An expanded Harvest Festival in Sturgeon Bay this weekend is providing a festive atmosphere for the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Teweles & Brandeis Grain Elevator.

On Friday, September 18, from 4 - 8 PM, the Granary Wharf Cafe will sell drinks and  snacks for the Set Sail Artist Reception, and a Ferris wheel will provide free rides overlooking the bay. Then on Saturday, a Czech-themed celebration will honor Teweles’s and Brandeis’s heritage; both  men and their families immigrated from Prague, Bohemia (modern day Czech Republic) in the  late 1800s. 

The Granary will be open 10 AM - 7 PM with Czech-inspired refreshments, including Zel?a?ka (sauerkraut soup), available at the Granary Wharf Cafe. Live music will rock the elevators from noon to 5:30pm, including a set from the legendary polka band Jerry Voelker and  the Jolly Gents (Fun fact: polka was invented in Bohemia.) There will also be a short program highlighting historic events from 1901. 

Be sure to pick up a copy of the special 125th anniversary t-shirt and Historic  Events of 1901 booklet, all proceeds from the events benefit the preservation and operation of the Door County Granary.  

Visit the  Granary during open hours to tour the historic building and learn more about its significance to the area. Learn more about the upcoming events at the Granary at:  

sturgeonbayhistoricalsociety.org/sbhs-events

Between the chatter, excited greetings, and pleas to purchase raffle tickets, Door County’s female movers and shakers celebrated a year of community support and action at the 10th annual Women’s Fund of Door County Celebrate Women Luncheon on Friday at Stone Harbor Resort and Conference center in Sturgeon Bay. 

For the 17th consecutive year, Marti Spittell Ziegelbauer enraptured the room, with details about the $245,000 granted to Door County organizations during the last year.

Highlighted was a $5,000 grantee - the Door County Medical Center’s Birthing Center - and Registered Nurse and Lactation consultant Jessica Skinner talked about the equipment and supplies the birthing center purchased with the grant money, and the support that money has provided DCMC’s lactation depot. To date, women in our community have donated over almost 5 times the amount of breast milk to the milk bank that has been used in our community.

Information about that job, and more information about the Women’s Fund of Door County, can be found on WomensFundDoorCounty.org 

There is still time for things to change, but Kewaunee County taxpayers could be in for some good news this fall. A relatively quick Kewaunee County Board meeting was highlighted by a sneak peek at the upcoming 2027 budget from Kewaunee County Administrator Jeremy Kral.

Kewaunee County Board Chairperson Dan Olson says the county held the line on overall spending while providing cost-of-living increases for employees and adjusting to an increase in health care costs. As a result, Olson says the proposed tax rate per $1,000 of equalized value would drop by just over 7%. The tax levy is also expected to inch down approximately 1.8%.

He credits an increase in the county’s equalized value and a projected reduction in debt service for the drop in the tax rate. Olson adds that the downward trend in the tax rate is encouraging.

A public hearing for the 2027 budget will take place as part of the Kewaunee County Board’s next meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 20.

The Luxemburg Sportsman’s Club is making it easier and more exciting for those getting into clay pigeon shooting to have fun outdoors. Funded in part by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant and donations from local businesses, the club opened its new fully automated sporting clays course this month. Shooters walk a trail to 10 different stations to shoot clay pigeons in a setting similar to bird hunting.

At each station, shooters can scan a QR code to see the trajectory of the clays and use a card to pay for the clays being launched before hopefully shooting them out of the sky.

Brian Rueckl of the Luxemburg Sportsman’s Club hopes the handicap-accessible course allows more people to be introduced to the sport.

The Luxemburg Sportsman’s Club will host a grand opening event this Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.

Your child’s fun does not have to stop when they need a break from the playground or beach at Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay. The city of Sturgeon Bay and United Way of Door County joined forces to create the Born Learning Trail, part of a national program featuring interactive signs with fun, active learning activities for families to participate in together.

On Sturgeon Bay’s trail, volunteers helped paint a hopscotch course, letters and circles to start the fun. United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle credited Child Care Community Coordinator Molly Gary with getting the ball rolling on the project’s installation and said she cannot wait to see how families interact with it for years to come.

Kohnle says more activities will be added to the trail next spring, and the paint will be refreshed annually.

Experience artistic creation from conception to fruition during the Door Kinetic Arts Festival, returning to the peninsula for its 10th year this week.

The weeklong festival begins Sunday, Sept. 20, and continues through Saturday, Sept. 26, with events centered on the Björklunden campus in Baileys Harbor.

The festival was created by Door County playwright and filmmaker Eric Simonson as a way for performing artists to gather, collaborate and develop new work. For local residents and visitors, the week's events offer opportunities to see that creative process unfold through performances, film screenings, staged readings, workshops, artist discussions and other events.

Alan Kopischke, producer of Door Kinetic Arts, said this year's festival represents an important milestone, and attendees should expect the busiest Festival to date.

“It is both our tenth anniversary and our tenth year,” Kopischke said. “This is our biggest and best year ever; Eric has gone above and beyond. We have things happening every single night from Sunday through Saturday and even some afternoon."

Whether you're interested in theater, film, dance, music, writing or simply getting a behind-the-scenes look at how new artistic work is created, you'll find something of interest during the week. At a previous festival, playwright Brian James Polak conceptualized "The Call List", a theatrical performance currently running on the Third Avenue Playworks stage.

It’s Barn Dance season!

Dust off your dancing shoes for the first Barn Dance of the season this Sunday at MUSE in Sturgeon Bay, 3-5pm.

The Door County Folk Alliance is once again hosting the annual community get togethers, for all to enjoy. DCFA Board President Mike Grimm shared a brief history of barn dances – they’re not all held in barns!

The purpose of the dances is not only movement and the sharing of dance and music, but to build community.

No previous dancing experience is necessary, only the desire to move to the music and enjoy life. DCFA does ask for children to be 8 years or older. The Barn Dances are alcohol free events. No charge to attend the dances; donations are requested to help offset costs.

For the full schedule of DC Folk Alliance barn dances, visit DCFolk.com

As the season begins to turn, Kewaunee County 4-H is inviting area youth to discover their spark indoors and outdoors next month. On Saturday, Oct. 3, attendees can sample a wide variety of activities at Kewaunee County 4-H’s Outdoor Adventure Day at Black Ash Gun Club in Algoma. Kayaking, fire building, woodworking and leathercraft are just some of the activities kids can try.

On Oct. 5, the Taste of 4-H Open House will give families a peek at what area clubs and projects do throughout the year. Kewaunee County 4-H Educator Erin Dahle says the best way to learn is to do.

While both activities are taking place next month, registration for the organization’s Outdoor Adventure Day closes Friday. 4-H organizations across the country, including those in Kewaunee and Door counties, are welcoming new and returning members this month as part of their registration periods.

In the weeks leading up to the November election, Door County sheriff candidates Tammy Sternard, Randy Wagner, and Curt Vandertie have had both positive and negative aspects of their law enforcement careers shared publicly for voters to consider.

In June, the Door County Sheriff’s Deputies Association issued a vote of no confidence in Sternard, the current sheriff. The resolution cited 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 members’ concerns with Sternard. The resolution stated that members had lost faith in Sternard’s ability to effectively lead the agency.

Sternard responded in writing after the resolution was obtained through an open records request, addressing some of the concerns directly. She wrote that it was unfortunate some association members did not approach her about most of the allegations before airing their grievances through the resolution.

Last month, Wagner shared his 14-page disciplinary file from his time with the Denver Police Department after being asked whether he had anything to hide regarding his internal affairs record. Discourtesy, a preventable accident, failure to attend court and inappropriate force were among the allegations listed in the report. Wagner said complaints are a reality in law enforcement, adding that what matters is how complaints are handled, what the facts reveal and whether an officer is willing to be accountable for their actions.

On Wednesday, a Facebook page titled “Corruption in Door County” was created and shared documents it identified as Vandertie’s disciplinary file. The documents detailed allegations of harassment involving another deputy and the use of personal time while on the clock.

Vandertie released written and video statements, saying he wanted to focus on running a positive campaign but felt the need to “address the ongoing attacks and rumors” about his character.

“My annual performance evaluations before, during and after this isolated incident consistently recognized my professionalism, leadership and commitment to serving the people of Door County,” Vandertie wrote. “I remain committed to leading with professionalism, fairness, accountability, integrity and genuine community connection.”

Sternard, Wagner and Vandertie will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, with absentee voting already underway.

Construction on the long-awaited extension of South 18th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay is nearing completion, bringing a decades-old city goal closer to reality.

You can soon use the new created roadway, which connects Memorial Drive and Utah Streets. The private roadway paralleling Bayview Bridge was brought under city control this year after the City reached an agreement to purchase the needed parcel of land for approximately $80,000. This easement allowed South 18th Avenue to extend to Memorial Drive, creating a public roadway.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward has gone on record to say that bringing the roadway under city control had been on the city's to-do list for nearly 30 years. The extension was included in the city's 2026 street improvement plan. Mayor Ward is optimistic that the project will be completed in short order.

This month, crews will put the finishing touches on the project, with paving work underway as the roadway approaches completion.

'Signal Red' is the aptly named paint color being applied this week to the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse, which is currently undergoing repairs and painting at the Roen Salvage yard in Sturgeon Bay.

The 109 year old structure didn't need a whole lot of work, according to Ryan Gustafson, owner of Door County Color Professional Painting, and assistant Tyler Woodgate.

The City of Algoma is ready for the navigational landmark to return to port after the work is complete, said City Administrator Matt Murphy. A total of 10 gallons of epoxy primer put on the first coat, and the painters will use 10-15 gallons of Signal Red paint to put on 2 coats of color. 
 

Working on this project is more than just a paycheck for Gustafson, whose family roots date to 1835, and Door County's first 'official' white settlers, the Claflins.
 

For now, the reconstruction of the catwalk to the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse remains in question. The website SavetheCatwalk.com, dedicated to raising $400,000 to rebuild the catwalk, reports $44,000 raised to date.

If you’re a home gardener, you can learn ways to preserve and enjoy your harvest during “Putting Up Your Harvest” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

Alumna Master Gardener Stacia Dick-Schuster will lead the presentation, sharing ideas for preserving home-grown vegetables while helping gardeners make the most of their harvest.

“Preserving your garden’s bounty is a great way to enjoy the flavors and nutrition of fresh vegetables long after the growing season ends,” Dick-Schuster said. “There are many simple and practical ways to put up your harvest.”

Dick-Schuster will also offer door prizes during the program.

The event is co-sponsored by the Door County Seed Library and the Door County Master Gardeners. The presentation is free and open to the public.

After Baileys Harbor kicked off the autumn festival season last weekend, Sturgeon Bay will take the torch this Friday and Saturday when Harvest Fest returns to the city.

Friday will see the biggest changes with the addition of activities on the west side near the Door County Maritime Museum and Door County Granary. Free Ferris wheel rides will be available, while visitors can participate in a meet-and-greet with the artists behind the Set Sail in Sturgeon Bay street art project before the pieces are auctioned off.

The Old Bolts Car Show will host its Cruise-In Meet and Greet at The Lodge at Leathem Smith instead of the usual parade through town.

Saturday’s activities will bring back plenty of old favorites, including the Old Bolts Car Show, firkin tapping and a stein-holding contest. Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Alexa Soto says Martin Park will look a little different this year, with kids' activities and local nonprofits dotting the green space.

Activities run until 8:30 p.m. Friday and 5:30 p.m. Saturday. You can see the full schedule of activities at this link.

For farmers like Brey Cycle Farm’s Jacob Brey, what goes into the ground can be just as important as what comes off it. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, the corn silage harvest was 32% complete after nearly six days suitable for fieldwork across the state last week. That is 10 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

Some farmers are even harvesting corn for grain if their fields were exceptionally dry over the summer. Brey Cycle Farm was planning to harvest its corn for silage this week if Mother Nature allowed, while also getting equipment ready to plant cover crops such as triticale with a grain drill close behind.

Brey says they do it this way to take advantage of every opportunity to get the cover crop established before winter settles in.

Winter wheat planting is about on par with the average at 17% complete, while 27% of soybeans were dropping leaves, about 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

A lifetime of family mental health trauma, and a career investigating and reporting on the American mental health crisis, has again brought Meg Kissinger to Door County to share her knowledge and expertise. 

Kissinger is scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the sold out 17th annual Women’s Fund of Door County’s Celebrate Women luncheon, on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sturgeon Bay.

Friday's keynote will differ from the Thursday evening program, Kissinger said.

New this year, the public is welcome to attend a complimentary reception with Kissinger the evening before the luncheon, Thursday, September 17, at 6 p.m. at the Kress Pavillion. Kissinger is a Pulitzer Prize finalist for investigative reporting and the author  of "While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an  Era of Silence,". She, along with local mental health advocates from Door County Medical Center, Emily Kraynak and Allycia Bretl, will host a conversation about how to support families and break  the shame of mental illness.  

Following the conversation, local organizations will offer a Health Fair for guests to learn more  about mental health education, resources, and support available in Door County. 

All proceeds raised during the Celebrate Women Luncheon will benefit the Women’s Fund of  Door County’s mission of building, enriching, and nurturing the lives of women and girls  through collective wisdom and philanthropy.  In its 17 years as a component fund of the Door County Community Foundation, the Women’s Fund has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants, and supported more than 100 programs throughout the peninsula.

There is no shortage of activities coming up at the Door County YMCA’s program centers in Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek as the seasons begin to turn. During this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast, Healthy Living Director Sarah Gavin shared details about activities coming up over the next several weeks.

This month, both program centers will commemorate Fall Prevention Awareness Week with fall risk assessments Sept. 21 in Fish Creek and Sept. 22 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisdom Wednesday presentations with UW-Madison’s Elizabeth Collinson on Sept. 16 in Fish Creek and Sept. 23 in Sturgeon Bay, and a program spotlight on tai chi.

Gavin also highlighted some of the YMCA’s October programming, including the Pay the Day membership promotion, Active Aging Week from Oct. 5-9 and Trunk or Treat on Oct. 30.

You can listen to the full conversation by clicking on this link.

The Door County Housing Partnership broke ground Tuesday on its tenth home in Door County, the third on Galley Place in Sturgeon Bay, marking another step in the organization’s effort to help create permanently affordable housing.

DCHP President Scott Bader and State Assemblyman Joel Kitchens joined housing partnership representatives for the groundbreaking ceremony, taking turns talking about the Housing Partnership efforts, and the impact on the greater community.

Kitchens emphasized the impact of housing like this on not only the family living in the home, but on the community at large.

The Door County Housing Partnership works to create housing opportunities for local residents while ensuring the homes remain affordable for future generations. Its model protects the initial public and private investment in the properties and keeps the homes permanently affordable through long-term land agreements.

Under the partnership’s model, buyers purchase the home at below-market value while entering into a 98-year land lease. The arrangement allows the homeowner to build equity while ensuring the property remains affordable when it is eventually sold to another qualified buyer.

By preserving affordability over the long term, the Door County Housing Partnership aims to create a lasting supply of attainable homes rather than providing a one-time benefit to individual homeowners.

DCHP is beginning its next fundraising campaign this fall.

Pictured in groundbreaking photo (L to R): Krystal Kubichka, Rep. Joel Kitchens, Sean Linnan, Mariah Goode, Frank Paul, Scott Bader, Sam Nelson, Tim Halbrook.

Hope Church in Sturgeon Bay will host an educational forum Sunday, Sept. 27 focused on autism, neurodiversity and the experiences of those living with autism.

“The Unique & Authentic Journey Through Autism: A Discussion Through Neurodivergency” is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday at Hope Church, 141 S. 12th Ave, Sturgeon Bay.

The forum will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism through personal experiences and open discussion. The event will also include a question-and-answer session, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation about neurodiversity.

Organizer Sandy Brown says the event is open to people of all ages and invite community members to attend, “All are welcome,” says Brown, whether they have a personal connection to autism or simply want to better understand the experiences of neurodivergent individuals.

The forum is designed to encourage education, awareness and conversation surrounding autism and the diverse ways people experience and navigate the world.

UW Extension Regional Dairy Educator Aerica Bjurstrom says you can add diesel prices to the common farming conversation of “expect the unexpected.” Diesel prices hit an all-time high Tuesday at $6.10 per gallon, which is 84 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and $2.65 per gallon higher than a year ago.

Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, paired with high demand, are causing sticker shock at the pump. For Wisconsin farmers, there is not much they can do because now is the time for corn to come off, cover crops to go on, and manure to be spread. All of that equipment uses diesel fuel — and a lot of it.

Bjurstrom says many farmers bought their diesel fuel ahead of time, either storing it on-site or contracting for delivery at a lower price. She adds that there are some things farmers can do to stretch their fuel supply and avoid more pain at the pump.

Regular gasoline prices have also seen better days, with the average price in the Green Bay metro area sitting at $4.15 per gallon. That is 24 cents per gallon more than a month ago and $1.29 per gallon more than a year ago.

A 32-year-old Baileys Harbor man was arrested and cited in connection with a hit-and-run crash in Sister Bay on Thursday night. The crash occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Bay Shore Drive and Mill Road.

According to the crash report, the man was driving south on Bay Shore Drive when a 21-year-old Egg Harbor woman was walking across the street. The report noted that she was walking outside the angled crosswalk, taking a more direct path across Bay Shore Drive. The man did not see her in time and struck her at an unknown speed. He stopped briefly before leaving the scene.

The woman drove herself to Door County Medical Center to be treated for her injuries.

Following an investigation, the man was arrested a day later and cited for operating while under the influence causing injury and hit-and-run. The woman was not cited for jaywalking or failure to yield the right of way.

A third school district in Door and Kewaunee counties will go to voters in November to help fund its operations. The Luxemburg-Casco School District announced Tuesday that it will seek $1.8 million per year for three years through an operational referendum.

The proposed referendum would replace the three-year referendum approved in 2024, which also provides $1.8 million per year. Because of that, the district says the referendum would have a net-zero impact on its mill rate.

Luxemburg-Casco Superintendent Jo-Ellen Fairbanks says she deeply appreciates the community’s support and the partnerships the district has formed, including the Ahnapee Automotive and Diesel programs, the Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Program and two student business and enterprise programs.

“Our schools are at the heart of our community,” Fairbanks says. “Together, we can ensure Luxemburg-Casco remains a place where students thrive, families belong, and our community grows stronger.”

She adds that the district has reduced bus purchases and routes, changed or contracted services, and reduced and restructured positions while actively seeking additional revenue sources, such as grants and fundraising, to keep its budget in check.

“We are proud of the education we provide for our students and remain committed to being good stewards of our community’s resources while giving every student the opportunities they need to thrive,” Fairbanks said.

The district will announce dates and times for community meetings where residents can learn more about the referendum and ask questions.

Sturgeon Bay and Southern Door announced their operational referendum plans last month. The Sturgeon Bay School Board approved resolutions asking voters to support an operational referendum that would allow the district to exceed its revenue limit by $3.75 million in each of the next five years. The Southern Door School Board approved resolutions asking voters to exceed the revenue limit by $2.055 million per year for three years.

Voters will decide on the referendum questions as part of the Nov. 3 general election.

Boaters and other small craft are advised to stay off the water this evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory for the Bay of Green Bay from 4-9PM on Monday, with gale warnings from 9PM this evening until 7AM Tuesday.

South winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and waves 1 to 3 ft are expected. For the Gale Warning, south winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and waves 3 to 6 ft are expected. For the second Small Craft Advisory, southwest winds 15 to 20 kt veering west, with gusts up to 30 kt and waves 3 to 6 ft expected.

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.

Video taken Sunday, Sept 13, 2026 of a windy Death’s Door crossing on the Washington Island Ferry. Winds registered 15-20kts out of the SW.

Instead of riding a bus for multiple hours a day to and from Green Bay for alternative placement programming, students in Door County are staying closer to home thanks to a partnership with Sunshine Resources. The Sturgeon Bay organization is piloting its Sunshine Bridges program for the 2026-27 school year to provide programming at the PATH building for students with extraordinary social and behavioral needs from area school districts.

Sunshine Resources CEO Barry Metzentine says some school districts do not have the resources or staffing to give those students the tools and help they need to succeed in the classroom. Sevastopol was the first to partner with Sunshine Resources, with Sturgeon Bay and Southern Door following suit. Together, the districts have seven students involved in the Sunshine Bridges program.

With discussions also underway with Gibraltar and Washington Island, and potentially soon with Algoma and Kewaunee, Metzentine says the program is a great way to keep more students local instead of sending them back and forth to Green Bay.

As the program grows, Sunshine Resources is looking for additional student aides to help meet future demand.

The Door County Historical Society (DCHS) was recognized with two prestigious honors from the Wisconsin Historical Society during ceremonies held at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Fish Creek, and Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay, on Wednesday, Sept 9th.

The DCHS received the 2026 Historic Preservation Award at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, recognizing the organization’s work in rehabilitating the 158 year old Door County landmark.

The award celebrates years of planning, fundraising, restoration and collaboration that helped restore the lighthouse and its historic grounds while preserving the site for future generations.

Later in the day at Heritage Village, the Door County Historical Society received the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History.

The annual award recognizes a local historical organization for outstanding service in preserving and sharing Wisconsin history. The honor reflects the collective efforts of DCHS staff, board members, volunteers, members, donors and supporters who have contributed to the organization’s mission.

The Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy is now on display at the Door County Historical Society office on Fourth Avenue in downtown Sturgeon Bay, where visitors can view the latest recognition of the organization’s efforts to preserve and celebrate Door County history.

New interpretive and educational panels were unveiled Sunday, Sept 13, at Escarpment Park in Ellison Bay. Members of the Greater Escarpment Organization of Door County were onsite to answer questions and talk about the process of creating the panels.

More panels are still to come in Spring 2027!

Pictured (left to right): Suzi Johnson Hass, Janet Johnson, Walter ‘Bud’ Kalms, and Nancy Goss.

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