Door County Pulse Podcast

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.

Myles Dannhausen Jr. talks to Dan Peterson about the sale of the Viking Grill, the Ellison Bay mainstay that he has owned since 1984. We also outline potential plans to expand sanitary lines in Fish Creek and what that could mean for future housing development.

Andrew Kleidon sits down with Sara Rae Lancaster to talk about the ice carving competition this weekend during Fire & Ice in Sturgeon Bay. Also, Carly Sarkis of Destination Sturgeon Bay breaks down all of the events offerings, from fireworks, the online auction, community snowman building, and more.

Andrew Kleidon is joined by Northern Door Pride's President Owen Alabado to talk about his journey from L.A. to Door County, the beginnings of Northern Door Pride, their mission and creative events, and a sneak peak at the upcoming cabaret performance: For the Love of Love on Feb. 17. Learn more about the performance here: https://www.northerndoorpride.com/event-details/for-the-love-of-love-a-cabaret

Andrew Kleidon talks with Sara Rae Lancaster about the upcoming Pond Hockey tournament at the Sister Bay ice rink. Also, a conversation with Pond Hockey veteran Simon Hedeen about the ins and outs of the sport, and the pros and cons of it's new location.

Andrew Kleidon sits down with Pulse editor Debra Fitzgerald to talk about a pending management change — and perhaps even a change in the location, down the road — for the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market; how the county is looking at spending some $5.3 million in pandemic-related funding; and the latest on the Potawatomi State Park Observation Tower.

In October 2021, Write On, Door County held the first Door County author book fair, bringing together more than 30 local authors. Following the fair, the authors continued to meet to provide support for each other, eventually coming together formally as the Door County Published Authors Collective. They hope to make Door County not only a center of the visual arts, but literature as well. Grace Johnson chats with one of the group organizers and author, Dan Powers, to learn more about the group and how other authors can join.

Andrew Kleidon and Myles Dannhausen Jr. break down the latest info from Door County Medical Center about the number of hospital beds being filled by COVID patients. After the break, a look at how many restaurants have changed owners, been revamped, or been closed over the last year, including the recent turnover at the Whistling Swan and Harbor View Grille.

The Boys and Girls Club of Door County has experienced a lot of turnover in recent years. New CEO Eric Blumreich joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about the future of the club, it’s role in the community, and how he hopes to bring stability to the position and the organization. Blumreich comes to Door County from St. Norbert College, where he spend the last five years in development department, and Blumreich has been involved with a number of other youth-focused organizations including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), International Youth Sailing of Oshkosh, and PALS as a mentor and board member.

Peninsula Pulse editor Debra Fitzgerald talks with high-performance architect and home builder Virge Temme upon the occasion of Temme's retirement from building sustainable and net-zero homes in Door County; and what's next for an architect who still wants to change the world one house at a time.

Pulse editor Debra Fitzgerald talks with Beth Renstrom, executive director of the Door County Granary project, and Laurel Hauser, vice president of the board of the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation that owns the structure, about the history of the granary, how the project came to be and what's in store for the project by June of this year.

Myles Dannhausen Jr. talks to journalist Gloria Liu about how officials and organizers in Crested Butte, Colorado have found ways to address the shortage of affordable housing in the seasonal ski resort town. Liu’s article “How to Save A Ski Town,” appeared in Outside magazine in November, and describes a situation strikingly similar to Door County’s own housing struggles.

Andrew Kleidon is joined by Grace Johnson to talk about 2022 reading goals, and ways to help you meet yours, like local book clubs, reading groups, and the upcoming Door County Reads events. Also, submissions for the 2022 Hal Prize are now open for Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry and Photography.

Myles Dannhausen Jr. catches up with Nate Bell, the Pulse’s Chief Technology Officer and a Sister Bay Trustee. Bell, who graduated from Gibraltar in 1999, talks about growing into public service in his hometown, how a personal crisis and COVID-19 collided to lead to his own physical and mental health transformation, and how becoming a cyclist made him rethink how we plan our communities.

After a completely tangential conversation about The Matrix, Myles Dannhausen Jr. and Andrew Kleidon give you the lowdown on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day festivities in Door County.

It started with one man and a dream, and now each Jan. 1 J.R. Jarosh is joined by hundreds of friends for a dip in Lake Michigan. Myles Dannhausen Jr. talks to Jarosh about the Jacksonport Polar Bear Club, pro tips for a successful plunge, and what makes a great home bar.

Myles Dannhausen Jr. and Andrew Kleidon discuss the $3.5 million grant to support child care initiatives in Door County. Then Larry “Thor” Thoreson joins the podcast to read his moving eulogy for the late Carol Newman, who kept the light on at the Pioneer Store for more than 50 years.

Before the Year in Review issue of the Peninsula Pulse is available this week, Andrew Kleidon and Myles Dannhausen Jr. sit down to go over the biggest stories from the year. Topics of discussion include: How restaurants navigated the labor shortage, steps forward on internet access and affordable housing, an ambitious year in theater, and much more. Plus, our predictions on what 2022 has in store.

Myles Dannhausen Jr. is joined by Destination Door County’s new CEO, Julie Gilbert, to discuss what brought her to the peninsula, what she’s learned during her first month on the job and how she’s attacking the challenges facing the organization and the industry.

Heidi Hammel, the Vice President for Science at the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to discuss the James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to launch Dec. 22. The telescope is expected to revolutionize astronomy. Hammel, one of the world’s leading astronomers, tells you what the Webb will mean for science and our understanding of the universe.

Dr. Jim Heise of Door County Medical Center talks to Myles Dannhausen Jr. about the spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Door County and the strain it is putting on an already taxed hospital staff. Nearly all of the hospitalizations in Door County are unvaccinated individuals, who now make up almost half of the daily inpatient census at the hospital.

Andrew Kleidon is joined by Myles Dannhausen Jr. to wish JJ's bartender Dave Johnson well as he moves on to work at the Alpine, and how small town bartenders help create the fabric of a community. Also, Myles does a deep dive on the history of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, who is playing at Door Community Auditorium on Dec. 11, and a car accidentally drives through the Family Video next to Pizza Hut in Sturgeon Bay.

Amy Kohnle, executive director of United Way of Door County, joins the podcast to talk about the convergence of problems pinching the pocketbooks of the peninsula’s working poor. From the rising cost of basic goods to the lack of housing, it’s getting more difficult for people to get ahead. Kohnle talks about what United Way is doing to try to help, and the organization’s goal for the 2021 fundraising campaign.

Amy Kohnle, executive director of United Way of Door County, joins the podcast to talk about the convergence of problems pinching the pocketbooks of the peninsula’s working poor. From the rising cost of basic goods to the lack of housing, it’s getting more difficult for people to get ahead. Kohnle talks about what United Way is doing to try to help, and the organization’s goal for the 2021 fundraising campaign.