Door County’s winter has swept in once again, wrapping our communities in its familiar blanket of snow and quiet beauty. For some, the season brings joy and the cozy comforts of home. For others, however, the months ahead can feel daunting as they face the challenge of clearing sidewalks and driveways alone. 

It’s easy to admire the winter landscape without thinking about the work behind it, but many of our neighbors feel that weight every time the flakes begin to fall. Friends, relatives, and community members may be struggling with age, health concerns, or simply the strain of winter demands. That’s why Do Good Wisconsin is stepping forward with its new Snow Angel Program. 

This season, the organization is launching an initiative to help identify and support those who could use a little extra help with snow removal. They’re offering free lawn signs, simple markers that can be placed in a front yard to quietly signal the need for a helping hand. These signs serve as gentle reminders that kindness lives right here among us, waiting to be shared.

Do Good Wisconsin’s Snow Angel Program encourages us all to look out for one another. And if you spot a Snow Angel sign in your neighborhood, let’s take a moment, lend a hand, and help make winter a little lighter for someone else.

With the impending winter storm warning looming, and the cold November air whipping through the harbor, residents and visitors filled Egg Harbor shops, streets, restaurants, and Santa's lap for the village's annual Holly Days celebration this weekend.  

The village was buzzing with visitors both Friday and Saturday with a myriad of holiday activities.  On Friday, Santa rolled into town in a different way, riding an Egg Harbor Fire truck in lieu of his sleigh.  He lit the village's festive Christmas tree and went on his merry way.  Saturday featured breakfast bingo at the Kress pavilion followed by breakfast with the big man himself.  Then it was picture time and wishes on Santa’s lap.   

The weekend was filled with family-friendly events.  Children regaled while writing letters to Santa, trying their hand at ornament making, cookie decorating, and a 2-day elf scavenger hunt.  Horse drawn wagons, fun-run participants, and eager Christmas wish-makers filled the streets as the first snowflakes began to fall Saturday afternoon, with Holly Days once again filling hearts with holiday magic. 

Door County Secret Santa is once again partnering with community organizations and donors to help local families stay warm this winter.

Now in its second decade, the program supports households throughout the peninsula by covering heating bills during the coldest months.

Nominations come from local churches, schools, and social service agencies.For chosen households, payments are made directly to their heating providers, with volunteers delivering envelopes on Christmas Eve to notify recipients that their costs have been covered.

The Door County Secret Santa initiative began in 2011 with assistance for a single propane tank and has since grown dramatically. Last year alone, the program provided more than $66,000 in heating support to 88 families.

The effort relies entirely on community generosity. Donations can be made at any Nicolet National Bank branch or mailed to P.O. Box 161, Ellison Bay, WI 54210

Additional support comes from local fundraisers, including the annual Blues on the Bay festival in Ellison Bay and community drives such as Warm Hands, Warm Hearts organized by 100+ Women Who Care.

Door County Secret Santa remains a vital resource for families across the county, ensuring they have the heat they need to stay safe and warm throughout the winter.

“Holiday Cheer” is the theme for the December Luminary-Lit Hike at Crossroads, scheduled for December 12, so we are hoping for snow. These monthly walks along candlelit trails take on a special charm when gently falling snowflakes drift through the trees.

But in this dry year, water in any form would be welcome. Admittedly, the dreaded “wintry mix” can make driving and hiking a bit dicey, but as participants in our Science Saturday program will learn—it’s all water.

Water can be a solid, a liquid, or a gas, and in this week’s Saturday Science program, “States of Matter,” which is geared toward elementary-aged kids but open to learners of all ages, we will explore this absolutely essential but rather strange substance we call water.

Even in summer, precipitation usually starts out as snow. Now we are in what meteorologists call a transitional period, which means almost anything can happen. It’s cold in the clouds, so water freezes into ice or snow crystals. If snowflakes pass through a layer of warm air—above freezing—they melt into raindrops. Even in summer, turbulent air is common, but it usually allows raindrops to make the trip from cloud to ground in about ten minutes or so.

During this unstable time of year, the journey can take quite a while. There can be updrafts and downdrafts, and it’s windy up there. Snowflakes tend to fall flat side down, but as they pass through different layers of air, they twirl, tumble, drift, and sometimes break into pieces or clump together. If the air is very dry, flakes can sublimate—turn directly from solid to gas. And sometimes, flakes melt and then refreeze, turning into sleet… or, if the water freezes on contact with an object, it becomes freezing rain.

And then in December, often there’s graupel. Unlike sleet, which is icy and transparent, graupel consists of small, soft, opaque white pellets of ice.

This week at the edge of a season, any or all of those conditions are possible. But there will be holiday cheer inside the Collins Learning Center, which by then will be decked with boughs of—well, probably Norway spruce. And if you find yourself chatting with your poinsettias, you may enjoy the Master Gardener Growing Together educational webinar “Are My Plants Listening to Me?” on Monday, December 8, at 1:30 p.m.

Learners of all ages are invited to make Nature Greeting Cards using materials from the preserve on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

The weather outside may be frightful… or gorgeous, or just blah… but whatever the weather, there’s always something to do at Crossroads.

Saturday, December 6
2:00 p.m. – Saturday Science: States of Matter
Learn how substances, especially water, can be a solid, a liquid, or a gas. This free program is geared for elementary students but open to learners of all ages. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, December 8
1:30 p.m. – Growing Together Webinar
Join the Door County Master Gardeners in viewing and discussing the pre-recorded webinar “Are My Plants Listening to Me?” Free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, December 9
3:30 p.m. – Environmental Exploration: Make & Take Greeting Cards
Participants will use stamps and materials from nature to create holiday greeting cards. Geared for elementary students but free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, December 10
1:30 p.m. – Wandering Wednesday
Join the naturalist on a guided hike through the trails of Crossroads. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Friday, December 12
5:00–6:30 p.m. – Holiday Cheer Luminary-Lit Hike
Stroll the trails with friends and family in the enchanting glow of luminaries. Then warm up around a blazing fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

After digging yourself out from Saturday’s snowstorm, you can warm up in Sister Bay while supporting its former fire chief. Hecht is still on the mend after suffering a medical episode during an Indianapolis conference earlier this spring, which was later diagnosed as a ruptured brain aneurysm. In September, he officially retired from the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department, turning the reins over to Assistant Fire Chief Mike Goldstone.

His retirement marked nearly four decades of public service, beginning with his appointment to Door County Emergency Medical Services in the late 1980s, followed by his role as a firefighter with the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department, which he joined in 1992. Hecht has been in and out of medical care in Green Bay since the summer, working to get strong enough to return home this fall.

On Sunday, the community will gather at the Sister Bay Bowl from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a special benefit supporting Hecht and his family. Proceeds from the event will go toward his ongoing needs. You can find more details about the event below, including parking and shuttle information.

Door County is mourning the loss of longtime Board of Supervisors member Roy H. Englebert, who passed away on Monday, November 24th.  Englebert, 87, was a respected leader whose decades of dedication left a lasting impact on the community.

His passing marks the end of an era in Door County local government.  Known for his steadfast commitment and steady presence on the County Board, Englebert was a trusted voice in shaping local policy and guiding community initiatives.  In the months ahead, efforts will be made to fill his seat and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

Englebert’s public service began in his hometown, where he served as Town Supervisor starting in 2011 and as Town Chairman of Forestville until 2023.  He was elected to the Door County Board in 2012, serving continuously and holding leadership roles on multiple county committees throughout his tenure.

Visitation for Roy Englebert will take place on Monday, December 1, at Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday, December 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood.

While you may have spent Friday at a big-city shopping center or you are bracing for Cyber Monday, the area’s small businesses would love to see you too. Started by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has become an annual tradition of driving consumers away from big-box stores and computer screens to the millions of independent retailers and restaurants.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, more than $22 billion was spent on Small Business Saturday thanks to an estimated 67 million shoppers participating. The money you spend at a local business does not always go far either. Estimates show that about 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community, compared to about 43 cents per dollar at national chains.

That kind of support means a lot to Country Cupboard co-owner Katie Brandt, who—along with Tina Lawrence—features a wide variety of local artists and businesses in their Algoma storefront.

While shopping-centric events like the Kewaunee County Christmas Stroll wrap up this weekend, there is still plenty of time to shop local before Christmas Day, which is now less than 30 days away.

I want to take a moment to bring awareness to a few campaigns currently underway to increase support for these programs as we get closer to Christmas. These programs are not ones that you will receive an electronic voice message about soliciting money, nor are they the types that flood your mailbox with requests to send money to distant places. These are programs happening right here in our community to help those right here in our community.

The first of these programs is our annual “Shop with a Cop” program. Each year, we here in law enforcement work with the local school districts to identify children whose families could use an extra bit of help. We then contact these families and ask them to allow us to spend a day shopping for gifts—not just for that child, but for the child’s family as well. It is a humbling experience to shop alongside a child who, rather than running toward toys or electronic games, heads to the clothing section to get Dad some socks or Mom a new jacket. This is also a great opportunity for these children to see law enforcement in a way most don’t have the opportunity to experience. While our local law enforcement officers volunteer their time and donate many items themselves to make this day successful, we also count on donations to assist in our efforts. If you would like to donate to this cause, just give the Sheriff’s Department a call.

The second program, which has been in our county for over three decades, is the annual Toys for Tots campaign. This one holds a special place in my heart, as it is sponsored by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In this program, boxes are placed throughout Kewaunee County, and on December 20th, these toys will be handed out to children whose parents have pre-registered as residents of Kewaunee County. Many great organizations and businesses assist in making this program a success year after year. To contribute, please drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any of the designated collection sites.

The third program, which actually assists residents of our county throughout the year, is our local Salvation Army Kettle Campaign. Like many of you, I have seen these kettles over the years at various locations during the Christmas season. Sometimes I dropped money in them, and sometimes I walked past. It wasn’t until I began working as a voucher writer for the Salvation Army that I realized the importance of this charitable organization—and the critical role these kettles play.

Throughout the year, I receive calls from people who have lost jobs, faced unforeseen medical expenses, or simply find themselves in need. We assist with rent, utilities, food, gas, and other basic essentials to help them through the crises they face. To support this program, you can, of course, drop money into the kettles located at various stops throughout the county. You can also give your time to ring bells at these sites, as donations are more likely when the kettles are staffed rather than sitting idle in a corner of a store entrance. It is a great way to spend time for a good cause and visit with people as they give. To volunteer, go to www.registertoring.com and follow the links to Kewaunee County.

If you have questions about any of these programs, please do not hesitate to contact me, and I can point you in the right direction. Just as shopping locally has the best impact on our communities, giving locally provides the best results for those here in Kewaunee County.

While you may have seen less deer harvested in Door and Kewaunee counties so far this gun season, that was not the case statewide.

Preliminary figures from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources indicate that the number of gun deer hunters in Wisconsin stayed nearly constant compared to 2024.  As of Nov. 23, sales for deer hunting privileges reached 777,843, down 0.03% from the same time last year.  Of those, 538,865 were for gun privileges only. 

In total, hunters registered 90,671 deer statewide during the opening weekend of the 2025 gun deer hunt, compared to 87,248 registered in 2024. This is a 3.9% increase from a year ago.  Hunters registered a total of 48,748 antlered deer on opening weekend, compared to 48,063 in 2024, a 1.4% increase. The antlerless harvest was 41,923, which is up 7% from last year. Locally, Door County hunters registered 80 fewer deer than last year, while Kewaunee County saw a decrease of 81 deer, both down from its 2024 opening-weekend total.

Other than a lack of snow cover and warmer temperatures in the afternoons across the southern half of the state, conditions for the opening weekend were pretty favorable for hunters.

While a three-legged cow named Lyle and a wheelchair-bearing goat named Lilly may catch your attention first, Tonya Edwards and her husband Dave are helping give more than 60 other animals a second chance at a first impression at Wilson’s Wish. Building an animal sanctuary was part of their vision over five years ago when the Edwards purchased their homestead outside of Luxemburg.

Donkeys, sheep, cats, and alpacas also dot the property, which continues to be improved and expanded as their herd of misfits grows. Lost in the shuffle of all that activity is the notion that it is just a sanctuary for animals. Clients of places like East Shore Industries and Sunshine Resources have been able to come nose-to-nose with animals that have special abilities—much like they do in their own ways. Edwards says that has been a powerful piece of what they do.

Love for the animals does come at a price for the Edwards, who operate Wilson’s Wish as a nonprofit to purchase the necessary feed, bedding, and medicines their residents need. You can learn more about how you can support Wilson’s Wish, including their comedy night at The Rendezvous of Luxemburg on December 6th, by clicking this link.

A winter storm warning has been issued that could impact post-holiday travel beginning Saturday morning and lasting through Sunday in a large part of the State.  

Heavy snow is expected in Northeast Wisconsin. Total snow accumulation between 6 and 9 inches locally, with higher amounts near the Lake Michigan shoreline where more than 10 inches are possible, particularly over Kewaunee county. 

Waushara, Calumet, Manitowoc, Winnebago, Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Outagamie, and Waupaca Counties are all affected.  The Winter Storm Warning lasts from 9 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday. 

Travel could be very difficult at times. The heaviest snow is anticipated to fall late Saturday afternoon and into Saturday evening.  Holiday travelers and hunters should be prepared for snow covered roads and low visibility. 

Door County Sheriffs say that if you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.  Stay updated on the latest road conditions and allow extra time and preparation for your trip. 

Brown County officials are beginning the work now to improve your experience flying in and out of Austin Straubel International Airport. Earlier this month, the airport announced plans to partner with two firms to conduct major strategic studies designed to guide future growth, ensure responsible development, and align the airport’s plans with the evolving needs of the region.

One plan will focus on its existing facilities and what will need to be done to modernize Austin Straubel’s current terminals to make them more attractive for its carriers and its passengers alike. A second plan will look at the land available around the airport to determine what would best benefit the needs of the community and the surrounding neighborhood. Airport Director Marty Piette says creating a better experience in a responsible manner is the goal.

The fruit of the labor will not be fully realized for years to come, though community groups have already started this work earlier this fall.

The Sturgeon Bay Library will host a special free performance of They All Had Names: A Civil War Musical on Saturday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m.  The event, presented by Larry Desotell and Rich Wolter in partnership with the Door County Library, coincides with the 160th anniversary of the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States.

“They All Had Names” tells the lives of Union soldiers, Confederate prisoners, and an enslaved person at Camp Randall during the spring of 1862, alongside their modern descendants who meet at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison.  Through music and narration, the performance delves into themes of freedom, the human cost of war, and the experiences of prisoners and their guards, connecting historical events to contemporary reflections.

The musical features book, music, and lyrics by Desotell and Wolter, with Desotell serving as narrator.  Wolter also performs on guitar and vocals.

Library officials encourage members of the community to attend this unique program, which blends history, storytelling, and live music to provide a thought-provoking look at the Civil War and its enduring legacy.  The performance is free and open to all, making it an accessible way for residents and visitors to honor a pivotal moment in American history while experiencing an engaging musical journey.

For more information, visit the Sturgeon Bay Library, contact the library directly, or visit the library website.

This weekend, the Village of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy Holly Days, the cherished holiday celebration wrapping the community in festive cheer.

Kicking off Friday, November 28, and continuing Saturday, November 29, Holly Days transforms Egg Harbor into a winter wonderland.  Families can look forward to 2 afternoons filled with children’s activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, cookie decorating, and holiday crafts.

The fun also includes a beloved tradition of Santa’s arrival, in lieu of his sleigh; Santa will be arriving by fire truck on Friday afternoon, followed by an old fashioned tree lighting ceremony and carols in Harbor View Park commencing at 4:30 Friday.

Local businesses will be part of the celebration, offering everything from hot cocoa bars and a holiday scavenger hunt for kids to ornament making and selfie-with-an-elf opportunities.

For more information, please visit the Egg Harbor Door County website.

Jacksonport residents and visitors lined the streets for the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Braving the late November lightly snow-covered streets and snap of the cold winds this morning, parade onlookers were greeted with candy, turkey calls, and even Santa made his way down the parade route.  

The brisk weather only added to the joyful and festive atmosphere with local pubs and restaurants keeping weather dodgers warm, full and spirited. 

The parade was held this year to benefit Lucia Ramirez.  The Ramirez family has made an annual tradition of attending the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Parade, but this year we saw them participate in a whole new way. The Sevastopol third grader was the guest of honor and the main recipient of the charitable component of this year’s parade. Lucia was only in second grade when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. 

The Jacksonport Thanksgiving Parade is a great tradition and benefit to kick-off Thanksgiving in the way only Door County knows how.  With love, with heart, and with family. 

Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay comes alive with festive cheer for the Door County Historical Society’s 3rd annual Glimpse of Christmas Past.  Local nonprofits are bringing their creativity to historic buildings in a friendly decorating competition, giving visitors a unique walk through the past.

This year, six buildings will be featured, each adorned with its own distinctive holiday flair.  Visitors can tour the buildings every Friday and Saturday in December from 3–6 p.m.  Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite decorated building with a cash donation.  Proceeds are shared among the participating nonprofits, supporting their work while helping the Door County Historical Society continue its mission.

On Friday, December 12, Vignes School will host a reading of A Christmas Carol. Storytime of Coming Home by Leonnette Tackenberg will be held on Saturdays, December 13 and 20, while period Christmas music will be performed by Recorders on the Door on Fridays, December 12 and 19.

Guests can warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies, with all proceeds supporting the Door County Historical Society.  Donations are also welcome to help the organization grow and preserve local history.

The iconic bell ringing and giving season is here.  And the Salvation Army is once again looking for those who may want to give back this season. The Santa suit is optional. 

Every year, without fail, while you stroll from store to store, the clanging of the bells and clinking of change dropping in, is commonplace throughout the day.  As the tradition continues, so does the need for those manning the kettles.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to staff its red kettles from late November through Christmas Eve, filling two-hour shifts at locations in Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Baileys Harbor, Sister Bay, and Ellison Bay. Longtime volunteer Nancy Kexel-Calabrese, who has given more than two decades of her time in the holiday spirit of giving, says the need for helping hands is greater than ever.

The Salvation Army's bell-ringing tradition started 125 years ago on Wall Street in New York City.  A young girl used a brass bell to grab the attention of the passersby and it was quickly adopted by the Salvation Army. The tradition of ringing a bell at a red kettle continues today as a way to raise funds for those in need, with the bells helping to draw in donations.

The Salvation Army relies on money raised in red kettles to serve more than 25 million people in need each year.  You can sign up by contacting Nancy Kexel-Calabresa at (920.883.7886) or nakc1@icloud.com or by signing up on their website.

As the holiday season approaches, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is closely monitoring respiratory illness activity across the state. Cold weather, increased travel, and family gatherings often contribute to higher rates of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during this time of year.

DHS has expanded wastewater testing and updated its respiratory virus dashboards to provide real-time information on virus activity throughout Wisconsin. “In public health, data is our alert system,” said DHS Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Tom Haupt.   He says with the colder weather and holidays approaching, influenza and RSV cases are on the rise and shares good practices to prevent illness.

Data from the 2024-2025 seasons showed a 211% increase in flu-related hospitalizations immediately following the holidays, highlighting the importance of preventative health maintenance. Hospitalization rates are particularly high among young children and older adults, groups most at risk of severe illness.

DHS Immunization Program Manager Dr. Stephanie Schauer emphasized, “While most people associate respiratory illness with mild symptoms, these viruses can have serious consequences for young children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions.” Residents who feel sick during the holidays are encouraged to stay home until symptoms improve for at least 24 hours without fever.  “Vaccinations are highly recommended and should be top of mind this time of year” she says. 

For more information or for real-time respiratory virus data, Wisconsinites can visit the DHS website.

At approximately 6:45 p.m.Wednesday, a transformer located near the intersection of 18th Street and Alabama Street burst into flames and ignited a nearby tree.  A neighbor says when it blew up, it “lit up our family room”.  Power is currently out at the movie theater next door, parts of 18th and Egg Harbor Road as well as the Chal-A apartments.

*update* Power is restored and fire is out - 4:45am. There are still areas in Door and Kewaunee Counties that remain without power.   

As we celebrate another season of gratitude, on behalf of me, my family and our entire staff at NEW Radio and the Door County Media Group, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our listeners and readers. Your support, your trust, and your engagement have made this another incredible year. We are truly thankful for the opportunity to be part of your everyday lives. It’s an honor to serve Door and Kewaunee Counties, and we’re grateful for the role you allow us to play in this vibrant and caring place we get to call home. Thank you for making this another year that we can all be proud of and here’s too many more.

From our family to yours, we wish you a warm, joyful, and safe Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Bryan Mazur – President/Owner

NEW Radio & Door County Media Group

Residents and visitors of Door County have been notified that the Washington Island Ferry is cancelling its scheduled late day crossings Wednesday, and all morning sailings on Thursday, due to unsafe conditions.

The affected service includes the final round?trip this Wednesday evening and the first runs Thursday morning, meaning no regular crossings between Northport Pier on the peninsula and Washington Island until later Thursday.

The ferry line, which normally runs multiple trips daily year?round, says the cancellation is a precaution in response to adverse weather and water conditions.

This disruption may affect plans of local residents commuting to the island, visitors planning day trips, and those with reservations. The ferry line recommends checking its website or calling ahead before heading to the dock.   For now, the ferry is expected to resume normal sailings later Thursday, though final confirmation will come from the ferry line itself.

Power has gone out across parts of Door and Kewaunee County as of early Wednesday afternoon, affecting more than 1,100 homes and businesses. Local utility provider WPS reports that 806 addresses in Door County, and 241 in Kewaunee County remain without power. That number may continue to grow as the outage lingers.  The company attributes the outage to an as yet undetermined cause, though forecasters warn that recent inclement weather and dropping temperatures may have contributed to the disruption.

No formal timeline for restoration has been confirmed, however, WPS estimates most service will resume by 8:00 p.m. tonight.  Residents are urged to monitor updates from WPS, especially if they rely on electric heat or life-sustaining medical equipment.

If anyone relies on oxygen machines or other critical devices, contact WPS or local emergency services to request help. 

More information on the outage or for any other information, please visit the WPS website.

Thanks to your generosity, nearly a dozen people from around the community raised enough money to "make bail" and get out of United Way jail on Tuesday while supporting a good cause.

“Arrest warrants” were issued for Door County Medical Center’s Brian Stephens, The Simple Solution Door County’s Heidi Penchoff, Destination Door County’s Julie Gilbert, Bank of Luxemburg’s John Jorns, United Way of Door County Board Member Barb Graupman, United Way of Door County Board Member and Sarkis & Associates Realty’s Molly Kunst, City of Sturgeon Bay’s Josh VanLieshout, Door County Daily News’ Tim Kowols, and Associated Bank’s Julie Dragseth to help the organization whittle down its annual campaign goal of $1.2 million.

The arrested individuals spent at least one hour calling friends, family, co-workers, clients, and acquaintances in hopes of raising enough money to “bail themselves out of jail.” Gilbert said afterward that it was important for her to raise her bail because of the United Way’s efforts to ensure everyone is thriving in the community.

Jorns said it is important that the money raised in Door County stays in Door County to support all the different programs, services, and organizations the United Way supports.

Stephens echoed those sentiments as he wrapped up the “Jail and Bail” event, adding that they see the impact the United Way makes every day at the hospital.

Entering the week, the United Way of Door County’s annual campaign goal of $1.2 million was about 30 percent complete—a number that could rise significantly in the coming weeks as more events are held and pledge cards start coming in.

This week’s YMCA Wednesdays highlights a full slate of holiday activities and wellness opportunities at both the Northern Door Kane Center YMCA in Fish Creek and the Sturgeon Bay YMCA.

Laura Cassidy, Healthy Living Director at the Kane Center, is gearing up for one of the season’s most festive events, the Ugly Sweater 5K on Friday, December 6.  Participants are encouraged to bundle up in their most outrageous holiday sweaters for a fun run or walk through Fish Creek.  Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m., with the race stepping off at 4:30 p.m.  The same evening, families are invited to stick around for the YMCA Family Holiday Party, featuring crafts, games, treats, and activities for all ages.  Santa will also make an appearance.

Cassidy also reminds the community that the YMCA Cookie Exchange returns on Sunday, December 8, from 9–11 a.m. at the Kane Center.  Bakers can bring a batch of their favorite holiday cookies and head home with a mixed assortment from others.

In Sturgeon Bay, Abby Tesch, Special Wellness Director, is encouraging residents to consider giving, or asking for, the gift of wellness.  The YMCA is offering personal training packages designed to help members jump start their New Year’s resolutions and build habits they can actually keep.  Tesch also highlighted the YMCA POWER Program, a guided small group pathway to strength, mobility, and long-term fitness success.

To make it even easier to get started, both YMCA locations are offering no joiner fees from December 8 through January 5, giving new members an affordable opportunity to begin the New Year on a healthier path.

For more information, please visit the Door County YMCA website.

If you still want to hunt but are running out of room in your freezer, you have options that also support your community. Deer processors have been kept busy since the start of the deer hunting season because of the DNR’s Hunt for the Hungry program. Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated over 100,000 deer, which have been processed into more than four million pounds of ground venison. The venison is then distributed to food pantries across the state.

While harvested venison helps fill kitchen tables across Wisconsin, deer hides can help send kids to camp. The Lions Clubs in Kewaunee, Washington Island, Forestville-Maplewood, and Brussels collect hides at six locations in Door and Kewaunee counties. The hides are sold to a company that uses them to make gloves and other products, with proceeds supporting various Lions Club projects. One of those projects is the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, which provides a quality camp experience for youth and adults with disabilities.

Thanks to extended hunting seasons in Door and Kewaunee counties, you can donate to both efforts through early January.

You will once again find the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church spreading holiday cheer this Thanksgiving by hosting their 46th free community dinner on Thanksgiving Day, beginning at 4 p.m.  The annual event welcomes residents to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the season.

The dinner offers both dine-in and delivery options to accommodate everyone in the community. Guests are invited to enjoy the festive meal in the church’s Fellowship Hall., where volunteers will serve traditional Thanksgiving dishes in a warm and welcoming setting. For those who are homebound or unable to travel, the church provides meal delivery, ensuring that no one in the community goes without a holiday meal.  Delivery for homebound individuals is available starting at 3 p.m. with a 4 meal maximum.

While the dinner is free of charge, the church gladly accepts donations to support the program and help continue this annual tradition.  All contributions go toward making sure the event can reach as many people as possible.

For those in Kewaunee County, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Algoma will be hosting their own free Thanksgiving meal from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Pastor Joel McKenney said earlier this month that the event keeps growing every year and that it has become a special day for people dining and volunteering alike.

Whether you’re traveling across the state or across town, WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman emphasizes that safe holiday travel starts with simple steps, buckle up, avoid distractions, drive sober, and plan ahead.  She urges travelers to allow extra travel time, slow down, and stay alert for changing road and weather conditions, particularly as winter weather is predicted and moves into much of the state.

Door County travelers should also take note of ongoing highway construction in surrounding counties that may affect their route.  Projects on I-41 between Appleton and Green Bay, I-43 in Rock County, and several bridges in Winnebago, Milwaukee, and Columbia counties may include lane shifts, reduced speed limits, and temporary closures.  WisDOT encourages drivers to “know before you go” by checking real-time traffic updates through the free 511 Wisconsin app, 511wi.gov, or by calling 511.

Additional safety reminders include moving over for emergency vehicles, planning breaks to stay alert, and having a charged smartphone with emergency contacts updated.  Drivers encountering crashes should move vehicles out of traffic when safe to do so.  WisDOT Safety Patrol vehicles will be on duty along major highways to assist motorists and manage incidents in construction zones.

If you live, work, or play in Kewaunee County, some familiar names have been recognized by the Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce for their contributions. The organization annually salutes individuals in three categories: Person of the Year, L-C Spartan Spirit Award, and Community Service Award.

Karen Mleziva was named Person of the Year for her work at Northbrook Golf and Grill. Luxemburg-Casco head golf coach Will Simonar applauded her efforts to make Northbrook feel more than just his teams’ home course. “Throughout the season, she is always willing to lend a hand, making visiting teams feel welcome and ensuring events run smoothly,” Simonar said. “Her efforts in helping set up our end-of-the-year banquets highlight her commitment to creating memorable experiences for our student-athletes, families, and guests.”

Tim Fameree, the voice of the school’s softball, football, basketball, and volleyball teams over the years, was named the L-C Spartan Spirit Award winner for 2025. A fixture at the district for over five decades, Fameree has served on the school board and has provided alternate transportation for students in need, in addition to his duties at athletic events.

Commonly known as “the cow lady,” Renee Ebert was named the 2025 Community Service Award winner. Her work as “the cow lady” introduces hundreds of students in Kewaunee County schools—and thousands of residents and visitors—to the impact of the area’s dairy industry through her work with the Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion Committee. As the matriarch of the Ebert Enterprises family of businesses, Ebert was also recognized for her support of the chamber. “This is only a small part of what she is capable of accomplishing,” said previous award winner Kathy Anderson. “She helps with the farm, Salmon’s Store, and Roar on the Shore, and supports her son, Jordan, who is a valuable asset to our Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce.”

Mleziva, Fameree, and Ebert will be honored at the chamber’s annual award dinner at Northbrook Golf and Grill on December 6.

While your memories of Gibraltar Area Schools may have been lost in the demolition efforts earlier this summer, the district’s future facilities are rising from the rubble. Work has been ongoing in Fish Creek as the district enters the fifth month of Phase 2 work for its $29.8 million referendum project. Walls for the new gymnasium have been completed, and the concrete for its floor has been poured, while the building’s new offices have been framed so drywall work can begin this winter. Stousland says that with every new day of progress, it becomes a reminder of the support the district receives from its community.

It is a support the district may have to lean on more in the future. The Gibraltar Area School Board established an ad hoc committee on housing earlier this year, and the district is surveying residents on possibly going to a referendum to establish workforce housing—a concern the school has in its efforts to attract teachers and staff members to the area.

You can see the progress on the district’s referendum project by clicking on this link.

A drive south on State Highway 42 in the Town of Egg Harbor ended abruptly for a Kimberly, Wis., couple Monday morning when a tire fell off an oncoming semi and struck their car. The accident occurred at 11:50 a.m. on STH 42 near Hillside Road as the 72-year-old woman driver and her 82-year-old husband traveled south.

As they approached a semi-truck driven by a 43-year-old Manitowoc man, a tire fell off the truck and struck their vehicle, causing the airbags to deploy. Both individuals suffered possible injuries but did not need to be transported to the hospital. The car was towed due to disabling damage, and one lane of the highway was closed for about an hour for cleanup. No citations were issued as a result of the accident.

As Door County families gather for the holidays, and hunters continue moving in and out of the woods, Oscar Castillo, Manager and instructor at Virlee Gun Works in Sturgeon Bay reminds residents that gun safety should remain a top priority throughout the season.  With more visitors in homes, kids off school, and firearms often more accessible during hunting trips, the risk of accidental injury increases if guns aren’t handled and stored responsibly.

Castillo says the holidays are the perfect time for gun owners to revisit the basics.  “When you’ve got people coming and going, especially little kids who are naturally curious, safe storage becomes even more important,” Castillo says. “A firearm that’s normally secured in a bedroom might suddenly be in a hallway or unloaded on a counter after a hunt. That’s where mistakes can happen.”

Castillo urges gun owners to ensure all firearms are unloaded (however, states that all guns should always be assumed are loaded), locked, and stored in a secure safe or lockbox, with ammunition locked separately.  Temporary locks, like cable locks, are better than nothing, but he encourages using a more secure option when households are bustling.

When visiting someone else’s home, Castillo says asking about firearms shouldn’t be awkward, it should be normal.  “Asking about guns should be comfortable,” he says.  He adds that responsible gun owners don’t get offended, they appreciate the concern.  “Any good gun owner will answer that question with respect.  Safety is something we should all be on the same page about.”  He says that “having a conversation with your own family members at home prior to visiting a gun owner’s house proactively educates and makes safety a top priority right from the start.”

And what’s Castillo’s number-one gun safety tip for the season?  “Combine them all”, he says.  Every gun safety rule and tip is paramount.  From ensuring your gun is unloaded, though always treating it as if it is, to storage, staging, education, and awareness, Castillo says that with more guns than people in the country, gun safety is vital, especially this time of year.

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle will add “bailiff” to her job title on Tuesday with an opportunity for you to pitch in to support the organization. Nearly a dozen local celebrities will take turns inside the United Way of Door County’s makeshift jail, where they’ll be held until they raise enough money to bust themselves out.

The event follows last month’s fundraiser in which United Way of Door County Executive Director Michelle Lawrie was kept on the roof of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant until she raised at least $5,000—an effort that ultimately brought in $10,000 toward the organization’s $1.2 million goal.

Kohnle says the event is not just about the individuals raising money for United Way of Door County, but also about giving them the chance to share why they are willing to go to “jail” to support the organization.

Keep an eye on your phone and the United Way of Door County’s social media channels to learn how you can support their efforts to address the area’s critical needs while helping a local celebrity bust out of jail. Kohnle adds that they have raised about 30 percent of the $1.2 million goal, with thousands of pledge cards mailed out in recent days.

If you thought the battle over the future of the Alpine Lodge in Egg Harbor was over, think again. Earlier this month, ten Egg Harbor residents filed a restraining order against the Village of Egg Harbor, its Zoning Board of Appeals, and Sagorac Enterprises LLC over the possible demolition of the Alpine Resort Lodge.

According to court records, the request for a temporary restraining order was filed about a month after the Egg Harbor Zoning Board of Appeals voted in favor of granting owner Matt Sagorac the certificate of appropriateness needed to demolish the Alpine Lodge. The topic has been a heated one at village meetings for the last several months as Sagorac plans the future of the waterfront property he purchased in 2024.

Prior to that decision, the demolition permit application had been denied by the village’s Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board in June. Sagorac originally applied to demolish the 1920s-era building back in March. The Egg Harbor Fire Department declared the building unsafe for occupancy at the beginning of the summer but eventually allowed a portion of it to reopen for restaurant operations after addressing some of the concerns.

Those opposed to the demolition argue that the Alpine Lodge holds local historic significance, while supporters maintain that Sagorac Enterprises is within its rights as the property owner to tear down the structure. A hearing on the temporary restraining order is scheduled for December 2 at 3:15 p.m. in Door County Circuit Court before Judge David Weber.

Taking care of the most urgent needs is the first step you will notice at The Ridges Sanctuary as they begin implementing their vision for the property over the next 20 years. Thanks to funding from the Raibrook Foundation, the Destination Door County Community Investment Fund, private donations, and The Ridges Master Plan Implementation Fund, work will begin on renovating the current North Campus restrooms, the Kaye Cabins, and the Marshall Cabins so they can be used year-round—whether for their on-site 4K programs or events like next weekend’s Natural Christmas.

The “Phase Zero” projects also include constructing a new volunteer workshop. Executive Director Katie Krouse says the growth of its programming has made upgrading those facilities a priority before other parts of the master plan can be addressed in future years.

Construction is already underway on some of these projects, with completion scheduled for this spring. The master plan calls for a community campus, a research campus, and an education campus that will expand current facilities, repurpose the former Ridges Inn, and add new spaces.

No matter when your Thanksgiving travels begin this week, be prepared to use your windshield wipers. The National Weather Service is projecting wet weather to enter the area beginning Monday afternoon and lasting until early Tuesday morning. Raindrops could turn into snow Tuesday night, with moderate to heavy snow expected across north-central Wisconsin and lighter flurries across central and east-central portions of the state, coupled with gale-force winds. Thanksgiving Day revelers can expect lake-effect snow throughout the day before it wraps up on Friday morning.

The dose of winter weather comes as record numbers are expected to hit the roads and skies for the holiday season. Auto club group AAA expects a record 81.8 million people to travel more than 50 miles for their Thanksgiving festivities this year, including more than 1.65 million Wisconsinites. Nearly 90 percent of Wisconsinites will rely on their cars to reach their Thanksgiving destinations, but increases in air, rail, and bus traffic are also expected.

A 40-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman received three citations stemming from a single-vehicle accident in the Town of Sevastopol Saturday night. The accident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Bayshore Drive near North Shoreside Circle.

According to the accident report, the woman was driving southbound on Bayshore Drive when she encountered a deer in the roadway. She swerved to avoid the deer but ended up driving off the roadway and into a utility pole. The vehicle came to rest on its side a short distance from where it struck the pole, and emergency responders had to assist the driver in getting out.

She suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash but was not transported to the hospital. She was issued three citations: failure to keep a vehicle under control, operating a vehicle while under the influence, and operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration. Toxicology results are still pending.

Deputies responded to several similar cases over the weekend, according to the Door County Dispatch Report, which showed three car-versus-deer accidents and four DUI incidents.

The Ramirez family has made an annual tradition of attending the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Parade, but this year you will see them participate in a whole new way. Sevastopol third-grader Lucia Ramirez is the guest of honor and the main recipient of the charitable component of this year’s parade. Lucia was only in second grade when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. After her diagnosis was changed from standard to high risk, she has gone through months of intense chemotherapy, steroids, lumbar punctures, and bone marrow tests, while also suffering from infections and low immune counts.

She has also become a mini-celebrity on the peninsula, with people checking in on her to see how she is doing. Efforts by local businesses like Door County Candle and Nicolet National Bank, and organizations like the Sevastopol boys’ basketball team and the Barney Fun Run, have raised thousands of dollars for the family. The intense nature of Lucia’s treatments forced her mother, Melanie, to leave her job at Nicolet National Bank to care not only for Lucia but for her six other children. It is a lot for the family to manage, but they continue to be grateful for the support they have received.

Bucket collections for the Ramirez family will take place during the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Day Parade, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. in the heart of Jacksonport. If you would like to participate in the parade rather than just watch it, you are encouraged to line up by 10 a.m.

Armed with a cellphone and a tape measure, Wheel the World’s Malachy Sundstrom is helping ensure you can have a pleasant travel experience in Door County no matter your physical abilities. Wheel the World and Destination Door County are collaborating to assess local tourism businesses and attractions for their accessibility. From the height of counters and desks to the width of doors and showers, Sundstrom checks off dozens of accessibility data points during every visit, with some restaurants and shops taking as little as 20 minutes and state parks taking as long as three to four hours.

The information is then analyzed and published by the team at Wheel the World, where it can be accessed by more than 80,000 users with accessibility concerns. Sundstrom says the work is done as an informational resource for travelers and businesses alike.

Sundstrom expects to visit more than 30 businesses during his time in Door County ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. He hopes that more businesses sign up in the spring to participate through Destination Door County.

The Door County YMCA, in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, has wrapped up another successful Coats for Kids Drive, an annual effort that ensures children and teens across the county have the warm winter gear they need as temperatures drop.

Thanks to the generosity of local residents, dozens of brand-new and gently used coats were donated throughout the fall. The Knights of Columbus supplemented those contributions with additional purchased coats, allowing the organizations to provide more than 140 free winter coats this season. Families were able to pick out the right fit during distribution events held over the first two weekends of November at the Door County YMCA’s facilities.

“This partnership is all about caring for kids and strengthening our community,” said Amy Gamble, Door County YMCA’s Communications & Outreach Executive. “Our Y is committed to supporting the well-being of every child, and working with the Knights of Columbus allows us to ensure no young person has to face the winter without a warm coat. The community’s support truly makes a difference.”

The Coats for Kids Drive is part of the YMCA’s broader mission to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Each year, the program quietly fills a critical need, especially for families experiencing financial hardship as winter expenses add up.

Families who were unable to attend the distribution events but still need a coat are encouraged to reach out. The Knights of Columbus continue to provide jackets as long as supplies last, offering sizes ranging from young children to young adult, with options available for both boys and girls.

Those in need can contact Gary Drexler at gary.drexler@EQMC2.com to arrange a fitting and select a coat.

A Sturgeon Bay house fire remains under investigation after a local man died Saturday afternoon. The Sturgeon Bay Fire Department responded to a home in the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Street shortly before 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Once firefighters entered the home, they discovered the man unresponsive and brought him outside to begin lifesaving efforts, which were ultimately unsuccessful.

No additional information about the individual or the fire was released by the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department when details were shared Saturday evening. The Wisconsin State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Brown County Medical Examiner’s Office are assisting the Sturgeon Bay Police and Fire Departments with the investigation. Door County Emergency Services also responded to the incident to provide assistance.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.

Sturgeon Bay was in holiday parade mode for the second time in a week — but this time, you were the one driving down 3rd Avenue. Destination Sturgeon Bay kicked off its second weekend of holiday joy with its Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay car cruise. Dozens of cars lined up to enjoy a five-mile tour filled with festive views thanks to area businesses. Born out of the pandemic, the tradition has continued as businesses fill their store windows with the Christmas spirit for motorists and pedestrians to enjoy.

Holiday revelers then returned downtown to enjoy caroling and the annual lighting of the city’s Christmas tree under the Old Bell Tower in Community Foundation Square.

If you haven’t gotten enough tidings of great joy courtesy of Destination Sturgeon Bay, you’re in luck. The organization is once again hosting its Shop Small, Sip Local event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., where you can sample wine and other beverages as you hop between businesses on the city’s east and west sides.

This Saturday, downtown Sturgeon Bay came alive with holiday cheer as locals and visitors gathered for the much anticipated Shop Small, Sip Local celebration. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Third Avenue and surrounding streets buzzed with festive energy, combining the joy of shopping with the warmth of seasonal sips and free trolley rides to soak it all in.

Boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops opened their doors wide, offering carefully curated gifts, artisan goods, and local holiday treasures. Bay Shore Outfitter’s Hot Cocoa stand was a huge hit as the crisp November air chilled sippers and shoppers alike.

Each storefront invited guests in with a cheerful spirit, sip stations outside allowed shoppers to sample seasonal beverages while they browsed.  While shoppers meandered, Santa made a special appearance at the Door County Historical Museum, delighting children and families. Door County trolley looped through key stops, making it easy to hop between shops without missing a thing.

The event marked the kickoff of the second weekend of Christmas By the Bay, a festive celebration orchestrated by Destination Sturgeon Bay to usher in the holiday season.

The Southern Door Fire Department was called to 7673 Old Elm Road at 5:02 PM Friday night November 21, 2025, for the report of a mobile home on fire. The fire was called in by a passerby.  The first crew to arrive found an active fire from end to end of the structure and the attached greenhouse. Entry was made to the mobile home, and the fire was contained with substantial fire damage to the entire structure. Crews also had difficulty accessing the basement level where fire from the first floor had collapsed. Due to the lack of space, a mini excavator was brought to the scene to aid in the extinguishment process.

The fire is believed to have started in the area of the greenhouse, but the exact ignition point has not been determined. Approximately 15,000 gallons of water were used, and crews left the scene just after 7:30 PM. There were no injuries to personnel. There was no one home at the time of the fire. A cat was saved, but unfortunately dog, a cat, a ferret and a chinchilla did not survive. Mutual Aid was provided by the Brussels-Union-Gardner FD, Sturgeon Bay FD, Nasewaupee Fire Rescue, Algoma FD and Luxemburg FD. Casco FD provided standby. Door County EMS and the Door County Sherriff’s Department also provided assistance.

In preparation for the upcoming holidays and the gathering of family and friends, I think a great topic is that of gratitude. A large part of resiliency skills focuses on this very word, which—if practiced intentionally—can foster stronger, more meaningful relationships while also contributing to our own mental and emotional well-being.

The entire theory of resiliency is based on our response to adversity. In this model, it is not the adversity itself that is the focus, but rather how we respond to it. In the face of adversity, we have two distinct paths we can choose from: personal growth or personal destruction. We cannot go back to the reality that existed before the adversity; that reality no longer exists, thus the two paths. We also cannot linger indefinitely between the two choices, because either consciously or unconsciously, the journey will begin—toward growth or toward destruction.

Much like compassion, love, and forgiveness, gratitude is one of those attributes that is easy when it’s easy, but hard when it’s hard. Allow me to expand on that. It is easy to feel or express gratitude when we are in a place of joy and comfort, or surrounded by those who support us. It is not easy when we are surrounded by pain, grief, sorrow, or isolation. The secret is to cultivate gratitude in all circumstances, both good and bad. In fact, I would offer that being able to draw from your gratitude in the darkest times is when it brings the greatest benefits.

It comes down to understanding and accepting what we can control and what we cannot. We do not control adversity, nor when it will enter our lives or to what extent. We can only control our response to that adversity. Our ability to be grateful in all circumstances is one of the greatest coping mechanisms we can possess.

So, as we take a moment to celebrate Thanksgiving, truly be thankful. Be thankful for the good as well as the struggle. Be grateful for the joy as well as the pain. Be grateful for the successes as well as the setbacks. Rather than focusing on what went wrong this past year, take a moment to focus on what went right. They are all part of our journey.

A great tradition to start this year would be to take a moment for each of us to share one thing we are grateful for in the presence of others. What a wonderful way to share Thanksgiving.

Despite an active construction season on campus, Gibraltar Area Schools is keeping one of its most cherished holiday traditions alive. The district and the Gibraltar High School Student Council will once again open their doors—and their kitchen—to area seniors on Wednesday, December 3, for the Annual Senior Citizen Holiday Dinner. The meal will be served at 11:00 a.m., with seating beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Due to ongoing building projects, this year’s gathering will shift to the high school gym. The Gibraltar Music Department will return to provide live performances, adding holiday cheer to the midday celebration.

School leaders say they are eager to welcome the community back for an event that has become a beloved kickoff to the holiday season. “Your Gibraltar family looks forward to seeing you and sharing in the spirit of the season once again,” the invitation reads.

Space is limited, and the school is encouraging early reservations. Seniors can secure a seat by contacting Mr. Roets at 868-3284, Ext. 346.

Parking is available in the main lot near the secondary school entrance. Guests may also be dropped off in the bus lane at the high school entrance.

The district notes that, in the event of school cancellation or inclement weather, there will be no make-up date.  

Picture courtesy of Gibraltar School District

You will see plenty of deer hunters entering the woods this weekend when the gun season opens on Saturday. Hunters have already been busy in 2024, with over 1,200 deer harvested in Door County and more than 800 harvested in Kewaunee County. Both counties granted hunters extra tags for antlerless deer when they purchased their licenses this year. Based on recommendations from their respective county deer advisory councils, Kewaunee County hunters received three antlerless deer tags, while Door County hunters received five.

The hope is that hunters will do their part to control the deer population, which has grown to an estimated 1.8 to 2 million statewide thanks to a combination of mild winters, declining hunter numbers, and diverse habitats. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden Chris Kratcha says a lot of good can come from taking the time to harvest an extra deer or two within your allotment.

Kratcha also urges hunters to do their part to continue the downward trend of hunting accidents in Wisconsin. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2024 was the safest gun deer hunting season on record, with just one non-fatal shooting accident during the nine-day season. This year’s gun deer season ends on November 30th.

Kewaunee is ready to shine this weekend as the city kicks off its annual Kewaunee Christmas Stroll, an event that reliably draws neighbors from across Kewaunee and Door Counties for an early dose of holiday cheer.  With the season's first real snap of cold in the air and lights popping up from Luxemburg to Sister Bay, it’s beginning to look, and feel, a lot like Christmas.

Festivities begin Friday with Kewaunee's Holiday Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m.  Downtown shops will be offering specials, treats, and warm drinks to help visitors ease into the festivities as Santa will make his traditional arrival at the Tug Ludington, a uniquely Kewaunee twist that never fails to draw a crowd and a few surprised first timers. From there, families can stroll toward Lakehaven Hall, where Santa will be meeting with children.  Santa will also be at the hall on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lakehaven Hall is also hosting the Christkindlemarkt Friday from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  You can get a head start on your holiday shopping as you browse through over 30 unique vendors offering apparel, one-of-a-kind ceramic items, homemade food items and unique holiday specialties.  Wildflower Supper Club will also be serving German cuisine on both days at the hall.

The Kewaunee Parade of Lights will roll through downtown shortly after dusk, featuring tractors, fire trucks, and local businesses competing for bragging rights and the coveted title of most festive.  Door County families are expected to join the crowd, especially those looking to double up on holiday events before Door County’s own celebrations ramp up next week.

With laughter, music, and enough twinkling lights to be seen from the lakeshore, Kewaunee’s Christmas Stroll always delivers a warm welcome to the season, and a cheerful reminder that the holidays shine brightest when the whole community shows up.

With Thanksgiving nearly here, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is reminding local
families to keep their four-legged companions in mind this holiday season.

While Door County pets may argue that the holiday was invented specifically for them to sample every dropped crumb from mom’s famous stuffing to pecan pie, WHS says a little caution can make the difference between a cozy holiday and an emergency trip to the vet.

Cory Viars, from the WHS Green Bay campus, shares the operations vital suggestions to keep your furry friends safe this coming season. Their first tip is to watch snacks and treats. A sudden smorgasbord of rich foods can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system, Viars says, and certain human favorites can be toxic. If your dog has perfected the art of the “puppy eyes gaze”, he suggests sticking to the safest options, a few small pieces of boneless cooked turkey, a spoonful of plain mashed potatoes, or even a tiny lick of pumpkin pie. The key is moderation, even if moderation feels personally insulting to your dog.

Some items, however, are holiday no-nos. Viars says, raw or undercooked turkey can carry salmonella. Turkey bones, a classic temptation, can splinter and lead to choking or serious internal injury. And while we humans love herbs like sage and thyme in our stuffing, many seasonings contain oils or resins that can upset your pet’s stomach or affect their nervous system. Cats, being little royalty, can be especially sensitive.

Another surprising danger is raw bread dough. Once ingested, the dough can rise in a pet’s stomach, creating a painful and potentially life-threatening situation. Viars recommends keeping dough well out of reach, especially from the curious canine counter surfers.

For families hosting larger gatherings, he also suggests providing pets with a quiet room away from all the noise. Door County homes can get lively at this time of year, and even the friendliest animals sometimes need a break from the hustle and bustle. Let them enjoy their own post meal nap in peace. Some of us can join them and get our football fix and a reprise from the in-laws.

Finally, Viars warns that with the holiday traffic,  constant in-and-out of guests, and below freezing temperatures looming, microchipping is a smart precaution. This time of year, it is especially dangerous for lost pets as the winter weather ramps up, he says. WHS offers microchipping for just $25 at public vaccine clinics, ensuring that if a pet slips out during the festivities, they can be reunited quickly.

Founded in 1879 and serving more than 40,000 animals each year, the Wisconsin Humane Society operates shelters across the region, including right here in Door County. More information is available on the WHS website.

If you want your Christmas cards and presents to reach their destination before Santa does, the major shipping carriers have some important dates for you to jot down. For the United States Postal Service, you have until December 17th to send most domestic items to ensure they arrive on time, though Priority Mail (December 18th) and Priority Mail Express (December 20th) can buy you extra time if you are willing to pay more. If your cards and gifts are traveling overseas, the window for international and military mail runs from December 2nd through December 9th.

For UPS, December 19th is the key date for 3 Day Select, though 2nd Day Air (December 22nd) and Next Day Air (December 23rd) can also get packages delivered in time. With FedEx, you’ll need to send packages by December 15th to use Ground Economy services; otherwise, you’ll have to rely on faster, more expensive options, including December 20th (FedEx Express Saver), December 22nd (FedEx 2Day), and December 23rd (FedEx Overnight).

You can contact any of the three carriers for additional shipping options. According to logistics technology provider ShipMatrix, approximately 2.3 billion packages are expected to be handled by U.S. delivery services this holiday season, about five percent more than last year.

No matter how you choose to go over the hills and through the woods to grandmother’s house, you’ll encounter more people along the way. Auto club group AAA expects a record 81.8 million people to travel more than 50 miles for their Thanksgiving festivities this year, including more than 1.65 million Wisconsinites. Nearly 90 percent of Wisconsinites will rely on their cars to reach their Thanksgiving destinations, but increases in air, rail, and bus traffic are also expected.

AAA notes that the numbers may fluctuate due to flight disruptions caused by the recently concluded government shutdown, which forced the FAA to cut air traffic at major hubs across the country. Austin Straubel Airport Director Marty Piette says that, thankfully, things are close to normal locally, with some increased holiday traffic due to Thursday’s matchup between the Packers and Lions in Detroit.

Piette recommends packing some patience as you travel, as Thanksgiving holds tightly to its crown as the nation’s busiest travel holiday. If you are driving, you may be happier at the pump: AAA reports that while the average price of $2.77 per gallon is up about 15 cents from last month, it is still down four cents compared to last year’s price of $2.81.

As Door and Kewaunee County make their annual shift from pumpkin spice to peppermint mocha season, there’s more than holiday cheer in the air.  The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has released its 2024–25 school and district report cards, and this year, all eight public school districts across the two counties have something to celebrate.

The DPI report cards, released statewide on November 11th, are required by state law and evaluate schools across four major areas: Achievement, Growth, Target Group Outcomes, and On-Track to Graduation.  This year’s results come with an important statewide reset.  New performance benchmarks, approved this summer by a 25–1 vote from a panel of education leaders, establish a fresh baseline, meaning scores cannot be directly compared to prior years.  Still, the Door and Kewaunee region posted a strong showing across the board.

Southern Door landed comfortably in the Exceeds Expectations category, with each of its three buildings posting solid results.  The Elementary School led with an 81.6, the Middle School followed at 80.2, and the High School continued its upward trajectory with a 68.3.

Luxemburg-Casco turned in one of the region’s strongest districtwide performances under the new benchmarks. L-C earned a 78.9, placing it in Exceeds Expectations.  The district’s Achievement score of 85.4 ranks among the top eight percent statewide, and its Intermediate School finished 41st out of more than 2,600 school buildings in Wisconsin.

Across the peninsula, other districts also showcased strengths.  Sturgeon Bay continued its trend of consistent academic performance, posting stable results across grade levels and particularly strong indicators in student growth and on-track-to-graduation measures.

Sevastopol recorded balanced scores marked by steady achievement and reliable year-to-year progress, a reflection of the district’s close-knit campus culture and emphasis on personalized learning.

In Gibraltar, students continued to excel in key academic areas, with notable strengths in engagement, readiness for college and career, and performance on statewide assessments.

Washington Island, one of the smallest public schools in the nation, again demonstrated the advantages of individualized instruction. The district posted stable results that reflect strong student support and a learning environment only possible in a uniquely small setting.

Meanwhile, Algoma and Kewaunee both earned solid middle-tier results, highlighted by strong elementary-level achievement and continued gains in academic growth, trends district leaders say signal positive momentum as both communities invest in long-term improvement strategies.

Taken together, the eight public school districts of Door and Kewaunee counties paint an encouraging portrait of education across the region: rising achievement, steady growth, and a shared commitment to helping students succeed from early grades through graduation.

For more information please visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website.

You will not have to look as hard for a parking spot near Eagle Tower in the near future after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved a new variance for Peninsula State Park. The news comes more than a year and a half after the variance was initially proposed to help alleviate congestion near the landmark.

The variance allows for up to 100 additional spaces to be added near Eagle Tower and the nearby Eagle Terrace and Eagle Panorama. New and improved trails will also be added to allow visitors to reach the attractions efficiently and safely. In its approval, the DNR cites the “unprecedented crowds” that have visited Eagle Tower since it was constructed in 2021. Illegal parking and significant pedestrian traffic forced the DNR to look into ways to manage the increased visitation.

After the first round of public comment last year, DNR Planner Yoyi Steele told Door County Daily News that feedback on the variance was mixed, with people trying to balance welcoming more visitors while taking into account the landscape around the tower that would need to be altered. The mixed reaction continued through a second comment period held earlier this spring, during which the DNR received 31 of its 84 total comments on the variance.

Commenters also gave the DNR additional ideas to consider, including car limits, a National Park–style reservation system, encouraging more multi-use trail access to the park, and adding smaller parking lots in other areas of the park.

No additional information about the project, including the timeline for the project, is available online and Park Superintendent Eric Hyde could not be reached for comment.

The DNR has also approved a variance that will replace a nearly 80-year-old storage facility with a new and larger one, as well as construct a new shelter with restroom facilities and additional storage.

A front entryway, two music education rooms, a conference room, and a special education area were among the new spaces you could see at Algoma Middle and High School on Wednesday evening. The Algoma School District hosted an open house to showcase some of the work completed as part of a $10.2 million referendum approved by voters in April 2024.

Working with Bayland Buildings, the referendum also included new plumbing and roofing at Algoma Elementary School, safety upgrades at the middle/high school, replacement of the middle/high school’s parking lot and track, updated lighting, sound, and ceiling tile at the Algoma Performing Arts Center, and remodeled areas of the middle/high school including the band and choir rooms, the Algoma Venture Academy, the agriculture classroom, and restrooms.

Superintendent Jesse Brinkmann said last month that he was happy with the work completed so far.

You can learn more about the improvements from the post by the Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce below. Meanwhile, work continues in Fish Creek at Gibraltar Area Schools as they enter the fifth month of Phase 2 work for their $29.8 million referendum project. You can see its progress here.

Discussions around a Sturgeon Bay landmark will wait at least month according to city officials.

After being originally scheduled for Thursday's Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission meeting, the body will hear now from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and its request to rezone the land surrounding the former depot from Central Business District to Heavy Industrial next month. The land is needed so the shipbuilder can expand its operations to accommodate new contracts from the U.S. Navy.

Future naval vessels will be painted on the site, but approvals from the Department of War were needed first. Ward suggests that the government shutdown caused a delay in the zoning process because those approvals were not arriving. Meanwhile, Ward says the city's plans to save the structure have created a buzz in the community.

The Plan Commission will still hear requests for a combined Planned Unit Development for a two-family home on Neenah Avenue and a conditional-use application for e-bike rentals on 4th Avenue when it meets Thursday at 6 p.m. inside the council chambers at City Hall.

As the last of the fall colors fade across Door County and front yards transition from golden canopies to crunchy carpets of leaves, local municipalities are reminding residents that autumn cleanup season is officially underway. From leaf disposal to post-Thanksgiving recycling and even early plans for Christmas tree drop-offs, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to tidy up before winter takes hold. 

Most Door County communities, including Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, and Sister Bay, have already begun their annual leaf collection services. In Sturgeon Bay, curbside pickup typically runs through late November, depending on weather conditions. Residents are asked to rake leaves, and only leaves, into loose piles along the curb (and within 6 feet of said curb), keeping them off the street and clear of storm drains. Bagged leaves will not be collected. The city crews make rotating passes through neighborhoods, and while there’s no set schedule for specific streets, residents are encouraged to have their piles ready early to ensure pickup before snow arrives. 

For those wanting to dispose of yard waste directly, the Sturgeon Bay Yard Waste Site on Division Road is open to residents with a permit. The site accepts leaves, brushes, small branches, and garden debris. Sister Bay and Gibraltar offer similar drop off locations, and most municipal sites remain open until the ground freezes. Residents should check their local village or town website for updated hours as winter approaches. 

Once Thanksgiving rolls around, cleanup extends indoors as well. The Door County Waste and Recycling Center reminds residents that many holiday items are recyclable, including cardboard from early gift shipments, clean aluminum pie tins, and most plastic food containers. However, greasy pans, used napkins, and foil-lined wrapping paper should stay out of the trash. Composting is encouraged for vegetable scraps, just make sure the leftover turkey carcass doesn’t join the compost pile. 

Looking ahead to the holiday season, several municipalities are preparing their annual Christmas tree disposal programs, offering residents a convenient and environmentally friendly way to retire their trees after the new year. Sturgeon Bay’s Christmas tree collection typically begins the first week of January, with crews picking up natural, undecorated trees placed curbside. Trees should be free of lights, ornaments, tinsel, and stands. For those who prefer to drop trees off sooner, many local yard waste sites will accept them throughout the winter. 

Environmental staff across the county emphasize that responsible seasonal cleanup helps keep Door County’s landscapes, shorelines, and neighborhoods beautiful year-round. By raking thoughtfully, recycling properly, and preparing early for winter, residents can enjoy the transition from fiery fall foliage to the cozy glow of the holiday season, all while keeping Door County clean and green. 

As the holiday season settles over Door County, the Door County YMCA is preparing for one of its busiest and most community-focused stretches of the year.  Holly Butenhoff, Membership Engagement Director, says this year’s lineup of seasonal membership specials, winter programming, and community traditions reflects the Y’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, wellness, and togetherness.

One of the biggest announcements is a holiday membership special running December 8 through January 5, eliminating the Y’s standard $50 joiner fee.  “We know the holidays can be tight for many families,” Butenhoff says.  “Dropping the joiner fee makes it easier for people to commit to their health as we head into the New Year.”

Along with the membership special, the Y is gearing up for its Winter One Program Session, which begins January 5.  Member registration opens December 15, followed by non-member registration on December 17.  Classes range from youth swim lessons and gymnastics to adult fitness, wellness coaching, and more.  Boutenhoff encourages early sign-ups, noting that many winter programs fill quickly as residents look to stay active during the colder months.

The YMCA has also announced its holiday hours: both program centers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, with shortened hours on Christmas Eve.  For those who prefer to work out during off-hours or seek flexibility during the holidays, the Y offers 24/7 access through a $20 key fob, available to members 18 and older.  When the buildings are closed, key fob holders can still access designated fitness areas year-round.

Butenhoff also highlighted the Y’s ongoing efforts to ensure affordability through its Membership For All program. “This continues to be incredibly important for families facing financial challenges,” she said. The YMCA’s Scholarship Program provides additional support, ensuring that income is never a barrier to participating in Y programs or maintaining a membership.

The YMCA also honors those who serve. Active-duty and on-leave military personnel receive free memberships, while first responders receive 10% off, plus no joiner fee on new memberships.

Another cherished tradition is returning as well: YMCA Soup Day.  The Sturgeon Bay Program Center will host its event on December 8, followed by Fish Creek on January 19. Soup is served all day beginning at 5:45 a.m., and the Y is seeking volunteers to help with preparation.  “Soup Day is one of those small things that brings our community together,” Butenhoff says.  “People look forward to it every year.”

With holiday specials, expanding access options, and programs for all ages, the Door County YMCA is embracing the season with opportunities for wellness, generosity, and community connection.

For more information on these programs or any further inquires, please visit the Door County YMCA's website.

As the holiday season settling in across Door County, when the air turns crisp, the lights start twinkling on Third Avenue, and neighbors swap Christmas cookie recipes. Another tradition is gearing up in Sturgeon Bay, the annual Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoebox collection at First Baptist Church. 

For nearly two decades, volunteers at First Baptist Church of Sturgeon Bay have helped connect Door County generosity with children around the globe. This year’s collection week runs Nov. 17–23, and local families, churches, and organizations are once again stacking the familiar red and green shoeboxes high in preparation for drop-off. 

The church, located at 610 N. Fifth Avenue, has collected more than 30,500 shoeboxes since 2004, including a record 3,025 boxes last year, a testament to how wholeheartedly the Door County community embraces giving. 

Shoeboxes collected in Door County join millions worldwide as they travel to over 200 countries. Their journeys often include unconventional modes of transportation: canoes slicing through rivers, bicycles bouncing along dirt roads, and even camels carrying boxes across desert sands. Parks and her family enjoy following their boxes each year, recent destinations have included Ecuador, Haiti, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, and India. 

Pamela Parks, the OCC drop-off coordinator says, packing a shoebox is simple.  Choose items for a boy or girl in one of three age groups (2–4, 5–9, or 10–14). Popular items include school supplies, small toys, stuffed animals, clothing, soap, washcloths, and toothbrushes. Parks says, handwritten notes and photos are welcome additions. She reminds packers to avoid liquids, perishable foods, glass, used items, melting items, and anything war related. 

A suggested $10 donation per box helps cover shipping costs, and donors who pay online can track where their gift ultimately lands. Printed labels are also available at the drop-off site.  Shoeboxes will be accepted Nov. 17–23 at First Baptist Church. Collection hours are 5–7 p.m. Nov. 17–21 and noon–2 p.m. Nov. 22–23. 

For more details or to donate online, visit samaritanspurse.org or contact Pamela Parks at 920-559-2428. 

You will have to watch out for more vehicles on the side of the road if the Wisconsin Senate passes an expansion of the state’s “Move Over or Slow Down” law. Assembly Bill 409, which passed in bipartisan fashion last week, would require drivers to either move over one lane or slow down if they cannot. The current law covers emergency response vehicles and tow trucks. The proposed bill would place other vehicles using hazard lights, emergency flares, or a warning device, or if one or more people are visible on the road under that same umbrella.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an average of 566 people were killed and more than 14,000 people were injured each year between 2016 and 2018 on all roads involving a disabled car when visibility was likely a factor. Door County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser says getting swiped while on a traffic stop is a constant concern for their staff, and he hopes motorists take the potential new law seriously. 

If the bill is passed by the Senate today, Governor Tony Evers would still have to sign it for it to become law. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the fine for not moving over is $263.50, plus three demerit points on your license. It could cost you even more if it leads to a crash, injury, or death.

If you are in need of putting some food on the table this Thanksgiving, some area churches can lend you a helping hand. According to ABC News, the average cost of your Thanksgiving meal is between $80 and $95, depending on the brands you use. That is down two to three percent from 2024, but still could be more than a family could afford.

Kewaunee’s Immanuel Lutheran Church found that to be the case this year, assembling more than 130 Thanksgiving meal bags for community members after distributing about 100 last year. The bags they are passing out this weekend to pre-registered families contain a cooked ham and the ingredients for side dishes a novice chef could handle. Pastor Matthew Sprunger says the service project was a great way for his congregation to share their blessings with the community.

For many people, Thanksgiving could be a lonely time too. According to the Pew Research Center, about five percent of people plan to have Thanksgiving dinner alone while another two percent do not have a plan because of work, travel, or other reasons. For the last several years, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Algoma has hosted a Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. where people can drop by and have a meal with each other or pick one up to bring home. Pastor Joel McKenney says the event keeps growing every year, with hundreds attending every year. He adds that it has become a special day for people dining and volunteering alike.

The granddaddy of them all could be in Sturgeon Bay where the Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church has hosted their community Thanksgiving dinner for 45 years. The traditional meal is served in the church’s Fellowship Hall and delivered to community members who are homebound. The meals are free, like Jesus’ salvation, but the churches encourage donations to support the cause. You can click on the links above for more information and to sign-up.

If a bill being introduced by Rep. Joel Kitchens becomes law, it could become easier to recycle items containing rechargeable batteries. The Sturgeon Bay Republican Assembly member recently announced the Battery Recovery and Fire Prevention Act, which would not only establish a battery stewardship program to become responsible for collecting and recycling batteries sold in Wisconsin, but it would also give producers a year after the bill’s passage to become a part of a DNR-approved stewardship plan if they sell covered batteries or products containing them. Kitchens’ goal with the bill is to mitigate the fires they can cause, improve recycling, and reduce landfill disposal. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used for cell phones, laptops, power tools, electric toothbrushes, and other devices, can ignite or explode if they are damaged, crushed, or exposed to high heat. The fires they cause are also extremely dangerous. Last month, firefighters from the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department responded to the blaze on Belgian Road near County Highway DK after a garbage truck driver noticed smoke emanating from the rear of the vehicle while it was on its route. The driver quickly turned around and dumped the truck’s load out, and firefighters discovered a discarded Sawzall among the burning materials. Assistant Fire Chief Jim Wautier says that improperly disposing of rechargeable batteries and the problems they can cause are one of their biggest concerns.

Last year, after a similar event also occurred in Brussels, Bluewater Services owner John Mastalir said he would rather take the items for free and absorb the cost himself rather than risking his equipment and the safety of his employees.

Kitchens is still searching for co-sponsors for his bill. According to the Disaster Recovery Journal, there are an average of 5,000 fires related to lithium-ion batteries every year.

More than 40 acres of the Town of Nasewaupee could become part of the City of Sturgeon Bay if Common Council members approve a new ordinance for the second time on Tuesday. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council heard the first reading of an ordinance annexing 42.76 acres of the Town of Nasewaupee at its last meeting on November 4th. The oddly shaped group of parcels uses portions of Sawyer Drive, Duluth Avenue, and Oak Street as part of its boundary. As part of the agreement, the city would have to pay the town an amount equal to approximately five years of property taxes for the land annexed.

Some residents spoke against the annexation, citing the likelihood of higher taxes and unnecessary services that could result from the agreement. City officials say establishing a “town island” would lead to more confusion when it comes to delivery and public services. Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward says much of that area is already under pre-annexation agreements and that the council wants to settle the boundary now.

The city organized a meeting Monday afternoon (4 p.m.–5 p.m.) in the Community Room at Sturgeon Bay City Hall) to meet with residents about what annexation could mean for them. Ward says the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting is relatively light after a series of long meetings related to the budget and other issues. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will also discuss a new public stormwater utility ordinance when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. inside the council chambers at Sturgeon Bay City Hall.

The WBFR Radio Players are back on the Third Avenue PlayWorks stage for the holiday season, but this year they are taking on a different story from the Christmas canon. Rehearsals are underway, and tickets are on sale for TAP’s production of “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.” Featuring performances by Cassandra Bissell, Neil Brookshire, Ray Jivoff, Dan Klarer, and Rána Roman, the production delivers a 1940s-era radio experience of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Artistic Director Jacob Janssen says audiences will get to enjoy both the “theater of the mind” and live theater on Sturgeon Bay’s 3rd Avenue.

The TAP production of “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” runs December 3rd through December 28th. You can hear more about the show and TAP’s Indoor Winter Market on our podcasts page.

Photo courtesy of TAP

Outside of new rules for observers at polling places, Common Cause Wisconsin Executive Director Jay Heck does not believe your voting experience will change much in 2026. Earlier this month, new proposals were introduced by State Rep. Scott Krug before the Assembly Elections Committee that would tighten scrutiny around drop boxes for absentee voting and allow clerks to process ballots the day before Election Day—both issues that have been debated in Madison since they flared up during the 2020 Presidential Election.

Under the proposed rules, camera surveillance would be required for drop boxes, and clerks could begin counting absentee ballots as soon as the Monday before Election Day. Both proposals received lukewarm responses from both parties, with Wisconsin Public Radio reporting that Democrats argue they will not support measures that make it harder to vote, while Republicans are calling on their members to follow the Trump Administration’s lead and ban drop boxes altogether.

With two highly contentious statewide races on the ballot in 2026, Heck says it has become harder to pass meaningful legislation regarding elections.

A separate elections-related case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court could change the rules in other states, but not in Wisconsin. Earlier this month, the nation’s highest court agreed to hear a challenge to Mississippi’s policy allowing ballots to be accepted up to five days after an election as long as they are postmarked on or before Election Day. Opponents hope the Supreme Court will require all ballots to be received by Election Day in order to be counted—something Wisconsin already requires. Local candidates can begin circulating nomination papers beginning on December 1st.

An attempt to avoid a deer still ended with a 72-year-old Forestville man getting dizzy and suffering a cut lip after he hit a bush and a tree Saturday afternoon. The accident occurred around 4:15 p.m. on County DK near Sand Hill Road in the Town of Union.

According to the accident report, the man was traveling northbound when a deer ran into the middle of the road. When he swerved to avoid it, he entered a homeowner’s yard, drove through a bush, and struck a tree.

Although the car had to be towed due to the damage, emergency responders evaluated the man at the scene but did not transport him.

November is one of the busiest months of the year for deer movement due to the rut and hunting season. Since last Thursday, ten car-versus-deer accidents have been reported to the Door County Sheriff’s Department.

Thousands lined the streets of Sturgeon Bay over the weekend to officially welcome the winter and Christmas season to Door County. If you found yourself anywhere near downtown Sturgeon Bay, you were swept into the cheerful bustle as the community kicked off its annual celebration with the beloved Christmas by the Bay Parade. 

Hosted by Destination Sturgeon Bay and sponsored by 96.7 WBDK, the parade brought holiday magic to Third Avenue with marching bands, festive floats, dancing elves, classic cars, and of course Santa making his long-awaited arrival. Families crowded sidewalks, waving to friends and neighbors as candy canes soared through the unseasonably mild November air. Children perched on parents’ shoulders to get a better look, while local businesses handed out drinks and early-season treats. 

But the fun didn’t stop once the last floats passed. Throughout the weekend, Sturgeon Bay transformed into a winter wonderland filled with events that invited locals and visitors alike to gather, shop, and celebrate.  Holiday markets opened their doors, and the downtown boutiques, decked out in evergreens, ornaments, and twinkling lights, welcomed customers ready to start their seasonal shopping. 

Families flocked to see Santa and the Festival of Trees at the Door County Maritime Museum, meet Elsa and Olaf along 3rd Avenue, visit live reindeer at the Old Bell Tower, and hop aboard downtown trolley loops circulating between key stops. Afternoon entertainment included a literary concert by the Griffon String Quartet at the Sturgeon Bay Library.  The weekend wrapped up Sunday morning with a cheerful breakfast with Santa at Stone Harbor Resort. 

Destination Sturgeon Bay said the turnout marked one of the largest gatherings for the parade in recent years, a sign of growing enthusiasm for seasonal traditions and a welcome boost for local businesses heading into the final shopping stretch of 2025. 

And the excitement is far from over. The holiday spirit continues next weekend with Sturgeon Bay Unwrapping on Friday, when participating shops reveal new seasonal merchandise, special deals, and festive window displays. On Saturday, the community is encouraged to come back downtown for Shop Small, Sip Local, a day dedicated to supporting Door County’s independent businesses while enjoying tastings, treats, and holiday hospitality. 

With the season now officially underway, Door County is ready to shine once again, bright lights, warm mugs, cheerful crowds and all.

As Wisconsin braces for the return of freezing temperatures, officials are reminding residents that early preparation can make all the difference.  Winter Weather Awareness Week, recognized statewide from November 17–21, is designed to help households get ready for the long, cold months ahead. 

State agencies say winter may be beautiful, but it remains one of the region’s most dangerous seasons.  According to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 96 people died from cold related causes during the 2024–25 winter season.  Emergency responders handled more than 1,300 cold-related calls, while hospitals reported over 1,400 emergency department visits and 400 hospitalizations. 

Road conditions are another significant risk. Ice, drifting snow, and sudden whiteout conditions contribute to thousands of crashes each year.  

Officials encourage Wisconsinites to winterize their homes and vehicles, stock emergency kits, and keep NOAA Weather Radios on hand with fresh batteries.  Recommended home kits include food, water, medications, flashlight, chargers, and extra clothing.  Vehicle kits should include blankets, snacks, water, a shovel, jumper cables, and sand or kitty litter for traction. 

More winter safety tips and preparedness information can be found at ReadyWisconsin. 

Hunters won’t be the only ones bagging trophies this November. On Saturday, November 22, from 9:00–11:00 a.m., Wild Ones–Door Peninsula will team up with the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) for a hands-on effort to remove invasive buckthorn  near the parking lot  of Franke Park.

Because it is  the  opening day of hunting season, participants are encouraged to wear blaze orange—but high-visibility vests will be available.

DCIST, a coalition of natural resource professionals and concerned citizens, works to halt the spread of non-native plants by empowering residents with the education, tools, and skills needed to control them. Wild Ones is a national organization that promotes native landscapes through education, advocacy, and collaborative action.

Wild Ones members reached out to Conservationist Jason Miller of the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department, who leads DCIST. Both groups encourage property owners and volunteers from environmental organizations to “learn by doing” through these workshops.

Jason will demonstrate how to identify buckthorn and discuss the careful, minimal use of herbicides where appropriate.

All necessary tools, herbicides, and high-visibility vests will be available, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own hand tools and should bring work gloves and water.

Franke Park is located on County Highway U, just west of the Bayview Bridge, at 1700 Clay Banks Road, Sturgeon Bay.

For more information, contact the Door County Invasive Species Team or visit the Wild Ones–Door Peninsula Chapter Facebook page.

In Washington this week, lawmakers hurried to reopen the federal government, but for hemp growers in Door County, the victory song might sound more like a warning. The new spending deal includes a provision aimed at the burgeoning hemp industry, one that could upend how local farmers grow, market and sell their crops.

Under the language tucked into the CR, any hemp-derived product intended for human or animal use would be limited to 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, and must not include “intoxicating” cannabinoids created through chemical synthesis.

For many farmers and processors in Door County who have built businesses around CBD oils, gummies or other wellness-products derived from industrial hemp, this could mean having to overhaul entire product lines or shift away from consumables entirely.  Tim Roberts, owner of Gray-Aire Farms in Baileys Harbor, says that the new laws are complicated and definitely throw a wrench into an already difficult business model.  He says that with the endless regulations and big money lobbies, the farm and even other big hemp companies are exploring  their options regarding an overhaul of products and fighting back with their own lobbyists.

For Door County’s growers, the provision does preserve industrial hemp crops grown for fiber, grain, oil or non-consumable uses. That means that if a Door County farmer focuses strictly on hemp for textiles, seed or biomass rather than edible or topical products, there is at least a path forward.  But switching gears is trivial, local farms have built relationships, local processors and retail outlets based on the wellness of hemp.  Local hemp farmers say that if Wisconsin follows through with the proposed restrictions, they may go out of business or leave the state altogether.

Community leaders in Door County are already discussing how this shift might ripple through the local economy. Small farms might struggle to stay viable or keep employees if their revenue from consumable hemp products shrinks.  Meanwhile, local retailers that carry hemp wellness items may find their shelves empty or need to pivot.

The provision does have a grace period as many of its restrictions won’t kick in immediately, but the clock is ticking. Farmers, processors and local officials in Door County are watching closely, attending meetings and talking strategy. Because when a Washington deal redefines hemp overnight, a Door County farm converts those acres into more than plants, it’s a livelihood.

This Saturday marks the beginning of the week-long deer hunting season. While this event carries many traditions and memories that make it special to so many in our community, it also brings some recurring issues that deserve attention.

The first of these issues is safety—both for those participating in the hunting season and for those who choose to enjoy the outdoors as they would any other time of year. For hunters, there are two basic rules: know your target, and know what is beyond your target. In the era of rifle hunting, the second rule is especially important. Although unintentional, there are always occasional reports involving stray rounds.

If you are one of those individuals who simply want to enjoy the outdoors over the next two weeks, be aware of increased activity on adjacent properties and public lands. While not required—and perhaps not the most stylish color—blaze orange is always a good choice. Whether you are hunting or just going for a walk, always let someone know where you are going and the route you plan to take.

Another issue that tends to arise more frequently is trespassing. This is straightforward: if you don’t have permission to be on a property, don’t be there. Many property owners allow others to hunt on their land, but this is entirely at their discretion. If they say no, respect their decision and move on. Also, don’t assume that just because you’ve hunted in a location for many years, you don’t need to ask permission. Circumstances change, and it’s wise to re-establish these relationships each year. Bringing a small token—perhaps some venison from last year—can help smooth the conversation.

We wish everyone a safe and productive hunt. We are grateful to hunters who take the time to help manage the deer population, as it reduces the likelihood of encounters with white-tailed deer on the roads. As an update, so far this year, 292 car-deer accidents have been reported through our dispatch center. At the same time last year, the total was 211. Stay vigilant!

Friday with five miles of hiking between downtown Sturgeon Bay and the Eastern Terminus location within Potawatomi State Park. Masa and his 50-pound pack have been on the Ice Age Trail for approximately two months after beginning his trek at the Western terminus at Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls. He has experienced Wisconsin hospitality along the way. Masa was greeted with care packages in Algoma and Kewaunee before being welcomed to Sturgeon Bay with a pizza and a warm place to sleep before his final day of hiking. 

During the mid-morning hours on Friday, Masa reached the Eastern Terminus with a beautiful view and members of the Friends of Potawatomi State Park to celebrate the end of long journey across the state.

A Japanese travel writer, Masa hopes to hike all of the country’s scenic trails in the upcoming years. You can look back on Masa's journey here.

The documentary The Worth of Water: A Great Lakes Story will be screened at Crossroads at Big Creek on Monday, November 24, at 1:30 p.m. This will be the third Great Lakes–related documentary we’ve offered this year. Earlier, as part of our popular Fish Tales Lecture Series, we hosted All Too Clear, and last week offered two showings of the award-winning documentary Fish Thief.

For this screening, we will not host guest videographers, producers, or panels of experts, and reservations are not required. Still, this documentary is well worth viewing and fully achieves the Fish Tales mission of “presenting the science of Great Lakes fisheries”—along with addressing a number of additional environmental concerns.

Presenting science is exactly what the film does. Milwaukee environmentalists Julia Robson and Alyssa Armbruster, inspired—as we were—by Dan Egan’s award-winning book The Death and Life of the Great Lakes, documented their 343-mile walk from the shores of Milwaukee to the upper reaches of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Their adventure is interspersed with interviews with scientists, university professors, biologists, and Indigenous leaders. Topics covered include biodiversity loss, climate, drinking water, economics, and, of course, invasive species.

We all appreciate the worth of water and want our lakes to be clean—but not necessarily clear.

In fact, we cringe every time we see social media posts or tourist promotions extolling the Door Peninsula for its “incredibly clear water.” It hasn’t always been that way. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet named it La Baye Verte (“The Green Bay”) because the water was green and murky due to tiny green aquatic organisms—and in those days, the waters were teeming with fish.

As the saying goes, “When the water turns clear, it’s not because the lake is healthy—it’s because something has taken the life out of it.”

According to a piece on Interlochen Public Radio, “The arrival of quagga mussels was the single largest ecological event in the history of the lake,” says Dave Strayer, a freshwater ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. “It was bigger than deforesting the watershed, it was bigger than building Chicago.” Quagga mussels haven’t just changed how the lake looks—they’ve completely upended the food web in the Great Lakes, controlling the flow of nutrients and overall productivity.

The Worth of Water explores these ecological changes and also highlights various forms of pollution, opening with the satirical 1960s song Pollution by Tom Lehrer. It’s not a coincidence that our Environmental Exploration after-school program on Tuesday will focus on water pollution.

Meanwhile, during gun-deer hunting season, we expect an influx of hikers, runners, dog walkers, parents, and kids who use Crossroads at Big Creek as an outdoor exercise destination. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the beautiful late-autumn habitats and may spot some arriving winter birds, though water in Big Creek will be limited.

Because of this, on Tuesday and during our regular Wandering Wednesday program—both starting at 1:30 p.m.—we will slightly shift to “Cabin Fever Hikes,” welcoming anyone eager to get out of the house and onto safe trails.

This will be a week of science and learning, and a week—like the other 51—that reminds us to appreciate the worth of water.

Upcoming Programs at Crossroads at Big Creek

Saturday, November 22
2:00 p.m. – “Meet the Turkey”
Families and learners of all ages will learn about the bird that made Thanksgiving famous through videos, demonstrations, and, weather permitting, a hike. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, November 24
1:30 p.m. – Movie Matinee: The Worth of Water: A Great Lakes Story
This film documents a 343-mile hike spotlighting Great Lakes conservation. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, November 25
1:30 p.m. – Cabin Fever Hike
During gun-deer hunting season, non-hunters often experience “cabin fever”—the urge to get outside. This naturalist-led hike is for nature lovers, dog walkers, and anyone seeking fresh air. We may even see deer—they know where they are safe! Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

3:30 p.m. – Environmental Exploration: “What Is Pollution?”
Videos and hands-on activities geared toward elementary students explore pollution and its impacts. While designed for school-aged students, learners of all ages are welcome. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, November 26
1:30 p.m. – Wandering Wednesday
This weekly naturalist-led hike is especially popular during hunting season. About an hour of easy walking. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

A 33-year-old Forestville woman was cited for failing to yield at a stop sign after her car was struck by one vehicle and ricocheted into another Thursday afternoon. The accident occurred at the intersection of State Highway 57 and Stevenson Pier Road shortly before 3:30 p.m.

The Forestville woman was attempting to cross the highway when she was hit by a 33-year-old West Allis man driving north. The force of the crash caused her car to skid into a work truck driven by a 37-year-old Black Creek man that was stopped at the intersection.

Only minor injuries were reported among the seven people involved in the three-vehicle crash, and none required additional treatment at the hospital. The accident closed one lane of traffic until 4:15 p.m. so the vehicles could be towed from the scene.

A global sustainability movement with roots stretching back to Amsterdam is finding a vibrant home in Sturgeon Bay, and locals and visitors alike are discovering that a broken toaster or wobbly chair might be the start of something much bigger.

The Repair Café concept began in 2009, dreamed up by a Dutch journalist as a way to revive repair culture and bring communities together. Today, more than 3,800 Repair Cafés operate around the world, each built on the same foundation to reduce waste, share skills, and strengthen the neighborhoods they serve.

Door County’s chapter was launched in July 2025 by Sturgeon Bay native Janelle Peotter, who spent the last decade in New York, where she fell in love with the Repair Café model.  Inspired by watching strangers turn into collaborators, and broken items turn into useful ones again, she returned home and brought the idea with her. Peotter now coordinates the Sturgeon Bay Repair Café, supported by the local nonprofit Sustain Door.

Since opening, the volunteer driven effort has grown to more than 20 local fixers who have helped repair hundreds of item, everything from sentimental jewelry to stubborn vacuum cleaners even that old guitar you haven’t strummed in years.  Held the third Saturday of every month from noon to 4 p.m. at Hope United Church, the Sturgeon Bay Repair Café welcomes anyone with a broken item or a curiosity about how things work. The service is free, though visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for local food banks or make a voluntary monetary donation. 

Inside, the atmosphere feels more like a bustling workshop than a clinic for damaged goods. Stations for sewing, electronics, bikes, lamps, toys, and tools are manned by volunteers who work side-by-side with guests. The goal isn’t simply to hand back a repaired object; it’s to teach the skill as well.  She says that even if you’re only an expert at fixing one small or seemingly insignificant item, that skill might be exactly what someone in Door County needs. At the Sturgeon Bay Repair Café, every bit of know how is valuable.

Organizers say the movement resonates in Door County, where resourcefulness, sustainability, and neighborly generosity have long been part of the culture. The project also supports food pantries, keeps materials out of the landfill, and encourages people to seek out local repair professionals when needed.

The next Sturgeon Bay Repair Café will be held November 15, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m. at Hope United Church, 141 S. 12th Avenue. For more information, please visit the Repair Café Facebook page.

As Door County gears up for its annual holiday festivities, many residents are finding themselves asking a familiar question. How can we celebrate without overspending? With prices on everything from groceries to decorations on the rise, the urge to spoil friends and family can quickly clash with the reality of a tight budget.  It’s a classic case of supply and demand; the desire to make the season magical remains high, but the financial resources available to meet that demand may be limited.

Leslie Boden, who leads the non-profit Money Management Counselors in Sturgeon Bay and serves as a certified financial social worker, offers practical, budget friendly tips to help households keep their holiday joy intact while staying financially grounded. 

Bowden says to start with a realistic spending plan, and to be proactive. Families should sit down now and identify how much they can afford to spend this holiday season.  Before shopping, before parties and even before decorating. Prioritizing what matters most and setting hard limits and sticking to them regardless of how popular the newest toy or game is. 

Using local resources and discounts is also helpful, says Boden.   In Door County, holiday traditions might include cozy dinners, local craft markets, or visits to one of our picturesque Christmas spots. The community offers many seasonally discounted options. With local artisans, second?hand shops, and community events with free or low?cost admission. She encourages residents to seek out these alternatives rather than defaulting to big?box holiday spending. 

Making memories, not just purchases, is what is truly important.  Boden reminds Door County residents that holiday magic often comes from shared experiences rather than price tags. A winter walk along the waterfront, a hot cocoa night at home, or a small family game night and a movie can outlast the thrill of a big purchase. 

With a measured plan, some creativity, and community minded spending, families can enter the holiday season in Door County feeling both festive and financially comfortable.  Festive doesn’t have to mean expensive. And in a community where the glow of Christmas lights and the eyes peering upon them often outshine store windows, that message feels especially joyous. 

Money Management Counselors: Holiday Shopping & Ways to Save 2025

While you deck the halls at home, the Door County Maritime Museum decks its exhibit spaces with Christmas grandeur as the Merry Time Festival of Trees opens this weekend. Once again, dozens of trees and wreaths can be spotted throughout the museum, each representing different businesses and organizations while spreading Christmas cheer.

More than just a fundraiser for the museum, the Merry Time Festival of Trees has become a staple of Sturgeon Bay’s holiday traditions for more than a decade. With other events mixed in—like Santa’s post-parade visit on Saturday—Door County Maritime Museum Deputy Director Sam Perlman says the annual celebration has become as cherished as holiday traditions at museums across the country.
 

The Merry Time Festival of Trees kicks off on Saturday and runs through December 31st. It is part of a busy holiday weekend in Sturgeon Bay, with the Christmas by the Bay parade stepping off at 10 a.m., the TAP Indoor Winter Market, visits from live reindeer and Frozen characters, and musical performances at the Door County Library and MUSE.

Picture from Sturgeon Bay School District

Luxemburg-Casco School District officials want to hear from you next Wednesday about the district’s future direction. The district is in the process of developing its strategic plan, which is designed to guide decision-making, set specific actions for progress, and enable administrators to monitor, evaluate, and adjust in order to reach its goals.

The district has held similar events ahead of its capital referendum in 2018 and its operational referendum in 2024, which provided crucial guidance for those efforts. While a referendum question is not currently being considered, Superintendent Jo-Ellen Fairbanks says Wednesday’s session is a temperature check to see whether they are on the right track or if adjustments need to be made.

The community engagement session is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside the Heritage Room at Luxemburg-Casco High School. If you cannot make it, there will workshop meetings that take place on select Saturdays early next year and you can participate in a survey online.

Your commute on State Highway 57 between Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay is now officially uninterrupted after the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced the reopening of the bridge over Hibbard Creek. Work to replace the old culvert pipes at Hibbard Creek with a new at-grade slab span bridge began on September 3rd and was completed on Thursday.

Over the last two years, WisDOT has replaced four bridge spans between Sevastopol and Jacksonport. After replacing the bridge spans at Lily Bay Creek and Geisel Creek in 2024, crews completed similar work at Logan Creek and Hibbard Creek this year. The work was done to improve safety on the bridge and enhance drainage underneath it.

The City of Sturgeon Bay Common Council has approved substantial changes to the development agreement with Cobblestone Hotels for a new four-story, 62-unit hotel on Egg Harbor Road.  The updated deal maintains approximately $1.2 million in total incentives for Cobblestone, with $810,000 paid within 30 days of occupancy and another $390,000 delivered in annual payments over 15 years.

Among the new terms, Cobblestone must acquire the property by March 31, 2026, or the agreement terminates, and the company must guarantee a minimum assessed property value of $7.5 million by January 1, 2028.  One notable feature of the revised agreement is an 18-month incentive freeze clause.  The city agrees not to offer financial incentives to any other hotel developer for 18 months following the execution of Cobblestone’s agreement.

Proponents say this exclusivity gives Cobblestone a more stable market environment, reducing the risk of an oversupply of hotel rooms that would hamper viability.

Opponents believe that financial incentives mean some of the tax revenue that the city might otherwise receive is deferred or redirected, creating risk if Cobblestone fails to meet deadlines or monetary guarantees. Some may question whether 62 new rooms will saturate the market or displace smaller lodging operators. The exclusivity clause also locks out competing hotel incentives for a period, potentially limiting competitive options.

Potential benefits for the community include job creation and economic stimulus. Construction of the hotel is anticipated to begin once property acquisition is complete, anticipated for early next year, and occupancy is expected to occur shortly after, meaning the local construction workforce may gain months of work, and upon opening the hotel will create hospitality and support jobs. The added hotel capacity may capture more visitors to the region, increasing spending in local restaurants, shops and attractions.

Even with two sold-out Christmas concerts on the schedule, there’s still plenty of hard work happening behind the scenes as Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor prepares for the 2026 summer academy season.

Registration for the 2026 summer academy opens on December 1st for students in grades 7th through 12th. Students will once again have the option to choose from percussion, symphony, or big band jazz sessions. All that’s needed to apply is an application, a short video recording, a teacher recommendation, and a deposit—standing between your child and instruction from world-class teachers.

After having only one student from Door County attend last season, a New Year’s resolution for Executive Director Jenna Ferdon is to attract more local students to the academy for one of the four summer sessions.

Scholarships and private donations help make attending Birch Creek Music Performance Center a reality for students across the Midwest. Ferdon encourages you to explore ways to support their mission by clicking this link.

A home on 19th Place in Sturgeon Bay is the latest example of partners working together to address affordable housing in the community. Door County Habitat for Humanity celebrated its 50th home build with donors, volunteers, and community members.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Door County Daily News (@doorcountydailynews)

It was the first home constructed for a partner family since 2023, following a year in which the organization faced funding challenges and was unable to find an eligible family in 2024. Executive Director Lori Allen says the organization came back stronger in 2025 because of the break, noting that volunteers remained engaged through other projects on the peninsula, including two home builds for the Door County Housing Partnership in Sister Bay.

Just like the 49 homes that came before it, Allen believes it’s the community coming together that makes the home builds so special.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Door County Daily News (@doorcountydailynews)

The celebration was missing its partner family, the Ferrons, who were unable to attend due to work and other commitments. Allen used the opportunity to emphasize that partner families are not given the homes, but rather must purchase them and contribute more than 200 hours of “sweat equity.”

After more than 40 days, the federal government has reopened. President Donald Trump signed the new government funding bill late Wednesday evening following a 60-40 vote in the Senate and a 222-209 vote in the House of Representatives.

The votes were largely along party lines, though there were defectors from both sides who affected the final tally. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin voted against the bill, continuing her push to extend health care tax breaks.

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and U.S. Representative Tony Wied both voted in favor of the measure, with Wied joining other Republicans in blaming Democrats for triggering the 43-day government shutdown — the longest in the nation’s history.

According to ABC News, government workers will return to work on Thursday. Those who were fired will have the opportunity to be reinstated, and furloughed employees will receive back pay for the time lost.

What was not addressed were the health care subsidies, a key sticking point for Democrats who voted down more than a dozen previous attempts to pass a funding bill. As part of the deal to reopen the government, a vote on the issue is supposed to take place, though Republican leaders in both chambers have not committed to scheduling it.

The government is currently funded only through January 30, 2026, leaving open the possibility of another impasse in the new year.

A domestic violence incident that left one person with a stab wound to the neck and a male suspect in custody remains under investigation by the Door County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies were dispatched to a home on County C in the Town of Nasewaupee shortly before 8 a.m. Wednesday for a report of a person bleeding heavily from a stab wound to the neck. Emergency personnel provided medical care to the victim.

With the suspect still at large, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) was activated in the area, advising residents to shelter in place until the situation was deemed safe. Deputies later apprehended the suspect, and the shelter-in-place warning was lifted around 9:20 a.m.

No further information is being released at this time. In addition to Sheriff’s Department deputies, personnel from the Nasewaupee Emergency Medical Responders, Door County Emergency Services, Sturgeon Bay Police Department, Sturgeon Bay Fire Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the incident.

The event also prompted questions about the difference between IPAWS and Door County Ready, the county’s voluntary emergency alert system. IPAWS, which does not require registration, is used in life-safety situations. Door County Ready, which does require registration, is used for weather alerts and general public information.

The Door County Emergency Management Department explained in an online post that when messages are sent to small, defined areas, some alerts may extend outside the intended zone—causing some residents outside the affected area to receive the alert. You can learn more about the alert below.

The second annual Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) Welding Rodeo took place on October 9 at the Sturgeon Bay and Marinette campuses, once again uniting creativity, craftsmanship, and community. This dynamic event not only celebrated the artistic and technical skill of welders but also showcased the strong partnership between education and industry in Northeast Wisconsin. Designed to raise funds for student scholarships and inspire future tradespeople, the rodeo continues to strengthen the region’s skilled workforce and local economy.

“The Welding Rodeo represents the best of what can happen when our communities, educators, and industry partners unite around a shared purpose,” said Cindy Bailey, NWTC Director of K12 Pathways and Rural Community Impact. “It’s about sparking interest, creating opportunity, and ensuring that students across our district see the incredible futures available right here at home.”

More than 50 competitors, including professional welders, local artists, and even high school students participated in welding challenges that transformed scrap metal into imaginative sculptures. Each piece reflected not only technical precision but also creative vision. The finished works were auctioned off to raise funds for future welding scholarships, generating nearly $10,000 for the second consecutive year.

In the professional category, Totally Trained Experts from Therma-Tron-X claimed first place, followed by Bay Ship Blazers from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. In the amateur division, Sparks and Spatter, also representing Therma-Tron-X, earned top honors, while teams from Preble High School in Green Bay took second and third.

Supported by a three-year grant from the U.S. Navy, the Welding Rodeo was created to encourage more students to explore welding and engineering careers. The event has had a tangible impact on the local community, inspiring students to pursue technical education and supporting employers in need of skilled workers. By connecting young talent with local industries, NWTC is helping to build a stronger regional workforce. The Welding Rodeo stands as a vibrant example of how education, creativity, and community collaboration can ignite new possibilities for students and sustain the growth of Northeast Wisconsin’s manufacturing and maritime industries.

The pools are bustling this season at the Door County YMCA, and Director of Competitive Swimming Mike McHugh says they could use a few more helping hands to keep things safe and running smoothly. As winter programming ramps up, the YMCA is putting out a call for additional lifeguards, offering comprehensive training, certification, and competitive wages for those ready to dive in.

McHugh says the need for lifeguards reflects just how active the YMCA’s aquatic programs have become, from lessons and fitness classes to the YMCA’s thriving competitive swim team. “We’ve got a big group this year, and they’re doing great,” McHugh said. “Our swimmers train at a high level, with coaching and conditioning that rivals college programs.” The team welcomes new members of all ages and skill levels, offering opportunities for both beginners and advanced athletes to develop their skills in the water.

Beyond the competitive side, the Door County YMCA continues to serve as a community hub for aquatic fitness and wellness. Open swim sessions, water aerobics, and therapeutic programs attract residents from across the county, especially as colder weather pushes more recreation indoors. McHugh notes that swimming remains one of the most important life skills for anyone living in Door County, where water surrounds the peninsula on nearly all sides.

“Whether you’re a kid just starting out or an adult who’s always wanted to learn, swimming is something everyone in this community can benefit from,” McHugh added. “It’s also one of the best all-around workouts, no matter what sport you play.”

Those interested in lifeguard training, joining the swim team, or signing up for lessons can find more information on the Door County YMCA website or by stopping by the Sturgeon Bay or Fish Creek locations.

The U.S. Senate took the first step late Monday, to end a federal government shutdown that has put hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin residents in the middle of a political fight.  The bill funds the federal government through Jan. 30.

Senator Ron Johnson voted for the spending plan to reopen the government that ultimately passed with 60 votes. Senator Tammy Baldwin voted against the plan.

Eight Democratic senators joined Republicans to pass the measure that didn't include an extension of Obamacare subsidies. Until now, Democrats had refused to accept a spending plan without it.  One Republican, Kentucky's Rand Paul, opposed the plan.

Senator Baldwin opposed the government reopening bill because it did not include a guarantee to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which are set to expire. She argued that a temporary fix with no resolution for health care costs was not good enough for her constituents. While she supported efforts to reopen the government, she voted against the specific bill that passed the Senate because she wanted to tie the two issues together.

Senator Johnson voted for opening the government and avoiding shutdowns because they are “inefficient, hurt people, and are an opportunity for Congress to engage in additional spending”.  He views shutdowns as highly inefficient and has proposed legislation, the Eliminate Shutdowns Act, to prevent them automatically.

The final vote was 60-40. The bill heads to the U.S. House, which is expected to vote as early as this afternoon.

The federal shutdown is in its 42nd day and has thrown Wisconsin’s FoodShare  program into federal court as state leaders and the current administration battle over funding benefits for millions of Wisconsinites.

 Students and staff from the Southern Door School District, along with community members, celebrated the brave men and women of the Armed Forces during the annual Door County Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday.

Dozens of veterans from eras dating back to the Vietnam War participated in the event, which featured performances of patriotic music by the Southern Door band and choir, as well as a flag presentation to the school by American Legion 9th District Commander Terry McNulty.

Following the presentation, Southern Door teacher and U.S. Navy veteran Scott Mallien took to the microphone as the event’s guest speaker. He spoke about the valuable life lessons learned in the military and the honor service members display every day.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Door County Daily News (@doorcountydailynews)

Mallien was one of about half a dozen Southern Door staff members in attendance with military experience. After the ceremony, students lined the hallways to show their gratitude as veterans made their way to a luncheon with their families and fellow service members. The Door County Veterans Day ceremony was one of several events held throughout Door and Kewaunee counties to commemorate the national holiday.

According to the accident report, the Two Rivers man was at fault and was cited for not wearing a seatbelt. He was airlifted to a Green Bay hospital for treatment, while his passenger, a 60-year-old Naples, Fla. man, was taken by ambulance to Door County Medical Center. The Egg Harbor man was also taken to the hospital to be evaluated for possible injuries. The Neenah woman and her passenger, a 68-year-old Neenah man, did not require medical attention.

The highway was closed for nearly an hour so the scene could be cleared and the vehicles towed. The Door County Sheriff’s Office responded to nearly a dozen vehicle-related incidents Sunday, due in part to the snowstorm that dropped more than six inches of snow in some areas of the peninsula.

If the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is successful in its request for $1 billion for the Rural Health Transformation Program, hospitals like Door County Medical Center could see major benefits. The agency announced its application last week, aiming to strengthen the state’s health care workforce, drive technology and innovation, and transform care through partnerships.

"Ensuring Wisconsinites have access to affordable health care is a top priority for me and my administration, and this work is more important than ever," said Gov. Tony Evers. "We look forward to investing this funding to help expand access to quality, affordable health care—especially in our rural areas—while strengthening our workforce and supporting our local and state economies. Here in Wisconsin, we must keep working to lower the cost of health care, bolster our health care workforce, and support health care access across our state, and we look forward to continuing this important work."

Door County Medical Center has taken steps to stay ahead in a marketplace where other rural hospitals have significantly cut back services or closed altogether. Within the last two years, Door County Medical Center has partnered with Door County Emergency Services on ambulance coverage and announced plans to transition to Epic Systems’ electronic health record system early next year to streamline patient care.

Door County Medical Center President and CEO Brian Stephens hopes the influx of federal funding will allow them—and other rural hospitals—to continuously invest in the communities they serve.

According to DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson, one-third of Wisconsinites live in rural areas that often lack access to care due to limited provider availability, outdated technologies, and disconnected systems, which can result in fragmented care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is expected to announce awardee decisions by December 31, 2025.

Additional maintenance will force drivers to find an alternate route through downtown Sturgeon Bay on Thursday. The Door County Highway Department announced Monday that the Maple/Oregon Street Bridge will be closed from 8 a.m. until noon to complete additional maintenance.

The bridge was previously closed during the day from October 20th through October 23rd, with the first day’s closure lasting longer than expected due to an issue with a part being replaced. Door County Highway Commissioner Thad Ash says crews will install new locking mechanism on the bridge during Thursday's bridge closure.

The bridge will remain open to marine traffic, but pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will need to use the Bayview Bridge or the Michigan Street Bridge as a detour.

It may be easier for you to get food and harder for you to catch a flight for the time being, but the end of the longest government shutdown could be in sight. Multiple news agencies reported late Sunday and early Monday that eight Democratic U.S. Senators plan to vote in favor of ending the shutdown in exchange for a scheduled vote on Affordable Care Act subsidies in December. The maneuver would fully fund the government until at least January 30, though some parts of it would be funded for the entire upcoming year. A vote in the Senate is scheduled for Monday night and ABC News reports that Speaker Mike Johnson has called members of the House back to vote on a potential package.

While leaders on Capitol Hill sort out the details, you might feel the impact of their decisions closer to home if things are not resolved. A battle over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding has reached the U.S. Supreme Court, with states like Wisconsin refusing to halt payments to eligible recipients. According to the Associated Press, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump Administration last Friday to temporarily block a court order requiring full SNAP funding during the shutdown, only for an appeals court to again rule against the administration. Governor Tony Evers responded to the administration’s request with a simple “no,” adding that the state legally added benefits to cards for 700,000 Wisconsinites “pursuant to and consistent with an active court order.”

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that if the shutdown lasts longer, the Thanksgiving travel season—one of the busiest of the year—could be severely affected as flights are cut. He told NewsNation that it will be difficult to get air traffic controllers to return to work even after the shutdown is resolved. Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled over the weekend due to the shutdown, and the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to cut total air traffic by 10 percent by Friday.

You may soon have additional incentive to harvest an extra doe or two during deer season. Inspired by Door County residents Dick Baudhuin and Greg Coulthurst, Rep. Joel Kitchens introduced a bill last week that would allow local businesses to donate gift certificates to deer processors, which would then be given to hunters in exchange for their donated deer.

Currently, hunters are not allowed to be compensated for donating their harvest through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Deer Donation Program, which has helped distribute four million pounds of ground venison to the state’s food pantries since 2000. Processors do receive compensation for the work required to turn donated deer into ground venison.

The proposed program would apply only to deer legally harvested in the central and southern farmland zones, where food is more readily available. Kitchens says Door County is known for its deer overpopulation, and he is hopeful that extra motivation will lead to more animals harvested and more food donated to area food pantries.

Kitchens says he is currently building support for the bill, which could be the first of its kind in the nation.

As of November 4th, 729 deer (373 antlered) have been harvested in Door County and 583 deer (337 antlered) in Kewaunee County since the archery season began in September.

If you forgot about the potential perils of driving in the snow, you received your first reminder this weekend. Door County saw its first measurable snowfall of the season on Sunday, with totals topping six inches the farther up the peninsula you went. The area was under a Winter Storm Warning for much of the day on Sunday and re-entered it on Monday.

The snow kept the Door County Sheriff’s Department busy with nearly a dozen vehicle-related incidents, two of which resulted in injuries.

At 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, a 24-year-old Baileys Harbor woman lost control of her vehicle on State Highway 57 near Ahrens Road in Baileys Harbor. She was traveling northbound when her vehicle spun counterclockwise and slid into a ditch, striking a tree. She suffered a suspected minor injury but did not require additional treatment.

Early Monday morning, a 21-year-old Algoma man lost control of his truck, overturning it in a nearby ditch. The accident occurred just after 12:30 a.m. on County Highway S near Tagge Road as he was traveling southbound. The vehicle sustained heavy damage after it spun in the roadway and overturned. The driver suffered suspected minor injuries but did not need to be taken to the hospital.

Door County is expected to remain under a Winter Weather Advisory until 6 p.m. Monday. The snow and ice could be gone by midweek, with temperatures warming into the 50s on Thursday and Friday and lows in the mid-30s to low 40s.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is reminding travelers in Door County and nearby counties to brace for a week of shifting traffic patterns, chilly weather and Veterans Day activities that may bring added congestion. 

WisDOT crews will continue their work along WIS 57 near County H, Stone Road and Cloverleaf Road, where the multi-stage improvement project remains active. At least one lane will stay open in each direction, but drivers should expect weekday lane shifts, shoulder closures and periodic flagging operations, particularly between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Maintenance teams in Kewaunee and Brown counties will also be out patching pavement, clearing culverts and performing early-season winter prep, all of which may cause brief slowdowns on rural stretches. 

Door County’s Veterans Day ceremonies, including parades and gatherings from Sturgeon Bay to Sister Bay, will draw additional traffic. Drivers are urged to slow down near event venues and in construction corridors.  On Friday, commuters can expect crews to wrap up the week’s work, which may include temporary lane closures on high traffic corridors.

WisDOT encourages all travelers to call 511 if hesitant before heading out and to build extra minutes into their schedule. With construction, Veteran’s Day ceremonies and swing-season weather teaming up, a little patience goes a long way on the road. 

Visit the maintenance traffic impact website for the most up-to-date maintenance schedules.

Door County organizations are preparing a slate of events next week to honor area veterans with fellowship, recognition, and community support. With Veterans Day falling on Monday, November 11, the schedule offers multiple chances for residents to show their appreciation. 

Beth Van Oss, Door County Veterans Service officer says there are a myriad of events hosted by the organization to look forward to. 

The week’s centerpiece remains the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Southern Door School District on November 11. Hosted in partnership with George W. Goetz American Legion Post 372, the program begins at 9:30 a.m., with doors opening at 9. The event includes musical performances by the high school band and choir, student readings, and a roll call recognizing veterans from every branch of the armed forces. Following the ceremony, veterans and their spouses are invited to stay for a complimentary lunch prepared by the school’s food service staff. Attendees are asked to use Door 2 near the District Office and Eagle Gym for entry.

The following day, Wednesday, November 12, the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Door County will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The midday event includes a hot meal, short program, and recognition of local veterans. There will also, for the first time, be a group of 5 therapy dogs from the Door County Therapy Dog Team for Veterans and their families to meet and greet. 

On Friday, November 14, the community is invited to start the morning at the Coffee & Connect Veterans Social, a drop-in gathering created to give veterans a place to meet peers, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed cup of coffee. The event will be held at the Government Center in Sturgeon Bay, in the Peninsula Room (1st floor), from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Van Oss describes it as a simple but meaningful way to remind veterans that local support doesn’t end when the calendar page turns. The event is free and open to all veterans.

Van Oss notes that each event approaches Veterans Day in its own way, but all share a common purpose: bringing the community together to honor the men and women who have served. Residents are encouraged to arrive early and check with each host site for any last-minute updates.

Door County’s Transportation Department is once again saluting local veterans with a gesture of gratitude, complimentary rides on Veterans Day. Both Door County Connect and Door 2 Door Rides will offer free transportation to veterans on Tuesday, November 11, continuing a growing tradition of appreciation.

This is the fifth year that the County is offering no-cost rides to veterans on Veterans Day.  Door 2 Door Rides has been serving Door County residents for more than 15 years, while Door County Connect has operated for over 35. The programs together provided more than 46,300 rides last year, connecting residents with work, medical appointments, shopping, and community events. For veterans, the free-ride day offers not just transportation, but recognition of their contributions and service to the nation.

Rides on Veterans Day will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to the current service areas and schedules of both programs. Officials encourage veterans to plan ahead as ride availability may vary throughout the day.

Door County Connect and Door 2 Door Rides continue to play an essential role in mobility for residents across the peninsula, and the Transportation Department hopes the free-ride initiative sends a clear message of appreciation to those who served.

To learn more about Door County’s public transit services, visit the Door County Connect website.

After years of trying to get the project off the ground, Algoma City Administrator Matt Murphy is happy that you will soon see a new fire station take shape. The department officially broke ground last month on the estimated $3.9 million Sunset Avenue facility, which will replace its cramped downtown headquarters.

After voters rejected two referendum questions in previous years, city officials had to explore other ways to address the critical need. According to city council minutes, the project will be funded through a portion of the proceeds from the October 2024 general obligation debt issuance, interest earned on those proceeds, a $200,000 donation from Terrance Fulwiler, and capital project fund reserves. Murphy says other projects were put on the back burner, but the need for a new fire station had simply grown too large to ignore.

According to contractor Bayland Buildings, the new facility will include 5,800 square feet of offices, meeting rooms, and Fire/EMS operations space; 11,300 square feet of drive-thru apparatus bays and a wash bay; and a 2,000-square-foot mezzanine. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

If last month’s debut of a Christmas movie featuring Door County or last week’s launch of non-stop holiday music on 96.7 WBDK didn’t get you into the spirit, Sturgeon Bay gets the first of two chances this Saturday. Destination Sturgeon Bay is hosting its annual Christmas by the Bay celebration beginning at 10 a.m., featuring a parade through the city, including along 3rd Avenue.

The festivities continue after the parade with Third Avenue PlayWorks holding its first Indoor Winter Market, the Door County Community Foundation welcoming live reindeer to its square, and the Door County Maritime Museum kicking off its Merry-Time Festival of Trees.

If one weekend isn’t enough, Destination Sturgeon Bay will host its Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay car cruise and Christmas tree lighting next Friday (11/21), followed by its Shop Small, Sip Local event the next day (11/22). Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Alexa Soto says they take their role in kicking off the holiday season in Door County very seriously.

Soto says you can still sign up to take part in Saturday’s Christmas by the Bay parade and find the rest of their holiday events at the provided link.

Door County communities will continue embracing the Christmas season in the coming weekends, with Ellison Bay hosting its tree lighting on November 23rd; Sister Bay, Carlsville, and Egg Harbor holding their events on November 28th; and Baileys Harbor, Fish Creek, and Ephraim following on December 6th.

Picture by Rachel Lukas

Halloween was celebrated at the end of last month, as it has been since ancient times, because it falls exactly halfway between the fall equinox and the winter solstice. The date for setting clocks back has changed repeatedly, and it wasn’t until 1941 that Congress officially designated the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. So, we at Crossroads have taken the liberty of selecting Friday, November 14, for our own ritual celebration of gratitude: a Thankful Luminary-Lit Hike.

Between the bedtime-friendly hours of 5:00 and 6:30 p.m., the community is invited to stroll along one of our trails, beautifully lit by the enchanting glow of luminaries. At the end of the trail, participants will “gather together” around a flickering campfire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the company of good people.

Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, and the program is open to the public free of charge.

As participants enjoy Crossroads in a different light, we hope they will reflect on their blessings and cherished memories, so we have added a new component to our tradition.

The “Illuminate Your Love” program enables people to honor family, friends, colleagues, or pets for whom they are thankful with a glowing tribute. With a tax-deductible donation of $50 or more, you can light a candle in memory of or in honor of your loved one. Your tribute will glow during this or a future luminary-lit hike. For more information, visit: www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org/become-involved/give.

Traditionally, “harvest” refers to gathering grains—the seeds of domestic plants used for food or future planting. The Saturday Science family program will explore the seeds of native plants—how they become food for wildlife or germinate to create the next generation of plants.

For our Monday Matinee, we will screen A Murder of Crows, and weather permitting, the Environmental Exploration class will cover the basics of fossil hunting outdoors—though fossil hunts inside the Collins Learning Center are fun too.

There’s plenty to be thankful for this time of year, and we at Crossroads are especially grateful to the foundations and donors who support us. Because of their generosity, our trails are open all day, every day, free of charge, and we can offer free programs and activities for learners of all ages.

Upcoming Events

Friday, November 14
5:00–6:30 p.m. – Thankful Luminary-Lit Hike
Stroll the Crossroads trails with friends and family and reflect on what you are grateful for in the enchanting glow of luminaries. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Saturday, November 15
2:00 p.m. – Saturday Science: Seeds
This family program is geared toward elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Weather permitting, this outdoor program will explore how wildflowers and trees disperse their seeds. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, November 17
1:30 p.m. – Movie Matinee: A Murder of Crows
Crows may have a scary reputation, but what may be scariest is how little we know about this intelligent species. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, November 18
2:00 p.m. – Environmental Exploration: Fossils
This after-school program is open to all ages. Learn the basics of fossil identification. Each family will receive a Door County Fossil pamphlet free of charge. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, November 19
1:30 p.m. – Wandering Wednesday
This naturalist-led hike will visit various habitats in the preserve. Easy walking, about an hour. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Northern Door County woke up under their first snow this morning, turning the landscape into a postcard scene while creating a tricky start for anyone heading out for Sunday plans.  Roads in Sister Bay, Ellison Bay, and the higher bluffs near Gills Rock saw the slickest conditions. 

With more lake/bay effect snow predicted for today, local officials urge patience and caution as residents bundle up and prepare for a busy Sunday.  Many families will hit the roads to visit neighbors, head to church, meet for breakfast, or settle in with relatives to watch today’s football games. Sherrif deputies say the message is simple, slow down, and give yourself extra minutes to reach your destination. 

The National Weather Service expects the snow to taper off, though light snow may continue through the afternoon.  Salt trucks plan to make additional passes if needed on county highways and village streets as temperatures remain just cold enough for ice to linger. 

Despite the headaches, many residents said the early winter dusting offered a quiet reminder of the beauty of snowfall in the Door County community.  But also, a reminder of things to come. 

Nestled just off County Road U in Sturgeon Bay, the Shiloh Road Dog Park has quietly become a community favorite for four-legged friends and their human companions alike. The park, located at 1660 Shiloh Road, is a fully fenced facility occupying about four acres, with a one acre area dedicated for small dogs and a three acre section for larger dogs.  The separation of small and large dog areas also supports safety and better use of space. That one reason of many why local regular Linda Salmi heads to the park early, every morning and says is the best start to her and her adorable dog Willow's day.

The dog park was established by the city’s Parks & Recreation department, with the park’s description appearing in the city’s five-year recreation plan.   Over the years, the park has been supported by local volunteer efforts and donations, which helps maintain the grounds and fund improvements such as benches, water access, and lighting.

Local resident and park enthusiast Tilly Hirsch says that while at the park it is more than just exercise. The feeling of community and meeting new park-goers keeps her coming back. Hirsch is part of a daily  Bark Park “crew” that meets every day giving locals the chance to converse on the issues of the day.

With its simple but effective design, strong volunteer support, and growing use, Shiloh Road Dog Park stands as a testament to how a modest community space can yield big benefits, for pets, people, and neighborhoods alike.

Although I have written on the topic of engine braking over the years, it unfortunately remains a source of numerous complaints. I wanted to share some information regarding engine braking, as well as some underlying issues that tend to exacerbate the matter.

Engine braking, or compression braking, is the use of an engine’s compression to slow a vehicle. Typically, we slow our vehicles using standard friction brakes. Some of us who have experience with manual transmissions may slow a vehicle by downshifting, which is a form of compression braking. Even the simple act of letting off the accelerator is a form of engine braking. For the most part, this is not a significant issue. However, in the world of large trucks, engine braking can be a critical tool—both for stopping quickly in an emergency and for reducing pressure on primary brakes when descending a hill.

With heavy trucks, the issue becomes the noise created when back pressure is expelled through the exhaust system. For those living near an intersection or hill, the closest analogy is that of a jackhammer, and it can be a source of irritation—especially when used during early morning hours or when multiple trucks are frequently shuttling products or materials.

Many communities have developed ordinances governing the use of engine braking, which can be a possible solution. Some communities have erected signage warning drivers that engine braking is prohibited, but without enforcement, such signs have limited effectiveness. Even with ordinances, enforcement can be difficult, as there are legitimate instances when an engine brake can and should be used.

Most heavy trucks can engage these systems without issue as long as they have appropriately manufactured exhaust. However, the modification of exhaust systems on heavy trucks—combined with the use of engine braking—is where we seem to have the biggest problems. These modifications are legal as long as the truck is coupled to agricultural equipment. I have spoken numerous times to our state legislators about this, and I hope we can work to correct this oversight.

Aside from efforts to change current laws, this issue might also be improved through education and awareness. Operators of large trucks need to understand the impact this noise has on our community, and residents need to recognize that there are times when this equipment must be used. I am not a big proponent of additional laws, believe it or not, and I am hopeful this issue can be resolved through mutual respect and understanding. However, if we continue to see the needless use of engine braking, an ordinance and subsequent enforcement remain options.

If you witness what you feel is repeated, unnecessary engine braking, please obtain the name on the truck, and I will personally follow up with the owner or operator. Feel free to call my office directly at 388-7177.

Local innovators from both sides of the peninsula will step into the spotlight next week as the Lighthouse Launch Pitch Contest returns, offering entrepreneurs from Door and Kewaunee counties a chance to bring their business dreams one step closer to reality.

The event, hosted by the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation, the Door County Economic Development Corporation, and UW–Madison Extension Kewaunee County, will take place Wednesday, November 12 at 6 p.m. inside the Robert Ray Gallery in Algoma. The contest is part of the broader NEW North regional pitch series, which ultimately sends top competitors on to a regional showdown of emerging startups.

For Door County residents, the contest offers more than just a night of creative ideas. Organizers say the pitch event helps strengthen the local small business pipeline, an essential piece of the area’s economic identity. Tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and the arts all rely heavily on the steady infusion of new entrepreneurs willing to take risks and respond to the region’s evolving needs.

Participants will have four minutes to present their business concept and two minutes to field questions from a panel of local judges. Winners will receive prize funds to help fuel their early stage ventures, support that can make a meaningful difference for small operations competing in a challenging regional economy. Those who advance will move on to the NEW North regional pitch contest, where they’ll have the opportunity to draw even more attention, investment, and mentorship.

For Door County residents, the competition is also a window into the future of local services, products, and job opportunities. Past pitch events have helped launch businesses that now contribute to the year-round economy, something especially vital in a region where seasonal swings can make sustaining a business difficult. Whether it’s a new food product, a tourism-focused service, a technology idea, or a creative arts venture, organizers say these concepts have the potential to shape the county’s economic landscape for years to come.

Residents interested in learning more or attending can contact the Door County Economic Development Corporation at devin@doorcountybusiness.com, or reach out to Patrick Nehring with UW–Madison Extension Kewaunee County at patrick.nehring@wisc.edu.

You may find it tough to fly out of Green Bay in the near future if the government shutdown is not resolved. The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Thursday 40 “high-volume markets” where it is reducing flights by 10 percent beginning Friday.

The cutbacks are tied to the shutdown, which has left air traffic controllers without pay since October 1. According to Atlanta News First and Gray News, thousands of flights will likely be canceled or delayed as a result of the reductions, and the impact on the FAA could last for days or even weeks after the government shutdown is lifted.

Among the airports on the list are Chicago O’Hare Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport—major connection points that Green Bay’s Austin Straubel Airport relies on to get local passengers to their destinations. Airport Director Marty Piette says the direct impact on their operations is still unknown, but he expects some travel plans may have to change.

International travel could also take a hit, as four of the world’s ten busiest airports are in the United States and all are affected by the FAA’s airspace reductions.

For Door County Partnership for Children and Families Community Connector Rebecca Paulsen, helping you and other parents get the support you need means walking a mile in her shoes. Since the program was launched a decade ago, the Door County Partnership for Children and Families has helped hundreds of families get connected to everything from parenting tips, educational books, and infant supplies. Some of Paulsen’s greatest moments on the job have come from connecting area youth with educational opportunities and helping families get their children the support they need. Paulsen says a lot of her knowledge comes from being a struggling parent herself once upon time and her willingness to walk with parents that are a lot like she was on their own journey.

The Door County Partnership for Children and Families is an internal program of the United Way of Door County which relies on funding from the organization’s Annual Campaign to push their work further into the community. 

Wisconsin FoodShare members will see their full November benefits restored after a federal court late Wednesday ordered the release of billions in available SNAP funding that had been withheld during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Within hours of the ruling, it was announced that Governor Tony Evers had moved immediately to implement the order and process full payments for nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites.

The  federal government shutdown had states suspending food assistance payments, leaving hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin families, including nearly 270,000 children, without access to essential groceries when state FoodShare funding ran dry on November 1. The lapse forced families to scramble as the shutdown stretched into its 37th day, the longest in U.S. history.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, full November FoodShare benefits were expected to begin appearing on member accounts overnight, barring any vendor processing issues or further federal action.

Gov. Evers sharply criticized the federal delay, calling the situation avoidable. The governor noted that the state had joined a lawsuit last week seeking to force federal officials to release existing SNAP funds. While a previous court order required partial payments by November 5, the federal government failed to comply, prompting Wednesday’s more sweeping mandate for full benefits.  Evers emphasized that while the ruling provides immediate relief, it does not solve the underlying crisis. Evers is urging congressional Republicans to work across the aisle to end the shutdown.

On Friday, the governor also signed Executive Order #278, declaring a state of emergency to protect families from price gouging and ensure access to essential resources amid the prolonged shutdown.

Residents in need of additional support are encouraged to contact 211 for local food resources and assistance. DHS also urges FoodShare and Medicaid members to keep their contact information updated through ACCESS.wi.gov.  WIC benefits remain available for November, and Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus coverage continues uninterrupted.

As federal lawmakers remain locked in negotiations over stalled FoodShare and nutrition assistance benefits, one Door County church is quietly stepping in to help fill the gap. “Dinner with Friends,” a monthly community meal hosted by a local congregation, returns on Saturday, November 8, offering hot food, fellowship, and a sense of stability during an increasingly uncertain time for many families.

The free dinner, open to all, runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bayview Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay and will offer chicken Parmesan, baked apples, carrot sticks, and cookies this round. Delivery is available from 4 to 5 p.m. (notice is required), with dine-in service offered from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Carry-out is also an option. Organizers ask those needing delivery to call or text 920-256-5704, 1 week prior to reserve meals and provide their name, number of meals needed, and address.

While the event has long been a staple of the community, typically held monthly except for the summer break in June, July, and August, organizers say the need feels especially urgent this fall. With the federal government still stalled on approving extensions for key food-assistance programs, area families and seniors have reported growing anxiety about rising grocery costs and shrinking benefits. According to county officials, FoodShare delays tend to hit rural areas hardest, where wages are seasonal, transportation is limited, and food prices are often higher than in larger cities.

That’s where events like “Dinner with Friends” become more than just a social gathering. For some residents, it is a much-needed bridge between paychecks, an accessible meal for seniors on fixed incomes, or simply a chance to stretch household budgets while waiting for benefits to resume.

The event is staff is all volunteers from inside and outside of the congregation, even the delivery drivers.  Organizers say donations are paramount to help sustain future meals, but no one is ever turned away.

For more information, visit the Bayview Lutheran Church Facebook Page

More than 400 residents of Door and surrounding counties crowded into the Door County Gala Event Space and onto ZOOM in Sturgeon Bay Wednesday morning for a rare public hearing on the proposed expansion of Gilbert Farms into a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO). The event, organized by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), offered a mix of opposition and support for the farm's expansion.

Many speakers voiced concerns about key issues, including drinking water safety, foul odors, and the suitability of the land itself. One speaker who lives near the site warned that there are a lot of residents within three to five miles of the farm, and predominantly they’re on well water. The region's thin soils and Karst geology repeatedly came up as opponents argued that the area is especially vulnerable to manure seepage and contamination of groundwater. Local business owners and a family veterinarian spoke at the event, not entirely aligning with the opposition. Some argued that the farm is a long-standing community employer and that expansion may provide economic support, though these voices still raised caveats about oversight and environmental protections.

The Gilbert family themselves addressed the crowd, saying their roots in the area date back more than a century and made an impassioned plea for loyalty and trust. They described the farm as a multi-generation family enterprise, not a large industrial operation, adding that the expansion is needed to remain viable in the modern dairy economy. They also pledged to maintain transparency, to work with DNR approved engineers and to upgrade manure storage and liner systems. Despite the tone of cooperation, many in attendance were unconvinced.

A 62-year-old Algoma man had to be transported to Door County Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon following a collision with a deer in Sturgeon Bay. According to the accident report, the man was driving north on State Highway 42 near Utah Street at 12:30 p.m. when he encountered the deer crossing the street. He told the responding deputy that he tried braking but he was unable to do so in time. Due to a broken windshield from the crash, the man suffered small cuts on his face. After telling emergency personnel he was ok, the man was taken to Door County Medical Center for further treatment and his van was towed away and the deer was removed.  The number of car-deer accidents usually increases in October and November as deer become more active due to hunting, shorter daylight hours, and the fall breeding season. That is certainly true in Door County where 128 of the 418 reported car vs. deer accidents took place during those two months in 2024 according to the Door County Sheriff’s Department Annual Report.

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is reaching out to the community to help with a massive influx of intakes, especially cats this past weekend.  WHS took in over 120 cats and kittens in the recent days across all their locations, including an unexpected 47 cats from a single home to the WHS Milwaukee campus.  

The most recent bumper crop of surrenders has created a myriad of challenges for the WHS, with space and funding emerging as the most pressing concerns. Some branches have had to set up emergency housing, even repurposing employee offices just to accommodate the growing number of felines. The unexpected volume strains not only physical space but also the organization’s financial and staffing resources, highlighting the urgent need for foster homes, adoptions, community volunteers, and donations to ensure the animals receive proper care. 

A simple online application and a brief orientation video is all it takes to get the ball (of yarn) rolling to become a WHS volunteer.  Adoption is just as easy as the WHS has many foster friendly adoption perks.  All adult cat adoption fees are “name your own fee”, and kittens have buddy pricing as well, adopt two kittens at once and get 50% off the second fee. 

Adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccines, microchip, certificate for a free exam, free starter bag of food, 30 days of pet insurance, discounts from local businesses, and 10% off your purchase in the WHS retail store.  Adoptions are completed same-day on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please visit the WHS website or for,

Available animals near you

Monetary donations 

Supply Donations   

Supplies may also be dropped off at any WHS location

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that the annual Chinook salmon spawning run in the Door County region is proceeding on schedule and showing strong signs for the future of Lake Michigan’s fishery.

According to a recent DNR update, adult salmon are returning in large numbers to tributaries for egg collection. The Strawberry Creek Chinook Facility in Sturgeon Bay serves as the state’s primary site for collecting and fertilizing eggs used to restock Lake Michigan each year.

Jacob Steckmesser, a fisheries technician with the Wisconsin DNR, said this year’s run has been both timely and plentiful.  “The fish have been abundant and coming in by the truckload,” he said, noting that the 2025 run actually arrived slightly ahead of schedule.  For years, the DNR has partnered with local groups to ensure that salmon harvested during the spawning process do not go to waste.  Steckmesser said more than 8,000 pounds of salmon have already been donated this fall to local food pantries.

This year, those donations carry extra weight as the potential federal government shutdown threatens FoodShare, Wisconsin’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Without federal funding, local agencies anticipate a surge in food insecurity across the region.  The Door County Food Pantry Coalition reports that roughly 11,000 pounds of salmon were processed and distributed to pantries across the county this year, providing valuable protein to families who rely on food assistance.

Officials say the collaboration between the DNR, Baileys Harbor Fish Company, and local pantries demonstrates how natural resource management can support both ecological sustainability and community well-being.  As communities prepare for possible disruptions in benefits, the salmon donation initiative provides a timely local buffer. For residents in need of assistance, the coalition urges welcoming support, and for anglers, it serves as a reminder that each fillet carries implications beyond sport.

Even if you have to allocate your funds to put food on your table, the Door County YMCA is keeping its doors open for you. The organization announced this week that it will work with SNAP recipients who are facing additional financial stress due to the government shutdown. Americans on FoodShare received some relief on Monday when the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced they would receive half of their allotted SNAP benefits despite the shutdown.

Door County YMCA’s Amy Gamble says it is just another way the organization shows that it offers membership-for-all.

If you believe you qualify for reduced membership rates, Gamble encourages you to speak with a representative at the Door County YMCA in Fish Creek or Sturgeon Bay during your next visit.

You can listen to the full Y Wednesday interview here

Your opportunity to weigh in on the expansion of a Door County dairy farm is coming up on Wednesday.

The proposed expansion of Gilbert Farms in Sturgeon Bay would increase the herd from approximately 1,443 animal units to 2,430 by 2026, which is a 68% increase. The expansion requires the farm to file a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to detail its wastewater and manure management strategies.

Community members have expressed concerns about the impact on the county's wells and groundwater, particularly given the region's sensitive geology. Gilbert Farms stated that it began the permit process to adhere to a higher standard for all waterways and is working with a DNR approved engineer to upgrade its manure facility. The farm has made some changes to its plan based on community requests, such as lining the manure pit with concrete and clay. The farm has stated that it will not be implementing requests for a methane digester or a wastewater treatment facility, as it believes these are not economically viable and may not significantly reduce odor.

The DNR is holding its public hearing for Gilbert Farms' application in person on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Door County Gala in Sturgeon Bay. The meeting is also available on ZOOM.  

The DNR is reviewing the permit application and will consider the public comments before making a final decision

Ensuring your neighbors have a place to go while they search for more permanent housing is the goal of a new project that officially began on Tuesday. Door County Medical Center is collaborating with the Interfaith Coalition for Housing and Door County Habitat for Humanity to create a transitional home complex for a family experiencing housing instability.

The groups will work together to transform an old medical clinic into transitional housing that will also host services designed to help families get back on their feet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a correlation between housing instability and several health-related issues, including increased chronic illness, higher stress and anxiety, and reduced access to care.

Financial support for the initiative is provided by DCMC, grant funding, and member churches of ICH-SB, including HOPE Church, Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church, Bay View Lutheran Church, Christ the King Holy Nativity, and Hainesville Lutheran Church.  Interfaith Coalition for Housing Vice President Greta Meleen says the new facility will address a need that is often found in rural areas like Door County.

Door County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Lori Allen believes the project will keep volunteers engaged and showcase the organization’s abilities beyond its homebuilding projects.

“This project reflects DCMC’s deep commitment to improving the overall health and well-being of our community,” said Brian Stephens, CEO of Door County Medical Center. “By partnering with ICH-SB and Habitat for Humanity to provide safe, supportive housing for families in transition, we are helping build a stronger foundation for long-term stability, health, and hope.” The first family could move in as soon as this spring.

The United States government is just days away from setting a record it does not want to reach. Tuesday marked the 35th day of the government shutdown, tying it with the 2018–2019 shutdown for the longest in U.S. history. Americans on FoodShare received some relief on Monday when the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced they would receive half of their allotted SNAP benefits despite the shutdown.

The Trump Administration has been able to make payroll for the country’s military twice during the shutdown, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS last month that it may not be able to do so again if the shutdown stretches to November 15th.

As has been the case since the shutdown began, the biggest sticking point is health care. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin wanted Congress to address the expiring health care tax breaks ahead of November 1st, the date the Affordable Care Act marketplace opened.

“The stories I am hearing from Wisconsinites are simply devastating: small business owners having to fire staff, parents figuring out what activity they can’t afford for their kids next year, and families simply not sure they can afford health care at all,” Baldwin said in a statement. “These are the families I have been fighting for. The clock is up. Donald Trump and Republicans need to join me and act now to avert a health care crisis for the 22 million Americans who are about to experience some serious sticker shock on November 1st.”

During his tele-town hall on Monday, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson continued to point the finger at Democrats, accusing them of allowing the tax breaks to expire and refusing to pass a clean resolution to reopen the government. He also criticized both parties for using shutdowns to increase spending and push problems further down the road.

The U.S. Senate was scheduled to vote on the continuing resolution on Tuesday. President Donald Trump is urging the Senate to abandon the filibuster rule to end the shutdown, but The Hill reports that such a move is unlikely.

When you call Matt Murphy with a question about city business, you’ll have to specify which city you mean. Last month, the City of Kewaunee approved a five-year agreement with the City of Algoma to share administrative personnel, making Murphy the city administrator and Jamie Jackson the deputy clerk/treasurer for both communities. Murphy says Kewaunee Mayor Jeff Vollenweider proposed the idea as the city went through several staffing changes and both communities looked for ways to cut costs. The move is expected to save the City of Kewaunee approximately $400,000 and provide residents with services at city hall five days a week in the near future. The agreement requires Murphy and Jackson to split their time between Algoma and Kewaunee. Murphy believes it will be a great move for both cities and could serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.

At the same meeting where they approved the intergovernmental agreement, the City of Kewaunee hired Patty Schreiber as its new clerk/treasurer. Both communities are in the early stages of significant projects, with Algoma beginning construction of a new fire station and Kewaunee looking at modernizing its marina.

The Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department is urging you to think twice before lighting a fire until further notice. The department issued a limited burn ban Tuesday morning, even as the fire danger level in Door County and the surrounding area dipped from high to moderate. All current burn permits are suspended, and no new permits will be issued until further notice.

This means no outdoor burning, with the exception of campfires and cooking fires that are attended at all times—though even those are being discouraged unless absolutely necessary. It has been a week since an ATV caught fire near Gardner Swamp, igniting 70 acres of land and prompting a response from nearly 20 departments in four counties.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will take on several major items during its regular Tuesday evening meeting this week. Part of the meeting will include a public hearing on the city budget. According to the agenda packet, the city did not include final tax rate calculations because it had not yet received the Notice of State School Levy Tax Credit or the Tax Increment Calculation from the state.

The proposed budget includes motions to:

• Increase the General Fund Contingency line item by $110,000 and offset that increase by raising the appropriated general fund balance by the same amount, ensuring the city remains compliant with the state’s Expenditure Restraint Program.
• Update the 2026 budgeted and tax increment numbers and transfers for TID #2 through TID #10.
• Adopt the budget and a tax levy of $8,832,205.

Before the budget’s introduction last month, Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward predicted residents would have more questions due to the reassessments occurring across the city in recent weeks.

You can find the full budget for review at the link provided. The council will also consider changes to Big Hill Park, where mountain biking trails are being expanded. Part of the recommendation includes leaving four brush piles in place to improve habitat for local wildlife.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will also discuss the annexation of property in the Town of Nasewaupee and a development agreement with Cobblestone Hotels when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.

While your family may have been visiting Door County for a few years—or even a decade or two—the organization behind the area’s tourism efforts has been doing it for well over a century. Last week, Destination Door County’s annual meeting celebrated 100 years of leadership in the tourism industry, with more than 160 business leaders from across the peninsula in attendance.

Although it was their 100th annual meeting, Destination Door County has existed in some form since 1891. Tourism in the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” certainly looks different than it did 10 years ago, let alone more than 100 years ago. Destination Door County Chief Communications Officer Jon Jarosh hopes residents and visitors alike appreciate the efforts local businesses have made to transform the area into “Vacationland” for millions of people every year.

In 2024, total economic activity increased 5.1 percent over 2023. Direct spending reached $523.2 million, with an additional $128 million generated through indirect and induced impacts. Jarosh noted in June that thanks to $53.3 million in state and local tax contributions, households effectively offset approximately $3,700 in taxes. The visitor economy also supported more than 3,500 local jobs, contributing a record $124.3 million in labor income to Door County workers.

For many of your neighbors, something is better than nothing when it comes to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. The Trump Administration announced Monday that current, eligible FoodShare recipients will receive about half of their usual monthly allotment. Originally, all funding was supposed to be cut off on November 1. However, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that two federal court filings ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release $5.25 billion in SNAP benefits to provide at least partial payments.

The decision impacts approximately 700,000 FoodShare recipients in Wisconsin. On Halloween, President Donald Trump said he did not want the country’s 42 million SNAP recipients to go hungry and that officials were looking into alternative ways to distribute the funding. That same day, Governor Tony Evers issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency related to the ongoing government shutdown. The order would require legislative leaders to approve appropriations from state funds to support federal programs—something Senate President Mary Felzkowski told Milwaukee-based WISN she does not expect to happen.

The U.S. government has been shut down since October 1, affecting approximately 900,000 federal workers. If it is not resolved by later this week, it will become the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

You can play the role of Santa Claus in your community as toy drives launch in both Door and Kewaunee counties. Just over a week after the Door County Toys for Kids program opened its registration period, Kewaunee County Toys for Tots began its own sign-up window on Monday.

Aimed at children 12 and under, Kewaunee County families can register for the program through the Kewaunee County Public Health Department now through December 17. Last year, Kewaunee County Toys for Tots assisted 103 local families, providing toys to 213 children in the community. Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski is thankful that more than 30 area businesses step up each year to help ensure local families have a very Merry Christmas.

Joski says boxes will be picked up from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Center in Green Bay and delivered to area businesses in the coming weeks. The boxes will then be collected just a few days before the distribution event at Holy Rosary Catholic Parish on December 20. You can find sign-up information below.

Last week’s wildfire in the Town of Gardner was a reminder that, under current conditions, even the slightest spark can start a blaze. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the fire danger level is rated “high” for nearly two-thirds of the state, including Door and Kewaunee counties. Around 20 counties in the northwest part of the state are rated at the “moderate” level.

Fire danger has climbed due to low humidity, high winds, and a lack of adequate precipitation. The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement through 5 p.m. Monday, urging residents to exercise extra caution when using campfires, outdoor grills, smoking materials, chain saws, and all-terrain vehicles—each of which can throw a spark and ignite a fire.

Last week, an ATV that caught fire near the Gardner Swamp ignited roughly 70 acres of land, triggering a response from nearly 20 departments in four counties. Some departments returned the next day to address smoldering debris that required additional attention.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed into law a bipartisan bill creating a statewide ban on cellphone use in public school classrooms. The new law, 2025 Wisconsin Act 42, requires school boards to adopt policies prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices, including cellphones, during school hours by July 1st of next year.

While the governor expressed reservations about the measure, Evers said his decision ultimately came down to what he believes is best for Wisconsin’s children.  “It has always been my belief that decisions like this should be made at the local level,” Evers said. “Nevertheless, my promise to the people of Wisconsin is to always do what’s best for our kids… and that obligation weighs heavily on me.”

Under the law, school-issued devices are exempt, and districts may allow cellphone use in emergencies, for health needs, or for approved educational purposes.

State Representative Joel Kitchens, author of the original bill, has been lobbying for the bill to pass since its introduction earlier this year.  The State Assembly passed the bill in February and then by the Senate last month.  Kitchens has also previously stated that while national talking points are nice, he says local districts have also thrown their support behind the effort.

https://doorcountydailynews.com/news/811515/kitchens-hopeful-for-governor-s-signature-on-school-cell-phone-ban

A Wisconsin Policy Forum report found most districts already restrict phone use, but the new law sets a uniform statewide standard.  Research from the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health and national studies suggest phone bans improve student focus, reduce psychological distress, and foster stronger peer connections.

The League of Women Voters of Door County (LWV) is making it easier for residents to prepare for next year’s elections with in-person voter registration assistance this fall. Volunteers from the League will be available at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, located at 914 N. 14th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, on November 6 and December 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to verify their registration status, particularly if they’ve recently moved, changed their name, or are new to Wisconsin. Keeping voter information current is essential, especially for those planning to vote early or by mail in 2026. Proof of a current address is required when making updates or registering.

League representatives remind voters that the upcoming election season begins with local, nonpartisan contests. The Spring Election on April 7, 2026, will feature races for municipal, school board, and county board positions, roles that directly influence decisions affecting daily life in Door County. If necessary, a Primary Election will be held in February. 

Mary Ann O’Dowd, a member of the leadership team at LWV says it is paramount to ensure that you are registered, have up to date information, and be engaged locally to make an impact.  O’Dowd also says that there are resources available through LWV to those in need of assistance when it comes to voting or registering to vote.

The League of Women Voters of Door County is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to encouraging informed and active participation in government. It promotes understanding of major public policy issues through education and advocacy.

More information about the League’s voter services and educational efforts can be found at www.lwvdoorcounty.org

Seasons change. Weather changes. And styles of ceramics change. So at Crossroads, we are thrilled to welcome guest speaker Jennifer Stevens, a member of the Oneida Nation, who will present a program titled “Oneida Pottery” on Thursday, November 10, at 6:30 PM.

Across all three Crossroads preserves, we have discovered small fragments of ancient pots and jars. These artifacts are now curated at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. I once asked some of the UW–M archaeologists why these tiny shards were so important.

They explained that pottery can serve as a kind of historical document. Every design, texture, and shape reveals something about the people who made and used it. Because different cultural groups developed distinctive pottery styles, archaeologists can often identify the time frame and ancestry of the people who lived—or more likely, camped seasonally—at Crossroads long ago.

The researchers added that ceramic styles changed thousands of years ago just as they do today. They compared ancient pots to the tableware currently in use. That metaphor resonated with me as I recently unearthed a few stoneware dishes I purchased in the 1970s. They matched my avocado-green appliances and burnt-orange accent wall. (What was I thinking?)

Pottery designs also reflect the tools and materials used to create them. When I asked for specifics, the archaeologists admitted there is still much to learn. Fortunately, we met Jennifer Stevens, who has done extensive research on traditional Oneida pottery. She has replicated many of the ancient tools and techniques, creating beautiful modern works deeply rooted in her ancestors’ traditions.

In her Crossroads program, this nationally recognized potter and cultural educator will discuss the history and significance of Oneida pottery and display examples of both historical and contemporary work.

Her November 10 program is free, but reservations are required and space is limited. To reserve your spot, visit www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org or call 920-746-5895.

Seasons and winds change even faster than styles. This week, our Science Saturday Family Program will explore the famous “Winds of November,” while our Environmental Exploration will feature a hunt for late-season mushrooms that appear after a cold snap.

We’ve changed our clocks and the weather is changing, but whatever the season, nature provides endless inspiration—so come visit us. Our trails are open all day, every day, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our donors.

Friday, November 7

1:00 PM — Premiere: THE FISH THIEF: A Great Lakes Mystery
Learn about sea lamprey and the mystery behind how and why the fish most prized by people nearly disappeared. This presentation is free and open to the public, but reservations are required and space is limited. Visit www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org or call 920-746-5895 to reserve a seat. Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, November 10

6:30 PM — Oneida Pottery with Jennifer Stevens
Oneida Nation member Jennifer Stevens will explain the tools and techniques employed by her ancestors. This presentation is free and open to the public, but reservations are required and space is limited. Visit www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org or call 920-746-5895 to reserve a seat.

Tuesday, November 11

3:30 PM — Environmental Exploration: Mushrooms
Moisture and a drop in temperature often stimulate fungus to fruit. Geared for elementary students but open to learners of all ages, this mushroom hunt will be outdoors, weather permitting. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, November 12

1:30 PM — Wandering Wednesday
Join the naturalist on a guided hike through the trails of Crossroads. Free and open to all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

This past week, we went on a road trip to visit our youngest son at Hillsdale College in Michigan. Our travels gave us the opportunity to once again experience the thrill that is Chicago traffic. Of the many driving styles and unique moments that such dense traffic produces, I thought I would focus on my personal favorite: following too closely.

First, let’s establish the statutory language on this issue. State Statute 346.14(1), “Auto Following Too Closely,” covers this behavior. It states: “The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.” The fine for this offense is over $200 and carries a four-point assessment on your license.

While the statute does not give a specific following distance for passenger vehicles, it does state that trucks with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more must maintain a following distance of 500 feet.

So the question is: What is too close? This depends on the speed of both vehicles as well as road and weather conditions. In a city or village at low speeds, the distance may be less than when traveling on rural roads where speeds are higher. The primary concern relates to those rural roads and highways. For these, it is prudent to keep a distance of approximately 300 feet between your vehicle and the one you are following. Why 300 feet? It is roughly the distance between utility poles along many roads, making it an easy way to gauge your space at any given moment.

The reason following too closely is a concern is that it shows disregard for your safety as well as the safety of those you are following. Consider the reaction time needed when a deer or other object suddenly appears in your lane. You can imagine the results when that reaction time is eliminated due to tailgating. While the vehicle ahead of you may be able to see, process, and respond, all you will have time to do is cause an accident—one that could injure not only you but your passengers and other motorists.

Many drivers think that if they “hug” the vehicle in front of them, it will somehow force that driver to speed up. I can assure you that is not the case. Following too closely is a form of nonverbal communication that does nothing more than create a dangerous environment and signal to the driver ahead that you are being rude and inconsiderate.

You can avoid the need to follow too closely by planning ahead and leaving plenty of time for your travels. This is especially important as we transition into the winter season—not only because road conditions become less forgiving, but also because those conditions can change at a moment’s notice. A temperature shift of just a few degrees can be the difference between stopping and sliding.

If you are the victim of an inconsiderate driver following too closely, feel free to call law enforcement. Often, these impatient drivers follow up their tailgating with a passing maneuver, which provides a great opportunity to get their license plate number and allow us to “educate” them. If you are able to call law enforcement safely and are willing to give a statement, it will allow us to elevate that educational experience through a citation.

For those keeping track, our current year-to-date car-deer accidents stand at 259. At this time last year, the total was 184. That’s quite an increase, so stay vigilant!