The volunteers of the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department put in a full day of work Friday as they responded to three separate calls.

 

The first call came at approximately 7:15 p.m. from the intersection of County DK and County Y near Namur. BUG Assistant Fire Chief Jim Wautier said a bearing on a baler overheated and caught fire. The straw it was baling also ignited, and the fire spread across several acres before reaching a nearby wooded area, where pine needles and other brush caught fire.

 

In addition to B.U.G's four trucks that responded, the Southern Door Fire Department assisted by bringing additional personnel, a brush truck and a UTV. Wautier said firefighters remained on the scene for nearly three hours.

 

 

At approximately 9 p.m., emergency personnel responded to Fox Lane in Gardner, where an ATV overturned, leaving a man unconscious. He was later transported to a hospital for treatment.

 

As that call was wrapping up, BUG firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on Sun N Surf Drive in the Town of Union. According to Wautier, the cottage owners had finished using a fire pit on their deck, placed the cover over it and went inside. Shortly afterward, they discovered the ashes from the fire pit had apparently ignited the plastic decking before the fire spread to the exterior of the home.

 

B.U.G, the Southern Door Fire Department and other departments from Door and Kewaunee counties helped extinguish the blaze, which took approximately four hours. Wautier estimated the fire trucks were able to return to the station by 1:30 a.m.

Kewaunee County individuals and families struggling with substance abuse and other challenges will have a safe place to turn in the future after county officials approved the purchase of a wraparound house in Casco on Tuesday.

 

By a 16-4 vote, the county approved purchasing the home on Hyland Court from the Village of Casco for $300,000 using funds primarily obtained through settlements with opioid manufacturers.

 

Wraparound houses provide a support network for individuals and families with complex needs, including behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders and other issues. The hope is that the wraparound house will help people recover from opioid addiction, regain stability and get their lives back on track.

 

Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson was one of the four "no" votes. He questioned what the county would do with the house if the program is unsuccessful and argued that the money from the opioid settlements would be better used for enforcement purposes.

 

Of the $300,000 being used to purchase the house, $168,000 will come from opioid settlement funds, with the remainder coming from the county's Human Services Department.

 

The Kewaunee County Board also approved making the county sales tax permanent and appointed Dallas Hubbard as the new county veterans service officer during Tuesday's meeting.

You will soon see red trolleys traversing the southern Door County countryside, showcasing the area's agricultural roots.

 

The Southern Door Business Association piloted its first agricultural tour Wednesday, taking invited guests on the "Cherries and Dairies Tour." Guests explored Soren's Valhalla Orchards to see its mechanical harvester and pick their own cherries, Olson Family Farms to see how its solar array powers the operation, including its robotic milker, and learned how businesses like Country Ovens and Wienke's Farm Market bring local agriculture to consumers.

 

Southern Door Business Association Executive Director Karyn Stroschein credits a conversation with her former teacher and current trolley driver, Dave Samuels, with inspiring the idea to bring a unique agritourism experience to the area. Stroschein says the early feedback has been fantastic and adds that, for many on the tour, it was an experience they otherwise would not have had, despite some living in Door County their entire lives.

 

 

Looking to build on the growing interest in southern Door County, Stroschein says the organization plans to pilot another tour this fall before likely offering them to the public next year.

 

 

Agritourism is becoming a growing part of the state's tourism industry while also benefiting the farms that participate. According to 2022 data from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, nearly 670 farms offered structured agritourism and recreational services, generating an average of about $31,000 per farm.

The 0.5% sales tax instituted by the Kewaunee County Board in 2017, and approved again in 2021, is sticking around for the foreseeable future after the board amended the ordinance Tuesday.

The amended ordinance removes the sunset date of Dec. 31, 2026, an action that was required to take place at least 120 days before the original repeal date. The sales tax was extended in 2021 as a way to adjust to life after the Kewaunee Power Station closed.

Five years later, Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson still does not like placing a regressive tax on people struggling to make ends meet. However, Olson says the county cannot afford not to have it, adding that repealing the sales tax would leave a giant hole in the budget.
 

Keeping the county sales tax also keeps Kewaunee County in the majority of Wisconsin counties that levy one. Of the state's 72 counties, Waukesha and Winnebago are the only two that do not impose their own sales tax. Milwaukee County is the only one of the remaining 70 counties with a higher local sales tax, at 0.9%.

The Door County Historical Society was recently recognized for keeping history alive in your backyard. The organization is the latest recipient of the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History, the Wisconsin Historical Society's highest honor for affiliated local historical organizations.

The traveling trophy, which dates to 1958, recognizes the organization's work in the community over the past five years. The award coincides with the Door County Historical Society's efforts to restore the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to its former glory.

In addition to rehabilitation work inside the lighthouse, which dates to 1868, the reimagining of the site included restoring the oil house and privy and reconstructing the summer kitchen and barn. The Door County Historical Society raised more than $3 million to bring former keeper William Duclon's story back to life. Executive Director Amy Frank said last month that it took a lot of people to make the project a reality.
 

The restoration of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse also earned the organization the Historic Rehabilitation Award. Frank thanked the community for its support, which helped the organization earn the two awards.

"These awards celebrate what we've accomplished together over the past 100 years," Frank said. "They remind us that preserving history isn't just about protecting old buildings or collecting artifacts — it's about connecting people to the stories that define our community."

While you can find many delicious items that are good for you at the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, there are others that benefit you in different ways. Trillium Herbal Company has called Sturgeon Bay home for more than 30 years. Trillium CEO Karen Ciesar developed her line of organic skin care products in response to a lack of available options for her newborn daughter, who had sensitive skin. Ciesar says she learned a great deal about skin care from her midwives and used Trillium as a way to leave her law career and pursue a more fulfilling endeavor.

 

 

Boasting a line that includes everything from body soap and face polish to remedy balms and bug spray, Trillium Herbal Company was the first to offer a USDA-certified personal care line.

 

You can hear more about Trillium Herbal Company in the latest episode of the Faces of the Farmers Market podcast.

Performing arts venues throughout the county had to ditch the scripts and scores last week and rely on improvisation after the area filled with smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

 

At times, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached levels between 400 and 700 — more than 100 points above the 300 AQI threshold for hazardous air conditions and far from the 0-50 range considered healthy for everyday outdoor activity.

 

It forced many venues to either cancel performances or make alternate plans. Peninsula Players Theatre was forced to cancel three performances because of poor AQI levels, while Northern Sky Theater moved its performances from Peninsula State Park indoors and presented concert-style versions of its shows. At Birch Creek Music Performance Center, outdoor performances were moved inside the Dutton Concert Barn, while people who were more sensitive to the smoke could watch via simulcast in Juniper Hall.

 

Birch Creek Music Performance Center Executive Director Jenna Ferdon says it was a frantic time as staff worked to determine the best way to keep everyone safe.

 

 

With the AQI trending downward, Ferdon expects performances will return to normal for the second week of the first Big Band Jazz session, including ambassador performances in Ellison Bay, Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Ephraim, as well as concerts on Birch Creek's Egg Harbor campus.

 

You can listen to our full interview with Ferdon here.

Cherries and helping others achieve affordable housing were just two of the common threads celebrated by Habitat for Humanity officials on Monday.

 

Door County Habitat for Humanity leaders welcomed their peers from Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Honduras and Costa Rica for a day of touring the peninsula and highlighting the work being done locally.

 

A portion of the money raised by Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country supports international efforts in more than 70 countries through the organization's tithe program, which encourages affiliates to contribute 10% of their unrestricted, undesignated donations to the Global Impact Fund.

 

It was a day of learning for everyone on the tour, which included not only stops to pick up some cherries but also visits with families whose lives have been impacted by Door County Habitat for Humanity. What stood out to Habitat for Humanity Honduras Resource Development and Communications Manager Stanzi Perez was the connection Executive Director Lori Allen has with the families they serve.

 

 

For Allen, it was learning how Habitat for Humanity Honduras partners with its business community to make an even bigger impact in the areas it serves.

 

 

Habitat for Humanity Wisconsin Executive Director Peter Lewandowski says the day was important because it demonstrated the international impact that can be made in our own backyard.

 

 

Perz and Eugenia Salazar Trejos from Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica will be touring Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the state this week as part of the delegation's visit to Wisconsin.

All four Door County sheriff candidates will be under one roof later this month when the League of Women Voters of Door County hosts its candidate forum on July 30. The forum will feature incumbent and Democratic candidate Sheriff Tammy Sternard, Republican candidates Curt Vandertie and Carl Waterstreet, and independent candidate Randy Wagner.

 

The public can submit questions for the forum, but representatives from the League of Women Voters of Door County will ask them between opening and closing statements from each candidate.

 

The forum will take place at the Sturgeon Bay High School auditorium from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It can be attended in person or watched on the Sturgeon Bay High School YouTube channel. It also will be recorded for later viewing on the League of Women Voters of Door County's website.

 

The forum comes just weeks before the Aug. 11 primary, when the Republican field will be narrowed from two candidates to one, setting up a three-person race ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

For emergency management directors like Kewaunee County's Tracy Nollenberg, it has been the weather that has kept them on their toes this year. After a snowstorm dumped 25 to 30 inches of snow on the area in March, the region was hit with torrential rainstorms that dropped several inches of rain. In recent weeks, more heavy rain and straight-line winds have caused flash flooding and other storm damage.

 

Nollenberg says they have stayed active, trying to keep residents informed as best they can using tools like the county's mass notification system and social media.

 

 

Nollenberg recommends always having an emergency plan and emergency supplies ready.

 

You can click the links to sign up for emergency notifications in Door and Kewaunee counties.

 

The reminder comes as the National Weather Service warns of hazardous weather on the way, with severe storms expected to hit the area from late Monday afternoon into the evening. Damaging winds, large hail, locally heavy rainfall, and even tornadoes are all possible, according to the latest storm projections.

 

 

Door County's forests, wetlands and meadows are home to a remarkable diversity of fungi. From colorful shelf fungi on fallen logs to chanterelles emerging from the forest floor and the many species that form essential partnerships with trees, mushrooms are a hidden but vital part of the peninsula's ecosystem. This week's Summer at Crossroads theme, "Mushrooms," invites visitors to discover the fascinating world of fungi and the important roles they play in the health of Door County's natural communities.

 

The week begins with a Tale. At 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read Mushrooms Know: Wisdom from Our Friends the Fungi, written by Kallie George and illustrated by Sara Gillingham. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, this delightful book shares lessons that fungi can teach us: that small can be mighty, being unique is something to celebrate and staying connected is essential. The story offers a wonderful introduction to the hidden world beneath our feet and the interconnected relationships that make nature thrive. For those unable to attend story time, the book will also be featured on the Trail Tales storybook walk beginning at the West Trailhead anytime throughout the week.

 

At 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, Journeys with Joan will explore Glaciers to Great Lakes. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants through the story of how glacial ice shaped Wisconsin and created the Great Lakes that define Door County today. Visitors will discover how glaciers transformed the landscape, influenced local habitats and helped create the environmental conditions that support the forests, wetlands and ecosystems where many fungi flourish.

 

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 1:30 p.m., participants in Wandering Wednesday will join a naturalist-led hike to search for signs of fungi along the trails. August is an excellent time to observe mushrooms emerging in woodlands and along shaded pathways. Hikers may find mushrooms growing on decaying logs, nestled among mosses or forming partnerships with tree roots beneath the forest floor. Along the way, participants will learn how fungi contribute to decomposition, nutrient cycling and overall forest health.

 

The week concludes with a special Thursday Talk at 2 p.m. Aug. 6. Mike Marit of the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club will present an engaging introduction to the incredible diversity of fungi found throughout Door County. Participants will learn how to recognize common mushrooms, understand the basics of fungal life cycles and discover how fungi interact with trees, soil and wildlife. Mike will explain the differences between edible, toxic and simply fascinating species while exploring why fungi are critical to nutrient recycling, forest health and habitat stability. Drawing on his experience with the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club, he will also discuss ethical mushroom hunting, safe observation practices and ways to begin noticing fungi in local woodlands, parks and even backyard landscapes. This program is designed to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the often-overlooked kingdom of fungi.

 

Throughout the week—and year-round during open hours—visitors can also enjoy Tinkers, our self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Guests can investigate the unique structures of fungi, learn about mushroom identification and explore the important roles fungi play in natural ecosystems.

 

Although mushrooms often appear only briefly above ground, they are part of a vast underground network that helps sustain life in our forests. Fungi decompose fallen leaves and wood, recycle nutrients, support plant growth through underground partnerships and provide food for wildlife. By learning more about the mushrooms of Door County, we gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable connections that keep our ecosystems healthy and thriving.

 

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can offer free programming for all ages, and our trails are open all day, every day, free of charge.

 

Monday, Aug. 3

2 p.m. Tale: Mushrooms Know: Wisdom from Our Friends the Fungi

Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, Mushrooms Know: Wisdom from Our Friends the Fungi, written by Kallie George and illustrated by Sara Gillingham.

 

Mushrooms always wear their thinking caps. They know so many things. This vibrant and informative book shares the fascinating lessons that fungi can teach us: that small can be mighty, being unique is a reason to celebrate and staying connected is key. Sara Gillingham's lively art and Kallie George's charming text capture the wondrous world of mushrooms and everything we can learn from it.

 

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

 

Tuesday, Aug. 4

1 p.m. Journeys with Joan – Glaciers to Great Lakes

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 landscape. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free thanks to donors like you!

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

 

Wednesday, Aug. 5

1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walk of about one hour. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a leash. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free.

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

 

Thursday, Aug. 6

2 p.m. Talk: Door County Mushrooms

Step into the fascinating and often mysterious world of fungi with Mike Marit of the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club! This engaging program will introduce participants to the incredible diversity of mushrooms found in Door County and the vital roles they play in our local ecosystems.

 

Mike will explore how to recognize common mushrooms, explain the basics of fungal life cycles and discuss how mushrooms interact with trees, soil and wildlife. Learn the difference between edible, toxic and simply fascinating species, and gain insight into why fungi are essential for nutrient cycling, forest health and habitat stability.

 

Drawing on his experience with the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club, Mike will also share tips for ethical mushroom hunting, safe observation practices and how to start noticing fungi on trails, in yards and in woodlands throughout the seasons. This program is designed to inspire curiosity—not collecting—and to help you see the forest floor in a whole new light.

 

Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced nature lover, join us to uncover the hidden kingdom of fungi and discover why mushrooms matter more than you might think.

 

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

The Door County Board of Supervisors could award contracts Tuesday to make upgrades to the Door County Historical Museum and renovate the former Younkers building for a proposed museum archives facility.

 

Back in March, county officials began discussing a new future for the former Younkers building, which has been owned by the county since 2019. After the Door County Board of Supervisors balked at an original estimate of $8 million, it began exploring a new concept with a $3 million price tag that would also provide space for a private business.

 

Last month, Door County Administrator Ken Pabich said officials did what they could to make the project as efficient as possible. Based on the bids they received, Immel Construction presented the county with a total construction cost of more than $2.9 million in its July Summary Report, about $57,000 over the control estimate submitted in May.

 

The resolution would approve an expenditure of up to $3.3 million from the Capital Projects Fund to complete Phase III, the construction phase.

 

The Door County Board of Supervisors is also set to discuss an additional $150,000 needed to complete runway improvements at Cherryland Airport and approve the appointment of Matthew Decur as the new highway commissioner when it meets at the Door County Government Center on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Names like Allis-Chalmers, Oliver, Case and more will draw plenty of attention over the next month, beginning with Saturday's Liberty Grove Historical Society Antique Tractor and Arts Festival.

 

Dozens of tractors and other antique farm equipment will bring an extra dose of history to the organization's grounds atop the hill in Ellison Bay. The display will be paired with farm animals, children's activities, artisan vendors, live music from the Gibraltar Jazz Combo and more, in addition to the Liberty Grove Historical Society's historic buildings being open to visitors.

 

The festival is part of a busy stretch for antique tractor enthusiasts. It serves as a precursor to the Northeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Association's Valmy Thresheree in mid-August. This year's event will highlight Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline and White tractors, along with traditional tractor pulls, farming demonstrations and other activities.

Do not be surprised if you see area feed mills buzzing with activity in the coming weeks as winter wheat matures enough to be harvested. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, winter wheat was 96% colored and 29% harvested as of last week. That is 10 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

 

Oats are also coming off the fields at a fast clip, with 70% colored compared to the five-year average of 66%. As a result, 10% of the oat crop has been harvested.

 

The second cutting of alfalfa is about four percentage points ahead of the five-year average, with 86% complete compared to 82%. The third cutting is 12% complete.

 

A big reason for the progress is the weather, despite smoky conditions that made outdoor work difficult. Farmers had 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, which has been good for making progress but has also contributed to crops beginning to show signs of stress because of the lack of recent precipitation.

 

Corn silking is about three percentage points behind the usual pace at 23% complete compared to the five-year average of 26%. Soybeans, however, are blooming ahead of schedule at 62% compared to the average of 54%.

Before you head to the beach this week, you may want to check to make sure it's safe. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, two beaches are closed and several others are under an advisory because of elevated bacteria levels as of Wednesday afternoon.

 

Jackson Harbor Ridges Beach and Ephraim Beach are closed. Advisories are in effect for Anclam Park Beach, Egg Harbor Beach, Newport Bay Beach, Nicolet Beach, Otumba Park Beach and Sand Dune Beach.

 

Swimming in water with elevated bacteria levels can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and other illnesses. Bacteria levels can fluctuate over several hours, and because conventional lab analyses take 18 to 24 hours, test results may not reflect current conditions.

 

For example, Goldenrod Lane Beach and Whitefish Dunes Beach were listed under an advisory on Tuesday before being declared open on Wednesday.

 

Door County Public Health encourages beachgoers to monitor the website and digital signs at 10 county beaches for real-time updates on whether conditions are safe for swimming.

With several contested primaries on the ballot for next month's fall primary, election officials want to make sure you're ready to head to the polls. In Door and Kewaunee counties, primaries will be held for several local, state, and federal offices, with the Republican primaries for Door County sheriff, Kewaunee County sheriff and Wisconsin State Senate, along with the Democratic primaries for Wisconsin governor and U.S. representative, driving most of the headlines.

 

With every election come the usual reminders for voters, especially those casting a ballot for the first time. You will need an acceptable photo ID to receive your ballot, and you can visit your local DMV to get a free ID card if you do not already have one. You can register to vote with your municipal clerk through Aug. 7 or on Election Day at your polling place with a valid photo ID and proof of residence.

 

When it comes to casting your ballot, Algoma City Clerk Erin Mueller reminds voters that this is a partisan primary, which means you cannot jump from party to party when voting for different offices.

 

 

Mueller also says you can only "spoil" your ballot if you make a mistake while voting in person. If you make a mistake or your chosen candidate drops out before Election Day, you cannot change your vote if you have already returned your absentee ballot.

 

Early in-person voting begins July 28 during normal office hours and continues through Aug. 7. The primary election is Aug. 11.

Depending on when you choose to get your laps in at the Door County YMCA in Sturgeon Bay or Fish Creek, you are well aware of the ongoing nationwide lifeguard shortage.

While it is not a new issue, pools and other aquatic facilities are feeling the impact of not having enough lifeguards, especially as college and high school students head back to class in the coming weeks.

In this week's Y-Wednesday Podcast, Door County YMCA CEO Tonya Felhofer explains why the YMCA has to close its pools when there are not enough lifeguards on duty and discusses the opportunities available for those interested in becoming certified.

That includes the YMCA's lifeguard certification class, which will take place Aug. 3-7 from noon to 6 p.m. each day. The course is free for participants who become lifeguards at the Door County YMCA, and they also receive a free YMCA membership.

You can hear more about the available opportunities and today's (July 22) Campfire Across America event at the Kane Center in Fish Creek by clicking this link.

Changes are on the way if you rely on the InfoSoup platform  to find some of your favorite books and magazines through the Door County Library.

 

InfoSoup is a shared online catalog and digital library network that serves libraries across northeast Wisconsin, allowing users to place holds, renew physical books, and access digital collections through apps like OverDrive, Libby and TumbleBooks.

 

Due to an upcoming system upgrade, some features will become unavailable beginning July 26, which is the last day to place holds and have a good chance of receiving them before Aug. 8. You can still request items after July 26, but it could take up to two additional weeks to receive them.

 

Online account access will be unavailable beginning Aug. 7 for approximately two weeks, though librarians will still be able to assist with holds, renewals, lists and fee payments. You will be able to access your InfoSoup account again after Aug. 19.

 

You can click this link for more details from the Door County Library.

 

Photo credit: Pixabay and Door County

A late-night encounter with a deer led to a single-vehicle crash in the Town of Sturgeon Bay on Sunday.

 

The crash occurred on County T near Ridge Road just before 11:45 p.m. when a 16-year-old Sturgeon Bay boy was traveling east and encountered a deer crossing the road. He swerved to avoid the deer but drove off the roadway, through a ditch and into a tree.

 

The responding deputy noted in his report that there were more deer in the area following the crash.

 

The teen suffered a possible minor injury but did not need to be transported to a hospital.

 

The scene was cleared shortly after 12:30 a.m. Monday after a tow truck arrived to remove the vehicle.

You will have an opportunity to hear from the three candidates vying to replace Rep. Tony Wied when the Democratic Party of Brown County hosts a candidate forum next month in Green Bay.

Rick Crosson, Katrina DeVille and Mark Scheffler will answer questions from former congressional candidate Dr. Kristin Lyerly and Democratic Party of Brown County Chair Wanda Sieber during the forum, which is scheduled for Aug. 3.

The forum will begin at 6 p.m. in the Christie Theatre at the University Union on the UW-Green Bay campus.

The event takes place eight days before Democrats head to the polls to cast their ballots in the Aug. 11 primary. The winner will face Wied, who completed former Rep. Mike Gallagher's term in 2024 before beginning his own term last year.

Republicans have held the seat since Reid Ribble defeated then-Rep. Steve Kagen, a Democrat, in 2010, a streak that has now spanned eight elections.

Wednesday marks the final day eligible voters can register online or by mail before Election Day. Voters may also register at their clerk's office by August 7th and at their polling place when they vote on Election Day, provided they meet Wisconsin's registration requirements.

Some of the first people you meet at Door County Medical Center are receiving recognition from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey.

 

Door County Medical Center is one of 44 Wisconsin hospitals to earn a five-star rating for nurse communication, according to a list compiled by Becker's Hospital Review. The rating reflects how well patients felt their nurses explained things clearly, listened carefully, and treated them with courtesy and respect.

 

Director of Inpatient Services Melody Hargis says nurses often spend the most one-on-one time with patients, administering medications and tests while relaying information from doctors, radiologists, and other medical professionals. She credits the culture they have built at Door County Medical Center for their nurses being able to build strong relationships during what can be a traumatic time for the patients they serve.

 

 

Hargis adds that the ranking means a lot to them because it comes directly from patient feedback. Wisconsin had the most hospitals receiving five-star nurse communication ratings, followed by Pennsylvania with 42, Texas with 33 and Ohio with 32.

The Southern Door Fire Department is turning Main Street in Forestville into Santa Claus Lane on Saturday as it hosts its annual Firefighters Picnic and Parade. With the event taking place exactly five months before elves and reindeer make their annual midnight ride, the Southern Door Fire Department will host a "Christmas in July"-themed parade ahead of an afternoon of fire safety demonstrations, music from Highway 10 DJ Service and The Presidents, food, beverages and more.

 

The money raised from the event will support the department's recent purchase of its Jaws of Life extrication equipment, which will also be demonstrated during the event at 1 p.m. Southern Door Fire Chief Rich Olson says a lot of thank-yous are exchanged throughout the day.

 

 

If you would like to participate in the parade, lineup begins on Mill Road at 10:30 a.m. before the parade steps off at 11 a.m. You can find more details about the event at this link.

All three candidates for Kewaunee County sheriff agree that if an immigrant is arrested, Immigration and Customs Enforcement should be notified. In June 2025, Kewaunee County signed an agreement with ICE under its 287(g) program. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, the agreement authorizes participating sheriff's departments to have local deputies enforce certain federal immigration laws within the county jail and serve administrative warrants for undocumented individuals. Approximately 20 Wisconsin counties, including Brown and Manitowoc, have active agreements with ICE.

 

Scott Szydel says that if people are committing felony crimes, they should not be in the country.

 

 

Kevin Schmidt said he would like to know why the department signed the agreement but agreed that ICE should be contacted if someone commits a crime after they have served their sentence.

 

 

Eric Zellner cited his experience responding to calls involving suspected Venezuelan gang members in the middle of the night as one reason he would keep Kewaunee County in the program if elected.

 

 

All three candidates said immigrants living in the community should be better documented but stopped short of saying they should be granted driver's licenses. You can hear the complete interviews with all three candidates at this link.

Former Bayfield County Board member and current Director of Strategic Policy Partnerships at the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project Mary Dougherty knows a thing or two about the intersection of progress and process in agriculture.

 

On July 22, the Door County Environmental Council will feature Dougherty as its speaker for a presentation titled "Good Neighbors Pay Their Own Way: Bigger Operations, Bigger Risks, Local Solutions."

 

Dougherty was on the front lines when a proposed 26,000-head hog operation sought to locate in her town of 400 residents. That experience helped her create the Operations Ordinance, which requires large-scale agricultural operators to submit their plans for an independent review to ensure impacts on roads, mass mortality, biosecurity, fire protection, and emergency preparedness have been considered before construction begins and additional animals are brought to the site.

 

Dougherty says it comes down to neighbors being respectful of one another, whether they have one dog or thousands of farm animals in their backyard.

 

 

The free program will take place at the Kress Pavilion beginning at 7 p.m. If you cannot attend in person, a Zoom link will be available on the Door County Environmental Council's website.

Looking at the rock formations along the walls of the Old Stone Quarry in Sturgeon Bay, Mike Parent knew his property was destined for something bigger and brighter. After a year of planning, Parent's vision for the quarry will become a reality when it hosts the Rock on the Rock event benefiting Sunshine Resources of Door County on Aug. 1.

 

Parent's expertise is in construction, not event planning, but conversations with an LED lighting professional and a member of Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns made him realize his idea was possible.

 

 

The day will feature more than just an LED light show and performances by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns, Conscious Pilot and Bacchus Lotus. The event begins with presentations from the Open Door Bird Sanctuary, the Door County Museum and Geological Tours of Door County, which will share the story behind the quarry. Parent hopes people will experience what makes the Old Stone Quarry such a special place.

 

 

Tickets for Rock on the Rock are on sale now at this link.