed to DoorCountyDailyNews.com
his concern about west side representation on the commission. In
addition, he believes the mayor should sit on the commission as
well. The council voted in favor of tabling the issue, as Mann wants
to do some more research before a formal recommendation is made.
Another suggestion made by Mann had to do with exit interviews. City
Administrator Kevin O'Donnell will work with the Personnel Committee
to incorporate these exit interviews to find out why city employees
may be leaving their positions. Street work received a lot of discussion last night. A special Finance/Purchasing & Building Committee meeting prior to the council meeting also included talk on this as well. Repairing
Third Avenue has been a priority for the city. The 80 year old steam
pipes underground and what should be done to them seems to be one
hang up. Council member Jim Michaud talked of a new procedure
that should be investigated before work plans continue. Michaud
believes there is an opportunity to save some down time for the area
businesses by possibly not doing the project this way. (Audio Here)
The council approved the engineering and inspection contract with Foth Infrastructure for
work on Third Avenue. That contract is not to exceed $70,000. Also
last night, the council approved the construction contract with
Lunda in the amount of $427,050 with the exception that the
Utilities Commission consider this new process Michaud spoke of
before the final plan is determined. Also last night, the council approved extending the term of development agreement between the city and Anchor Electric Supply for 60 days and vacating and discontinuing a portion of 60 foot right-of-way at N. 11th Avenue.
The council wrapped up by reviewing strategic planning goals. A few weeks ago, the council, minus council member Steve Mann, participated in a strategic planning session at Crossroads at Big Creek that was facilitated by UW-Extension Community Development
Educator Rob Burke. A report has been compiled by Burke and
presented to the council. Mayor Tom Voegele listed a few points that
were considered as Burke developed the draft mission statement for
the city.(Audio Here)
While the council seemed pleased with the information that was organized by Burke, they would like to take another look. Determining "core values" was something council member Dave McAllister was concerned about. The council will meet with Burke again to work towards finalizing the things that were discussed at the initial meeting.
The next Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be on Tuesday, October 2.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 18, 2007
Colorful and tidy landscaping could increase a home's value. Recent research has indicated that taking care of your yard could boost the value anywhere from 7%-15%. Owner of Briggsville Gardens Richard Briggs says while adding a few things to the yard may up the value, a good cleaning can also do wonders. Briggs suggests replacing the mulch, trimming overgrown trees and shrubs, edging and maybe replacing a few plants. Briggs also added
that a nice lawn makes a good first impression. Briggs suggests
keeping is nicely mowed, fertilized (from time to time) and be sure
it is getting enough water. Another thing that can help a backyard
is drawing attention away from eyesores and onto positive features.
(Audio Here)
Briggs says the improvements you make will probably not be too difficult, however, it may take some time to complete. He also suggests creating a good view of the backyard from the inside of the house. At the same time, you may want to block some views.
(Audio Here)
Briggs says these types of improvements will add greatly to the value of your home and he believes you will get back what you put into it. He reminds all sellers that everyone has different taste. While some may like an extravagant looking backyard, others do not care to invest a lot of time into maintaining it. That is why he says it is better to do many little things to enhance the appearance. Briggs says it would be a shame to spend all that time and money when those things may not be enjoyed or appreciated by the next person.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 17, 2007
If you need more storage space and
would like to help Door County Habitat For Humanity, this event is
for you. Habitat is a non-profit organization that helps build homes
for low
income families that would not normally be able to have one. Habitat
increased their construction schedule and more homes are currently
being built in Door County compared to past years. Executive
director Rick Nelson says funds are needed for things like sub
contractors, building supplies and to purchase land (among other
things) and that's where the storage shed comes in. A storage shed
will be raffled off on October 2 and all proceeds will go to Door
County Habitat for Humanity.
(Audio
Here)
Your chance to go home with a storage shed will be on Friday,
October 5. One lucky winner will be announced at 12:00PM at the
Habitat office in Sturgeon Bay. For more information, contact
Habitat For Humanity. For more information, you can phone the
habitat office at (920) 743-2869.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 18, 2007
American Folklore Theatre is currently running a romantic musical comedy entitled "Main Traveled Roads." The performances moved to the Ephraim Village Hall for the fall portion of their schedule. The move came after the most successful summer seasons in AFT's existence. Managing Director Kaye Christman said this summer was phenomenal for the nonprofit organization.
(Audio Here)
"Cabin with a View," "Belgians in Heaven" and "Guys on Ice" seemed to appeal to the masses, said Christman. She called the summer lineup one of their strongest ever. Producing all original work is what Christman believes sets them apart from the rest.
(Audio Here)
She credits all of the AFT staff for their hard work and determination throughout the planning stages, peak season and fall series. Their continuous commitment to the product was crucial, according to the Managing Director. American Folklore Theatre is happy to spread the news on a lights out summer season and is excited to begin the planning for another year of entertaining productions.
Christman recently appeared on the "Morning Edition" broadcast on 105.1 FM WSBW.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 17, 2007
The Door Kewaunee Business &
Education Partnership is "Working Together To Grow Tomorrow's
Workforce." Working with their fiscal agent, the Door County
Economic Development Corporation, DKBEP looks to develop career
awareness programs for youth in the area. Business and Education
Manager Tara LeClair is trying to reach out to the youth of our
community so they know that there are ideal living conditions and
great money to be made right here in Door County.
(Audio Here)
The DKBEP High School Home Construction Project will officially kick
off on Monday with a groundbreaking ceremony. LeClair says
essentially, it will be 14 high school students building a home that
will go onto the market sometime this spring. LeClair says DKBEP
also works with Sturgeon Bay Rotary to organize the 8th grade Career
Day. This happens every spring and LeClair says its a time for
students to visit with local businesses about various career choices
and opportunities in the area.
The Job Shadow Program is another initiative LeClair talked about.
Students and businesses are teamed up for that and LeClair counts on
teacher recommendations and assistance for that program. Group tours
have also been very successful, says LeClair.
(Audio Here)
There are many other ways that the Door Kewaunee Business Education
Partnership is reaching out to the youth in out area and we'll talk
more about those programs in the next story in this series. LeClair
will talk about Tool Time and Careers On Wheels.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 17, 2007
The Sturgeon Bay City Council will
meet this evening to review and prioritize strategic planning goals.
They will also discus other agenda items. Mayor Tom Voegele said
well thought out strategic planning is essential to the continued
success of city government. The council met at Crossroads at Big
Creek a month ago to brainstorm on what projects and items need to
be addressed. Voegele explained the initial strategic planning
meeting.
(Audio Here)
The council brought up a good deal of items that need addressing in
the City of Sturgeon Bay. Voegele hopes they will be able to agree
on what projects need attention in a timely manner.
(Audio Here)
The council will also establish the City’s portion of building
permit fees, not to include park and playground fees, and waive only
the City’s portion for the parcel that is being built on by Habitat
for Humanity.
The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. or immediately following the
Finance/Purchasing & Building Committee meeting which begins at 6:30
at City Hall. Mayor Voegele said public input on strategic planning
is welcome.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
September 17, 2007
The Invasive specie Phragmites is
everywhere and once you know how to identify it, you'll notice just
how overwhelming it really is. Door County Invasive Specie Team
Coordinator Bob Bultman says Phragmites is a tall grass that can
grow up to six meters tall. To know what Phragmites looks like, all
you have to do is simply look around. You'll find it all along both
sides of Highway 42/57 on your way to Green Bay. In addition,
Phragmites is prolific on shorelines. Bultman says the thing about
Phragmites is how rapidly it multiplies. Not only does it disperse
seeds from the top, but it spreads from the bottom as well.
(Audio Here)
Bultman and the Door County Invasive Specie Team continues to fight
the battle against Phragmites. The good news is that invasives can
be defeated and eradicated. However, Bultman says there are right
and wrong ways to do this. To learn more about how to get rid of
pesky Phragmites, you are encouraged to contact DCIST or simply
attend a monthly meeting.