Extra Money for Tourism Council Will Bring More Visitors, Port Officials Hope

Port Washington officials are moving forward with an ordinance to increase the city's hotel/motel tax by 1 percent, which would generate tens of thousands of dollars to be used in marketing the city to tourists.

Officials are hoping to use what they call an improving economic situation in Port Washington to further benefit the city and attract more visitors. The Port Washington Common Council on Wednesday night unanimously gave approval for city officials to move forward with drafting an ordinance that would increase the city's hotel/motel tax from 7 percent to 8 percent. "I really think we've turned a corner in Port Washington. There's a new energy, there's a new vibrancy," Ald. Joe Dean said, pointing to increased traffic and hot-spot areas throughout the city. By adding one percent to the hotel/motel tax, officials said there would be an estimated $30,000 in additional revenue — all of which would benefit Port Washington Tourism and therefore …

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Statistics Offer Positive Outlook for Port Tourism

Wisconsin visitors spent more money in 2011 over 2010, and the tourism industry in Port Washington and well as Ozaukee County is following suit.

It's no secret that Port Washington's streets grow busier in the summer, a trend that's thanks to warmer weather, fishing opportunities — and tourism, to name a few. Though the tourism industry has struggled since the economic downturn, and "staycations," are often a more popular choice than tropical getaways, state numbers indicate that people are getting back to traveling. "Visitors to Wisconsin spent nearly $10 billion in 2011, an 8 percent increase from the previous year, according to a study released ... by the state Department of Tourism," an article on JSOnline.com reports. Though Port Washington's numbers aren't quite as high, Kathy Tank, executive director of the Port Washington Tourism Council, said things are slowly but surely …

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Port Washington: There's an App for That

Port Washington recently released a phone application for iPhone and Android platforms — a free download that details shops, restaurants, events and more in the city.

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Time to Frolic: Winter Weather Great Opportunity for Building Port

There are lots of aspects to consider when reassessing Port Washington's future — and a few whacky ideas may help the city along.

I was sending a leadsheet to another musician this morning. A leadsheet is a hardcopy of the song lyrics with the chords indicated above. Other musicians can read along with the vocal and know where to change from a "D" to an "A7," for example.  The song was "Shed My Skin," and I had included an epilogue, the quote from John Muir: "Everybody needs beauty ... places to play and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike." — Voice for the Wilderness, John Muir, 1902 It reminded me of another guy from Wisconsin, Aldo Leopold. A friend and I visited the Leopold "Shack" near Baraboo a month or so ago.  Many Wisconsinites know the story of the "Shack." but if you aren’t one of them here goes: During the …

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Temporary Gas Spike Looms for Holiday Travelers

Refinery problem in Illinois could increase local gas prices by 40 cents per gallon for a short time.

Don’t look now, but Wisconsin gas prices, particularly in the southeastern part of the state, may be on the rise – as much as 40 cents per gallon - as the Memorial Day weekend approaches. This time it has nothing to do with factors like volatility in the Middle East. The source of the problem is much closer, across the border in Illinois. “Midwest gas prices are likely headed up in the coming days due to problems at a refinery in Joliet, Illinois,” said Pam Moen, spokeswoman for AAA Wisconsin. “Wholesale gasoline prices in the Chicago market have risen about 40 cents since Friday. We will likely see those increases reflected in retail prices in the coming days.” Now for the good news. The refinery issue should be resolved within a few days…

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