By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 21, 2008
The Wisconsin legislative session adjourned for the year last week and Common Cause Executive Director Jay Heck was disappointed to see no real action taken on campaign finance reform. Common Cause is the state's largest non-partisan, non-profit reform
advocacy organization. The legislative session began with the
passage of an ethics and elections reform bill. Heck was pleased
about that, however, not much has happened since. The state budget
process took longer than expected. Heck says time spent on the
budget took away from time that could have been spent on issues like
campaign finance reform.(Audio Here)
While the legislature did nothing on campaign finance reform, the good news is that the special session called by Governor Jim Doyle has not adjourned says Heck. He says Common Cause and others in the state will continue to press the legislature to act on campaign finance reform.
(Audio Here)
There are a number of bills included in the campaign finance reform package.
(Audio Here)
Heck encourages all residents to let your legislators know that its time to pass this reform package. He says now is the time for campaign finance reform. If you want clean government, you're encouraged to join Common Cause Wisconsin.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 20, 2008
The Door County
Economic Development Corporation and the UW-Green Bay Small Business
Development Center will be offering free, one-on-one business
counseling sessions on Thursday, April 3, 9am to 5pm, for any new or
existing business owners in Door County.
Chuck Brys, Business Counselor for the Small Business Development
Center, will be providing advice on business planning, financing and
other issues. Brys is a CPA and former Chief Financial Officer for
several Wisconsin companies, with over 30 years of business
experience and knowledge to share with local entrepreneurs. DCEDC
Economic Development Director Sam Perlman said Brys can make a
difference for your business.
(Audio Here)
Building a business plan is essential to a new or existing business,
according to Perlman. Planning for potential obstacles, marketing,
growth and staffing will all be discussed. Perlman further described
the importance of a business plan.
(Audio Here)
Individual, confidential sessions will be held at the Door County
Business Development Center, 185 East Walnut Street, Sturgeon Bay.
An appointment is required and can be made by contacting Janet
Frick- Warecki at 920-743-3113 x 200 or via e-mail at janet@doorcountybusiness.com.
Door County Economic Development Corporation offices are located
within the small business incubator at 185 East Walnut Street in the
Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park.
By Patti Podgers DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 20, 2008
The history of Plum and Pilot Islands is literally crumbling away bit by bit. Plum Island saw the light for the first time in 1848 when the United States government built a lighthouse to guide ships through Death’s Door. Poorly constructed, the light was moved to Pilot Island 10 years later. In the ensuing years, lights continued to cast a beam across the waters. In the pre-world War II years the United States Coast Guard took ownership of the islands, policing the region until the early 1990s when their services were no longer warranted.
Unfortunately, the islands’ ownership and guardianship has passed from one governmental agency to the next, contributing to their deteriorating condition. Long-neglected, the islands have suffered from a debilitating contamination. The cormorants, once endangered and protected birds, have taken ownership of Pilot Island, destroying all vegetation. Plum Island, a 325-acre federal preserve of forest and beaches, has faired only somewhat better. But there is a bright ray of hope shining over the islands. After years of negotiation, the management of the islands will transfer to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on May 16th.
“This has been a long time coming and we are very excited,” said Tim Sweet, president of Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands. “Now we can really get started in saving the historic buildings on the islands. Plum Island’s lighthouse is very special, as are the Coast Guard buildings. And the island itself affords wonderful opportunities for day visitors. We have lots of work ahead of us, but I think we are up for the challenge.”
But the salvaging of the islands will take more than manpower according to Sweet. “The hold-up in the transfer of title was based on a clean-up to at least a satisfactory level. And that project cost a total of $863,000. Now that we will have title to the islands, our first step is a historic survey of the Coast Guard boathouse,” he explained. “And that will cost at least $60,000. We will be busy securing grants to help us in our work. This is just the beginning; the project will take at least 20 years and I hope I am around to see this to its conclusion.”
And so do the many supporters of the islands rehabilitation. For the time being, however, it is a waiting game. “No one without official clearance is allowed on the islands,” emphasized Sweet. “But the islands have the potential of being a great opportunity to visit a bit of Door County history and the lighthouse offers a bird’s-eye-view of Death’s Door. I am very hopeful for the islands’ future.”
Visit www.plumandpilot.org for more information on the islands, Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands membership forms, and a schedule of events for the transfer of title.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 20, 2008
You've got to be a jack of all trades to be the Door County Board Chair says Charlie Most. After six years as board chair, Most will step down in April. Recently, Most spoke with us at DoorCountyDailyNews.com about the role of the board chair. He says you're
almost a "jack of all trades and master of none."(Audio Here)
Most has much experience with local government, having served as county board chair, Liberty Grove Town Chair and a candidate for the state Senate in the last election. After Most gave up his duties in Liberty Grove, he started to appreciate the extra time he had for himself.
(Audio Here)
When asked what was next for Charlie Most, he said this.
(Audio Here)
The election will be on April 1 and the new chair will be seated and sworn in on the 15. Most plans to have all his county board chair business finished at that point and hopes to be on a plane headed to an out-of-town family event on April 20.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 20, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay School Board tabled a motion to approve 7th & 8th grade football as a middle school offering because of community concern at last night's meeting. Last month the school board discussed adding football as a middle school athletic program, according to Superintendent Joe Stutting. The parochial students would still be allowed to play. However, Sturgeon Bay Public Schools would hire the coaches and do the scheduling. The goal is to make a more stable middle school program with connections to the high school program. Stutting said there is a history of middle school athletics being handled by outside sources.
(Audio Here)
The administrators have been working on developing a home based virtual program for the school district. The Sturgeon Bay program is based off what is used in the Gibraltar School District. The need for the program is to provide local opportunities for students, who are currently choosing to go to on-line school or home school. These families will have better access to curriculum and support. Sturgeon Bay would then be allowed to count them as students. No action occurred last night but Stutting said a lot of conversation took place on this agenda item.
(Audio Here)
The Sturgeon Bay School Board also approved their participation in the Door Kewaunee Business and Education Partnership led home construction class. Other agenda items that received unanimous acceptance were the hiring of a new dance team coach, assistant baseball coach and assistant girls’ soccer coach.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 20, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay Common Council and mayor are on their way to finding a new city administrator. This position was previously held by Kevin O'Donnell. He resigned in February. A Committee of The Whole meeting was held Tuesday to determine the recruitment process, selection of a hiring consultant and to authorize recruitment expenditures. As directed by the council, Requests for Proposals were distributed and the city is now considering three different recruiters to help fill the vacant city administrator position. The cost to hire one of the three consultants could be between $7,000 and $15,000. The estimated expenses range from $750 to $5,200. The council discussed hiring the new city administrator in house. The concern was that there may not be many applicants if a recruitment consultant was not brought on. Council member James Michaud.
(Audio Here)
The committee voted in favor of that motion and included interviewing the three recruitment firms as well.
While the committee expressed some urgency in getting the next city administrator on board, council member Dave McAllister said their could be an issue regarding the previous administrators severance pay.
(Audio Here)
The committee also talked about where they would advertise for the position and the salary range for the next city administrator. The council considered advertising online and in area newspapers. There was no talk of using radio or local online sources as an advertising option.
The committee agreed that the salary range for the next city administrator would be $60,000 - $90,000. In addition, it was agreed that the city would utilize free online resources to search for Sturgeon Bay's next city administrator.
No applications have been submitted to city hall at this point. While different for past administrators, the last recruitment process began in December and the position was filled in May.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 20, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay Police Department and Door County
Drug Task Force seized over a pound of marijuana and more than
$5,000 in cash from a westside Sturgeon Bay residence Tuesday. 21 year old
Tyler Meverden was taken into custody following the seizure. Police
chief Dan Trelka said they had been looking into this for quite some
time.
(Audio Here)
Trelka was pleased about the bust. He believes Meverden had
huge aspirations for the future.
(Audio Here)
Drugs are a problem everywhere says Trelka. He believes its better
here than in other communities but it is still a problem in Sturgeon
Bay. If you think people you know may be selling drugs, Trelka says
to pay attention to the following clues:
(Audio Here)
Trelka praised the community members who stepped up to put this
criminal behind bars. He says this drug bust is a great example the
partnership between the citizens, Sturgeon Bay Police Department and
Door County Sheriffs Department. Trelka says this is just one person
on the "most wanted" list and now they'll focus on the others.
By Patti Podgers DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 19, 2008
The ground is
snow-covered and the temperatures are not encouraging, but that
isn’t dampening the spirits of the volunteers organizing Door
County’s first Half Marathon & Nicolet Bay Fun Run/Walk. Scheduled
for Saturday, May 3rd the Half Marathon is an invitation to get out
and have fun in Peninsula State Park, according to co-chair Mary
Knutson. “We are so excited to put this event together. Early May is
such a beautiful time of the year in Door County and the marathon is
a great excuse to get out there and celebrate our community.
“The idea for the marathon came about over coffee at Al Johnson’s
Restaurant when Lars Johnson, David Elliott, Michael Brecke, Betsy
Titterington, and Anne Alberts formulated a plan for the event. They
then approached Brian Fitzgerald and me to organize the race,”
explained Knutson. “Our goal is to attract a combined total of 500
participants for both the marathon and run/walk. We’re confident we
can reach that goal.”
Supported by businesses, organizations, and individuals county-wide, the
combined event will kick-off with a pasta dinner at the Ephraim Town
Hall on May 2 from 5 - 8 pm. The Half Marathon will begin at 10 am
the following morning when the runners hit the paved course that
begins and concludes near Nicolet Beach. Participants in the 5K Fun
Run/Walk will step off at 10:30 am in the vicinity of the beach
following a course along the water. Both events are open to all ages
and participants will receive a T-shirt. All marathon finishers will
also be awarded a medal. Food and beverages will be available at the
end of both courses. Ample parking and shuttle buses will be
provided.
As hundreds of feet pound the pavement, sneakers and running shoes take a
significant hit. The question then arises…what to do with those
expired shoes? Christi Decker has the perfect solution to the
disposal of those worn-out shoes: recycle them! “I got the idea from
an article I read in a trade magazine,” recalled the co-owner of a
recycling company. “There is a company in Minnesota that promotes
the recycling of athletic shoes and I thought we should get
involved.”
On race day recycling containers will be situated at the start and finish
of the marathon. “We think this is a great way to dispose of old
worn shoes,” said Decker. “We’ll go the extra mile to recycle.
For additional information on the Door County Half Marathon and
Nicolet Bay Fun Run/Walk visit www.doorcountyhalfmarathon.com
<http://www.doorcountyhalfmarathon.com> or call Mary Knutson at
421.1519. To learn more about recycling athletic shoes contact
Christi Decker at 854.2114.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 19, 2008
The Women Who Run
with Scissors art quilt guild from Denmark, WI will bring their
style of textile daring to the Guenzel Gallery at Peninsula Art
School with an exhibit March 21-April 26. A reception will be held
on April 5 from 5-7pm in the Gallery. The exhibit and reception are
both free and open to the public.
The colorful works of this group of 14 quilters are representative
of the diversity available in their chosen art form, both in message
and medium. Themes range from the simple beauty of Ginkgo leaves to
conveying the complex worries and fears of the society. The quilt
artists' palette includes commercial and hand-dyed fabrics,
embroidery, beading, found objects, hand-painted surface treatments
and even the stitch itself.
"The quilting stitch can direct your eye and add a layer of shading
or contouring to the overall piece," says Julie Duschack, Women Who
Run with Scissors founder. "Fiber artists think of the quilting
stitch literally as our pencil."
Duschack started Women Who Run with Scissors about ten years ago
when she found that, although traditional quilt guilds were
plentiful and accepting of art quilters, there was a need for those
practicing her art to come together.
Duschack added that the name of her group playfully underscores
their maverick nature.
In conjunction with the Women Who Run with Scissors exhibit,
Peninsula Art School will feature hands-on projects for all age
groups that pertain to quilting, during its Family Day on Saturday,
April 19, from 10am to 2pm.
For more information about these events and other PAS workshops,
exhibitions, and community programs, call 920-868-3455 or email
staff@peninsulaartschool.com.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 19, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay
Common Council voted to override Mayor Tom Voegele's veto on
rezoning property located on Duluth Avenue yesterday. The issue was
originally voted on at the last common council meeting on March 4.
There the council voted to rezone that property C-1 general
commercial. The mayor vetoed that in a letter submitted to city
clerk Stephanie Reinhardt on March 7. Mayor Voegele said he vetoed
the item because he felt the plan commission's recommendation to
rezone the property R-4 was reasonable.
(Audio Here)
In the end, the council opposed the mayor's decision and voted to
override the veto concerning rezoning property at 1139 & 1147 Duluth
Avenue to C-1.
The future of the Peterson Pool building is still unclear after last
night's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting. The Boys & Girls Club
of Door County has expressed an interest in renovating the building
and making it some sort of community center. The cost of that
renovation project would be more than $700,000. Some council members
questioned that price and asked why they didn't put that money into
a brand new building. Council member James Abeyta asked Boys & Girls
Club director Sally Weber Hassenfuss if she had explored other
locations. Her reply was that they were always looking but Weber
Hassenfuss could not provide information on other available parcels
in regards to location or price. Council member Dave McAllister
wasn't sure if the Peterson Pool building was the right site for the
Boys & Girls Club, especially at that price. In the end, the council
decided to give the Boys & Girls Club a few months to come up with
funding. City Clerk Stephanie Renihardt reads the motion that was
passed last night.
(Audio Here)
Another hot topic last night was the reconstruction of Third Avenue.
Initial plans were to have already started on the project by now but
the winter weather has caused a dilemma. A later start time means an
added cost to the city and a down time lasting till the beginning of
July. City engineer Tony Depies feels the contractor hired for the
project is taking advantage of the situation and is taking excessive
profits because he feels Sturgeon Bay has no other choice but to go
ahead with the reconstruction. The additional cost is more than
$50,000. Depies says he will appeal to the Department of
Transportation to see if the numbers are justifiable. Public comment
was heard on the issue. One business owner pled for a quick
reconstruction. Depies suggested a motion to the council.
(Audio Here)
In the end, the council approved the motion suggested by Depies. The
only revision was that the council would also approve the
construction schedule as well.
Also at yesterday's meeting, the council approved designating an
area at Shiloh Road and Division Road as a possible dog park. The
next Sturgeon Bay City Council meeting will be Tuesday, April1.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 18, 2008
After an excellent
snowmobiling season, all trails in Door County are now closed.
Trails were open for nearly eight weeks this season. Parks
department director George Pinney says this was a great year for
snowmobiling but riders will have to wait till next season to get
out again.
(Audio Here)
Snowmobiling was excellent in Door County this season and Pinney
says many visitors used that as an excuse to make a trip to the
area.
(Audio Here)
Pinney encourages those who have enjoyed snowmobiling this season to
join a club if you haven't already. He says club members volunteer
countless hours grooming and maintaining the trails to make
conditions ideal for snowmobiling. If you can't make it out to
volunteer, Pinney says your monetary dues will help a great deal.
Again, after roughly eight weeks of great snowmobiling in Door
County, all trails are now closed. Pinney says riding on a closed
trail is a violation of trespass and subject to a $396.50 fine.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 19, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay
School Board will discuss the importance of the Door Kewaunee
Business and Education Partnership led home construction class at
tonight's board meeting. The meeting will be held in the high school
library at 7:00 p.m. Organizer of the class Tara LeClair is in the
process of planning next year’s home construction class. This
program has provided Sturgeon Bay students with a valuable
experience in school to work. The program may be extended to a full
day program with Algoma joining the class.
The cost for the program next year will be $2,000 per student,
according to Sturgeon Bay Superintendent Joe Stutting. The board may
commit to allowing five students take part in the program. Stutting
talked about the home construction class.
(Audio Here)
Sturgeon Bay's safety committee has submitted 13 items that will
appear on the board's agenda this evening. The group is comprised of
Shirley Senarighi, Russ Cross, and Gary Rabach. This committee has
been working on safety and emergency weather policies since the
beginning of the school year. The policy changes reflect what the
school is currently doing. Stutting said crisis situations will also
be practiced throughout the school year.
(Audio Here)
The Sturgeon Bay school board will also look to approve the hiring
of a new dance team coach, assistant baseball coach and assistant
girls’ soccer coach. In addition, the discussion on adding football
as a middle school athletic program will continue. The board
discussed the possibilities last month and is looking to hear from
the community at tonight's 7:00 p.m. meeting. Stutting expects the
board to take action on the issue this evening.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 18, 2008
Groundwater
contamination stemming from the septic system at the Log Den
Restaurant in the Plum Bottom Basin along with winter spreading and
other geological disadvantages of Door County continues to be of
concern to local and state government. Well water in Door County is
susceptible to contamination as a result of land use practices and
existing geology, according to Door County Public Health Department
Director Rhonda Kolberg. She has sent out an advisory along with the
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Division of
Public Health, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to
use bottled water for drinking water.
(Audio Here)
Water samples from six out of seven wells tested in the Plum Bottom
area contained viruses. The Marshfield Research Foundation did this
testing. The viruses found have been linked to human waste and
illness in research studies. Studies have shown that viruses can be
found in some groundwater systems across the United States. Viruses
are not routinely sampled for in drinking water. Because of this,
Kolberg cannot make a specific recommendation on the use of well
water based solely on the presence of viruses. This is because they
do not know the health risk of using a well that has detectable
levels of viruses compared to those that were not tested. Kolberg
talked more about the detected viruses.
(Audio Here)
Kolberg and the Door County Public Health Department will notify
property owners if new information is learned about this situation.
In addition, to reduce the risk from becoming ill from the viruses
detected in these water samples, water can be boiled prior to use
for drinking and/or food preparation or equipment can be installed
to treat the water in the whole house in order to kill the viruses.
Because of the complexity of the water treatment systems and the
potential health risk, it is recommended that these well owners
contact the DNR prior to installing any equipment. They can contact
Paul Kozol (608) 267-9787 to obtain more information. The types of
treatment equipment for viruses include chlorination equipment,
ozone treatment equipment, and UV disinfection equipment.
If you have questions on your well or the water quality in your
area, contact Laurel Braatz of the DNR at 920-746-2872. For
questions regarding health implications, contact Rhonda Kolberg of
the Door County Health Department at 920-746-2234.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 18, 2008
The Sturgeon Bay
Committee of the Whole will talk about hiring a city administrator
at a special meeting tonight. The council will talk about the
recruitment process, selection of a
consultant and authorization of recruitment expenses. The Committee
of the Whole meeting will begin tonight at 6:00PM.
Following that, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council will talk again
about the future of the Peterson Pool building. The recommendation
comes from the Park and Recreation Committee. Razing the building is
another item the council will discuss. Committee chair Ben Meyer
says he recently discovered some interesting information.
(Audio Here)
Also on tonight's agenda; the change order for Third Avenue
construction, Martin Park redevelopment options and the mayor's veto
regarding rezoning property located on Duluth Avenue. The Sturgeon
Bay Committee of The Whole will meet tonight at 6:00PM, the common
council meeting will follow. Both meetings will be held in the City
Hall Council Chambers.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 18, 2008
The Ephraim Fire Departments responded to and extinguished a fire yesterday morning at the Village Green Motel. The blaze did not take place in the motel building but a short distance away in a two stall unattached garage. Mutual aid was immediately called to10013 Moravia Street at 9:39AM. Ephraim Firefighter Justin MacDonald said the firefighters worked hard to keep the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. The fully involved structure was between two different motels. MacDonald described the scene.
(Audio Here)
The Village Green Motel in Ephraim used the garage for storage. The building was considered a total loss. MacDonald said a car and several other items used at the motel were destroyed in the fire, but no injuries occurred. Mutual aid was provided by Sister Bay/Liberty Grove, Baileys Harbor, Gibraltar and Egg Harbor Fire Departments. Crews used 4,500 gallons of water and five gallons of foam to control the blaze.
MacDonald said with the propane tank being so close to the fire, firefighters took extra precautions while extinguishing the fire. He explained what fire crews did to ensure everyone’s safety.
(Audio Here)
The first truck on the scene saw flames coming through the roof, so there was no way to determine the cause or exact location of where the fire started. MacDonald said the fire remains under investigation and insurance investigators may look into the cause. The Ephraim firefighter said that this does not appear to be a suspicious blaze.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 17,
2008If you know someone that exemplifies volunteerism, nominate them for the 6th annual Golden Heart Awards. The nomination deadline is quickly approaching. Friday is the cut-off date for nominations to recognize volunteers in the following categories: Youth (0-18 yrs old) Adult (19 - 61 years old), Lifetime of Service (62+ years old with a notable history of service), Group (2 or more persons), Volunteer Leadership (providing leadership through involvement with community projects such as a task force, board of directors, or nonprofit organization.) and a new category, Arts & Culture (individual adult or group). Door County Volunteer Center Executive Director Christine Henkel is a strong believer in acknowledging Door County's volunteers.
(Audio Here)
The awards are presented to celebrate volunteerism, raise awareness of local nonprofit volunteer opportunities, and honor volunteers of all ages who have made a positive impact in Door County.
The Golden Heart Award event will be held the evening of April 24 at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. At the event, each nominee is individually recognized, and each award recipient receives an award designed by Popelka Trenchard Glass and $1,000 to give to the nonprofit organization of their choice. Door County Volunteer Center Office Manager Holly Feldman is inspired by the nominees.
(Audio Here)
For nomination forms or more information, contact the Volunteer Center of Door County at (920) 746-7704 or volctrdc@doorpi.net.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 17, 2008
Make sure designated drivers are part of your St. Patrick’s Day celebration this year, according to Sturgeon Bay Police Chief Dan Trelka. Before toasting the patron saint, adults are reminded to plan ahead and designate a driver or call a cab if they have had a wee bit too much to drink. St. Patrick’s Day is a time for the Irish to celebrate and bars to offer special prices on green beer and other holiday drinks. Trelka says that the holiday is a little more active than New Year's.
This year, as you make plans with friends, don’t just rely on the luck of the Irish to get home safely, be sure to use a designated driver. By doing so, you’ll be in the company of 154 million American adults who have been a designated driver or been driven home by one. In fact, 93 percent of Americans believe designated drivers help reduce drunk driving.
Trelka wants everyone to help keep our roads safe this St. Patrick’s Day by making good choices and remembering that planning and personal responsibility, not luck, play a role in preventing drunk driving.
For more tips on how to celebrate safely this St. Patrick’s Day and throughout the year, visit www.designateddriver.com. Trelka commented that the Sturgeon Bay Police Department will be out paroling and will continue to do there part to keep the community safe. The Police Chief says that anyone witnessing reckless driving by an impaired driver should contact local law enforcement authorities.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 16, 2008
The Kewaunee County Prevention Task Force is calling on area residents to step up and help fight the battle against underage drinking. A town meeting will be held on April 2 and Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski says those interested in the success of our youth are encouraged to attend. A panel will be present at that meeting to talk about the issues of underage alcohol consumption from different perspectives.
(Audio Here)
The purpose of this meeting will be to inform the community about recent data and information associated with underage drinking, provide tips and resource information to parents and those working with youth and allow those in attendance an opportunity to ask questions. The Kewaunee County Prevention Task Force has been working hard to address this issue.
(Audio Here)
Joski says the issue of underage drinking is a tough topic to approach. He says its not easy to tell people how much of a problem this is and that action needs to be taken to get a hold of the issue. Joski hopes this Kewaunee County Town Hall meeting will get people talking and taking action on this very important topic. The town hall meeting will be at the Luxemburg-Casco High School Auditorium on April 2 at 6:30PM.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 15, 2008
Door Property Owners has brought the issue of water quality and public health to the forefront and is asking the county to take action. Yesterday President of the watchdog group Donna Lash called for some sort of protection for homeowners in the Plum Bottom Basin area. County Boar Chair Charlie Most has responded to Lash's concerns.
(Audio Here)
Most said the county is concerned about the water contamination issue. So much so, that they conducted the tracer test and other exploratory work. Their efforts go way above and beyond what the statutes requires. From the county's perspective, this process has moved along at a rapid pace.
(Audio Here)
The Door Property Owners released a statement implying that the county is jeopardizing the public health of those living in the Plum Bottom Basin. Most responded by stating that there are no regulations that cover ground water issues. He feels their statements are not based in fact.
The complexity of this situation and the great number of businesses, contractors and state and county departments that are involved in this issue will slow the process, according to the county board chair.
By April 14, the underground septic system needs to be replaced. Most said that is quicker than the year that is allowed by the state to address the problem.
He understands the concern. That is why the county has thrown so many resources at the problem. Most said that for every person that says even a limited amount of the virus is a threat to human health; you will find another scientist that says that fact has not been established yet. Charlie Most concluded by saying that unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world where all septic systems work perfectly and correctly.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 15, 2008
Carbon monoxide detectors are becoming increasingly common in the home. Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Tim Herlache said he absolutely recommends everyone install one in the house. Some residences place one on every floor, however Herlache said one per household should do the job. Tim talked about where he recommends placing the detector.
(Audio Here)
It is common for the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department to receive a few calls a month for carbon monoxide alerts. Herlache said during the winter months they stay busier with this issue than any other time of the year. Herlache explained why.
(Audio Here)
Having your air ducts cleaned on a biyearly basis is not a bad idea either. Sometimes carbon monoxide levels will increase because of extremely dirty and poorly maintained heating and cooling systems.
By Karen Klement DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 16, 2008
Both kids and adults should be brushing their teeth for at least two minutes says Open Door Dental Clinic Coordinator Mary Ann Zjala. Open Door provides free dental care for uninsured kids aged 3 through 18. She says everyone should brush thoroughly at least twice a day.
(Audio Here)
Zjala says people may be brushing, but many are not doing it correctly. She says brushing at night is very important.
(Audio Here)
Two minutes might seem like a long time says Zjala, but it is vital to remove plaque. She suggests setting a timer or keeping an eye on the clock when brushing. A plaque attack can cause cavities and tooth decay. While brushing twice a day for two minutes seems like simple advice, Zjala says far too many people are not doing that.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 15, 2008
Water pollution problems are still occurring in the Plum Bottom Basin. A group of 1500 local residents represented by a watchdog group called Door Property Owners is asking that the Door Peninsula's natural, scenic, cultural and aesthetic resources be conserved. The support of conservation is a real concern for this group and President of Door Property Owners Donna Lash wants action on public health concerns.
(Audio Here)
Lash said, because ground water is a most important natural resource they are intensely concerned with the present and continuing ground water pollution in the Plum Bottom Basin. The occurrence has significant adverse effects on public health, quality of life and real estate values, she continued.
Door Property Owners wants to see two things happen immediately. First, the established pollution source must be closed immediately. If leakage from the septic system cannot be stopped reliably and permanently, the system must be abandoned and sewage transported away from the area for treatment.
Their second request deals with prevention. The prevention of sewer system failures in future construction projects, especially for commercial properties with relatively high water consumption is equally important, according to Donna Lash. Door Property Owners is calling for tight quality regulation that must assure pressurized systems do not leak under use. They believe public health considerations should always trump local and state codes, especially Door County in terms of permitting and regulating sewage systems. Donna Lash summed up her call to action.
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The group is not asking for the Log Den to be shut down. They are asking that a holding tank be used rather than an in ground septic system. Lash is asking for a guarantee that wastewater will not enter the aquifer without treatment. She applauded the Log Den for what they have done to make the water at the restaurant safe.
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Her concern for the Door Property Owners is down stream. She worries for the neighbors who are still at risk.
Door County Board Chair Charlie Most will respond to Door Property Owners concerns tomorrow on the radio stations of DoorCoutnyDailyNews.com.
By Nick Freimuth DoorCountyDailyNews.com
March 15, 2008
Warm weather and melting ice has boaters pacing in their storage shed ready to dock their vessels for the first time in 2008. The beginning of the boating season is fast approaching and before you launch your boat safety must come first according to, Sturgeon Bay Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Commander Ray Kostiuk. Making certain your vessel has the U.S. Coast Guard prescribed equipment for operating the vessel safely is step one. Kostiuk said preparing yourself for any emergency on the water could make the difference between life and death.
The Flotilla Commander remarked that a boater awarded a decal for a positive Vessel Safety Check can confidently look forward to hours of safe and enjoyable boating outings. He described the importance of a vessel safety check and what is given to boaters that are in compliance.
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The major items which need to be checked prior to a free Vessel Safety Check are: 1) license stickers with numbers on the Starboard and Portside in contrasting colors; 2) a registration or document certificate on board; 3) a sound producing device; 4) both battery terminals covered; 5) the power ventilation system operating well and 6) making sure your bilge pump is functioning properly. Ray Kostiuk talked about other pre-examination safety concerns.
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The boat owner may take a “virtual” safety check by going to the Flotilla website at http://coastguardauxsturgeonbay.org and clicking on Vessel Exam and then on Virtual Safety Check. The safety checks are performed free of charge. Kostiuk said that the qualified Flotilla vessel examiners are yearly certified according to the regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard and the examiners issue no fines or penalties. The checks provide recommendations for correcting discovered deficiencies in terms of local, state and federal boating regulations.