The Sevastopol School District uses a unique program called home groups to get children acclimated with other age groups. Elementary and Middle School Principal Joe Majeski believes this supervised time set aside at least once a month is cutting down on bullying in the school. Children ranging in age from first graders through sixth graders come together in the same room with the same teacher to get to know other kids from different grades. Teachers are stressing the importance of random acts of kindness with their home groups this year. Majeski described the program.
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The 2007 school year started with a home group project involving the veterans in the community. Students created and sent out post cards made just for veterans living in the Sevastopol School District. The students are making wreaths for their holiday meeting. Majeski said the wreaths will be sent to the elderly living in nursing homes in the area. The Sevastopol Elementary and Middle School Principal talked about the hand made Christmas wreaths.
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The home group program is producing positive results noticeable to teachers and administrators. The relationships built during home group time are carrying over to the playgrounds and instead of the older kids picking on the youngsters, now they are defending their younger friends. Principal Majeski is proud of the students and staff for taking a proactive approach on bullying in the schools.

Despite rumors floating around the community, Door County Parks Department Director George Pinney says snowmobiles trails in the area are still closed. Several inches of snow has fallen on certain areas of Door County in the past couple weeks but Pinney says its not enough. 
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Snowmobile clubs are out grooming but that does not mean the trails are open. Pinney says those who go snowmobile even though the trails are not open could risk having them closed forever.
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Pinney says the Door County Parks Department will be the first to announce the official opening of the snowmobile trails. He says snowmobilers should not rely on rumors, instead check the parks department website or phone the snowmobile hotline.

NWTC in Sturgeon Bay has gone above and beyond to ensure inmates at the Door County Justice Center have an opportunity to earn a General Education Degree if the so desire. Kristine Briski is the Basic Education Instructor at NWTC and she spends two days a week working with individuals seeking their GED. NWTC Dean of Students Bob Loss knows their is a cost to keeping this program afloat, but assures the feedback and service they are providing Door County inmates is important to the college.
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Door County Field Service Lieutenant Jeff Farley knows that the NWTC GED program has made a lasting impact on lives of people who took a wrong turn in life. The education allows inmates to get back on their feet after getting out of jail. Farley said that instead of working for minimum wage, inmates are eligible to apply for higher paying jobs after receiving their GED.
Loss said Door County Judges Peter Diltz and Todd Ehlers were instrumental in this program. He commented both were strong proponents of bringing a GED opportunity into the Door County jail. Loss commented that this has been a group effort since day one.
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The GED is an equivalency that is nation wide and is a major document throughout our country. Loss feels this is an important function of the technical college and he stands firmly behind the GED program.

The General Education Degree program operated by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is growing. NWTC in Sturgeon Bay funds and staff are influencing lives in a positive way. Field Service Lieutenant for the Door County Sheriffs Department Jeff Farley is pleased with the direction the program is heading. Farley is the founder of the program in Door County. He said it began in January of 2006 shortly after the move into the new Justice Center. The goal of the GED program is to keep repeat inmates at a minimum.
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Inmates receive training by an NWTC instructor and then take a series of five state tests to acquire what is equivalent to a high school diploma. If the program is unfinished when the person leaves the jail, they are allowed to go to NWTC and complete the testing.
In Door County, the cooperation between the county and the technical college is as fluid as one would find in the state of Wisconsin. Farley said the staff at NWTC is passionate about the program and realizes the good that is coming from this educational opportunity.
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Upwards of 45 Door County inmates have taken and completed the GED program. Lieutenant Farley is happy with that number. However, he believes more troubled individuals without high school diplomas should take the time to jump-start a career while behind bars.
The Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay recently donated $500 to pay for General Education Degree tests. Farley said the generous donations or private parties and organizations like Rotary are helping to ensure fewer repeat inmates will be seen in the Door County jail.

There may be snow on the ground, but its not enough to open the snowmobile trails in Door County. Parks department director George Pinney says local snowmobile clubs are out grooming and preparing the trails but Mother Nature will need to lend a helping hand before the trails can be opened. When asked about what needs to happen, Pinney said this.
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There are seven clubs that maintain the four sections of trails in Door County. Clubs communicate with land owners and maintain the trails. They also inform the parks department on when the trails are open. The parks department will then announce this information to the county. These openings will be announced on the radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com, as well as posted on the parks department website. Pinney reminds all snowmobilers to wait for the "go ahead" sign. Those who do not, could receive a hefty fine for trespassing as well as risk the trails being closed for good. 
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Stay tuned to the radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com for snowmobiling trails updates and safety tips. More information can be found at DCDN.

Rewards and behaviors are the keys to keeping on track once you've quit smoking says Lung Specialist and American Lung Association volunteer Dr. John Stevenson. Coupling quitting with a change in your lifestyle is one method that should keep you on track says Stevenson. He suggests taking up a new hobby or activity. 
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In addition, Stevenson says you should reward yourself for staying on track and away from smoking.
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In the next story in this series, we'll hear again from Stevenson. He'll talk about the physical and mental dependencies that a body has on nicotine and smoking.

The Uptown Gallery, nestled in the heart of historic downtown Ephraim, is pleased to feature the holiday-themed paintings of Sturgeon Bay artist Cheryl Bishop. The artist studied at the Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts in Ludlow, Vermont, where she learned the age-old technique of Theorem Painting. An Early American decorative technique dating back to England, Theorem Painting came into fashion between 1810 and 1814 when it became part of the curriculum of finishing schools for proper young ladies. Although silk and watercolor papers were often used, cotton velveteen was the surface of choice. Oil pigments were applied by wrapping a small square of velveteen or wool around the artist's finger. Today, brushes are more commonly used and the process has become less time-consuming and tedious.
In addition to Bishop's work, the Gallery is also pleased to feature a variety of distinctive hand woven baskets by Door County artist Tina Bechtel. Her baskets are decorative as well as functional and reflect the artist's love of color, texture and pattern.
Bechtel said with her basket weaving, both product and process are equally important. She explores the use of non-traditional materials in her weaving, such as metals and fibers. The goal is to create a basket executed with precision that is also aesthetically pleasing, she finished.
Original prints, jewelry, fine art glass, functional pottery and fiber work are also featured. The Uptown Gallery is at 9996 Pioneer Lane, directly behind the Village Hall. Winter hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information about the art center, call (920) 854-2210 or send e-mail to info@thehardy.org.

Kewaunee County Sheriff's deputies will be out in greater numbers and for longer hours this week. The department is participating in the "Booze and Belts" traffic safety mobilization and that means more officers will be out on the streets. Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski says officers all across Wisconsin will be out in greater numbers and for longer hours.
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Joski says as always, motorists should never operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Proper seatbelt usage is also important.
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The Booze & Belts mobilization will continue through the end of the week. Joski says it is not their goal to write more tickets, but to stop people from injuring themselves and others.

JoAnne Penny grew up cooking on her family’s farm. Although her first dishes were far from exotic, the Door County native honed her skills canning fresh produce and fruits, and experimenting with recipes. The turning point for the budding entrepreneur arrived when Penny and her husband Jim lived and worked in Thailand.
“Living in Asia opened doors for me; the flavors are so exotic and the fresh ingredients make a big difference,” Penny explained. Returning to the States, she began a culinary experiment that has given birth to two dipping sauces that can be found on the shelves of 11 specialty stores throughout the peninsula. “I had no idea what would happen, but I wanted to try,” smiled Penny. And with the idea of a dipping sauce literally on the tip of her tongue, the mother of two daughters jumped into the world of commercial food production feet first.
Moving to the next level, however, required tenacity, perseverance, and a leap of faith. With the support of her family, Penny created a business plan, enrolled in an entrepreneurial course, and packed up her sauce and moved to the Farm Market Kitchen in Algoma. “The Kitchen made all the difference,” stated Penny. “Mary Pat Carlson, the director, is so supportive. She is a great source of information and walked me through the stages of development.”
Today, Penny feels she is in the home stretch, but the road has not been easy. “There are so many steps to follow in creating a product. Initially, it is about the product. Next there is the label which is very important. It needs to be recognizable and distinguish the product from all the others on the shelf. And finally there is the distribution. You can’t be afraid of rejection,” Penny smiled.
Not one to let the flame on her stove dim, Penny is ready for the next challenge: perfecting a peanut sauce. “My business is a constant work in progress, under construction,” she said. “It takes hard work to start a business, but it’s worth every bit of the effort. I have a real passion for food.”
For more information about Penny Lane Farm LLC products visit www.pennylanefarmsauces.com.

The Door County League of Women Voters is trying to develop a position on immigration. Door County League President Susan Kohout says the group will continue
with their study on the topic Friday. Kohout says the national league has requested this study.
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The Door County League has already begun this process and the group will continue discussing the topic of immigration on Friday at 11:30AM. Kohout says the group has reviewed many statistics and facts and they'll work to form an opinion.
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The League of Women Voters will gather to talk about immigration on Friday at 11:30AM. Please contact Susie Kohout or any member of the Door County League if you would like to attend. Lunch will be served and discussion will follow. Reservations are required.
Please call (743-1527) or email Susan Kohout rkohout@itol.com to reserve a spot or for more information.

More than a hundred years ago, Dr. Herman Welcker opened the first hotel in Fish Creek. Offering a reprieve from summer’s heat in the big city, visitors began arriving from St. Louis, Chicago, and Milwaukee to stay at the white frame inn. Today, Andy and Jan Coulson own and operate the White Gull Inn year round. But for many of the inn’s guests and patrons, it is winter that offers the warmth of the season with special concerts and theme-dinners.

Each winter the White Gull Inn features a “house” concert series that draws rave reviews. “The history of the house concert is very interesting,” said Coulson. “”Performers would give a small concert in a house in trade for lodging as they traveled around between shows. When we started the concert series 22 years ago, we wanted to offer something for the local population as well as our guests. Now the concerts consistently sell out. It is a combination of great talent and the setting.”

Although Coulson admits to being a fan of bluegrass music, he chooses his performers with an ear for what will please the audience. “I don’t book for my taste in music. No one wants to hear only bluegrass,” admitted the banjo playing innkeeper. “Variety is important although I do ask Lou and Peter Berryman back each year. They are really off-beat and funny, as well as very talented. They have become the cornerstone of the concert series.” The White Gull Inn concert series features six performances beginning in November and concluding in April. Each mid-week concert is preceded by an optional dinner.

Ringing in the holiday season, the White Gull Inn participates in A Moveable Feast, progressive dinners that also include the Thorp House Inn and Whistling Swan. Beginning in late November and continuing through January 5th, the dinners “progress” from inn to inn. Transportation is provided by a horse-drawn wagon. “Every inn is decorated for the holidays and they really are beautiful,” explained Coulson. “And although they are first open to guests staying at one of the inns, when we have the space we take reservations from anyone else. This weekend we do have availability and welcome reservations.”

For additional information visit the White Gull Inn at www.whitegullinn.com.

Many local businesses are helping to make the Door County Home Construction Project a success. Through a high school course, thirteen local students are learning how to build a home from local laborers and an NWTC instructor. Door Kewaunee Business Education  Partnership Business and Education Manager Tara LeClair says this project would not have been possible without community support and added that the students
are learning from some of the best. So far, over $100,000 has been raised based on donated labor and discounted materials.
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LeClair says this 16,050 square foot home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a master bedroom suite. She says their are many unique features to this home.
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While LeClair is pleased with the amount of help they have received from area subcontractors, the Home Construction Project still needs help.
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LeClair expects the project to be complete in May 2008 when it will go on the market. Next years project is dependant on the sale of this home, which is $224,900.
Talks of bringing a project like this to Kewaunee are still in the works. If you live in the Kewaunee area and can help make the project a realty for local students, you are encouraged to contact Tara LeClair at the Door County Economic Development Corporation development office or Jennifer Brown at the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation.

The peak time for electrical device related fires is here and Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Tim Herlache reports there have not been any incidents in the city yet. With thousand of lights, flammable Christmas trees and extension cords running throughout peoples yards and homes, December is usually the most active for fire departments across the nation. Herlache said there are some key reminders that everyone should pay attention to in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas.
When decorating your tree, always use lights listed by a testing laboratory such as UL. These lights have a number of friendly reminders that go along with use. Herlache talked about other lighting tips.
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Christmas trees are major fire hazards and Herlache says lights and all other electrical decorations in the house and on the tree should be unplugged before leaving the house or going to bed. Every year, the fire chief reminds people not to use lit candles to decorate a tree. He adds that burning candles near a tree is not recommended. Herlache mentioned a few other safety tips.
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Children and pets are fascinated with Christmas decorations, and Herlache said to keep a watchful eye on them around the tree. The possibility of small children and animals pulling the tree over or nibbling on cords is a real danger, according to the fire chief.
Trees should also be at least three feet away from any heat source such as fireplaces, radiators and heat ducts. Finally, when trees begin dropping their needles dispose of it properly. Herlache said dried out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in the house.

Its week 21 and Door County students continue to be very busy with the Home Construction Project. Door Kewaunee Business Education Partnership Business and Education Manager Tara LeClair says students started the project in September. Thirteen high schoolers were chosen to take this course as part of their high school curriculum. With help from the Door County Home Builders Association and other local businesses, the students are building a home in Sturgeon Bay. LeClair says the students are on week 21.
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The students have shown a lot of interest in the program says LeClair.
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LeClair says this project would not have been possible without community support and added that the students are learning from some of the best. In the next part of this series, we'll learn more about the Home Construction Project and those who are making it possible.

The Sunshine House is getting ready to move into their new building. The Sunshine House provides services for citizens with special needs or disabilities. With a projected
Thanksgiving day completion date, crews are a bit behind schedule but the end is very near. This expansion project adds a 17,000 square foot building to the existing faculty. Construction began over the summer but efforts to raise funding for it started the summer before. Chief executive officer Paul Kok says crews are very close to completing the project and everyone at Sunshine House is looking forward to seeing the finished product. Kok says crews are about two weeks off schedule as some things still need attention.
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Goods and supplies are already being moved into the new building and Kok says people and operations will follow by the end of the week. For the most part, everyone at the
Sunshine House is looking forward to the addition.
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The cost of this new addition and the remodel of the existing building is $1.8 million. While most of those funds have been collected, Kok says all that is necessary to secure the project has not.
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After this building is complete, crews will begin remodeling the existing facility. Because of these projects, the Sunshine House's annual open house will not correspond with the holidays this year. Kok says that will be moved to another time later this year, when the facility is complete. Sunshine House holiday wreathes are still available this season though, he says. Contact the Sunshine House to pick up your holiday wreath or phone the facility for information on other participating pick-up locations throughout the county.

Thirty Door County youngsters will have a brighter holiday this year thanks to local law enforcement. The fifth annual Chop N' Shop with a Cop program took place yesterday and the program is an opportunity for youngsters to get to know both Door County and Sturgeon Bay officers in a new way. The local school s play a large part in helping to find youngsters who may need a little pick me up during this time of year. Sergeant Jim Grondin has participated in the program since its inception
here in Door County and he says its a great day for both the kids and the officers.
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The day started with a visit to a local Christmas tree farm. Youngsters were paired up with a police officer and the two chop down a tree. After that the kids toured a local dairy farm and had lunch. Next they headed to a local retailer for some holiday shopping, with help from their new police officer buddy. The day ended with a gift wrapping/ pizza party. Door County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant
Tammy Sternard is the organizer for this event and she says it would all not be possible without community support.
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Sternard says there is a lot of work that goes into the Chop N' Shop program throughout the entire year and it all pays off in the end.
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Lieutenant Sternard thanked all who helped to make this year's Chop N' Shop With A Cop program a success. Anyone interested in supporting next year's program is encouraged to contact Sternard at the Door County Sheriff's Department.

In Kewaunee, the mayor, city attorney and four council member seats are up for election this spring. Those interested in making a run for those positions have a few short weeks to get their name on the ballot. Kewaunee Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Karen Pelishek talks about what residents should do if they are interested in running for the open seats.
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There are so special requirements to run in the election for mayor or common council representative. Those interested in running for council representative must live in the corresponding district and for mayor, you must live in the city of Kewaunee. Peleishek talks about how currently holds the seats that will be up for election.
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Those interested in being the mayor, attorney or council members for the city of Kewaunee must stop by city hall to fill out the proper paperwork soon. Nomination papers must be submitted by 5:00PM on January 1.

The morning after pill is an option for women who have participated in unplanned or unprotected sexual activity. Door County Wellness Center Executive Director and Nurse Practitioner Michelle Geiger-Bronsky says the morning after pill is available at the clinic. She says there are a few instances in which she will recommend the morning after pill.
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Geiger-Bronsky says many women do not know that "Plan B" or the Morning After Pill is available over-the-counter at pharmacies. If purchasing from a pharmacy, you must be 18 years of age and older. If you are on medical assistance, Geiger-Bronsky says you'll need a prescription. Otherwise, "Plan B" can be obtained from the Wellness Center for people of all ages.
Geiger-Bronsky says there is some confusion out there and she clarifies that the morning after pill is not the same as the abortion pill. She says the morning after pill suppresses or inhibits ovulation.
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Geiger-Bronsky says a prescription for the abortion pill is not available in Door County. Side affects of the morning after pill are minimal says Geiger-Bronsky. They can include nausea and/or dizziness, however, she say most women do not experience any side affects.

The Peninsula Symphonic Band welcomes the community to a Holiday Concert tomorrow at 4 p.m. The concert will be held at the Sturgeon Bay High School Auditorium. Director Paula Eggert and band member Mary Wold joined me on the Arts and Entertainment Page on 96.7 FM WBDK yesterday.
The two talked about the songs that will be performed and said the audience would walk away in the Holiday spirit. 
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The Peninsula Symphonic Band is a group of instrumentalists of all ages and skill levels. They are constantly seeking new members and encourage college students to join them during the summer season. 
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A reception will be held after the concert in the middle school cafeteria. Mary Wold said it a great time to share in fellowship with community members and music appreciators.
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The band will be on hand and the community is welcomed to join them. The Peninsula Symphonic Band performs an average of four shows every year. All are invited to the Sturgeon Bay High School Auditorium for the annual Holiday Concert tomorrow at 4 p.m.