Emergency sirens around Ozaukee County are expected to sound at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, April 18, during a statewide tornado and severe weather drill.

    The drill, which will last an hour, will occur unless severe storms are expected in the state at the time. Then, the drill will be postponed to Friday.

    If severe storms are possible on Friday as well, the drill will be cancelled.

    The drill includes a mock tornado watch — when tornados are possible — at 1 p.m. followed at 1:45 p.m. by a mock tornado warning.

    In addition to the sirens, the alerts will be broadcast by television and radio stations, including NOAA weather radios, around the state.

    A citywide rummage sale, similar to those held in Saukville, Fredonia and Belgium, is being planned for Port Washington.

    The inaugural community rummage sale, sponsored by the Port Washington Historical Society, will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 1.

    As in other communities, the event draws its name from the fact that many people throughout the city will hold rummage sales that day. Those participating in the event register and are included on a map that shows the locations of individual sales.

    “I like the idea of having a one-day, coordinated event,” organizer Chris Asplin said, noting that it will likely increase the number of shoppers and the number of sales occurring that day.

    “You don’t have to look in the paper every week if you’re looking for something. It’s very convenient that way.”

    Asplin said she based plans for the Port Washington event on Saukville’s community rummage sale, which benefits the Saukville Historical Society.

    As in Saukville, there will be a nominal fee — $5 — charged for a sale to be included in advertising, event maps and brochures. Participants will be able to list three items that are for sale in the brochure.

    The Port event will be held the same day the outdoor farmers market opens for the season, something that Asplin hopes will also increase the number of shoppers.

    Asplin said she’s not sure what type of turnout there will be in this first year.

    “I’ve already heard a lot of people are really excited about this,” she said. “I’m hoping for good weather.”

    Among the places where registration forms can be found are Edward Jones, Harry’s Restaurant, the Niederkorn Library, Port Washington State Bank, Sentry Foods, the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce and Tri-Par, BP and Citgo gas stations in Port Washington.

    The forms must be received by the Historical Society by May 25.

    Lucky Dog Park is one step closer to reality.

    The Port Washington Common Council on Tuesday amended the city’s zoning ordinance to allow dog parks as a conditional use in three zoning districts — agricultural, industrial and public and utility lands.

    “Dog owners are looking for appropriate places to exercise their dogs,” Ellen Paulus, who with her husband Bob is proposing the dog park in the city’s industrial park, told aldermen.

    Paulus said the park could be a great asset to the city and its residents, as well as a draw for tourists.

    She was the only person to speak during a public hearing on the ordinance change, which was unanimously approved.

    The Pauluses still need to obtain approval from the council for a conditional use permit that would allow them to develop a one-acre dog park next to their printing shop at 1270 Mineral Springs Dr.

    That action, which was recommended by the Plan Commission last month, is expected to occur at the Common Council’s Tuesday, April 16, meeting.

    To create the park, the couple plan to fence the roughly one-acre of land surrounding their shop, Paulus Printing, then subdivide the area for large and small dogs.

     A smaller area would be set aside for people to rent for limited time periods, she said. It would be ideal for dogs that aren’t suited for a group setting or owners who don’t want their dogs interacting with other canines.  

    If all goes well, Paulus said, the couple would eventually like to build an indoor running arena, similar to a horse arena, that could be used in winter or during inclement weather.

    The goal of the park is to provide an enclosed area where dogs can socialize, exercise and play off leash, Paulus said.

    Lucky Dog Park would be a private facility, with families paying daily, monthly or annual fees as members.

    Before a dog could use the park, it would be checked to ensure it has proper vaccinations and the right temperament to interact safely with others, Paulus said.

    She and her husband would monitor the park at all times, she added.