By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 22, 2008
With the amount of snow that has fallen in Door and Kewaunee Counties over the past two weeks, snow banks on the sides of some roads are five to six feet tall. That is creating obstructed view for residents pulling out of private driveways, businesses and even at some intersections.
Door County Sheriff Terry Vogel said cars are nudging the nose of their vehicle some times four feet into the roadway before they can see. This has caused a few accidents and a number of narrow escapes. Vogel described his major traffic concern in the county.
(Audio Here)
Stiff winds are predicted to continue for the next couple of days. Vogel said 15-20 mile per hour winds along with the high banks of snow on the shoulder of roads will create adverse driving conditions.
Vogel said there is not much car owners can do to make themselves more visible to the motorist that is pulling out of a driveway with high snow banks blocking their view.
(Audio Here)
Vogel said it is almost a necessity that some homeowners get out their steel shovels and try to chip away at the snow banks located at the entry of their driveways. Most snow banks are solid ice now so it will take a little more effort, but Vogel said if you can knock it down just a little that will help.
By Patricia Podgers DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 22, 2008
Throughout Door County’s history, the commercial fishing industry has played an important role in the settlement of the peninsula. Hardworking, industrious and courteous, it is the story of Door County’s first commercial fishermen that Trygvie Jensen captures in his new book Wooden Boats and Iron Men. “This book was a labor of love,” stated Jensen. “It took me 14 years from concept to print, but it was worth every minute. I realized if I didn’t write the story of Door County’s fishermen, it would be lost forever.”
From cover to cover, Wooden Boats and Iron Men is a page turner. Recounting harrowing stories of October blows--storms that blew up in minutes--to a brotherhood of men who shared long hours on the water, Jensen’s history is a glimpse into the lives of the fishermen who cast their nets along the peninsula’s coastline.
And it is only recently that fishermen have had the advantage of modern techniques. Less than 50 years ago fishermen had little more than a compass, clock, and log book by which to steer their boats. Working side-by-side for as many as 10 - 12 hours a day, they maintained a stoic silence. “But as hard as the work was, you couldn’t keep these guys off the water,” Jensen said.
“They loved what they did and didn’t want to do anything else. Both of my grandfathers were fishermen on Washington Island and I loved being with them when I was growing up. It was romantic when I was a boy; as an adult I realize the dangers involved in commercial fishing. This book honors the men who fished every day under unimaginable conditions.”
In the course of compiling his history, Jensen interviewed fishermen throughout the county. Gathering together over coffee, their stories recalled not only their own first-hand accounts, but the stories of their fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers. Commercial fishing was traditionally a family enterprise. At the turn of the 20th century more than 400 Door County fishermen harvested lake whitefish, lake trout, herring, and chubs. Today, only six fishing businesses remain.
“I had no idea what I was getting into,” admitted Jensen. “I had never done anything like this before and it was daunting. But I am so glad I did it not only for my own grandfathers, but for all the men and women who showed such dedication and perseverance.”
Wooden Boats & Iron Men was funded by grants from the Door County Historical Society, Door County Community Foundation, and the Clifford and Clara Herlache Heritage Foundation. Wooden Boats & Iron Men is available in local bookstores throughout Door County. For more about Trygvie Jensen visit www.woodenboatsironmen.com.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 22, 2008
Winter at the Ridges Sanctuary is a magical time, according to Naturalist Karen Newbern. Tall evergreen trees sparkle with snow, and the winter air is unbelievably fresh and crisp. Now imagine the experience of walking the Sanctuary trails under a star-filled sky, with candles lighting the way through the pines. That experience will be available to visitors tomorrow, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. as the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor hosts a candlelight snowshoe hike on the Ridges trails. This activity is a fundraiser for the Northern Door Girl Scouts. Newbern said we have an ideal amount of snow for this event.
(Audio Here)
Hiking starts at the Ridges Nature Center, 8288 Highway Q, on the north side of Baileys Harbor. Moonlight and the glow of candles will illuminate a portion of the Ridges Sanctuary’s trails for snowshoers and hikers. Participants can bring their own snowshoes, or borrow a pair at The Ridges for the evening.
This walk is set up as an ongoing, drop-in program that allows you to enjoy the Sanctuary at your leisure. After the hike, hot chocolate and other refreshments will be available at the Nature Center. Participants should wear winter boots and other appropriate winter gear. There is no fee for use of snowshoes, but donations will be taken for refreshments. Newbern said the event will be a special time for couples, families or large groups to enjoy Door County's natural environment. However, the Ridges offers great opportunities everyday.
(Audio Here)
Trails at the Sanctuary are open to the public year-round for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Call the Ridges office at (920)839-2802 or visit their website at www.ridgesanctuary.org for more information.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 22, 2008
A woman is dead in Kewaunee County after slipping on the ice and falling into the water near the Lake Michigan Shore in the city of Algoma. Kewaunee County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the incident after a page was sent out at noon. Authorities were attempting to locate a 57-year-old Kewaunee County woman last seen during the morning hours. Sheriff Matt Joski described how the tragic scenario played out.
(Audio Here)
Deputies searched the entire Algoma and Kewaunee area along the lakeshore. The woman was located in the city of Algoma.
The Sheriff's Department determined she was walking along the harbor area. She was walking alone on the Lake Michigan Shoreline on the stone wall/breakwater in the Kewaunee area and was attempting to take photographs.
(Audio Here)
Agencies from Kewaunee Fire and Kewaunee Rescue assisted in the retrieval of the woman who was dead at the time they removed her from the water. The incident is under investigation by the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department. The name of the deceased will be released by the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department tomorrow.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 22, 2008
When student’s graduate high school and finish playing an instrument in the band that is the last time they may play for an audience ever again. The Luxemburg-Casco Community Band allows young and old to continue displaying their musical talents. The L-C Community Band has been around for years and has about 30 members according to member of the Luxemburg-Casco Community Band Tony Arendt. He said the band started in the early 80's and they still perform at a number of parades and special events.
(Audio Here)
There is a pretty even mix of men and women that play in the band. Arendt says there are farmers, ex-polka band members, and plenty of retired members of the community. The band plays a variety of styles of music.
(Audio Here)
A pure love for music is another reason people join the Luxemburg-Casco Community Band. Arendt says many lifelong friendships are made when the group gets together. Arendt said the average age has been getting higher in the past couple of years.
(Audio Here)
Marvin Bourgoise is the director of the band. If anyone is interested in joining the community band, they are always accepting new members.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 21, 2008
A change to the Homestead Credit program means seniors can now claim insurance premiums. The change was announced recently and Kewaunee County Aging Services Benefit Specialist Mary Konop says seniors will want to remember this when having your taxes prepared.
(Audio Here)
Since the change is coming a little late, Konop is urging everyone with Homestead Credit to include this insurance premium information with this year's taxes. If not, you will miss out on some savings, she adds.
(Audio Here)
Konop reminds those who have yet to prepare their taxes to bring this information with when preparing paperwork for their Homestead Tax Credit. She says this new claim can earn some people quite a few bucks.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 21, 2008
Transportation provided by the Red Cross continues to assist Door County residents says Lakeland Chapter Executive Director Steve Marickque. The Red Cross is responsible for supporting disaster services, aid to military families, health and safety programs and transportation. The Red Cross transportation program in Door County is very helpful for both senior citizens and those with disabilities says Marickque.
(Audio Here)
Recently, there have been efforts to bring more affordable transportation options to the people of Door County. Marickque says the Lakeland Chapter has been working with this Door County Transportation Consortium from the beginning.
(Audio Here)
When asked about Red Cross's role in the Door County Transportation Consortium, Marickque said this.
(Audio Here)
The six counties within the Red Cross Lakeland Chapter include; Door, Kewaunee, Brown, Oconto, Menominee and Shawano. In July, two additional counties will be added to the Lakeland Chapter; Marinette, WI and Menomaninee, MI.
By Patricia Podgers DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 21, 2008
The tradition of storytelling is as old as mankind. Historical documentation provides evidence of an oral tradition in ancient cultures around the world. Some of the earliest records of storytelling have been found in the age-old languages of Sanskrit, Old German, Latin, Chinese, Greek, and Icelandic.
Folktales, fables, legends, and myths are commonly employed to convey a moral lesson, capture a historical event, and communicate an experience. For Lloyd Michalsen, however, the why of storytelling is very simple. “I tell a story to entertain. It’s such fun to share a story with an audience and see their reaction. It’s wonderful.”
One of the founders of the Door County Storytelling Guild, Lloyd Michalsen is delighted with the response his group has experienced. “I just can’t get over the interest in storytelling. There are workshops and conventions of storytellers everywhere” he said. “Storytelling is about real events, actual happenings. But the storyteller embellishes; the story unfolds like a tapestry unravels.”
The Door County Storytelling Guild was founded last year following a Clearing class. Michalsen, a bluegrass musician, singer, and songwriter, discovered his students were interested in continuing their storytelling. Meeting monthly, the guild’s eight members perform at special events, concerts, school activities, and festivals.
“Our ultimate mission is to capture Door County’s stories. We want to talk to the people who are the keepers of the wonderful stories that reflect who we are and the magnificent history of our peninsula. If we don’t, our legacy will be gone before we know it,” Michalsen said. The stories will eventually be available to the general public in CD form.
With a repertoire of more than 200 stories, Michalsen is never at a loss for words. “I’ve never won a prize for my storytelling, but I’ve never lost an audience,” he joked. “Storytelling is about capturing a moment in time and sharing that moment. It’s really an art form, yet something we can all participate in. Everyone has a story to tell. That’s the best part of all.”
For information on joining the Door County Storytelling Guild visit www.storyman.com or contact Lloyd Michalsen at storymanlloyd@yahoo.com.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 21, 2008
An announcement about the football coaching staff became the biggest story of the night at the Sturgeon Bay School Board meeting. Former Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer quarterback Randy Wright will be joining the High School coaching staff for the 2008 season. Superintendent Joe Stutting could not hold the announcement in and was smiling ear to ear when he told the board and the small crowd in the High School Library.
Athletic director and head football coach Gary Rabach was ecstatic about the addition to the program. It didn't sink in for Gary until he got home after last night's
board meeting. When the reality of coaching with a 10-year NFL
quarterback set in, he let out a boisterous laugh and sigh of
disbelief. Former offensive coordinator Dan McCarty tipped the
Clipper football coach off to Wright's intentions of looking for a
high school coaching job.Wright owns a summer home on Clark Lake in Door County and decided Sturgeon Bay would be the best fit for him after another coaching interview yesterday morning. Rabach spent five hours with Wright explaining the program and felt they were on the same page. The Clippers football coach listed Randy Wright's accolades.
(Audio Here)
Rabach said Wright will be a volunteer coach and will not replace anyone on the current staff. The upside of having someone with his experience is unbelievable, according to the athletic director.
The School Board did attend to other business besides the announcement. The board voted to approve a fifth grade middle school band, teacher contracts for 2008 - 2009, CESA Contracts and hiring of part-time library staff.
The middle school sports schedule for girl's volleyball and basketball switched to match the varsity season after the board voted unanimously on the agenda item. Finally, advertising on the baseball and football field scoreboards was accepted. Superintendent Stutting discussed the approval.
(Audio Here)
Closed session followed the meeting. Conversation centered on the stance of the board regarding teacher aid contract negotiations. The next Sturgeon Bay School Board meeting will be held Wednesday, March 19.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 21, 2008
Door County Democratic Party Chair Estella Lauter is excited about the race for President and is proud of Wisconsin for the great turnout at the polls. She believes Wisconsin made a real difference by voicing their support for the Illinois Senator. Barack Obama captured
another win in Wisconsin
Tuesday and has won nine
straight in the Democratic presidential primary. The campaigning in
the Badger state by Hilary Clinton and Obama was intense for nearly
an entire week. Lauter described her outlook on the primary. (Audio Here)
Obama gained more steam in his battle with Hillary Clinton and Lauter feels the Illinois Senator has a much better presence in Wisconsin than Clinton does. She explained why she feels Obama is the better candidate.
(Audio Here)
The Democratic presidential primary in Door County finished with 59.5% of voters choosing Obama and 39.2% of the voters selecting Clinton. In Kewaunee County, the race was much closer with 51% voting Obama and 47% choosing Clinton. The Democratic Party Chair of Door County feels that both candidates are better alternatives than what the Republican Party has provided us over the past eight years.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 20, 2008
Presidential candidate John McCain was the Republican favorite in Wisconsin after Tuesaday's primary election and Kewaunee County Republican Party Chair Todd Lohenry says its been an interesting race and tends to validate what the rest of the country has already done. In Kewaunee County, McCain took 56% of the votes, while Mike
Huckabee had 39%. In Door County, it was with McCain 58% and
Huckabee with 35%. (Audio Here)
We asked Lohenry if he felt McCain is the best choice. He said he wasn't sure at first and had backed other candidates early on. Now it seems Lohenry is a John McCain supporter.
(Audio Here)
Lohenry was asked to comment on the Democratic side of this presidential race. He said he is really surprised.
(Audio Here)
When asked if he felt some of the Republican party votes were lost because they wanted to make an ifluence on the Democratic side, Lohenry said this.
(Audio Here)
About 5,500 Kewaunee County voters turned out to the the polls for the presidential primary election. Lohenry felt that was a pretty good turn out.
(Audio Here)
Lohenry finds both the Republican and Democratic races to be very interesting. The Republican side seems to be locked up right now he says, although he is curious to see who McCain would pick as a running mate. Lohenry would not be surprised if McCain picks Huckabee. On the Democratic side, he says Texas and Ohio will be important
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 20, 2008
Along with home, work and school information, registered sex offenders should be required to disclose any website they operate or email addresses they use says State Representative Andy Jorgensen. The Sex Offenders e-Disclosure Act was introduced last October and
Jorgensen is pleased to finally see attention on this bill. When
asked how he came up with the bill, Jorgensen said "I'm a dad."(Audio Here)
According to experts, says Jorgensen, with continually increasing popularity of social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook, the chance of online contact between sexual predators and children could rise higher still. With very little cost to the state, this bill could prevent serious crimes from being committed says Jorgensen.
(Audio Here)
A public hearing on this bill was held at a Corrections & Courts Committee meeting last Wednesday. When asked to comment on the Sex Offenders e-Disclosure Act, committee chair Garey Bies said this.
(Audio Here)
Representative Jorgensen said no one voiced opposition to this bill last Wednesday's public hearing. He says the bill is just "common sense." Bies expects the bill to move out of his committee at the next meeting but he could not say when that would be.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 20, 2008
Miss Door County 2005 was crowned Miss Green Bay Area on Saturday. Many Door County residents remember Samantha Baudhuin as a Sturgeon Bay senior. Now, Baudhuin
attends St. Norbert College and has moved on to the next stage in
her pageant career. Miss Door County Scholarship Program Executive
Director Shirley Ehlers was at Saturday's event cheering her on from
the audience. (Audio Here)
All winners of the Miss Door County event compete in the Miss Wisconsin pageant and Ehlers says all that certainly helped prepare Baudhuin for future programs.
(Audio Here)
Samantha Baudhuin will join the new Miss Door County, Kimberly Sawyer, before heading to the Miss Wisconsin Pageant in June. Ehlers says the two are actually good friends.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 20, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay School Board will look for
community comment on the future of Middle School Athletics in the
district tonight at a monthly Board of Education meeting. The
seasons for girls volleyball and basketball are opposite most
conference in the area and change may be needed. Superintendent Joe
Stutting said when the conferences changed last year, the middle
school athletic programs suffered.
(Audio Here)
The Sturgeon Bay School Board will look to approve teacher contracts
for 2008 - 2009, CESA Contracts, a 5th grade band program and hiring
of part-time library staff. Advertising on scoreboards will be
discussed again this evening. The money made by the baseball and
football field scoreboards would go directly to the Sports Booster
Clubs. Stutting talked about the questions surrounding this issue.
(Audio Here)
Numerous first readings of policies dealing with emergency
preparedness and procedures for severe weather will also be brought
to the board. They will hear the second readings in March and
finalize all policies then.
A Second reading of the job description for Athletic Director Gary
Rabach will surface. Stutting said the position will now cover
scheduling for Middle school athletic events.
The board meets tonight at 7:00 in the Sturgeon Bay High School
Library.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 20, 2008
The future of the Martin Park Pool building is
still unclear after last night's Sturgeon Bay Common Council
meeting. The Boy's & Girl's Club still has an interest in the
structure, although the plan was to demolish the building. Boys &
Girls Club Director Sally Hasenfuss was at yesterday's meeting. She
hopes to be given the chance to create a children's center
out
of the Martin Park Pool building but understands there are costs
that come along with that. Hasenfuss expects plumbing, electrical,
heating, bathrooms, kitchen and filling the pool to be some
improvements that would need to take place. Funding was an obvious
concern.
(Audio Here)
Council member Steve Mann brought out minutes from previous meetings
where council and committee members were in favor of razing the
building. In addition, studies of the building from 1983, 1984 and
1987 were also mentioned. Those studies revealed costs of
improvements to be $300,000 - $400,000. Council member Ron Vandertie
asked what that dollar amount would add up to these days, as those
estimates were drawn up in the 80's. Hasenfuss said she knew of an
inspector that might look at the building pro bono. She also said a
general business plan would be available next week. The idea of
building a new children's center on another parcel (instead of
renovating it) was also mentioned. In the end, a motion to table the
original motion to raze the building passed on a tie breaker vote
from Mayor Tom Voegele. Council member Ben Meyer expects this issues
to go to the Park and Recreation Committee for further discussion.
Council member Tom Benzshawel.
(Audio Here)
After a vote, Benzshawal's motion did pass.
The process to hire the next city administrator was also discussed
last night. It seems the first step would be to solicit public
management firms to assist in hiring the next city administrator.
Council member Jim Michaud brought up something that a couple others
agreed with.
(Audio Here)
In the end, the council agreed to solicit formal requests from
public management firms for recruiting Sturgeon Bay's next city
administrator.
While there was much discussion on the other items on the agenda,
many of them were tabled. What did pass was a motion to increase the
hourly pay for part-time firefighters and training and a section of
the municipal code regarding Demolition of Buildings. The next
Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be Tuesday, March 4.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 20, 2008
This past weekend's
Fire & Ice event in Sturgeon Bay was a huge success says Stone
Harbor Resort & Conference Center General Manager Nancy Bertz. The
Fire & Ice event was an opportunity for local residents and out of
town guests to enjoy some neat activities
in
Sturgeon Bay. Snow sculptors and ice carvers were brought in to work
their magic and those statues are on display all around town. Bertz
talks about the ice and snow creations at Stone Harbor.
(Audio Here)
The third annual Fire & Ice event brought many people to Sturgeon
Bay over the weekend.
(Audio Here)
Bertz says this third annual event seems to be gaining popularity.
She says many people are planning their weekend getaways around this
event.
(Audio Here)
Over 200 people came out to the dinner and dance event at Stone
Harbor. Along with dinner and a silent auction, the Sturgeon Bay
Visitor Center brought in Streetlife, the Milwaukee Bucks band.
Bertz says they hope to work more with the Sturgeon Bay Visitor
Center in the future.
(Audio Here)
The next big event on the calendar is the Door County Boat Show.
Bertz says Stone Harbor is proud to be a part of these events. The
Boat Show will be March 8. Bertz says all the area marinas will be
there. Those in attendance can also dress up Jimmy Buffet style for
a beach party later that evening.
Photo contributed by
Dale Swanson from Brussels.
This photo
was featured on DoorCountyDailyNews.com's Photo of the Day.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 19, 2008
There are no rules that say a child must know this or that by a certain age says Southern Door early childhood special education teacher Bonnie Fett. Every child develops at a different rate say Fett. The P.A.C.T. booklet is one way to assess your child's development progress and understand which areas need more focus. The Parents and Child Together booklet was sent to Southern Door parents recently and Fett says these are fun activities that help you understand how your three or four-year-old is learning. Learning is something kids should be doing all the time she says.
(Audio Here)
During the early years of childhood, kids learn through play and regular daily activity says Fett. Learning to them is fun right now.
(Audio Here)
While some parents might think going through the P.A.C.T. booklet is a chore, kids find it to be a really fun activity. Fett says parents should not administer it like a test, instead make it a game. Southern Door parents who do not receive a P.A.C.T. booklet can phone the school. Parents in neighboring school districts may phone those schools directly for more information on pre-school screening.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 19, 2008
Consideration of options for the Martin Park Pool redevelopment will de revisited at the Sturgeon Bay City Council meeting tonight at approximately 7:00 p.m. The Boys and Girls Club of Door County has expressed interest in leasing the property that was scheduled to
be
razed in the coming months. The building is now being looked into
for a civic center that a nonprofit group could use. City Engineer
Tony Depies explained his ideal scenario for the structure. (Audio Here)
If not, the city needs to move forward because commitments were made to the Shipyard Partners to improve Martin Park, according to Depies. When that conversation occurred, razing the building was in the works. Whether it's green space for a park or the maintenance of the existing building, a decision will be made.
The $50,000 set aside in the city's budget for demolishing the building could be reallocated for restoration of the building. Depies said the city needs to decide how much if any money needs to go into the exploration of options.
The building sits at the corner of Oregon Street and Third Avenue. Parking could be a concern in the future, after the Maple to Oregon Street Bridge is complete. Parking in the market square parking lot or other areas three to four blocks away are options. Depies said that could be a problem for Sturgeon Bay residents.
(Audio Here)
The City Council will also discuss the recruitment process for a new city administrator.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 18, 2008
A single-family dwelling used as a retreat home in the town of Alaska just south of Algoma was completely destroyed by a structure fire this morning. The Algoma Fire Department received a page at 9:53 a.m. and responded to N6224 Highway 42. Upon arrival, the structure was completely engulfed in flames. No one was in the building at the time of the blaze.
Algoma Fire Chief Tom Ackerman said the last time the building was occupied was at noon on Sunday. He described the scene when the first fire crew arrived.
(Audio Here)
Kewaunee, Southern Door, Casco and Luxemburg Departments were called in for mutual aid. Ackerman said this was a difficult location in which to respond.
(Audio Here)
The building is believed to be operated by the St. Norbert Abbey. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Algoma department is using their team of state certified fire investigators to search for the cause . Ackerman said their arson investigating crew is one of the best in the area.
The Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department rerouted traffic leaving a section of Highway 42 closed for a short time.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 18, 2008
A potentially fatal situation for Sturgeon Bay Police officer unfolded last night in the 900 block of Egg Harbor Road. A loaded .40 caliber pistol was within arms reach of a severely intoxicated man resisting arrest. The Kentucky resident was sleeping in the driver’s seat of a truck stuck in the snow, with the doors locked when an officer approached the vehicle at about 10:00 p.m. When the officer knocked on the window and awoke the person, the man became belligerent, yelling and swearing at the officer, and refused to come out of the truck. Other Sturgeon Bay officers and Door County deputies arrived to assist the officer. The occupant of the truck threatened to run the officers over and tried to start the truck. The officers broke the side windows out of the truck with batons and used a taser to subdue the male occupant. The man continued to fight and resist the officers, even after being securely handcuffed. Police Chief Dan Trelka said this was an extremely dangerous situation that unfolded.
(Audio Here)
The man has an arrest on his record from out of the state for assaulting a police officer. The officers found the loaded .40 caliber pistol on the seat adjacent to the driver’s seat of the truck. The male is currently incarcerated in the Door County jail. Trelka described the potential charges that could be brought against the Kentucky man.
(Audio Here)
Trelka said the officers and the deputies did a wonderful job with the situation. The number one goal for the department is for their men and women to make it home safely every night. Trelka said they accomplished that goal and a dangerous person is behind bars.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 18, 2008
The 44-year-old man in the Township of Franklin snowmobile accident has been identified as Dean Schulz of Denmark. The deadly snowmobiling accident in Kewaunee County was not the only fatality on the trails this weekend. In an unrelated incident, a second man died under similar circumstances a few hours earlier in Manitowoc County. That man, identified Sunday as 20-year-old Craig Miller of Tisch Mills, was killed when two snowmobiles collided near the Town of Newton. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Schultz was struck by a snowmobile last night after falling off another snowmobile on which he was a passenger in Kewaunee County. The man was treated by first responders and transported to a Green Bay hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Snowmobiling Accident occurred at 9:33 p.m. Deputies from the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department and wardens from the Department of Natural Resources were dispatched to the accident involving two snowmobiles in the Township of Franklin.
The cause of both accidents is under investigation by the Department of Natural Resources.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 18, 2008
A 44-year-old man was struck by a snowmobile last night after falling off another snowmobile on which he was a passenger in Kewaunee County. The man was treated by first responders and transported to a Green Bay hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Snowmobiling Accident occurred at 9:33 p.m. Deputies from the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department and wardens from the Department of Natural Resources were dispatched to the accident involving two snowmobiles in the Township of Franklin.
The name of the victim is not being released, pending notification of family. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Department of Natural Resources.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 16, 2008
Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Tim Herlache is asking city residents to help dig out fire hydrants. There are about 780 fire hydrants in Sturgeon Bay and with the snow we've seen this
winter, most of them are buried. Herlache is asking for your help.
(Audio Here)
The weather forecast is again calling for more snow and that means some hydrants will be buried even deeper.
(Audio Here)
Herlache says your help digging out fire hydrants would be greatly appreciated. He says this is a common problem for the department in the winter. Lending a helping hand means firefighters can respond to emergency fire calls quickly, instead of wasting their time shoveling around these hydrants.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 16, 2008
Every year, the noon Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay makes international studies for youngsters a possibility. This year, Sturgeon Bay's Max Stevenson is in Finland, while
Brazilian native Pedro Amaro is spending the school year here.
Rotary Youth Exchange Committee member Shirley Senarighi is pleased
to be a part of this organization. (Audio Here)
Rotary clubs around the world are constantly working with the youth in their community to find students interested in traveling abroad. In addition, clubs from around the world are also communicating with each other to match up these exchange students.
(Audio Here)
Senarighi says organizing an exchange student's visit begins a year in advance. Host families, school arrangements and Rotary events are just a few things that Seharighi and others in the committee organize.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 16, 2008
With temperatures expected to dip down to the low teens in the next couple days, Pets At Home Veterinarian Dr. Jim Johnson says pet owners will want to keep a close eye on their
animals. By now, pet owners should know if they have an indoor or
outdoor dog. Dr. Johnson says even outdoor animals get cold. (Audio Here)
Dr. Johnson says outdoor animals should have some kind of shelter that is out of the wind. A doghouse should be free of drafts and have some kind of insulation like straw or cedar chips. Pairing up dogs that get along may be a good idea too, as they would be able to keep each other warm. However, Johnson reminds pet owners to bring outdoor animals inside when temperatures dip down below zero.
Many
have phoned in complaints to the Sheriff's Department this winter
about barking dogs. Johnson guessed these complaints are probably
coming in when temperatures are low and animals are cold. (Audio Here)
Dr. Johnson says pets feel the cold weather just like we do. While outdoor dogs can tolerate the frigid weather more, below zero temperatures can still be dangerous for them. Johnson says frost bite is a bit more common in cats and can effect the tips of their ears.
(Audio Here)
In addition, Dr. Johnson says you'll want to increase your dog's food intake in the winter. These extra calories will help keep your pets warm in the cold weather. Johnson also reminds pet owners to keep an eye on you dogs water dish. He says be sure their water is not frozen.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 16, 2008
The race is on for Sturgeon Bay's District 2 city council seat as another resident has declared he'll vie for the position. Mark Schuster has submitted a Campaign Registration Statement to City Hall, making him a write in candidate for district 2. That means votes could go to at least three different people for that race. The names "Ron Vandertie" and "Jodi Kaye" will appear on the ballot in April. Those voting for Schuster will have to actually write his name on the ballot to vote for him.
Although
Jodi Kaye circulated nomination papers, collected signatures and
submitted them to City Hall in January, she has now decided to step
down. When asked to inform voters on her stepping down, Kaye refused
to comment. Schuster talks about why he is making a run for the seat.
(Audio Here)
Schuster was born in Door County, just outside of Sturgeon Bay. He is married to Stacia and has a 22 month old son, Eli. Schuster graduated from Sevastopol High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
When asked about some of his goals if elected, Schuster says he really wants to see Sturgeon Bay grow in a positive direction. He finds Mayor Tom Voegele's public comment sessions to be a positive thing for a community and says its a good opportunity for residents to speak their mind.
(Audio Here)
To campaign, Schuster will go door-to-door to visit with residents in District 2. Voters will head to the polls on April 1. In the next part of this series, you'll hear from District 2 incumbent Ron Vandertie.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 16, 2008
Door County residents have a chance to get educated on the upcoming presidential race on Sunday. The Democratic Party of Door County will host a raucous caucus at the Ladder
House in Sturgeon Bay beginning at 4:00PM. Chair Estella Lauter says
the group does have a serious intent for the event. (Audio Here)
The object of this Door County Democratic Party event is to inform voters in our area about candidates who are interested in being the next President. Those in attendance are encouraged to participate.
(Audio Here)
The Door County Democrats Raucous Caucus will be Sunday at the Ladder House in Sturgeon Bay from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. The cost is $10 per person and $25 per family. On the other side of the row, the Kewaunee County Republican Party will hold their county caucus on February 28 in the Algoma City Hall Council Chambers. Check back for more information on that event.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 16, 2008
While unlikely, it is possible that Door County administrative phone lines may not be working today. 911 Communications Center Supervisor Carrie Gossen says it is not
likely that the phones will be out of order and she is simply
preparing residents for the worst case scenario. 911 emergency lines
will not be affected. (Audio Here)
Gossen says it is not likely that there will be a phone outage today but it is a possibility. If you get a busy signal when phoning any of the county's administrative lines today, Gossen says don't worry, the outage is only temporary. A possible administrative phone line outage might take place today from 7:00AM until noon. All 911 emergency lines will always be working properly and will not be affected.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
February 16, 2008
Fire Chiefs from Sturgeon Bay to Sister Bay are raving about the job done by the Jacksonport Fire Department while responding to and extinguishing a barn fire late Thursday night at 5545 Highway 57 in Sturgeon Bay. Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht said they did a fantastic job. Sturgeon Bay Chief Tim Herlache added that it was an impressive save.
The call came in at 9:00 p.m. with a report that the East end of the barn was smoking and flames were seen. Jacksonport Fire Chief Brad Bley said the fire was contained in the haymow area. The barn housed beef cattle and horses. The fire chief said the farmer worked to get all of the animals out of the barn without injury.
Firefighters responded at a rapid pace and extinguished the flames quickly. Bley attributes the save to the farmer who was in the barn at the time the fire started and a great crew of firefighters.
(Audio Here)
The area where the fire was took started, in relation to the road and accessible points for firefighters, made attacking the blaze difficult. Firefighters tore down some of the barn roof to extinguish the fire. Extreme cold also made fighting the fire more of a challenge.
(Audio Here)
Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove, Egg Harbor, Ephraim, Gibraltar and Baileys Harbor Fire Departments provided mutual aid. Bley said 5,200 gallons of water were used to extinguish the fire.