Common Cause Wisconsin Executive Director Jay Heck is disappointed to see Senator Alan Lasee vote against a bill that would provide 100% public financing for State Supreme
Court candidates who agree to voluntarily limit their spending to $400,000. Last week, the Senate overwhelmingly passed this bill 23-10. Heck was disappointed that a few senators showed opposition to the bill.
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With Senate Bill 171, State Supreme Court candidates would also be eligible to receive limited matching funds if they are the targets of outside special interest group campaign spending.
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Senators who against this bill were Republicans; Rob Cowles, Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Ted Kanavas, Dan Kapanke, Neal Kedzie, Alan Lasee, Mary Lazich, Joe Liebham and Carol Roessler.
From here, this bill will move on to the Assembly. Heck says its is now up to House Speaker Mike Huebsch to schedule this bill for a vote.

Campaign finance reform has already become a major issue in the race for the First Assembly District seat. The radio stations of DoorCountyDailyNews.com are starting a series of stories on the issues that relate to the constituents of Assembly District 1. The race will feature Republican incumbent Garey Bies and Democratic challengers Christopher Baeb and Dick Skare. The Democratic Primary will be decided on by constituents with a September 9 vote. Each candidate will be given equal time to discuss various issues. Campaign finance reform is our first topic and we will start by hearing from Dick Skare. Garey Bies and Christopher Baeb will be heard from in the upcoming days.
The Fish Creek businessperson will support campaign finance reform. He was adamant that this is an issue that needs to be dealt with in a timely matter. Skare believes government would become more transparent if this issue came to pass.
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Skare is a small business owner and he feels people like himself should feel they have more of an impact on what happens on the state and local level of politics. If and when campaign finance reform is in place, Skare is optimistic that Door, Kewaunee and Brown County residents would be more confident with what is happening in Madison.
The Democratic challenger for the First Assembly District seat is all for campaign finance reform and would vote in favor of legislation regarding the issue. The series will continue tomorrow when we hear from Democrat Christopher Baeb of Luxemburg. Incumbent Garey Bies will talk on campaign finance reform later in the week.

Learn more about Door County bluebirds at a Ridges Sanctuary event this weekend. An early sign of spring is the return of Robins and bluebirds says naturalist Karen Newbern. The Ridges will host a bluebird workshop this weekend and Newbern says those attending are sure to learn a lot.
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Newbern says bluebirds need a special home. A typical bird house might not work for a blue bird. Newbern says different birds have different preferences, especially when it comes to the size of the house.
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The Ridges Sanctuary bluebird workshop will be Friday or Saturday at 10:00AM. Class sizes are limited so phone ahead to reserve your spot. The cost is $5. For more information phone the Ridges Sanctuary office in Baileys Harbor.
920-839-2802

For the first time since the Wisconsin record Chinook salmon was caught off the Bank Reef near Sturgeon Bay, it is coming back to the community where it was caught. On July 19, 1994 a young man from Oconto, Josh Bostedt reeled in a salmon on Lake Michigan weighing 44 pounds, 15 ounces. The Wisconsin record measured 47.5 inches in length.
The Charter Fishing Association along with the Sturgeon Bay Visitor and Convention Bureau has purchased a graphite replica of the Chinook salmon and will have it on display at various conventions throughout the Midwest. Charter Captain Gary Nault said this mount will get Sturgeon Bay a lot of attention at sports shows.
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The record fish was caught aboard the Rose Charter Boat with Captain Bruce Haus. The mount will be on display for the first time at the Milwaukee Sport Show next week. The convention is at the Wisconsin State Fair and runs from the 12th through the 16th. Its next stop will be at the Minnesota Sport Show in April. After the Wisconsin record Chinook salmon completes its convention tour, it will be back in Sturgeon Bay. Gary Nault said you could showcase the 45 pound fish at your business, fundraiser or special event.
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The replica of the Wisconsin record will come with a number of different bases and mounting positions. Nault said this is an impressive replica.
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A number of Sturgeon Bay charter captains and a member of the Sturgeon Bay Visitor and Convention Bureau will join Nault next week at the Milwaukee Sport Show. He invites all Door County residents to stop by their booth if attending the convention at the Wisconsin State Fair March 12-16.

The future of a bill that would limit campaign spending now lies in the hands of Assembly Leader Mike Huebsch. The Senate recently passed the bill on a 23-10 vote and Common Cause Wisconsin executive director Jay Heck is waiting for Huebsch to schedule a vote on it in the Assembly. Senate Bill 171 or the "Impartial Justice bill" would provide 100% public financing to candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court who limit their campaign spending to $400,000.The measure also provides some limited matching funds to Supreme Court candidates who are the targets of outside, special interest spending. Heck hopes Huebsch will allow a vote on this.
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Heck hopes Huebsch will do the right thing and bring this to the Assembly floor. He believes Huebsch's predecessor John Gard paid a price for blocking an ethics bill from coming to the floor.
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Huebsch thus far, has expressed opposition to any and all campaign finance reform -- even for Supreme Court races which have deteriorated into a political cesspool says Heck. He says we need to put the Assembly on notice that they cannot adjourn for 2008 without passing campaign finance reform. Finally, Heck believes that if any and all of these reform measures were to be scheduled for a fair vote in the Assembly, they would pass. Heck encourages all Wisconsinites to contact the representatives in your area and voice your support for this bill.
You can either call the Legislative Hotline (toll-free 800-362-9472 or 266-9960 in Madison) or send an e-mail. E-mail addresses for members of the Assembly can be found by clicking here!!! If you are not sure who represents you in the Assembly, click here!!!

The cost of gas is on the rise again. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Sturgeon Bay is $3.09 a gallon. Diesel fuel is flying through the roof as well. The average price for diesel fuel in Wisconsin is $3.66 per gallon.
Manager of Q-Mart in Sturgeon Bay Penny Starr said with the price of diesel $2.00 higher that it was five years ago and no relief in sight, consumers have to prepare for the worst.
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Starr said price increases will be noticed at the pumps again soon. Her providers have rumored that the $4.00 per gallon mark is being talked about nationally. Predictions of $4.00 a gallon by mid summer could be reality.
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The ceiling price point apparently is on the rise, which means the lowest price of gas will be much higher than we are used to seeing as well. Starr would be surprised to see gas ever sink back to $2.50 per gallon.
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The price of gas will affect consumers at the pumps, in the grocery store and eventually through taxes. The cost to run city vehicles, school busses and snowplows will rise and eventually all of us pay for that expense.

The White Gull Inn Folk Music Concert Series continues Wednesday with a performance by Wil Maring and R0bert Bowlin. White Gull owner Andy Coulson says this concert series began in the mid 1980's. He had an interest in folk music and wanted to bring more of that to Door County during the off-season. The folk music concert series gained popularity as the years went by and Coulson says the White Gull hosts about six concerts every winter.
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DoorCountyDailyNews.com spoke with Maring following a studio session in Nashville. She talked about their music style.
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When asked what sets Maring & Bowlin apart from others in the industry, she thought their songs might appeal to Door County listeners.
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Wil Maring and Robert Bowlin will perform at the White Gull Inn on Wednesday, March 12. The show will begin at 7:00PM and an optional pre-concert dinner will be served at 6:00PM. Dinner is $18.95 and tickets to the performance are $15.

Optional Pre-Concert Dinner served at 6 PM. Menu: Yankee Pot Roast with boiled new potatoes, carrots, onions and gravy. Served with a simple greens salad in Italian vinaigrette, oven fresh rolls and chocolate fudge cake for dessert. $18.95

The Sturgeon Bay Math team won an unbelievable seventh conference title in a row. The fifth and final math meet of the season was held this week at Algoma High school. Sturgeon Bay took the top five spots in the senior division. The Clippers also earned first place in the junior division. All Conference medals were awarded after the meet. Sturgeon Bay took 10 of the 20 possible awards.


Seniors:                                                Sophomores:
1. Robert Herlache, SB, 35 points        1. Alex Belongia, O, 28
2. Patrick Depies, SB, 32                     2. Erin Pomeroy, SB, 27
3. Sara Watermolen, SB, 28 tie            3. Graham Edwards, Gib, 20
4. Kaitlyn Stasiak, SB, 27                       Allyssa Caelwaerts, O, 20
5. Kevin Newman, O, 30                     5. Maddy Popelka, Sev, 18

Juniors:                                                Freshmen:
1. Jenny Laluzerne, SB, 28                  1. Sydney Johnson, O, 26
2. Taylor Thompson, O, 28                  2. Cassidy Krause, A, 15
3. MurphyKate Montee, SB, 27          3. Matt Savage, Sev, 15
4. Elizabeth Knutowski, SB, 26           4. Leah Johnson, Kew, 14
5. Ryan Schinkten, SB, 25                   5. Rebekah Phillips, Kew, 13


Varsity Teams:                                     Junior Varsity Teams (11 teams total)
1. SB 269 points                                 1. SB #2, 220 points
2. O, 215                                            2. SB #3, 174
3. Sev, 138                                         3. O #2, 146
4. Gib, 134
5. Alg, 128
tie 6. SD, 126
Kew, 126
8. NEW, 43


Final Packerland Conference Standings

Varsity Teams                                     Junior Varsity (total of 11 teams)
1. SB, 100 points (undefeated)           1. SB #2, 150 points (undefeated)
2. O, 90                                             2. SB #3, 138
3. Kew, 71                                         3. O #2, 132
4. Sev, 68
5. Alg, 56
6. SD, 53
7. Gib, 46
8. NEW 30

All Conference Medal winners:

Seniors:                                             Sophomores:
1. Andy Cedzo, SB 144 points         1. Alex Belongia, O, 109
2. Patrick Depies, SB, 133               2. Nickolas Krueger, SD, 90
3. Jack Renfrew, SB, 132                3. Allyssa Caelwaerts, O, 83
4. Robert Herlache, SB, 126            4. Erin Pomeroy, SB, 80
5. Tie: Kevin Newman, O, 111        5. Graham Edwards, Gib, 79
Ariel Dickenson, O, 111

Juniors:                                                Freshmen:
1. MurphyKate Montee, SB, 125        1. Sydney Johnson, O, 77
2. Jenny Laluzerne, SB, 123                 2. Cassidy Krause, A, 56
3. Taylor Thompson, O, 111                3. Sierra Townsend, SB, 50
4. Elizabeth Knutowski, SB, 96            4. Matt Savage, Sev, 46
5. Ryan Schinkten, SB, 92                   5. Leah Johnson, Kew, 42

Favre Says Good Bye To Football

The state of Wisconsin is in a state of shock today. The announcement that Brett Favre is retiring took many by surprise. The quarterback informed the organization of his intention to retire from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL. He has had one of the greatest careers in the history of the National Football League, and he is able to walk away from the game on his own terms - not many players are able to do that.
The Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. He has given Packers fans 16 years of wonderful memories and a Super Bowl. Brett’s many accomplishments on the field are legendary. He leaves the game holding virtually every career passing record, plus his consecutive starts streak, which may never be duplicated.
The uniqueness of Brett Favre - his personality, charisma and love of the game - undoubtedly will leave him as one of the enduring figures in NFL history.

Packer fans in Door and Kewaunee Counties could hardly believe the news. Sturgeon Bay resident Andy Boettcher said when he heard the announcement that pretty much ended his workday.
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Tim Fameree lives in Luxemburg. He is happy that Favre went out with a great year but he was still shocked.
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Kewaunee resident Paul Nimmer heard the news from his wife. She called him at work and Nimmer said this is a sad day for fans of football everywhere.
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Packers fans are declaring tomorrow, wear your Brett Favre jersey to work day. Packers ties, hats and shirts will be worn in many business settings to honor one of the all-time greats.

After months of searching, the Door County Community Foundation welcomes new president and CEO Bret Bicoy. Former director Jane Stevenson says the whole process began last fall, after she announced her desire to retire. After that, the board started talking about what they wanted to see in the next leader of the foundation. The board's search stretched throughout the entire state and the Council on Foundations. Stevenson says they received over 30 applications. Until
recently, Bicoy lived in Las Vegas where he served as President of the Nevada Community Foundation.
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To start, Stevenson guessed Bicoy will sit with the board to talk more about their visions for the Door County Community Foundation. After that, she expects he'll talk to other agencies
 in the community. Stevenson says Bicoy will probably need to identify where the board should concentrate their efforts in the coming years.
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Bicoy is honored that the Door County Community Foundation has allowed him to follow in the footsteps of a true philanthropist like Jane Stevenson. Bicoy says Door County is a remarkably beautiful and generous community. He is deeply thankful for this opportunity to serve.

A collapsed deck may have been the cause of death of a 63 year old Forestville man. A call was made to the sheriffs department yesterday from a woman who said she could not find her husband. She also stated that the outside deck had collapsed. Emergency Services personnel were called to the scene and they discovered the man dead under the broken deck. Door County Sheriff Terry Vogel says a preliminary investigation shows a heavy accumulation of snow on the deck followed by Sunday nights heavy rain may have played a role in the deck collapsing. The investigation is ongoing and the name of the man will not be released pending notification of relatives.

Firefighters found it difficult to extinguish flames at a Luxemburg warehouse filled with cardboard yesterday. The Luxemburg and Casco Fire Departments responded to the call at 7:20PM yesterday at N.E.W. Plastics Corp. in the Village of Luxemburg. Upon arrival, firefighters found the 20,000 square foot warehouse was used for storing bundled cardboard and finished plastic products. The warehouse was filled to capacity from floor to ceiling and that made it difficult for firefighters to locate the source of the fire. A backhoe was brought in to remove exterior walls and remove the bundled cardboard. The structure sustained fire, smoke and water damage. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for possible exhaustion. Five units were on the scene for nearly eight hours battling the blaze.

The winner from yesterday's Sounds of Sirens raffle drawing was Sturgeon Bay's Scott
Clark. He won a trip for two to Hawaii. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to equipment upgrades for Door County fire departments. Witt Peninsula Ford Lincoln Mercury donated $5,000 for the promotion. Clark was not present for the drawing but made an appearance at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center after listening to the telephone message from Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht.
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While Clark won the Hawaii trip, he was also pleased to contribute to a good cause.
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The final count has not been tabulated but Chief Hecht guessed that about 1000 tickets were sold in the Sounds of Sirens promotion. With Witt providing the Hawaii trip, all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Door County fire departments.
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Ephraim Fire Department volunteer firefighter Scott Weborg sold more tickets than anyone else. He sold nearly 300 tickets. One of them was the winning ticket. Weborg sold Clark
the winning ticket sometime back in December. Clark is a teacher at Gibraltar and Weborg puts in many hours of work at the school as well.
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All fire chiefs and firefighters thanked those who purchased Sounds of Sirens raffle tickets. While one lucky winner will go to Hawaii, all those who purchased tickets played a vital role in assisting Door County fire departments with necessary equipment upgrades.

         
Those who bought their S.O.S. raffle tickets at the Razor's Edge Barber Shop were entered into a special drawing. Gary Bellin was the winner of that raffle and won one free haircut every month for a year at the Razor's Edge.

Just because you plan to be out-of-town on April 1, doesn't mean you can't vote. Residents living in Door County and all across the country always have to right to vote via absentee ballot. Door County League of Women Voters Board Member Dawn Kuelz talks about voting via absentee ballot.
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There are many different races going right here in Door County. Whether you're voting for a local representatives, the Sevastopol School referendum or state issues, every vote will make a difference. Kuelz says all across the county residents will head out to cast a very important vote. Regardless of if you'll be in the area or not or if you simply cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, Kuelz says its vital that everyone participate. For more information on absentee ballots or voting in general, contact your city or town clerk.

A major fire at the corner of Green Bay Road and Douglas Avenue broke out at the Cherryland Motel yesterday morning in Sturgeon Bay. There were at least three people sleeping at the motel when the fire broke out. Jessica Berth of Marinette, Wisconsin was one of the people staying at the motel. She was awoken by the manager at the establishment.
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The motel was completely engulfed in flames shortly after the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department arrived on scene. A group of people staying in the motel huddled to the side of the building as firefighters tried to extinguish the blaze. The building is considered a complete loss and fire spread through the attic to the adjoining residence in the back of the motel as well. Jessica Berth said the fire has her wondering where she will sleep tonight.
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The fire started in the front of the building in the attic, according to Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Tim Herlache. Fire crews made an aggressive interior attack on the blaze but three different ceilings and two roofs provided numerous challenges for firefighters.
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Mario Tyler a Martinsville, South Carolina resident is working in Sturgeon Bay and stays at the Cherryland Motel. He said the area where the fire started was unoccupied.
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Smoke detectors and fire alarms were not working at the motel, according to three different people staying at the lodging facility. Jessica Berth was emotional about the lack of warning.
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Chief Herlache reported that nobody was injured, no one was hurt and all the firefighters were unharmed in responding to and extinguishing the fire.

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