Hunters have just two more days to register for 2008 spring turkey permit applications. Hunters can register online or at a Wisconsin Department of Natural Recourses Service Center. If you are mailing in an application, the piece of mail must be post marked by Monday.
Hunters will be faced with a couple of decisions when filling out the paperwork. There are four spring turkey hunting seasons. The seasons are lettered A through F. Season A runs from April 16-20…B: April 23-27, C: April 30-May 4, D: May 7-11, E: May 14-18, F: May 21-25.
The application asks hunters to rank the seasons one through six. In 2007, hunters learned of their turkey hunting opportunities on January 20. Hunters will find out what season they will be allowed to hunt around the same date in 2008. The DNR advises hunters to finish their applications before Monday. If you procrastinate and wait until the last minute to sign up, it is possible that the website may be overfilled with applicants. Check out dnr.wi.gov for more information.

Teen pregnancy is totally avoidable says Wellness Center Executive Director and Nurse Practitioner Michelle Geiger-Bronsky. She says we must open the lines of conversation between parents and their children. Parents should feel comfortable talking about this with their kids and in turn their children should know they can always talk to their parents about safe sexual activity and other related issues.
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While teen pregnancy is avoidable, Geiger-Bronsky says there are options in our community to assist in this situation.
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All information shared at the Wellness Center is confidential says Geiger-Bronsky, regardless of the age of the patient.
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For assistance, Geiger-Bronsky says the Family Planning Waiver program can provide coverage for contraception and other family planning services to women age 15 and 44. Additionally, the income guidelines will change in January, making it easier for more women to be eligible.

Winter allergies are something that you do not hear about too often. With the heat and the furnace on, dust particles and dry environments can cause your eyes to become irritated, itchy and dry. If you ever notice that when you leave the warmth of your house to go out into the crisp, cool morning, your eyes start to tear, it is no coincidence. The cold temperature and wind create a condition of dryness that causes your eyes to react.
Door County Eye Associates Dr. Eric Paulsen said to fend against dry eyes overall healthy living can better your situation. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep, exercise, proper hydration and a good diet can make a difference this winter. Dr. Paulsen said OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids have been known to help eye health. Eating more soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed and canola-oil can increase your OMEG-3 intake. If you prefer a pill, fish oil supplements are also available. Dr. Paulson said this is not a quick fix to your eye problems, however.
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The best way to react to dry eyes is hydrating drops. There are many lubricating drops on the market. The owner of Door County Eye Associates said some are good and some are not so good. He recommends an eye drop that has no preservatives or drops where the preservative breaks down when in the eye.
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It is common that workplaces get really dry in the winter and Paulsen said personal misters are a way to counter. The mister adds humidity to your work area. If you think you may have dry eyes, consult with your eye doctor. For more tips on how to prevent dry eye symptoms and preserve the health and beauty of your eyes, see Dr. Eric Paulsen of Door County Eye Associates.

The Sevastopol School District has warmed the hearts of senior citizens every Holiday season for the past 12 years. The annual Senior Citizen Concert and Holiday Meal brings approximately 145 seniors together at the school to enjoy a concert performed by elementary students. The guests then head to the cafeteria and enjoy a lunch made by Sevastopol High school students. Sevastopol Elementary and Middle School Principal Joe Majeski said the response to this event has been remarkable.
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The School District of Sevastopol would like to invite all senior citizens who are residents of the Sevastopol School District to an afternoon of musical enjoyment and good food. There are a limited number of spots available for this event. Elementary students and band will treat all to a concert beginning at 12 noon on Tuesday in the elementary gym. Following the concert, the holiday meal will be served at 1:00 p.m. The event is a combined effort of our students and staff to show appreciation for our senior citizens’ support of education. Majeski said this is a great opportunity for the senior citizens to see how their tax dollars are going to use.
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Last years Senior Citizen Concert and Holiday Meal surpassed 130 guests. Majeski expects the same this year. For reservations, call by Monday, at 743-6282 ext. 117.

It's takes quite a few years to grow a strong, healthy Christmas tree and neglecting to water it could mean the end of its decade long life. Owner of Ottman's Fir Farm Herb Ottman says it is vital that you remember to water your tree daily. Ottman says during the first day in the tree stand, it is possible that the tree will suck up a whole gallon of water. He talks about what you should do when getting ready to set up your Christmas tree.
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Ottman says to make sure that the stand is big enough for the tree. This will prevent it from tipping. Another reason is that larger trees require more water. A larger tree stand will allow more water to be held in the basin. Ottman gives another helpful hint. 
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There are a few tips and tricks to follow to keep your tree looking and acting healthy. There are a couple different kinds of trees that will naturally hold the needles on a bit longer than others. Pine and Colorado Blue Spruce are two kinds that are known for holding their needles. Of course, different types of trees mean different prices. Some trees require a bit more work and maintenance to produce. Appearance, type and the length of time the needles stay on the branches are other factors to consider when calculating price.

Senator Alan Lasee announced plans for the Senate Scholar Program for the 2008 spring semester yesterday. High school juniors and seniors with an interest in representative democracy are encouraged to apply for this week-long, intensive program in Madison. One student from each of the 33 Senate districts will be selected to participate. Lasee said the Senate Scholars program is a great opportunity for high school students to get a front row seat of their government in action. 
(Audio Here)
The Senate Scholars Program’s rigorous curriculum is two-fold. First, students are introduced to many facets of the legislative process. They meet with legislative support agencies, legislative staff, Governor Doyle’s staff, a Supreme Court Justice, members of the media, lobbyists and political observers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs. The students then put their knowledge into action. When the Senate is on the floor, scholars will staff the session under the direction of the Senate Sergeant at Arms’ office. The week’s events culminate in a Senate Scholar committee hearing on a bill that the students have drafted. Lasee said this program could push students into public service as a career.
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The Senator said, "he is always impressed with the level of professionalism exhibited by these young men and women. It is a refreshing reminder that our future is in good hands. I would encourage any interested students to submit their application in advance of the January 1, 2008, deadline.”
For further information regarding the Senate Scholar Program or to apply, please contact Senator Lasee’s office (608) 266-3512 (e-mail: sen.lasee@legis.wisconsin.gov); or through the following website: www.legis.state.wi.us/senate/scc/index.htm.

Every independent bookstore has a personality all its own and Novel Ideas Bookstore is no exception. Colorful, playful, and friendly, Novel Ideas is just that…novel. “We wanted to be a little different,” said Michelle Palmer, co-owner with her father Patrick. “But we also wanted to feature books on every topic, something for the children as well as something for the tourist headed to the beach.” And with that in mind, the Palmers have accomplished their goal.

Located in downtown Baileys Harbor, Novel Ideas’ shelves are filled with books to delight every reader’s appetite…from Harry Potter to Harry Truman, from fantasy to fiction; Door County’s own “shop around the corner” is a treat to savor. And what special book occupies the bestseller’s seat? “Well, there so many books to recommend,” Palmer smiled. “The trends, however, are actually hard to follow. But we do see books that become movies, topical books like ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns,’ and books with a local connection as popular choices. Wisconsin authors Michael Perry and Deanna Favre are at the top of many lists.”

Hosting special activities for the entire family is a priority for Novel Ideas. “It’s so much fun talking about books with our customers, learning about their new favorite book,” said Palmer. “When it comes to books everyone has an opinion.” Hosting book signings is a great way for an author to connect with the public. And this Saturday from 1 – 4 pm, Novel Ideas is featuring illustrator and artist Renee Graef, whose work is currently on exhibit in the Peninsula Art School’s Guenzel Gallery and the Door Community Auditorium’s Link Gallery. “Everyone is invited to stop by and visit with Renee. Her work is beautiful and the children love her books,” related Palmer.

Special events continue throughout December, including the 12 Days of Christmas which will feature a drawing for a basket of books, free gift wrapping and selected discounts. Novel Ideas also welcomes contributions of books new and gently used for the troops serving overseas. The five book genres most requested by the troops are mystery, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, and current bestsellers.

For seasonal hours and additional information about everything books and a schedule of events contact Novel Ideas Bookstore at 920.839.1300 or visit www.novelideas-books.com.

The statewide Zone-T gun hunt for antlerless deer runs through Sunday. This four-day gun hunt for does has always given Hunt For The Hungry a good boost in deer donation numbers toward the end of the deer donation and deer hunting seasons. Hunt For The Hungry Founder Lee Dudek encourages deer hunters who are in Earn-A-Buck units, or in units that will probably be Earn-A-Buck next year, to harvest a doe this season. Those hunters will fulfill their Earn-A-Buck requirement for next season. Bonus tags for antlerless deer are available in many of the units the program serves in Northeast Wisconsin. If gun hunters have yet to fill a doe tag, Dudek encourages them to get out this weekend and harvest an antlerless deer. He hopes the same hunters will consider donating those extra deer to help many needy families, especially during this  time of year.
(Audio Here)
At the close of the Muzzleloader Deer Season, Hunt For The Hungry's deer donation numbers continue to rise. 2,080 deer have been donated this year. That is the third time in the program's 13-year history that they have surpassed 2,000 donated deer. Add that to 72,000 pounds of packaged wild game meat, birds, and fish and the program has taken in 165,600 pounds of food for needy families. The 2007 figures have brought Hunt For The Hungry's all time total to over 515 tons.
If you harvest a doe this weekend and can spare the meat, Dudek said families in our area will benefit.
(Audio Here)
Dudek said the need is great for all the donated venison we can gather for area food pantries. He also asks deer hunters to clean out their freezers and bring in previous year's venison to local food pantries. Nothing should go to waste, he added.
For more information on Hunt For The Hungry, visit their website for all the details,
www.huntforthehungry.com.

There are a number of teens right here in Door County who are already parents or will soon be parents. Door County Wellness Center Executive Director and Nurse Practitioner Michelle Geiger-Bronsky says she sees many clients under the age of 18 who are or have been pregnant teens.
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Geiger-Bronsky says she does get into the schools to talk about this topic, however, each one may ask that she focus on certain things. For the last five years she has been visiting Luxemburg-Casco High School sophomores to talk about STD prevention, while the health teacher will teach kids about contraceptives. Geiger-Bronsky addresses both topics at Algoma High School and at Washington Island every two years.
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Students can not hear about these topics enough, says Geiger-Bronsky. Many students will hear about this in the eighth grade and she says that may not be the best time to hear those things.
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If parents are interested in hearing about this topic too, Geiger-Bronsky says she would be more than willing to talk with them. Contact the Wellness Center for more information. You'll hear more about this topic from Geiger-Bronsky and others in the community like school superintendents, guidance counselors and others in future stories.

The success of the regions Chinook Salmon greatly relies on Sturgeon Bay's Strawberry Creek. Department of Natural Resources fishery biologist Scott Hansen says Strawberry Creek is the state's primary egg collecting facility for Chinook Salmon. This process takes place during the annual salmon run in late September. 
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The average lifespan of a Chinook Salmon is 3-4 years and at the end of their life, most of them will return to Strawberry Creek. Hansen says this is due to the imprinting process that takes place during the beginning of the fish's life.
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Hansen says salmon only spawn once in their lifetime and those in this region are fighting to get back to Strawberry Creek for just that purpose. He says the annual salmon run is a really neat event. Hansen encouraged anyone who has not seen it to get out to Strawberry Creek next September to see how the DNR stocks Wisconsin's Chinook Salmon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu vaccine for nearly 80% of the general public. The vaccine is especially recommended for children 6 months to 5 years old, pregnant women, people ages 50 and older and anyone with a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes. It is also recommended for health care employees and people who live with anyone in those risk groups. Co-Owner and Pharmacist at Bay Pharmacy Greg Rohde often hears patients tell him they never get the flu and don't need the vaccination. His typical response is that nobody is totally immune to the flu. Others complain they took the flu shot and still caught the virus anyway. Rohde explains that not all flu vaccines cover the symptoms completely.
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It is common for the flu shot recipient to confuse the post injection symptoms as getting the flu virus. The post injection symptoms include aches and pains, general soreness and runny nose. Those are common reactions while your body tries to build up the immunity for the virus. Rohde said the vaccine would not be so widely recommended if it were not working.
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The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to become completely effective. During that window, it is important for those at high risk of catching the flu to practice good sanitation.
Pregnant women also wonder if they should be receiving the flu vaccine. Rohde said the shot has not been found to be harmful to the fetus. The Pharmacist warns patients that the pregnancy itself does put women at risk for complications of the flu. Rohde said that by having the vaccination while pregnant it does provide extra protection to the mother. Common sense goes along way during flu season. Rohde said staying out of contact with anyone that has the sickness and if you need to work with or come close to a sick person, good hygiene after the encounter is recommended.

 The internet is not being confused for the safest place for children to play. The Sturgeon Bay Police Department and Door County Sheriff's Department began planning for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in April of 2006. Investigator Jim Valley and Sergeant Greg Zager began this operation in June of 2007. They are taking a proactive approach to protecting the youth of our community, according to Valley. The Door County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is a member of the Wisconsin Force along with 30 other agencies throughout the state.
In Door County, the Sheriff's Department and the Sturgeon Bay Police Department have combined into one task force and are collecting the resources from both agencies. This is a cost savings effort and increases productivity. The force is funded by state grants.
Using a variety of different social networking programs including MySpace and FaceBook Valley and Zager communicate with potential internet predators. When the adult steps over the line and into criminal behavior, an arrest is made. The task force has been responsible for four such cases already. Sergeant Zager said men and women young and old are on line predators.
(Audio Here)
The task force wants the community to know what they are doing but need to limit some of the information about the process. They are releasing as much info as possible without jeopardizing any further investigations.
Many of the cases that the Door County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force deal with include a party outside the county. Investigator Valley said they pursue these cases because they have contacted someone whom they believe is an underage Door County child.
(Audio Here)
Valley believes they are finding needles in a haystack because the internet is so large. He knows that they are making a difference because the task force is stopping internet predators from victimizing other children.
Investigator Valley and Sergeant Zager are allowed a limited amount of time per week to work on the Crimes Against Children Task Force. Both have many other duties they carry out on a daily basis. With a limited amount of time, their work has led to the arrest of four individuals being charged with Exposing a Child to Harmful Materials. They commented that there are more cases in the works at this time and more arrests will be made soon.
We will finish this series highlighting the Door County Crimes Against Children Task Force with recommendations for parents regarding children on the internet, tomorrow.

A number of Door County children will not receive presents from Feed My People's holiday program without your help. Every year Feed My People/Clothe My People provides a way for struggling Door County parents to put a couple extra presents under the tree but that could change this year. Executive director Estella Huff says they accepted
profiles from 150 families but there are a number of families who may not receive help.
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Huff says there are many different family sizes. Whether you commit to helping one child or if a group of people adopt a couple large families, Huff says Feed My People would be happy with any amount of support.
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Huff says adopting a family in need is very simple. All you have to do is phone Feed My People/Clothe My People and in minutes you'll have to information you need to get going. Helping out does not mean spending big bucks on many different gifts.
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All presents must be returned to the facility in a couple weeks. Huff thanks all who have committed to helping a Door County family enjoy this holiday season. If you can help, please phone Feed My People/Clothe My People (920) 743-9053.

Brilliant Cities started off yesterday's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting with a presentation on their latest project. CEO David Cousins said this would be a great opportunity for the city but added that time is of the essence. Counsins said a lot of Door County data has already been collected to outline what is needed to implement their plan for fiber optics into the community. Council member Tom Benzshawal asked what Sturgeon Bay needed to do next. Cousins said this.
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Following the presentation, public comment was expressed by Gary DeNamur. He
questioned why Brilliant Cities still owes money to the city from a previous instance and asked why it would be the Sturgeon Bay's responsibility to create the business plan.
In the end, the council agreed on creating an AdHac committee to look further into the issue.
The council got going with regular business after that and up for discussion was raising salaries for elected officials. Council member Steve Mann opposed the raise and said many communities of the same size do not get paid as much as Sturgeon Bay. After a vote, the motion to increase salaries by $200 per month for council members and $100 for the mayor passed.
Much discussion was spent on the Design Review Code. Among other things, some council members questioned why the code was created. Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak was on-hand to answer that question.
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In the end, the council made the decision to table the issue to do more research on the topic.
The council talked about the Micro Loan Program last night. The recommendation to offer these loans to some of the businesses on Third Avenue came from the Loan Review Committee. Before the council voted in favor of the program, Mayor Tom Voegele said there would be many requirements to be eligible for the program.
(Audio Here)
Also last night, the council approved labor contract agreements with fire fighters, police officers and Pubic Works & Park/Rec, they voted "yes" on requiring an environmental impact analysis on Big Box development and they carried a motion to authorize the city administrator to send a letter to the Town of Nasawaupee regarding a voting provision in pre-annexation agreements. The next Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be Tuesday, December 18.

 The Sturgeon Bay Police Department and Door County Sheriff's Department are responsible for catching four men attempting to carryout crimes against children. Investigator Jim Valley and Sergeant Greg Zager have received national training that allows them to track and seek out internet predators. The two are active in chat rooms and on websites like MySpace and FaceBook. Posing as underage boys and girls the law enforcement officers set four "dates" with men looking to have an encounter with a young girl.
The latest case involves a La Crosse man that was allegedly trying to solicit sex from what he thought was a teenage girl. 57-year-old John Jacques is under arrest after Valley and Zager received the confirmation that Jacques was going through with his internet conversations.
Valley said Jacques communicated online with who he believed was a 13-year-old girl, and arranged for them to spend the night together. Jacques has a previous conviction in Virginia for the same offense and an outstanding warrant in Maryland for possession of child pornography. Valley said this investigation will take a criminal off the streets and protect the children in our community.
(Audio Here)
Jacques is awaiting a trial and being held in the La Crosse County jail on a $50,000 cash bond. Local law enforcement agencies have been responsible for exposing three other men looking to commit an internet crime against a child.
On September 21, a search warrant was executed at the George W. Lavigne residence in St. Francis, Wisconsin. The warrant was in lieu of a three-month long investigation by the Sturgeon bay Police Department and Door County Sheriff's Department. Lavigne was charged with two counts of Exposing a Child to Harmful Materials.
In August of this year William Miller of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was arrested for two counts of Exposing Children to Harmful Material. Investigator Valley and Sergeant Zager found that Miller exposed himself multiple times to a female whom he thought was 13 years old.
In August, a 36-year-old man in Eagle River was caught exposing himself to a female he believed was 13 years of age. Charges have been forwarded to the Vilas County District Attorneys Office. Sergeant Zager said the positive stemming from their work goes beyond these four men that have been caught breaking the law.
(Audio Here)
The radio stations of Door CountyDailyNews.com will share Investigator Valley and Sergeant Zager's success stories. The two have received national training and are responsible for protecting area children from online predators.

In 1939 the epic novel “Grapes of Wrath” was published. Authored by John Steinbeck, one of the greatest of all American writers, the novel’s theme is that of the drought of the mid-1930s and the resulting dust bowl, a term penned by AP correspondent Robert Geiger. Throughout the month of January, Peninsula Players Theatre with funding provided by a National Endowment for the Arts grant and supported by the Door County Library system, is hosting a variety of events that will embrace the “Grapes of Wrath” and its themes, many of which remain topical today.

“We are very pleased to be the recipient of this grant and to be able to participate in the Big Read,” said Alan Kopischke, Peninsula Players development director. “The choice of the ‘Grapes of Wrath’ is a perfect vehicle for so many great activities, all of which are open to the public and free of charge.”

Selecting a classic from a potential list of 16 novels was not very difficult, said Kopischke. “The ‘Grapes of Wrath’ is an important novel and there is so much we can do around the book. Personally, I had gotten away from reading for pleasure. But some time ago I made it a priority to start reading the classics again. I think everyone will benefit from the activities we have planned for next month.”

The opening event is scheduled for Monday, January 7 in the Door Community Auditorium. Featuring author and lecturer Norb Blei, the program will explore John Steinbeck’s life as well as the motivation behind writing of “Grapes of Wrath.” The program will begin at 6:30 pm. with opening remarks by special guest Wisconsin Lt.Governor Barbara Lawton

The schedule of events will continue throughout January. Activities will include group discussions, a screening of the 1940 movie based on the novel, an art exhibit at the Fairfield Center for Contemporary Art, a discussion with the creators of the opera version of “Grapes of Wrath,” and a historical overview of the dust bowl presented at The Crossroads at Big Creek.

“Peninsula Players is very pleased to reach out to the community,” Kopischke expressed. “We are a wonderful community and the collaborations resulting from this project are beneficial to all of us.”

For a complete schedule of “Grapes of Wrath” events visit www.peninsulaplayers.com

Marketing the arts can sometimes be a difficult process in a county filled with fine painters, potters, glass blowers, welders, instrumentalists and musicians. That's why Peninsula Art School created the "Business of Art" Symposium, which runs January 10-12, 2008 at the school's Fish Creek facility.
In this series of presentations by working artists and experts in various fields, participants will gain insight and valuable resources to help them put their best foot forward and market themselves and their artwork. Individual sessions are $35 each for Art School Member and $40 for Non-Members; tuition for all five sessions is $150.
The Business of Art Symposium schedule will include sessions titled Writing Your Artist Statement and Biography and Building Your Portfolio on Thursday, January 10. Friday will include discussion on Creating a Body of Work and The Art of Being in a Gallery. Day three will conclude with a session centered on Marketing Your Concepts.
The list of guest speakers includes McKinley Arneson, Bill Budelman, Shan Bryan Hanson, Craig Blietz, Suzanne Rose, Michael Nitsch and Thom Qualkinbush. The times of the sessions vary. More information can be gathered and to register phone 920-868-3455.

Proposed changes to the Big Box ordinance, the design review code and the Micro Loan Program are all things that will be discussed at tonight's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting. Most of the items on tonight's agenda are things the council has already seen, however, there are some new additions. The meeting will start with a presentation by Brilliant Cities. Council member Ben Meyer says Brilliant Cities is a company hoping to provide fiber-optic internet service to Door County. He says this technology has a huge bandwidth which means companies dependant on digital media will be turning to Sturgeon Bay and Door County for an affordable, safe and attractive place to do business. Meyer believes this has huge potential for our local economy. No action by the council is required following the Brilliant Cities presentation.
The council will also talk about a Micro Loan Program. Sturgeon Bay Mayor Tom Voegele says the issue has been discussed at the Loan Review Committee and will now move on to the council. He says the program would set money aside in the Revolving Loan Fund to create some micro loans. Currently, talks are that the Micro Loan Program would assist businesses along Third Avenue that may be experiencing some working capital problems.
(Audio Here)
Also tonight, the council will discuss salaries of elected officials, proposed changes to the Big Box Ordinance, the Design Review Code and change orders for Third Avenue Construction and the Oregon Bridge Approach Contract. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will meet in the City Hall Council Chambers tonight at 7:00PM.

(Audio Here)
Southern Door High School Secretary Cindy Pickett is excited about the annual event that is scheduled for the third week in December. This year’s party will be on Wednesday, December 19. A music program will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium across from the student cafeteria. Dinner will be served in the cafeteria beginning at 1:45 p.m.
Reservations for this event may be made by calling the high school office (825-7333) by December 17. There is no charge for the event to senior citizens who are residents of the Southern Door School District and who are sixty-two years of age or older. Seating is limited so seniors are urged to get their reservations in early.
This event gives high school students a great opportunity to show their grandparents and elderly in the community how much they are appreciated. The event has been a major success in the past and the school hopes more seniors take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Governor Jim Doyle called for a Special Session of the Wisconsin Legislature to take up campaign finance reform. The Special Session is set to convene on December 11. The announcement comes after months of encouragement from Common Cause in Wisconsin. Director Jay Heck congratulates the Governor for taking this forceful action and is grateful to him for listening.
Common Cause hopes the Legislature secures the first major reform of Wisconsin's broken campaign finance laws since their enactment in the late 1970's. Doyle finally realized that the only way change was coming before the 2008 elections was to take a personal stand and call the Legislature into special session, according to Heck. 
(Audio Here)
The upcoming State Supreme Court race and the legislative races next fall are expected to be some the most expensive campaigns in the state's history. Heck believes Doyle's timing on the announcement had a lot to do with this fact.
The Governor is basically calling for the enactment of the bipartisan Ellis-Erpenbach legislation, Senate Bill 12, with a few "tweaks." Senate Bill 12 is strongly supported by Common Cause Wisconsin.
Even without a deal, there is hope that the special session will force lawmakers to work together and find a way to clean up Wisconsin politics. The Governor's spokesperson said Doyle received assurances from lawmakers that they would consider it but they have not agreed upon any specific proposals. Jay Heck knows that reform will not come easily, but he is optimistic.
(Audio Here)
The major components to the bipartisan legislation include an increase to the current $1 check off for public financing on the state income tax form to $5 with a partisan option to make checking off the money more attractive, creation of an additional source of public funding for candidates through the birth of a Public Integrity Endowment and providing candidates with increased funding for public grants if they agree to abide by revised spending limits. The proposal limits the Governor's race to $4 Million, $700,000 for Attorney General, $150,000 for State Senate and $75,000 for State Assembly.
The legislation would also provide complying candidates with additional public funding equal to the amount over the spending limit that their non-complying opponent spends, up to three times the spending limit. This action would be unprecedented in the state of Wisconsin.
Heck also believes that the new legislation would clean up all of the negative campaigning seen on T.V. and heard on the radio.


Here are the major components, according to Common Cause Wisconsin:

* Provides candidates who are the targets of outside spending by independent expenditure groups or those who run so-called "issue ads" (that depict a candidate 60 days or less before the general election or 30 days or less before the primary) with public funding matches -- up to three times the spending limit. (There is currently no such provision in place).
* Provides General Purpose Revenue from the General Treasury to be utilized to fully fund candidate and matching grants for the amount not covered by revenue generated by the income tax check off and the PIE.

* Requires the disclosure by issue ad groups of how much they are spending and who the donors to the organization are. (Currently no disclosure whatsoever is required of these groups).
* Requires that the funds used by issue ad groups for widely disseminated communications made 60 days prior to the general election and 30 days prior to the primary election come from regulated sources with limits. (Currently issue ad groups can utilize unlimited amounts of undisclosed money from virtually any source).

* Prohibits campaign fund-raising by legislators and statewide elected officials from the date the biennial state budget is introduced until it is enacted into law. (Currently fund raising is rampant during the budget period).

*Abolishes legislative campaign committees -- which legislative leaders have utilized to decrease the independence of legislators and which have created, at the very least, the appearance of corruption through the solicitation for campaign contributions in return for the consideration of pending legislation. (Currently, LCCs collect hundreds of thousands of dollars of special interest money).

* Limits transfers of much of the out of state campaign money into Wisconsin that currently flows into this state and limits special interest committee transfers. (Currently hundreds of thousands of dollars of out of state money flows into Wisconsin and money moves freely between special interest groups).

 The Jacksonport Fire Department is acquiring radios, pagers and a thermal imaging camera to better serve the people of Jacksonport. The radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com along with Witt Peninsula Ford Lincoln Mercury is working to help this department and all others throughout the county obtain equipment. The Sounds of Sirens campaign is running right now and you have an opportunity to win a trip for two to Hawaii by purchasing raffle tickets available at participating businesses. Those places include Witt Ford, Door County Interiors, Razors Edge, Jim Olon Motors, Bergstrom Automotive, Stone Harbor and Schmitz Insurance.
The Jacksonport department received more great news this week when it was announced that they will be receiving a grant of $31,777 from the Homeland Security Department’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. Lieutenant Aaron LeClair of the Jacksonport Fire Department says new pagers and radios will bring the department up to new standards for first responders set by the Department of Homeland Security.
“This grant will help support our fire and rescue personnel in the important work they do every day. When the federal government sets standards it must also provide the resources for local agencies to implement those standards,” says Congressman Steve Kagen.

In an attempt to bring people together and have a great time while dancing, Global Achord was recently formed. This group is looking to teach people to dance to ethnic music. Their next event will be held on December 13 at the Institute Saloon at 6:30 p.m. Founder Diane Melang is excited about the opportunities that her group provides to people of all ages, sizes and dance experience.
The December 13 event will not feature live music. Instead, an instructor will lead interested parties in a step-by-step demonstration of folk dance. The group is looking to build a strong following that would like to meet twice a month. Melang said this is for the general public and dress is casual.
(Audio Here)
Global Achord is a spin off of the Sugar On The Floor barn dance group. Melang said many of the same musicians plan to get together and play for this group once a consistent following is built. The ethnic dance being taught on the 13 will give people a chance to come and watch. She commented that if someone is not comfortable with jumping right into the lesson, that is more than all right. She further explained the international folk dance.
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This is a great way to socialize, meet new people and exercise. It is not a physically taxing activity and if you can walk through the door, you will be able to perform the dance, said Melang. She added that the event is family friendly and does not discriminate any age group. For more information about Global Achord, contact Diane Melang by phone at (920) 743-9557 or online at dianemelang@sbcglobal.net.

 Area business owners, inventors and entrepreneurs have a rare opportunity to listen to a sales person who developed a product that enjoyed $55 million in sales in one year. The next meeting of the Door County Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club will be held on Tuesday at 6pm. The event will be at the Sturgeon Bay campus of NWTC located at 229 North 14th Avenue. The Door County I&E Club provides networking and learning opportunities for the many entrepreneurs, small business owners and inventors currently present in the area, according to Economic Development Manager Sam Perlman. He feels Door County is filled with people interested in starting their own business or have the urge to invent or create something.
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The topic of the presentation this month is "How to Sell Your Product to Major Retailers." The guest speaker is Andy Welborn, retired buyer for Sears and Craftsman Tools. Welborn enjoyed a 35-year career with Sears and Craftsman, including 33 years as a buyer at the company's Chicago headquarters. Andy was a buyer for the Hardware and Lawn & Garden tool lines for Sears, and has experience in products as well as sources and manufacturing. He was also involved in product development, including the aforementioned Robo-Grip, which enjoyed $55 Million in single year sales. Andy brings his considerable expertise to his new home in Door County.
The Door County Economic Development Corporation wants to continue to nurture a strong entrepreneurial community spirit in Door County. I&E Club monthly meetings are free and open to the public. Anyone with an idea for a small business or product they'd like to bring to market is encouraged to attend, as are current business owners who'd like to network with like-minded individuals. Retirees and former business owners who would like to network and share their experiences with new entrepreneurs are also welcome.

 The automobile fire that claimed the life of 2-year-old Dylan Depetro of Green Bay and 9-month-old Amelia DeMeuse of Luxemburg is still under investigation. The young people died from inhaling smoke and soot, according to Kewaunee County Sheriff Matthew Joski. He commented that the fire started in a compartment between the front passenger and driver’s seat.
The latest information provided by Joski includes the names of two more of the young people. Karley Beyer, 1, of Luxemburg is listed in critical but stable condition at a Milwaukee hospital. Blake Jauquet, 1, of Luxemburg was treated at a local hospital and later released. The Sheriff would not release any more information on two of the six children in the vehicle.
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The driver has been identified as Susan Laluzerne, 38, of Luxemburg. She left six children in the minivan while she went into a nearby store. Laluzerne’s 5-year-old daughter ran to get her mother from the store when the fire started. Joski said some heroic stories are coming out about Kewaunee County residents putting their life on the line to get the young children out of the burning vehicle.
They managed to remove three of the six children from the burning vehicle. Laluzerne, a 1-year-old girl and a 5-year-old girl were transported to a hospital in Green Bay. A 3-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl were taken to Milwaukee area hospitals.
DeMeuse was pronounced dead upon arrival at St. Vincent. Depetro was pronounced dead at the scene.