By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 23, 2007
Getting an HPV vaccination does not necessarily mean females will become sexually active says Door County Wellness Center Executive Director and Nurse Practitioner Michelle Geiger-Bronsky. We now know that certain strains of the human papilomavirus can cause cervical cancer or genital warts. The FDA has approved a vaccine for this for females between the age of 9 and 26.
(Audio Here)
Geiger-Bronsky says each provider and clinic handles HPV differently. At the Wellness Center, she says the staff is dedicated to talking with all clients about HPV on their annual visits.
(Audio Here)
There is controversy over the HPV vaccine because some parents think it will encourage sexual activity. Geiger-Bronsky says that should not be a reason to avoid getting the vaccine. Studies and surveys from the Center for Disease Control show that many high school students are already having sexual intercourse. Results from their 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that 47% of high schoolers have had sexual intercourse. 34% of those that were active said they did not use a condom the last time they had sex and that puts them at great risk for STDs such as HPV. In addition, the percentage of sexually active high schoolers increases from 34% of students during their freshman year to 63% of senior students. Those numbers, whether parents like to admit it or not, may be all thats needed to understand the need for the HPV vaccine. For more about HPV or the vaccine, contact the Door County Wellness Center.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 23, 2007
The streets are filled with bargain hunters and holiday season shoppers. With the added stress of finding a great bargain, comes the need to find a quality parking spot too. Sturgeon Bay Police Captain Arleigh Porter said practicing your defensive driving techniques this weekend is essential. People will make driving maneuvers that will catch you off guard, but if you leave yourself enough time to stop, accidents will be avoided. Porter gave some advice for drivers during this shopping rush.
(Audio Here)
Road rage is something that can get the best of people searching for a prime parking spot. Third Avenue parking can get tricky at times and the police captain asks that everyone remain patient behind the steering wheel.
(Audio Here)
This is a great place to live and we have a high quality of life, said Porter. He realizes there is such a big difference in the way people drive here versus tendencies seen in major cities. For that reason, Porter expects a safe weekend on the roads in our area.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 23, 2007
The day after Thanksgiving is commonly known as Black Friday. This is a day where retailers get out of the red and into the black. The city of Sturgeon Bay was buzzing at 5:00 this morning. Retailer’s parking lots and parking stalls on Third Avenue were sparse. Many businesses slash prices for the one-day a year that millions of people in the United States devote to Holiday shopping.
Door County Interiors and Design is a great example of a store that caters to shoppers needs on a day like today. Co-owner Carol Trimberger said the storewide sale definitely catches the attention of bargain hunters.
(Audio Here)
Door County Interior and Design prepared for the big day by putting extra staff on the floor. Ron Trimberger will even be downing the sales hat today. That is something you don't see often, according to his wife.
Bay Pharmacy in Sturgeon Bay is ready for Holiday shoppers today too. Cindy LaCrosse said there everyday low prices and reputation for amazing in stock gift ideas has people strolling through the doors.
(Audio Here)
Many Black Friday shoppers stared early this morning. Businesses are accommodating with extra staff and great deals throughout Door and Kewaunee Counties.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 23, 2007
Craig's Piggly Wiggly located in Algoma is working hard to serve the community. One way that owner Craig Peterman steps up during the Holiday season is the annual holiday book drive. Put those gently used books, that are laying around the house collecting dust, to good use by donating them to those who may not be able to afford them. From now until the week of Christmas, drop off boxes for any new and gently used books will be provided at Craig's Piggly Wiggly in Algoma. The books will be distributed to those less fortunate along with presents just in time for the Holidays. Craig Peterman, owner of The Piggly Wiggly in Algoma said the drive started out with a bang on one of the past book drives.
(Audio Here)
Many people own books that they no longer have a use for or have grown out them of and find it hard to throw them away. Peterman described why he got started with the book drive seven years ago.
(Audio Here)
Peterman says that many of us have books we've been collecting over the years that are just laying around the house and this Holiday season would be a great opportunity to get rid of them. The books will be picked up from the drop off location the week of Christmas and will be distributed, along with other presents, on the following day.
By Patricia Podgers DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 21, 2007
When it comes to “talking turkey” Cassie Hitzman is the go to source. Co-owner of Authentic Feather Farm, Hitzman knows her stuff and stuffing. Twelve years ago, Cassie and her husband Tim Hitzman made the decision to raise the bar on their eating standards and began raising organic livestock. “We really can affect the world by the way we eat,” explained Hitzman. “We consciously decided to grow as much of our food as we could and to buy locally whenever possible. We wanted to know where our food came from start to finish.”
Today, the Hitzmans raise a variety of feathered friends. Although not certified as organic—which requires a considerable amount of documentation—the animals raised on their farm are naturally fed and housed. Of course, talking turkeys at this time of the year brings a smile to Hitzman’s face. “Turkeys really are funny birds,” she laughed. “They have a curious personality and can get into trouble if we let them. They will actually steal Tim’s tools. Our turkeys actually play soccer.”
There is a significant difference between the turkey purchased in commercial grocery stores and the birds grown organically, emphasized Hitzman. “Most turkeys are raised very fast to give them the big breasts which reflect the consumer’s demand for white meat. But the Heritage turkey that we grow takes a full 28 weeks to mature and is far more flavorful.
A few facts about turkeys…the male turkey gobbles, the female makes a clicking sound. Ninety percent of American homes will eat turkey this Thanksgiving. Benjamin Franklin campaigned for the turkey to be designated our national symbol, but the turkey lost out to the eagle. And most importantly, don’t let your turkey outside when it is raining; they look up and drown.
Authentic Feather Farm is located in Forestville and can be contacted at 920.856.6938 or visit www.authenticfeatherfarm.com.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 21, 2007
The human papillomavirus vaccination has been available at the Door County Wellness Center for less than a year. Executive director and nurse practitioner Michelle Geiger-Bronsky says the Wellness Center has been very focused on sharing HPV information with all their clients. HPV is sometimes to blame for cervical cancer or genital warts. The HPV vaccine has been available at the Wellness Center since February. It is recommended that females between the ages of 9 and 26 get an HPV vaccination.
(Audio Here)
Geiger-Bronsky says the Wellness Center is dedicated to helping clients apply for additional assistance that many offset the cost of the HPV vaccine. While its recommended that females age 9-26 get the vaccination, Geiger-Bronsky says that does not mean those over that age should not get the vaccine.
(Audio Here)
Many may be familiar with the ads about women who says they'll be "one less." Geiger-Bronsly says those women are saying they'll be one less victim of cervical cancer because of the human papillomavirus. Above all, she says HPV is a conversation all women should be having with their health care provider. In the next part of this series, we'll hear about some of the controversy that is involved with the HPV vaccine.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 21, 2007
Whitetails Unlimited National President Jeff Schinkten says he had no idea so many people in Door County and all over the country would feel as strongly about the organization as he did. Founded 25 years ago in a Sturgeon Bay garage, Whitetails Unlimited has grown leaps
and bounds, overgrowing their facility three times before
constructing their own. Whitetails is a non-profit conservation
organization. Schinkten says he is very pleased with how Whitetails
Unlimited has grown over the past 25 years. (Audio Here)
What started as a small group operating out of a garage has gained national recognition over the past few years and the word continues to spread. Schinkten says it was a lot of work to get chapters started around the state and beyond.
(Audio Here)
Schinkten says Whitetails has come a long way and he gives lots of credit to the staff at the Sturgeon Bay headquarters. He is very proud of the organization and looks forward to its growth in the future.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 21, 2007
A local author is well on his way towards publishing his second book. After a battle with cancer and a new look at life, Sturgeon Bay resident Rudy Senarighi published a book titled "Listen for the Whitethroats." The diagnosis was malignant melanoma. Rudy Senarighi found himself asking if he were to leave this world today, did he make the world a better place.
To
take one step closer to accomplishing that goal, Senarighi decided
to write a book about his stories of fishing, the outdoors and life
lessons. The Sturgeon Bay author ties many outdoor experiences into
the big picture. (Audio Here)
His brook trout fishing experiences in the arrowhead of Minnesota are the setting for most of the entries in the book. The book draws comparison to a travel log but the undertones make this a great read, according to the author.
His second book will be similar but intended to tell stories left out of the first edition. Senarighi wrote the first book after surviving cancer and his memories and tales reveal life’s undercurrents that were not clear before. His story looks at the journey and the things that are controllable and those that are not. He recently joined me on the Arts and Entertainment Page on 96.7 FM WBDK. Senarighi said his latest work would hopefully be ready for print in approximately a year to a year and a half.
Rudy and his wife Shirley live in Sturgeon Bay and have been Door County residents since 1978. The book cost of "Listen for the Whitethroats" is $12.50 and is available at a number of local bookstores and online at instantpublisher.com. He has had to reprint a number of times because of the popularity of the book.
Senarighi is donating all the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. He figures that is where everything started, so he wants the money to do some good.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 21, 2007
While both the Design Review Ordinance and changes to the Big Box ordinance were approved by the Sturgeon Bay Common Council last night, many other items were tabled. After tabling an ordinance regarding placement of garbage and recycling containers, the council started to discuss the Design Review Code. The recommendation came from the Plan Commission. Council member Dave McAllister had many questions about the
proposed code. Under the section titled "Purpose," one reason was
"to encourage high quality and/or unique architectural designs."
McAllister wanted to know what "unique" meant. That was only the
beginning of the Design Review Code discussion. Much of the time
spent on this topic consisted of questions to the council members
serving on the Plan Commission; Jim Michaud and Ben Meyer. The
council discussed both the ordinance and a set of Design Guidelines
and Review Criteria.Michaud pointed out the word "should" in that criteria document. In the end, the council did except the Design Review Code but eliminated a few things. City clerk Stephanie Reinhardt.
(Audio Here)
After that, the council spent a lot of time talking about proposed changes to the Big Box ordinance. There were two parts to be approved; an environmental impact analysis and requiring a contribution to a redevelopment fund for redevelopment of large retail establishments. The council agreed to vote on these two issues separately. Much time was spent on the environmental study. The Plan Commission created a special form that would be completed by a qualified consultant. The form would then determine if an environmental impact analysis would be necessary. McAllister and others went on with dissecting the proposed changes. He questioned if the environmental analysis form was part of the ordinance. The council decided that requiring a consultant to complete the form would be a necessary. Ultimately, the council did pass the first reading of the ordinance but added something to it. Council member Dave McAllister.
(Audio Here)
Concerning the requirement to contribute to the redevelopment fund, the council voted to table the issue. McAllister was not in favor of charging the developer for something else. He suggested something to the effect of requiring that any vacated property be sold after 30 months. The council tabled the issue in order to seek counsel on what can legally be done.
Mayor Tom Voegele appointed Barbara Ullmann to the Plan Commission and Dave Poltan to the Police & Fire Commission. Before adjournment yesterday. Before adjournment, the council voted to go into closed session to consider pre-annexation agreements. Council member Ben Meyer said this.
(Audio Here)
The council voted 4-2 to go into closed session. That meeting took only a few minutes and no further motions were made before adjournment. Sturgeon Bay Common Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be Tuesday, December 4.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 20, 2007
After a visit this week, Congressman Steve Kagen says we need to secure our borders.
Kagen joined a congressional delegation to see for himself what was happening at the
Mexican border. (Audio Here)
Kagen believes very strongly, more than ever, that the border needs to be secured.
(Audio Here)
Kagen says there are so many people who are trying to enter the United States through the Mexican border. He says last year alone, nearly 400,000 people were apprehended for attempting to illegally enter into Arizona from Mexico.
When asked what was next on the agenda concerning this issue, Kagen said this.
(Audio Here)
Kagen says the essential elements to help reform the country's immigration law include; securing all borders, enforcing all of our laws and make certain that we don't let anyone cut in line and no amnesty.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 20, 2007
In the last six months, payday loans have gotten many Door County people in trouble says FISC Consumer Credit Counseling Director Gay Pusdaver. DoorCountyDailyNews.com spoke with Pusdaver about six months to inquire about these payday loans. At that time, Pusdaver said it wasn't really a problem but that has since changed. Pusdaver explains what a payday loan is.
(Audio Here)
If that concept works, payday loans are ok says Pusdaver, but they can often mean trouble she adds.
(Audio Here)
Pusdaver says those who need help paying back these payday loans should contact FISC Credit Counseling. One of her goals at FISC is to educate people about their options when it comes to responsible money management. Pusdaver says while payday loans may work for some, many have a hard time paying back that money. For more advice and tips on good money management, contact FISC Consumer Credit Counseling in Sturgeon Bay.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 20, 2007
The Big Box Ordinance and proposed Design Review Code will get some attention at tonight's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting. The Plan Commission held public hearings on both items last week and tonight the common council will have their say.
Community development director Marty Olejniczak says there are a
couple parts to the proposed Big Box Ordinance. The council will
discuss adding an environmental impact analysis to the code, as well
as requiring a contribution to a redevelopment fund. Olejniczak says
the environmental analysis is two-phased and starts with submitting
a form to the city. (Audio Here)
The council will talk about the proposed Design Review Code at tonight's meeting as well. Olejniczak says the code would apply to parcels within the city that are not in one of the existing districts. The historic preservation district, waterfront redevelopment district and the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park already have certain design review regulations.
(Audio Here)
Also tonight, the council will talk about where residents should place their trash containers. Council member Jim Michaud is requesting that trash containers be placed out of the public view. Mayoral appointments are also on the agenda. Finally, before adjournment, the council will go into closed session to discuss pre-annexation agreements. Tonight's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00PM.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 20, 2007
Many people have no idea that
unprotected sexual activity can lead to cervical cancer or genital
warts says Door County Wellness Center Executive Director and Nurse
Practitioner
Michelle Geiger-Bronsky. Four strains of the human papillomavirus or
HPV are to blame for the recent concern for cervical cancer and
genital warts. Many are not yet aware of the seriousness of HPV says
Geiger-Bronsky. She says a lot of research has been compiled on how
pap smears are done.
(Audio Here)
Geiger-Bronsky says many women have already been exposed to HPV and
some of them are immune to the virus. However, HPV could be very
dangerous for others she adds.(Audio Here)
Geiger-Bronsky says the staff at the Wellness Center is dedicated to
discussing HPV with all clients during their annual examinations. In
addition, the Wellness Center is trying to reach out to all college
students before they go away to school in the fall. Geiger-Bronsky
reminds all males that HPV could affect them as well. Genital warts
could be a result of HPV in men. In the next part of this series,
we'll talk about the HPV vaccine.
Whitetails
Unlimited Focusing On Conservation
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 19, 2007
Founded 25 years ago in a Sturgeon Bay garage,
Whitetails Unlimited has grown to be a nationally known non-profit
conservation organization. National president Jeff Schinkten says
there are over 80,000 members throughout the country, with the
strongest membership
in Wisconsin. Schinkten talks about Whitetails Unlimited.
(Audio Here)
Schinkten says their goal is to maintain a healthy deer herd. He
feels the most important management tool is hunting.
(Audio Here)
Schinkten says Whitetails Unlimited is always looking to sign up new
members. For more information, you can contact their headquarters in
Sturgeon Bay at (920) 743-6777. In the next part of this series,
we'll hear again from Jeff Schinkten as he talks more about
Whitetails Unlimited.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 19, 2007
Feed My People/Clothe My People is looking for Door County families to help each other for the holidays. Their Christmas program is underway and board member Pete Thelan says they are looking for families that need assistance as well as those that are willing to help. To start, parents struggling to put presents under the Christmas tree should contact pantry director Estella Huff.
(Audio Here)
From there, Huff will call on families to help out. Those with special wishes should express them up front. For example; if a couple would like to help a family with two girls, that should be mentioned.
(Audio Here)
Thelan says this is truly a great example of how families help families during a tough time. He encourages all families and businesses to get together to support a Feed My People/Clothe My People family. You can contact the facility for more information.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 17, 2007
Cervical cancer and genital warts could be a result of unprotected sexual activity. Door County Wellness Center Executive Director and Nurse Practitioner Michelle Geiger-Bronsky says there are over 1,000 different strains of the human papillomavirus or HPV.
Four of those stains are to blame for cervical cancer. Geiger-Bronsky
says while cervical cancer is concern for females, HPV could lead to
genital warts for both men and woman. She says HPV is not just a
concern for women, but men as well.(Audio Here)
Geiger-Bronsky says many will claim they and their partner have been tested for all STD's but there is no test to see if men have the dangerous strain. For women, an HPV test is not automatically included in a normal STD test. Geiger-Bronsky says be sure you express your wishes if you'd like to have an HPV test done. In the next part of this series, we'll hear again from Door County Wellness Center Executive Director and Nurse Practioner Michelle Geiger-Bronsky. She'll talk more about the dangerous HPV Virus.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 18, 2007
With temperatures dipping down to the 30's this week, many hunters will be using space heaters that could be giving off dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht says gun safety is not the only thing hunters have to worry about.
(Audio Here)
Appliances like portable generators, heaters and stoves can quickly create dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. High levels of exposure may lead to more serious health problems, including loss of consciousness and death. Hecht talks about carbon monoxide.
(Audio Here)
Hecht says hunters using these heaters or generators should look out for each other. He says if you think your hunting partner is asleep or napping, give him or her a nudge every now and then to wake them up.
Battery operated carbon monoxide detectors that can be used, but Hecht suggests reading the labels. He says some detectors are quite sensitive and the alarm could be loud enough to scare away deer in the area. Proper ventilation and fresh air will help alleviate chances of carbon monoxide poisoning.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 18, 2007
Kewaunee County residents have until
December 14 to donate toys to needy children in the county. Kewaunee
County Sheriff Matt Joski is heading up the Toys for Tots effort for
the area. The local Marine Corps Reserve Unit operates the toy drive
and Joski is proud to coordinate for his county. He delivered the
drop boxes to local businesses in Casco, Luxemburg, Algoma and
Kewaunee this weekend and hopes you will find it in your heart to
provided a less fortunate family a children’s toy or game this
Holiday season.
(Audio Here)
The toys will be handed out to local children at the Kewaunee Grade
School Cafeteria on December 15. Matt Joski said the toys are
distributed to happy children who truly appreciate the toys and
games they receive from the community.
(Audio Here)
Joski said the reason he is so passionate about this toy drive is
that there are some great kids in our area that deserve a bright
holiday season. He knows that the donated gifts are appreciated and
put a smile on little boys and girls faces. If not for the Kewaunee
County Toys For Tots program, there would be children in our
community that would go without holiday presents.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
November 18, 2007
Feed My People/Clothe My People need your help, especially for the holidays. The number of families who will need some help goes up around this time of year. Businesses are cutting back hours and seasonal positions have already been let go and that means more families will need some help to get by. Board member Pete Thelan says the upcoming holidays mean Feed My People can use almost any kind of food donation.
(Audio Here)
Thelan says Feed My People now has a walk in cooler. That means almost all food donations will be accepted. Perishable foods should be delivered to Feed My People during normal hours.
Donating is easy for anyone who shops at Econo Foods in Sturgeon Bay. Pre-packaged bags can be purchased and dropped off at a bin at the front of the store. Those bags will then be delivered to the Feed My People food pantry. Many churches in the area are also helping by accepting donations that will be dropped off at the pantry.
Thelan says while almost all donations will be accepted, the pantry is trying to get better at nutrition.
(Audio Here)
All food donations can be dropped off at Feed My People in Sturgeon Bay. The pantry is open from 3:00PM till 7:00PM Monday and Thursday and from 10:00AM until 2:00PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.