Once again, the Door County YMCA is making summer nutritious and delicious for kids by serving free meals to those aged 18 and younger.  Just last week the YMCA provided over 3,000 meals to kids throughout Door County at eleven different locations.  With five Sturgeon Bay locations, three in Algoma, two in Southern Door and one in Northern Door County, everyone should be able to access a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Makayla Thoma, Marketing and Event Director for the Door County YMCA, discusses the program and how anyone 18 and younger can benefit.

For information about menus, locations and times visit click here 

(Expired at 3pm) The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Eastern Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin... Southwestern Kewaunee County in northeastern Wisconsin...

* Until 300 PM CDT.

* At 217 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles southeast of Luxemburg, or 6 miles west of Kewaunee. This storm was nearly stationary.

HAZARD...Quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near... Kewaunee and Kewaunee Pierhead Light around 220 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by the severe thunderstorm include Birchwood, Scarboro, Neuern, Slovan, Casco, Rostok, Krok, Ellisville, East Krok and Stangelville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing large hail.

The generosity and volunteer spirit that help make Door County a stronger community were front and center Wednesday as the Door County Community Foundation hosted its annual Celebration of Giving at Gordon Lodge.
The event brought together donors, nonprofit leaders, volunteers and community supporters to recognize the people whose time, talent and financial contributions continue to improve life across the county.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Richard D. Egan Philanthropic Leadership Award to Steve and Jackie Kane. The award recognizes individuals whose generosity, community involvement and leadership reflect the philanthropic values championed by the late Richard D. Egan.
Foundation President and CEO Bret Bicoy said strong communities are built by people willing to step forward and help meet local needs. “Healthy communities don't happen by accident. They are built and sustained by people who notice what needs care and accept responsibility for helping,” Bicoy said. “Steve and Jackie Kane embody that spirit, and through their generosity, Door County is a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
“Steve and Jackie have demonstrated what true community leadership looks like,” said Tonya Felhofer, CEO of the Door County YMCA. “Their commitment to ensuring the long-term strength of our organization means that families, children, adults, and seniors throughout Door County will continue to have access to programs and services that improve health, create belonging, and strengthen community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and friendship.”
The Community Foundation also recognized three retiring board members — Inge Alverson Bacon, Jeff Ottum and Vicki Wilson — for their years of leadership and service. Foundation officials said their guidance has helped expand the organization's impact throughout Door County.
The Door County Community Foundation thanked everyone who attended and the many donors, volunteers and community partners whose support helps strengthen the county year-round.

Here's an update from the Southern Door Fire Chief, Richard Olson: 

The Southern Door Fire Department responded to 7780 Naze Road, in the town of Forestville, just after 1:30 p.m. on June 15 for the report of a car fire inside a garage attached to a house. Upon arrival of the first unit, the garage was fully involved and spreading to the house. A good initial attack slowed the fire from consuming the house. There is extensive fire and smoke damage to the house. The garage and its contents are a total loss. A 500 gallon LP tank blew its safety valve and a water curtain was established to cool the tank and disperse the LP while it off-gassed. 

 

The occupant had just arrived home with the vehicle that started the fire and the fire originated in the engine compartment.  Approximately 25,000 gallons of water were used. SDFD was assisted by Brussels-Union-Gardner FD, Sturgeon Bay FD, Nasewaupee FD, Algoma FD, Casco FD, Door County Sheriff's Department, Door County EMS and the Door County Communications Center. The scene was cleared just after 4:00 p.m.

 

Thank you for Cheif Olson for the update and to all the departments for everything they do. 

On Saturday mornings in Sturgeon Bay, you can find anything from fresh seasonal produce to smoked fish and cheese at the Farmers Market. This episode of Faces of the Farmer's Market, Alexa Soto and Bryan Mazur spoke with Aaron Faulkner from Bank First who is a presenting sponsor.  He talk about what it means for them to be a part of this annual summertime event along with sharing more about Bank First’s history and growth.

The Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8am-Noon in Downtown Sturgeon Bay. You Can listen to the complete Faces of the Farmers Market, Season 4, Episode 1 here.

If South Lansing Avenue is part of your daily commute, plan for some extra time.

The City of Sturgeon Bay announced that South Lansing Avenue will close sometime this morning, June 16, between Willow Drive and State Highway 42/57 as crews prepare for pavement milling scheduled later today.

The project is anticipated to take one to two weeks, depending on weather conditions and contractor scheduling, and will remain closed to through traffic, with access limited to local traffic only throughout the project.

During the milling operation, local access will be maintained from the north via Green Bay Road and from the east via Willow Drive.

While South Lansing Avenue is not a major highway, it is a well-traveled route for many area residents. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes whenever possible and expect delays in the area.

If you travel through any work zones, use extra caution and watch for construction crews and equipment.

The Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club is inviting you to unwind by the water this summer with the return of its Wine Down Wednesday concert series.

The seven-week event begins July 1 and continues every Wednesday through Aug. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the club's outdoor patio overlooking Sturgeon Bay.

Open to the public, Wine Down Wednesday features live performances from local musicians, including Cathy Grier + the Troublemakers and members from Birch Creek Jazz, each week will showcase a different local performer, highlighting musicians from across Door County's arts and entertainment community. They will also have food and beverage specials each week. Admission is free.

Andrea Frank, Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Event and Marketing Coordinator says the series offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy local music while taking in waterfront views while experiencing the atmosphere of the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club.

 

Frank says the event is designed as a midweek gathering where people can relax, connect with friends and enjoy summer evenings along the bay, plus it will be over in time for you to get to Harmony by the Bay in Martin Park. 

Wine Down Wednesday runs Wednesdays from July 1 through Aug. 12 at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club. More information is available through the club website and on their social media pages.

SEE UPDATE ON 6/16/26- Structure fire in Forestville, WI around 2pm this afternoon triggered a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) requiring trucks and tenders from B.U.G., Nasawaupee, Sturgeon Bay, Algoma and other departments. The fire appeared to start in the garage area of a residents on Naze Road. More details will be available once crews have secured the scene. 

In a post on Facebook the Sturgeon Bay Police Department shared that an anonymous artist has been leaving great messages around Sturgeon Bay City Hall. They said it was a great way to start their day. The message read “Have a great day or night. Thank you for all you do. Stay true and safe.” 

There have been multiple of these messages left for city workers, law enforcement and first responders. If you would like to share your message to the dedicated, hardworking members of our community, you can do so by clicking here.  

If you're looking for a way to welcome summer in Door County, Fyr Bal offers a full day of family-friendly activities along the shores of Eagle Harbor on Saturday, June 20.
Ephraim's 61st Fyr Ball (Pronounced “feer ball”) celebrates the transition from spring to summer while honoring Ephraim's Scandinavian heritage through live music, traditional dancing, artisan vendors, crafts and activities for all ages. 
As the sun sets, the festival's signature bonfire will be lit along the harbor, symbolizing the arrival of the summer season. The evening concludes with a fireworks display over Eagle Harbor, providing a dramatic finale to one of Door County's most popular summer traditions. Festival activities are scheduled throughout the day in downtown Ephraim and along the waterfront. A full list of activities can be found here. 

You will have a chance to take home free books while encouraging the lifelong love of reading during the “Love of Reading” happing June 23rd-25th.

The United Way of Door County and the Door County Partnership for Children & Families have partnered with the Door County Bookmobile, Door County Library and Door County YMCA, to host the “Love of Reading” book giveaway for children from birth to age 5.

Young readers can explore the Door County Bookmobile, choose age-appropriate books to keep and everyone can learn about library resources available to their families. Parents also can sign eligible children up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books by mail.

 

This event will take place at the following locations:

Tuesday, June 23

- Forestville Library - 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM

- Sturgeon Bay Library - 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM

Wednesday, June 24

- Sister Bay Library - 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

- Baileys Harbor Library - 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM

- Egg Harbor Library - 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM

Thursday, June 25

- Sturgeon Bay - Door County YMCA - Summer

Lunch Program from 11:30am – 12:30pm

 

Thanks to an anonymous donor, all books will be available at no cost for children to take home and enjoy.

Even after approving plans for two additional housing developments earlier this month, the City of Sturgeon Bay is not slowing its efforts to increase the local housing supply.

 

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council is set to approve a resolution certifying the housing element of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, ensuring it meets existing and projected housing demand. The council is also expected to contribute $10,000 to the Door County Economic Development Corporation's next housing study.

 

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said earlier this month that the city's residential vacancy rate is about 3%, a couple of percentage points below the 5% to 8% range generally considered healthy for a community.

 

Door County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says the city has made tremendous progress in addressing its housing shortage, particularly when it comes to meeting the needs of the local workforce.

 

 

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will also discuss the installation of a baby box and consider a new labor agreement with the city's firefighters when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Whether it's the sound of a steel drum, a violin or a saxophone you've been waiting for since last summer, the arrival of summer at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor begins this week.

 

The first students of the 2026 season arrived on campus Sunday in anticipation of the first Percussion, Steel Pan and World Music performance on June 18. It is the time of year that Executive Director Jenna Ferdon and her team work toward all offseason as they welcome hundreds of students for four two-week sessions.

 

With the return of steel pan musician Victor Provost highlighting the slate of performances, Ferdon says audiences will have a lot to enjoy during the Percussion, Steel Pan and World Music session.

 

 

You can attend performances during the Percussion, Steel Pan and World Music session Thursday through Saturday through June 27.

If you spot a turtle crossing the road or digging a nest in your yard, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for your help.

 

As nesting season continues through June, female turtles are leaving lakes, rivers and wetlands to lay eggs, often in roadside ditches, gardens and residential yards. The DNR says four of Wisconsin's 11 native turtle species are endangered, threatened or experiencing population declines.

 

If a turtle chooses your property as a nesting site, wildlife officials recommend leaving the nest undisturbed and protecting it with an open-bottom nest cage. The cage helps keep raccoons and other predators away while allowing hatchlings to emerge safely.

 

Drivers can also help by slowing down near wetlands and watching for turtles crossing roadways. Residents are encouraged to report turtle sightings to the Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program, helping biologists identify nesting areas and protect turtle populations for future generations.

 

Photos courtesy of Bryan Mazur, who recently discovered a turtle nest in his front yard.

With Big Creek and The Cove Estuary both ecologically and symbolically at the heart of Crossroads at Big Creek, and with a water research lab located in the Collins Learning Center, it should come as little surprise that “Water” was selected as this week’s theme for our Summer at Crossroads Series.

 

Each Monday we start with a Tale. On Monday, June 22 at 2:00 PM, Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read the storybook Creekfinding: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. This tale is set in the Driftless Region of Iowa, but it seems, somehow, so familiar.

 

It starts by asking: How does a creek get lost? Especially “a creek that burbled out of the ground.”

 

Well, according to the storybook, “the creek did not lose itself. A farmer used a bulldozer to stuff the creek with dirt so he would have more space to grow corn. No water—no water bugs, no frogs, no birds…”

 

And that is why the tale felt so familiar. Back when our first 60 acres were purchased to create a school forest, Big Creek wasn’t big and definitely was not teeming with wildlife. It was essentially a muddy, ruler-straight ditch running through a Norway spruce plantation.

 

Neighbors tell us that during the Depression era, CCC crews straightened Big Creek as part of an “agricultural improvement” project. Their new channel was essentially a ditch, which they stabilized by planting reed canary grass.

 

Many folks remember that at one time the land was planted in apple orchards and also was a Christmas tree farm. Then, the former wetland was used as a plantation for non-native evergreens.

 

At the time of purchase, Crossroads was a weedy orchard with dead or nearly dead trees and a stand of non-native evergreens. Re-meandering Big Creek was the first restoration effort at Crossroads.

 

In 1995, using grant money from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Sturgeon Bay Education Foundation had the ditch filled. Before the work was done, however, a team of surveyors came in and, using old maps and obvious topography, determined the original creek bed, which they marked with pink flags.

 

And we waited for snowmelt.

 

The water knew where it needed to go. It was as if the creek was using those pink flags as trail markers. Now, the main channel and surrounding wetlands really do teem with wildlife.

 

The storybook has a happy ending, and so did Crossroads.

 

This week, folks will enjoy the Trail Tales Storybook Walk starting at the West Trailhead. But we also encourage folks to take time to visit our North Bridge and experience the ongoing recovery of the Big Creek Wetlands.

 

On Tuesday at 1:00 PM, during Journeys with Joan, join naturalist Joan Wilkie for free family-oriented activities exploring nature. Wisconsin has an amazing gift—our freshwater Great Lakes. This journey will explore how glacial ice transformed our landscapes.

 

Our weekly Wandering Wednesday, a gentle naturalist-led hike, will certainly visit various water features.

 

We are really excited about the Talk on Thursday at 2:00 PM. Amanda Surfus of Door County Soil & Water will present “Water in a Karst System.” In this talk, Amanda will explore how karst landscapes—formed from fractured dolostone—shape the way water moves through Door County. The presentation will combine science, stories from the field, and examples specific to Door County’s landscape.

 

The week’s activities end early this Friday—at 5:00 AM! Volunteers are invited to join Crossroads’ bioinventory efforts to document bird species at our Ida Bay Preserve as part of our restoration work. Participants should dress for the weather and have the Merlin Bird ID app downloaded on their phones. We will meet in the parking lot at 1195 Canal Road. Participants will then be staged throughout the preserve, recording birds they see and birds they “hear” using their phones. Reservations are not required.

 

We care about water, and this week we would love to share these water-themed programs with the community. If you can’t attend, know that all trails (and bridges) at Crossroads and the Ida Bay Preserve are open all day, every day, free of charge.

 

Saturday, June 20
10:00 AM – FLAG DAY HIKE (DELAYED)
With all that is going on at Crossroads and across the country on Flag Day Weekend, we have delayed our long-time traditional Flag Day Wildflower Hike until Saturday. Blue Flag iris should still be blooming for this gentle guided hike. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Monday, June 22
2:00 PM – TALE: Creekfinding: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, Creekfinding: A True Story, written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Claudia McGehee. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Tuesday, June 23
1:00 PM – Journeys with Joan: Great Lakes Glaciers
Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Join our naturalist, Joan Wilkie, for free family-oriented activities exploring nature. Wisconsin has an amazing gift—our Great Lakes! We’ll explore how glacial ice transformed our landscapes. Suitable for all ages. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Wednesday, June 24
1:30 PM – Wandering Wednesday: Naturalist-Led Hike
Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. Well-behaved dogs allowed on leash. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Thursday, June 25
2:00 PM – Talk: Water in a Karst System
Join Amanda Surfus of Door County Soil & Water to explore the fascinating geology of the Door Peninsula. In this informative program, Amanda will explain how karst landscapes—formed from fractured dolostone—shape the way water moves through the landscape.

Karst systems are known for their thin soils, sinkholes, disappearing streams, and rapid underground water flow. These unique features make our region beautiful, but they also create special challenges and responsibilities when it comes to water quality, groundwater protection, and land stewardship. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Friday, June 26
5:00 AM – Bird Survey Hike
Join Crossroads’ bioinventory efforts to document bird species at our Ida Bay Preserve as part of our restoration work. We will be performing three-point counts throughout the summer following Breeding Bird Atlas protocols. Participants should dress for the weather and have the Merlin Bird ID app downloaded on their phones. We will meet in the parking lot at 1195 Canal Road. Participants will then be staged throughout the preserve, recording birds they see and birds they “hear.”

Driving an ATV or UTV around town is going to feel a lot more like driving a car. Effective June 1, operators and passengers are required to wear seat belts and are prohibited from towing objects carrying a person. Operators also will see new window tint restrictions and higher fines for intentionally causing damage with an ATV or UTV.

 

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha said the new rules come as more people are using ATVs and UTVs as part of their daily routine, and many are getting hurt.

 

 

Kratcha said there have already been 16 fatalities linked to ATV and UTV use in 2026, compared with 42 total fatalities in 2025.

I have had a request to share some information regarding the laws surrounding controlled intersections. In every accident report, there is a category that the officer completes titled "Contributing Factors." Within this category, there are many choices ranging from road factors and vehicle equipment factors to human factors. Every accident has a contributing factor, and for the most part, each of these contributing factors can either be minimized or eliminated altogether through intervention. If road conditions are degraded, slow down. If vehicle equipment contributed to the accident, a little preventive maintenance is in order. The most common category involves the driver and what they did—or did not do—that contributed to the accident.

 

The behavior I would like to cover in this article is "Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way" and "Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign." This includes those who stop at stop signs but then proceed when it is not safe to do so, as well as those drivers who do not stop at all. Of the numerous accidents we have responded to over the years, most have been caused by either failure to yield the right-of-way or failure to stop at a stop sign.

 

There is probably no greater risk when driving than entering a roadway from an intersection or driveway. Drivers pulling out onto a roadway need to consider not only their ability to cross the roadway, but also the safe distance required to merge with vehicles already traveling at the posted speed. That distance is much different when crossing or merging with traffic in a 25 mph zone versus a 55 mph zone. Many times, we see failure-to-stop violations and subsequent accidents at highly visible intersections more often than at intersections where hills or vegetation limit the view of vehicles entering the intersection. This goes back to attentive driving. As drivers, we tend to increase or decrease our attentiveness based on what we perceive as risk. It is usually when our vigilance is lowered that we run into problems.

 

As drivers, we must maintain focus on what we are doing, especially at critical points in our travels, such as intersections and other points of access. Even if you are the one who has the right-of-way, be vigilant. Do not assume that the vehicle at the stop sign sees you and will wait before pulling out. Do not assume that the vehicle leaving a private driveway sees you. Be ready to react to the unexpected. Just because you are in the right does not mean you cannot help prevent an accident.

 

I think what our driver's education teachers called this was "defensive driving," and it is just as important for experienced drivers as it is for new drivers.

The battle over the mass cutting of trees in Potawatomi State Park is headed to court.

 

The recently formed conservation group Potawatomi Advocates for Trees, Conservation and Heritage filed a lawsuit Friday against the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and DNR Secretary Karen Hyun in an effort to stop future work inside the state park.

 

Hundreds of trees were cut during the winter as part of a road construction project that widened roads by up to 10 feet to accommodate new bike lanes.

 

PATCH alleges the DNR caused environmental harm to the park by destroying portions of the forest canopy and damaging wildlife habitat. PATCH Executive Director Dave Allen said the DNR did not hold a public hearing on the project, nor did it receive approval from the Natural Resources Board, as other projects have in the past.

 

Allen said the project violates the park's 2018 Master Plan, which states that any road project should be completed at its current development level. He argues that the work completed this spring exceeded those guidelines. While the organization cannot reverse what has already been done, Allen hopes the lawsuit can protect other parts of the park from a similar fate.

 

 

The project also drew criticism from State Rep. Joel Kitchens and State Sen. Andre Jacque earlier this month, with both lawmakers calling for a public hearing on the project.

 

"After re-reading the plan online, it is extremely vague on specific plans for the road widening," Kitchens said. "While they may have technically met the legal requirement regarding notice and gathering public input, they did not come close to meeting the public's expectations for transparency."

 

Allen added that PATCH will host a gathering in the coming weeks to build additional support.

 

Photos courtesy of PATCH

The latest report from United for ALICE shows many households are struggling to make ends meet.

 

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and 29% of U.S. households meet that definition. When combined with households living in poverty, more than 40% of U.S. households experienced hardship  according to 2024 data.

 

Basic needs, including food, shelter, child care and transportation, continue to contribute to families struggling to get by as costs often outpace wage increases. United for ALICE Director Stephanie Hoopes says ALICE families are facing headwinds across the country.

 

 

Wisconsin is in better shape than many other states, with approximately 35% of households below the ALICE threshold. The state ranks seventh among states with the lowest rates of hardship.

 

United Way of Brown County President and CEO Robyn Davis says the picture is not as rosy in every community.

 

 

Hoopes and Davis say communities are stepping up to support local ALICE populations. That includes employers assisting with child care and scheduling challenges, state and local governments finding ways to offer health care and transportation, and community colleges offering flexible schedules and lower-cost courses.

 

Data for 2025 will be shared later this month.

The Kewaunee County Board will hear reports from several officials during its meeting Tuesday.

 

In his final annual report presentation, Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski will share changes the department has experienced over the past year, along with statistics related to calls for service.

 

"While the challenges remain regarding the complexity of calls and the limited resources for mental health crisis services, we as a community have come together to meet those challenges," Joski wrote.

 

Included in the meeting agenda packet, Joski's report highlights a new roof for the old jail, the creation of the Kewaunee County Deflection Program for residents battling substance abuse, and the purchase of LifeVac choking rescue devices and less-lethal weapons.

 

The Kewaunee County Board will also hear from the director of the Kewaunee County Promotions and Recreation Department. Among the department's highlights are record revenue from Winter Park ticket sales and concessions, as well as increased fairgrounds rental fees. The success at Winter Park was driven by a record number of private group rentals.

 

The board will also hear from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College President Dr. Kristen Raney and Kewaunee County Administrator Jeremy Kral before reviewing committee reports and entering closed session.

 

Tuesday's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Kewaunee County Administration Building in Kewaunee.

Sixty days before voters head to the polls for the fall primary election for Door County sheriff, the Door County Sheriff's Deputies Association has issued a vote of no confidence in incumbent Tammy Sternard.

 

The organization signed its resolution on June 1 of its vote, saying the resolution "reflects the collective judgment of the membership regarding a pattern of concerns impacting leadership, communication, engagement and trust within the agency."

 

The resolution was sent to Sternard, Door County Administrator Ken Pabich and Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Chairman Collin Jeanquart.

 

While the resolution acknowledges that Sternard has made positive changes to the department, it states those accomplishments have been "deeply overshadowed." It cites the handling of a case involving the shooting of a feral pig, low morale in the jail division and poor attendance at monthly meetings among the concerns members have with Sternard and why "they have lost faith in the sheriff's ability to effectively lead this agency in a manner consistent with the best interests of its personnel and the citizens of Door County."

 

Sternard responded to the resolution in writing, addressing some of the concerns directly.

 

"It is unfortunate that some within the association chose not to come and talk to me about most of what's alleged in the document, but rather to air their grievances in this manner," Sternard wrote. She said she released the resolution after it was requested through an open records request.

 

She added that, having previously served in association leadership herself, she understands the importance of maintaining open dialogue and said the concerns had not been brought to her attention before.

 

"These are public attacks on my character and an attempt to portray me in a way that is inconsistent with my actions and record as sheriff," Sternard wrote. "This has been personally hurtful, but one of my strengths is to stand tall, ride out the storm and remain focused on my responsibilities as sheriff. My commitment remains the same today as it was yesterday: to serve the people of Door County and support the professionals who put on this uniform every day."

 

Both Sternard and the Door County Sheriff's Deputies Association said in their written statements that there would be no further comment.

 

You can click the links below to read the documents provided by the Door County Sheriff's Department.

 

Resolution from Door County Sheriff's Deputies Association

Written Statement from Door County Sheriff Tammy Sternard

The latest turn in the battle over the future of the Alpine Resort Lodge came to an end earlier this month with the stroke of a pen in Door County Circuit Court.

 

Judge Jennifer Moeller signed the order for dismissal June 5 ahead of a previously scheduled hearing June 8.

 

The case dates back to last November, when 10 Egg Harbor residents filed for a restraining order against the Village of Egg Harbor, its Zoning Board of Appeals and Sagorac Enterprises LLC over the possible demolition of the Alpine Resort Lodge.

 

According to court records, the request for a temporary restraining order was filed about a month after the Egg Harbor Zoning Board of Appeals voted in favor of granting owner Matt Sagorac the certificate of appropriateness needed to demolish the Alpine Resort Lodge.

 

The decision came nearly two months after Sagorac Enterprises issued a news release formally evicting Alpine Resort operator Randy Abrahams and his affiliated entities over alleged lease violations and unpaid rent.

 

The Alpine Resort said it had terminated its ongoing negotiations with Sagorac Enterprises and had no knowledge of the issue until its access was blocked. The resort added that it had been negotiating the lease and repurchase of the waterfront parcels and blamed recent delays on sudden changes to the agreement.

 

The golf course and on-site restaurant have since opened to the public.

You can be part of the fastest-growing sport in the country right here in Door County, thanks in part to the efforts of the Door County Pickleball Club.

 

With courts from Brussels to Washington Island, the club offers plenty of opportunities to get outside, spend time with friends and enjoy a good workout.

 

Pickleball was created in 1965 and experienced significant growth in 2019 and 2020 as people looked for ways to stay active and socialize while maintaining social distance. Don Helm, vice president of the Door County Pickleball Club, recommends taking a lesson or class before stepping onto the court for the first time.

 

Helm said lessons help new players learn the rules and fundamentals of the game. Pickleball has unique scoring and serving rules, and understanding those basics can make the game more enjoyable for beginners.

 

In addition to offering classes for new players, the Door County Pickleball Club has several events scheduled throughout the summer. A clinic featuring professional pickleball player Gina Cilento is scheduled for June 27. The Pickleball for Kids' Sake Tournament, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Door County, will be held Aug. 7, and the club's annual social is scheduled for Aug. 30 at Sunset Park.

 

To learn more about classes, open-court times and upcoming events, visit doorcountypickleball.com.

Friday marks the first opportunity this summer to experience some of the best chamber music in Door County.

 

Midsummer’s Music opens its 36th season Friday with a special gala event at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor. The performance kicks off a summer schedule featuring more than 40 concerts at unique venues across the peninsula. Audiences will hear works by familiar composers such as Mozart and Brahms, as well as some of their lesser-known contemporaries.

 

With ensembles featuring artists from the Pro Arte Quartet and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Midsummer’s Music Executive Director Allyson Fleck said it is a unique opportunity to experience world-class musicians close to home.

 

The season concludes Sept. 7 with a special gala event at Björklunden.

 

Midsummer’s Music’s Beauty and Brilliance program, featuring works by Mozart, Schubert and Raff, will be performed at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sister Bay on June 13, Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay on June 16, and Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay on June 17, in addition to Friday’s gala at Birch Creek Music Performance Center.

Depending on where you're headed in Kewaunee County on Saturday, you could encounter a rainbow of antique tractors along your route.

 

For more than 20 years, Agricultural Heritage and Resources Inc. has organized the Great Lakeshore Tractor Rally, giving farmers and agriculture enthusiasts a chance to see 35 miles of Kewaunee County countryside from the comfort of a tractor seat or wagon.

 

Agricultural Heritage and Resources Inc. board member Bill Roethle said many farmers and tractor enthusiasts work hard to restore and maintain their antique and vintage machinery, only to have it sit unused in a barn. The Great Lakeshore Tractor Rally changes that for at least a few hours each year.

 

 

The route begins and ends at Homestead Kitchen and Tap in Algoma and follows roads south of Highway 54 and east of County Road E. Stops at the Muskrat Sportsman's Club and Heim's Hillcrest Dairy are scheduled along the way.

 

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the ride starting at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the $40 event will support the work of Agricultural Heritage and Resources Inc.0

 

Roethle said the organization is working to put more of its collection of agricultural implements manufactured in Kewaunee County on display.