Door County Pulse Podcast

The end may be coming for the Sister Bay Village Hall. The village has struggled to figure out what to do with the building for years, but its plan commission has now recommended it be removed to potentially make way for a new visitor center with better facilities. Andrew Kleidon talks to Myles Dannhausen Jr. about the hall’s future, then they discuss the county’s deliberations over what to do with the intersection by Culver’s, where a run of crashes has left many looking for safety improvements.

In this episode, the Pulse's literature editor, Grace Johnson, is joined by author Toya Wolfe. Wolfe is one of the featured authors at the 2022 Washington Island Literary Festival, Sept. 15-17. Wolfe's debut novel, The Last Summer on State Street, was released this year to rave reviews. The two discuss how Wolfe's life experiences in the Robert Taylor Homes informed her story, writing fiction and how her story fits in with the theme of this year's festival – "Crossroads."

George Harmon, the winner of the 2021 Hal Prize for nonfiction visits the podcast studio to read his winning story, “The Beast that Ate Words.” Nonfiction judge Faith Adiele called the story “a breathless beast of an essay that reads like fiction.” Harmon recounts the scene of his early days in the newspaper industry at the Chicago Daily News, when the newsroom was rollicking, loud, and full of characters. The deadline for the 2022 Hal Prize is Sept. 16. You can read Harmon’s story, and all the winners of the 2021 Hal Prize, in the 8142 Review, available at DoorCountyPulse.com/store.

Brian Stephens, CEO of Door County Medical Center, joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about construction progress at the hospital’s new Sister Bay clinic. They discuss what patients can expect to find there when it opens in the spring of 2023, the data behind the decision to build it, and what is next for the Fish Creek clinic.

As Door County's population and numbers of visitors continue to rise, so do the calls for help due to car crashes, falls, and accidents on the water and local trails. Aaron LeClair, director of the Door County Emergency Services department, joins Debra Fitzgerald in the Baileys Harbor studio to talk about the growing demand for his department, the top emergency calls they receive, where those emergencies are most likely to happen, educational opportunities to prevent emergencies and what the future holds for his county-wide department.

And just like that it's August! Andrew Kleidon and Sara Lancaster sit down to talk about the Dog Days of summer and all the sights, sounds and activities you'll want to cram into the final weeks of summer, including a tour of Door County's beaches by activity and trailblazer singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco's upcoming performance at Door Community Auditorium.

The “totem pole” that stood for 91 years on the Peninsula State Park Golf Course was quietly taken down this summer. Myles Dannhausen Jr. talks to Andrew Kleidon about why it came down, and the story behind why and how it was erected in the first place. Plus, they discuss the reaction to a proposed housing development in Ephraim.

“Well, it’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, Minnesota, my hometown, out there on the edge of the prairie…” The News from Lake Wobegon comes to Fish Creek as Garrison Keillor, writer, humorist and radio personality — most well known for hosting A Prairie Home Companion — brings his tour to Door Community Auditorium July 30. In advance of the show, Arts & Entertainment editor Sara Rae Lancaster caught up with Keillor by phone to talk about the tour, how he approaches writing for the stage versus the page, and why getting older is the best exercise for learning to live in the moment.

Andrew Kleidon is joined by Sara Rae Lancaster, which means there is a ton of stuff to get out and do this weekend, like the debut of the Death’s Door Dance Festival. Also, Plein Air starts up this weekend, and a quick roundup of a few new restaurants that opened this year.

Debra Fitzgerald sits down with Nic and Christiana Trapani, owners of Door County Candle Company in Carlsville, to talk about their wild journey that began with an intent to help their relatives in Ukraine and exploded into the sale of tens of thousands of candles and $700,000 donated to date to a Ukrainian nonprofit.

Andrew Kleidon talks to Myles Dannhausen Jr. about major changes that may be coming to Ephraim’s north end (and Andrew discovers where north Ephraim is!) in the form of a housing development and walking paths. Plus, a look at noise ordinances in Sister Bay and an airing of old grievances.

Andrew Kleidon and Sara Rae Lancaster are joined by Pulse intern Erica Bouska to talk about exploring Door County with fresh eyes. Bouska has taken it upon herself to hike every trail in Newport State Park, and you’re invited to join her on her journey.

As Egg Harbor continues to refine its plans for redesigning Highway 42 next year, Myles Dannhausen Jr. and Andrew Kleidon discuss concerns raised by property owners on the north end of the village about the impact the project will have on the landscape there. They also discuss the Women’s Walks that took place in Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay earlier this week.

Myles Dannhausen Jr. catches up with Sarah and Jason White, owners of the Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery, to talk about the life U-turn that brought them to Sister Bay, stumbling into opening a brewery, and raising three girls in a beer garden.

Andrew Kleidon talks with Debra Fitzgerald about the cruise ship that came to town, the 32 awards the Peninsula Pulse received at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association contest and the transportation utility that Gibraltar has created to help pay for road maintenance.

Andrew Kleidon and Sara Rae Lancaster have pulled together a solid calendar of events taking place this holiday weekend, and are here to chat about some of the ones they are most excited about.

Grace Johnson is joined by the 2022 Hal Prize fiction judge, Joshua Phillip Johnson, to talk fantasy, his debut novel, writing habits and what he is looking for in a story.

Myles Dannhausen Jr. flies solo this week with some thoughts on the retirement of Public Health Director Sue Powers. Then, a trip through the final night for JJ’s La Puerta as it has come to be known and loved.

In this episode, Grace Johnson talks with Dominic Frandrup, the new director of the Door County Library. Frandrup talks about his time with the library, making the move to Door County and what he is looking forward to in his new position.

Trying to get to the bottom of what ‘affordable’ housing and ‘workforce’ housing means, and why rental prices that are supposed to be affordable for working people are not affordable for them, Peninsula Pulse Editor Debra Fitzgerald talks with Professor Kurt Paulsen, an urban planner and economist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Paulsen’s research and teaching focuses on housing, affordable housing finance and policy. He’s also the author of the report, “Falling Behind: Addressing Wisconsin’s Workforce Housing Shortage to Strengthen Families.”

Door County’s first History Days kicks off June 20. Cody Schreck joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about the week of events and why local history matters, both the good and the bad.

Sara Rae Lancaster is taking her yoga to new heights – about three feet off the ground to be precise. Lancaster and Andrew Kleidon talk all about trapeze yoga at Ironwood, as well as year two of the Sol Grass Music Festival on Washington Island. Also, this weekend the goats will take to the streets of Sister Bay for Goat Fest. Lancaster goes into the history of the festival, and a special surprise coming up next week.

Andrew Kleidon talks with Peninsula Pulse editor Debra Fitzgerald about some of the news of the day, including who's running in the upcoming elections, what's happening with the Niagara Escarpment and the latest effort to help solve the affordable housing shortage.

There’s a ton of stuff going on this weekend, and Andrew Kleidon is primed and ready to deliver all the coolest events, from live music, farmers markets, gallery openings, and more, straight into your earholes in just under 15 minutes.

Peninsula Pulse Editor Debra Fitzgerald sits down with local astrologist Andria Nikoupolis Weliky to talk astrology: what it is, what it takes to be an astrologer, what astrologers do, what your sun sign means and what the stars say about our present and future worlds.

This week in the Pulse you’ll find a list of the Memorial Day services around the county, as well as a story on Dale Seaquist, who’s been playing “Taps” at Memorial Day services for over 75 years. Andrew Kleidon is joined by Sara Rae Lancaster to talk about the weekends festivities, including Jacksonport’s Maifest, and more. Also, as folks fire up their grills for the first time this season, Lancaster and Kleidon share their tips on selecting the perfect cut of meat for the grill, and a recipe for a secret ingredient that is sure to kick up any cookout.

Andrew Kleidon is joined by Grace Johnson to talk about a few special inclusions in this weeks pulse: the 2022 New Business List, and the Graduation Issue celebrating this years senior classes across the county. Also, some updates to the 2022 Hal Prize writing and photography contest. Then, this week the Ridges Sanctuary announced that it is purchasing the Ridges Inn & Suites and embarking on the development of a new master plan for the 85 year-old nature preserve. Executive Director Andy Gill joined the podcast to talk about what the purchase means for the Ridges and how the planning process will guide the organization.

Andrew Kleidon and Myles Dannhausen answer Door County’s most asked question: Are They Bloomin’ Yet? Also, quick access to defibrillators can mean the difference between life and death, something Sister Bay/ Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht has witnessed first-hand. He joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. on the podcast to talk about the Defibs4DoorCounty effort to raise $75,000 to expand access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for emergency responders and in high-capacity venues throughout the county.”

David Eliot and Myles Dannhausen Jr. discuss the 2022 Philanthropy edition of Door County Living magazine, which focuses on how Door County communities have invested more than $26 million to open public access to 2,700 feet of shoreline since 2007. The issue is available on newsstands now and was supported by grants from the Wisconsin Humanities Council’s Beyond the Headlines program.

Wayne Spritka, Door County facilities and parks director, and Burke Pinney, parks manager, join Debra Fitzgerald on the podcast to talk about what it takes to care for and maintain the many county-owned facilities – both human-made and natural – and including its 20 county parks. They also discuss what they’re doing to prepare for the season and how increased visitation has changed and shaped the county’s facilities.

Andrew Kleidon is joined by Sara Rae Lancaster to talk about the Door County Half Marathon’s return to its normal, spring time slot. Lancaster shares the story of Relena Ribbons, the 2021 woman’s 1st place finisher, and talks about running as boon to mental health. Also, Kleidon checks in with Myles Dannhausen Jr. in Peninsula State Park to see how conditions will be for the upcoming race.

Debra Fitzgerald talks with Stephen Kenny, outreach and policy associate for Transportation for America, about the money that will pour into states and counties and local communities over the next five years from the federal government, and how communities like Door County can spend it differently to promote active transportation, cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and keep people safer.

With National Travel and Tourism Week coming May 1-7, Destination Door County CEO Julie Gilbert and Communications Director Jon Jarosh join the podcast to talk about the booming state of tourism in Door County and what that means for visitors and residents. The discussion includes the organization's shift from a membership to a partnership-driven model, a new granting program to help area communities, and the continuing shift to destination management and what that means in practice.

Deb Fitzgerald joins Andrew Kleidon to talk about some exciting changes happening at the Pulse, as well as some local news of the day. This includes why Gov. Tony Evers and Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole drove up from Madison on a blustery day to make an announcement about Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower.

Arts & Entertainment editor Sara Rae Lancaster is joined by singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah in advance of her May 13 solo show at Door Community Auditorium. Describing her sound as "Southern Gothic," Kiah talks about the creative process behind her songwriting, her list of musical influences and learning to let her music take on a sound and personality of its own.

Deb Fitzgerald joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about the 2022 Sustainability Issue, where transportation takes center stage. We talk public transit, bike lanes, complete streets, and the possibilities for better ways to get around in Door County.

Andy Gill, the executive director of the Ridges Sanctuary, joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about new projects at the Baileys Harbor nature preserve. Gill discusses his path to the Ridges and what it’s like to step into the lead of such a long-established organization. They also discuss what’s coming this summer with a special art installation at Horseshoe Bay Farms.

Andrew Kleidon is joined by Sara Rae Lancaster to breakdown the upcoming Easter Egg Hunts across the county, as well as discuss some tips on making all natural, vibrant, and unique egg dyes. Also how to incorporate massage into a healthy lifestyle, and some new ways to utilize your holiday leftovers to make new recipes, including using hard boiled eggs to make cookie dough.

Andrew Kleidon and Sara Rae Lancaster share stories and tips from the 2022 Door Wedding magazine, including how to plan the perfect, hyper-local wedding, tips for the groom on packing a destination wardrobe, and more. Also, a look at the Sawyer family, and their 5 generations of Door County weddings.

This week on the podcast, we discuss new zoning rules to nudge affordable housing forward, what students learned from the Youth in Government program – and what those in government can learn from those students – and what Tuesday’s local election results tell us.

Andrew Kleidon and Sara Rae Lancaster are gearing up for spring (as soon as the snow finally melts) with a few tips on making the most of your early summer prep, including preparing a kitchen garden, and cross training and supplemental training (especially for those getting ready for the Door County Half Marathon, May 7.) After the break Sara breaks down her favorite small and easy ways to better yourself this year, starting with reducing added sugar intake.

Local school, county, and municipal board elections are coming up Tuesday. Plus, Myles Dannhausen Jr. and Andrew Kleidon recap last week’s roundtable discussion on childcare, housing, and workforce development that included representatives from Gov. Tony Evers’ office, local housing advocates, business owners, and childcare leaders.

Andrew Kleidon and Myles Dannhausen Jr. recap the Gibraltar basketball team's historic run at the state championship last week, and break down what happened at the Egg Harbor campground when seasonal campers received notice that rates were increasing 71%, and they had three weeks to remove their campers if they couldn't pay.

Andrew Kleidon and Sara Rae Lancaster get together for a pre-Spring check-in. What restaurants are open, where's the live music, and what are we looking forward to as the snow melts. Also, a look at several bicycling topics, from getting your bike tuned up before your first ride of the season, to a mountain biking club forming at Peninsula State Park, and a look at Cycling Without Age, a group dedicated to providing bike rides to the elderly and those with mobility challenges and disabilities.

Kurt Kiefer is the former Assistant State Superintendent of Libraries and Technology and when he and his wife retired to Baileys Harbor last year, he didn’t waste any time helping the town get ready for bringing high-speed, dependable, low-cost broadband to every home and business. Kiefer sits down with Pulse Editor Debra Fitzgerald, to outline the 1-2-3’s that Baileys Harbor is following and that other municipalities can use to get set for broadband in their towns.

For 32 year Greg Diltz has been the local expert on cell service in northern Door County. Greg has announced his retirement and is selling Northern Door Communications, but not before joining Myles Dannhausen Jr. for a look back at the evolution of communication in the county, changes in emergency services, and finding your way into business in a small town you didn’t expect to call home.

It was a wrap for the Wisconsin Assembly last week and Peninsula Pulse Editor Debra Fitzgerald sits down with Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) to talk about session highlights, local impacts and Kitchens' plan to run for reelection in November.

Myles Dannhausen Jr. talks to Ann Morgan, the founder of 100+ Women Who Care about the organization’s simple approach that opens the doors to giving to the broader community. The organization has donated $270,000 to area nonprofits since it was founded in 2018.

The county pulled in more than $138 million in lodging revenue in 2021, shattering previous records. Myles Dannhausen Jr. talks to Andrew Kleidon about what it tells us about tourism in Door County now and in the year ahead. Plus, Dannhausen talks to short-term-rental operator Rob Esposito about a different way to regulate the industry.

Debra Fitzgerald joins the podcast to talk about the tragic fire at Butch's Bar in Sturgeon Bay. But first, Myles Dannhausen Jr. and Fitzgerald discuss a proposal for a Starbucks at the old Woldt's Corner location, good news for Pebble Beach, and a potential change to shoreline building rules.