Algoma seeks final funds for new telescope

Mayor Wayne Schmidt and the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce are seeking the last $1,550 in donations they need to install a high-powered telescope at the Algoma Visitor's Center.

"I work at the center and people are always saying, 'Look at that boat out there – do you have any binoculars,'" said Schmidt, who volunteers at the center.

Schmidt and others want to offer residents and visitors something better than binoculars – a 5-foot, all-weather telescope with 35x magnification.

"Many of our guests enjoy the sights of the area from the wrap-around upper deck," Schmidt said.  "The deck boasts a million-dollar panoramic view of the lighthouse, Lake Michigan and our eastern city landscape."

Schmidt hopes they will soon be able to see it up close through the new telescope..  The coin-operated scope will cost 25 cents for three minutes.

These coins will cover the maintenance costs of the scope, said Joy Krieger, the chamber's executive director.

"There are lots of fishing boats out there most of the year," said Krieger.  "People always want to know what they are catching, and now they will be able to see for themselves."

With more than 20,000 visitors a year and 38 volunteers staffing the Visitor's Center, Krieger is confident the telescope will get a lot of use.

Schmidt hopes to have the telescope installed by the time the Tall Ships arrive in Algoma on Aug. 3.

The Chamber has already raised $3,450 from the following Algoma businesses, organizations and individuals:  Algoma Fire Department, Ebert Dairy Enterprises, WS Packaging Group, Bank of Luxemburg, Algoma Motors Inc., City of Algoma, JP Express, Hotel Stebbins, J & B TV and Appliance, Shanty Days Endowment, Ball Auto Truck and Parts, Bonnie Seiler, Algoma FFA Alumni, and Wayne and Karen Schmidt.

For a donation of $250 or more, donors will have their names placed on a plaque near the telescope.  Donations can be made out to the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce and can be dropped off or mailed to 1226 Lake St., Algoma 54201.

Karen Ebert Yancey can be reached at kyancey@kewauneestarnews.com, on Facebook at Kewaunee County Star News Facebook, on Twitter at @EbertYancey or by calling 920-559-1235.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press Gazette: Algoma seeks final funds for new telescope