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New Bike Trail Unveiled at Peninsula State Park Saturday

Cyclists of all ages and skill levels gathered Saturday at Peninsula State Park to celebrate the grand opening of a new mountain biking trail during the “Ride the Park” event hosted by Friends of Peninsula State Park.

 

The daylong celebration centered at the Highland Trailhead, where riders, families and outdoor enthusiasts came together to mark the official ribbon-cutting at noon. The ceremony highlighted ongoing efforts to expand recreational opportunities within one of Wisconsin’s most visited state parks.

 

 

Activities began early with a morning group ride at 10 a.m., welcoming participants of all abilities to experience the newly developed trail system. Following the ribbon-cutting, additional rides were offered, including a scenic Sunset Path ride and a more challenging route designed for advanced cyclists.


 

Beyond the trails, attendees enjoyed a festival-like atmosphere featuring food, beverages, merchandise and a raffle. The event was designed to showcase the new trail and build community support for continued park improvements.


 

 

The new mountain bike trail represents the growing seasonal interest in outdoor recreation in Door County, potentially attracting visitors while enhancing the park’s accessibility for local riders.

 

 

More information about the trail system and future events is available on the Friends of Peninsula State Park website.

 

Miller Art Museum Launches New 12x12 Project with Wisconsin Artist

The Miller Art Museum will launch a new contemporary exhibition series next month with a showcase featuring Wisconsin artist Adam Fulwiler.

 

"Adam Fulwiler | 12x12 Project" opens June 1 and runs through June 30, serving as the inaugural exhibition in the museum's new 12x12 Project, an invitational series highlighting contemporary artists from Wisconsin and across the Midwest.

 

"It's an honor to be showing my work and paintings for the museum's inaugural show in their 12x12 series," Fulwiler said.

 

The exhibition will feature a collection of Fulwiler's abstract paintings alongside several industrial-inspired works. "I'll be opening it up with some large scale paintings and some industrial sewing pieces," he said.

 

Fulwiler's work explores themes of communication, perception and human connection through color, pattern and improvisation. Much of the exhibition is influenced by his relationship with his younger brother, whose experience with autism has shaped the artist's exploration of sensory awareness and observation.


 

 

 

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the University of Arkansas, Fulwiler has exhibited his work nationally and is represented in several public and private collections. He currently serves as executive director of the Hardy Gallery in Ephraim.

 

As part of the exhibition, Fulwiler will present an artist talk at 4 p.m. June 13, followed by a public reception at the museum. Both events are free and open to the public.

 

"I'm really looking forward to the reception and talk on the 13th," Fulwiler said. "It will be a great opportunity to share more about the work and connect with the community."

 

The exhibition will remain on display at the Miller Art Museum through June 30.


Sturgeon Bay Citywide Garage Sale Returns Next Weekend

One of Sturgeon Bay’s most anticipated community traditions will return next weekend as the annual Citywide Garage Sale takes place Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, bringing bargain hunters and treasure seekers to neighborhoods across the city.

 

The two-day event has become a staple of the community’s summer kickoff, with residents opening garages, driveways and yards to shoppers looking for everything from antiques and collectibles to furniture, household goods, tools, clothing and seasonal décor.

 

For decades, the citywide sale has drawn participants from throughout Door County and neighboring communities, turning Sturgeon Bay into a destination for bargain hunters. The event also serves as a community gathering, offering residents an opportunity to declutter their homes, earn extra income and connect with neighbors.

 

District 4 Alderman Spencer Gustafson said the event's popularity extends beyond city residents.

 

“People in the community, along with all the visitors this time of year, anticipate this weekend,” Gustafson said.

 

 

 

Shoppers can expect sales scattered throughout the city, from Memorial Drive on the west side to Neenah Avenue and neighborhoods on the east side, creating a citywide treasure hunt that often attracts visitors from across Northeast Wisconsin.

 

Gustafson said the event reflects the growing popularity of thrifting and vintage shopping while showcasing Sturgeon Bay’s appeal as a destination community.

 

“Everyone loves antiquing and thrifting, and what better setting than Sturgeon Bay?” he said.

 

The Sturgeon Bay sale is part of a busy garage and rummage sale season across Door and Kewaunee counties. Communitywide sales are common throughout the region during late spring and summer, while churches, schools, service organizations and nonprofit groups host fundraising rummage sales that draw large crowds each year.

 

An official map and directory of participating sales will be released ahead of the event on June 3 here, allowing shoppers to plan their routes and maximize their bargain-hunting opportunities.

County set to receive upgrades for radio communication

A while back, I wrote on the topic of grants and wanted to follow up with a significant grant award for radio equipment that we recently received. First, I want to provide some background for clarity.

 

Kewaunee County, like every other county, maintains a public safety radio system. These systems allow our first responders to communicate on a daily basis while responding to the various calls for service received through our Dispatch Center.

 

Throughout Wisconsin, many of these systems are local and supported through local budgets for their operation, maintenance, and periodic replacement. As you can imagine, this infrastructure comes with significant costs. In 2009, the State of Wisconsin began building a statewide radio system known as WISCOM. This system was primarily developed to improve interoperability—that is, to allow agencies throughout the state to communicate with one another.

 

While this may seem like common sense, many local systems across the state could not communicate with each other because they operated on disparate platforms. One example is the different frequency bands utilized by individual counties based on their specific needs. A rural area may be better served by a VHF frequency band because it provides broader coverage, while an urban community may be better served by an 800 MHz frequency because it offers better coverage within high-density buildings. Long story short, as a state, we needed to move closer toward interoperability.

 

During this period, Kewaunee County made the decision to partner with the state because our radio system at the time was nearing the end of its useful life. We recognized the benefits of partnering with the state through shared resources and system support. Through that relationship, we were able to build a system that supported local communications while also providing access to statewide communication resources. This partnership also positioned us to receive financial support for the system buildout. At the time, we were able to equip all emergency responder agencies throughout the county with radio equipment through grants for which we qualified as a Daily Use Community.

 

Fast forward to 2026. The state is currently building the next generation of the statewide system, and our participation in that system has once again afforded us a unique opportunity for equipment acquisition support. While this update may seem premature, it is important to recognize that in the world of technology, 15 years is well beyond the typical life expectancy of critical communications equipment.

 

To better prepare for this upcoming transition, I pursued grants available to Daily Use Communities. In 2025, we were awarded approximately $324,000 to outfit several of our local agencies. In early 2026, I submitted an additional grant application, and another $1.8 million was awarded just this past week. Between these two grants, we are able to support all law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other first responder agencies, along with our Highway Department and Emergency Management Department, in acquiring new radios that will carry us through the next decade.

 

These grants require an 80/20 cost share, meaning local agencies are responsible for only 20 percent of the costs. In addition, the state secured a 60 percent rebate on radios purchased through these grant programs. While local agencies will remain responsible for the maintenance and eventual replacement of the radios, the county benefits significantly because the state has committed to the buildout and maintenance of the new system. To say this is significant would be an understatement, as replacing the entire system independently would cost well into the millions of dollars.

 

This is a great example of local and state collaboration in the pursuit of shared resources, resulting in substantial cost savings for taxpayers.

 

I would like to thank the Wisconsin Department of Emergency Communications for its continued support, as well as our local agencies for their willingness to provide the equipment data needed to submit these grant applications in a timely manner.


Sturgeon Bay athletic complex project clears next hurdle

A multimillion-dollar overhaul of the athletic facilities across the street from Sturgeon Bay High School is nowhere near the end zone, but it is at least close to a first down.

 

Earlier this month, the Sturgeon Bay School Board followed the lead of the Sturgeon Bay Common Council and approved the master plan for an approximately $14.7 million project to improve the football, baseball, softball, soccer, track and other athletic facilities along Michigan Street.

 

The public-private partnership will also see pickleball courts, a fitness circuit, multiuse trails, pavilions and more added to the property, which includes parcels owned by the city and the school district.

 

City Administrator Josh Van Lieshout says it is a once-in-a-lifetime project for an area where some facilities have not seen significant improvements in decades.

 

Rather than relying on a capital referendum or operating funds from the Sturgeon Bay School District, Van Lieshout says a combination of Tax Increment District revenues, grants and private donations will support the project.

 

Although the progress may seem slow to some, Van Lieshout says it is moving in the right direction.

 

 

 

With both parties agreeing to the master plan, Van Lieshout says the city and school district will work together to formalize an intergovernmental agreement.

 

Last fall, Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said that if engineering work begins in 2026, construction could start in 2027 or 2028.

Community Effort to Save Algoma's Historic Catwalk Underway

A grassroots fundraising campaign is gaining momentum in Algoma as residents work to preserve one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks before a major reconstruction project permanently alters the harbor skyline.

 

The Save the Algoma Catwalk Committee is seeking to raise $500,000 to salvage, restore and eventually reinstall the historic steel catwalk that stretches along the city’s North Pier. The effort comes as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins a two-year reconstruction of the pier, a project that requires the removal of both the catwalk and the iconic red lighthouse. While plans call for the lighthouse to return after construction, the catwalk currently has no guaranteed future.

 

Committee Secretary and Treasurer Jacqueline Toepfer said preserving the structure is about more than saving steel and concrete.

 

“The catwalk is an important part of Algoma’s history and has become a symbol of our community,” Toepfer said. “We want future generations to be able to experience and appreciate that history.”

 

 

 

Originally constructed in 1908, the catwalk once allowed lighthouse keepers safe passage to the pierhead lighthouse during rough Lake Michigan weather. Though it no longer serves a functional purpose, the structure remains a favorite subject for photographers, artists and visitors drawn to Algoma’s shoreline.

 

“The catwalk has added a unique beauty to our harbor for more than 118 years,” Toepfer said. “It helps tell the story of who we are.”

 

The committee has already secured permission from the Army Corps of Engineers and support from the City of Algoma to reinstall the catwalk if funding can be raised privately.

 

For many in Algoma, saving the catwalk is about protecting a piece of the city’s identity. The Save the Catwalk foundation is holding fundraising events throughout the summer, including a Bon Voyage party for the lighthouse and catwalk at the Algoma Boat Club on Saturday, June 13. 

 

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit the Save the Catwalk website.

 


Sevastopol says goodbye to senior class full of heart

For Sevastopol Middle/High School Principal Troy Schaefer, it is not just what the Class of 2026 accomplished in the classroom or on the field that makes it special.

 

There is plenty to brag about with Sevastopol’s class of 42 seniors. Some students, like valedictorian Ben Martin and salutatorian Christian Ruiz, are headed to prestigious colleges such as Hillsdale College and Columbia University. Others are well on their way to joining the workforce thanks to youth apprenticeship and internship opportunities.

 

What stood out most to Schaefer, however, was the class’s altruism. He reflected on how students rallied behind three young children facing significant health challenges.

 

 

 

Schaefer also credits the strong families the students come from and the community support they receive for the success the Class of 2026 has achieved.

 

The Sevastopol School District will hold its graduation ceremony Sunday at 2 p.m.

 

Water heater fire injures technician, damages Sister Bay home

The initial lighting of a water heater caused a fire in Sister Bay on Thursday that damaged a home and injured one person.

 

The Sister Bay-Liberty Grove Fire Department responded to the single-story home on Bay Shore Drive just after 9:10 a.m. According to Sister Bay-Liberty Grove Fire Chief Michael Goldstone, the gas piping to the water heater had recently been replaced, and a technician was on-site for the initial gas fill and startup procedure.

 

During the lighting process, a flash fire occurred around the base of the water heater, burning the technician’s face. He was able to call 911 and shut down the propane tank, but not before the fire spread into the walls of the home.

 

Firefighters were able to locate the fire extension shortly after arriving on scene. They opened sections of the walls with chainsaws and quickly extinguished the blaze using approximately 50 gallons of water and foam solution.

 

The technician was evaluated at the scene by paramedics and released.

 

The incident remains under investigation, though Goldstone said preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental.

 

The Ephraim, Gibraltar, Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor and Jacksonport fire departments, along with the Door County Sheriff’s Department and Door County Emergency Medical Services, assisted at the scene.

Two injured in Egg Harbor crash

An 81-year-old Omaha, Nebraska, man and a 74-year-old Fish Creek woman sustained minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in the Town of Egg Harbor.

 

The crash occurred just before 4 p.m. at the intersection of County I and Mathey Road.

 

According to the accident report, the Omaha man was stopped at the stop sign on Mathey Road. After looking for traffic, he attempted to continue south and was struck by the Fish Creek woman's vehicle, which had the right of way.

 

The man's passenger, a 66-year-old Omaha woman, was not injured in the crash.

 

The driver received a citation for failure to yield the right of way.

 

The intersection was closed for about 45 minutes while crews towed the vehicles and cleaned up the scene. The roadway reopened by 5 p.m.

 

Perfect weather helping farmers get ahead of the game

Mother Nature has played a key role in helping farmers prepare for some of the busiest days of spring.

 

According to the most recent USDA Crop Conditions and Progress Report, farmers across the state had just under six days suitable for fieldwork. Spotty showers slowed some progress but still left plenty of time for farmers to cut some crops and plant others.

 

As a result, farmers are ahead of the five-year average in planting corn, at 82 percent compared to 79 percent, and soybeans, at 75 percent compared to 71 percent. Oat planting is slightly behind schedule at 85 percent complete compared to the five-year average of 87 percent.

 

Spring tillage also is ahead of schedule at 93 percent complete compared to the average of 88 percent.

 

Tony Brey of Brey Cycle Farm said crews are busy cutting alfalfa and triticale, two important crops for the farm’s dairy and beef herds in Sturgeon Bay. Brey added the mild temperatures and limited rainfall have allowed farmers to catch up after spring snow and rain prevented them from getting into their fields.

 

Now, Brey said he would not mind seeing a little rain now that seeds are in the ground.

 

 

 

Brey and other farmers may have to wait a bit longer for their fields to receive some liquid sunshine, with no rain in the forecast through next Wednesday.

Destination Door County awards nearly $319K in grants

The Southern Door Community Auditorium, the Heritage Harbor Cultural Center, Plum and Pilot islands, and pathways in two Egg Harbor parks will all see future improvements as part of the latest round of Community Investment Fund grants awarded by Destination Door County earlier this week.

 

The five grants, benefiting the Southern Door School District, the Gibraltar Historical Association, the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands, the Town of Egg Harbor and the Friends of the Door County Parks System, totaled $318,852. Two of the grants — which will help modernize the Southern Door Community Auditorium and support the creation of the Heritage Harbor Cultural Center in Fish Creek — were for more than $100,000.

 

Destination Door County interim CEO Jon Jarosh says the projects are just the latest examples of how room tax dollars collected by the county’s lodging partners help support worthwhile projects that benefit visitors and residents alike.

 

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With this latest funding cycle, the program has now contributed to 71 projects countywide, bringing the total impact from DDC’s Community Investment Fund to $3,774,623 since the program began in May 2023. The next grant application deadline is June 22. More information about the five projects is available below.

 

PROJECTS

Southern Door School District received support to modernize the Southern Door Community Auditorium stage infrastructure with a motorized batten system, expanding opportunities for touring productions, educational programming, and cultural events that serve both visitors and residents. Investment amount: $125,000

 

Gibraltar Historical Association received support for the Heritage Harbor Cultural Center, creating a welcoming community and visitor hub that preserves Fish Creek history while expanding access to exhibits, archives, genealogy resources, and cultural programming. Investment amount: $109,000

 

Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands received support toward the restoration of the historic Plum Island boathouse roof and gutters, preserving a highly visible maritime landmark while supporting expanded educational and ecotourism programming on the island. Investment amount: $50,000

 

Town of Egg Harbor received support to construct an accessible paved pathway connecting its new playground, pavilion, parking area, and ball field, improving accessibility and creating new recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Investment amount: $27,852

 

Friends of the Door County Parks System received support to install 500 feet of ADA-­compliant mobility mats at Frank E. Murphy County Park, improving waterfront accessibility and enhancing the visitor experience for major community events and recreational use. Investment amount: $7,000

Birch Creek getting tuned up for another season

As the season turns from spring to summer, the sounds from the Dutton Concert Barn are growing louder as another season at Birch Creek Music Performance Center approaches. The first students of the season will arrive on the Egg Harbor campus on June 14, when dozens of percussion students fill the dorm rooms. From that point on, a revolving door of musicians will move through the campus, with symphony students and two sessions of jazz players rotating through the facilities, including the Dutton Concert Barn for several performances.

 

Birch Creek Music Performance Center Executive Director Jenna Ferdon said that, like many businesses and organizations, the cold, wet start to spring delayed some of the work completed in the weeks leading up to move-in day on June 14 and the first performance a few nights later. Thanks to her staff and a strong group of volunteers, she knows they will be ready to welcome the first guests of the season.

 

 

 

The first shows begin June 18, with percussion and symphony sessions running Thursday through Saturday and the two sessions of big band jazz running Wednesday through Saturday. You can learn more about the upcoming season and volunteer opportunities by listening to our full interview with Ferdon here.

Baileys Harbor woman injured, cited in rear-end collision

An 87-year-old Baileys Harbor woman was taken to Door County Medical Center on Wednesday morning after causing a two-vehicle crash.

 

The accident occurred at 8:40 a.m. on State Highway 57 near County Highway Q in the Town of Baileys Harbor.

 

According to the accident report, a 77-year-old Egg Harbor man and his passenger, a 61-year-old Egg Harbor man, were waiting to turn left into a driveway when their vehicle was rear-ended by the Baileys Harbor woman, who was traveling southbound.

 

Following the crash, the woman appeared confused about what had happened and admitted to causing the collision. She was taken to the hospital after complaining of chest pain.

 

Her vehicle was towed, and she was cited for inattentive driving.

 

One lane of traffic was closed until 9:10 a.m. while the vehicle was towed and crews cleared the scene.

St. Paul Lutheran Church to Mark 140 Years of Ministry

Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Juddville will celebrate the congregation’s 140th anniversary with a special worship service and community gathering on Sunday, June 14.

 

The anniversary service is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. at the church, located in Juddville. Several former pastors are expected to attend, and church leaders will share highlights from the congregation’s history. A potluck cookout for members will follow the service.

 

Originally organized in January 1886 as St. Paul Scandinavian Evangelical Luther Church, the congregation was founded by Scandinavian immigrants seeking regular worship services in their own church. The church’s first pastor, Rev. John Olson, led services in the Juddville schoolhouse until 1892.

 

With financial support from church members and land donated by Otto and Ida Anderson, construction of a church building began in 1900. The cornerstone was placed that May, and the first worship service in the completed building was held in April 1903.

 

The congregation shortened its name to St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1931 and translated its constitution into English.

 

Church officials say 14 founding families played a key role in establishing the congregation, along with the efforts of the Ladies Aid Society and Men’s Brotherhood, which helped support the church during its early years.

 

Over the past 140 years, St. Paul has been served by 29 pastors. The current pastor, Rev. Jon Gallatin, began his ministry at the church in December 2025.

 

Today, church members describe St. Paul as a “small church with a big heart,” citing its outreach programs and charitable efforts serving Door County residents and communities beyond. 

Sturgeon Bay man sentenced in child pornography case

A 56-year-old Sturgeon Bay man will spend the next three years in prison and remain under supervision for the rest of his life after being sentenced Wednesday on child pornography charges.

 

Scott James Soucek was arrested last July on 10 counts of possession of child pornography, each carrying a modifier of lifetime supervision for serious sex offenders. He originally entered a not guilty plea last October before additional hearings in November and January. He later entered no contest pleas to the charges in May.

 

Soucek also was fined $500 for each count. In addition, he must register with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry, is prohibited from unsupervised contact with minors without permission, and will have his internet use monitored at the discretion of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

Door County Firefighters Respond to Four Fires Tuesday as Dry Conditions Persist

Fire departments across Door County responded to four separate fire incidents Tuesday, adding to what officials describe as an unusually busy stretch for local firefighters during the Memorial Day holiday period.

 

According to officials, firefighters were dispatched Tuesday afternoon to the Tresselry grounds on Country View Road in the Town of Sevastopol for the second consecutive day after a worker reported a gas-powered leaf blower had caught fire. The equipment operator was able to extinguish the flames before emergency crews arrived, preventing the fire from spreading and limiting damage to the machine.

 

Later in the day, emergency responders were called to GFL Environmental's scrap metal facility on Division Road in Sturgeon Bay after a passerby reported seeing flames.

 

Officials said smoke and minimal flames were visible upon arrival. Crews quickly contained the fire and spent only a short time on scene. No injuries were reported, no structures were damaged and the cause remains under investigation.

 

Additional fire calls were reported Tuesday on Washington Island and in Egg Harbor. Officials characterized those incidents as minor and said little or no damage was reported.

 

Tuesday's activity brings the number of reported fire incidents in Door County to 12 since Friday, a period that included the busy Memorial Day weekend and an influx of visitors to the peninsula.

 

With the current fire danger level at low to moderate locally, fire officials continue to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution with outdoor equipment, campfires and any activity capable of producing sparks. Dry vegetation, low humidity and breezy conditions have contributed to elevated fire concerns across northeast Wisconsin this spring, with state officials repeatedly warning that even small sparks from lawn equipment or machinery can quickly ignite grass and brush fires.

 

Authorities said the recent string of incidents serves as a reminder that fire conditions remain favorable for rapid ignition, even when fires are quickly contained.

Kitchens, Jacque Seek Public Meeting on Potawatomi State Park Road Project

State Rep. Joel Kitchens and State Sen. André Jacque are calling on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to hold a public meeting in Door County following concerns about tree removal and road widening work at Potawatomi State Park.

 

In a letter sent Tuesday to DNR Secretary Karen Hyun, the lawmakers requested a public forum to discuss the impact of the project and explain future plans before a second phase of construction begins.

 

The request follows complaints from residents and park visitors who say too many trees were removed during the first phase of work along Shoreline Road and South Norway Road. Critics of the project argue the roads do not need to be widened and say the tree removal has permanently altered the park’s landscape.

 

“Like many people in our area, I was shocked by the number of trees the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources cut down in Potawatomi State Park,” Kitchens said in an official statement. “That’s why Senator Jacque and I are formally asking the Department to hold a public meeting to better explain their next steps before they begin Phase 2 of the project.”

 

Jaque said he reviewed project documents and found them lacking in detail.

 

“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,” he said in the statement.

 

The lawmakers also said the scope of the work surprised members of the Friends of Potawatomi State Park organization, which supports maintenance and improvements within the park.

 

In their letter, Kitchens and Jacque said the DNR “owes all of us an explanation of what they are planning in the future” and urged the agency to coordinate a public meeting as soon as possible.

 

The DNR had not publicly responded to the request as of Tuesday.

Peninsula Symphonic to Perform Free Fourth of July Concert in Sturgeon Bay

The Peninsula Symphonic Band will celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary with its annual free Fourth of July concert at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay.

 

The performance is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at Martin Park. The concert is open to the public and will feature a variety of patriotic music, traditional concert band selections and popular favorites commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.

 

The concert has become a longstanding holiday tradition in Door County, drawing residents and visitors alike to downtown Sturgeon Bay following the city’s weekly farmers market.

 

In an official statement, Music Director Jason Palmer said the event provides an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate together.

 

“It’s always exciting to perform in Martin Park just before the close of the weekly farmer’s market,” Palmer said. “People spend the morning exploring the market and then make their way to the park to enjoy live music together as a community.”

 

While admission is free, donations will be accepted to support the Peninsula Symphonic Band and its Summer Band Camp Scholarship Program.

 

For more than 35 years, the Peninsula Symphonic Band has provided free public performances throughout Door County, including an emotional Memorial Day performance this past holiday weekend in Sturgeon Bay. The community ensemble includes nearly 75 musicians ranging from high school students to experienced performers and professionals.

 

If you plan to attend, you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and enjoy a morning of patriotic music as the nation marks its 250th birthday.

YMCA Nears End of Annual Campaign, Community Support Still Needed

As the Door County YMCA prepares to close its fiscal year on May 31, the Y is also wrapping up the organization’s annual fundraising campaign, which helps ensure local residents can continue accessing YMCA programs and services regardless of their financial circumstances.

 

The campaign’s primary focus is funding the YMCA’s Membership for All program, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford membership dues. The program uses a sliding scale based on household income and financial need, helping remove barriers to health, wellness and community involvement. Donations remain in Door County and directly support local residents.

 

“Our goal was to raise $591,000 here in our community to help folks that might not be able to afford the Y without financial assistance,” said Door County YMCA Mission Advancement Executive Brett Cleveland.

 

According to Cleveland, the need for assistance remains significant.

 

“About 12% to 15% of our membership is receiving financial assistance of some sort,” he said.

 

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The Membership for All program helps cover membership costs and can also provide assistance for youth programs and child care services, allowing more families to participate in YMCA offerings.

 

Cleveland said community contributions make a direct impact on friends and neighbors throughout Door County. While the annual campaign officially concludes alongside the fiscal year on May 31, he is encouraging residents to consider making a final contribution to help meet fundraising goals and ensure financial assistance remains available for those who need it most.

 

“There is still time to donate, and that will go to support our friends and neighbors in the community,” he said.

 

For more information or to make a donation, please visit the Door County YMCA website or listen to this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast here.

Kewaunee seniors take competition into and out of classroom

While they have shown their athletic prowess across all three seasons, Kewaunee High School Principal Lindsey Hudson said they have found similar success in their academic pursuits. Of the 65 students who will walk across the stage on Wednesday, Of them, 11 have perfect 4.0 GPAs and share the title of valedictorian.

 

Many of the names — including Hannah Miller, Vivian Bootz, Emma Barta, Makiyah Derrig, Mia Ihlenfeldt, Chyanne Robinson, Isaac Heidel, Leanna Kinstetter, Alec Carlson, Noah Hudson and Summer Walechka — are also associated with Packerland Conference championships, regional and sectional titles, and state tournament berths.

 

With a son in the class, Hudson has had a front-row seat to how competitive the class can be with one another. She believes that competitiveness is a skill that will serve them well in the next phase of their lives.

 

 

 

Kewaunee High School will hold its graduation ceremony Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the main gym.

Green Bay man hospitalized, cited following two-vehicle crash

A 31-year-old Green Bay man was taken to the hospital following a two-vehicle crash in the Town of Brussels on Friday afternoon.

 

The crash occurred at 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of County Highway D and Misere Road.

 

According to the accident report released Tuesday, the man was driving south on Misere Road when he failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by another vehicle traveling west on County Highway D.

 

A witness said the impact caused the Green Bay man’s vehicle to roll over twice before coming to rest in a ditch near the intersection. The other driver, a 29-year-old Brussels woman, lost control of her vehicle before coming to a stop.

 

Both drivers suffered injuries, but only the Green Bay man was taken to Door County Medical Center for additional treatment. The woman’s infant son also was in the vehicle and suffered a possible injury that did not require hospitalization.

 

The man was cited for failing to stop at a stop sign.

 

The intersection was closed for more than an hour while the vehicles were towed and crews cleaned up the scene.

 

Sturgeon Bay man injured in two-vehicle rollover crash

State Highway 42 was closed for approximately an hour Sunday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash that sent one man to the hospital.

 

The crash occurred just after 1:30 p.m. on State Highway 42 near Rainbow Bridge Road in the Town of Egg Harbor.

 

According to the accident report released Tuesday, a 39-year-old Burlington man was waiting for oncoming traffic to clear so he could make a left turn when he noticed another vehicle quickly approaching.

 

That vehicle, driven by an 84-year-old Sturgeon Bay man with two Louisville, Kentucky, men as passengers, rear-ended the other car before rolling onto its roof near the side of the road.

 

The Sturgeon Bay man told responding deputies he was looking down before the crash and could not stop in time. Witnesses corroborated that statement, saying the vehicle did not stop before impact.

 

The Sturgeon Bay man was the only person transported to the hospital for additional treatment. His passengers from Louisville, along with the Burlington driver and his three family members, suffered no apparent injuries.

 

Both drivers were cited following the crash. The Sturgeon Bay man was ticketed for inattentive driving, while the Burlington man was cited for driving without insurance.

 

The highway remained closed until nearly 2:45 p.m. while the vehicles were towed and crews cleaned up the scene.

Stove fire causes $200K in damage to Ephraim home

An Ephraim cottage sustained significant damage in a Memorial Day weekend fire.

 

Firefighters responded to the blaze on Larson Lane at 10:25 p.m. Sunday. When Ephraim Fire Chief Justin MacDonald arrived less than five minutes later, the fire — which started in the cottage’s stove — had spread into the roof.

 

Firefighters from departments across northern Door County, including Gibraltar, Sister Bay-Liberty Grove, Ephraim and Baileys Harbor, arrived soon after. Crews brought the fire under control within 30 minutes through an interior attack in the home’s living room and attic, using approximately 3,500 gallons of water and three gallons of foam.

 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but damage is estimated at $200,000. No residents were injured, but one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.

 

With assistance from Door County Emergency Medical Services, the Door County Sheriff’s Department and the Door County Communications Center, the scene was cleared at 12:30 a.m. Monday.

 

It was part of a busy weekend for emergency personnel, who responded to 352 incidents, including eight fire calls and more than 20 crashes, from Friday through early Tuesday morning.

Baileys Harbor man injures hand in deer collision

A 29-year-old Baileys Harbor man was treated for a hand injury after hitting a deer with his vehicle Friday afternoon.

 

The crash occurred on County Highway A near North Junction Road in the Town of Jacksonport shortly after 1:45 p.m. According to the accident report released Tuesday, the man was traveling south when a deer ran into the passenger side of his vehicle.

 

The man was able to drive the vehicle home following the crash after emergency personnel treated him for his injuries.

 

The accident comes as encounters with deer on area roads increase during May and June because of spring fawning and yearling dispersal. According to the 2025 Door County Sheriff’s Department annual report, June had the third-highest number of vehicle-deer crashes with 58, trailing only November with 80 and October with 62.

Sevastopol leads local success at Destination Imagination Globals

A new Destination Imagination Global Finals champion calls Door County home.

 

Several teams from Door and Kewaunee counties participated in last week’s Destination Imagination Global Finals competition in Kansas City, Missouri. Destination Imagination allows students to complete challenges based on STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

 

Six teams from Sevastopol, three from Algoma and one from Holy Rosary qualified for the international competition after placing in the top three at the 2026 Wisconsin Destination Imagination Affiliate Tournament, held last month in Sun Prairie.

 

All six Sevastopol teams finished in the top 10 at the competition, including a global championship by “Penguins with Pizzazz” in middle-level scientific competition and runner-up finishes by “The Ultimate Ending” in secondary-level engineering and “MHGR” in elementary scientific competition. The teams were greeted with a parade in Sturgeon Bay when they arrived Monday night.

 

 

Holy Rosary School’s Destination Imagination team nearly brought home its own global championship to Kewaunee, with the HRS Rockets taking second place in the middle-level “Win It Big” technical division.

 

 

Algoma’s Destination Imagination team “The Four Horse Them” also earned a top-10 finish, placing eighth in its improvisational category.

 

The area’s Destination Imagination teams were not the only ones to bring home hardware from this year’s Global Finals. Algoma’s Robyn Harper received the Champions of Belonging Award for years of support for local Destination Imagination teams.

 

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