The Islanders
I have come over to Washington Island on a cold February morning, driving from Sturgeon Bay to Northport where the Washington Island boats put in when they can’t use Gills Rock; the Gills Rock side, I have seen, is completely frozen in. The trees stand blackly silent and tall at the peninsula’s end, and the road is deserted, not a person or a moving vehicle visible as I turn from Gills Rock to Northport in the early light. The desolate Northport wharf is covered with thick ice…
Paul Swanson receives the “Firefighter of the Year” Award
Jan. 19, 2012 – Paul Swanson receives the “Firefighter of the Year” award at this year’s W.I. Fire Department Banquet held at Findlay’s Holiday Inn.
Economic Downturn Affects Island Ferry Line
Jan. 19, 2012 – The price for passenger and auto tickets for 2012 will increase this spring, according to the proposed Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc. tariff.
Round trip adult and child passenger tickets will increase by $1 each, as will tickets for autos round trip. Large trucks, trailers and cargo will remain the same. The date when the increase takes effect will be April 1st, 2012….
Flocks of Flamingos
Jan. 10, 2012 –
Now here’s an unusual sight for northeastern Wisconsin: a flock of flamingos, not only enjoying an Island yard but also bringing happy birthday wishes! The Island high school students are selling flocks of (plastic) flamingos, which are placed in designated yards under the cover of night, as a fundraiser for the Winter Carnival.
2012 Island Polar Bear Plunge
Jan. 1, 2012 – Every year the crowd gets bigger. Papa Bear Jens Hansen, who began the tradition a few years back is standing tall in the center of the crowd. This year polar bears did not have to contend with as much snow or ice. Did it make it any less cold? (Don’t think so!)
Hanging of the greens
Jan. 1, 2012 – Thanks to Daniel Nerenhausen who donates the trees and the W.I. Electric Co-op for adding lights and decoration and then putting them up to add holiday cheer to Main Street, Washington Island.
Sand Dunes Beach Has New Name: Sand Dunes Park
Jan. 1, 2012 – On December 27, 2011, the members of the Washington Island Town Board, in a unanimous vote, passed a resolution that supported the unanimous recommendation for the name change by the Town Parks Committee. The formal resolution mentioned these facts: it’s important to the Town of Washington to promote tourism, the sandy beach is a favorite spot for many people because of its rolling dunes and beautiful sand, but low water levels combined…
Island Business Incubator Project Halted
Jan. 1, 2012 – Consider this scenario for Washington Island:
Your township’s population hasn’t changed by more than 25 residents, up or down, in over 40 years. The main township industry is tourism, with a very small amount of fishing and farming. Citizens and property owners have scratched their collective head to come up with business ideas that might infuse their community with jobs and help the local economy…
Door Co. Land Trust compares favorably with Nat’l Land Trust Census Report
Jan. 1, 2012 – The total number of acres protected by local, state and national land trusts increased by 27% between 2005 and 2010, this according to the latest Census Report released by the Land Trust Alliance. According to the 2010 National Land Trust Census Report, a Look at Voluntary Land Preservation in America land trusts, non-profit organizations that work with landowners to conserve lands of scenic and ecological value, have now protected 47 million…
Congratulations to Lois Krueger: Publication of 4th & 5th Cookbooks
Dec. 1, 2011 – Congratulations to Lois Krueger on the publication of her fourth and fifth cookbooks, “Washington Island’s Best” and “Kids in the Kitchen.” The cookbooks, with mostly all new recipes, are available at Mann’s Store or by calling Lois at 847-2640.
Island Archives
Dec. 1, 2011 – The Island Archivist asked George Nelson who would have been at the helm in the billed cap and he said “It has to be Russell (Nelson) because he always steered the boat.” George’s dad, Spencer Nelson, can be seen in the open doorway in a striped stocking cap. Based on the men’s ages, a guess would place the photo in the 1950s or ’60s era…
Island Christmas Bird Count December 17, 2011
Dec. 1, 2011 – Another Island Christmas Bird Count is upon us and we can use the help of all who are interested in birds. You are invited to participate either in the field or by tracking what is coming to your feeder on Saturday Dec 17 and during the count week. Details follow.
Field Count (out in the cold) Saturday Dec 17:
We will meet at 8:30am at KK Fiske to have something hot to drink and get our count materials…
Island Players announces auditions for Arsenic & Old Lace
Nov. 17, 2011 – Island Players is holding auditions on Monday, December 5th, and Tuesday, December 6th, at 7:00 p.m. in the W.I. School Commons for its winter show, Kesselring’s Arsenic & Old Lace. The play will be performed at the TPAC on Friday and Saturday, February 17th and 18th. Howard Scott is Director, (pictured above) and Joyce Morehouse, Producer…
Fire at Gibson’s West Harbor Resort
Nov. 17, 2011 – As most of our readers are aware by now, there was a major fire that broke out at Gibsons’ West Harbor Resort in the early hours of November 4th. Thankfully, the smoke alarm woke Herb Gibson who then got wife Marianna and daughter Sarah out and called 911. Fire Chief and neighbor (just two houses away) Pete Nehlsen, was on the scene in less than a minute…
The Storm and How Our System Works
Oct. 22, 2011 – The following is from a boxholder put out by the W.I. Electric Co-op right after the wind storm of September 29th which caused a power outage on the Island.
The Washington Island Electric Cooperative would first like to thank all the members for their patience and understanding during the severe storm of September 29 and 30. We would also like to thank the Town Crew, Officers McGrane and Schultz and members of the Washington Island Fire Department for their assistance. The amount of damage done to our system was unprecedented at least in the last 10 years (it was significantly worse than last year’s storm and the storm in 2002) and likely significantly longer…
Town Parks Plan Draft Available Online and in Library
Oct. 22, 2011 – A draft version of the proposed Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) for the Town of Washington is now posted on the Town website at www.washingtonisland-wi.gov/minutes/park_minutes/recreation_plan.pdf
The CORP is also available in the Library in hard copy as well as on a disk that can be used in one of the Library computers…
EPA Grant Names Washington Island Ferry Line
Oct. 22, 2011 – Notification of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant in the amount of $145,000 for Washington Island Ferry Line, Inc. to re-power the ferry Robert Noble has been received.
The intent of the EPA grant is to improve air quality, and the new Tier II CAT diesels are expected to drop fuel consumption by as much as 15% over the same Robert Noble seasonal hours of operation. Besides being more efficient, the new engines are also designed to burn fuel more cleanly through both improved internal design and through electronic technology that allows the engine only as much fuel as is necessary to do the required work…
Island Teachers Receive Gift from The Walmart Foundation
Oct. 22, 2011 – Pictured are the teachers of the Washington Island School District holding the Walmart Gift Cards presented to them by representatives from The Walmart Foundation. Teachers were surprised Friday morning as each received $100 gift cards from the Walmart Foundation. Gift cards will be used to purchase materials and resources for their classes.
A Wind Storm to Remember
Oct. 6, 2011 – On Thursday evening, September 29, a powerful storm with winds gusting to 69 mph slammed the Island. The entire Island was hit hard and power was cut off from the mainland. According to Robert Cornell, manager of the W.I. Electric Co-op, it was “the most storm damage, and the most widespread” he’s seen since he’s been with the Co-op. The strong winds uprooted trees, split trees in half, broke off branches and downed power lines in every section of the Island…
Raibrook Foundation Grant to Assist in Elementary Reading Programs
Sept. 22, 2011 – Washington Island Board of Education President Robert Cornell is pictured here receiving a check of $1100 from Elementary K-3 educator Mrs. Margaret Foss. Mrs. Foss applied to the Raibrook Foundation for a grant to assist in the school’s elementary reading programs last spring. With the award, the District has purchased several sets of the Fauntas and Pinnell reading series to be used in the elementary resource room and elementary classes.
Washington Island Economic Development Opportunity
Sept. 22, 2011 – In June of 2010, a group of Island citizens met with Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) personnel and USFS Wood Education and Resource Center consultants at the Washington Island Electric Cooperative. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss producing products on the Island using Island Resources (largely wood) that could be consumed on the Island by either residents or visitors…
ISLAND BASEBALL TEAM – 1906
Sept. 8, 2011 – Back row: Charles Gislason, Harry Hagen, “Jonsie” Johnson, Walter Anderson, Art Wickman, Fred “Mads” Hanson. Front row: Lawrence Gislason, Hannes Johnson, Andy Cornell, players as identified in Gibby Goodlet’s book, “Kill the Umpire.”
Vacation of Firsts
Sept. 8, 2011 – It was 1:30 am Wednesday at Fiddler’s Green, and Cowboy made it clear he wanted to take me outside for a walk. How could I refuse his big, dark, handsome, yet cute presence and gentle ways. Sure enough, we padded quietly and directly out the door of the lighted and still-busy restaurant onto the cobblestone pathway…
Cleaning Out the Parlor: the Last of Too Many Stories
Sept. 8, 2011 – In the parlor almost everything was known, and the only surprises were the faded flowers found pressed between the pages of the books. It is known that flowers meant much more in those days, and for a longer time, a remembrance of a happy occasion – an occasion not to be forgotten. Some of the flowers were roses.
Island Realty Transforming Itself
Sept. 8, 2011 – The building known as Island Realty, 1266 Main Road, is transforming itself into a Business and Arts Cooperative.
The vision of the Cooperative is to provide a dynamic, creative and productive community shared space where individuals or groups can rent open or private space with day or evening times available. The Island Realty building is an ideal location, located next to Mann’s Store and across the street from Karly’s, with ample parking in the front, side and back of the building. Its high ceilings and beautiful open rooms make it perfect for community partnerships, business or art ventures.
Under the Big Top
Aug. 25, 2011 – For the 16th year running, a range of the Island’s most gifted singers and musicians took to the stage under the temporary “Big Top” on Main Road … With this amount of talent on display, Islanders and tourists alike cannot be blamed for already looking forward to Under The Big Top in 2012!
Herb Gardening with Gil & Ann Martin-Fornaciari: Relentless Rosemary
Aug. 25, 2011 – Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis = dew of the sea), a favorite herb of ours, is easy to grow and can be dried or frozen for use year round … The abundance of recipes using rosemary is phenomenal, from meat to fish, salads to dressings, for medicinal use, and of course for landscapes.
Island Players in The Dining Room
Aug. 25, 2011 – Rehearsals are well under way at Bethel Memorial Hall, with a 9-member cast: Carol Amadio, Phil Green, Terry Henkel, Daryl Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Rylee Johnson, Brennan Krieger, Jeff Maiken, and Howard Scott. Including Director, Joyce Morehouse and Producer, Joan Kuhn, there is a production team as long as your arm. A tremendous amount of talent and skill are gathered to guarantee another Island Players entertaining and insightful theatre experience.
Our Music Festival: A Treasured Gift
July 21, 2011 – Washington Island Music Festival Chorus members have been rehearsing every Saturday morning for the Music Festival final concert Friday night, August 12. As they leave each rehearsal for the next of their weekend activities, they may still be singing to themselves the words from Bill Olson’s Island Songs and Landscapes that have been brought to life through the melodies and harmonies composed in 2006 by Eric Ewazen of the Juilliard School in New York. The music stays in their minds and in their hearts because the words resonate with Washington Island experiences…
Newbies: Silversmith / Jeweler Putting his Mettle to the Metal
July 21, 2011 – In an era that seems to have abandoned handcrafting in the main, there are still those who take pride in their craftsmanship. Many are on this very Island. Joining that group, are the new kids on the block, Travis Starr and Becka Berna. A silversmith and gemsmith (if there be such a thing), Travis creates myriad items by his own hand.
Jens Jacobsen Family Celebrates Museum’s 80 Years
July 21, 2011 – Surviving grandchildren of Jens and Olive Jacobsen gathered together to remember, honor and celebrate Jens Jacobsen who built the Jacobsen Museum.
Inside the Old Cheese Factory…
July 21, 2011 – Matt Grandy and Aaron Rank were seen working on the old chalet (some call the old cheese factory) on Townline Rd. The huge new fireplace inside (pictured above) was done magnificently by Kirby Gunnlaugsson. There are many other projects being worked say Matt and Aaron, so the building that may house a new Art and Cultural center may take a bit longer than anticipated. Many others are working on the building as well. We enjoy watching the progress. Looks good so far.
A Flighty Destination: Washington Island Butterfly House Opens
The Butterfly House, featuring moths and other insects, opens July 4th, 2011, at 1349 Main Road, Washington Island. A zoning permit has been received and permission granted from Irene Mostek, the present owner. The 100 year-old home hopes to become a destination for environmental teaching and learning.
Island Welcomes New District Administrator & Principal
Raymond “comes to the Island with an excellent background designed for small schools.” He has an M.S. in Education, an M.A. in Education (emphasis in Educational Leadership), an Educational Specialist Degree, and is licensed as a Superintendent, Principal, and Director of Instruction. Mr. Raymond’s motto is “All students can succeed… and all means all.”
Turning of the Tide
May 12, 2011 – Barb O’Connell retires after 37 years of teaching at the Island School.
Full House at the 58th Island Party
May 12, 2011 – Many, many volunteers helped make this year’s Island Party and Island Idol a success.
The Mystery of Billy Lee
May 12, 2011 – More documented evidence about the ever-growing Island legend, Billy Lee.
TPAC Update
March 31, 2011 – Latest report on the remediation of the Carol Trueblood Performing Arts Center (TPAC) building.
Island Teacher Margaret Foss Receives Prestigious Award
March 31, 2011 – Margaret Foss, Washington Island School’s kindergarten teacher and reading specialist, has been selected as a 2011 Kohl Fellowship recipient.
Samantha George & Stanislav Venglevski Concert at Trinity
March 31, 2011 – On Sunday evening, April 3rd at 6 pm in Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall there will be a community potluck meal followed by a free concert at 7 o’clock by professional musicians Samantha George (violin) and Stanislav Venglevski (bayan a.k.a. button accordion).
Island Lions Club 1951
March 17, 2011 – A poignant memory about how the Lion’s Club helped an Island family in need.
First Annual Island Party West
March 17, 2011 – On Saturday March 5, the first annual Island Party West was held at the home of Rolf and Kay Normann in Scottsdale, Arizona. We were able to round up 11 people for this first effort.
WICHP Receives $20,000 Grant
March 17, 2011 – This January the Washington Island Community Health Program (WICHP) was awarded a two-year, $20,000 grant from the Helen Bader Foundation.
Referendum News
March 17, 2011 – Once again the Washington Island School District will be asking the community to vote on a referendum for the 2011-12 financial year, to cover the amount that is not entirely funded by all of the other sources of funding that the school receives.
Expansion of Adult Educational Programs on the Island
February 24, 2011 – Two new efforts are underway to expand the adult educational programs on Washington Island.
Education Foundation Makes Its First Grant
February 24, 2011 – The Washington Island Education Foundation (WIEF) is proud to announce that it has made its first grant to the students of Washington Island School.
Packers-Bears Betting Fun
February 24, 2011 – The Packer-Bears playoff game brought about some betting fun on the Island.
PHOTOS: 2011 Winter & Fish Derby
See photos of the 2011 Washington Island Winter and Fish Derby, held February 12-20!
Island Players casts “Our Town”
January 20, 2011 – On Thursday evening, January 10, the cast assembled in the School Commons for its first read-through of Island Players’ winter production, “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder.
Music in the School
January 20, 2011 – The Art & Nature Center, through the Washington Music Festival, continues to provide the major financial support for the Music in the School program. Many generous donors to the annual fund drive contribute all or a portion of their gifts to the music program.
