While national organizations call for consumers to take their frustrations out on national retailers, local businesses hope you decide to shop with them. A grassroots organization known as the People’s Union USA called for 24 hours of economic resistance on Friday, asking Americans to take the day off spending, particularly from national retailers and chains. The group grants some clemency to those needing emergency items but asks them to do so with cash and at local businesses. That “shop local” part is something Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaterski can get behind. She says shopping locally is beneficial not only to the individual business you are shopping at but also to the greater community.

According to the American Independent Business Alliance, an average of 52.9 percent of each purchase at a local business gets recirculated back into the community, compared to 13.6 percent at chain stores. Much of the anger is aimed at the national retailers and chains that rolled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards after the Trump Administration took office. The People’s Union USA plans additional boycotts focusing on specific companies next month. Northwestern University professor Anna Tuchman told the Associated Press that while the effort could impact Friday’s sales, it is likely to be unsustainable for the long term. 

Local truck drivers hauling heavy loads will have to be aware of their cargo weight now that the roads in the state have been reclassified by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).  The frozen road declaration in Wisconsin was ended Friday morning by the DOT.  This action impacts all five zones in the state, which includes zones 2 and 3 in Door and Kewaunee counties.  It helps to prevent roads from being damaged by heavy trucks during the spring thaw.  The restrictions on Class II roads, including about 1,400 miles of state highways, are on hold as the field staff evaluate the conditions amid the recent warmup and thaw.   The DOT monitors the roads to determine when they are frozen enough to accommodate heavier loads or thawed to lift the declarations.

Local units of government may also post load limits for town roads, county highways, and municipality streets.

You can find more information on the Seasonal Weight Restriction Program on the Wisconsin DNR website here.

A 19-year-old Sturgeon Bay man was cited for operating his vehicle left of the center line and without insurance after he drove the road and into a tree. The Door County Sheriff’s Department responded to the accident on Brauer Road near Haberli Road in the Town of Sevastopol after 4 p.m. on Thursday. The responding deputy was told that the driver had left the scene to go to the hospital to treat a possible injury. The driver later told the deputy that his truck suffered a mechanical malfunction before it entered a skid, crossed over the centerline, and drove into a farm field for about 60 yards before entering the woods. According to the accident report, there were no steer malfunctions, and the front tires spun freely. The vehicle was towed away from the scene due to disabling damage.

Poor winter driving conditions were to blame for a 25-year-old Baileys Harbor man driving off the road and into a utility pole on Thursday. Door County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to County Highway Q near Sunset Drive in the Town of Baileys Harbor just after 7 a.m. According to the accident report, the driver was navigating the road’s curvature when he lost control of his pickup truck. He eventually left the roadway and slammed into a utility pole and box. He injured his hand in the accident but denied medical treatment. The responding deputy noted that the road had clear ice on it, and the driving conditions were poor. No citation was issued as a result of the accident and the car was towed away due to disabling damage. The accident was part of a busy morning for the Door County Sheriff’s Department. They were notified of three cars in ditches and five accidents between 5:50 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Thursday, during which parts of Door County received another coating of snow before melting away later on in the day.

A delivery truck struck a utility pole on County Road M in the town of Nasewaupee Friday morning, causing a road closure due to fallen power lines.  The Door County Sheriff’s Department and Nasewaupee Fire Department responded shortly after 9 a.m. to the scene just north of the High Cliff Park Road intersection on County Road M.  Traffic was closed while Sturgeon Bay Utilities arrived about 9:50 a.m.  No injuries were reported, and Door County Daily News will update this story as more details become available and more information is released.

You will want to prepare for some expected heavy winds in Door and Kewaunee counties on Friday.  The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 10:00 a.m. on Friday until 6:00 p.m. for Kewaunee County and 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in Door County. The forecast calls for west winds blowing from 20 to 25 miles per hour and gusts expected to reach 45 miles per hour.  Gusty winds can blow around unsecured objects and cause possible power outages when trees fall or loose branches.  The strong winds may make driving tricky on Friday, especially for high-profile vehicles, so extra caution is advised.  

Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski will do his part to uphold the rule of law, but he also hopes federal legislators will do their part to address the problems that exist with immigration, which he says have existed for decades.

On Wednesday, state legislators heard from law enforcement officials, immigrants’ rights advocates, and other stakeholders on a bill requiring Wisconsin sheriffs to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If passed, violating counties would lose up to 15 percent in state aid if they did not comply. Joski says like all of the agencies they work with on various cases; they cooperate to ensure the rule of law is followed. Joski fully supports ICE’s efforts to locate and deport violent and repeat offending criminals living in the country. He says, however, that most immigrants he has encountered in Kewaunee County are hard-working, family-oriented, and an overall positive addition to the community. He is not advocating that current state and federal laws be ignored. Still, Joski believes this is an opportunity to take a more thoughtful approach to the immigration debate moving forward.

Joski stands by his past support for driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, saying it adds a level of accountability for the individual to do what is right.

He adds that neither ICE nor the county has the resources to execute mass deportations, as many people fear could happen. He does expect stricter enforcement to occur in the future, but the focus now is on those committing crimes in the community. You can read more of Joski’s thoughts below.

With the many headlines we have seen over the past few weeks regarding the change in the enforcement of our nation’s immigration policies, I felt it appropriate to reach out to our partners at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to gain clarity. Our point of contact was very gracious, and we were able to hold a teleconference with my command staff along with representatives of other local law enforcement agencies, staff members of the Kewaunee County Human Services Department, and representatives of our local school districts. This multi-disciplinary approach to this subject was not accidental in any way, as any and all action moving forward is going to impact the lives of not just individuals but families and children of our community.

I want to start by extending my complete support to the efforts being taken currently to address the presence of those here illegally who are perpetrating violent crimes against our communities. As a law enforcement officer with over 30 years of experience, I understand the impact these criminal elements can have in a community and the need for firm and deliberate enforcement action. I would associate these actions to that of the hammer coming down, and I am grateful for the hammer. There is, however, an old saying that if the only tool in your toolbelt is a hammer, everything you see becomes a nail. The immigration issue requires us to look at our approach with more than just a one-dimensional lens. There is a point where the rigid enforcement of the law without the understanding and consideration of those who will be impacted can do more harm than good. As I stated, I am a firm believer in the law. I raised my right-hand many years ago and swore to uphold the Constitution. I committed to protecting my community by enforcement of laws. I have and will continue to do this for as long as I wear the badge, but when I see the potential for untold levels of human suffering due to the rigid application of our laws, I have to believe that we can do better.

I believe that we can walk and chew gum at the same time. I believe that we can continue our aggressive approach of rooting out those who prey upon our communities while at the same time creating an effective pathway for those who came to our country to pursue their dreams, better themselves, and, in the process, improve the communities they have settled in. I have to believe that we can do better than telling families they need to travel back to their country of origin, uprooting their children from the only reality they have ever known, to navigate the uncertainty and danger that awaits them.

There are those who would say that it was their choice to come here illegally, but you must understand that for many, their journey was out of desperate necessity, navigated in an immigration environment which, at best, was ambiguous and at worse, inaccessible. While there has been a great deal of attention given to the last few years of this dysfunction, the roots go back much farther, and responsibility for years of broken policy lies at the feet of many. This is not a time for the assignment of blame. This is not the time to remain locked in ideologies that perpetuate division. This is a time for leadership. This is a time for courage.  This is a time to champion “What “is right, and not.” Who” is right.

Over a decade ago, I supported legislation surrounding creating a driver’s card program in Wisconsin. This was not embarked upon as an entitlement or the granting of rights but as a simple matter of public safety. It went nowhere. In fact, at the time, I had a legislator look me straight in the eyes and say, “Matt, if we were to enact this, we would have to recognize that they are here.” This is the same short-sighted, narrow-minded leadership I cautioned against a few sentences ago. We can and must do better.

This is not an issue that can be solved locally or even at the state level. This matter rests squarely in the hands of our national legislative representatives. I call upon them to do not what is easy or popular but to do what is right. To take an active role in our country’s next chapter of immigration law. To see in the faces of the men and women yearning for a better life for themselves and their children the same hope we each have for our families and children.

While their journey may look different than that of our own immigrant ancestors, their dream is the same. I believe that we can, in fact, balance our need for accountability with our obligation to demonstrate love through that same accountability. We are no doubt a great nation, but we have been at our absolute best in those moments of history when we demonstrated compassion when our nation needed it the most. 

With drastically changing ice conditions occurring on the bay of Green Bay, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local authorities remind everyone that no ice is safe ice for walking or driving on.  Brussels-Union-Gardner (BUG) Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday to 1280 South Bay Shore Road in the town of Union for two individuals who had dropped their UTV halfway through the ice about a half-mile offshore.  BUG Assistant Fire Chief Jim Wautier says the occupants of the UTV were able to walk back to shore and suffered no injuries.  He notes that the ice conditions on the water are getting poorer and will probably get worse as high winds are in the forecast for later this week.

Wautier adds that Thursday’s call was thankfully not an ice rescue situation and that the UTV had not been retrieved off the ice as of 9:00 a.m. Thursday.  The BUG Fire Department was able to leave the scene shortly after 4:30 p.m. after the ice anglers were safely onshore.   The DNR recommends checking with local fishing clubs, outfitters and bait shops for current ice conditions before traveling onto any ice.  You can find ice safety tips below.

• Make sure people know where you're going and when you'll return, and keep a charged cell phone with you. Do not travel to unfamiliar areas, and do not travel at night.
• Wear a personal flotation device or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss.
• Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
• Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
• Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket so that, if needed, you can pull yourself or others out of the ice.
• If you fall in, remain as calm as possible and call for help while attempting to lift yourself out of the water. Anyone who attempts to rescue you should use a rope or something similar to avoid falling in as well.

Algoma and Kewaunee are used to competing against each other, but this Thursday’s boys basketball game looks to ease the 12-mile divide between the communities in the name of compassion. The Algoma girls' basketball team is organizing a fundraiser as a part of the boys' basketball rivalry game between the Wolves and the Storm to support the Vaughn family. The Kewaunee School District community was shaken earlier this month when junior Owen Vaughn passed away unexpectedly after losing his battle with mental health. Senior Sierra Slaby understands the rivalry between the two schools as a multi-sport athlete at Algoma. No matter the colors you may wear on gameday, Slaby says she and her team took the opportunity to good in the community.

The benefit, which will take place on Thursday, includes a chuck-a-duck game at halftime of the junior varsity and varsity games, a bake sale, and a 50/50 raffle. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 28.5 percent of high school students said they experience poor mental health, and 20 percent seriously considered attempting suicide. Prevent Suicide Wisconsin recommends calling, texting, or messaging the 988 Lifeline for judgment-free care when you need additional support.

A partnership between four local schools and nine area fire departments is taking steps to get students exploring potential careers in firefighting while gaining post-secondary credits and real-world experience.  The Kewaunee County Junior Firefighter Program includes three students from Luxemburg-Casco High School and five others from the Kewaunee, Algoma, and Denmark school districts.  Last Saturday, the group participated in a ladder work practice at the NWTC Fire Academy in Green Bay.  Luxemburg-Casco School District Director of Learning Services Mike Snowberry says the program helps to offset the shortage of firefighters available to respond to emergency calls during the day.  Although the junior firefighters are limited in what they can do during an actual fire call, the students attend meetings with the fire department, where they are assigned to learn the ropes and train every month.

The Kewaunee County Junior Firefighter Program received a $24,525 grant last year to purchase Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for students. Snowberry says the program has allowed students to be treated like adults while giving them the opportunity to become comfortable with something new and show the confidence needed to be successful. Snowberry is thankful for collaborating with all the fire departments to make the program work.    

A Door County church hopes someone knows where a hand-carved rendition of the Lord’s Supper is located.  Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Jacksonport posted on social media Tuesday that the carved rendition is missing and was reportedly removed for some daycare displays in the past. 

The carved artwork of the Lord’s Supper was crafted by former church member Bill Herbst and was displayed for years outside the gym doors at the Zion Lutheran School. 

The post states that the school building, storage shed, and apartments have been searched, but they have not found the one-of-a-kind carving. 

The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church is asking for help in locating the carving. Please contact the church if you have any information about the artwork's whereabouts.   

eggharborpastor@gmail.com  or calling (920) 493-5472.  

You can celebrate and support the Door County YMCA next Tuesday, March 4,  at its annual Day of Giving in Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek.   Marketing and Events Coordinator Makayla Thoma says the day is full of fun activities in both program centers to raise funds for the annual campaign.  The event includes the popular Rubber Duck Race at 6:15 p.m. with cash prizes and 650 ducks sent down the water slide. 

Mission Advancement Executive Brett Cleveland says the goal is to make membership possible for all community members regardless of their ability to pay. He notes that the annual campaign’s goal is $580,000, and about $370,000 has been raised so far.

On Tuesday, the Day of Giving will start at 5:30 a.m. in Sturgeon Bay and at 6:30 a.m. at the Jackie & Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek.  There will be coffee and cookie sales, along with  souvenir t-shirt sales to enhance the spirit of giving back to the community.

With less than 60 days to go before the thousands of fans descend on Green Bay for April’s NFL Draft, you need to act now if you are planning to rent your home for the week. League obligations have taxed area lodging in the immediate Green Bay area for months, pushing fans outside the area and creating interest for residents who could rent their homes to cash in on the opportunity. The thrill of the opportunity does not mean you can skip out on steps in the process. In Green Bay, short-term rental owners have been receiving warnings and threats of possible fines if they do not have the proper permits with the city and the county. In Door County, the multiple-step process includes permits from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, the Door County Tourism Zone permit, and potentially one from your municipality. The final piece is the one Door County Tourism Zone Administrator Julianna Behme says trips most short-term rental owners up because not every municipality requires the additional permit.

BEHME

The towns of Baileys Harbor, Clay Banks, Liberty Grove, Nasewaupee, Gibraltar, the villages of Egg Harbor, Ephraim, and Sister Bay, and the City of Sturgeon Bay require an additional permit to run a short-term rental. Behme says the Door County Tourism Zone is more than happy to meet with property owners to ensure their rentals are compliant. The NFL Draft will take place in Green Bay from April 24th through 26th, with more than 250,000 people expected to attend.

A majestic photo overlooking Lake Michigan in Door County was recently named the 2024 grand prize winner of a statewide nature photography competition. Brad Bellisle of Oregon, Wisconsin, won the contest with a pre-sunrise photo taken at Whitefish Dunes State Park using a fish-eye lens. The photo competition, sponsored by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin for the past 11 years, includes five categories.

Bellisle’s submission was in the Landscape category and was titled “Cave.” It used the surrounding rock formations near Cave Point as a natural frame.

“Nature has always inspired my photography,” Bellisle said. “I’ve traveled all over the state exploring the different parks, shorelines, and natural areas to try and capture nature in unique ways.”

Bellisle’s picture bested over 770 other entries that were submitted last fall.  The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin contest is designed to encourage state conservation and share Wisconsin's natural beauty.  

Photo by Brad Bellisle

The urgent need for spaying and neutering pets has increased as some animal shelters become overwhelmed, and a veterinarian shortage has limited services around the state.  Corey Viars from the Wisconsin Humane Society of Green Bay and Door County Campus says the neutering and spaying of pets control the population of cats and dogs and can mean a longer and healthier life for your pets.  He shares the many reasons you should have your cat or dog neutered or spayed. 

One unspayed cat can produce over 60 kittens in five years, but only 25 percent of outdoor kittens survive due to starvation, disease, or harsh weather. Tuesday, February 25, is World Spay Day, which was founded in 1995 by the Animal Foundation. 

The three days you have may have spent in Algoma nearly eight years ago continues to have a positive impact on the community. Kewaunee County hosted the 2017 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days at Ebert Enterprises, bringing thousands to the area for the three day agriculture show. The event not only opened the eyes of potential repeat visitors, but also raised tens of thousands of dollars that have been put back into the communities that supported it. In addition to building a warming shelter at Kewaunee Winter Park for the Dana Farm Ice Rink, event proceeds have also awarded several $1,000 scholarships to students at Algoma, Kewaunee, Luxemburg-Casco, Denmark, Southern Door, and Mishicot over the last six years as they hope to distribute approximately $60,000 over a ten-year period. Kewaunee County Farm Technology Days Executive Committee Member Aerica Bjurstrom is proud to see how one event will provide support in the community that will last decades.

The application, which is open to area students who are beyond the first half of their post-secondary education journey (3rd or 4th year of college, the second year of a two-year program, the second half of a program, or in a graduate program), is open now through April 15th.

Making sure county circuit courts across the state are properly supported is part of a larger effort the Door County Board is looking to potentially approve during its meeting on Thursday. Among the nine resolutions on the agenda is one urging Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Legislature to support the courts. According to the resolution, the total costs of running the state’s circuit court were $237 million. The state’s court support funding was $28 million, or approximately 12 percent of the total. Door County Administrator Ken Pabich says the issue is even more important for more populous counties like Brown, Dane, and Milwaukee, but he hopes the funding imbalance is addressed in the upcoming budget.

Evers has included approximately $70 million in the upcoming budget to address the state court system. The Door County Board will also weigh in on resolutions that include support increasing the base funding for county conservation staffing to $20.2 million and an Assembly bill to make the Northern Sky Theater property tax exempt. The board will meet on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Door County Government Center in Sturgeon Bay.

The concerns of flooding in your home can rise faster than how quickly the snow melting is occurring this week from above-normal temperatures.  This week is Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin and Phil Schmitz of Schmitz Insurance in Sturgeon Bay says your homeowner’s policy may only cover some types of flooding that are impacted by surface water.  He notes that about 80 percent of all flooding happens in homes that are not in a flood zone.

Property owners can access a national flood insurance program through local agents or private policies from private companies through Lloyds of London. Schmitz recommends that you check with your insurance agent to find out what type of flood insurance coverage is included in your regular homeowner’s policy. 

According to the Department of Natural Resources, floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in Wisconsin. The last decade was the wettest on record, with average annual precipitation increasing about 17%, or 5 inches, since 1950. 

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources  iStock.com/djperry

An 81-year-old man from the town of Nasewaupee was convicted this month in Door County Circuit Court on multiple felony fraud-related charges dating back to last June. Dale Forrest Pautsch was found guilty on 15 felony counts, including Theft from a Business Setting and Money Laundering.

After a ten-month investigation, the Door County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Sturgeon Bay Police Department, uncovered a large-scale theft and money laundering operation. Twenty-three victims were identified during the investigation, with a total combined loss of $1,138,000.

During the investigation, Pautsch’s property was seized. It consisted of a business in the town of Gardner, a house and rental properties in Nasewaupee, two vehicles, a UTV, jewelry, and approximately $160,000.

The Door County District Attorney’s Office and the Door County Sheriff’s Office are selling and liquidating the seized property as part of a court agreement. The proceeds from the liquidation will be used to cover restitution for the victims.

Pautsch is being held in the Door County Jail and awaits a sentencing hearing on May 29.  

In the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope, much of the energy is being centered on Pope Francis's health.

The pope’s health has been the subject of concern for many Catholics for the last several weeks as he is in critical condition as he battles double pneumonia and suffers from mild kidney failure in a Rome hospital. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City suggested to NBC’s Today Show on Monday that Pope Francis is in “very, very fragile health” and that he is “probably close to death.” More than 4,600 miles away in Luxemburg, Pastor Dan Schuster of St. Mary’s Parish in Luxemburg and Holy Trinity Parish in Casco says area Catholics are praying for the health of Pope Francis while also being curious about what kind of leader a new pope may be. At 88 years old, Pope Francis is the third oldest ever to serve the Catholic Church, trailing only Pope Celestine II and Pope Leo XIII. The word “mercy” comes to Schuster's mind when he thinks about Pope Francis.

Catholic churches are preparing for the inevitable: Pope Francis will pass away before a replacement is named. Schuster says he has ordered the black bunting that will wrap the doors of his churches when Pope Francis passes away, as part of Catholic tradition.

You can potentially connect to a career in the healthcare industry as part of a career fair hosted by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Sturgeon Bay campus next week. The health sciences career fair will have local healthcare professionals on hand to showcase the careers that are available to them, whether it is at a hospital or clinic or inside long-term care facilities.

According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, the country will be short thousands of people within the next five to twelve years in key roles such as physical therapists (9,140 people short), mental health counselors (87,840 people short), and registered nurses (207,980 people short). NWTC Sturgeon Bay Regional Manager April Konitzer says the career fair is just one of many ways the college is trying to stay ahead of the curve on when it comes to the region’s healthcare industry.

The NWTC health services career fair is scheduled for February 25th from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

A local organization is working to help individuals and families dealing with the devastating disease of Alzheimer’s.  The Director of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s of the Alzheimer’s Association - Wisconsin Chapter, Cari Josephson, says resources are available for people impacted by Alzheimer’s, and there are ways to detect early signs of the disease.  She says no one should ever be alone on the journey and that the Alzheimer’s Association is there to offer as much support as possible as treatment advancements have been made over the last couple of years.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.  Estimates vary, but experts estimate that more than six million Americans may have Alzheimer’s

The statewide Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held later this year, with the Door County event being held on Saturday, September 13, in partnership with Sunshine Resources’ Sunflower Fest at Martin Park.   Last year locally, the event raised more than double from 2023, with over $3.2 million raised throughout the state.

You can learn more about owls and how to protect their habitat in Door County next weekend.  The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor is hosting the annual Owl-O-Rama event.  Ridges Visitor engagement specialist and ornithologist Dan Scheiman says the Owl Prowl kicks things off on Friday evening with a presentation at the Nature Center.   The focus will be on the four species of owls found in Door County all year round, including the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, and the Northern Saw-Whet Owl.  Scheiman says owls are an important predator in the area to keep other species under control.

Scheiman notes that you can help improve owl habitats by not using pesticides and putting up nest boxes in your backyard. The Owl-O-Rama features a Screech Owl Nest Box Workshop on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet with the Open Door Bird Sanctuary from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In 2004, Governor James Doyle designated the first Saturday in March as “Aldo Leopold Day” in Wisconsin. At the suggestion of Nancy Rafal, in 2007, Crossroads at Big Creek, in collaboration with other Door County environmental organizations, brought Aldo Leopold Weekend to Door County.

Every year since, Crossroads has celebrated the first Saturday in March in various ways, often in collaboration with others. This year, Crossroads is joining the Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones-Door Peninsula to sponsor an Aldo Leopold Day Sunset Hike for the community on Saturday, March 1, at 4:30 PM.  
 

But the whole weekend will relate in some way to Aldo Leopold, who in addition to writing inspiring essays about nature, is known as the “Father of Wildlife Ecology,” because in 1933 he wrote “Game Management”, the first textbook which defined the techniques for managing and restoring wildlife. But what does fish have to do with him?

According to Curt Meine, a Senior Fellow at the Leopold Foundation, “rivers and fishing were in Leopold’s DNA,” as he had grown up near the Mississippi (in Iowa).  Leopold started thinking early in his career about how landscape and vegetation changes in a watershed affect water quality and aquatic habitat."
 

The  Thursday, February 27, 7:00  Fish Tales Lecture  “The Status of Lake Whitefish in Lake Michigan and Green Bay.” was prepared by Scott Hansen, WDNR Senior Fish Biologist who oversees the management of Lake Whitefish in Lake Michigan/Green Bay, and will be presented by Nick Legler, WDNR Fisheries Supervisor.  The free program will explore why Lake Whitefish are now much more abundant in Green Bay than in Lake Michigan and how invasive zebra and quagga mussels were involved in causing such a significant change.  This popular program is free and open to the public. But those who cannot attend in person can watch using Zoom at  https://doorcountylibrary.org/event

On March 1, our weekly family program, Saturday Science, which starts at 2:00, is called “Learning from Aldo Leopold.” Learners of all ages are invited to share videos and activities inspired by the wisdom of this environmental pioneer.

Families and the whole community are invited to participate in the Aldo Leopold Day Sunset Hike, which, if conditions are unfavorable, will be offered as a Fireside gathering inside the Collins Learning Center. In any case, it will start at 4:30. Volunteers from Wild Ones, Master Gardeners, and Crossroads will read Leopold's poignant words at selected spots along the trail. At Sunset, participants will share a moment of silence.

Our Current (Ecological) Events discussion group, which meets the first Monday of each month, will discuss several articles on current research pertaining to wildlife management. Folks are invited to pick up copies of the articles at the reception desk at the entrance of the Collins Learning Center, but they do not need to attend the discussion to do so. All are welcome, whether or not they read the articles in advance.
 

We will never stop being inspired by Aldo Leopold's words, but the final Leopold celebration activity will be our Environmental Exploration afterschool program, which will involve Predator/Prey Games at 3:30 on Tuesday, March 4.
 

Ski-for-Free will be offered when conditions allow. Check the ticker at the top of the Crossroads website to learn about trail conditions and Ski-for-Free hours.

Thursday, February 27

7:00  Fish Tale Lecture: Status of Lake Whitefish in Lake Michigan and Green Bay    

Scott Hansen, WDNR Senior Fish Biologist who oversees the management of lake whitefish in Lake Michigan/Green Bay,  prepared the lecture that will be presented by Nick Legler, WDNR Fisheries Supervisor.  The free program will explore whether the invasion of zebra and quagga mussels has impacted whitefish and discuss the decline of whitefish in Lake Michigan. This popular program is free and open to the public. Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay or online at https://doorcountylibrary.org/event

Saturday, March 1

2:00 Saturday Science: “Learning from Aldo Leopold”

Through videos, activities, and (weather permitting) outdoor games, learners of all ages will be introduced to this environmental pioneer's writings. Free and open to learners of all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

4:30 Aldo Leopold Day Sunset Hike

The community is invited to celebrate the words of Aldo Leopold on a special hike. At selected points along the trail, volunteers from Crossroads, Wild Ones, and Master Gardeners will read short passages from his writings, and hopefully, we will pause in silence to watch the sunset.  If inclement weather forces us indoors, the program will be a fireside gathering in the Collins Learning Center.  Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay

Monday, March 3

1:30  Current (Ecological) Events

The Current (Ecological) Events discussion group, which meets on the first Monday of each month, will discuss several articles on current research pertaining to wildlife management. Folks are invited to pick up copies of the articles at the reception desk at the entrance of the Collins Learning Center, but they do not need to attend the discussion to do so. All are welcome, whether or not they read the articles in advance. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, March 4

3:30 Environmental Exploration: Predator/Prey Games

This weekly afterschool program will celebrate Aldo Leopold and wildlife ecology with a video and outdoor learning games (dress for the weather). However, indoor activities will be offered if the weather is inclement.  Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay

You will want to get your snowmobiling in this weekend before the weather turns warmer next week and the foot of snow on the ground melts away. The Kewaunee County Promotions & Recreation Department reports that all four snowmobile sections in Kewaunee County will be effectively closed at 6:00 a.m. Monday.  

Kewaunee County reminds snowmobilers that they can be cited for riding trails when closed. Hundreds of landowners cooperate to provide access to the County’s state-funded club trails. You are asked to respect their property and their privacy. 

 You can always check the status of current trail conditions by calling 920-388-7199.

You can get the latest news from the Door County Snowmobile Trails System here.  

One resolution that can help you and your family later in your life is a key aspect of an estate plan that is sometimes overlooked. Having an executor in place for health and financial issues is critically important, according to Jim Downey from Blazkovec, Blazkovec & Downey in Algoma and Sturgeon Bay. He says the roles and responsibilities of the estate executor or trust are in place, so your wishes are followed if you are ever incapable of making those decisions. He says choosing the right representative to handle those duties can sometimes be challenging.

Downey says most executors selected for financial or healthcare Power of Attorney are usually closest geographically. You can find the ten duties of an executor of a will below.

1. Get a copy of the will and file it with the local probate court

The executor is in charge of locating, reading and understanding the will—usually, even if probate isn’t necessary, the will still must be filed with the probate court. At this step, the executor also determines who inherits the property.

2. Notify banks, credit card companies, and government agencies of the decedent’s death

The Social Security Administration, along with the decedent’s bank and credit card companies, are just some examples of who should be notified of the death.

3. Decide what kind of probate is necessary

Because inheritance laws may facilitate the passing of certain properties without probate (such as property held jointly by a husband and wife), probate isn’t always necessary. Additionally, the value of the estate may allow it to pass through an expedited process. If probate is required, you need to file a petition with the court to be appointed an executor.  You will likely need an attorney's assistance to accomplish this. 

4. Represent the estate in court

An executor may be required to appear in court on behalf of the estate. 

5. Set up a bank account for incoming funds and pay any ongoing bills 

If the decedent is owed money such as incoming paychecks, this account can hold them. An executor should be on the lookout for mortgages, utilities, and similar bills that still need to be paid throughout the probate process.

6. File an inventory of the estate's assets with the court

In many states, the court requires the executor to submit a detailed inventory of the assets in the probate estate. 

7. Maintain the property until it can be distributed or sold

This includes keeping up a house until it is distributed to heirs or sold- even deciding whether the property needs to be sold at all. Also, an executor must be sure to find all personal property in the estate and protect it until distribution. If the decedent had a safety deposit box, the executor should locate it and keep it safe. 

8. Pay the estate's debts and taxes

State law dictates the procedure for notifying creditors, and the estate must also file income tax returns from the first of the current year until the date of the decedent's death. If the estate is large enough, there may be state and/or federal estate taxes to pay as well

9. Distribute assets

Distribution occurs according to the wishes expressed in the will. If there is no will, state intestacy laws apply.

10. Dispose of other property

If there is any property left after paying off the estate's debts and distribution to heirs, the executor is responsible for disposing of it. 

Since estates vary greatly in size and complexity, an executor's job may be easy or challenging to carry out—and responsibilities may very well go beyond the ten basic items in this list. But while an executor can decline the position or resign at any point in the process, sometimes all that is needed is some legal advice.

Your kids could soon have more options in the lunchroom thanks to a bill working through the United States Congress this month. According to Wisconsin State Farm, the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act” was passed by the House Education and Workforce Committee on a bipartisan basis, with local Rep. Tony Wied joining six of his fellow Wisconsin House members as co-sponsors. Once signed into law, higher fat content milk like whole and two percent would return to the lunchroom for the first time since 2010 when they were removed as a part of the retooled National School Lunch Program. Currently, school districts like Sturgeon Bay sell one percent and skim milk. It was removed because it was believed that the higher fat content contributed to childhood obesity. However, research has shown that a higher fat content is needed to digest the vitamins in milk properly. Locally, UW-Madison Extension Regional Dairy Educator Aerica Bjurstrom does not think it will have a huge impact because nearly 90 percent of the milk produced in the area goes to make cheese. For the industry as a whole, only good can come from it, according to Bjurstrom.

According to Statista, fluid milk consumption dropped from 196 pounds in 2000 to 130 pounds in 2022. Thanks to a wider selection of products, Bjurstom says consumption is back on the rise. 

Village of Sister Bay officials know a new administration building is needed, but the timing and finances are stumbling blocks it is still trying to navigate. Relocating its current administration building on Maple Drive has been in the works since at least 2023, when the village worked with Ayres and Associates on an updated facilities plan. The village worked with McMahon and Associates on different designs for the new building slated to be built on the Logerquist property near Woodcrest Road. Plans for a new administration building took a hit last month when the village had to navigate an issue with property taxes being unexpectedly raised by approximately 10 percent and concerns with its Capital Improvement Plan. During Tuesday’s meeting, village officials and residents were unanimous that the building needs to be replaced, but the path to getting there was up for debate. Richard Burress suggested that there might be 14 options that might make sense for a new administration building, expressing his disappointment that the Logerquist property was ever purchased.

Residents echoed Burress’ sentiment, saying that more creative solutions should be explored before building a new space on the Logerquist property. They also applauded the board for slowing the process down so they could evaluate the village’s finances before moving forward. Village employees Janal Suppanz and Heidi Teich expressed their disappointment in the pause in the administration center project, expressing that they will have to make do with what they have until a solution is finally found.

Later in the meeting, Village Board President Nate Bell called for the formation of a committee to discuss the future administration building, which would consist of two trustees and five other stakeholders. The matter will be discussed at the March meeting. You can watch the meeting below.

After a pair of mild winters, winter sports enthusiasts are returning to state parks this year to participate in some of their favorite activities. Earlier this month, snowmobile trails opened for the first time this season across Door County, while cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and fat bikers could also hit the trails over several inches of snow. Additional traffic has been noticeable at Wisconsin State Parks, such as Potawatomi State Park. Park Superintendent Erin Brown-Stender said after a slow start to winter, activity picked up as the temperatures dropped. She says the First Day Hike at Whitefish Dunes State Park was among its most attended. Good ice conditions helped make last month the second busiest January for visitors since 2000. With snow piling up on area trails, Brown-Stender does not expect that trend to change.

The uptick in visitation this winter follows what Brown-Stender called an average summer for the state parks she oversees, which include Potawatomi and Whitefish Dunes state parks. That being said, she added that camping last year was the busiest its has ever been based on her records.

According to the accident report, the woman was driving faster than the suggested speed limit of 45 miles per hour but under the posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour. A conversation with the woman’s father, who owns the truck, discovered that he had driven the vehicle earlier in the day and had no problems with it.  She was cited with operating left of center and failing to keep her vehicle under control. She also consented to a blood test for drugs and alcohol, and those results are still pending. All three individuals were transported to the hospital to be treated for suspected serious injuries while the vehicles were towed. The accident closed a portion of State Highway 57 for approximately two-and-a-half hours, so clean-up could occur. 

If you're an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking or hunting, a key wetland habitat along the Ahnapee River will remain natural for many years. The Door County Land Trust (DCLT) has announced it will permanently protect over 47 acres near the Ahnapee River in the Town of Forestville.  On February 5, the DCLT acquired the ecologically significant land, mainly a marsh with a river and streambank wetlands and a small former hayfield.  DCLT will manage the property to support watershed health, including water quality monitoring and wetland habitat restoration. 

The newly protected property is part of the Ahnapee River Wildlife Corridor, a key habitat of wetlands and riverbanks that follows the river from its headwaters near Brussels Hill to its mouth on Lake Michigan in Algoma. The area supports migrating and nesting birds, fish habitats, and diverse plant life, such as yellow warblers, soras, green herons, and fish species like pike, rainbow, and brown trout. Conservation efforts along the Ahnapee River help keep the critical wildlife passageways intact.

The public can access the Ahnapee State Trail/Ice Age Trail, which runs along the property and the land but does not have a parking lot. 

(photo by Emily Wood)

If you are sitting at home with the flu right now, you are not alone. According to USA Today, this has been the worst flu season in over a decade. The influenza activity level in Wisconsin was considered “very high” and stable as of February 8th. That is compared to COVID-19, which is at a low activity level and decreasing while RSV is holding stable at a high level. At 3,785, this influenza season has already sent more people to the hospital than in three of the previous four flu seasons. Last season was the highest in the last five years at 3,900 hospitalizations, with this year well ahead of that pace. Door County Public Health Nurses Holly Neri and Stormy Gale cannot pinpoint why this year’s flu season has been so bad, with evolving viruses, higher testing rates, lower vaccination rates, and fewer precautions among the hypotheses. Their advice: stay home if you’re sick.

Neri and Gale hope they are past the peak of the flu season and that the numbers will eventually drop. They also encourage you to get vaccinated if it is right for you and your family to protect yourself from being seriously affected by influenza.

Your students are one step closer to being unable to access their cell phones in the classroom after the Wisconsin Assembly vote on Thursday. Assembly Bill 2, authored by Rep. Joel Kitchens, would require school districts to write their own policy banning cell phones and decide how to enforce it.  The bill includes laptops and other smart devices not being used for instructional purposes. There are also exemptions for cases of emergency and medical condition monitoring. After introducing the bill in January, Kitchens said that phones have become a distraction inside the classroom and a cause for mental health concerns outside of it.

The bill now heads to the Wisconsin State Senate. Data from the Pew Research Center shows that 70 percent of American teachers consider cell phone distractions an issue in the classroom. Wisconsin is not the only state considering banning cell phone usage in the classroom. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker proposed a similar statewide ban on cellphones in the classroom on Wednesday, joining over 15 states weighing their own legislation.

Governor Tony Evers’ concerns about federal funding affecting the state’s business over the next two years were not enough to garner much support from the Wisconsin Republicans on Tuesday.

Calling 2025 “The Year of the Kid,” Evers’ budget calls for an increase of over $3 billion for K-12 spending, $850 million for the Universities of Wisconsin, and $480 million for a childcare subsidy. That was paired with $2 billion in tax cuts on things like tips, electricity, and natural gas. During his budget address, Evers poked at the Trump Administration, saying that “with irresponsible decisions in Washington every day hurting people in Wisconsin, we will need to have state resources readily available to respond to basic and emergency situations alike.”

Republicans were quick to dismiss the budget proposal, with Assembly Speaker Robin Vos saying that they will not allow Evers to turn Wisconsin into “Tim Walz’s Minnesota.” Locally, State Rep. Joel Kitchens cited the 20 percent spending increase and 1,300 new positions when he called the budget “a wish list so long that no child would dare send it to Santa.” He points out that much of the money being spent is based on a $4 billion surplus that is made up of one-time money, meaning that there is no way to replace it if the funding is used to support ongoing programs. “I share many of the governor’s overarching priorities, but his budget is so unrealistic that there is almost no starting point to negotiate,” Kitchens said. “Once again, Republicans will be responsible and do the hard work of balancing the state budget.” State Senator Andre Jacque was a little more optimistic, pointing out some of his bills that he has been working on bipartisan support for appeared during the budget address.

The Wisconsin Legislature will work on its budget over the next several weeks, with a final version approved in the summer.

A Green Bay man was able to escape a scary situation unharmed on Sunday evening when his car rolled over and severed a utility pole in two places, causing a portion of State Highway 42 to close for several hours.

The Egg Harbor Fire Department and the Door County Sheriff's Department were among others that responded to the accident on State Highway 42 near Monument Point Road and Indigo Lane at approximately 7:45 p.m. According to the accident report, the man was driving southbound when his car hit an icy patch and lost control. He says he was trying to avoid another vehicle he believed was coming toward him. He skidded into a nearby ditch where his vehicle eventually overturned. In the process, he struck a utility pole and damaged a fiber optic box.

The responding deputy broke the window of the car to allow the driver to get out to safety. The man was uninjured in the crash, but his vehicle was towed due to disabling damage, and he was cited for driving too fast for conditions. With help from Wisconsin Public Service, the highway was reopened shortly before 4 a.m. on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Egg Harbor Fire Department

Austin Vandertie and Galen Dejardin will have another election to campaign for after claiming the top two spots in the Town Supervisor race in the Town of Brussels during Tuesday's spring primary. Vandertie claimed the most of the 178 votes cast in the town with 78 votes. Dejardin garnered 61 votes while Matthew Phillips fell outside of the top two with 38 votes. Vandertie and Dejardin are vying to replace Joel Daoust on the Brussels Town Board after he opted not to run again.

Voters in Door and Kewaunee counties also got to weigh in on the State Superintendent race during Tuesday's primary, which advanced the incumbent Dr. Jill Underly and Brittany Kinser to the spring election in April. Underly came out on top in Door County with 1,365 of the 2,917 votes cast. Kinser and fellow challenger Jeff Wright virtually split the other half votes with Kinser garnering 755 votes and Wright capturing 766 votes. In Kewaunee County, it was Kinser who earned the most votes with 639 votes followed by Underly (437) and Wright (276). The spring election will take place on April 1st.

A local organization is reaching out more to people in need of mental health assistance thanks in part to a grant from the Door County Community Foundation.  JAK’s Place, a free resource center for adults affected by mental illness, recently received a $2000 grant provided through the Mental Health Support Fund and the Little Eddie Big Cup.  JAK’s Place Program Director of Lakeshore CAP Mark Palmgren says the facility runs groups that are oriented towards topics of mental health for adults experiencing and diagnosed with mental health issues.  He notes the goal is to give people a chance to connect with peers together, especially those who may feel isolated, and offer one-on-one counseling if needed.

Palmgren says JAK’s Place can help people work through a myriad of issues they might be suffering from and let them know they are not alone. 

JAK’s Place also offers guidance and information for family members on how to support their loved ones dealing with mental illness. Every Tuesday night, a chef-certified staff member prepares a free dinner at 5 p.m.  The organization is funded through grants, donations, and fundraising efforts all year long.  You can learn more about JAK’s Place by calling their office or visiting the drop-in center located at 1623 Rhode Island Street, Sturgeon Bay. 

If you live in Kewaunee, you might want to make sure your vehicles are locked up or in the garage. The Kewaunee Police Department is investigating several reported car break-ins within the city limits earlier this week. The incidents occurred early Monday morning, around 3:00 a.m. 

The Kewaunee Police Department asks that you contact them if you have any information on the break-ins or notice anything suspicious. Similar reported vehicle entries with some thefts occurred last August in Kewaunee.   

Yoga classes at the Door County YMCA can help you balance your well-being while improving your overall health. Kane Center Healthy Living and Youth Director Bailey Cox says Yoga and Tai Chi classes at the YMCA are great ways to gain balance and flexibility. She notes that the new Power Vinyasa Yoga is an intensive program with a quicker flow pace, where you do not hold positions for as long but must use your body weight more.

Cox adds that all yoga classes and the Tai Chi course offer meditative benefits that can help with overall health. Registration for Winter II sessions opened this week, and classes began on February 24. 

The City of Sturgeon Bay awarded a contract for a street project, established a one-day event fee, and conducted several second readings of ordinances at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Prior to the business meeting, the council heard from the Door County Library Director Dominic Frandrup, who shared a presentation on the services and strategic plan for improvements at the Sturgeon Bay location in the future. 

The council approved a resolution to establish a one-day event fee of $25 to cover mobile food vendors who have already been inspected and want to relocate to another spot in the city for one day. 

The contract bid of $549,627.10 from David Tenor Corporation was approved for Project 2502, which involves the reconstruction of Delaware Street and the sanitary works on Alleys E48 and E55.  Nine bids were submitted overall, and the work is expected to begin in April, according to City Engineer Brian Spetz.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved the second reading of five ordinances that aligned the city's zoning with the comprehensive plan regarding future land and accessory uses. 

The council adjourned the meeting in closed session after discussing two different matters. One regarded the development agreement with Sturgeon Bay Hotel Group, LLC, which is planning to build a Hampton Inn at the Egg Harbor Road and North 12th Avenue intersection. The other discussion in the closed session was possible litigation concerning a development agreement with WWP Development, LLC.

Local officials are asking people to take extra precautions when and if they venture on the ice of Green Bay for fishing or snowmobiling.  Nasewaupee Fire Department Chief Jacob Schartner says an incident on Sunday evening northeast of Sherwood Point serves as a reminder that no ice is safe ice. A party of five anglers was rescued by airboat after 7 p.m. after their UTV’s front end fell through the ice.

Schartner says the rescue took about an hour and required two trips to safely bring all five fishermen to land. 

With warmer and above-freezing temperatures forecasted starting next week, Schartner advises anyone going on the ice to watch the wind conditions and be aware of pockets of bad ice that may be visible or hidden by snow cover.

The ice rescue on Sunday evening was the third one that the Nasewaupee Fire Department has been involved in in the last month, and it included help from the United States Coast Guard and Department of Natural Resources. 

You will not find it on the list explicitly, but Door County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says ensuring employers can have enough workers is the goal of next month’s Door/Kewaunee Legislative Days. Lawrie and Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Ben Nelson jointly announced the topics its delegation of residents, elected officials, business owners, and community leaders will hone in on when they meet with state legislators and their staffs. After receiving approximately 20 submissions of ideas, delegates focus on supporting affordable housing development, encouraging business investment in childcare, promoting environmental and recreational protection, and strengthening the local healthcare system. Lawrie believes all four topics can help address the counties’ larger focus on workforce development. While the issues all have a peninsula-related tilt, Lawrie hopes their topics resonate across the state.

The DCEDC and the KCEDC are still recruiting delegates for the March 19th and 20th conference in Madison. You can register as a delegate at this link until February 20th.

The Egg Harbor Fire Department was thankful for the help of the family and workers of an area farm after a chimney fire started Monday morning. The Egg Harbor Fire Department responded to Country View Farms just east of Carlsville just before 8 a.m., where a chimney fire was reported inside the operation’s former milking parlor that is now used for caring for its calves. No flames were found, but firefighters discovered a smoke-filled second-floor area and an orange glow on the ceiling. Fire Chief Justin MacDonald says the owners had extinguished much of the fire before they got there, allowing them to check the area without ever having to use water on a sub-zero-degree morning.

MacDonald adds that they were on the scene for about an hour and no humans or animals were harmed due to the incident. 

You can expect to see plenty of blue jackets this week as chapters nationwide celebrate National FFA Week. The annual rite of February allows chapters and their alumni groups to celebrate what the organization stands for and the impact FFA has on members. Luxemburg-Casco, Kewaunee, Sevastopol, and Southern Door have chapters for its high school students, while Algoma, Southern Door, Sevastopol, Kewaunee, and Luxemburg-Casco have active alumni groups as well. The group goes beyond the “cows, sows, and plows” moniker people outside the organization have given the FFA over the years. Luxemburg-Casco FFA Chapter Vice-President Caleb Salentine says much of what they do has nothing to do with the farm at all.

The tradition of FFA Week dates back to 1948 not just as a celebration of the organization but also nod to former President George Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and a farmer. Area chapters will orchestrate events during National FFA Week, which concludes on Saturday.

Picture courtesy of the Luxemburg-Casco FFA Program

You can make history around Lambeau Field this spring while giving back to the community thanks to an initiative by Sturgeon Bay native artist Zane Statz.  With the NFL Draft scheduled for Green Bay in late April, Statz, a 2010 graduate of Sturgeon Bay High School, will be transforming the Packers Community Fence on Lambeau Field into a mural of 100 NFL fan portraits.  Statz, along with fellow artist Craig Nordeen, will draw and paint illustrations of fans that will remain on display through the middle of August.  Zane says each portrait is purchased at $1,000 with all proceeds benefiting three Green Bay charities, GRIT920, Freedom House, and 23’s Cause 4 Cleats.

Statz notes that the aim is to raise $100,000 for charity while giving NFL fans the opportunity to have their caricature on the iconic Packer Fence, showing their support of their favorite team. He notes that about 25 portraits have already been purchased, and the fence painting will commence in early April. You can find more information on the NFL fandom portraits at the Green Bay Gives Back website.  

You will need to bundle up even more the next day or two in order to stay safe when venturing outside.  The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory for Northeastern Wisconsin, including Door and Kewaunee counties.  With bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills falling to -20 to -35 degrees Tuesday morning, the NWS has issued a cold weather advisory from 9 p.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday.  The extreme cold can cause frostbite in less than 20 minutes, so you are advised to take precautions to stay safe during the arctic blast that is expected to last through Wednesday morning. 

Tips on staying safe in extreme cold temperatures (NWS)

General Information

• Minimize travel.
• Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
• Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
• Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
• Check on the elderly.
• Bring pets inside.

How Should I Dress?

• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

You will need to layer up the next few days as the coldest polar vortex this winter dives deeper into the Midwest. After the cold weather advisory expires at noon on Monday, another one could take its place later this evening. The overnight low is expected to hit -2 degrees with the windchill potentially making it feel as cold as -30. For those people who need a break from the cold temperatures, The Door County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and all of the Door County Library’s branches are used as warming centers during normal business hours. Door County Emergency Management Director Jeb Saelens says there are resources available to those who need assistance during the overnight hours.

Saelens recommends limiting your time outdoors, dressing in multiple layers, and trying to cover as much exposed skin as possible. Depending on how cold it can get, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes. You will get relief later in the week when temperatures head into the 20s beginning on Wednesday and potentially as high as 35 degrees on Sunday.

If you do not have a star in the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license, you have only a few months to get one.

The REAL ID Act will be fully enforced beginning on May 7th, which means you cannot fly on domestic flights or visit federal facilities like military bases after that date without one.  In addition to the star in the upper right-hand corner, compliant REAL IDs have multiple security features, such as holograms, UV images, barcodes, and special printing to prevent fraud and counterfeiting. Americans have had plenty of time to update their identification cards since Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 after the 9/11 attacks. Wisconsin has been offering REAL ID-compliant cards since 2013, and the full implementation has been delayed at least twice due to the pandemic. Because of this, Austin Straubel Airport Director Marty Piette says he does not expect many issues. However, they are still taking their opportunities to educate people who may still not have one.

If you do not have a REAL ID, Piette says you can still fly with a standard license if you carry your passport or passport card. A standard license can also be used to drive, vote, and buy products like alcohol and tobacco. A REAL ID in Wisconsin costs $34 compared to $28 for a regular photo ID. If you have an ID that does not expire before the deadline, you can get a REAL ID for $14. You can find more information on how to get your REAL ID by clicking the link.

You will have the opportunity to see hundreds of students competing in a program designed to inspire innovation in young people at Algoma High School on Saturday.  Algoma is hosting one of four Wisconsin regionals for the statewide Destination Imagination (DI) competition.  Over 50 teams from throughout Northeastern Wisconsin will be participating for the opportunity to reach the state level.  The six competitive team challenges are based on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) and include students ranging from five to 18 years old.  Wisconsin Destination Imagination Regional Co-Director Robyn Harper says the regional tournament is the culmination of hard work by the teams who have been preparing for months for the competition.  She says the skills they learn in the DI program will stay with them throughout their professional and personal lives.

Harper adds that in addition to the team challenge, the students complete instant challenges that require them to think under pressure and present a solution on the spot. 

The regional competition will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 22 at Algoma High School, with free admission to the public. Teams finishing in the top three in their challenge (top four in the scientific challenge) will advance to the DI Wisconsin Affiliate (state-level) in Sun Prairie on Saturday, April 5. The Global Finals will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, in May.  

(photo courtesy of Algoma High School website)

Finally!  Crossroads at Big Creek has morphed into an enchanting snow-covered winter landscape, and while we continue with our education and restoration efforts, our attention now turns to sliding.  Sliding is defined as "moving smoothly along a surface." And while we fervently hope nobody slides off a snowy road or slips on the ice, when conditions are adequate, we will groom selected trails so our visitors can move smoothly on our trails using skis, sleds, and kicksleds.

Months ago, the topic "Sliding" was chosen for this week’s Saturday Science family program.  Geared for elementary students but open to learners of all ages, the program introduces the basic physics that enables winter sports. Participants also will learn a bit about the otters that live in The Cove Estuary and, through videos, demonstrations, and (conditions permitting) outdoor experiences, learn about how gravity, force, and friction influence smooth movement.

But wait. There's more.

Scientists are beginning to understand that "sliding" involves more than force and friction. It is difficult to slide on a bumpy or soft, fluffy surface.  A groomed trail is solid, and a ski is solid, and though both are essentially smooth, one would expect friction. But skis slide.

So, what really makes snow and ice slippery? The answer: Water. 

There almost always is a very thin film of water---sometimes called a "quasi-liquid layer"--- on the surface of snow and ice.  Water can be a solid, a liquid, or a gas, but no matter what form, the substance is the same. Water comprises molecules, each consisting of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. H2O 

The different states of matter are due to the amount of energy each molecule has. In the liquid state, water molecules vibrate more than in solid ice.

On snow—fluffy or groomed-- an extremely thin layer of water exists because the water molecules at the surface, for various reasons, vibrate and move more than those more profound in the snowpack or solid ice. The water molecules at the surface tend to be liquid even when the temperature is below the official melting point.  And water (even a microscopic film) is slick.  

This phenomenon explains how we offer environmentally friendly winter sports. It also enables our river otters to "toboggan" over the snow and to create slides into The Cove Estuary. 

So, exactly what is an estuary? That will be explained in a lecture offered on Monday, February 24, at 1:30. The talk will cover the geological and human history of The Cove and discuss the wildlife that use estuaries for breeding and migration.

 The lecture will be ”Native Shrubs for a Door County Landscape” on Tuesday, February 25, at 6:30. Jason Feldman of Jason Feldman Landscapes will recommend shrubs that help pollinators and birds thrive in the various soil types in Door County. This free presentation is Co-Sponsored by Door County Master Gardeners (DCMGA) and Wild Ones—Door Peninsula. 

The trails at Crossroads are open 24/7, and when conditions are adequate, we also offer Ski-for-Free, during which we lend skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, and kicksleds to Door County residents and visitors free of change. Watch the ticker at the top of the Crossroads website, http://www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org, for trail conditions and Ski-for-Free hours of operation.

Saturday, February 22

2:00 Saturday Science: Sliding

This program, geared for elementary students but open to all ages, will explore the science of sliding, which involves gravity, friction, and other forces that affect how fast and how far a sled, skis, or a kicksled can move across the snow. Outdoor demonstrations, weather permitting. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, February 24

1:30 Lecture: What is a Freshwater Estuary

Many folks have requested information explaining what a freshwater estuary actually is. This PowerPoint presentation will answer some of those questions. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, it is open to the public and free. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, February 25

3:30 Environmental Exploration: "In Search of Green"

Geared for elementary students but open to learners of all ages, this is a hike to search for places where photosynthesis is still occurring. Dress for the weather. Free and open to the public. Meet in the Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan. Sturgeon Bay

6:30  Master Gardener/Wild Ones Lecture: ”Native Shrubs for a Door County Landscape”

Jason Feldman of Jason Feldman Landscapes will recommend shrubs that help pollinators and birds thrive in the various soil types in Door County. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Sponsored by Door County Master Gardeners (DCMGA)and Wild Ones – Door Peninsula Meet at the Collins Learning Center.

Ordinary blocks of ice were turned in eagles, people, dogs, mammoths and more during Saturday's Fire and Ice Festival in downtown Sturgeon Bay.

People flooded the streets throughout the morning and early afternoon to see ice carvers sponsored by local businesses and organizations create art pieces right before their eyes. It was part of a full day of activities, including the TAP Indoor Market, a fire show at Community Foundation Square, glass-blowing demonstrations, and the Fire and Ice Gala. Over $19,000 was raised as a part of the event's online auction.

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After a one-year hiatus, the traditional Ice Out Contest in Sister Bay is back, thanks to Mother Nature's cooperation.  Last year, the 86th annual contest was canceled due to unseasonably warm temperatures that caused a lack of ice formation in the bay.  The yearly challenge requires you to guess the date and time the ice will be gone, a “Goat on the Boat,” which is perched on the ice just off the dock east of the marina office, will float.  Sister Bay Advancement Association Community Coordinator Ellie Soderberg-Guger says the community is excited that the contest is back this season.

You can register your guess of when the goat will float at area Sister Bay businesses anytime before the ice goes out.  The prediction that is closest will win a grand prize basket donated by area businesses and organizations.  You can find where you can enter your guess for the “Goat on a Boat” Ice Out Contest on the Sister Bay – Door County, Wisconsin Facebook account. 

As I continue with reporting the activity of the Sheriff’s Department in 2024, I would like to share some data from the Patrol Division. Probably the most visible division within the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department is our Patrol Division, and it comprises the most recognizable duties that we carry out throughout the year. There are twelve deputies assigned to the Patrol Division, which is supervised by Lt. Eric Zellner. The minimal staffing for Kewaunee County’s 322 square miles is two patrol deputies. When you consider the distance from Tisch Mills on our southern border and Dyckesville on our northern border, you begin to understand the demands that this puts on our staff, both from the perspective of continual presence and response time.

If we were to look at the overall process from when a call or complaint is made to the Sheriff’s Department through its completion, the Patrol Division plays an important role. Aside from those calls that are determined to be civil and not involve an active crime, the patrol division is dispatched to every one of them, ranging from keeping the peace to traffic offenses to domestics. The category for these calls is “Complaints Assigned,” and in 2024, they accounted for 3,132 compared to 3,620 in 2023. In many cases, the complaints may occur within one of the local jurisdictions or even involving an adjacent county, but we are requested to assist. These are categorized as “Assist Other Agencies” and accounted for 556 in 2024 versus 772 in 2023.

Of these complaints that we respond to, not all result in arrests. Many times, the Deputy can mediate the situation or resolve the complaint with a warning to the perpetrator. In some cases, the evidence provided to the deputy requires that an arrest be made. In those cases where it is necessary to arrest, the total number of arrests in 2024 was 247, compared to 222 in 2023. While this number may seem low, these calls tend to be very involved and require a great deal of the Deputy’s time in follow-up and documentation.

The most commonly perceived duty of the Patrol Deputy is, of course, traffic enforcement, although it accounts for very little of the overall time spent in a given shift due to the demands of call response. In 2024, 1691 citations and 2013 warnings were issued, which is compared to 1824 citations issued in 2023 along with 1999 warnings. The main reason for the stark decrease in these numbers is that in 2023 we received a safety grant focusing on speed enforcement. This allowed us to put on additional hours dedicated to just traffic enforcement.

We like to approach traffic enforcement from an educational perspective, and when possible, try to achieve the learning experience through warnings. Unfortunately, there are times where either the offense is so egregious or the individual has already been given the courtesy of a warning that a citation is unavoidable. It is important for people to realize that Deputies do not enjoy issuing citations any more than the person on the receiving end. Our ultimate goal is always public safety.

Some of the duties that the Patrol Division carries out, which may not be as commonly known, are those related to the civil process. By statute, the Sheriff’s Department is tasked with carrying out actions resulting from our circuit court Judge’s orders. These can range from eviction actions, actions supporting a writ, or even involvement in child custody orders. We are also part of the notification process for those involved in these actions through the service of papers or notices. These “Papers Served or Attempted” account for 339 of the calls in the past year., whereas last year, the number was 567.

The two final categories are what I would consider Customer Service. They are “Citizen Assists” and “Property Checks”. The category of citizen assists is, for the most part, unplanned events that are a result of an unfortunate circumstance on the part of the citizen. These can range from stranded motorists to providing information regarding vehicle registration or licensing. Deputies handled 234 citizen assists last year compared to 621 in 2023. Property checks are a service we provide when requested from individuals in our community who may be away from their homes for an extended period of time or an additional amount of attention we may give to a property that has been the victim of a recent criminal act and the owner would like us to monitor activities in their area. In 2024, we conducted 2,351 such checks, compared to 4,096 the previous year. A final category that our Patrol Division responds to is; “Welfare Checks.” These are calls where a loved one or neighbor has not heard from or had contact with the person involved and is asking our assistance in verifying their well-being or status. Fortunately, most of the time, the outcome is merely that they were gone on vacation or just too busy to get back to the person checking on them. Our department responded to 127 such requests in 2024, which is consistent with the previous year’s 124.

I hope that the takeaway from this article is that when you see a Sheriff’s Department squad, you have a better understanding of the many different duties that these men and women engage in on a given shift. In all of these numbers, the most important element is the relationship that we have with those whom we serve. All the data and statistics mean nothing if we do not have the support of our community and it is our goal to maintain a high level of professionalism for those we have sworn to protect and serve! 

Do not expect Gibraltar Area School Board Member Kari Baumann to be content with her reading advocacy efforts just because she received an award from Rep. Joel Kitchens. Baumann was surprised by Kitchens with the Reading Advocate Award at the last school board meeting on February 10th. The pair worked together on the bill now known as Act 20, which requires schools to use a phonics-based curriculum to teach reading skills and provide a plan of action for young students who are not reaching state standards. Baumann is humbled by the award since her advocacy efforts only became what they are because of her desire to help her son, who was struggling with dyslexia.

School districts across the state have begun to implement Act 20, shining a spotlight on their success while discovering their shortcoming. The Green Bay Press-Gazette reported on Friday that nearly half of K-3 students in the Green Bay Area Public Schools are below the bottom 25th percentile nationwide after they took a reading assessment screener required by Act 20. As happy as she is with the success and growth seen at school districts like Gibraltar and Luxemburg-Casco, she is happy that the process will benefit students who may have slipped through the cracks otherwise.

Baumann serves on the school board for Gibraltar and represents the district on the CESA 7 School Board, which oversees several districts in northeast Wisconsin. Earlier this month, test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Process showed that only 31 percent of young Wisconsin students are proficient in reading. The news came less than a month before Tuesday’s spring primary, which will have the state superintendent race on the ballot.

Picture courtesy of Kari Baumann's Facebook page

A changing of the guard for its busing is bringing about new changes for the Kewaunee School District next year. The district announced this year that it was entering an agreement with Lamers Bus Lines to provide transportation for its students beginning this upcoming school year. The switch came when its current provider, Dworak Bus Service, opted not to submit a bid after providing transportation for the district since 1939. With the change came the challenge: where will the buses go? Dworak Bus Service was located just a short distance away, while the companies bidding on the contract were from well outside the area. Kewaunee School District Superintendent Scott Fritz says they had already planned to build a structure to house their district vans and other vehicles. Changing the transportation service for its busing only changed the scope of what would be needed to solicit more bids and remedy any possible concerns for the future.

Fritz adds that the structure could be funded by the upcoming referendum that will be on ballots this April, though it would likely be built regardless of its passage. Fritz is complimentary of Dworak Bus Service, thanking their current and former employees for many years of dedicated service to the district. Lamers Bus Lines is interested in meeting with the district’s current bus drivers to discuss potential job opportunities.

When you thought you recovered from Wednesday’s storm, you will have more snow to dig out from beginning Friday night. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for most of the state, including Door and Kewaunee counties. The advisory stretches from 8 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday. The total snow accumulation is expected to be between four to six inches. However, the agency has opened the door to higher amounts in different parts of the peninsula, especially along the lakeshore. Lake-effect snow is also a possibility from Saturday night into Sunday morning. The National Weather Service advises motorists to travel carefully due to the anticipated slippery conditions this weekend, with the extra challenge of gusty winds on Sunday causing snow to blow and drift.

You should be careful the next time you try selling your stuff on social media sites or through classified ads in the paper.  The Door County Sheriff’s Department was contacted by local financial institutions wanting to warn people of the dangers of transacting a deal with someone you don’t know.  The latest scam is when you sell an item, and the buyer sends a payment by check that is more than the asking price.  Several banks have reported instances where individuals were asked to cash these checks and return the excess amount in cash.  Door County Sheriff Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser says you should be concerned if someone asks you to give back some money after sending a check.

In an overpayment scam, a buyer will send you more than the asking price for an item and then request that you return the overage. While that may seem like the right thing to do, the scammer will then file a chargeback so they get the full purchase price back plus the extra money you sent to correct the overage. Veeser says the best way to protect yourself is to deal more locally and meet in person to conduct the sale versus wiring money or sending cash.  He adds that you should always be careful about giving any personal information online when selling or buying anything over the Internet. 

While the scholarship money will go a long way, Miss Door County Faith Blackley, Miss Door County Teen Elise Jackson, and Miss Cherryland Hanna Mertens are most looking forward to positively impacting you and your families over the next year.

 

 

 

 

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The trio won their respective crowns during the Miss Door County pageant hosted at the Southern Door Community Auditorium earlier this month. The more than dozen contestants earned a combined $17,650 in scholarships and prizes, a record for the Miss Door County Scholarship Organization. For Blackley and Jackson, participating came with a gentle nudge from their mothers and then realizing what could be possible if they participated and won. Blackley says she is looking forward to having an impact on the young girls in the community

Jackson hopes to inspire others to not just follow in her footsteps but also to chase their dreams.

The pair will not just be role models for other girls in the community; they will also have one alongside them. Winning the inaugural Miss Cherryland contest is the third time Mertens has been crowned, having also won the Miss Green Bay Area pageant in 2022 and the Miss Wood Violet pageant in 2024. She is excited to participate in the Miss Door County program and hopes Blackley and Jackson enjoy the experience.

Over the next year, Blackley (Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow), Jackson (Next Gen Civics), and Mertens (Cardiac Care) will showcase their respective community service initiatives while preparing for the Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin Teen competitions, which will be held June 18-21, 2025, in New Berlin. You can listen to our full interview here.

Thanks partly to Wednesday’s snow and the hard work of the county’s snowmobile clubs, two portions of Door County’s snowmobile trail system are now open. As of Thursday morning, the southeast and southwest zones were listed as open with poor trail conditions. Both zones use portions of the Ahnapee State Trail as a part of their system. The north and central zones in Door County are listed as closed for now but could get a boost when the area gets another thick layer of snow this weekend. Snowmobile trails in Kewaunee County were still listed as closed as of Thursday morning, but area clubs were working on them so they can be opened at 6 a.m. on Friday, according to Algoma Snowriders President Lonnie Fenendael. 

Fenendael hopes the combination of snow and cold will help keep the trails active for weeks. 

According to Travel Wisconsin, approximately two dozen counties have their snowmobile trails at least partially open. As always, you are asked to respect private and public property when riding on the marked trails in the area and to stay off them when they are closed.

Kewaunee County Promotions and Recreation Department announced Thursday that all four of its trails will open on Friday at 6 a.m. and are listed in fair to good condition, 

Kewanee County resident August Neverman IV is calling on the Kewaunee County Board to add a new committee to focus specifically on economic development in the area. Neverman’s presentation occupied most of Tuesday’s Kewaunee County Board meeting, stemming from his conversation with several board members during a Broadband Committee meeting. He proposes that the committee focus on economic development aspects that only local governments can act on or on behalf of other organizations. The proposed committee would be made up of Kewaunee County Board Supervisors, members of municipal boards, and appointed residents. Neverman told the board that the committee would not act as a replacement for the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation but potentially help them with items they cannot do on their own.

Neverman estimates that 80 percent of counties similar in size to Kewaunee County have a similar committee. You can watch the presentation below:

The meeting ended with Kewaunee County Administrator Jeremy Kral saluting the efforts of the Kewaunee County Highway and Sheriff’s departments for their efforts during last weekend’s storm. It highlighted the upcoming Door/Kewaunee Legislative Days. 

The second significant snowfall in less than a week caused plenty of issues for motorists on Wednesday, with more snow expected to hit the area on Friday and Saturday.

Door and Kewaunee counties reported three to six inches of snow on Wednesday, with higher totals reported in northern Door County, according to National Weather Service Green Bay Facebook page followers. As a result, the Door County Sheriff’s Department responded to four reports of cars in ditches and two accidents. Those numbers align with what the Door County Sheriff’s Department saw last Saturday when the area was blanketed with up to eight inches of snow.

One of those accidents featured an 18-year-old Forestville teen accidentally driving into a ditch along Stevenson Pier Road near State Highway 57. According to the accident report, he was driving southbound after 4:30 p.m. when his vehicle left the roadway and into a nearby ditch. The car continued for approximately 75 yards before colliding with a tree. The responding deputy noted that the accident occurred when it was snowing, and the roads were icy and snow-covered. The teen suffered a suspected minor injury but did not need to be transported to the hospital. The vehicle was towed due to suffering disabling damage.

Motorists will have Thursday as a break from the snowy weather before it arrives again for the weekend. The National Weather Service predicts another 3-7 inches could fall from late Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. 

A fire on Town Park Road destroyed a garage behind a residence just north of Sand Bay Road in the Town of Nasewaupee Wednesday morning.  Nasewaupee Fire Department Captain Ken Doell says the department was dispatched to a structure fire around 11:00 a.m. with backup from the Southern Door, Sturgeon Bay, and Brussels-Union-Gardner fire departments.  He says the owner attempted to put out the fire with an extinguisher and suffered minor burns before firefighters doused the blaze quickly under less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Doell notes that the initial investigation shows that the fire started minutes after the owner left the building when he had put a buddy heater by his four-wheeler vehicle that had frozen up.  

The three-stall garage is a complete loss as more than 6,000 gallons of water were needed to extinguish the fire.  Firefighters were able to clear the scene shortly after 2:00 p.m. 

The Sturgeon Bay community will celebrate the weekend with its first festival of the year as the Fire & Ice Festival will be welcomed with a forecast of seasonally cold temperatures and fresh snow.  Marketing Coordinator Alexa Soto says the weekend will kick off with a candle-lit hike at Crossroads at Big Creek from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Friday.  On Saturday, 20 ice blocks will be transformed into artistic ice sculptures by professional carvers at participating sponsors throughout the city.  Soto notes that this year’s Fire & Ice includes a new fire show with dancers at the Door County Community Foundation Square downtown.

Soto adds that the 2025 Fire & Ice Gala will be held on Saturday evening at Stone Harbor Resort and include live music, roulette, silent auction and dinner.  You can find more information on the Fire and Ice events online at the Destination Sturgeon Bay website. 

High school seniors in Door County can get a jump start on financing their future education at a four-year college with help from the Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay.  The organization recently announced that the application process for Door County Class of 2025 students is now open.  Rotary Club of Sturgeon Bay Four-Year Scholarship Committee Chair Ben Fletcher says the award scholarships are chosen based on students who demonstrate excellence in service to others in the community, mirroring Rotary’s mission statement of “Service Above Self.”  He says the club is partnering with Write On, Door County, in offering essay-writing assistance, and the program usually awards $20,000 in scholarships from $1,000 to $2,500 to several students.

Fletcher says applications must be submitted by March 8, and the scholarship winners will be announced in April.  You can find complete scholarship information and application instructions at the Door County Scholarship Network website.

No matter your economic situation, a financial assistance program is designed to make the Door County YMCA accessible for everyone. Membership for All (MFA) is a financial assistance initiative that ensures individuals and families can utilize the Door County YMCA regardless of age, income, or background. Membership Director Ryan Bader says the program reduces membership costs and gives program discounts for those needing assistance. He shares the variety of memberships available, depending on your needs.

Recently reaching an all-time high for membership, the Door County YMCA has eclipsed 12,000 members between the Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek locations. The Door County YMCA is hosting its annual Free Community Breakfast at Stone Harbor this Thursday, February 13th, at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

You can listen to the Y Wednesday podcast with Ryan Bader and Marketing Director Makayla Thoma about memberships, Winter II registration, and the Chili Cook-off here.

Mother Nature will bring another round of wintery weather Wednesday afternoon in Door and Kewaunee counties that could impact your travel plans.  The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at noon with accumulations of three to five inches of snow expected into Wednesday evening. 

The accumulating snow is expected to cause slippery driving conditions for your commute on Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning.

Lake enhancement may cause higher snowfalls near Lake Michigan.

The American Red Cross is looking for you to step up and help give blood or platelets this month to help build up the blood supply after thousands of donations went uncollected last month due to severe weather.  Northeastern Wisconsin Regional Communications Director Jennifer Warren says all types of blood are needed, especially for people with type O negative.  She says the need locally and nationally is greater than usual, and area blood donations will help the blood banks at Door County Medical Center and wherever the greatest need is around the country.

Warren notes that the American Red Cross has scheduled two blood drives in Door County later this month and another two in Kewaunee County in early March.  You can book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.  The local schedule of blood drives is listed below.

Sturgeon Bay

2/19/2025: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 229 North 14th Ave. 

Sister Bay

2/27/2025: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., First Baptist Church, 2622 S Bayshore Drive.

Kewaunee

3/4/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Kewaunee High School, 911 Third Street. 

Luxemburg

3/6/2025: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., St. Louis School Hall, N8726 County Line Road. 

Friends Community Church Pastor Nancy Bontempo never thought a pocketful of Double Bubble candy could bring so much joy to a community until she landed in Kenya. Since February 1st, Bontempo has been on a mission trip in the African nation, helping to stabilize the lives of women and children as a part of the Rural Service Programme through Friends United Meeting. She has helped mud widows' homes, brought goats to families, and even preached at a Friends church in a Kenyan village. The experience has opened her eyes to the poverty that exists around the world and the opportunities we take for granted. She says she will never look at her possessions the same way when she and her group fly back to Milwaukee on Friday.

The future of the Rural Service Programme’s work in Kenya is uncertain. Bontempo says conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have dried up much of the support the work in Kenya would typically receive. She hopes members of the community can help support the needs of the Kenyan families she has met during her two-week residency that can help them buy supplies and send their children to school. You can watch the full interview with Bontempo below.

You can help Leadership Door County’s latest effort to make the peninsula a better place to live, work, and play. Since 1990, Leadership Door County has brought people from all walks of life in the area for a year-long exploration of what makes the peninsula function, culminating with a project. Pausing COVID, past Leadership Door County projects have included a garden for the Door County Senior Center and Boys and Girls Club, raising funds for the Door County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 program, and building a kayak launch at Cove at Crossroads. Door County Sheriff’s Department Captain Carl Waterstreet says his Leadership Door County experience has been eye-opening despite living his entire life on the peninsula and being part of a long line of public servants in the area.

A trip to the Boys and Girls Club inspired this year’s Leadership Door County class with its plan to build a Zen Den for the clients at Sunshine Resources in Sturgeon Bay. Sunshine Resources Director of Client Services and Leadership Door County class member Hayley Moynihan says the people they serve will benefit tremendously from the creation of the Zen Den, which is used to help those who are overstimulated a place to unwind and calm down.

You can support the project by contacting a member of this year’s Leadership Door County class or clicking this link.

A rural home in West Kewaunee has been deemed a total loss after an early Sunday morning house fire.  Kewaunee Fire Department Chief Joe Nemecek says the fire was reported shortly after midnight, and the two occupants of the home located near the intersection of County Road B and County Road F were able to get out safely.  When crews arrived, firefighters battled the blaze in the attic area of the two-level house engulfed with flames.  Nemecek estimates that the crew was on the scene for over five hours, with the cold and fresh snow from Saturday’s storm making reaching the fire on the roof more challenging.  The cause of the fire has not been determined yet and it remains under investigation.  No injuries were reported, and the scene was cleared after 6 a.m. Sunday. 

Wisconsin State Fairest of the Fairs Megan Salentine will get to spin around Kewaunee County this weekend to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence with the community that means so much to her. Salentine captured the crown at last month’s Wisconsin Association of Fairs Annual Convention, besting more than 30 girls from other counties across the state. Heading into last year, time commitments led her to believe that she did not even want to be the Kewaunee County Fairest of the Fair, let alone be the ambassador for the Wisconsin State Fair for the year. A month before the Kewaunee County Fair, organizers asked her to serve as their fairest, eight years after she served as the Junior Fairest of the Fair. When deciding to leap to become the State Fairest, she put her trust in a higher power.

Much like it did when Isabella Haen made the leap from Kewaunee County Fairest of the Fair to the state title, Kewaunee County will celebrate Salentine with a parade around the county beginning at 3 p.m Sunday. before it ends at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds for a celebration from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW FROM LAST MONTH'S KEWAUNEE COUNTY FAIREST GALA

A 42-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman had to be transported to Door County Medical Center last Tuesday (February 4th) after some loose gravel caused her vehicle to go airborne and roll over in the town of Sevastopol. 

The accident occurred at 4 p.m. on Whitefish Bay Road just east of Mathey Road. According to the accident report, the woman was driving eastbound when her tires came into some loose gravel. The driver lost control and entered a ditch, where she hit a driveway embankment leading into a cornfield. The vehicle went airborne, landed, and rolled over before settling on its left side. The woman was transported to the hospital while her vehicle was towed away due to disabling damage. No citations were issued as a result of the accident. 

Door County Medical Center Infection Prevention Nurse Rachael Jandrin wants to ensure that whether you are at work, school, or a Super Bowl party, you wash your hands and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Last week, Wisconsin had more than 600 people hospitalized due to the flu, surpassing the approximately 500 people that needed to be hospitalized due to the virus at the same point during the 2022-2023 season, one of the worst seasons seen since 2020.  So far, 2,018 people statewide have been hospitalized with the flu since September 2nd, compared to the previous high of 3,422 in 2022-2023. Jandrin cannot determine why it has been a particularly bad flu season this year, but she says many have been exhibiting similar symptoms.

Hospitals in the region, including Door County Medical Center, have taken turns in recent weeks asking potential visitors to stay at home if they feel sick or exhibit symptoms of a respiratory illness. Door County Medical Center even issued visitor restrictions on Wednesday, limiting patients to just two visitors at any one time.

The strategies to address water and soil quality in the farm fields in your community keep moving forward, thanks to a state grants award earlier this week. Governor Tony Evers announced $1 million in funding to 49 producer-led watershed groups in Wisconsin through the Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant (PLWPG) Program. Peninsula Pride Farms received $26,000 in funding from the program, which it uses to encourage its over 60 members to try different conservation strategies to improve water quality and soil health. Peninsula Pride Farms President Duane Ducat says the organization distributed more than $70,000 in cost-share dollars for farmers to invest in strategies like cover crops, split nitrogen application, and buffer strips. Ducat says it has been necessary for the organization to show area farmers that you can be profitable and sustainable at the same time.

The state grant comes at a time when federal funds for conservation efforts are frozen. According to DTN Progressive Farmer, the United States Department of Agriculture receives $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, and the Conservation Stewardship Program. Those funds were frozen earlier this year so that all Inflation Reduction Act-funded initiatives can be re-evaluated.

Next Saturday, you will see some of the best young musicians perform alone or in small groups at Sevastopol High School.   Students from Gibraltar Secondary, Sevastopol High School, Sevastopol Middle School, Southern Door High School, Southern Door Middle School, Sturgeon Bay High School, and Thomas J Walker Middle School will all travel to Institute on February 15 for the annual Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) sanctioned District Solo and Ensemble Music Festival. Students will perform vocal or instrumental pieces as soloists or as part of a small ensemble before judges.  The festival offers  an opportunity for students to get constructive feedback on their singing or playing so they can grow as musicians.

The event runs from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is free for the public to attend.  Students who receive a starred first rating at the district level will advance to the state competition.  The WSMA State Solo and Ensemble Music Festival will be held on university campuses around Wisconsin, including at UW-Green Bay, on Saturday, May 3.

(picture courtesy of WSMA) 

Destination Sturgeon Bay’s 2025 Fire & Ice Festival begins on February 14 at Crossroads at Big Creek with a “Valentine’s Day- themed Luminary-Lit Hike” from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Thanks to our sponsor, the Door County Medical Center, visitors of all ages are invited to hike free of charge in the enchanting glow of candlelight. Luminaries will guide hikers through the forest and back to the nature center where they can warm up around the FIRE with hot chocolate, cookies courtesy of Tadych’s MarketPlace Foods, and the company of good people – a magical, memorable, and for some, hopefully, a romantic winter experience.

We continue the Fire & Ice theme with a very special Science Saturday session between 2:00 and 4:00. The volunteers from the Madden Tool Museum will present “ICE Harvest Demonstrations” in the rock garden outside the Collins Learning Center, while historical videos of ice harvest will be screened indoors.  

We still have no idea how Sturgeon Bay’s winter festival got its name, but it seems appropriate because, in a real way, ice sculpted the bay of Sturgeon Bay, and fires ignited the city as we know it.

Geologists explain that the lobes of ice from the last Ice Age Glacial Advance created Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Between them, the smaller lobe of ice carved a passage that, over the years, filled with sand. But when the passage was opened, it transformed a quiet settlement into a bustling town.

The excavation of sand from that passage—now the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal–was partly financed by land sales of fire-ravaged timberland cleared by the Peshtigo Fire. Occurring the same day, the Chicago Fire resulted in Chicago’s “Great Rebuilding,” creating a huge demand for Door County lumber. Sturgeon Bay quarries shipped out the stone that helped rebuild Chicago. And the “Ice Harvest” became a huge industry.

While impressive, Chicago’s “Great Rebuilding” did not include the establishment of a sewage system, which meant the city disposed of its raw sewage in the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. To obtain unpolluted ice for meat packing and home use (iceboxes), Chicago imported enormous quantities of ice from Sturgeon Bay. Also, Milwaukee desperately needed clean ice for its breweries.

So, while this is hard to imagine, newspapers of the time estimated that in the late 1800s, at least 700 Door County men cut acres and acres of ice from the bay of Sturgeon Bay each winter. The “cutters,” primarily local farmers, sawed and extracted the blocks of ice, which were transported to and hoisted into the vast “ice houses” that once lined the shores. Sawdust (Sturgeon Bay had three large sawmills) was piled between ice layers for insulation, keeping the ice solid enough to be exported in the summer.

The strenuous work was done using hand tools. So the “tool guys” will offer hands-on demonstrations of the tools---  ice saws, pulleys, tongs, pike poles.—used to harvest ice.  Learners of all ages will use these “simple machines” while forming memories and enjoying a timely lesson in local history.

When conditions are adequate, Crossroads will offer our Ski-for-Free program. Check the ticker on the Crossroads at Big Creek website, www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org, for current trail conditions and the hours during which Crossroads will lend skis, poles, boots, snowshoes, and kicksleds to Door County residents and visitors free of charge.

Friday, February 14

5:00-6:30 FIRE & ICE Luminary Lit Hike

Help kick off Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice Festival weekend with a candle-lit walk. Join us for a half-mile walk on our trails, guided by the enchanting glow of candlelight. Once the luminaries guide you back to the nature center, take some time to warm up around the fire with hot chocolate, cookies (courtesy of Tadych’s MarketPlace Foods), and the company of good people. Well-behaved dogs (on leashes) allowed. Registration is not required.  Free and open to the public thanks to our sponsor, the Door County Medical Center.

Saturday, February 15

2:00-4:00 Science Saturday: “Ice Harvest”

As part of Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice Festival weekend, volunteers from the Madden Tool Museum will demonstrate how ice was harvested in Sturgeon Bay in the 1800s. 

Demonstrations will be held in the Collins Learning Rock Garden, and historical videos will be screened in the Learning Center throughout the afternoon.

Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration is not required. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, it is open to the public and free.

Monday, February 17

1:30 Wild Ones Webinar- “The Beauty and Benefit of Hedgerows”

Enjoy this pre-recorded webinar, “The Beauty and Benefits of Hedgerows.” Learn how low-maintenance and sustainable plantings of shrubs, trees, and groundcovers can enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for wildlife, and contribute to climate resilience.

Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Sponsored by Wild Ones-Door Peninsula

Tuesday, February 18

3:30 Environmental Exploration-Big Creek in Winter

 Geared for elementary-aged students but open to learners of all ages, this will be a hike along Big Creek to see how weather conditions affect the water and observe signs of the creatures visiting the creek in winter. Dress for the weather.

Meet in the lab at the Collins Learning Center. Registration is not needed. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, it is open to the public and free.

Wednesday, February 19

1:30 Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Registration is not needed. Open to the public and free thanks to our donors.

photo credits for Luminary Hike Rebecca Ann Struck

If you registered a complaint with the state last year, it was more than likely an issue you had with your landlord.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection released the top ten consumer complaints in 2024, and landlord-tenant was the leader by far. In 2024, DATCP responded to over 11,300 written complaints and returned over $23 million to people who filed grievances. 

Nearly one-fourth of all complaints filed were about landlord-tenant issues.  The DATCP received 2,525 complaints in 2024 for landlord-tenant issues, compared to 1513 complaints on telemarketing and 664 complaints on home improvements, which ranked second and third respectively. 

The other seven complaints in the top ten were for identity theft, telecommunications, medical services, automobile repair, motor vehicle service, travel, and automobile accessories.

For more information and consumer protection resources or to lodge a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov. 

You will see a new bandstand shelter at the Door County Fair this summer thanks to the generosity of organizations like the AMVETS Post 51.  The veteran’s organization in Door County donated $10,000 last fall to make the open-air pavilion possible at John Miles County Park.  Member and Wisconsin Am Vets Executive Director Dale Wiegand says the new addition to the fairgrounds will be located between the Am Vets food stand and the Farm Bureau stand.  He says the facility will make the setting better when bands are performing at the fair, or other events held there under less-than-ideal weather conditions during the year.   

After the initial ground-breaking last fall, Door County Parks & Facilities is preparing for the concrete work and post-installation of the open-air pavilion at John Miles County Park this spring. The pavilion will be ready for the Door County Fair’s main stage concerts, community gatherings, and other large events, rain or shine. The Door County Fair is scheduled for August 13-17.  

In this week’s article, I would like to continue my yearend report by sharing some information and data regarding our Jail facility. The current Kewaunee County Jail was built in 1968. It has a housing capacity of 22 with three short-term holding cells, which brings the total to 25. By law, a county jail is intended to hold individuals sentenced for up to one year. Any sentences beyond one year are remanded to a state correctional facility. While we do hold the title of the oldest and smallest jail in the State of Wisconsin, I am deeply grateful to the County Board and the community in general for the support that has been provided in regard to the planning and ultimate updating of our facility.

At this time, the main impediment to moving forward on this project is the staff shortage. This shortage of applicants is not exclusive to our agency or our county, and we are currently working on increasing our outreach and streamlining our hiring process. It is my hope that in the upcoming year, we will be successful in drawing the best and brightest into these roles as we have in the past to get this project back on track.

The Jail is staffed by 14 Deputies, who carry out the various duties that are set forth by state statute, federal law, as well as department policy. These men and women are also tasked with the duties of Dispatcher, which is unique in Wisconsin. I believe that there are only a handful of Departments that are still configured in this manner, and it speaks volumes as to the professionalism and competence of these men and women.

Every person arrested in Kewaunee County is processed through our jail, and the following are some of the most common criteria for bookings, which were 742 in 2024 compared to 679 the previous year.

The first is that we call non-custody bookings. These are bookings that occur when the individual is not physically arrested. This may be in the case where the offense was not immediately reported, and it is through investigations that the probable cause for an arrest summons was completed. It could also be where we are not able to locate the suspect at the time of the event, and we can send charges up to the District Attorney’s Office for his consideration. These bookings accounted for 397, as compared to 276 of the total bookings in 2023.

The next most frequent category is pre-sentence bookings, which totaled 178, compared to 179 last year. These bookings are for those who are currently awaiting the completion of their court process but do not meet bail criteria. These can be some of our lengthiest stays, as the legal process itself is complex and lengthy at times.

In third place, we have a tie between warrant pickups and probation holds. These two are actually quite similar as they are the result of a failure to comply with either a court order in the case of warrants or probation rules in the case of Community Corrections. These tend to be our shortest stays. But account for a great deal of the total bookings. If you have found yourself within the court system, it is vital that you understand and comply with the various court dates as well as requirements so as to avoid being one of the unfortunate within this category. The same is true for probation clients. Many of those on probation forget that this is a privilege and an alternative to incarceration, which brings with it many rules. It is incumbent on the individual to know and comply with these rules to avoid a return visit to jail or in some cases a state correctional facility.

So many ask what our daily population is here in Kewaunee County. As I stated earlier, our maximum capacity is 22. For 2024, our daily population average was 35.3, with males representing 29.47 and females 5.83 throughout the year, as compared to 2023, which was 34.84, with males representing 29.39 and females 5.45 throughout the year. The average stay is approximately 11 days, with the shortest stay at approximately 1 hour and the longest stay at 365 days.

To meet the daily overcrowding in our facility, we make use of two primary resources: out-of-county facilities, primarily Door County, and the use of electronic monitoring. For the most part, those who we send to Door County are female inmates, which takes the pressure off of our scheduling requirements to have both male and female staffing when we have females in our facility. Electronic monitoring is utilized for those who have been granted work release by the courts and meets the many requirements we have to guarantee compliance in return for this privilege. I want to acknowledge Lt. Chris VanErem, our Jail Administrator, for the amazing work that he and his staff do daily to balance the constant demands of the inmates, the courts, and the many regulations with the limited resources both in budget and facility.

Along with the duties of Jailer and Dispatcher, these men and women also facilitate all of the transports which are required not only locally but many times across the state to bring inmates to Kewaunee County for court as well as monitoring the Huber Program (Work Release) and Court Security. These men and women give multi-tasking a whole new dimension, and we are fortunate to have them serving in these roles to keep our community safe. Contrary to some beliefs, these Deputies are Law Enforcement Officers just like their counterparts in Patrol and Investigations and are a vital component of the Criminal Justice System. Next week, I will share some information from 2024 related to our patrol division.

Ice fishing guide JJ Malvitz hoped to get some of his first trips onto the ice this weekend before Mother Nature shared her plans with area anglers. The National Weather Service in Green Bay said much of the area experienced gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour for much of Thursday, peaking at 63 miles per hour near Green Bay’s Leo Frigo Bridge and 52 miles per hour in Kewaunee. Despite the wind blowing in a favorable direction, Malvitz says the winds were strong enough to open up cracks in the ice, causing large sheets to move and pinwheel from the bay's western shore to the eastern side. The events ruined what he believed would have been good enough ice to take people out safely. He feels bad for his clients who have made the trip to Door County to get onto the ice to catch the fish. At the end of the day, however, safety is not negotiable.

Fishing guides are still reeling from last year’s mild winter, which kept them off the ice for most of the winter. Malvitz says it is not just bad for the guides but for all the businesses in Door County that rely on the added traffic ice fishing brings to the area. Next week, temperatures will struggle to get above 20 degrees, with overnight lows staying around the single digits. While it is promising, Malvitz will still have to wait and see if it is good enough to get groups onto the ice.

Picture courtesy of JJ Malvitz

State Senator Andre Jacque has been piling up the steps inside the Wisconsin State Capitol, working on bills that many of you heard about in the past. Since the start of the session, Jacque has co-sponsored nearly 20 bills in search of more support from across the aisle and within his own party. Income tax exemption for tips, including the state in a national driver’s license program, and removing residency requirements for Wisconsin veterans are just some of the bills he has been working on, some of which are carry-overs from the previous session. Jacque says many of the bills he has re-introduced this session are about three-quarters of the way through the process, giving him high hopes that they will eventually make their way to Governor Tony Evers’ desk and get signed into law. He believes finishing the leg work on these bills is essential so they do not get lost on the floor once the budget season calls.

He adds that getting some of these bills on the floor and in committee can potentially be addressed in the Governor’s budget, which he will announce in detail on February 18th.

After being kept off the initial winter weather advisory issued on Thursday that covered counties to its south, northern Wisconsin counties like Door County will plan for their own snow day on Saturday. Early Friday morning, a winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service for Door, Forest, Florence, Marinette, and Oconto counties beginning at 3 a.m. Saturday and lasting until midnight. Three to six inches of snow is in the forecast for the storm. Kewaunee County is included in a winter storm watch along with Brown, Manitowoc, Waushara, Winnebago, Calumet, Shawano, and Waupaca counties that could bring four to seven inches of snow to the area from 3 a.m. Saturday to midnight. In both cases, travel is expected to be difficult during the storm, with the National Weather Service warning motorists about potentially slippery roads.

Saturday’s Algoma boys basketball game at Oneida Nation has already been canceled due to the expected storm, with more likely on the way. You can click this link to stay updated with all of the closings and postponements in Door and Kewaunee counties.

An important tool in the childcare landscape could get another look in Door County with the proper support.

Last year, the United Way of Door County completed its nine-month child care benefit pilot program that worked with area employers to provide a stipend for their childcare expenses. Full-time employees received up to a $300 childcare stipend each month, and part-time employees received a stipend of up to $150 each month, with the money being paid directly to the employee's childcare provider. The stipends targeted families with a gross household income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty limit. Business contributions were matched by the Women's Fund of Door County. Childcare Community Coordinator Molly Gary says a handful of area businesses, including the County of Door and Door County Medical Center, participated in the program, adding that it was an important benefit for employees trying to make ends meet.

Gary says the United Way of Door County is weighing options for returning the program to life. Regional employers like Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry and Schreiber Foods have similar programs for their employees, offering up to $5,000 annually for childcare expenses. The U.S. Navy provided the funds for Fincantieri Marinette Marine employees to receive money for childcare expenses up to $5000.

Three junior students from Southern Door High School will represent their school at this summer’s American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls and Boys state programs.

The Southern Door School District announced on Thursday that Carrie Renard and Britney Wanless will attend the 80th Badger Girls State program at UW-Oshkosh. Grant Pieshek was selected for the 82nd session of Badger Boys State, hosted by UW-Eau Claire. 

Southern Door High School Principal Steve Bousley says the three students are well-deserving based on their impressive academic achievements.  He says the Badger State programs will serve them well in developing even greater leadership qualities and community involvement they have already shown.

During the weeklong sessions, student representatives learn the democratic process while taking on various government roles, drafting legislation, and participating in debates and campaigns.  

The Badger State Boys program will be held from June 8-14, while the Badger State Girls program is from June 15-20.

Renard, Wanless, and Pieshek are sponsored locally by the Forestville American Legion Auxiliary and Post 372.   

(photos submitted, Carrie Renard, Britney Wanless, and Grant Pieschek)

Despite a sinking feeling among the LGBTQ community across the country, Open Door Pride’s Cathy Grier says the national tenor is not keeping her down. According to Gallup’s Mood of the Nation poll, 51 percent of Americans say they are satisfied with the national attitudes toward gay and lesbian people, a drop of more than 10 percent compared to 2022 and just a few percentage points higher than the 49 percent recorded a decade ago. That number drops even more when it comes to the transgender community, where only 38 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction, though that is slightly higher than it was last year.

Grier was not shocked to hear the data, but prefers to look at the issue from a local lens. She feels the LGBTQ community in Door County has tremendous support from allies so they can be their true self.

The country’s transgender population has had at least four executive orders aimed at them in recent weeks, including Wednesday’s announcement that bans transgender women from playing in girls’ sports. It follows 27 states that have made similar bans, requiring transgender students to play on teams based on their sex assigned at birth. Grier admits she does not know what is in store for the LGBTQ community in the coming months and years, but she says she will keep showing up to support those who need it through her work with Open Door Pride and hopes others join in the effort.

After a quiet January, you have encountered more snowplow drivers on your daily commute with another storm aiming for the area on Saturday. The National Weather Service has already issued a winter storm warning for several counties, including Kewaunee, Brown, and Manitowoc counties, from 6 a.m. on Saturday until midnight when five to eight inches of snow is predicted to fall. As of Thursday, Door County is on the outside looking in at the warning, but the National Weather Service says the storm system could always shift north or south, potentially putting the peninsula in its crosshairs. Kewaunee County Highway Commissioner Marty Treml says supplies are good and the plows are ready to go.

Treml says the department has also been trying to modernize its fleet of trucks that handle the snow removal, withone of the new vehicles already on the road. After receiving approximately two to three inches of snow for the entire month of January, parts of Door and Kewaunee counties have already seen more than six inches of snow less than a week into February. 

Door County Medical Center officials want you to practice extra caution when visiting your loved ones at the hospital as respiratory illnesses continue to rise across the state.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the overall respiratory illness activity in the state is at the “very high activity level,” with more than 25 percent of emergency department visits having a respiratory illness diagnosis for the weekend ending on January 25th. The rate has been on an upward trajectory since the beginning of September. According to the department's dashboard, influenza is the main culprit in northeast Wisconsin, with the virus listed as “very high activity” and increasing. RSV diagnoses are at the “high activity level,” while COVID-19 is also decreasing from the “moderate activity “level.

As a result, Door County Medical Center is asking for a limit of two people to visit any patient at one time. Visitors are also being asked not to visit patients if they feel sick or have cold-like symptoms like coughing, congestion, and fever. You are encouraged to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer to cover your coughing and sneezing with your elbow or tissue.

The new restrictions went into effect on Wednesday morning. 

If it is not the snow that causes problems for your commute on Thursday, it very well could be the wind. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for nearly 20 Wisconsin counties, including Brown, Door, Kewaunee, and Manitowoc counties, from 9 a.m. Thursday until 9 p.m. Thursday. West winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour are expected, with east-central Wisconsin potentially receiving higher speeds. The NWS warns that the high winds combined with the light snow that is expected to fall could cause blowing and drifting snow, potentially creating poor driving conditions. 

A program clinic at the Door County YMCA designed to elevate the game of area athletes is impacting the DCY Swim Team. Peak Performance is a high-intensive course offered in June at the YMCA. It is similar to CrossFit workouts and offers over $9,000 worth of agility performance equipment that develops a foundation of agility, speed, strength, and endurance. Competitive Swimming Director Mike McHugh says the swim team and other elite athletes in Door County have realized the benefits of Peak Performance.

McHugh has coached well over 1,000 state qualifiers from multiple sports and has one of the top three swim youth programs in the state. The program has boys and girls aged six to 12 participating. He expects many kids to qualify for the state finals in March at Brown Deer, with the YMCA national competition held in Greensboro, North Carolina, from March 31 to April 4.   

You can listen to the interview with Mike McHugh on the Y Wednesday podcast page by clicking here.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council took care of procedural items on the agenda Tuesday to align some of the city’s zoning with its comprehensive plan. Council President Dan Williams, who was filling in for Mayor David Ward and ran the meeting, explained the importance of implementing the new ordinances to accommodate the future land use being planned and developed in Sturgeon Bay. 

Williams notes that Southern Door School District Superintendent Keith Krutzik gave a presentation to the Sturgeon Bay Common Council on the funding issues faced by his and many other school districts in the area.  Having many Southern Door students who reside on the southwestern end of Sturgeon Bay, where apartment complexes have been recently built, greatly impacts voters in both school districts.

You can participate in four different painting sessions featuring some of the well-known paintings from the “Bob Ross Joy of Painting” selections.  The United Way of Door County will be holding classes over the next several weeks at Sunshine Resources of Door County with Door County Certified Bob Ross Instructor Paula Cline. 

United Way of Door County Assistant Karrie Anthony says the classes provide insight on painting while helping raise funds for a new United Way initiative focusing on the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) population in Door County.

The classes are Northern Lights on Saturday, February 22, Classic Mountain on Saturday, March 8, Evening Sunset on Saturday, April 5, and a morning and afternoon session of Sunrise at the Dunes on Saturday, May 3. 

All materials are provided, along with food and beverages, and door prizes will be given away during the day. Registration to discover your inner Bob Ross is open to anyone, with a limit of 12 participants per session. You can learn more about the Happy Painting Sessions by visiting the United Way of Door County website or calling the office.  

The Algoma Common Council addressed two major moves by city departments in the future at its monthly meeting on Tuesday night.

City Administrator Matt Murphy says discussions are underway on moving the Administrative offices, police department, and library to the newly purchased property on Steele Street, formerly owned by Associated Bank. He says the City of Algoma has been working with Bayland Buildings to get an estimated price for remodeling and a potential expansion to accommodate the City Hall and library move if it all happens. 

Murphy says a smaller project for the move could be completed by this fall, otherwise a larger-scale construction would probably carry over to the spring of 2026.  He notes that the ultimate timeframe will depend on what the elected officials decide on what is needed and not needed at the new location.

Another move by the City of Algoma would be to relocate the Fire and Rescue to a new building at 1515 Sunset Avenue, for which the city has allocated $3 million. Murphy says a new plan with Bayland is expected to be completed and brought before the city council, with bids being submitted for the project by the end of February or early March. If financial numbers are finalized, construction could start by spring.

The next Algoma City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 3.

Firefighters from multiple departments in Door County responded to a fire on the Frontenac Bulk Carrier at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding around noon Tuesday. 

The fire reportedly occurred while cleaning the dust container onboard the ship.  Not much smoke was visible from outside of the the scene, but firefighters had to weave through the ship to get water to the source of the fire, which was reportedly contained in about an hour. 

According to the Canadian Steamship Lines website, the MV Frontenac was built in 1968 and converted into a self-unloader in 1973.

Door County Daily News will have more information on this incident when more details are released.

It is beginning to look like winter for the Washington Island Ferry Line as the temperatures take a turn. Washington Island Ferry President Hoyt Purinton says traffic on the ferry line is slightly up this winter because, up until recently, the cold temperatures were never complemented by the snow and ice that may inhibit the island’s growing population from venturing to the mainland. For the first time in a few years, the ferry line’s Madonna and Arni J. Richter have had to do double duty, breaking a path through the ice so it can transport people to and from the island. Purinton says while the ice adds to the wear and tear on the vessels, he is hopeful it will slow Lake Michigan's steadily declining water levels.

As we get closer to spring, the Washington Island Ferry added two additional trips on Thursdays and Fridays in the late afternoon to meet the demand of residents needing to travel to and from the mainland and increased traffic from businesses. Vehicle reservations are still required through March 14th.

Picture courtesy of Washington Island Ferry Line

The panel was part of a larger event hosted by Peninsula Pride Farms that featured Lance Gunderson of Regen Soil Labs and Jamie Patton from the Natural Resources Conservation Services as guest speakers and the release of the conservation outcomes for 2024.

 

 

 

 

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Over 80 firefighters, EMTs, and guests honored two longtime Luxemburg Community Fire Department staff members this past weekend. 

Lieutenant Dan Gilson, who recently retired, and Ann Paider accepted awards on behalf of their over 60 years of service to the Luxemburg community.

Fire Chief Lew DuChateau says Gilson started his schooling at the same time as he did 33 years ago and was a great firefighter and engineer for the department.

DuChateau notes Paider has performed the EMS billing services for the Luxemburg Community Fire Department since 1994 and will retire this spring.

The Luxemburg Community Fire Department is currently looking for additional daytime help. You can contact DuChateau for more information on obtaining the 60-hour entry-level schooling needed to become a full-time firefighter in the state. 

Photos courtesy of Luxemburg Community Fire Department Facebook

The time is now to honor the volunteers of some of your favorite Door County non-profit organizations, with the Golden Heart Volunteer Awards set to return in April. The annual event honors people in seven categories: Adult Volunteer of the Year, Environmental Stewardship Award, Performing Arts Volunteer of the Year, Cultural Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Group of the Year, Youth Volunteer Scholarship Award, and the Karl May Lifetime of Service Award. Last year’s winners included Susan Morgan (Adult Volunteer of the Year), Northern Sky Theater’s Raise the Curtain—Light the Sky Committee (Performing Arts Volunteer of the Year), Door County Historical Society Lighthouse Committee (Cultural Volunteer of the Year), Bill Wolff (Environmental Stewardship Award), Door Tran Volunteer Drivers (Volunteer Group of the Year), and the late Bob Perlewitz (Karl May Lifetime of Service Award). United Way of Door County Executive Director says we are all impacted by the volunteers that make the area’s non-profits function but do not always get the time to say thank you until the Golden Heart Volunteer Awards come around each spring.

You can find more information on nominating volunteers for the seven categories below. The event will occur on April 9th at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay.

UPDATED BELOW WITH AGREEMENTS MADE WITH CANADA AND MEXICO

The products you buy every day could cost a little more in the future after President Donald Trump followed through on his campaign promise on tariffs for Canada and Mexico in exchange for tougher border security.

Trump enacted the 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico on Saturday, saying on his TruthSocial account that the potential price hikes on some products “will all be worth the price that must be paid.” Canadian oil and gas and products from China are subject to a 10 percent tariff. “We’re not going to be the ‘stupid country’ any longer,” Trump added. “Make your product in the USA and there are no tariffs.” Canadian officials have responded with their own  25 percent tariffs on some products and have even started to take some American products like bourbon off the shelf.

Area legislators have offered their thoughts in the days since the tariffs were enacted, with their support falling along party lines. Republican Eighth District U.S. Rep. Tony Wied took to social media to express his support for the tariffs, saying he trusts Trump’s negotiating tactics and believes that "this course of action will ultimately save lives and strengthen our economy.”

Democratic U.S. Tammy Baldwin was not as complimentary, saying the tariffs would raise prices on Wisconsin families and hurt the state’s manufacturers and farmers. “If President Trump is going to impose these broad tariffs on our closest trading partners, he needs to do it with a real plan to address retaliation and make sure costs aren’t passed on to hardworking Wisconsinites,” Baldwin said in a statement over the weekend.

Since Saturday, the Mexican government has agreed to send soldiers to the border to ward off illegal drugs and migrants in exchange for a delay in enacting the tariffs for one month. The Canadian government agreed to implement its $1.3 billion border security that it announced in December in exchange for its own one month delay on tariffs. All three countries will negotiate a permanent deal over the coming weeks. 

A loose water bottle is partially to blame for a carload of Indiana men driving off the road and into a ditch Saturday afternoon. Emergency personnel from the Door County Sheriff’s Department, Gibraltar Fire Department, and Gibraltar Police Department responded to the crash on County Road A near Tanglewood Lane just after 3 p.m., where they found the vehicle lying in a ditch. According to the accident report, a 53-year-old Crown Point, Ind. man was driving the sport-utility vehicle when a water bottle lodged underneath the gas pedal. The driver told the deputy that he lost control of the car trying to remove the water bottle. He went into a nearby ditch, grazed a utility pole, struck a lifted driveway, and soared into a second ditch before coming to rest. A witness said he was in his garage when he heard a loud sound before seeing the vehicle go airborne. All four of the car’s occupants were outside of the vehicle when emergency personnel arrived. However, the driver and one of the passengers, a 56-year-old man from Lafayette, Ind., had to be transported to Door County Medical Center for suspected injuries. Two other passengers, a 56-year-old Valparaiso, Ind. man, and a 55-year-old Lowell, Ind. man, did not require additional medical attention. The roadway was closed for about an hour and reopened shortly before 4 p.m. after the vehicle was towed. 

When they meet on Tuesday, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council will be dealing with some cleaning up of its municipal code and ensuring the zoning matches up with the future land use stipulated in the city’s comprehensive plan.  Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak says a public hearing and a potential first reading for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be done in districts other than Residential-1 (R-1), single-family zoned areas.  He says the zoning code will be updated if approved, allowing it for permitted use instead of conditional use.

The Plan Commission recommended the text amendments for the ADUs and the Accessory Uses. They will help align the municipal codes with the 10-year Comprehensive Plan that the city established in 2020. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall.

The Miss Door County Scholarship Program presented three crowns Saturday night as a part of its expanded pageant hosted at the Southern Door Auditorium. Hanna Mertens was crowned the first-ever Miss Cherryland out of four contestants. A student at the Bellin College of Nursing, Mertens danced to the song "Sax" while showcasing her community service initiative of teaching the importance of cardiac care. Southern Door alum and current Northeast Wisconsin Technical College student Faith Blackley was crowned Miss Door County out of four contestants. Blackley's community service initiative was entitled "Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow" and her talent was singing the song, "Amarilli Mia Bella." Her Miss Door County Teen is Southern Door student Elise Jackson, who played "Fur Elise" as her skills while showcasing her community service initiative of "Next Gen Civics." She was selected from a field of 10 contestants. In addition to earning thousands of dollars in college scholarships, Blackley, Jackson, and Mertens will represent Door County at the Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin Teen competitions, which will be held June 18-21, 2025, in New Berlin. The event also served as a farewell to Miss Door County 2024 and Top Five Miss Wisconsin finisher Kylee Duessler and Miss Door County Teen 2024 Emily Bley. 

Pictures courtesy of Miss Door County Scholarship Program and Focal Flame Creative

You and the local community could benefit from a recent addition of life-saving defibrillators.   The Southern Door Fire Department announced this week that it had received two recently purchased AED LifePak units for two Emergency Medical Responders (EMR).  Fire Chief Rich Olson says the purchase of medical equipment was made possible through a WPS Foundation Grant, monies raised from the annual Picnic fundraiser, and an anonymous donor.

The automated external defibrillators (AED) are portable devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.  Olson notes that the two AED units cost $5500 and that the Southern Door Fire Department now has about a dozen defibrillators distributed among staff and vehicles.  Studies estimate that about 1700 lives are saved every year in the United States with AEDs.  The survival rate is 70 percent when it is used within two minutes of collapse during cardiac arrest. 

(photo courtesy of Southern Door Fire Department)

There is always something to do at Crossroads Big Creek. Of course, the big question for many folks is, "When will you start your Ski-for-Free program? We will offer it as snow conditions are adequate, and  we will post the conditions and open hours on the ticker running across the top of the Crossroads at Big Creek website  www.crossroadsabigcreek.org

However, to understand what makes conditions adequate, knowing a little about snow is good. Most people have seen images of snowflakes--beautiful six-pointed, lace-like ice crystals. One can see that very little of a snowflake is made up of water molecules but rather air.  And while most snowflakes do not complete their turbulent journey from the clouds in perfect form, they usually still have pointed edges, so when they fall gently to the ground, if they land on any of their six points, a significant volume of air is trapped between individual flakes.

So, what is a significant volume? Fresh, fluffy snow can be 90-95% trapped air. While this trapped air increases snow's insulating qualities, it means the air is forced out if we "roll the trails" to flatten them. Consequently, there is very little snow depth in which to set tracks. And while there are variables: moisture content of snow...temperature….[grooming is an art!] it usually takes at least six or seven inches of snow to create an adequate base.

But snow or no snow, we offer activities for learners of all ages. This Monday at 1:30, the Door County Master Gardeners Association will screen at pre-recorded webinar describing "Seed Starting for Vegetable Transplants." All are welcome.

On Tuesdays, we offer an after-school program called Environmental Exploration. This outdoor program is geared toward elementary students, but families can join us as we venture into the preserve to observe how animals find shelter in winter.  An indoor program will be offered if weather conditions are unfavorable. And every Wednesday, we offer Wandering Wednesday at 1:30, a free naturalist-led hike to various areas of the Big Creek Preserve

During open hours, families are invited to take advantage of our Nature Play Area (near the fish display on the Entry Level of the Collins Learning Center).

Also, know that whatever the conditions, Crossroads trails are open all day, every day, free of charge.

Wednesday, February 5

1:30 Wandering Wednesday

Join a Crossroads naturalist on a guided hike through the trail of Crossroads. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, February 10

1:30 Master Gardner Webinar

"Seed Starting for Vegetable Transplants"

This pre-recorded webinar will teach you the basics of growing your own vegetables. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, February 12

1:30 Wandering Wednesday

Join a Crossroads naturalist on a guided hike through the trail of Crossroads. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

You have over a million reasons to be thankful for the countless thousands of people visiting Door County yearly. Destination Door County took time this week to celebrate the over $1.08 million it distributed in 2024 to projects across the peninsula. The 19 total projects the fund supported were used for everything from building new restrooms at Brussels Town Park and the Kolberg Athletic Field to installing new boat launches at Potawatomi State Park and Sturgeon Bay’s Sawyer Park. In total, Destination Door County’s Community Investment Fund has awarded over $1.9 million in grants since the program began in May 2023. Destination Door County's Jon Jarosh says it has been amazing to see how these funds have been used and the difference they have made in the community.

Jarosh is thankful for the Door County Community Foundation for their assistance in administering the program. The next round of grants will be announced in the coming weeks, putting the organization over the $2 million mark in giving. The Destination Door County Community Investment Fund is funded in part by the room tax dollars generated from overnight visitors to the area.

You can read about all of the projects the Community Investment Fund here.

You will have a chance to watch a first-time ice show of a classic and timeless story at the Southern Door Community Auditorium later this month.  Ice Creative Entertainment will perform the Wizard of Oz On Ice with state-of-the-art special effects, choreography, and costumes.  Southern Door Community Auditorium Program Director Cory Vandertie says the show will probably be the biggest production done on the stage in the auditorium's history, which has a nearly 600-seat capacity. 

Vandertie adds that just about the entire stage floor will be covered with ice, allowing for the blending of the wonder of theater with the thrill of ice skating.  He notes that the audience will see the ice dancers up close and personal, compared to a larger arena setting.  The Wizard of Oz On Ice show will be on Thursday, February 20, at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets for the event are available at www.sdauditorium.org or by calling the Southern Door Community Auditorium.