Visitors to the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Library are treated to much more than stacks of books. Within the building that opened its doors for the first time six years ago this week, a plethora of activities and services-to entertain, enlighten, and educate--awaits the young and not so young.
From children’s story hours, to the most current titles on tape, as well as the traditional page-turning tomes, the Library located on Mill Road in downtown Sister Bay is a multi-faceted jewel that sparkles with thrilling mysteries, high-adventure, true romance, and topical issues.
“There are so many wonderful things happening at the library,” said Betty Kurzon, head of the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Library. “We feature the all the latest book titles, but patrons can also check out movies and books on tape. We show films and host guest speakers. Our services are endless.”
And all for free with valid identification. “We need to verify you are who you say you are; it’s that easy.” And with that special card in hand, a wide world of book-related services opens up.
In addition to adult services, Barbara Schall directs children’s programming and serves as circulation assistant. And this summer will be a busy time with a program featuring creepy crawlies. Entitled Get the Reading Bug, a national children’s reading program, the fun begins with a kick-off event June 24 at 1:30 pm. “Green Bay’s new zoo is visiting our library on that day, bringing along some wonderful animals. It will be great fun for everyone,” said Schall.
Get the Reading Bug will continue throughout the summer with special events and activities, and incentives for reading. Regularly scheduled programming will be presented on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am.
Door County’s libraries operate under a unique system. While each municipality provides housing for its library, the county provides financial funding for materials and staffing. Rebecca Berger serves as overall director; individual libraries are locally supervised. The Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Library employs three full-time and two part-time employees. “But we couldn’t do it without our volunteers,” Kurzon explained. “They are here everyday doing all types of jobs. They are dedicated and faithful.”
As the circulation numbers continue to rise-Kurzon estimates a circulation of 70,000 in 2008-the role of volunteers becomes even more essential to the operation of the library. Friends of the Door County Libraries, membership fees begin at $5, hosts countless fundraising activities including the popular used book sale and annual guest author presentation. Technical services are continually updated and access to the entire 51-member consortium of libraries is available through the internet at www.infosoup.org.
April’s showers may bring gray skies, but the sun is always shining in Door County’s Libraries.
For more information about Door County’s Libraries visit www.dcl.lib.wi.us 

The number and variety of volunteer opportunities this spring season in Door County continue to grow. Many are short term opportunities that can be enjoyed with a companion, according to Volunteer Center Director Christine Henkel. Take the leap, grab a friend or relative and lend a helping hand in your community. Contact Henkel at the Volunteer Center to get connected with available Door County volunteer activities.
A volunteer receptionist for a local non profit is another area of need. This person would need to manage a multi-line telephone system weekdays, anytime between the hours of 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
For the creative type, knitters are needed to create layettes, caps, booties, blankets, sweaters, or quilts for infants of low income families. The yarn for the projects is provided.
Whitefish Dunes also needs volunteers for removing invasive species on a number of different dates. April 26th from 9 - 11am and 1 - 3 pm, on April 28 from 1- 3pm, and on April 29 from 1- 3 pm volunteers are needed. Learn to identify and eradicate common and glossy buckthorns. Gloves and safety glasses will be provided.
If you are interested in learning about more volunteer opportunities or have a need for volunteers, contact Chris Henkel at (920)746-7704. Visit them at http://www.volunteerdoorcounty.com to view or post volunteer opportunities.

The Sturgeon Bay School Board had three controversial conversations to take up at last night's meeting. Led by Board President Joel Kitchens and Superintendent Joe Stutting the board discussed the future of the Challenges Program. The Social Services Department and Director Roger Tepe has proposed cutting the funding that would save $125,000 and affect seven students.
The board’s discussion of the Challenge Program was positive. Stutting said that they will definitely keep the program alive in Sturgeon Bay. He realizes that the Social Services Department is in a difficult position. Cuts need to be made because of state and federal funding deficiencies. Stutting talked about the school boards feelings on this issue.
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The Challenge Program will likely be different, if the proposed cut occurs. The course is now held at the Sunset School. Students age 14-18 in this class could be moved to the high school building next year, Stutting said. The conversation will continue at a future board meeting.
The Sturgeon Bay School Board had another difficult discussion regarding the future of the 7th and 8th grade football program. The issue was put on hold again to allow the public and parochial schools more time to figure out what is best for the student athletes. Stutting said action on the middle school football program should take place in May.
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Finally, the school board addressed a preliminary notice of teacher reduction. A Reading First Grant is being cut by 19%. The grant funds two full positions in the district. A reduction will be made if the cut goes through. The board approved the action at the meeting. Stutting explained that approximately 20% of a high school English as a second language position would be lost. They plan to make the two positions encompass a few other duties and could keep all but 20% of one teaching spot.

Saturday's mock disaster drill means neighbors near Sturgeon Bay schools may hear sounds of shootings, bombs and sirens as well as signs of smoke. Door County Emergency Management Director Ann DeMeuse says this drill is preparation in case any of these situations were to really occur in Door County. 
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DeMeuse anticipates about 230 people to be involved in this exercise. She says this is a cooperative exercise between the school district, the response community and the media.
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Drills like this usually occur every few years says DeMeuse. Exercises like these are critical for preparing for a large scale incident.
DeMeuse says some roads will be closed on Saturday.
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The full scale disaster exercise will begin at 8:30 AM on Saturday. You can expect to see smoke, hear shots fired, see mass casualties as well as a host of emergency responders working this large scale mock-disaster.

You don't have to be a hunter to enjoy the spring turkey hunt. Turkey hunting season began yesterday and many are having a blast in the woods now. There are six different time periods to hunt. Those hunting right now have until April 20. The next period will be April 23 though 27. The last day of the turkey hunt this spring will be May 25. Door County Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha says this is an exciting time of year and you don't have to be a hunter to enjoy it.
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Calling for a turkey is an important part of this hunt. Kratcha says calling is mimicking the hen turkey. In the "real turkey world," says Kratcha, the hen usually goes to the tom. This method is actually calling the toms and they can be quite reluctant to do that says Kratcha. By using the call, hunters hope to draw the tom or draw other hens that would then bring the tom.
Anyone heading out in the woods for turkey season should be sure to dress the part. Kratcha says turkeys have a keen sense of sight so the best thing to wear is camouflage.
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This is one reason the spring turkey season is split up how it is. Since most hunters are dressed in camouflage, and not blaze orange, it is important to limit the number of hunters out during any given time of the season. Kratcha says allowing all hunters to be out at the same time during the turkey hunt, while wearing camo, could be very dangerous. The spring turkey hunt will end on May 25.

In 1999, the Northern Door Program Center opened for business, the business of being healthy and fit, that is. And in the past nine years, the Fish Creek location has more than met the needs of visitors, year round residents, and seasonal staff. With a continually expanding class schedule and special events and programming for every age, the Northern Door Program Center has assumed an important role in the texture of the community.
And as winter winds turn to warm breezes, the blush of summer will soon bring a kaleidoscope of programming to entertain, educate, and prove just the right “fit.” Under the direction of Kristine Kordon, Youth & Aquatics Director, the summer schedule is literally taking shape. “This is always a fun time of the year,” said Kordon. “We are preparing a great selection of camp opportunities for the children based on age. And our swim classes will prepare the kids for getting in the water this summer.”
Not to be left behind, adult programming is constantly reviewed and adjusted to accommodate new fitness trends and in direct response to the members’ requests. “What our members tell us is very important to our success. We are here to meet their needs and provide programming that they want. But some of what we do is limited by the teachers who are available and, of course, the space we have,” explained Michael Fearing, Member Services Director. “But we feel we are very well-rounded in the programming we provide.”
A non-profit, the YMCA relies on the generosity of the community to fund its schedule of activities and classes. Memberships cover only a portion of operating expenses. “We try to provide for everyone,” Fearing emphasized. “It is very important that we reach out to the community and embrace everyone. We have individuals on fixed incomes who could not belong without assistance; single parents who struggle to make ends meet. . In response to their needs, we offer scholarships. Currently, nearly 20 percent of our membership receives scholarships And it is all confidential. The Strong Kids Campaign goes a long way to raising funding for scholarships and continues throughout the year. And it is a little misleading as it supports funding for kids from one year old to 101.”
In support of the YMCA “Dining Around the Door” on Sunday, April 20th will provide an opportunity for the community to enjoy the best of the peninsula’s cuisine. A silent auction and raffle will feature a wide selection of donated gifts. A limited number of tickets are available.
Celebrating our children’s well-being, the Sturgeon Bay and Northern Door Program Centers annually host Healthy Kids Day. This Saturday, April 12th both locations will provide a wealth of information and activities to encourage our children to get fit. The event is scheduled for the Northern Door Program Center from 1 - 4 pm. Membership joining fees will be discounted 50% during the event.
Stop by either the Sturgeon Bay or Northern Day facility and enjoy a ray of sunshine...it’s always a great day at the YMCA!
Call the Northern Door YMCA Program Center at 868.3660 for more information or visit www.doorcountyymca.org.

Several days ago, Marine Lance Cpl. Dean Opicka from Casco was killed in action while serving our nation in Iraq. Opicka was a graduate of Luxemburg-Casco High School, class of 1997, where he was a standout in every sport and activity in which he participated. He graduated with honors and a 3.8 GPA. He was the vice president of his class, starred in musical productions, was the starting quarterback on the football team, starting point guard on the basketball team and starting pitcher on the baseball team. He excelled on the baseball field and pitched at Carroll College. When the word spread to the high school, principal Steve Okoniewski was devastated by the news. Okoniewski was in regular contact with Dean about a possible position for him at the high school.
Opicka had taught in Milwaukee and was excited about the possibility of teaching in his home school district upon his return from Iraq. That opportunity will never come to fruition, however. Instead, Opicka died selflessly fighting for our freedoms. Okoniewski was shook up when he heard the 29 year old passed away.
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Congressman Steve Kagen honored Marine Lance Cpl. Dean Opicka on the floor of the House of Representatives. Kagen held a moment of silence after delivering a short speech to his peers.
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Dean is the third Luxemburg-Casco High School alumnus killed in Iraq. Jesse Thiry died on April 5, 2004 and Luke Zimmerman died October 27, 2006. Okoniewski said he is proud of the brave young men and women who fight for their country. 
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David and Donna Opicka are the proud parents of Dean, and three other sons. Darren is one of the brothers and he is a marine, fighting in Iraq twice already.
Dean joined the Marines in August 2005, and graduated from boot camp at Camp Pendleton, California in November of 2005. He was a brave member of the Milwaukee-based 2/24 Fox Company.

Turkey season kicks off today and hunters will be out trying their luck until May 25. Many hunters, like Door County Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha, loves the spring turkey hunt and actually prefers it over deer hunting.
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Many hunters say "the woods are so loud during the spring turkey hunt." But aside from that, Kratcha says there is an art to turkey hunting.
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While many hunters are pleased to have gotten a turkey, others look forward to the meal it provides. Kratcha shares one of his favorite turkey recipes.
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If you only hunt in the fall, Kratcha says you're missing out. Like many hunters, Kratcha says the spring turkey hunt is a very exciting time of year. The spring turkey hunt is split up into six different time periods and will end on May 25.

The new Door County Board Supervisors will be sworn in prior to tomorrow's meeting. County clerk Jill Lau says the new supervisors will be sworn in by Judge D. Todd Ehlers at
8:30AM. Lau talks about what will happen once the meeting convenes at 9:00AM.
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Following that, Lau says some outgoing supervisors will be recognized at tomorrow's meeting. She says this is a standing agenda and includes some zoning issues as well as other routine business. The board will recess at 10:20AM Lau adds.
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Tomorrow's Door County Board of Supervisors meeting will be at the Door County Justice Center in Sturgeon Bay. The new supervisors will be sworn in at 8:30AM. The board meeting will begin at 9:00AM.

Artwork from Door County students will be on display at the Miller Art Museum beginning April 19. The Miller is gearing up for the 34th Annual Salon of School Art and director
Bonnie Hartman says this is a really neat exhibit that features work from students at Door County's five high school. Hartmann says this is something the Miller has always done and will continue to do in the future.
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Hartmann says this exhibit will display all media.
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Hartmann says this is a very special exhibit. She says the Miller is pleased to host this event every year.
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The 34th Annual Salon of School Art exhibit will be on display at the Miller Art Museum beginning Saturday, April 19. Special recognition will take place at the opening reception Monday, April 21.