The Door County Transportation Consortium is working with the University of Green Bay to gauge the need for public transportation in the community. A mass mailing will be received in the mail this week asking you questions about transportation, places you shop and other travel questions. Door County Transportation Consortium Chair Paul Kok said this piece of mail is extremely important to the future of our community. He asks that you take a few minutes to fill out the questionnaire.
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Kok said it will take approximately five minutes to fill out the entire survey. The impact each survey will have on the results is huge. Kok asks that you take this opportunity to express your potential needs in terms of public transportation. He explained how the returned data will be used.
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The Door County Transportation Consortium and the University of Green Bay will calculate the data. Kok said their hope is to provide efficient transportation to everyone in need in Door County. Maintaining the affordability of transportation in the future is another focal point of the group.

The end is near, according to Sturgeon Bay City Engineer Tony Depies. Temporary paving on Third Avenue is nearly complete. Because the road surface needs to be clean and level, to get a smooth Asphalt layer that will last through the winter, all of 3rd Ave was closed from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon. The City Engineer described the temporary surface.
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Looking back at construction projects in Sturgeon bay this year, Depies said in local dollars these projects equal what is normally spent over a nine-year period and 2008 will again be a busy year. Projects included a new bridge 60% complete, bridge approaches 100% complete, Oregon, Neenah and part of Maple Street paved with concrete and designed to outlast the traditional asphalt pavement and the replacement of underground utilities on 1st & 3rd Avenues, Oregon Street and Neenah Avenue.
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Next week the city will review the odds and ends that still need to be cleaned up to make the sidewalks safe and the snow removal normal. Many Third Avenue business owners applaud the job done by the Dorner Construction crews who worked from early in the morning until well past sunset.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor Tom Voegele and Door County Board Chair Charlie Most purchased the first two tickets for the "Sounds of Sirens" effort yesterday. The radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com kicked off the event sponsored by Witt Peninsula Ford Lincoln Mercury at the Stone Harbor Resort and Conference Center. Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Tim Herlache and Sister Bay/ Liberty Grove Chief Chris Hecht sold the first two raffle tickets. The event will conclude on March 3 when we will draw a winner for a trip for two to Hawaii. Hecht said this event will greatly affect the fire departments in Door County.
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Tim Herlache said the Sturgeon Bay Department is thrilled to be a part of this event. He described where the money raised from the event will go. 
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Help Door County Fire Departments, win a trip for two to Hawaii, and keep the "Sounds of Sirens" saving lives in Door County. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at participating Door County businesses for $10 a piece.

Eighth Congressional District Representative Steve Kagen joined other congress members on bipartisan legislation to begin to address illegal immigration. The Secure America with Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act of 2007 institutes Congressman Kagen’s 3-point plan to drastically reduce illegal immigration in America by securing our borders, enforcing all our laws, and making certain employers have the means necessary to determine who is legally available for hire without increasing their business expenses. He talked about his views on illegal immigration.
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Kagen is an original cosponsor of this groundbreaking legislation introduced Tuesday. "Everywhere I go, people are telling me the same thing. From Waupaca to Sturgeon Bay, from Appleton to Green Bay and from Marinette to Minocqua, people are saying, ‘I want my country back!’”, Congressman Kagen said.
“The SAVE Act will begin to do just that by increasing security at both our northern and southern borders and empowering small businesses with the technology to easily determine who is and is not available for legal hire. It increases enforcement of our immigration laws throughout our country, and will be good for business at the same time,” Kagen said.
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Millions of people enter our country illegally, drawn by the readily available number of jobs. However, easy access to American jobs and an unlimited supply of cheap labor drives down wages for American workers, according to Kagen. The SAVE Act provides a 3-point plan to solve the problem. The SAVE Act addresses border security by increasing the workforce, technology and infrastructure needs on America’s northern and southern borders.
The SAVE Act provides the tools, resources and infrastructure necessary to enforce existing immigration laws and penalize offenders, not just at the border, but throughout the nation.
Finally, the SAVE Act protects all legal employees and law-abiding businesses from the unfair competition created by a massive illegal workforce by expanding the E-Verify system.
Importantly, the SAVE Act has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small-business advocacy organization.
We will continue to break down Eighth Congressional District Representative Steve Kagen's plan to crack down on illegal immigration tomorrow on DoorCountyDailyNews.com and the radio stations.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 the Armistice formally ending World War I was signed. Eight years later, the United States Congress declared November 11th a new holiday honoring all service people who have fought or are fighting for the United States. This weekend the Door County American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations are hosting two ceremonies to honor past and present service men and women.

“Our motto is ‘Honor the Dead by Helping the Living,’” stated VFW Liberty Grove Post 8337 Commander Rich Woldt. “We encourage everyone to show their gratitude to our troops serving today and the countless individuals who have served throughout the years. Although we have numerous veterans’ organizations, we are in this together.”

Throughout the year members of the VFW and American Legion participate in a variety of activities that provide funding for countless activities including local scholarships, youth programs, a relief fund, Door County Memorial Hospital, children of veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home.

A wreath-laying ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 11th at 8:30 am in Sister Bay’s Henderson Park.

“Our number one goal is to show patriotism and honor our veterans. Freedom is a privilege we all have and it came at a terrible price. Please don’t take it for granted,” emphasized Tom Kowlaski, Door County American Legion Post Commander.

Veterans are encouraged to register at the Door County Courthouse. For additional information on veterans organizations in Door County visit www.doorcountyveterans.com

 Door County Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha says the month of November is the number one time for deer kill in the woods and on the road. Statistics indicate that more than 60 percent of deer accidents occur in the fall. June is also known for a high number of deer car crashes. Kratcha says this will be a busy month for deer, as they are out seeking new food plots. He says that early morning and evening hours are when deer are most active and he urges motorists to pay attention to deer crossing and speed limit signs.
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Kratcha says areas that are typically known for high deer traffic will be marked. He says that if you do strike a deer and it is still alive, remain in your vehicle. Kratcha talks about one thing motorists and venison fans should know. 
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Kratcha says that the Door County Highway Department will pick up car-killed deer but you must obtain a tag from the DNR if you wish to keep it. He asks all motorists to be alert and to continually scan the roadside. Kratcha says that a slight brush with a deer can cause a lot of damage or even a fatality.

A busload of Sturgeon Bay students will receive free dental care today because of a group of 18 students from the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Dental assistant and dental hygienist programs are gaining valuable hands-on experience through a new service learning project, while making a difference in the lives of Door County children. Open Door Dental Clinic Coordinator Mary Ann Zjala said the NWTC students are receiving credit and providing a wonderful community service at the same time.
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The Open Door Dental Clinic in Sturgeon Bay will be providing dental sealants and dental health education to 121 uninsured Southern Door and Sturgeon Bay students in the second, third, and fourth grades. Under instructor supervision, the dental hygiene students apply sealants to the children's teeth while the dental assistant students assist chair-side and maintain sterile and efficient operations. The NWTC students also educate the grade school children about proper teeth brushing and the prevention of cavities. Zjala explained the process.
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The dental hygiene and dental assistant students volunteered at the Open Door clinic for the first time on October 12 and will be returning November 16. The dental assistant students will also be working at the clinic three times next semester.
Open Door Dental is a volunteer-run clinic in Sturgeon Bay that provides free preventive and restorative dental services to uninsured children, who are without dentists, in Door County. For more information, call Mary Ann Zjala, Open Door Dental Clinic coordinator, at (920) 493-1300.
 

Recent scandals in the state capitol and the increasing influence of special interest money mean now is the time for reform in Wisconsin, according to Common Cause Executive Director Jay Heck. While Heck was pleased with the passage of the recent Ethics Bill, he says more still needs to be done.
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Heck says this is a bi-partisan push. Its an issue of good government versus corrupt government, he adds. Heck believes Governor Jim Doyle should call the legislature into a special session.
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When hearing the words "political reform, " Heck says many citizens may think that it won't really happen here in Wisconsin any time soon. His recipe for change is as simple as a little pressure on legislators. Heck encourages all Wisconsinites to let representatives know that you'll be watching to see if there is action on cleaning up the corrupt money system in the final months of 2007.
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For more information about Common Cause and the reform agenda for Wisconsin, visit www.commoncause.org

Your help is needed to get safer biking and walking routes for Sturgeon Bay students. Safe Routes to School encourages children from kindergarten through eighth grade to walk or bike to school and city staff, officials and local residents are taking a look at Sturgeon Bay's current set up. Sturgeon Bay Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak talks about SRTS.
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Volunteers will survey areas surrounding St. John Bosco, Sawyer Elementary and a combination of Thomas Walker Middle and Sunrise Elementary Schools. Olejniczak says volunteers are needed to perform the audit.
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The walk and bike audits for Sturgeon Bay Schools will be tomorrow and Saturday. Olejniczak encourages all who can volunteer to contact him at City Hall.

Ten students are beginning another class with Leadership Door County. This is the seventh class and things got started in September with the opening retreat. Board member Deb Whitelaw Gorski talks about that retreat.
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After that, the class sets aside one Tuesday per month for Leadership Door County. On October 9, the class focused on Communication, Conflict Resolution and Local Media. On
their tour, one stop was made at the radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com.
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Class members are from all over the county says Whitelaw-Gorski. She says Leadership Door County is for everyone.
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Next on the schedule, the Leadership Door County class will learn about Human Services in Door County. For information on how you can join the next Leadership Door County class, visit www.leadershipdoorcounty.com

A special Veterans’ Day program honoring Louis Griese will be held Friday at the newly renovated Algoma Elementary Auditorium tomorrow. Louis was killed by a roadside bomb while
 serving in the U.S. Army last week. Griese was an Algoma and Sturgeon Bay resident before enrolling in the Army. The Veterans’ Day service begins at 1:00 p.m. and is open to the public.
The Algoma Power of Positive Students and Staff will provide a special lunch for all veterans and senior citizens. The meal will be served at 12:15 p.m. The Veterans’ Day program coordinator Linda Beneshesky said there are a limited number of seats available for the gathering.
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This will be the first production in the newly renovated Algoma Elementary Auditorium.
Beneshesky said she could not think of a better way to reopen the theatre. Honoring a local fallen soldier on Veterans’ Day, will be a moving event, she added. Beneshesky described the program.
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From first graders to seniors in high school the Algoma School District is committing to this event. The band will play a number of patriotic tunes and the Algoma Superintendent and High School Principal will greet the audience. Algoma School Board President Dan Polachek served in the Navy for 26 years and has a moving message he will be sharing with those in attendance. The event is free and open to everyone.

If anything has captured the attention of Door County’s residents and visitors in recent years, it most certainly is the health of “water,” the Peninsula’s most precious commodity. Beginning in 2002, the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department began gathering data from the peninsula’s 32 beaches, including three inland lakes, to determine the condition of the waters that lap the peninsula’s 300 miles of coastline.
In the last few years, the level of contaminants has tested higher. As a result of the evidence of E. coli and related harmful pathogens, the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department has taken huge steps in consistently monitoring the beaches.
“E. coli is the easiest ‘indicator’ to test for, and when it is present it means there are other pathogens in the water,” reported Amanda Brown, Door County Conservationist. “There has been some confusion about the warnings posted on the beaches. An advisory or closing is a decision made by the Department of Public Health and they post the signs. Our department is responsible for the monitoring and identification of the pathogens and their levels.”
Especially relevant to the condition of Door County’s beaches is the number of theories that have arisen as to ‘what” is causing recent contaminations. “There have been lots of ideas, but we can pin-point storm water discharge as the source of the contamination,” said Brown. “Presently we are working with the municipalities to construct plans for the reduction of E. coli and other contaminants. There is good news and, hopefully, the good news will continue over the next few years.”

For additional information on the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department visit www.co.door.wi.gov/county/app/public.

Due to the current remodeling of the Door County Government Center, the Register of Deeds office will temporarily be moving to room C330 of the Government Center at 421 Nebraska Street in Sturgeon Bay. Their services will be provided in room C330 starting Monday. The new office will be located on the third floor for approximately four to five weeks. Register of Deeds Carey Petersilka explained that the move is stressful.
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During the process of moving and the time frame of which they are not in their original office, there will most likely be records that may not be available for use. Items that are continually used will be moved to room C330. This includes: public access computers, microfiche, and the microfiche printer and viewers. They will also be moving all tract index books, including the Federal Tax Lien, Probate, Quit Claim, Miscellaneous and Deed book volumes 64 thru 172.
Unfortunately, early grantor index information and records that are primarily used for genealogical research will not be available while the Register of Deeds is located in their temporary office.
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Petersilka apologizes for this inconvenience, but wants you to know that it is necessary and only temporary. She appreciates your patience and cooperation during the moving process. You may contact the Register of Deeds prior to traveling to Sturgeon Bay, to make sure records are available. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Register of Deeds office directly at 920-746-2270.

The holidays are a few short weeks away and FISC Consumer Credit Counseling Director Gay Pusdaver says now is the time to prepare. With holiday gift giving, parties and decorations, many of us are searching for ways to pay for it all. Pusdaver says first of all, now is the time to think about how much money you are going to need.
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Pusdaver says planning could save you some big bucks.
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Planning is the key says Pusdaver. She suggests writing out a list of people you will shop for and think about what you'll give them. Documenting who and what, will allow you to come up with a dollar amount you can afford. Pusdaver says its much better to plan for this spending now, instead of charging it all and dealing with those bills after the holidays have passed.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council accepted an annexation and rezoning petition for property located near 14th Avenue and Egg Harbor Road at a meeting last night. Council members were a bit confused on what accepting the petition meant. Sturgeon Bay City Administrator Kevin O'Donnell.
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Sturgeon Bay property owner Chris Larsen spoke during public comment concerning the annexation petition. His property is located directly across from the rear access to the proposed Walmart Supercenter.
Larsen expressed his concern about the soil in that area. He said the Door County Soil & Water Conservation Department contacted him years ago to inform him about the levels of lead that were found in the ground. Since blacktop has been installed over that soil, the lead was not a concern. However if that surface were removed, it could potentially be an issue.
In the end, the council voted to accept the petition and send this item to the Plan Commission and the Finance/Purchasing & Building Committee for their review.
Also up for discussion last night was a change order for the Third Avenue construction project. City Engineer Tony Depies talks about the issue.
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Depies said the original plan was to use cold mix on the road. He says that would have been more expensive and would not have lasted through the winter. Depies said the $9,500 in extra paving is a good deal for the city.
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Ultimately, the council approved the change order in the amount of $9,500.
Also at yesterday's meeting, Mayor Tom Voegele appointed Jim Michaud as chair of the plan commission. The appointment comes after the resignation of previous chair Ame Grail. The vacant seat has not yet been filled. In addition, Carolyn Rock was appointed to the Park and Recreation Board.
A public hearing on special assessments from water main installation on Louisiana Street from North Third Avenue to North Second Avenue took place at yesterday's meeting. Two people spoke in opposition, stating they do not believe they should be responsible for the cost.
The next Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be Tuesday, November 20.

No community programs or jobs were lost as a result of the 2008 budget that was settled this week. After two hours of discussion, the Door County Board settled on a 2008 tax levy of $22,994, 977. That is a 12.36% increase over the 2007 budget, according to Finance Director Shirley Scalish. One of the reasons for the increase was that the state allowed counties to increase their operational levy by 3.86%. An exclusion was noticed for the Emergency Medical Services for $1,170,039. An additional exclusion was noticed for the bridges in the amount of $56,375. The new debt services decided on by the board totals $513,446, which will be short term borrowed. Scalish explained how the borrowing process will work.
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A major talking point for the County Board was restoration of an additional $7,000 back in the budget for the Door County HELP line. Board Chair Charlie Most descried the conversation for the funding source for the HELP line.
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HELP Line is intended for domestic abuse as a crisis line but they also field calls for developmental disabilities, mental illness and ADOA issues, according to Most. The County Board felt that it is a valuable service and limits expenses to other County Programs.
The mill rate stayed the same so taxes will not increase from the county's perspective. Most said the mill rate equates to $3.24 per $1,000. The 2008 budget introduced no new programs, no new employees and no cuts. Scalish feels it is a very strong and realistic budget. Most described it as a defensive budget. Scalish said the 2009 budget could be difficult.
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The Door County Board of Supervisors settled on a sound budget, according to Shirley Scalish. She credited department heads for their time and effort into this matter and said a great deal of attention was afforded to the smallest of details. Both Most and Scalish were pleased to report the 2008 budget is in place and the board settled without major cuts to county programs.

High winds are responsible for down trees, branches obstructing roads and power outages for a few locations in Door and Kewaunee Counties. Down trees have been reported on Stewart Lane, Louisiana Street, Delaware Street, Wilson Road and Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay. Wind was also responsible for a tree obstructing Wisconsin Bay Road in Ellison Bay. Gibraltar First Responders were called out to deal with down telephone wires
in the Town of Gibraltar as well. Sturgeon Bay Police Chief Dan Trelka said this storm has already wreaked havoc for power companies, telephone wires and homeowners.
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Gusting wind can also make driving a challenge. A few locations in Sturgeon Bay have been problematic in the past. Chief Trelka said watching out for large branches or down trees and reducing speeds are essential when driving today.
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If you do come across any type of down wire or line, stay away. Trelka said to remain in your vehicle and call the police or sheriff's department immediately. An accident involving power lines proved fatal in Madison recently.
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High winds can make your commute more stressful. Trelka encourages allowing yourself extra time to get to your destination on a day like today. Slow down, be attentive and leave your house a little earlier are three tips the Sturgeon Bay Police Chief recommends when dealing with our current weather situation.

The Door County Board of Supervisors will attempt to settle on a budget at a special meeting today. The day will begin with an opportunity for the community to voice their opinions on spending, capital improvement plans and other budgetary concerns or
comments. The purpose of the hearing is to permit the public an opportunity to present suggestions and comments on the proposed 2008 Door County budget drawn up by the Finance Committee and to be acted upon later in the day by the County Board of Supervisors.
The meeting will be called to order at 8:30 a.m. A single spokesperson, representing a special interest group, will be allowed ten minutes for a presentation. Any unused time will not be given to succeeding speakers. A second person speaking to the same issue will be limited to two minutes; provided such information is not repetitive. Supervisors will not participate in a question/answer session at the Public Hearing. Those speaking in favor of a particular item will speak first. Anyone speaking in opposition will be allotted that same opportunity once all comments in favor have been given. Anyone wishing to speak a second
time on the same subject will be limited to one minute. Issues that come before the Door County Board, by ordinance, by resolution, in budget session, or otherwise, later in the day will be limited to discussion by the Supervisors. Finally, only people who have completed and submitted a form and requested to speak prior to the call to order of this hearing will be allowed to participate!
County Board Chair Charlie Most said many Door County residents were upset with their decision to take money out of the general fund last year to settle the budget. He explained why he does not believe that will happen again.
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The Board of Supervisors will meet at 8:30 today in the Government Center. It will be the last meeting in the third floor room before the renovation project takes over that portion of the building.

The large amount of weeds in Door County waters can make things tough for boaters and anglers. Gary Nault of Gary's Guide Service knows this from experience. He really noticed the overgrown weeds when the invasive Zebra Mussel moved into the area.
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Another contributor to the weed problem is the high levels of phosphorous. This can be found in things like fertilizers or dish washing detergents. Waste from animals like geese also add to the problem. Nault says he's not a big proponent of chemical spraying and while the city's weed cutting process is helping, it is certainly not a solution. Weeds in the launching ramps are also a big concern.
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Pulling a boat out of a weedy launch means its a good chance this vegetation is actually getting stuck in between the trailer and the boat and weeds are likely hanging off of the trailer. This all means that a quick fishing trip out on Door County waters could take you quite a while to clean up. Nault says weeds at boat launches are a turn off for other reasons too.
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Nault does not know what the answer is to clean up the weed problem but keeping the launches cleaned up is one place to start.

If you need help getting your finances in order, a call to FISC Consumer Credit Counseling can get you on the right track. Director Gay Pusdaver says FISC in a non-profit organization that serves people in Door and Kewaunee Counties. Pusdaver talks about who calls on FISC for help.
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When asked if people are taking proactive or reactive steps when visiting FISC, Pusdaver said its both. She says some people are required to visit with FISC if they are looking for assistance with things like a home loan. Pusdaver looks at that as somewhat of a proactive approach but adds there are many reasons people are contacting FISC.
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Pusdaver says those who need assistance can call the FISC office in Sturgeon Bay. An introductory class is offered to new clients once a week. At that class, Pusdaver explains their services and how FISC can help. If you cannot attend that session, Pusdaver says those interested can stop by the FISC office to obtain information and review it on their own.

Emergency management is in place to assist the community in the event of crisis situation. Most counties do a hazardous analysis to see what kind of vulnerable events could occur, then plan for them. Kewaunee County Emergency Management Director Lori Hucek talks about their concerns.
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Hucek says, many agencies have been focusing on terrorism since the 9/11 tragedy. She says there are some off-site facilities that have extremely hazardous materials and KCEM must plan for that. Collaborating a plan for emergency response agencies like; law enforcement, fire and EMS is a priority for Hucek.
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Emergency management focuses on what should be done at the local level as well as nationwide. The NIMS training helps to get all agencies on the same page, especially when it comes to using language that everyone will understand. In addition, Kewaunee County Emergency Management works to keep the community safe in the event of hazardous and dangerous weather.