The results of the Iowa caucuses will influence a number of voters in Door and Kewaunee Counties. Kewaunee County Republican Party Chair Todd Lohenry said voters should get informed on each candidate and make their own decision. The Iowa caucuses saw the emergence of two new front-runners in Republican Mike Huckabee and Democrat Barack Obama.
On the Republican Party side, Mike Huckabee carried 34% of the votes. Mitt Romney came in second with 25%, Fred Thompson third with 13%, John McCain carried 13%, Ron Paul finished with 10%, Rudy Giuliani 4% and Duncan Hunter with 1%.
Barak Obama led the Democrats with 38% of the Iowa caucus vote. John Edwards was second with 30%, Hillary Clinton third at 29%, Bill Richardson totaled 2% and Joe Biden accounted for 1%.
In the 40 years since we started selecting candidates in this manner, there have only been about 13 real primary races that have emerged, according to Lohenry. He added that there has been only been one time when the winner of Iowa was the national winner and that was George Bush in 2000. For that reason, it is difficult to read too much into the Iowa Caucus.
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Lohenry urges voters to look at the issues that are important to the country and to you personally and then make a decision on a particular candidate.
Republicans have a challenge in 2008 to keep a majority in the Assembly and win back the Senate. Therefore, the Republican Party Chair of Kewaunee County is more concerned with the local races and candidates like Gary Bies and John Gard.
The biggest surprise for Lohenry at the Iowa Caucus was Hilary Clinton's participation. Lohenry said the results should have been expected by her campaign.
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Another area of interest was the fact that Mitt Romney could not defeat Huckabee. Lohenry said with the amount of money spent by Romney, he is shocked that the Republican President hopeful has been unable to gain momentum.
The test of whether the front-runners can carry their momentum will come quickly, as the New Hampshire primaries are only four days away on January 8.

The history of snowmobiling begins more than 75 years ago. Constructed of skis, a sprocket wheel and tracked system, the bulky vehicle--carrying as many as 12 people--was popular with doctors, veterinarians, ambulance and taxis drivers. By the 1950s the snowmobile had been streamlined and the lightweight version gave birth to a new sport.
Today, the economic impact of snowmobiling translates into $21 billion annually. And although Door County is a happy recipient of a portion of that revenue, it is not easily earned.

“It takes hundreds of volunteer hours to maintain the 250 mile-trail that provides snowmobiliers' a great winter experience,” said Steve Sohns, president of the Villagers, one of seven snowmobile clubs on the peninsula. “We’re out all night after a snow to groom the trails, and we fundraise all year long to provide funding for our equipment. It is because of the local clubs that we have the snowmobile trails.”

Every year countless snowmobiliers visit Door County seeking the ultimate winter thrill of gliding along the snow. Following strict laws and applying common sense, Sohns stressed, guarantees a ride tomorrow. “Drinking and speeding are the two enemies of snowmobiliers. Every year we see accidents that could have been prevented. From dusk to dawn 55 mph is the speed limit. And snowmobiliers must stay on the trails; going off trail can lead to serious accidents.”

Working in tandem with the Door County Land Trust, The Ridges Sanctuary, and the Door County Nature Conservancy, the snowmobile clubs collaborate on preserving the peninsula’s open spaces. “It is very important that we take control of our land use,” urged Sohns. “Our organizations are seeking the same goals, to maintain the land for the use of everyone.” The snowmobile clubs participate in fundraising activities throughout the year. In addition to supporting the activities of their individual clubs, donations are made to various non-profit organizations within the county.

Snowmobiliers are required to attend safety classes which are provided through the clubs. “This law went into effect in 1989,” explained Sohns, “and is necessary for riding the public trails.” Snowmobiliers must also register to ride. Door County’s trails are free to all Wisconsin residents; out-of-state riders are charged a nominal fee.

“Be safe on the trails,” concluded Sohns, “and use your head. A snowmobile is quite a piece of equipment. Handled with care, it can provide hours of enjoyment. And if you are interested in the sport, call one of the clubs to join and help out. We can always use new members,” he said.

Former Wisconsin Governor Lee Dreyfus died at the age of 81 in his Waukesha home last night. Dreyfus had long established ties to Door County. He was elected governor in 1978. He defeated U.S. Representative Bob Kasten in the Republican primary and won the general election over Governor Martin Schreiber. Dreyfus did not run for re-election in 1982, instead he elected to take a position at Sentry Insurance.
President and General Manager of DoorCountyDailyNews.com and the radio stations Roger Utnehmer offered these comments.
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Owner of Perry's Cherry Diner in Sturgeon Bay Perry Andropolis said Governor Dreyfus and his wife would always stop on their way to their Egg Harbor condominium. He recalled that the two would share a cherry malt and enjoy Perry's Greek food.
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In early 2005, Dreyfus recovered from quintuple heart bypass surgery. Funeral arrangements in Waukesha are pending. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his daughter, Susan Fosbick of Eagle River, son Lee Jr., six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Five Door County Board Supervisors filed papers of non-candidacy for the upcoming April 1 election. District two representative Chuck Gulley, district six representative Jaime Forrest, district seven representative Bill Goettelman, district sixteen representative Dale Wiegand and district 21 representative Charlie Most will be replaced on the county board.
Each candidate needed twenty signatures. County Clerk Jill Lau said a number of seats are being contested. She first listed the uncontested seats where the incumbent filed.
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John Neinas filed papers for the district two seat and will run unopposed. District 3 has Bob Ryan running again against Patrick Olson. Neal DeBaker will take over for Jaime Forest in District six. Ben Meyer and Phillip Whipple will look to replace Dale Wiegand in district sixteen. Gary Bogenschutz will run unopposed in district 17 and take over the seat previously held by Forest. Nancy Bemmann will challenge incumbent Keri Anderson in district 17. District 19 representative Hugh Mulliken has filed and is opposed by Donald Sitte. Finally, Joe Gunnlaugsson is running unopposed and will replace Chair Charlie Most.

 Joe Kiedinger a.k.a. The Ad Prophit has created a place where small business owners and leaders can gather to work ON their businesses instead of busily working IN their businesses. Prophit Marketing Institute is launching this month. The first creative writing class is coming up January 10th. It is titled "Make Your Advertising Better in a Day." Twenty have signed up so far and they will cut it off at 30. If you advertise, you don't want to miss this session, according to Kiedinger. Time is running out to attend this $95 class for just $50. Contact Lauren at laurenp@prophitmarketing.com. Kiedinger talked about the first creative writing class.
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Following the creative writing session will be the "Understanding and Buying Media" class. This will be a four-hour course on January 24. While the ordinary cost is $50, Wisdom On Wednesdays subscribers can sign up for only $35. This is your opportunity to learn about electronic media as well as billboard advertising. Kiedinger said you wil aslo learn how to negotiate and get value-added product from radio and television media. The Ad Prophit called these two outlets the most powerful -- intrusive! -- media in the world. He talked about why the "Understanding and Buying Media" class will help your business.
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The January 10 class will be held at the Green Bay Holiday Inn City Center. To reserve your seat at either class contact Lauren at laurenp@prophitmarketing.com. The January 10 course runs from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and January 24 class starts at 1:00 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m.

There will be a council member race in Sturgeon Bay's second district this spring, while Algoma will see competition for the district one seat. The filing deadline for the spring election was yesterday. In Kewaunee, John Blaha filed nomination papers for the mayor's seat, Virginia Kostka in district 1, Brenda LuMaye for district 2, Thomas Zenner for district 3 and Donald Kickbusch for district 4.
In Sturgeon Bay, Tom Benzshawal filed papers for district 6 and Chris Olson filed for district 4. There will be a race in district 2 as Ron Vandertie and Jodi Kaye have filed. Sturgeon Bay City Clerk Stephanie Reinhardt says you can still run even though you've missed the filing deadline.
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In Algoma, Virgina Haske turned in nomination papers for mayor, Paula Wiese for district 2, Kevin Schmidt for the third district and Jan Dart for district 4. There will be a race for district one in Algoma as Denise Bauman and Lynn Lawrenz have submitted nomination papers. The election will be Tuesday, April 8.

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Kewaunee Fire Chief Greg Hlinak believes large halogen lights used by a painter may be the cause of a fire at an unoccupied house in West Kewaunee. The fire started at approximately 9:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The fire happened at a single-family dwelling owned by Thomas Miller at N3814 Cedar Lane. Besides the freezing temperatures, the dead end road created accessibility problems. Hlinak said the weather slows the firefighting process.
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The Kewaunee Fire Department had assistance on the call from Algoma, Casco, Carlton and Luxemburg. Hlinak said when its cold out crews are frequently rotated to make sure hypothermia is not an issue. This tactic also fends against frostbite.
The home was unoccupied and unfurnished, except for some kitchen appliances. The fire was discovered by a local resident passing by as flames were already shooting from the windows.
The Kewaunee County Highway Department was also called to the scene to sand roadways as a result of fire trucks spilling water. Wisconsin Public Service responded to disconnect power to the building. Firefighters used a fill site along Highway 29 and the Besadny Fish Station to obtain water.
Chief Hlinak said the investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing. A painter had left the home at 6:00 p.m. The fire chief said lights may have fallen over and caused the blaze.
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Fire damage to the building was extensive because the roof collapsed into the structure. Chief Hlinak was happy to report no one was injured in the fire. Click Here To View Photos!!!

    
Jacksonport Polar Bear Plunge 2007

Jacksonport Polar Bear Plunge 2006

Sturgeon Bay Police are following an incident that forced officers to use taser guns on a man yesterday. The incident took place yesterday morning and began in the downtown area near Michigan Street and Kentucky Street. Police were called to the scene and upon
arrival, the man fled. Officers proceeded to pursue him as he traveled down Egg Harbor Road. The man continued on to the sporting good department of a local store, near the fire arms section. He was confronted by an officer who told him to put his hands in the air. The man refused and instead repeatedly yelled at the officer to shoot him. Other officers arrived and the man continued to refuse to follow the officers’ orders. One officer proceeded to use a taser gun and the man attempted to remove the taser probes. A second officer tased the man, causing him to comply with the officers’ commands. As the man was being taken into custody, he told officers that he was armed. No weapons were found in a subsequent search of the man.
The man is in custody and a recommendation on charges has been forwarded to the Door County District Attorney.