September 3, 2010
A wind advisory was issued for Door County tonight til 1 A.M. The ferries were able to run today, bringing many Labor Day weekenders and other travellers "over and back". The waves were huge off the west side of the Island.
Last night a NOAA report said the waters near the Island were 72 degrees.
September 2, 2010
Rainy day today but the report is that the weekend will be cool and sunny. Labor Day is here and we wish safe travel for everyone on the move!
Since the Islanders ball team won last Sunday against Kolberg (the champion in the Door County League regular season), they will play this Sunday against Egg Harbor for the post season championship. Go Islanders!
The State of Wisconsin has approved the remediation plan for the Trueblood Performing Arts Center so the committee can proceed with plans.
The Bahai group of Washington Island invites all Islanders to a performance by the quartette, “Tall Order”, from the North Shore Chicago area, in the Trinity Fellowship Hall, Sept. 11 at 7 P.M. They will perform both sacred and secular music.
August 27, 2010
A quieter day at Schoolhouse Beach this past week probably due to cooler temps and schools starting. The Island schools begin on September 1, then students will be off for the Labor Day weekend and resume school on the Tuesday after Labor Day.
Preschool teacher this year is Jennifer Perez. Preschool is held at the Town Insurance in the downstairs where there is walkout to the fenced back yard playground.
An ore boat chugs by the west side of the Island.
August 25, 2010
Winners of the Lions Club raffle are: Nick Young who won a one week cruise for two (value of $4,000 or $2,500 cash); Second, Mindy Walter who won an $800 gift certificate at Mann's Island Home Furnishings (or $500 cash); Third was Rick Kirchner who won a $500 gift certificate (or cash of $400). The drawing was at the Island Fair August 21. Congratulations to the winners!
August 24, 2010
The Islanders won their game last week so they are in fourth place and will play against Kolberg, off-island, this coming Sunday.
The Hagen Family will perform at the Third Avenue Playhouse on Saturday, August 28 at 7:30 P.M. in Sturgeon Bay. Julian Hagen, who just released a new CD this year, is a fifth generation Islander. He and sisters, Leila and Linda, are joined by their families, with three generations sometimes on stage.
Dick Purinton, author and photographer, and President of the Washington Island Ferry Line, won First Place in the Peninsula Pulse photo contest.
The American Legion will have a Fish Boil on September 4 from 4:30 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the American Legion building downtown, Main Road.
Also over the Labor Day Weekend, the play, "Of Mice and Men" will be performed at the Red Barn on September 4, 5, 6 at 7:30 P.M. This is an Island Players production.
An estimated 1000 people attended the Island Fair this year. Miss Wisconsin rode in the parade in a convertible and sang the National Anthem after the parade.
August 21, 2010
Island Fair Day!
The Island Fair had great attendance, the sun was shining and there was a nice breeze. Prior to the parade, there were already people wandering the grounds to look at items at sales booths, to eat a variety of lunches and desserts, play games set up by the Rec Center, ride a pony, twirl a hula hoop and more. In side the community center there were displays including artwork, vegetables, flowers, photos, and other crafts. The parade included the usual fire engines, ambulance and police cars, many candidates running for office, Miss Wisconsin, the Town Chairman, and a car with the oldest Island citizens. Theme for the floats was "Rejoice In Our Heritage" and representing the theme were the Red Hatters, Bethel Church, Washington Island Community Health organization, Micki and Ivan Johnson (Honey Wagon and Poopsie's Pots) in an antique truck handing out free fly swatters, Baylake Bank, Detroit Harbor Ladies Aid. There were dogs, kids on bikes. Members of the American Legion Post #402 carried the colors. A four person band played two drums, a flute, and cymbols. After the parade, the crowd flowed back onto the grounds to enjoy the summer day. The Island Fair is sponsored by the Lions Club. Bingo was played under the big tent later in the afternoon.
August 20, 2010
This Sunday the Islanders play Maplewood, the game is off-island, as they are tied 7 - 7 for fourth place. Kolberg is in first with 13-1, Egg Harbor and West Jacksonport are tied at 8-6.
August 18, 2010
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The "Welcome" docked in Jackson Harbor. It was built by Rasmus Hanson and his two sons, Hans and Art, in 1926 in Jackson Harbor. It was used for fishing, then to carry mail, and later it was used by Koyen Fisheries for commercial fishing. Ken Koyen, who currently fishes with the See Diver fish tug, has been working to get her fixed up and launched and docked in Jackson Harbor in memory of his dad, Alex Koyen, on August 17, which would have been Alex's 100th birthday.
Remember the Washington Island Fair is Saturday at the Community Center grounds and the big sale under the tent is Sunday.
August 15, 2010
The Farm Museum has their sign out for their very popular Cider Pressing Party (think home-made caramel apples) Columbus WEekend, Saturday and Sunday, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Healthy looking grape vines along Airport Road. Beautiful day today without the heavy humidity of the past week.
The Welcome fish tug was launched and made the trip from the Ship Yard to Jackson Harbor dock in memory of Alex Koyen for his 100th birthday.
The Kid's Island Adventure VBS held at the the Island Camping Retreat was enjoyed by about a dozen kids. It was a hot and humid week, but the workers and children had a great time. Today there was a group of kids at Bethel Church to perform a couple of the songs they learned this past week. Youth Director, Ben Baumann, gave a slide presentation from the week's activities.
Also this past week was a Children's Music Camp, held at Bethel Church. About 13 kids attended. This is part of the Island Music Festival and it is taught by Kari Gordon.
August 12, 2010
It has been unusually hot and humid this week although the Island usually offers some relief at night and via some breezes. Plus there is the lake for cooling body temperatures. Schoolhouse Beach has reportedly been VERY busy. The lake temperatures are also warmer than usual.
There is a Parks Committee will hold a meeting at 6:30 P.M. at the Rutledge Room in the Community Center. Anyone with interest in the Island Parks is encouraged to come. The Committee Chairman is Mary Marik.
Julian Hagen has released a new CD called "how things change". It is available at a variety of locations on the Island and you can hear him and buy the CD at "Under the Big Top" at 7:30 P.M. Thursday, August 19, under the Lions Club tent near the Community Center on Main Road. With a great variety of performers offering entertaining venues you will not be disappointed. This is the finale of the 19th year of the Music Festival, although the Music Festival ends this week.
August 8, 2010
The Scandinavian Festival of Song and Dance began on the outdoor stage, but when a light rain was backed by black clouds along with thunder and lightning, the show, about half done, moved inside the Community Center. Volunteers made quick work of getting chairs moved inside, the piano was rolled in, and as the music began, the storm broke. Only one other year the Fest had to be held completely inside the Community Center. At least this year, people got to experience both venues. Inside, some of the dancers performed in bare feet, to cool off. There were over 100 dancers, and almost all 350 programs were passed out (with programs shared). Dance Director Kari Sena Gordon did her usuall incredible work with dancers from about 2 years old through golden agers. Assistant Directors gave able and experienced direction, Michael McCauley and Maren Schutz. Mike was also MC. Assistant Directors in Training were Mary Grace Volner and Katy Jordan. Dan Hansen and Dave Ranney did the sound system. The Washington Island Electric Company replaced the lighting for the outdoor stage. Barb O'Connell maintains the huge costume inventory. Accompanists were Charlie Berggren, Kari Gordon, Alec Reiss, and Maren Schutz. Constance Schuchardt was able to make it to the Island and played violin. Many hands are involved in making this event a success. The Community Center Committee supports the Fest and any monies collected above and beyond Fest expenses are utilized for Community Center projects and other community programs such as the Red Barn and free Red Cross swimming lessons. The Fest provides a great family experience for those dancing and those watching. There are intricate weaves, humorous enactments, stories told, colorful costumes ... and a heritage and a tradition is preserved. Thanks to all!
August 3, 2010
Washington Island can now boast the winning salmon of the tournament! Reprinted from the Kewaunee/Door Salmon Tournament web site: "It's official the 2010 Kewaunee/Door County Salmon Tournament is in the books. Before summer is over, 200 lucky anglers will be getting checks in the mail ranging from $30 for a 16.34-pounder on up to $10,000 for the winner, 'TJ' Valacak of Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
The tournament is paying out more than $40,000 in cash. That's in addition to more than $5,000 in daily port winner cash and prizes already given away to the 45 anglers who landed the heaviest salmon each day at the five weigh-in sites in Kewaunee, Algoma, Sturgeon Bay, Baileys Harbor and Washington Island.
Valacak triple-dipped on the top prize, plus won another $800 for landing the 11th largest salmon among 2,653 contestants. His first place fish, a 28.16-pounder that smacked a green Luhr Jensen J-Plug July 26 - day 3 of the nine-day event - earned him $10,000 cash, a free mount of the 37-inch fish by John Mallien's Strawberry Creek Taxidermy, and a sterling silver salmon ring with a black diamond eye by Paul Spanbauer of Wisconsin Charm in Sturgeon Bay."
August 2, 2010
Governor Jim Doyle (far left) travelled to Washington Island where he met with about 70 people at KK Fiske Restaurant. After a brief statement of introduction by Governor Doyle, there was an informal time of questions and answers. Concerns such as dredging in Detroit Harbor west channel, water quality, cost to taxpayers of the tech college, Plum and Pilot Islands restoration were brought up. (Thanks to Butch for the photos)
Washington Island port prize winner on Saturday was Martin Andersen with an 18.34 pound salmon. As of Saturday, the Island still held onto the lead with the biggest salmon, but the offiial winner of the $10,000 prize won't be announced until after a meeting in Sturgeon Bay tonight.
August 1, 2010
The port prize winner at Kap's Marina Friday was Edward Schmidt with a salmon weighing 22.61 pounds. Thomas Valacek, a fisherman off Washington Island, still holds top place as of Fridays results. Many of the bigger salmon have been caught at night.
Governor Doyle has scheduled a visit to Washington Island tomorrow along with Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble and Matt Frank, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. Governor Doyle will be at KK Fiske at 9 a.m. to about 10 a.m.
July 31, 2010
The last day of July! Here comes August! The Island is still in number one spot for the Kewaunee/Door Salmon Tournament as of Thursday. Watch here for final standings. Top man is Thomas Valacak who registered a 28.16# salmon at Kap's Marina on the third day of the 9 day tournament. Port prize winners on the Island for July 27: Stuart Will, 22.71#; July 28: Victor Norak, 15.79#; July 29: Lynn Hunter MacDonald, 20.99. The tournament ends at 5 P.M. on Sunday, August 1. Washington Island, as of Thursday, held 4 of the top 10 entries.
July 30, 2010
The Washington Island Music Fest is August 2-19. There are daily schedules posted around the Community.
There is a Scandinavian Brunch at Bethel Church Memorial Hall on Saturday, August 7 from 10 A.M.-1 P.M. Enjoy favorite Scandinavian dishes and treats and try some that may be new to you.
The Scandinavian Song and Dance Fest is August 7 at 7:30 P.M. at the outdoor stage at the Community Center. The Director is Kari Sena Gordon, who represents three generations of directors and four generations of dancers. There are special songs and dancers from pre-school age through adults. Total number of dancers this year are over 100. The Fest is sponsored by the Community Center Committee and monies are used for improvements to the Community Center building, support of the Red Barn summer program, free Red Cross swimming lessons, and other programs beneficial to the community. Come out and celebrate the Island's heritage.
The Annual Home Tours sponsored by the W.I. Farm Museum is tomorrow, July 30 at the following homes: Tom and Michelle Jordan, Main Road; Jim and Drew Tibbets, Washington Harbor Rd.; Jay and Betsy Ward, Woodhill N. on the N. end of Main Road; Amy and Gary Delzell, Hemlock Dr. (near Percy Johnson Park); David and Bonnie Burnham, Green Bay Rd. There will also be a silent auction on display at the Red Cup, Ferry Office, Bay Lake Bank, the Observer, Holiday Inn, consisting of decorated hand baskets, a fund raiser for the Farm Museum.
July 28, 2010
Summer snowflakes.
The Island port winners from Kap's Marina for the Kewaunee/Door Salmon Tournament are: July 24 - Randy Vande Hei, 17.55#; July 25 - Thomas Valacake, 21.3#; July 26 - Thomas Valacake, 28.16#.
July 26, 2010
The Islanders won the game yesterday, played on the Island against Institute. The score was 5 to 5 going into the ninth inning and then Dave Heath got the winning hit! It was a very hot day, on and off the field.
The Door-Kewaunee Salmon Derby began this past Saturday and entrants are out in force looking for the winner. Top prize is worth $10,000. There are also daily port prizes for the largest salmon registered each day of the derby. Kap's Marina is the Island location to get more information on the contest and to weigh in your catches.
The Rec Center hosted its annual Rec Run this past Saturday. There were many winners in the different age categories, but overall winners were Theo and Clara Williamson. It takes over 20 willing volunteers to accomplish this event. Due to the unfavorable weather, the entrants were down to 83. Almost 100 were expected had the weather been more co-operative.
July 22, 2010
The Door County Baseball League will have its All Star Game July 29 at 8 P.M. in Baileys Harbor. Players chosen to participate from the Island team are Aaron Delorit, Matt Foss, Matt Grandy, Troy Jorgenson, Caleb Cornell, and Mike Jorgenson.
The Annual Salad Luncheon held at Bethel Church was attended by about 115 people.
600# of whitefish were cooked and served at the Fly-In Fish Boil along with about 300 hotdogs.
The Washington Island Women's Club International Food Fest is tomorrow, July 23, at the Community Center from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.
The Art and Nature Center's August Art Show, "Come Fall", will feature Jeanne Shay works. There are weekly art and nature classes for children and adults.
This year's Music Festival begins August 2 and continues through the 19th. There will be open rehearsals, music appreciation sessions, children's concert, children's music camp, and the ever popular "Under the Big Top" which includes Island performers.
The information boxholder for the Washington Island Fair was received in the mail this week. The theme this year is "Rejoice In Your Heritage". The fair is August 21 from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. The parade is at noon. On the 22nd, the 5th year of the Sunday Rummage Madness will be held from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. Call Ron Overdahl to reserve a table.
July 18, 2010
The Islanders won the home game today by one point. While I was finishing up some online work tonight, NBC 26 10 pm news showed a great piece on the Kolberg - Island game. The Kolberg team arriving on the ferry (Captain was Erik Foss), arriving at the Island ball field, Island fans, a few plays, and the team leaving on the ferry. Some of the Island fans featured were Ted Jorgenson, Matt Foss, Jeannie Hutchins. Unfortunately, the Islanders lost that game by one point.
It was a perfect day for the Lion's Club Fly-In Fish Boil. Sunny, hot, but a breeze to keep it perfectly comfortable. A reported 147 planes were present, plus lots of motorcyclists, bikers, walkers, and vehicle drivers. Live music blared over the the loudspeakers, there were hayrides, craft tables, plus the delicious fish boil dinner (hot dogs available for kids and those who bypassed the fish). The great variety of planes provided interest and entertainment. Thanks to Lauren Gordon for capturing fly-in photos.
July 16, 2010
Planes were coming in pretty steady this afternoon and evening, lining up for the Annual Lion's Club Fly-In Fish Boil at the Island Airport. Many of the pilots and their riders set up tents and camp near their planes. The forecast for the fish boil tomorrow is good. Today the temps were in the high 80s.
The annual meeting of the Friends of Pilot and Plum Islands will be held July 31 on Plum Island. This is the 3rd year of this active group.
July 14, 2010
The National Park Service sent word on July 9, 2010, that the entire district of Plum Island is now included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Remember the Lion's Club Fly-In (walk-in, bike-in, etc!) Fish Boil will be held this Saturday at the Island airport.
The Islanders lost the ballgame played this past Sunday on the Island against Maplewood.
Dance practice has begun, under the direction of Kari Sena Gordon, for the Scandinavian Fest. The Fest will be held August 7, beginning at 7:30 P.M., at the outdoor stage at the Community Center.
July 11, 2010
View of the sky from the waters of Detroit Harbor. Today a squall came through with hefty winds, rain, some thunder and lightning. The power was out on our side of the Island for about half an hour.
July 10, 2010
Hot sunny day with a nice breeze. There was a big turnout for the Art in the Park event at the Art and Nature Center. Schoolhouse Beach was busy also with the 80+ degrees today. Island soccer teams played games at the soccer fields behind the school, some winning their games and some losing.
There were two weddings on the Island this weekend. There has been a wedding every weekend on the Island since June and more are scheduled for upcoming weekends.
July 5, 2010
Bikes, scooters, big wheels, strollers, and other means of transportation were included in the annual children's 4th of July Parade sponsored by the American Legion Post #402. Children and parents and other relatives, decorated dogs, (no horses or hamsters this year) gather at the Legion Hall and then the parade starts about 8 p.m. It is led by American Legion members marching, followed by the W.I. Fire Department truck and one of the police cars. The parade ended with another fire truck and a second police car. The group ends up at the ball park where they line up to receive their $1 for participating from the American Legion (a great photo opp for families also!) In spite of light sprinkles occasionally during the evening, the parade and fireworks were great. There was the usual large turnout for the parade and the fireworks. Happy Birthday America!
It was reported that the W.I. Fire Department Pancake Breakfast fed an estimated 300 on Sunday morning of the 4th.
The Islanders lost the game against Kolberg on the 4th of July.
July 3, 2010
As of this writing, the Island baseball team has 4 wins and 4 losses. Listed in the top five leading hitters are Washington Islanders: Caleb Cornell and Troy Jorgenson.
Roger Roth, State Representative and candidate for Congress will be on the Island at the Community Center in the Rutledge Room on July 6th at 7 p.m.
The W.I. School Board has announced that Douglas Straus will be the Interim Administrator and Karen Huff the Interim Administrative Consultant until a School Administer is hired.
Detroit Island is taking on a phragmite control program. Detroit Island is 637+/- acres with about 10 miles of shoreline. The project has received financial assistance from the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership Inc., the Detroit Island Landowners Association, and in kind contributions from the Door County Invasive Species Team and the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department.
July 2, 2010
The ferry boats are travelling continually back and forth to bring 4th of July visitors to the Island. The weather report for the weekend was encouraging.
The busy weekend has begun with today's events which included a potluck picnic at the Red Barn, followed by potluck music by the Hagen family. Saturday night is the Fairland Bluegrass Family Band at the Red Barn. The second annual Rock Island State Park fundraiser will be held at the boathouse on Rock Island from 11 am - 3 pm on Saturday and it includes a cookout (for purchase while supplies last), craft demonstrations and silent auction. Also Saturday is the 10th Annual Blessing of the Fleet at the W.I. Ferry Dock at 11 a.m. Boats should assemble in the ferry dock area at 10:30 a.m. There is an open house at the Coast Guard Station after the Blessing of the Fleet is over. Then on the 4th, there is a Pancake Breakfast at the W.I. Fire Department, the Homecoming Picnic at Bethel Church at Noon, and the main event, the Fireworks at the Ballpark! Children and pets (one year there was a hamster included in the parade!) should gather at 7:45 p.m. at the Legion Hall downtown Washington Island. The 4th of July parade will start at 8 p.m. and the group will walk, ride bikes, etc. to the ball park. People, wagons, bikes, horses, whatever the transportation, are decorated for the celebration of Independence Day. Join in the fun!
Have a great and safe 4th of July celebration!
Over 200 were served at the Jay Hagen Memorial White Fish Dinner at Jackson Harbor. This is a fundraiser for the Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum.
June 27, 2010
A light evening rain brings a double rainbow before the sunset.
June 26, 2010
There was an Open House at the Danish Mill today. They made 200 donuts to give away, plus there were raffle prizes, and sample sandwiches at noon.
Many attended the annual Grilled Whitefish Dinner at the Jackson Harbor Maritime Museum Friday night.
The Islanders play against Kolberg this Sunday at the Island ball park. Game starts at 1:30 P.M.
Enjoy an outdoor movie at the Rec Center on July 17th. Kids 12 and under come at dusk, teens come to the second showing. Kids $2 each, families $10. Sponsored by the Family Centers, Door County, under the local direction of Laura Findlay Hagen.
June 21, 2010
The Boy Scouts will have a pop machine at Schoolhouse Beach this summer as a fundraiser.
The first day of summer on the Island! The Islanders won the baseball game yesterday, on the Island, with a score of 18-11. The Little Leaguer's have won two out of their three games. The soccer teams have been playing off Island.
The Washington Island Kayak and Canoe weekend was successful with additional events included this year. There was a kayak building workshop, an informational talk entitled, "Washington Island: Gem of the Niagara Escarpment", and a guided eco-tour. There were kayaks to rent at the Red Barn beach. The race around the circumferance of the Island (about 22 miles) provided a challenge for those paddling against the wind. 25 boats (kayaks and canoes) made the final day's crossing from the "Potato Dock" on the Island through Death's Door to Northport.
June 18, 2010
The 2nd annual Canoe and Kayak Event began today with registration at the Red Barn park at Detroit Harbor. Beautiful colors and shapes brightened the landscape. It is also the first Red Barn music event.
Note the registration tent in the background. The above party knows how to travel on land and sea. There were kayaks to rent at the shore.
The raft is in at Schoolhouse Beach - summer is back again. Kids' soccer season has begun. This is the weekend of the Canoe and Kayak Event.
June 14, 2010
Buttercups brightened roadsides before the town mowed today.
June 13, 2010
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