Local Road Aids 

The recent biennial budget made substantial increases in transportation spending. One portion of the transportation budget, the Local Roads Improvement Program, is done on a competitive bid basis, so I am encouraging all municipal and county officials in our area to apply for the road aids as soon as possible.

When the 2019-21 state budget was presented to Gov. Tony Evers earlier this year, the state Legislature had allocated an additional $90 million in one-time funding for the program to help communities throughout the state with addressing their most urgent road needs.

However, with his veto pen, the governor slashed that amount to $75 million and redefined it as a grant program where the money could fund any form of transportation project, including bicycle paths and the streetcar in downtown Milwaukee.

Because more and more communities will be vying for these funds, I am hoping our local municipal and county officials will make their cases early on so we don't get left out. Proposed projects will be reviewed by a panel of DOT staff and local government representatives and the money will be awarded based on potential economic impacts.

If you would like more information on how to apply for these funds, please contact my office.

On a somewhat related note, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be hosting a public involvement meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19, to discuss proposed improvements to State Highway 42 between the city of Kewaunee and the north Kewaunee County line.

The meeting will take place at Algoma City Hall, 416 Fremont St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A short presentation will begin at 5:45 p.m.

 The proposed project includes the roadway being resurfaced, the replacement of beam guards and two box culverts, spot grading and drainage improvements. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start in 2021, but there's a possibility it could be moved up to 2020.

I invite anyone who is interested in this project to attend the meeting so you can learn more about the details, ask questions and provide input. Project engineers and DOT staff will also be on hand to talk to you individually.

If you cannot make it to this meeting but would still like to share your thoughts, please contact WisDOT Project Manager Jeremy Ashauer at (920) 412-6381 or jeremy.ashauer@dot.wi.gov. 

Manufacturing Contest

We sure have some talented and innovative business people living in our area.

At least four local businesses have made it to the first round of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest, which is sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Johnson Financial Group.

The local goods that made the list are REVOLVE, a wood-alternative deck board manufactured in Luxemburg by RENEW Plastics; Frozen Tundra Red wine from Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery in Kewaunee; and Door County Love Artisan Granola produced by Kick Ash Products in Ellison Bay.

A 124-foot ferry that's being constructed by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay has also been nominated. The vehicle and passenger ship will be the largest in the fleet of the Washington Island Ferry Line.

Please consider supporting these local businesses by voting for them in the annual contest. You can cast your vote by clicking here. Sunday is the last day to vote in the first round.

Once those results are tabulated, the top 16 will move on to the next round, where those products will compete against each other in head-to-head match-ups. The items that receive the most votes will advance to the next rounds until a winner is named on Oct. 8. 

Please do what you can to help these – and all – local businesses. They are one of the main reasons why our communities are able to thrive and flourish. 

I'm pictured with Holly Feldman, director of development and public relations for Northern Sky Theater
Northern Sky Theater 

It was a tremendous honor to present an Assembly citation to Northern Sky Theater recently to help them celebrate the grand opening of their new Creative Center and Gould Theater.

I am very impressed with how Northern Sky's donors and volunteers selflessly came together to raise almost $8 million to build the first-of-its-kind and professionally-equipped Creative Center and Gould Theater.

It truly is a sight to behold and I am more than confident that, with this new facility, Northern Sky will be able to continue leaving their mark on our region for years to come. 

Originally named the Heritage Ensemble and American Folklore Theater, Northern Sky will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. 

Our area is very fortunate to have this venue, which has done so much over the past several decades to further our knowledge of our culture and heritage. It is simply awe-inspiring that Northern Sky Theater has created more than 60 original musicals that have been seen by hundreds of thousands of residents and guests of Door County

If you are interested in viewing some media coverage of Northern Sky Theater's new center, please click here and here. 

Upcoming District Events

What: Egg Harbor AleFest
Where: Harbor View Park, 7809 Highway 42, Egg Harbor
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Details: "Enjoy unlimited sampling of more than 100 different craft beers, home brewing demonstrations, live music, and more. For more information and to buy tickets, visit eggharboralefest.com."

What: Peninsula Century Fall Challenge
Where: Waterfront Park, 10693 N. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay
When: Saturday, Sept. 14
Details: "Take on Northern Door County's challenging hills in our century route, or take on a scenic, but less demanding, 25-mile ride and along the shore. Riders may also choose from 50 and 62-mile options. Finish with a post-ride party at Sister Bay's Waterfront Park featuring food from local chefs, live music and beer. Visit peninsulacenturyfallchallenge.com for registration and more information. $40/25-mile. $45/50-mile. $45/metric century. $45/100-mile. $20/ages 14 & under."

What: Baileys Harbor Farmers Market
Where: Baileys Harbor Town Hall, 2392 County Highway F, Baileys Harbor
When: Sunday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: "Browse locally made & grown products from Door County farmers & artisans featuring everything from produce to handmade clothing. Come hungry and grab lunch or dessert from a food vendor with ready-to-eat items. Rain or shine."