There are only 16 Coast Guard City locations in existence & Sturgeon Bay is one of them. In honor of its new designation, the city council Tuesday evening agreed to advance $7,500 to a committee working on a celebration recognizing the solidarity between the city & the Coast Guard. The celebration will be held on May 9th, 10th & 11th at several locations in Sturgeon Bay. A little more than five years ago, the chances of having a Coast Guard presence in Sturgeon Bay was in doubt. City Administrator Steve Mcneil said the word was the Coast Guard was preparing to pull up stakes & head to Escanaba, Michigan. But a non-official committee of local residents began meeting on a regular basis to find a way to turn things around…[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/N464.mp3|titles=City Administrator Steve Mcneil]
Mayor Thad Birmingham, reflecting on the multiple benefits the city has seen because of the Coast Guard presence, said sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it’s too late…[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/N465.mp3|titles=City Administrator Steve Mcneil]
Alderman Rick Wiesner, who heads up the Coast Guard City Celebration Committee, says donations will be sought to help pay for the event’s activities. He said the city’s advance will help get the ball rolling.
