Quality and timeliness are just a couple things Sunshine House employees are very proud of. The Sunshine House provides services, like employment opportunities, to Door County residents with special needs or disabilities. If you have work that needs to be done but don't want to hire another part time employee, the Sunshine House wants to help. Development specialist Nancy Vaughn says there are many ways to ensure quality work comes out of the Sunshine House. Vaughn talks about how jigs are helping employees get the job done.
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Vaughn says these jigs make work possible for some people in the county. Without the Sunshine House, work would not be an option for some.
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Like everyone else, Sunshine House employees are happy to be compensated for their hard work. Without the Sunshine House, some people would not have an opportunity to earn money.
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Many success stories have come out of the Sunshine House. Not only are the employees earning money there but some are taking there job skills to other businesses within the community. If you have work that needs to be done but have no one to do it, the Sunshine House would love to help. Sunshine House employees have done lots of assembly work for Hatco as well as various mailers for many companies throughout the county. If you have a job to get done, please call the Sunshine House to learn how they can help.

St. Joseph School in Sturgeon Bay will be the site for a series of Music for Tot classes to be held on ten Tuesdays in the late afternoons, beginning February 19, 2008. More classes will be added on Tuesday mornings if there is sufficient response. Each class is limited to 8 children of the same age.
The Music for Tots program, scheduled and administered through the Silver Lake College Music Department in Manitowoc, is an expansion of the Silver Lake Music for Tot program begun in Manitowoc more than 20 years ago and established also in Sheboygan, Green Bay, and Salem sites.
Rebecca Lockwood of Algoma will be the instructor for the Sturgeon Bay classes. Lockwood is a graduate of Silver Lake College holding a Bachelor of Music degree with teaching certification in general music (Kodaly) and Spanish. She has taught music in the elementary classroom for six years and Music for Tot classes at Silver Lake College for two years. She is excited to teach at the Sturgeon Bay site because she feels that “the Music for Tots program is a great opportunity for parents to bond with their children in a unique and significant way.”
Music for Tot classes are educationally significant experiences for children from infancy through age five. Varying types of structured musical activities and experiences are planned for each class, according to the development level of the children. Singing is the foundation of the curriculum, and simple children’s singing-games and folk songs are the appropriate tunes used in music making. Parents participate in the sessions with their child until the age of three years, and the three-to-five year olds participate in songs, rhythm games, use of simple rhythm and tonal instruments, and other activities independently, with parents present but not actively involved.
Parents and teachers in the Silver Lake Music for Tot program readily affirm that participation in these music classes improves not only the tonal, listening, rhythmic and coordination skills of the children, but also their verbal and socialization skills, and their ability to follow directions, focus attention, and share with their peers.
Parents who are interested in enrolling their toddler or pre-school child at the Sturgeon Bay site should call the Silver Lake College Music Dept. (920-686-6173) for space in the class and details for registering. Leave your name, your phone number, child’s name and date of birth. Early calls help in determining any additional class options. Click here for more information on the Music for Tots program.

Egg Harbor Fire Chief Mark Bogenschutz advises people who own cottages that are vacant for days, weeks, or sometimes months at a time to seriously think about installing an alarm system. The alarm systems being installed today are so technologically advanced that they detect smoke, heat or a forcible break-in.
It has been a relatively quiet winter in Door County in terms of cabin fires. Although, fires in unoccupied residences during the winter months seem to occur at least once a year. Bogenschutz said fires can be been responded to sooner if an alarm system is installed at a part time residence.
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The Egg Harbor Fire Chief said there is a wide array of alarms on the market. The more common system in a cottage is an alarm that would detect a number of different emergencies.
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Bogenschutz realizes not all houses are occupied 365 days a year. In case of an emergency, he said a fire alarm or other advanced system really does make a drastic impact.

With a resounding drum roll, six of Door County’s most talented young singers will step onto the Door Community Auditorium stage to compete for the title of” Door County Idol.” Under the guiding light of producer Kristy Nelson the Idol, which premiered in 2005, is drawing audiences from near and far.
“This show has taken on a life of its own,” marveled Nelson. “Every year it gets bigger and better.” And it all began with a simple idea. “I was serving on the Fish Creek Civic
Association board and thought we needed something for the students during Winter Fest Weekend.”
And the concept of a student talent competition was conceived. This year’s Door County Idol will begin at 7 pm on Saturday, February 9th when six Door County students between the ages of 15 and 19 perform before a panel of three local judges.
“We are so pleased with the outpouring of community support,” said Nelson. “From the commitment of the volunteers to the financial help we receive, the Idol is a homegrown and supported event from start to finish.”
Competing for the top award are Sondra Clark, a senior year at Southern Door High School; Sturgeon Bay High School senior Ryann Duncan; Liz Neuman and Wesley Schwartz, both juniors at Southern Door High School; Gibraltar High School senior Devin Thomas; and Kalen Keir, a freshman at the University of Minnesota.
Three local personalities have been selected to serve as judges. Nick Freimuth, a broadcaster for DoorCountyDailyNews.com is returning for his second year. He is joined by Mary Hall, an Isadoora Theatre board member, actress and musician, and Lee Spude, the 2nd Door County Idol winner. Spude is currently attending Marion College in Fond du Lac.
Allin Walker returns as master-of-ceremonies. Making a special guest appearance, 2007 Idol winner Matt Burress, a senior at Gibraltar High School, will perform throughout the show. Colin Pustaver-Olson and Jackie Nelson are serving as the show’s student co-producers.
“Because we received such great funding for this year’s show, we were able to do some things we haven’t been able to do in the past. For instance, we held a workshop for aspiring performers earlier this winter. Holly Feldman conducted the workshop and it was great,” said Nelson.
Funding for the 2008 Door County Idol was provided by a Peninsula Arts Association/Wisconsin Arts Board grant, with additional funding provided by Baylake Bank, Cynthia Stiehl, Digger’s Grill & Pizza, and the Fish Creek Civic Association. “And we couldn’t do this show without the support of the Door Community Auditorium staff. They really go the extra mile,” added Nelson.
Tickets for the Door County Idol are $8 for adults and $5 for students. “This year the seating is reserved, so hurry and get your tickets,” the producer urged. “We’re planning for a sell-out.”

                             
Sondra Clark                                        Kalen Keir                                         Ryann Duncan

         
        Devin Thomas                              Liz Neuman                            Wesley Schwartz

Meeting with over 30 Door County residents, Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Kelly Trumble says she enjoyed yesterday's listening session and looks forward to future growth. Trumble says the group talked about stronger collaboration and communication. 
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The listening session held at the Log Den restaurant addressed issues like healthcare for small businesses.
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Trumble talked about the importance of having grassroots efforts at the local level to communicate with legislators about your needs, issues and priorities. Trumble's next focus in on the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism. This event will be March 2-4 and Trumble expects Door County to be well represented there. While the exact date was not confirmed, Trumble expects to make it back to Door County in the future.

Teammates on the Sturgeon Bay volleyball team have earned the right to represent their school as valedictorian and salutatorian. The High School announced their honor students from the Class of 2008 this week. This year’s valedictorian is Sara A. Watermolen. The salutatorian is Heather A. Schmitt.
High school principal Bob Nickel said this year's top ten students in terms of grade average were extremely active in the school and their community. He believes participating in co-curricular activities makes a more well rounded young person.
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Graduating with high honors (top 10% GPA) are Sara A. Watermolen, Heather A. Schmitt, Weston J. Maier, Andrew J. Cedzo, Kaitlyn A. Stasiak, Brianna N. Leitzelar, Ashley A. Clark, Alexandra R. Cummings, Robert D. Herlache, Sarah L. Aufdermauer, and Patrick A. Depies.
Graduating with honors (minimum 3.750 GPA) are Annika R. Paulsen, Matthew J. Curtin, Hillary K. Jensen, Caroline L. Kitchens, Kyle D. Trelka, Robert S. Scaturo, John G. Renfrew, and Megan M. Rubens.
Principal Nickel said Sara Watermolen accomplished a remarkable achievement. Carrying a 4.0 grade point average throughout high school is one of the most difficult things to accomplish. The principal was equally impressed with the Paul and Patti Schmitt Family. He explained.
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From fine arts, to math team, to the basketball team, Sturgeon Bay's top ten GPA's represent students that are involved in almost every after school activity imaginable. The Sturgeon Bay High School commencement ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, at 2:00 p.m.

In 1974, Studs Terkel wrote his highly acclaimed book “Working,” a compilation of stories based on interviews with “real” people…waitresses, housewives, firemen, schoolteachers, and factory-workers. Terkel’s book became a bestseller.
Four years later, a musical based on Terkel’s book premiered on Broadway. It, too, received high praise. Under the direction of Amy Shaw Isadoora Theatre Company will present “Working” at the Door Community Auditorium beginning February 14th. Showcasing the talents of some of the community’s finest actors, “Working” is a musical about people who are never in musicals.
“This truly is a unique musical,” stated Isadoora board president Holly Feldman. “Rather than a story that has a beginning, middle and an end, ‘Working’ is a series of individual stories that could stand alone. This musical is a celebration of the common man or woman, of those things we do everyday without receiving recognition.
“The waitress is one of my favorite characters in the play. The way she talks about her job, how much she likes it, is so touching, but so real. It could be used as a training video. But that’s just one role. ‘Working’ is an ensemble production; everyone has a chance to step to the front.”
“Working” the book was adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso. Schwartz also collaborated with James Taylor, Miki Grant, Craig Carnelia, and Mary Rodgers to create the memorable music. Mary Hall is serving as the music director of Isadoora Theatre Company’s production of “Working.”
Studs Terkel is a well-known personality in Chicago where he forged a career as a journalist, sports and news broadcaster. His radio program The Studs Terkel Program was on the air from 1952 – 1997. Terkel’s live interviews included guests Bob Dylan and Leonard Bernstein.
The son of immigrants, Terkel identified with the persons whose stories he recorded verbally and literally. “’Working’ was performed as a street play in Chicago,” recalled Lynn Berger, the show’s assistant director and stage manager. “Segments of the play would be performed on street corners. Studs would often show up. That’s how hometown and down-to-earth he was.”
Isadoora Theatre Company is not the average theatre company. “We like to present plays that are challenging and thought-provoking. ‘Working’ certainly falls into that category,” emphasized Feldman.

More information about Isadoora Theatre Company is available at www.isadoora.com. “Working” will be performed February 14 – 16 and 21 – 23 at 7:30 pm, and Sundays February 17 and 24 at 2 pm. To purchase tickets call the Door Community Auditorium at 920.868.2728 or visit http://www.dcauditorium.org.

Feed My People and the Peninsula Art School are teaming up for a special event this weekend. Both organizations invite you to join them at the Fish Creek Winter Games for a Soup-er event. Hundreds of volunteers from throughout the county have helped paint over 550 soup bowls. These soup bowls will be sold filled for $15 and all proceeds will go to Feed My People and the Peninsula Art School. Feed My People board member Joe Miller says attending this event is a great way to show your support for both Feed My People and the Peninsula Art School.
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For those who would not care for a soup bowl, donations will be accepted. In addition, Miller invites everyone to stop by and enjoy the art work on display. This event will be at Peninsula Art School on February 9 from 11:00AM until 2:00PM.

While the city of Sturgeon Bay did not appropriate funds toward the project, the Common Council did vote to explore options on renovations for the Martin Park pool building with rough cost estimates and specs for possible alternative uses. The council also voted to continue talks with the Boys and Girls Club of Door County. The original motion was to award $1,000 to architect Virge Temme to go ahead with the Martin Park pool building study. Four votes were needed to pass that motion. Council members Ben Meyer, Jim Michaud and Tom Benzshawel voted in favor of that, Steve Mann and Ron Vandertie were opposed to the motion. Some council members were concerned about maintenance and upkeep to the building. Others felt this building would be a great place for the youth in the community. Council member Ron Vandertie.
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A number of people spoke about this issue at yesterday’s city council meeting like; Door County Family Centers Director Gina Wautier, Boys and Girls Club board president Hugh LeVoy and architect Virge Temme. Temme talked about her visions for the Martin Park pool building.
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The question of if the building was structurally sound came up at yesterday’s meeting. Months ago, Temme conducted a structural assessment on the building and believes the building is indeed structurally sound. City engineer Tony Depies also shared his thoughts.
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While the council did not agree to pay Temme the $1,000 for the study, they did agree to explore options for the renovation project and continue talks with the Boys and Girls Club.
Also at yesterday’s meeting, the council approved; the purchase of a fish grinder, they passed the first reading of an ordinance regarding multi-family residential uses by increasing the maximum floor area of detached garages and they passed the first reading of an ordinance regarding the demolition of buildings. The issue regarding pursuing laptop computers for elected officials was tabled. The topic was first brought up by council member David McAllister, however he was not at yesterday’s meeting. The next Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting will be Tuesday, February 19th at 7:00PM.

Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble will be in Door County today to talk about the importance of tourism to our area and the state. Trumble will gather together with the Door County Visitor Bureau board of directors and Door County Tourism Zone Commissioners at the Log Den. She will discuss Governor Jim Doyle's recent State of The State address and what is being done at the state level to grow tourism and enhance economic development.
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Trumble says Door County is very important to the state's tourism industry.
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Tourism secretary Kelly Trumble will be at the Log Den Restaurant in Egg Harbor today from 10:30AM until noon. Trumble says Door County residents are welcome to attend this listening session.

Snow removal hours are being logged at an unbelievable rate so far in 2008. Door County Highway Commissioner John Kolodziej said that we have been hit with a number of medium size snowstorms that keep snow removal crews on the roads much longer than one large snowstorm followed by a week or two of calm weather. Kolodziej said the blowing and drifting snow has also led to more hours for snowplow drivers in 2008.
The County Highway budget for 2008 is $343,375. That is an $8,375 increase from 2007. The last calendar year ended on December 31 and the highway department was over budget by $105,000. For comparison, in 2006 the highway department was under budget by $34,221. Kolodziej pulled all the figures together and explained why the he requested a budget increase this year.
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Salt and or sand shortage is always a concern for different areas in the state at the end of the winter seaon. Kolodziej said Door County is in good shape so far.
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The amount of money spent on snow removal so far in 2008 is much higher than what was spent in any single month over the past three to five years. With seven to eleven inches of snow on the ground depending on where in the county you live, this winter wonderland comes at a major cost to the county.

After the Ellison Bay explosions that devastated the small Northern Door Community, a bill that would make underground propane lines appear on Digger’s Hotline maps could be passed as early as next week. The Joint Committee on Finance approved the Propane Safety Act, sponsored by State Representative Garey Bies and Senator Alan Lasee, this week. The proposal aims to increase safety for both consumers and suppliers of propane gas in Wisconsin. “We have been working hard on this important safety legislation and our work is paying off as the bill is making its way through the process,” said Bies.
One of the two main components of the legislation is establishing new requirements for propane suppliers to meet certain financial responsibility standards in order to be licensed by the state. The new standards are designed to ensure that the propane suppliers operate a safety-conscious business with a well-trained staff and possess the financial backing necessary for commitment to their industry and customers. Senator Lasee explained the importance of this bill.
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The second main component of the Propane Safety Act focuses on new communication requirements between propane suppliers and customers as well as changes to the Statewide Communication System, or Digger’s Hotline. The new requirements will work to make sure that propane suppliers and their customers stay on the same page concerning gas lines.
“With close cooperation of everyone who is involved in the propane industry, we have successfully created a package that enhances consumer safety,” stated Lasee. “This legislation represents that package and it has received strong bi-partisan support at each stage of the legislative process.”
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Both legislators expressed their hopes that the Assembly and Senate will act quickly on the legislation before the regular session ends in March. Lasee said he hoped this bill would have been passed a year ago. With the importance of the legislation and the bi-partisan support, the authors do not foresee any potential obstacles to final approval by the legislature. From that point, the legislation would then be sent to the Governor for his signature into law.

If you live in Southern Door County but would like your kids to go to school in Sturgeon Bay or live in Institute and would like them to be a Gibraltar Viking, you'll want to complete the proper paperwork for open enrollment. Sturgeon Bay Superintendent Joe Stutting says paperwork for open enrollment can be turned in to any of the schools between February 4 and 22.
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Parents should really to do their homework when it comes to open enrollment. Touring the schools, talking with staff and researching courses are some things parents might look into.
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Stutting says the state is very strict on the timeframe to sign up for open enrollment. Parents only have the three week window from February 4-22 to enroll. Last year, Sturgeon Bay had 40 open enrollment students. Stutting says more information can be obtained from any of the district offices and online.

Hunter’s safety course registration will be held today from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the sporting goods section at Wal-Mart in Sturgeon Bay. Hunter’s safety course instructor Royal Leidig encourages all interested hunters young and old to sign up for this year's class. The courses are held at the Sturgeon Bay Knight's of Columbus. Classes start in the middle of February and four sessions will run on different nights of the week. The number of courses and dates will vary depending on how many participants sign up. Leidig talked about the importance of hunter’s education.
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Hunter’s education teaches a number of valuable skills to hunters. Leidig said he is always enthused to see the kid’s excitement during the course. He said hunters learn more than the basics in the class.
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A $10 fee can be paid today in the sporting goods section at Wal-Mart in Sturgeon Bay. You will be able to tell instructors the days that work well for your schedule and if enough people sign up, they should be able to accommodate most weeknight schedules.

Five contestants will work the crowd and wow the judges when they hit the stage tonight for the Miss Door County Scholarship Program. The girls have spent months
polishing their talent routines, building interview skills and collecting scholarships dollars. It will all come down to tonight, when the crown will be passed on to the next Miss Door County. Gina Neuville, Alaina Nesbitt, Jenna Wheat, Anna Petersilka and Kimberly Sawyer are all vying for the 2008 Miss Door County crown. Executive director Shirley Ehlers talks about this years contestants.
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Miss Door County is not really a pageant, its a scholarship program with a lot of sparkle says Ehlers. The girls will be judged on a number of different things.
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Miss Door County is not just about winning scholarship money. Ehlers says the girls have learned so many things in the past few months.
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A new Miss Door County will be crowned tonight. The show will begin at 7:00PM. Phone (920)743-7200 for tickets. Tickets will be available at the Southern Door Auditorium box office. Miss Wisconsin Christina Thompson will also be at the Miss Door County competition this evening.

Past Miss Door County Shows

Kewaunee County Promotions & Recreation Department reported that all snowmobile quadrants in Kewaunee County opened at 3:00 P.M. yesterday. All of Kewaunee County snowmobile trails are now open.
Riders are asked to use caution as trail conditions may be less than ideal in certain areas. Plowed and open fields may lack snow cover in some areas. Riders are urged to watch out for icy patches along the trails. Trails are expected to be rough, so caution is urged. Snowmobilers are also encouraged to stay on the marked trails and respect adjoining property owners. Hundreds of gracious landowners are responsible for the County’s 290+ state-funded and club trails. Please respect their property and their privacy.
Riders are responsible for checking trail conditions in adjoining counties before riding in those counties.
Riders should check the 24-hour information line before heading out if they have any doubts about trails being open. That number is (920) 388-7199.
In Door County all quadrants of trails are open except the South-West Zone. Open trails in Door County are all classified as FAIR in terms of riding conditions.