Ellison Bay Community Pulling Together
by Karen Klement
Last week was a very emotional time for many people both in Ellison Bay and across the nation. Lives were lost and historic landmarks are gone but the Ellison Bay community is pulling together to get things back to normal. Owner of the Turtle Ridge Gallery Mary Ellen Sisulak says while some may be grieving the loss of lives, Ellison Bay residents are also grieving the loss of their beloved Pioneer Store. Although this small community has suffered during the last few days, Sisulak hopes people will realize that today’s Ellison Bay is the same place that everyone knows and loves. She hopes last week’s accident will not scare people away from this safe and beautiful place.
Many people took an emotional hit from last week’s tragedy. While the explosions took the lives of a Michigan couple, the accident also robbed Ellison Bay of their beloved Pioneer Store. Many were very sad about the loss and hope a new one will be constructed. Sisulak says about 150 people were displaced during the evacuation periods last week and many remained in the Ellison Bay area, bunking with friends and family. Sisulak says many doors were open in the community last week and the neighborhood has really pulled together.
Sisluka says she plans on being more involved in town meetings now and the rebuild of Ellison Bay. As far as business in the area, she says the word is spreading that things are getting back to normal in northern Door County. Sisulak hopes people will continue to visit Ellison Bay and enjoy the shops, galleries and natural beauty.