You are about a week away from learning who the next Miss Door County, Miss Door County Teen and Miss Cherryland will be at the Southern Door Auditorium.

As part of the sold-out event, the Miss Door County Scholarship Organization will award more than $20,000 in college scholarships to eight Miss Door County candidates, five Miss Cherryland candidates and 13 Miss Door County Teen candidates.

Earlier this month, Executive Director Susan Fochs credited the current titleholders — Miss Door County Faith Blackley, Miss Door County Teen Elise Jackson and Miss Cherryland Hannah Mertens — with generating increased interest in the program, which now stretches beyond the peninsula’s borders.

The three new titleholders will move on to take part in the Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin’s Teen competitions, which will be held June 17-20, 2026, in New Berlin.

While tickets are sold out for Saturday’s event, you can still attend the dress rehearsal Friday for $10.

You can read more about the candidates for the three titles below.

The Miss Door County 2026 contestants include:

Ashlynn Paulsen

School: Sturgeon Bay High School

Intended Major: Musical Theater 

Talent: Vocal - "You'll Never Walk Alone" from the musical Carousel

Community Service Initiative: You’re Story Isn’t Over: Suicide Prevention and Awareness

Sponsor: NEW Radio

Ophelia Linnan

School: University of Wisconsin – Madison

Major: International Studies, Spanish, Pre-Law

Talent: Argentinian Tango - "Libertango"

Community Service Initiative: WISE-Up About Rural Education

Sponsor: Stone Harbor Resort

Amolia Jefferson 

School: Fox Valley Technical College

Major: Culinary Arts

Talent: Cake Decorating - "Let's Groove"

Community Service Initiative: Lead, Read, Succeed: Inspiring Kids to Enjoy and Excel in Reading

Sponsor: Sunrise Food & Drinks

Kaylee Griep

School: University of Wisconsin - Madison

Major: Journalism, Mass Communication, Criminal Justice, Pre-Law

Talent: Original Monologue – “A Woman's Objection”

Community Service Initiative: Behind the Headlines: Bringing Clarity to Our Communities

Sponsor: May’s Sport Center 

Ellie Engerson

School: Northern Michigan University

Major: Music Education

Talent: Vocal - "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra

Community Service Initiative: Music for a Brighter Tomorrow

Sponsor: Kings Appliance

Micaela Boucher

School: University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Major: Business Administration with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Minor in Organizational Leadership

Talent: Vocal - "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables

Community Service Initiative: POTS Strong: Reclaiming Lives Through Strength & Advocacy

Sponsor: Steel Belly BBQ Food Truck

Abbigail Reseburg

School: Bryant & Stratton College

Major: Early Childhood Education

Talent: Sign Language to "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey

Community Service Initiative: Secure Steps, Happy Hearts: Child Health & Safety

Sponsor: Holy Rosary Childcare in Kewaunee and Rosebud Consulting 

Brynleigh Ash 

School: Gibraltar High School

Intended Major: International Business

Talent: Lyrical Dance: “Cuckoo Ballet Interlude” by Laufey

Community Service Initiative: The Palette Project: Empowerment through the Arts

Sponsor: Door County Nature Works

The Miss Cherryland 2026 contestants include:

Olivia Heuer

School: University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Major: Accounting

Talent: Dance - "Let's Get Loud"

Community Service Initiative: Teachers Matter: Connecting Students, Families, and Educators

Sponsor: The Spot by Jacoby

Hailey Plantico

School: University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Major: Finance 

Talent: Speed Painting - "Crying at the Disco Tech"

Community Service Initiative: The Courage to Ask

Sponsor: Mad Baker Sweets

Kayla Dufresne

School: University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point 

Major: Sports Media and Sports Management 

Talent: Vocal - "Hallelujah"

Community Service Initiative: Fur-ever Friends

Sponsor: Keith's Hair Center & Voga Wigs

Paige Nikodem

School: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Major: Sociology, Criminology, and Justice

Talent: Baton Twirling - "Feeling Good"

Community Service Initiative: Stronger than Substance: Engage, Educate, Empower

Sponsor: Elite Auto Works

Brittany LaCourt

School: Wisconsin Lutheran College

Major: Special Education

Talent: Flute - "Beauty and the Beast"

Community Service Initiative: Girl Power: Empowering Teenage Girls Through Life’s Toughest Moments

Sponsor: AOT Yoga

This record-breaking class of Miss Door County’s Teen 2026 contestants include:

Skyler Kopkey

School: Luxemburg Casco High School

Talent: Vocal - "Alto's Lament"

Community Service Initiative: Disability Not Invisibility; Advocating for Inclusion

Sponsor: CP Center

Teagan Williams

School: Southern Door High School

Talent: Vocal and Marimba - "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman

Community Service Initiative: Building Bookworms: Turning Pages, Shaping Minds

Sponsor: T. Simon Jewelers

Mia Weborg

School: Gibraltar High School

Talent: Contemporary Ballet - "Never Forget You"

Community Service Initiative: Beyond a Grade

Sponsor: Seaquist Orchard Farm Market

Halyn Rasmusson

School: Gibraltar High School

Talent: Vocal - "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus

Community Service Initiative: Helping Paws

Sponsor: DC Chocolate Design

Anna Dalke

School: Gibraltar High School

Talent: Wrestling Demonstration - "Rise on the Mat"

Community Service Initiative: Undercover Wheel: The Importance of Safety Awareness on the Road

Sponsor: Pasta Vino and Michele's Open Door $5 Jewelry Store

Katja Nelson-Newman

School: Gibraltar High School

Talent: Vocal + Guitar - "Ladies" by Andy Grammer

Community Service Initiative: Headspace (Teen Edition)

Sponsor: Door Guide Publishing

Shelby Kelsey

School: Sevastopol High School

Talent: HERStory

Community Service Initiative: K.E.L.S.E.Y - Kids Experiencing Life Shifts - Empowering Youth

Sponsor: JF Construction

Amelia Van Boxtel

School: Gibraltar High School

Talent: Vocal - "Reflection" from Mulan

Community Service Initiative: "Welcome Home" Initiative

Sponsor: The Liberty Lodge at Sister Bay

Faith Lemke

School: Sturgeon Bay High School

Talent: Vocal - “Beautiful Things"

Community Service Initiative: A Home For Every Heart - Helping Shelter Animals Find Loving Homes

Sponsor: DC Life Tech

Roxy Draz

School: Southern Door High School

Talent: Ballet - "Snow"

Community Service Initiative: Women in STEM

Sponsor: Smile Designs of Door County and DENN Door County

Karissa Denil

School: Southern Door High School

Talent: Monologue - "When the Dust Settles"

Community Service Initiative: Happy Tails Project

Sponsor: JD AG Services

Mia Glocke

School: Gibraltar High School

Talent: Trumpet - Concerto in E Flat Major

Community Service Initiative: Mind Over Pressure: Prioritizing Mental Health in Schools

Sponsor: Sister Bay Suds and Juaregui’s Summer Kitchen

Skya Scrimgeour

School: Southern Door High School

Talent: Flute - "She's Always a Woman" by Billy Joel

Community Service Initiative: More Than a Body: Combating Eating Disorders and Loving the Skin You're In

Sponsor: Soren's Val Halla Orchards

The Women’s Fund of Door County has awarded a $30,000 Health Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Door County to support a new proactive mental health initiative for local youth.

The grant will fund the Club’s program, “Strong Minds, Strong Futures: Proactive Mental Health Support for Door County Youth”, which focuses on building emotional wellness skills and youth leadership rather than responding only after challenges arise.

“Typically we offer grants twice per year, the Women’s Fund had decided to do this proactive grant specifically for new and unique programs, such as this one,” said Kristen Jeanquart, board member of the Women’s Fund of Door County.

Jeanquart said the Boys & Girls Club proposal stood out during the selection process. “We were blown away by the Boys and Girls Club’s proposal for their ‘Strong Minds, Strong Futures’ program,” she said.

Boy’s and Girl’s Club Members already receive emotional wellness programming and individualized support, but Strong Minds, Strong Futures adds a proactive, dual approach. Youth will first participate in age-appropriate, research-backed social-emotional learning curriculum focused on emotional regulation and conflict resolution. Teen members will then apply those skills by designing and carrying out a health advocacy project within the community.

Jeanquart said the leadership component was especially compelling. “Seeing these young women (and men) taking on leadership roles in the community is awesome,” she said.

The Strong Minds, Strong Futures program will run through the 2026 calendar year and may be eligible for additional funding in 2027. Jeanquart says the initiative has the potential to strengthen not only individual well-being, but the broader Door County community as well.

Groundhog Day will be marked with a mix of quirky tradition and educational programming across Door County this week.

In northern Door County, the annual Groundhog Day Parade returns to downtown Ellison Bay on Monday, February 2. The parade begins at 4 p.m., a later start time this year, and will step off from The Vault Door County on Highway 42. Known for its “Inclement Weather Marching Band,” the event invites participants to dress in costume, bring noise-makers and embrace whatever winter conditions arrive. The parade winds through downtown before festivities continue near the Mink River Basin, continuing a long-standing and lighthearted community tradition.

Groundhog Day-themed events are also taking place at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay as part of its Science Saturday and weekly programming. On Saturday, January 31 at 2 p.m., families can learn about groundhog hibernation habits and how shadows relate to the sun and seasons. Additional programs include an after-school environmental exploration focused on bubbles Tuesday afternoon and a naturalist-led hike through Big Creek Preserve on Wednesday.

Observed annually on February 2, Groundhog Day has roots in seasonal folklore and history, even as modern celebrations often blend education, humor and community gathering.

Surrounded by friends, family, and brothers and sisters in emergency services, the watch of former Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht ended Friday in Ellison Bay.

The community celebrated Hecht’s life during the funeral led by the Rev. Joanne Skidmore inside the sanctuary of Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church.

Firefighters from fire departments across the county lined the walls of the sanctuary, standing alongside other emergency personnel. Others who could not find a seat sat in a side room watching the service on a projector.

Following hymns, prayers and readings from community members, Hecht’s longtime friend took the pulpit to eulogize him, calling it a humbling opportunity and a nearly impossible task to summarize his life.

“Chris cared about people — he sincerely cared about people — and he would ask, ‘How are things going?’ It wasn’t just a blank gesture,” Swain said. “It was from the heart, and you could tell he was truly interested. And because of this, we all found ourselves talking to him about anything.”

Hecht’s successor, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Michael Goldstone, shared his own memories of his longtime friend, bringing some laughter into an otherwise sullen occasion.

He challenged those in attendance to do as Hecht would have by doing what Door County does best.

“It’s a phrase that captured Chris’ love of the county and of the people within it,” Goldstone said. “We help alleviate the loss of Chris by honoring it in a way that he would have loved. Let us continue to support each other. Let us stand together and help those in need around us.”

Hecht’s family was presented with an American flag and two fire helmets before he received his final page, and his fellow fire chiefs escorted him out of the sanctuary.

A procession of emergency vehicles followed the service. Some in attendance went to the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Station on Mill Road to share stories of Hecht, while others followed the procession as it continued throughout the peninsula.

The celebration of life came more than a week after Hecht died from complications stemming from a ruptured brain aneurysm last spring.

Three people arrested on drug charges earlier this month will be back in court in early February.

Sturgeon Bay’s Mark Anton Wilkerson, Danville, Illinois’ Kejauna Shavelt Bonner, and Chicago’s Virgil C. Young were in court earlier this week after being charged with crimes related to a coordinated operation carried out Jan. 21.

The Door County Sheriff’s Office, Sturgeon Bay Police Department and the Door County SWAT Team executed two residential search warrants and a high-risk traffic stop aimed at taking suspects into custody.

Authorities said the investigation resulted in the seizure of about 125.6 grams of cocaine. Officials indicated additional arrests and charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Charges connected to the case include unauthorized use of an individual’s personal information or documents, theft by fraud, delivery of cocaine greater than 40 grams, possession with intent to deliver cocaine greater than 40 grams, conspiracy to deliver cocaine, possession with intent to deliver THC, possession of an electric weapon, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.

Wilkerson and Young will be back in Door County Circuit Court on Thursday, while Bonner is due back Feb. 10.

According to the Door County Advocate, charges were also requested by the Door County Sheriff’s Department against three other people arrested in the operation, with potentially more arrests expected.

Former Denver police officer Randy Wagner is the latest candidate vying for voters’ support in November in the race to become the next Door County sheriff.

Wagner joins Door County sheriff’s Deputy Curt Vandertie and Professional Standards Capt. Carl Waterstreet as candidates, and is the first to come from outside the department.

Wagner retired to Door County in 2021 after more than 25 years in law enforcement, including 21 years with the Denver Police Department.

He had been a frequent visitor to northeast Wisconsin before moving to the area because of his love for fishing. Wagner and his wife both grew up in small towns and wanted the same experience for their children.

In recent years, Wagner said he has become concerned by incidents he has seen and heard about locally, including one near Target last summer. Rather than “sit idly by,” Wagner said he hopes to bring an outside perspective to the sheriff’s office.

Wagner admitted he thought his law enforcement career was over when he retired in 2021, but he now works part time for the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

The field is still waiting to hear whether current Sheriff Tammy Sternard will seek another term. The 32-year veteran of the department posted on social media this week that she is strongly considering a third term and appreciates the support of those urging her to run again.

Ten years after three owners of some of Kewaunee County’s largest farms acknowledged their role in the area’s water pollution issues, dozens of farmers are still working to follow through on their promise to help provide solutions.

In March 2016, Dairy Dreams owner Don Niles, Kinnard Farms owner Lee Kinnard and Pagel’s Ponderosa owner John Pagel told Green Bay Press-Gazette reporter Adam Rodewald they believed the agricultural industry was in the best position to address contamination problems that large-scale farming had played a role in causing.

“The mindset of more and more farmers in Kewaunee County is we believe agriculture has played a role in this problem,” Niles said at the time. “It only makes sense. We are the larger producer of nitrates. We have to have played a role in it.”

Months later, with Niles at the helm, Peninsula Pride Farms was formed, bringing together large, midsized and small farms, along with agriculture-focused businesses.

In the decade since, farmers have explored new ways to farm their land while prioritizing soil and water conservation. It is a legacy Peninsula Pride Farms President Duane Ducat says he is proud to continue as a farmer himself.

Dr. Larry Roth of Agrarian Solutions, Barry Fisher of Fisher Soil Health, and representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Conservation Service will be among the speakers at Tuesday’s annual meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. for Peninsula Pride Farms members and 10 a.m. for the general public at Lambeau Field.

The Algoma Common Council will become whole again Monday when it decides between three candidates for the seat vacated by Dawn Kidd in District 4.

Lee Dachelet, Jake Maring and Jamie Stangel all submitted letters of interest for the open seat on the council. Dachelet and Maring are both former District 4 alderpersons, with Maring falling just short against Kidd in the last election.

Alderperson Scott Meverden expressed support for Maring in correspondence to City Administrator Matt Murphy before knowing Stangel was a candidate. While he believes Dachelet and Maring would make good alderpersons, Meverden wrote that Maring should be chosen because “he ran and earned votes for the vacant spot,” adding that his opinion would be the same if Dachelet had been the one who ran.

“If we were talking about a different alder/mayor position with different names, my opinion would remain the same,” he wrote.

The council will also look to approve a final plat for Mary Min Acres, an E-Plan building plan review contract, and a quote from Algoma Utilities for a primary extension to the site of the new fire station when it meets Monday at 5 p.m.

The Green Bay Gamblers will take the ice at the Resch Center this Saturday, January 31, against the Dubuque Fighting Saints. While a midseason matchup against an Iowa opponent might seem routine to some fans, the game carries special meaning for children across Northeast Wisconsin.

Saturday’s contest marks the Gamblers’ annual Teddy Bear Toss, a long-running tradition that turns a night of hockey into a community-wide act of generosity. “This year will be our 27th annual Teddy Bear Toss,” said Gamblers President Jeff Mitchell.

The tradition began decades ago in Canada and has since spread across North America. In Hershey, Pennsylvania, fans set a world record last January by tossing more than 45,000 stuffed animals onto the ice during a single game. Green Bay has embraced the concept in its own way, growing the event year after year.

“The first year we had about 400 teddy bears, and it’s grown in mass since then,” Mitchell said.

Each winter, fans are encouraged to bring new stuffed animals to the game and toss them onto the ice following the Gamblers’ first goal. The toys are collected and distributed to children and families in need throughout the region.

“The best thing about the teddy bear toss is that those stuffed animals and teddy bears go to kids in pediatric wards at Aurora BayCare and other organizations and charities in Northeast Wisconsin that focus on those families,” Mitchell said.

Over the years, Gamblers fans have donated more than 25,000 stuffed animals, making the Teddy Bear Toss one of the organization’s most impactful community initiatives. Players, coaches, and staff say the event is a powerful reminder that hockey’s reach extends far beyond the rink.

While Saturday night’s game will matter in the standings, the greater victory will come when the ice is covered in bears, dogs, and other plush toys, each one symbolizing compassion, generosity, and community spirit.

As the crowd waits for that first goal horn, they’ll also be celebrating a tradition driven by heart, and the simple comfort of a new friend for a child in need.

Door County residents will have two upcoming opportunities to weigh in on how they travel throughout the peninsula.

Door County Trails is hosting open houses in Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek next month as the organization continues its tour around the county. The group has been attending local government meetings to gauge support and gather ideas for its strategic plan.

Door County Trails has brought on urban planner Sophia Parr to help guide the process. Parr previously led a Green Fund-supported trail planning effort through the Door County Community Foundation.

Parr said Door County Trails has received more than 1,000 survey submissions from the community, adding that the feedback helps shape planning efforts and conversations with local governments about establishing a countywide multiuse trail network.

The trail planning open houses are scheduled for Feb. 5 at the Sturgeon Bay Library from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gibraltar Old Town Hall in Fish Creek.

A presentation will be followed by an informal, interactive session where attendees can view maps, ask questions and share feedback with Door County Trails representatives.

The field to replace current Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski has grown to three candidates.

Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department Lt. of Operations Eric Zellner announced his candidacy for sheriff after 28 years with the department, serving in several roles along the way.

Zellner worked his way up through the ranks, starting as a part-time jailer and dispatcher before taking on other positions, including SWAT team member, patrol deputy, field training officer, evidence room manager and drug investigator.

Zellner said his experience has allowed him to work with people across different departments, agencies and organizations. Those interactions have convinced him that becoming sheriff is the next step in his career.

Zellner joins Kewaunee Police School Resource Officer Scott Szydel and Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department patrol deputy Kevin Schmidt as candidates for the office.

Door County’s race for sheriff also became more crowded this week, with retired Denver Police Department officer Randy Wagner joining sheriff’s deputy Curt Vandertie and Professional Standards Capt. Carl Waterstreet as candidates.

Door County Sheriff Tammy Sternard has not yet decided whether she will seek a third term.

Big crowds are expected Thursday and Friday in Ellison Bay, where visitation and funeral services will be held for former Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht.

Celebrations of life for Hecht come more than a week after he died from complications stemming from a ruptured brain aneurysm. He suffered the aneurysm while attending a fire conference in Indianapolis last spring.

Services will take place at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.

The Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department released additional details about parking for those attending. Due to the large crowds expected, parking will be available in the church lot and across the street at the Liberty Grove Historical Society.

Because of cold temperatures, shuttle buses will transport attendees across the street to the church.

Area fire departments will also participate in a procession to honor Hecht’s service to the community, which included 33 years with the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department.

Participating departments are encouraged to line up apparatus on Humbug Road, entering from Highway 42 directly north of the church entrance. Additional apparatus may line up on Hanson Drive as overflow.

More details about the visitation and funeral service are available below.

President Donald Trump’s endorsement of U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany for Wisconsin governor has ended Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann’s bid for the state’s top office.

Schoemann officially dropped out of the race Wednesday after Trump said Tiffany “has always been at my side” and “will fight to advance common-sense values, and put Wisconsin and America first.”

Schoemann congratulated Tiffany and his supporters for securing Trump’s backing before exiting the race.

“If we focus on the people of Wisconsin rather than fighting with one another, we can make Wisconsin the place to be, not just be from,” Schoemann said.

Tiffany thanked Schoemann, saying they are united in that vision. He said he will ensure that “Wisconsinites can afford to stay here by lowering property taxes, cutting red tape, and delivering honest government and strong schools.”

According to PBS Wisconsin, Tiffany could still face a challenge from 26-year-old Andy Manske, though Tiffany holds a significant fundraising advantage.

While the Republican nomination appears clear-cut, Democrats are still jockeying for position in their primary.

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, state Rep. Francesca Hong, former state economic development director Missy Hughes, and former Evers aide Joel Brennan are among the contenders for the Democratic nomination.

Candidates are touring the state to garner support. Crowley had an event in Door County postponed last weekend due to extreme cold, and Rodriguez will meet with supporters at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 15.

Before you lace up and head out the door, you might want to take another look at the shoes you’re wearing. Improper, worn-out or ill-fitting shoes are linked to a variety of ailments, ranging from ingrown toenails and blisters to plantar fasciitis and stress fractures.

Podiatrist Dr. Chris Dietzman says it’s fairly simple: Wearing the wrong type of shoe for an activity or shoes that are the wrong size can lead to problems.

Dietzman adds there are several things people should consider when buying a pair of shoes.

He also encourages people not to hesitate to ask questions if they have concerns about their feet, noting those issues could lead to other problems down the road.

You can listen to the full conversation between Dietzman and Door County Media Group’s Bryan Mazur on the Door County Medical Center Community Connections podcast.

Some contractors working in Door and Kewaunee counties are seeing faster turnaround times for commercial building projects as more municipalities adopt E-Plan Exam, a private electronic plan review service partnered with communities across Wisconsin.

In the Town of Sevastopol, local officials recently met to consider the program and took formal steps toward implementation. The goal is to modernize and streamline plan review while maintaining local oversight. "The Board had some additional questions. We will bring this item back next month with more clarification."  Said Sevastopol Treasurer Amy Flok

E-Plan Exam provides outsourced electronic reviews for commercial building plans, including structural, HVAC, plumbing, fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems. These are reviews that would otherwise be sent to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). By handling the reviews electronically on behalf of DSPS, E-Plan Exam helps streamline approvals and reduce delays that can stall construction schedules.

For contractors, the benefit is speed and predictability. Plans are submitted digitally, reviewed by registered engineers and returned with comments more quickly than through the traditional state review process. This can shave weeks off approval timelines, particularly for larger or more complex commercial projects.

Brett Guilette, owner of Inspection Specialist, LLC, Northeast Wisconsin says “The State is so far behind and their plan reviews would take eight to twelve weeks at times.” He added, “The way it works now, is that we still have to get the municipalities certified by the State of Wisconsin. I can do plan reviews only up to a certain size. This company can do plan reviews for all building sizes.” The addition of E-Plan Exam can now be used by companies like Guilette’s to outsource out the plan review. “Basically they’re a contractor, or sub-contractor that we can use.”

Many Wisconsin communities, large and small, already use the E-Plan Exam, including Green Bay, Manitowoc, Kenosha and Wisconsin Dells. In Door County, municipalities such as Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay are among those that have adopted E-Plan Exam review tools. Guilette prosed optimistically, “If they want to take over these small towns we take care of, it would be great and would just speed up the process of plan reviews.”

*Edited 01/29/26

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is urging residents in Door and Kewaunee counties to take extra precautions against identity theft as tax season gets underway.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the DOR are highlighting Identity Theft Awareness Week with reminders that personal information is especially vulnerable between January and April, when scammers often attempt to file fraudulent tax returns using stolen Social Security numbers.

Tax-related identity theft usually goes unnoticed until the victim is alerted by the IRS about unreported income or multiple tax filings and errors. While no one can eliminate the risk entirely, several steps can significantly reduce your exposure.

Door County Treasurer Ryan Schley says “A general rule of thumb is to never give your sensitive information to anyone contacting you that you do not know.” Schley encourages you to safeguard sensitive information by verifying all correspondence with tax-related or personal information exchanges. “If you’re expecting someone to be reaching out to you, make sure they are actually the person or organization you’re supposed to be dealing with.”  Schley added. 

He also recommends avoiding storage of Social Security numbers or financial documents on phones or computers unless absolutely necessary and old documents containing personal details should be destroyed.

Schley also says you can also place a free security freeze on credit reports with multiple credit score online resources available to prevent new accounts from being opened. Fraud alerts are another option, requiring extra steps to verify identity.

Taxpayers can also sign up for Identity Protection PINs through both the IRS and the DOR to add an extra layer of protection when filing returns.

The Door County YMCA has announced plans for its annual Community Breakfast, set for Thursday, February 12, at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. The event is designed to bring together members, supporters, and community partners to reflect on the YMCA’s mission and its impact across Door County.

A light breakfast will be served beginning at 7:30 a.m., followed by a speaker presentation at 8 a.m. Attendees will hear from several individuals closely connected to the YMCA, including Sarah Gavin, Sturgeon Bay YMCA’s Healthy Living Coordinator; longtime board member Steve Abrahamson; and youth board member Lauren Meacham. Each speaker will share personal stories and perspectives highlighting the YMCA’s history, programs, and role in the community.

YMCA Marketing and Events Director Makayla Thoma said the theme of this year’s breakfast is “Rooted in Community,” a phrase that reflects the organization’s core mission. Thoma noted that “the event provides an opportunity to talk about what we’ve been doing this past year, what we have coming up, and what we have to offer the community.”

Mission Advancement Executive Brett Cleveland added that “part of the Community Breakfast is when we kickoff for the YMCA’s annual donation campaign.” He said “we really want to bang the drum in the community and let people know what the Y can offer.”  The event is an important moment to rally community support and emphasize how charitable contributions help expand access to programs.

The event is free but prior registration is required.  Any party size, within reason, is accepted.  You can register on the Door County YMCA website, in person, or by calling either YMCA campus.

Brett and Makayla also remind YMCA members and families that Winter 1 programs are wrapping up later this month. Winter 2 program guides will debut online on Wednesday,  February 4th.  With registraion for classes opening on  February 16 and February 18, offering new opportunities for youth, families, and adults to stay active and engaged through the remainder of the winter season.

More information about the Community Breakfast and other YMCA updates can be found on this week’s full Y-Wednesday podcast with Adam Collins.

The Griffon String Quartet, a year-round professional classical ensemble based in northeastern Wisconsin, continues to be a vibrant arts presence throughout Door County, blending high-caliber performances with meaningful educational outreach. Founded in 2018, the Quartet performs regularly across the region and works with students through the interactive Einstein Series, bringing live classical music and instruments directly into classrooms.

Allyson Fleck, Executive Director and Assistant Artistic Director of Midsummer’s Music, emphasized the Quartet’s mission. “We go into schools and not only perform, but also introduce students to music and instruments of all different types,” Fleck said. “Through education programs like the Einstein Series, we help young people connect with classical music in meaningful ways that extend into the classroom.”

The Quartet’s impact reaches both seasoned concertgoers and new audiences alike. In addition to school visits and outreach performances, the Griffon String Quartet will present a free community concert series in spring 2026, featuring masterworks by Haydn, Tailleferre, and Schulhoff. Concerts are scheduled for March 7 at 5:00 p.m. at Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay, March 8 at 3:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Green Bay, and March 9 at 3:00 p.m. at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor. Admission to all performances is free, with donations gratefully accepted.

Fleck noted that while the program relies on donor support, the Quartet is committed to keeping these concerts accessible. “We’re thrilled to offer these performances at no cost, the quartet loves to play.” she said. “Donations are welcome, but not required. We simply want people to come and enjoy the music.”

Through exceptional artistry and community engagement, the Griffon String Quartet continues to expand cultural access and enrich lives across the peninsula.

The U.S. Coast Guard is urging ice fishers and recreational users on the bays of Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay to use extreme caution as icebreaking operations continue in waters surrounding Door County.

The Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, stationed at the Coast Guard station in Sturgeon Bay, began its second year of icebreaking missions on the Bay in early January. The cutter clears routes for commercial boats as ice forms across Lake Michigan and its connected waterways during the winter season.

Icebreaking can dramatically weaken ice well beyond the immediate path of the vessel, creating unpredictable and dangerous conditions. Ice fishers and others brave enough to navigate the frozen waters are advised to maintain a safe distance from icebreaking boats and to steer clear of areas where ice has recently been broken.

“Our top priority is the safety of everyone on the ice,” said Capt. Rhianna Macon in a press release, commander of Sector Lake Michigan. “We urge all ice fishermen to remain vigilant and stay clear of areas where icebreaking operations are underway.”

The Cutter Mobile Bay is a part of the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking effort. The operation is designed to keep commercial shipping lanes open throughout the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, the St. Mary’s River, the Straits of Mackinac, and Georgian Bay.

This winter marks the second consecutive season the Mobile Bay has been assigned to icebreaking duties in the bay of Green Bay. In addition to icebreaking, the cutter’s missions include maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations across the northern Great Lakes.

Anyone needing assistance or wishing to report an emergency is asked to contact Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan on VHF Channel 16 or by phone at 414-747-7182.

Depending on where you live, you could cast a ballot for Kevin Schmidt in two different elections this year.

Schmidt announced his candidacy for Kewaunee County sheriff Monday, following Kewaunee Police School Resource Officer Scott Szydel into the race after Sheriff Matt Joski recently announced his retirement. On Tuesday, Lt. Eric Zellner, who is the Lieutenant of Operations for the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department, announced his candidacy for the position.

Schmidt recently celebrated his 25th anniversary with the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department, but his service to the community goes beyond that. He followed in his father Wayne’s footsteps, serving nearly 30 years with the Algoma Fire and Rescue Department and close to 20 years on the Algoma Common Council.

Schmidt says becoming sheriff has been a dream of his and believes his experience will serve him well in the role.

Schmidt will be unopposed in April, when his name appears on the ballot for Algoma Common Council, but will have at least Szydel and Zellner as an opponent this fall,

In Door County, Sheriff’s Deputy Curt Vandertie and Professional Standards Capt. Carl Waterstreet have announced their candidacy for sheriff.

Emergency personnel were dispatched to the 9000 block of County Road F for a reported structure fire. The Door County Mutual Aid Box Alarm System was activated upon arrival due to heavy black smoke. The fire was located in the building’s walk-out basement, where firefighters encountered limited visibility, a high fire load and obstructed access as they worked to contain the blaze.

Gibraltar Fire Chief Andy Bertges says subzero wind chills made Monday’s battle even more difficult.

Although the basement sustained significant damage, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the upper level of the building, which is a separate rental unit. Bertges says that while fire took place near a wood stove, the evidence could not point to it as the cause of the fire.

Agencies providing assistance included the Ephraim Firefighters Association; Baileys Harbor Fire and Rescue; Egg Harbor Fire Department; Sturgeon Bay Fire Department; Door County EMS; Gibraltar Police Department; the Door County Sheriff’s Office; the Town of Gibraltar Maintenance Department; the Door County Highway Department; Wisconsin Public Service; the Door County Communication Center; and the Door County MABAS Incident Support Team.

If you thought raising more than $937,000 was tough, United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle says some of the organization’s hardest work is yet to come.

The United Way wrapped up its 2025 annual campaign earlier this month, raising its second-highest total in history at $937,969.33. That figure trails only the 2024 campaign total of $942,686.14.

Kohnle said she is proud of the work the organization accomplished, both in raising funds to support dozens of programs and nonprofits across the county and in educating the public about its mission. However, the campaign’s $1.2 million goal was based on funding requests from those nonprofit organizations and programs.

As a result, Kohnle said the next step is to meet with some community partners to explain that allocations may need to be adjusted.

Despite fundraising efforts being concentrated in the final four months of the year, Kohnle said donations to United Way of Door County are accepted year-round, whenever the giving spirit strikes.

One of your favorite former Door County servers will see her journey to stardom continue after earning three yes votes from American Idol judges Monday. Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood all gave their approval to Genevieve Heyward, who cut her teeth on the Door County music scene before moving to Nashville.

Heyward clinched her spot with a rendition of Heart’s “Magic Man,” accompanied by guitar, drawing a standing ovation from former Idol winner Underwood.

Her love for pickles took center stage during her segment, with supporters wearing T-shirts featuring her holding a pickle and Heyward answering questions about the food from the judges and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

Richie and Bryan challenged Heyward to take her voice to the next level when the show transitions to Hollywood Week in Nashville beginning Feb. 23.

American Idol airs Mondays at 7 p.m. on ABC.

A familiar face to residents of the Kewaunee School District has entered the race for Kewaunee County Sheriff.

Scott Szydel announced his candidacy on Friday, just days after Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski announced his intention to retire at the end of his current term. Szydel has more than 25 years of public service experience, having served with the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department, the Kewaunee Police Department, the Kewaunee County SWAT Team, the Kewaunee Fire Department, and Kewaunee Rescue.

Szydel currently serves as the school resource officer at Kewaunee High School, a role he says has allowed him to bring his experience from the field into the classroom. He believes that background will help him be an effective leader of the men and women of the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department.

Szydel was the first person to announce his candidacy for the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s race. On Monday, Kewaunee County Sheriff's Patrol Deputy Kevin Schmidt announced that he would run for Kewaunee County Sheriff. We will have our story with Schmidt air tomorrow.

Earlier this month, Curt Vandertie and Carl Waterstreet announced their intentions to run for Door County Sheriff. 

Road construction season may still be months away, but the City of Sturgeon Bay is already preparing for a busy year of street improvements across the community.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council, meeting Jan. 6 as the Board of Public Works, approved moving ahead with bid preparations for a slate of capital roadway projects planned for 2026. In total, 17 street improvement projects are included, covering nearly three miles of city roads.

Senior Engineering Technician Brian Spetz outlined the proposal, noting the city has budgeted $1,783,000 for the work, while the total estimated project cost stands at approximately $1,810,130.

“We have a five-year plan written into the city ordinance,” Spetz said. “The plan is re-approved every year, and in this current five-year plan, 2026 is year one.”

Spetz said the final scope of the projects will depend largely on how construction bids come in later this year. “Three street project bids are already scheduled to open on February 9,” he said.

He pointed to last year as an example of how favorable bids can stretch city dollars further. Competitive pricing allowed Sturgeon Bay to add extra work, including repaving at the busy intersection of Egg Harbor Road and additional improvements along Memorial Drive.

Spetz says maintaining safe, reliable streets remains a top priority as Sturgeon Bay works to balance long-term infrastructure needs with responsible financial planning.

 “If bids come in higher than expected, adjustments may be made to the project list to stay within budget”, said Spetz. Officials remain hopeful that most, if not all, of the planned work can move forward this construction season.

Two of the state’s top young farmers call northeastern Wisconsin home, with the highest honor staying in the local area.

Sturgeon Bay’s Tyler Baudhuin was named the Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer on Saturday during a special ceremony in Weston. Perry and Cassandra Baeten of New Franken were named first runners-up. Other nominees included Luke and Ashley Lisowe of Malone; Alissa and Travis Murray of Omro; Derrick and Miranda Nelson of Eau Claire; and Ryan and Megan White of Reedsburg.

Baudhuin has helped his father grow Baudhuin Farms to include milking approximately 200 cows, raising Angus beef cattle, and farming more than 900 tillable acres. Prior to the awards ceremony, Baudhuin said he was grateful for the opportunity to work alongside his father and to show his three daughters and stepson the pride he takes in his work.

Destination Door County (DDC) has announced that President and CEO Julie Gilbert will be stepping down from her position. Gilbert will remain in her role in the coming weeks to support a smooth leadership transition.

Since joining DDC in 2021, Gilbert has guided the organization through a period of notable growth, strengthening its position as a leader in destination marketing while deepening partnerships throughout the community. She is relocating out of state and plans to continue working in the tourism industry.

“Julie’s leadership has had a lasting impact on Destination Door County and the community we serve,” said Jeff Lutsey, Chair of the DDC Board of Directors. “She helped transform the organization, strengthening our work in destination stewardship and collaboration. We are grateful for her continued involvement during this transition and for the strong foundation she leaves behind.”

The Board emphasized that DDC’s mission and strategic priorities remain steady. Leaders say the organization’s continued success is rooted in the dedication of its staff, partners, and community stakeholders.

To ensure continuity, the Board has appointed Jon Jarosh, DDC’s current Chief Communications Officer, as Interim CEO beginning February 9. Jarosh has been with the organization for many years and brings extensive institutional knowledge and leadership experience.

“Jon is a respected and passionate leader who understands both our organization and our community,” Lutsey said. “The Board is confident in his ability to guide DDC during this transition.”

The Board has launched a comprehensive search for the organization’s next CEO. In the meantime, DDC’s programs, initiatives, and daily operations will continue without interruption.

Veteran law enforcement officer Carl Waterstreet has announced his candidacy for Door County Sheriff, highlighting nearly three decades of experience and a career focused on protecting children, supporting victims, and strengthening professional standards in policing.

Waterstreet began his career in 1998 as a reserve deputy with the Door County Sheriff’s Office before serving with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He then spent 15 years with the Sturgeon Bay Police Department, where he rose to the rank of sergeant, supervised patrol shifts, and worked as an investigator.

“I’ve been blessed with an amazing career,” Waterstreet said. “I got heavily involved in the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, and that’s where I found my passion.”

He later joined the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation as a special agent, specializing in human trafficking and child exploitation cases.  Waterstreet helped develop Wisconsin’s first statewide Human Trafficking Task Force and participated in large-scale, multi-agency operations tied to national events. He also served on a Child Abduction Response Team, assisting with AMBER Alert investigations.

In 2021, Waterstreet returned to the Door County Sheriff’s Office as its first Professional Standards Captain. In that role, he oversees training, policy development, and internal investigations, while also providing oversight of both the Jail and Field Services divisions.

Waterstreet was instrumental in the passage of Wisconsin’s Kelsey Smith Act, which requires wireless providers to quickly share a missing person’s device location with law enforcement during emergencies, helping speed the search for endangered children.

“I am approaching the later part of my career, and it has always been a goal of mine to become sheriff where I started, in the community where I grew up,” Waterstreet said. “To bring my knowledge and experience back to Door County and help lead the department into the next decade is my passion. I believe it’s time to take that next step.”

The Sevastopol Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni are continuing preparations for one of Door County’s most anticipated summer traditions, announcing plans and a new host location for the 2026 Sevastopol FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast.

The annual fundraiser will take place Saturday, July 5, at Lazy J Dairy in Brussels. The Sevastopol FFA Alumni expressed appreciation to the Jeanquart family for opening their farm and helping make the special event possible, noting a shared goal of growing the breakfast and welcoming increased participation from local farmers. Additional event details will be released in the coming months.

Planning for the 2026 Dairy Breakfast officially began with the organization’s first meeting on September 29. The breakfast is traditionally held in early July and often takes place on the first Sunday of the month, though it occasionally moves to Saturday to accommodate holiday schedules.

The Dairy Breakfast is known for its all-you-can-eat menu, featuring pancakes served with local maple syrup, scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, Door County coffee, fruit juices, and ice cream. Beyond the meal, the event offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including live music, carriage rides, petting zoos, scavenger hunts, and guided farm tours.

Each year, the breakfast rotates among area farms to highlight different agricultural operations. Recent host locations include Wilke R Organic Farm in 2025, Country View Dairy Farm in 2024, and Cherryland Dairy in earlier years.

The Dairy Breakfast remains the Sevastopol FFA’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local scholarships and community initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Kewaunee County Dairy Promotion has not yet announced a host site for its upcoming dairy breakfast, after Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy stepped aside as a host last fall.

As debate over the development of AI data centers continues across the state, Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson is not completely ruling out the possibility of one eventually being built in the county.

Kewaunee County made statewide headlines this week when Wisconsin Watch chronicled Cloverleaf Infrastructure’s attempt to build an AI data center in the Town of Carlton, linking the proposal to the potential revival of the Kewaunee Power Station.

Port Washington in Ozaukee County and Greenleaf in Brown County have also drawn attention for similar proposals, including commentary from comedian Charlie Berens.

Earlier this week, the Wisconsin State Assembly voted largely along party lines to advance a bill that would require AI data centers to operate under closed-loop cooling systems to limit water withdrawals from lakes and streams. The legislation would also require the Public Service Commission to ensure utility customers do not bear the costs in their energy bills.

Olson said it is important to separate fact from fiction surrounding AI data centers, adding that such projects could provide an economic boost to the county if done correctly.

Olson said the county’s role is to support local townships in their decisions to pursue or reject AI data center development within their jurisdictions.

Despite being turned away by Carlton and other communities, Cloverleaf Infrastructure has said it remains hopeful it can build a facility somewhere in northeast Wisconsin.

What began as a way to get men on layover from ship work out of the house 90 years ago has grown into a Sturgeon Bay tradition enjoyed by the community.

Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church is hosting its 90th annual Lumberjack Supper on Wednesday, with dozens of volunteers handling everything from peeling potatoes and setting up tables to serving corned beef and handing out pie.

David Ward is among the volunteers from the church’s Men’s Club, which began meeting last fall to plan the event. He said this year is special not only because of the 90-year milestone, but also because of the fellowship that goes into making it happen.

Tickets for the Lumberjack Supper are $20 for guests ages 12 and older and $5 for children ages 6 to 11. All money raised goes back into the church and the mission projects it supports throughout the year.

This week, we will celebrate Groundhog Day at Crossroads as part of our Science Saturday program. But why do we celebrate a rodent and its shadow on February 2?

“Groundhog Day,” observed on February 2, is a secular holiday that has become synonymous with tedious repetition, thanks in part to a movie of the same name. Its origins, however, are rooted in history and tradition.

Groundhog Day traces back to a Christian feast day. According to tradition, 40 days after the birth of a son, and in accordance with Jewish law as written in Leviticus, a mother would go to the Temple for ritual purification. Once the early church chose to celebrate Christmas in December, it established the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary 40 days later, on February 2.

By around the year 450, this religious holiday—still observed in many parts of the world—had come to include candlelit processions. As the tradition spread through Europe, church leaders noticed that February 2 fell exactly midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, two light-related celestial events already significant in many cultures. The observance became known as Candlemas.

Over time, folk traditions attached themselves to Candlemas. In Germany, a superstition arose that if a badger—or perhaps a hedgehog—saw its shadow on that day, it would retreat back into its burrow for six more weeks of winter. When German immigrants arrived in North America, they found that hedgehogs and European badgers were scarce, but groundhogs were plentiful. Gradually, Candlemas evolved into Groundhog Day and shed its religious associations.

Groundhogs do hibernate, and while they may partially awaken in early February, they do not pop out of holes to offer weather predictions. During hibernation, body functions are so reduced that normal sleep brain waves are absent. Yet sleep is essential, so groundhogs experience what scientists call periodic arousal—brief awakenings that allow them to catch up on sleep before drifting back into hibernation, all without leaving their burrows.

Groundhogs won’t be seeing their shadows this time of year, but participants in our Science Saturday program will explore shadow-related activities while learning about groundhogs and their winter adaptations.

The next day, the after-school program, held at 3:30 p.m., will help kids explore the fascinating science of bubbles.

Last chance to submit! Our photo contest submissions will close at the end of the month, but follow our Facebook page starting on Groundhog Day to help select the winner.

Shadows may still be long, but we are now halfway to the spring equinox. Enjoy winter while it lasts—perhaps by taking advantage of our Ski-for-Free program—but be sure to check the ticker on the Crossroads website for open hours and current trail conditions.

Saturday, Jan. 31
2 p.m. Groundhogs and Shadows
Learn about the sleep habits of groundhogs and explore what shadows can tell us about the sun and seasons. This weekly family program is designed for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, Feb. 3
3:30 p.m. Environmental Exploration: Bubbles
Videos and hands-on activities will help kids understand some of the science of bubbles. This after-school program is geared toward elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, Feb. 4
1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike to interesting areas of the Big Creek Preserve. Easy walking; approximately one hour. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

The Sister Bay Historical Society (SBHS) has been nominated for a 2026 Governor’s Tourism Award in the Arts, Culture & Heritage category, an honor that recognizes organizations making a significant impact on Wisconsin’s tourism landscape while preserving the state’s cultural legacy.

Presented annually by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the Governor’s Tourism Awards celebrate individuals, organizations and destinations that strengthen communities, drive economic impact and enhance visitor experiences throughout the state. The Arts, Culture & Heritage Award specifically highlights efforts that bring history and culture to life in ways that support tourism and local vitality.

SBHS was nominated for its long-standing commitment to preserving Sister Bay’s heritage and presenting it through engaging, hands-on experiences that appeal to both residents and visitors.

One of the organizations most notable initiatives, Christkindlmarkt Door County, transforms the museum grounds into a European-style holiday market each winter, drawing visitors from across the region. The event features traditional foods, artisan goods, music and seasonal celebrations, encouraging extended stays and increased local spending.

“Five years ago, we had no idea it would be as successful as it is, not only for us, but for the hospitality industry, but also to extend the tourism season.” said John Lijewski, Board President of the Sister Bay Historical Society.

SBHS also maintains extensive archives and digital collections, including Sister Bay Stories, an oral history project preserving personal narratives and community memories for future generations.

“This nomination is because of of our volunteers and community supporters,” President Lijewski said. “It’s been so great.  To even be considered for the honor coming up in March, we’re thrilled.”

The nomination places the Sister Bay Historical Society among the state’s leading cultural organizations, highlighting its role in celebrating heritage while supporting tourism and economic well-being in Door County.

After years of planning and strong community support, construction on the Bradley Jordan Memorial Community Gymnasium at Washington Island Schools is set to begin early this spring.

Excavation for the new facility could start as soon as mid-March, weather permitting and dependent on the thawing of frozen ground. An informational meeting for families and staff is scheduled for early March to outline construction logistics and how school operations will adapt during the build. A formal groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place in April.

“We have a community use agreement in place,” said Timothy W. Verboomen, Washington Island Schools District Administrator. “This gym was not built just for the students in our school. It was built for the entire island, as a place for wellness, recreation, and community gatherings well into the future.”

The gym will be attached to the east end of the school, providing students with safe indoor access for physical education classes and indoor recess. Designed as a true community space, the facility will feature an indoor walking track and areas for pickle ball and volleyball, with use protocols being developed to ensure broad accessibility.

For island athletics, the gym represents a major milestone. It will include a regulation-size basketball court, permanent spectator seating, and a lobby and concessions area. The new facility will also allow Washington Island to host the Great Lakes Islands Basketball Tournament, with the community scheduled to host the event in December 2027.

“That’s the big one,” Verboomen said. “Many in the community would love to host the tournament this year, but 2027 will be our year.”

Construction funding has been secured through the Bradley Jordan Foundation and a $2.5 million matching gift from anonymous donors. While the building itself is fully funded, additional fundraising continues to outfit the gym with equipment, sound systems, and long-term maintenance resources.

“The box has been built,” Verboomen added. “Now we just have to fill it.”

When it comes to scheduling activities for your family to do, the Door County YMCA wants you to grab your calendar.

Becky Brown, Fine Arts Director at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA, said winter programs are transitioning as Winter 1 sessions wrap up and Winter 2 programs begin next month. A number of spring activities are also being planned, including a teen dance and the YMCA’s third annual art show.

The teen dance, open to students in grades six through nine, is expected to take place in April, with a date to be announced. Brown said the event is designed to bring together students from different schools to build friendships and connections.

“The YMCA is bringing kids from different schools together to form relationships they might not otherwise have the opportunity to make,” Brown said.

The third annual YMCA art show is scheduled for May. “Keep an eye out for dates and come see what your children’s artwork has to offer,” Brown added.

Additional programming is also on the way at the Kane Center YMCA in Fish Creek, including youth soccer, youth pickleball, swimming, art, and STEM classes. The YMCA is also exploring homeschool class offerings as part of its Winter 2 programming, which begins in February.

More information on programs and events is available on the Door County YMCA website and through the organization’s weekly Y-Wednesday podcast.

The Greater Green Bay Chamber announced nominees for its 2026 Golden Apple Awards on Jan. 9, recognizing outstanding educators across the region for excellence in professionalism, leadership and innovation. Among those honored are two educators whose impact reaches classrooms serving students in Door and Kewaunee counties, reflecting the strong educational ties across the peninsula.

Baylee Simonar, of St. Mary’s School in Luxemburg, was recognized for her dedication to fostering academic growth and character development in a faith-based learning environment. Simonar is known for creating an inclusive classroom culture that supports student confidence, curiosity and lifelong learning.

Also honored is Emily Krueger of Algoma Elementary School, whose innovative teaching practices and commitment to student-centered learning have made a lasting impression on her school community. Colleagues and families alike praise her ability to inspire young learners while adapting instruction to meet diverse needs.

The Golden Apple Awards program annually highlights high-quality educators in Greater Green Bay while increasing awareness of the importance of strong schools to the region’s future.

This year’s Educators of Distinction will be formally recognized during a celebration on April 22, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., at the Oneida Casino Hotel, Green Bay. Doors open at 5 p.m., followed by a cocktail hour, dinner at 6:15 p.m., and awards presentations from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Formal attire is encouraged.

A popular land conservation program that has helped preserve some of Door County’s most beloved places received a potential lifeline Thursday, though with new restrictions.

The Wisconsin State Assembly passed legislation largely along partisan lines that would keep the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program running through 2028. The program would look different than it has in years past, a shift that has drawn criticism from Democrats.

State Rep. Joel Kitchens said the focus would shift toward maintaining land already protected rather than purchasing additional property. He acknowledged there may be no county that has benefited more from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program than Door County, thanks in part to organizations such as the Door County Land Trust.

However, Kitchens said the program has not been as beneficial for other counties, requiring lawmakers to take a closer look at how it can better serve communities across the state.

According to Wisconsin Public Radio, about $28 million per year would be allocated to fund the program, down from $33 million.

The program was established in 1989 by then-Gov. Tommy Thompson and named in honor of former Govs. Warren Knowles, a Republican, and Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat, both of whom championed environmental causes during their time in office.

The bill now moves to the state Senate.

United Way of Door County’s Molly Gary says area child care providers could benefit from a state program announced last week by Gov. Tony Evers. The Get Kids Ready program will provide $65 million in direct payments to child care providers offering school readiness programming to 4-year-olds during the 2026-27 school year and in subsequent years.

Supported by a more than $360 million investment included in the 2025-27 biennial budget, the initiative is the state’s first entirely state-funded child care program. It addresses a concern highlighted in a 2025 survey showing 90% of Wisconsinites — including those without children — say finding affordable, high-quality child care in Wisconsin is a problem.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, qualified child care providers will focus on developing the academic, physical, social-emotional and self-help skills children need to succeed in school. The state will pay providers for the time children spend in Get Kids Ready programming, making that portion of the day free for families.

Gary says 4K is where child care centers such as Northern Door Children’s Center in Sister Bay make a large portion of their revenue due to the lower teacher-to-student ratio compared to younger age groups. She believes the guaranteed income for child care centers will be essential.

A list of child care providers intending to participate in Get Kids Ready will be posted on the Department of Children and Families’ public website by Feb. 15. The program comes as the Child Care Bridge Payment Program, which provides $110 million in direct payments to providers, sunsets in June.

The city of Sturgeon Bay and its firefighters union are still working to reach an agreement on a new contract, as firefighters approach a second month under an expired deal.

The two sides met in closed session during Tuesday’s Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting in an effort to reach terms on a three-year contract, ultimately deciding to enter mediation.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said it is something that has not happened in more than two decades.

Wages and benefits, including cancer screenings, are among the key sticking points that must be resolved before a new agreement can be reached. Ward said he is hopeful mediation will help both sides as they navigate financial realities.

During Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, members also approved the second reading of the city’s Premier Resort Area Tax ordinance. The measure will allow the city to join other tourism-oriented communities, such as Ephraim, Sister Bay and Wisconsin Dells, in charging an additional 0.5% tax on items typically associated with tourism, excluding essentials such as gasoline and groceries.

The move is expected to generate between $700,000 and $800,000 for infrastructure-related projects. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue will now administer the tax and notify retailers to begin implementation. The tax is not expected to take effect until July.

After more than a decade, nuclear power generation could be closer than many realize to returning to Kewaunee County.

World Nuclear News reported Thursday that EnergySolutions, the company that owns the Kewaunee Power Station site in the Town of Carlton, has formally confirmed plans to submit an application for a major licensing action for new nuclear generation by June 2028.

EnergySolutions and WEC Energy Group announced last May their intention to determine whether the Kewaunee Power Station, which last operated in 2013, could again be used to generate power. The announcement came three years after EnergySolutions purchased the site from Dominion Energy while it was being decommissioned.

Some early permits required to begin work are currently being evaluated and would be valid for up to 20 years, with an option to renew.

In a statement to World Nuclear News, EnergySolutions President and CEO Ken Robuck called the development an important milestone. “The need for reliable, carbon-free power has never been greater,” Robuck said. “We have assembled an experienced team that brings environmental compliance, nuclear licensing and project management expertise to this project at a time when new nuclear generation in Wisconsin is essential.”

The Kewaunee Power Station is still likely years away from generating nuclear power again. Once applications are approved, experts believe construction would not begin until the 2030s, with the possibility the facility could become operational by 2040.

With dangerously cold temperatures forecast for Door County and Northeast Wisconsin this weekend, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is reminding us that winter safety precautions apply to pets as much as they do to people.

Corey Viars with the Wisconsin Humane Society says the extreme cold can pose serious risks to animals, especially during this, the coldest stretch of the season thus far. WHS operates shelters in both Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay and is urging pet owners to take extra care.

“The number 1 tip is to keep the bathroom breaks very short.” Viars said. “If it’s too cold for you to stand outside without layers, it’s too cold for your pet.”

VAIRS2

Viars says frostbite and hypothermia are the biggest threats during frigid weather, with ears, paws, and tails particularly vulnerable. “Try to shovel a space for your pet or lay down some straw to protect their paws.” Viars added.  He recommends checking paws after pets come inside and wipe away ice, snow, or road salt, which can irritate skin and be harmful if ingested.

Viars also cautions against strays seeking shelter in warm places. “Drivers should tap on their hood or honk their horn before starting their vehicle, as stray cats may seek warmth by crawling into engine compartments.”

As temperatures plummet this weekend, WHS reminds us that a few simple precautions can make a life-saving difference for animals across Door County.

The journey from serving children in her community during the 1800s to sainthood took another step this week when Bishop David Ricken formally recognized Adele Brice as a Servant of God.

The declaration is the first step on the path to sainthood for Brice, a Belgian immigrant who was visited by the Virgin Mary in October 1859 and called to dedicate her life to catechism and teaching local children God’s word.

During the Great Peshtigo Fire in 1871, Brice gathered area residents at the chapel and prayed for Mary’s protection from the blaze. While the fire destroyed much of the surrounding area, the grounds where the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion now sits remained largely untouched.

Brice was buried on the chapel grounds in 1896. Over the years, many have pointed to visits to the shrine as the source of miracles in their lives, leading Ricken to designate the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion as the first approved Marian apparition shrine in the United States.

Earlier this month, Ricken called on area Catholics to submit testimony as he considered nominating Brice for canonization, which led to this week’s announcement.

Shrine Rector Fr. Anthony Stephens said this is something rarely done in the United States and is unprecedented in the Diocese of Green Bay.

Ricken will promulgate the decree during Solemn Vespers at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay at 7 p.m., which coincides with Brice’s 195th birthday.

According to the Archdiocese of San Francisco, there are 11 American saints and nearly 20 others who are considered “blessed” or “venerable.” There are four major steps to sainthood: request for canonization, determination, beatification and canonization.

After the Town of Carlton joined other communities across Wisconsin in rejecting proposals to build AI data centers, the Wisconsin State Assembly took up those concerns on the Capitol floor this week.

Wisconsin Watch recently chronicled Cloverleaf Infrastructure’s attempt to build an AI data center in the Town of Carlton, pairing the effort with the potential resurrection of the Kewaunee Power Station. Developers attempted to purchase nearby land to support the infrastructure needs of the nuclear plant and projects such as the AI data center, but many community members opposed the plans.

“The people in Carlton don’t want anything to do with that,” Town Chairman David Hardtke told Wisconsin Watch’s Miranda Dunlap last fall, reiterating that position more recently. “People in the Town of Carlton do not want the AI data center.”

The state’s tax incentives and cool climate make AI data center construction attractive to developers, particularly in communities near large bodies of water such as Carlton in Kewaunee County, Port Washington in Ozaukee County, and Greenleaf in Brown County.

State lawmakers, including Rep. Joel Kitchens, have taken notice, with the Assembly voting largely along party lines to advance a bill requiring AI data centers to operate under closed-loop cooling systems to limit water withdrawals from lakes and streams. The bill would also require the Public Service Commission to ensure customers do not see the costs reflected in their energy bills. Kitchens hopes the legislation will give communities more local control when determining whether AI data center construction is the right fit.

Opponents of the bill say it advanced too quickly and does not adequately protect ratepayers from potentially higher energy costs. Despite being turned away by Carlton and other communities, Cloverleaf Infrastructure remains hopeful it can build somewhere in northeast Wisconsin.

EnergySolutions has recently submitted filings to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to begin the process of bringing nuclear power back to the site after more than a decade, though construction is likely still years away.

Six people have been arrested following a long-term investigation into fraud and drug trafficking in Door County, according to the Door County Sheriff’s Office.

Law enforcement agencies conducted a coordinated operation Wednesday, Jan. 21, involving the Door County Sheriff’s Office, Sturgeon Bay Police Department and the Door County SWAT Team. The operation included the execution of two residential search warrants and a high-risk traffic stop aimed at taking suspects into custody.

Authorities said the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 125.6 grams of cocaine. Officials indicated additional arrests and charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Charges connected to the case include unauthorized use of an individual’s personal information or documents, theft by fraud, delivery of cocaine greater than 40 grams, possession with intent to deliver cocaine greater than 40 grams, conspiracy to deliver cocaine, possession with intent to deliver THC, possession of an electric weapon, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.

The incident remains under investigation. No further details are being released at this time.

Sturgeon Bay’s Tyler Baudhuin tried pursuing a different path after high school, but his return to the farm could earn him an award this weekend in Weston. Baudhuin is one of six finalists for the Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer Award, which honors young men and women who have thrived in agribusiness while remaining active in their communities.

Also among the nominees are Perry and Cassandra Baeten of New Franken; Luke and Ashley Lisowe of Malone; Alissa and Travis Murray of Omro; Derrick and Miranda Nelson of Eau Claire; and Ryan and Megan White of Reedsburg.

Baudhuin Farms has grown significantly since he joined his father, David, in the family business. The operation includes milking approximately 200 cows, raising Angus beef cattle, and farming more than 900 tillable acres. Baudhuin says he is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside his father and to show his three daughters and stepson the pride he takes in his work.

The award will be presented during the 72nd Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer Awards Weekend, with the winner potentially nominated for the national award. Baudhuin says he is looking forward to connecting with other young farmers from around the state during the event.

As lost and stray animals continue to be reported across Door and Kewaunee counties, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is reminding us of the proper steps to take when an animal is found and the role WHS plays through county contracts.

Door County contracts with the Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus to provide official stray animal sheltering services. Kewaunee County also now maintains a contract with the Wisconsin Humane Society to ensure that stray and lost animals are legally housed, cared for, and given the opportunity to be reunited with their owners.

“We have a lot of stray contracts, anyone can bring in an animal and we will hold up the law when it comes to the care of the stray and do our best to find an owner.” said WHS Media Specialist Corey Viars. “It helps us reunite families with their pets more efficiently and ensures animals receive immediate care.”

Wisconsin law requires that all stray animals be brought to the shelter contracted by the municipality where the animal is found. While residents may feel inclined to temporarily keep a found animal, that practice is not allowed under state statute.

“It’s actually illegal for residents of Wisconsin to keep stray animals in their homes. Keeping a stray animal at home actually reduces the chances of an owner finding their pet,” Viars said. “When animals come to the shelter, we can check for identification, post them on our stray listings, and share information through social media and local networks.”

Strays brought to WHS are held for five days, including the day of intake, during which staff actively work to locate owners. If the animal is not claimed, ownership transfers to the Wisconsin Humane Society and the animal may then be considered for adoption. Finders are often given the option to place an adoption hold at intake.

The Wisconsin Humane Society does not euthanize animals to make space in its shelters. “We do not euthanize for time or space.  We will keep that stray for as long as it takes to find it a home.” Viars said. “Euthanasia is only considered when an animal’s medical condition, quality of life, or safety concerns leave no humane alternatives.”

Anyone who finds a stray animal in Door or Kewaunee counties is encouraged to contact the Wisconsin Humane Society or local non-emergency law enforcement if assistance is needed after hours.

Depending on where you live, you may not have to wait until Friday morning to find out whether you will need to put your kids on a bus for school. The Sturgeon Bay and Southern Door school districts were the first in the area to cancel classes for Friday due to an Extreme Cold Warning issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday. Other school districts and organizations followed suit shortly thereafter.

The warning begins at midnight and lasts until 1 p.m. Friday, after which it will be replaced by an Extreme Cold Watch until noon Saturday. Wind chills are expected to make it feel as cold as 37 degrees below zero Friday morning in Sturgeon Bay — comparatively mild when compared with places such as Antigo and Marshfield, where wind chills could approach 50 below zero.

You can click this link for cancellations and postponements that will be updated as they are announced.

Meetings with the Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce will look different than they have in years past. Tuesday’s chamber meeting is the first of several this year that will move out from behind a boardroom table and into spaces that help the community thrive.

Alex Stodola with the Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce says the new meeting format will help chamber members and local residents better connect with the community where they live and work. During this meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the newly expanded agricultural center at Luxemburg-Casco High School.

Following the lead of the school’s diesel and auto labs, the agricultural center is designed to enhance programming and showcase careers available locally. With Youth Apprenticeship Coach Jolyn Helgeson helping guide the discussion, Stodola hopes local businesses will see the impact the program can have on their operations and recognize the district’s willingness to partner with them.

Tuesday’s meeting begins at noon, with attendees asked to meet in the high school office before the tour starts. Additional chamber tour stops will be announced throughout the year.

Door County residents who have been braving this week’s deep freeze might also be hearing surprising pops and cracks in the woods, and it’s not just the wind. In extreme cold, a curious natural phenomenon can occur when freezing temperatures cause trees to suddenly split or “explode.”

Victoria Holderer, an applied research ecologist at The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor, says that while rare, trees can “basically explode” under the right conditions and timing. “Trees contain sap, a mixture of water and nutrients, and when temperatures plummet far below freezing, that sap can freeze and expand, creating intense pressure inside the bark and wood.” Holderer explains that “when the pressure becomes too great, the trunk or large limbs can crack suddenly and loudly, sometimes sounding like a gunshot or a booming echo through the forest.”

That’s exactly the kind of weather Door County has seen this week, with dangerously cold lows and wind chills dipping well below zero, and forecasts calling for continued bitter cold through the rest of the week and into the upcoming weekend, making conditions ripe for frost cracks in trees.

“Trees don’t literally explode, but the loud cracking and splitting of bark is very real and is a reminder of how harsh winter conditions can be on the landscape here on the Peninsula,” Holderer added.

This will likely be the most bittersweet article I have written thus far, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide it through this platform. As I journey through my 20th year as your Sheriff, I want to announce my decision to retire at the completion of this term, which ends on January 5th , 2027. This has not been an easy decision to arrive at, and as always, I want to share some thoughts and considerations with you, the community that has supported me throughout the many years.

It seems like only yesterday that I was an energetic young man, full of optimism and hope, eager to serve my community, pursuing a role that both intimidated and excited me. It was my first introduction to politics, and I found myself supported by so many amazing people who believed in me probably more than I believed in myself. I was successful in that first election of 2006, knowing full well, that it may be my one and only term. I never imagined I would hold this office of trust for so many years, and it humbles me to this day.

I was surrounded then as I am surrounded now, by some of the most professional and
caring public servants I have ever known. Through the years we have seen so many amazing men and women complete their career, while an entire new generation has pursued their calling to public service. This continuity in the family of professional and compassionate Deputies is to me, the greatest legacy I can leave. It has been and continues to be an honor to serve with each and every one of you.

As a community, we have been through many challenges. We have laughed, and cried
together. We have navigated through challenges that have impacted us all, and through it all kept our sense of unity and dignity. I have done my best to lead when leadership was called for and to temper that leadership when humility and collaboration provided the best path forward. For in the end, this journey was not about me, but rather about us. Us as an Agency, and Us as a Community.

I wanted to share this announcement with you at this time, so that you will know what is in my heart, and to allow for those who intend to pursue this noble cause, to do so unhindered by speculation of my intentions. While I will not be endorsing anyone specifically at this time, I wish them each well, and ask that you, the community do your due diligence in the thorough examination of their character and competence.

Regardless of who is on the ballot, they will each posses their own unique strengths as well as challenges. I will commit to doing my best to aid my successor in their transition, and to be there for them into the future as a resource.

I will leave this office next January, after 33 years of service to my community, a bit older, a bit wiser, but still full of optimism and energy for what the future holds. I am excited to embark upon my next chapter of life, without fear nor regret. I have upheld my oath, served with honor, and remained true to my values. I will leave with my soul intact, knowing full well that I may not have changed the world, but secure in the knowledge that the world did not change me.

In the meantime, I will continue to keep my foot on the throttle and continue to do my best in my capacity as your Sheriff, and to fulfill my obligations, until my successor raises their right hand and begins their service to this wonderful community.

A community trivia night is bringing together fun, connection, and alcohol-free entertainment in Fish Creek, thanks to a partnership between the Door County YMCA, United Way of Door County, and the Door County Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition (AOD).

The Door County YMCA Jackie and Steve Kane Program Center in Fish Creek will host Trivia Night on Tuesday, January 27, in collaboration with the AOD. The free, two-hour event invites residents of all ages to gather for friendly competition while enjoying a welcoming, substance-free social atmosphere.

Teams of two to six players will compete in a variety of trivia categories, with individuals also encouraged to attend and join a team on site. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, and prizes will be awarded to the first- and second-place teams.

Organizers say the event reflects a shared commitment by the YMCA, United Way of Door County, and the AOD Coalition to promote healthy choices and inclusive opportunities for connection. Trivia Night is the first in a series of alcohol-free social events planned throughout 2026, aimed at offering residents fun alternatives that support overall well-being.

Space is limited, registration is recommended prior to the event. Register here, or by visiting the United Way of Door County’s website. 

The Sturgeon Bay YMCA was bustling with activity this past weekend as it hosted the “Flipping in D.C.” gymnastics meet alongside a swim meet, drawing hundreds of athletes and spectators to the facility.

According to Julia Lasecki, the YMCA’s gymnastics and youth activities director, the weekend showcased the energy and growth of the YMCA’s athletic programs. More than 300 gymnasts from six different YMCA locations competed in 10 categories during the gymnastics meet. Lasecki said “Sturgeon Bay YMCA gymnasts competed at three different levels, with all three groups finishing in first place.”

“The Y was packed this weekend,” Lasecki said, noting the strong community turnout for both the gymnastics competition and the long-distance swim meet, which featured extended-distance events and attracted a large audience.

Gymnastics is not the only sport on the mind of the Door County YMCA. Lasecki days an upcoming teen badminton night scheduled for Friday, February 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA.

More information can be found on the Door County YMCA website or on this week's Y-Wednesday podcast.

The Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department is mourning the loss of former Fire Chief Chris Hecht, who passed away on Monday.

Hecht dedicated 33 years of service to the department, including 24 years as fire chief, retiring this past September. In a statement, the department described Hecht as a steady and compassionate leader who supported not only every member of the department, but the broader Northern Door community as well.

Hecht started his career in the late 1980s as an EMT with Door County Emergency Medical Services before joining the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department in 1992. He was named fire chief in 2001 and went on to leave a lasting mark on emergency services throughout Door County. Among his many accomplishments were helping establish a countywide CPR program and assisting in the formation of a county response team through the Door County Fire Chiefs Association.

In recent years, Hecht also served nationally as a Fire Apparatus Subject Matter Expert for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Chief Hecht played a key role in creating the Door County Fire Chiefs Association, which initially focused on helping residents with daily needs before shifting toward fire safety and health education.

Hecht retired after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm while attending a fire conference in Indianapolis last summer. The community rallied around his family during his recovery, raising tens of thousands of dollars in support.

Funeral arrangements have been announced, with visitation scheduled for Thursday, January 29, from 3 to 7 p.m., and Friday, January 30, from 9 to 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. The department says additional details will be shared for those wishing to attend and pay their respects.

The Door County Economic Development Corporation’s Investor Luncheon and Awards event may still be months away, but residents can now weigh in on who will be honored. Nominations are open for four major awards presented at the annual spring event. They include the Lightkeeper Award for woman-, minority- or veteran-owned businesses; the Range Lights Award for emerging businesses; the Lighthouse Award for established businesses; and the Youth Apprentice of the Year Award.

DCEDC Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says the awards are a great way to recognize the individuals and businesses helping the area thrive and to provide a compass for young entrepreneurs looking to chase their own dreams in Door County.

Registration for the Investor Luncheon and Awards event, scheduled for April 22 at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay, does not open until Feb. 16. In the meantime, nominations are being accepted for individuals and businesses deserving of the four awards that will be presented.

While you may have struggled to find a place locally to fire up the snowmobile, there have been other outlets in Door and Kewaunee counties to get outside and enjoy the snow. After Mother Nature hit the defrost button over Christmas, ice rinks in Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay have been able to return to welcoming guests.

The same can be true for area trails like Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay, which offers its Ski-for-Free program and luminary hikes to allow people the opportunity to try cross-country skiing, kicksledding, snowshoeing and hiking on the frozen landscape.

In Kewaunee, the county was able to open its Winter Park earlier than usual, allowing tubing to take place before the New Year and skiers to hit the slopes shortly after. While rains earlier this month put a damper on a few days, Kewaunee County Promotions and Recreation Director Dave Myers believes only one more day of snowmaking will be needed to keep the park rolling right along toward the end of the season.

It is not heat or rain, but rather the bitter cold this weekend that could keep some people from enjoying the outdoors. Myers says a decision has not yet been made on whether the park will be open Saturday, when the forecast high temperature is just above 0. Friends of Whitefish Dunes State Park have already decided to cancel their annual candlelight hike and ski event due to the cold.

Southern Door School District residents could see a decrease in the mill rate despite a planned referendum heading to the ballot this spring.

The Southern Door School Board approved the language for a referendum authorizing the district to exceed its revenue limit by $3.15 million per year for three years for nonrecurring purposes. The district last went to voters in 2022, when it asked to exceed the revenue limit by $975,000 per year for three years — ending with the current school year — and to borrow up to $14.9 million for facility improvements.

In December, Superintendent Kevin Krutzik said listening to resident priorities and having some debt fall off the books could make it easier to justify a referendum that would keep the current mill rate steady at $6.99 per $1,000 of taxable property.

Southern Door is not the only school district referendum local voters will see in the spring election April 7th. The Denmark School District, which includes the Town of Franklin in Kewaunee County, is asking voters to allow its budget to exceed its revenue limit by $925,000 per year for three years for nonrecurring purposes.

While the race between Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar for the Wisconsin Supreme Court will likely get most of the headlines, there is still plenty for voters to decide when they cast their ballots in April.

In addition to eight contested races at the county board level in Door and Kewaunee counties, several other contested races will take place in individual municipalities. In Kewaunee, incumbent Mayor Jeffrey Vollenweider will face former Mayor Jason Jelinek for a second straight election, while Scott Oftedahl and Perry Castrovillari will face off for the District 3 seat. That same District 3 seat is also up for grabs in Algoma, where Kenneth Taylor and Casey Buhr will square off. The race to replace outgoing Algoma Mayor Steve Lautenbach will also be contested, with former Mayor Wayne Schmidt facing James Winter.

Many of the other local and school board seats on the ballot have enough candidates to fill the positions, except for two. Write-in candidates will be needed to fill two seats on the Village of Casco Board and the 2nd Aldermanic District in the city of Kewaunee.

In Door County, the Sturgeon Bay School District will have a contested election, but the Southern Door School District will need to find two willing participants to join Kim Starr on the ballot. The other three Door County school districts will see incumbents return unopposed.

In Sturgeon Bay, District 4 Alderman Spencer Gustafson will defend his seat against Joshua Julian, while District 6 Alderman Seth Wiederanders will do the same against Susan Hilsabeck. Villages in Door County will not have contested races, but several towns will, including Sevastopol, where incumbent Jeanne Vogel faces challengers Stacie Leist Denil, Kimberly Denil and Keith Felhofer; Washington, with incumbents Brian Mann and Rich Ellefson challenged by Lee Baxter; Liberty Grove, where incumbent Dan Watts faces Rick Kingsbury, Sylvann Welcome and William David Sherman; and Gardner, where District 4 incumbent Glenn Dart is challenged by Bryan Ford.

As a result, only one primary election will take place Feb. 17, in District 17, where Dave Smith and Mariah Goode are challenging Bob Bultman for his seat on the Door County Board. Otherwise, voters still have time to speak with their municipal clerk about registering as a write-in candidate ahead of the April 7 election.

Before heading out, make sure you are prepared to handle the extreme cold temperatures expected to settle into the area this week.

Door and Kewaunee counties are under a cold weather advisory from 6 p.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday, as cold temperatures and gusty winds are expected to create wind chills as low as 15 to 30 degrees below zero.

Daily low temperatures are not expected to reach double digits until late next week, with a daytime high of minus 2 degrees forecast for Friday.

Door County Emergency Management Director Jeb Saelens said government buildings can be used as warming shelters during normal business hours, allowing residents to warm up and charge their phones if needed. The county could add additional warming shelter hours if circumstances such as power outages occur.

Saelens said it is important for residents to take proper precautions to stay safe, especially with an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia. He also encouraged people to check on friends and neighbors to ensure they are handling the bitter cold safely.

City road funding could receive a boost later this summer if the Sturgeon Bay Common Council approves the second reading of its Premier Resort Area Tax ordinance Tuesday.

The second reading comes after the Common Council supported the ordinance at its first meeting of the new year. The 2025-27 state budget allowed the city, along with the town of Minocqua, to join other tourist-oriented communities such as Ephraim, Sister Bay and Wisconsin Dells in charging an additional 0.5% tax on items typically associated with tourism, excluding essentials such as gasoline and groceries.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said earlier this month the city has sought for about a decade to implement a PRAT to help fund infrastructure improvements.

If approved, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue would take over administration of the tax and notify retailers to begin implementation. Ward said the tax likely would not take effect until July.

In addition to the second reading of the PRAT ordinance, the Common Council is also expected to consider approval of the 2025 Outdoor Recreation Plan, which includes the potential to establish new parks and make improvements to more than two dozen other recreational areas.

The meeting, which also includes a closed session to discuss negotiations with the firefighters’ union, begins at 6 p.m. at Sturgeon Bay City Hall.

With several weeks of winter still ahead, Door County Deputy Highway Commissioner Randy Dvorak said there is plenty of salt, sand and other materials available to help keep travel safe throughout the peninsula.

Green Bay media outlets reported last weekend that nearby counties, including Brown and Oconto counties, are experiencing salt shortages due to the high frequency of snow and ice events earlier this winter. Brown County Highway Commissioner Chris Hardy told WBAY the area has already seen 23 storms this winter, compared with the usual 30 to 32 during a typical season.

Dvorak said this winter has been more challenging than past seasons because of the frequent weather events, but added the county’s supply has been replenished following a recent delivery of 1,800 tons of salt and other materials.

Dvorak reminded motorists to take their time on area roads when snow and ice are in the forecast and to give highway crews plenty of room and patience to operate. That will be especially important this week, with extreme cold and windy conditions expected.

He said when conditions are extremely cold and windy, like they were Monday, crews do not spread salt because it is ineffective at those temperatures and can blow off the roadway.

A 19-year-old Brussels man received two citations and was arrested for operating while intoxicated after losing control of his vehicle early Saturday morning.

The Door County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to County Highway N near Wilcox Road just before 3 a.m. after receiving a report of a rollover crash.

According to the crash report, the man’s vehicle crossed the centerline and began braking hard. The vehicle slid sideways and entered a ditch near a curve on County Highway N. The vehicle rolled over before coming to rest on its roof.

A witness reported hearing the crash and found the driver inside the vehicle before pulling him out. The man suffered suspected minor injuries but was not transported to a hospital for additional treatment.

In addition to being arrested for operating while intoxicated, the man was cited for operating left of center and failure to keep his vehicle under control.

A portion of the Door County Snowmobile Trail System reopened Monday for public use. Thanks to the work of snowmobile clubs in Door County, the southeast zone of the trail system reopened under poor conditions.

The southeast zone trails run from Gordon Road south across the Bayview Bridge and include Potawatomi State Park and the Ahnapee State Trail, extending to the southern Door County line at County Road X. The western edge of this section is defined by County Road M and the southern half of the Ahnapee State Trail.

All other zones in Door County, as well as all Kewaunee County snowmobile trails, remain closed at this time.

As always, riders are asked to respect private and public property when using the trails and to stay off trails that are closed. Riding on closed trails could result in a citation or fine and may also endanger future use of the trail.

After three years on the job, Algoma Police Chief David Allen is calling it a career.

The City of Algoma announced Friday that it is looking to hire Allen’s replacement. Allen took the job in 2023 following the departure of former Police Chief Randy Remiker.

Before coming to the Algoma Police Department, Allen served for more than 20 years as a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation warden.

City Administrator Matt Murphy says Allen told him from the start that he would give the city three to five years before returning to retirement to spend more time with his family.

Murphy praised Allen’s tenure as police chief, saying he is leaving the department in a good position and that he would like the new chief to be similar in leadership style.

Those interested in applying can contact the City of Algoma. Murphy says the city hopes to have a new police chief in place by March 1, allowing Allen time to assist with the transition.

The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor is inviting the public to step into the field with its research team during an upcoming Walk & Talk educational hike scheduled for Sunday, January 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. The program offers adults a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific work guiding conservation and restoration efforts at Wisconsin’s oldest nonprofit nature sanctuary.

The guided hike will be led by Applied Research Ecologist Victoria Holderer and Director of Research Tony Kiszonas. Participants will explore the Hidden Brook Boardwalk and surrounding trails while learning about a range of active research initiatives underway at The Ridges. Topics will include the Orchid Restoration Project, and the Boreal Climate Survivability Project, which studies how tree species are adapting to changing climate conditions.

The walk is designed to highlight how research directly informs land management decisions and long-term ecosystem resilience in Door County. Attendees will also hear about collaborative projects The Ridges is partnering on with other conservation organizations and researchers.

The program is open to adults ages 18 and older and will cover approximately one mile. The route includes both boardwalk sections and rustic trails with uneven surfaces, and participants should be prepared for standing and walking for extended periods. Restrooms and accessible parking are available at the Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center.

You can register for the walk here or for more information contact The Ridges Sanctuary or visit the Ridges website.

You can celebrate the first week of Door County Reads with your neighbors and a meal Wednesday.

The Door County Historical Museum and United Way of Door County are teaming up to present a community potluck dinner at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. In the spirit of this year’s Door County Reads selection, The Briar Club by Kate Quinn, the organizations are encouraging residents to bring dishes that reflect their culture or family traditions to help spark conversation.

United Way of Door County’s Molly Gary says the community potluck meal will also feature a presentation by the Door County Historical Museum curator Pete Lison on historic local recipes and the cooking methods that made them possible. She says the event supports the organizations’ goal of fostering belonging, trust and mutual support among neighbors.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:15 p.m.

The Briar Club is a historical fiction novel set in a 1950s Washington, D.C., boarding house that explores the roles of women during the Red Scare.

Door County Library branches, the Door County YMCA Sturgeon Bay Program Center and Birch Creek Music Performances are among the other locations hosting Door County Reads events through Feb. 26.

Thanks to recent precipitation of every kind and several midwinter thaws, we once again have flowing water in The Cove Estuary and the lower reaches of Big Creek. Seeing open water makes us anticipate the annual sucker run. They are out there—moving slowly and biding their time until conditions are right to spawn.

But where, exactly? Do suckers that were born in Big Creek form schools and travel together? How far do they go? How do they know when to return, and do they show fidelity to particular spawning sites?

Inquiring minds want to know, and one especially inquiring mind—Dr. Karen Murchie, a freshwater fish biologist and director of freshwater research at Shedd Aquarium—will help answer those questions. Dr. Murchie will present the kickoff lecture for the popular Fish Tales Lecture Series, titled “Where Suckers Swim,” on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Suckers are sometimes dismissed as “trash fish,” but this unappreciated group plays a vital role in Great Lakes ecosystems. By moving nutrients into tributary streams through their eggs and waste, suckers boost freshwater food webs. They are also important prey for other fish and for birds, linking nearshore lake ecosystems with inland streams.

Dr. Murchie launched a regional project that engages volunteer scientists in monitoring sucker migrations at dozens of stream sites around lakes Michigan and Superior. Crossroads at Big Creek has proudly participated in this effort for many years, along with volunteers from other Door County environmental organizations.

Citizen scientists visit streams daily to collect environmental data on migration cues, including temperature thresholds, water depth and water velocity. These observations help researchers understand what triggers migration and how those cues may be shifting with climate change.

In recent years, Dr. Murchie has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand this research. Using acoustic transmitters and receivers, researchers now track individual suckers year-round, not just during spawning season. Each tagged fish emits a unique signal detected by receivers across the Great Lakes, revealing where fish live and how they move outside of spawning grounds.

During the Fish Tales lecture, Dr. Murchie will share early results from this ongoing work. The program is free and open to the public. On the day of the talk, a livestream link will be available through the Door County Library event listing. Additional recorded Fish Tales lectures and videos are available on the Crossroads at Big Creek website.

Fish are not the only creatures that spend time in Big Creek and The Cove Estuary. River otters are frequent visitors, and the Saturday Science program on Jan. 24, beginning promptly at 2 p.m., is called “Meet the Otter.” Interactive activities are geared toward elementary-aged students, but learners of all ages are welcome. The program will begin indoors, and weather permitting, participants will hike to Big Creek and The Cove in hopes of spotting otters or finding their tracks and slides.

The Monday Matinee program this week offers a look at the impact of trees on the state of Wisconsin. This prerecorded webinar, part of the University Place program, will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 26. The after-school Environmental Exploration program, titled “Seeps in Winter,” will take participants on a hike to places where melting snow, having traveled through fractures in the bedrock, slowly emerges and flows into Big Creek.

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Crossroads will host a Wild Ones/Master Gardener lecture titled “Planting Trees in the Time of Climate Change.” Representatives from The Ridges Sanctuary and the Climate Change Coalition of Door County will discuss a collaborative project focused on improving community tree planting and resilient ecological restoration. The project seeks to more effectively initiate and carry out restoration work, collect and share data, and apply lessons learned to increase forest survivability in boreal and temperate mesic ecosystems.

Thanks to donors, these programs—including the Ski for Free program—are offered free of charge to the public.

Thursday, Jan. 22 | 7 p.m.
Fish Tales Lecture: Where the Suckers Swim
Join us for an engaging talk by Dr. Karen Murchie, director of freshwater research at Shedd Aquarium. In recent years, Dr. Murchie has partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand her research on suckers. Using acoustic transmitters and receivers, researchers now track individual fish year-round, not just during spawning season. Dr. Murchie will share early results from this ongoing work. Free and open to the public. On the day of the talk, a livestream link will be available through the Door County Library event listing.

Saturday, Jan. 24 | 2 p.m.
Science Saturday: Meet the Otter
Starting promptly at 2 p.m., learn how otters slide through life in winter—on land and in water. Weather permitting, this program will include a hike, so please dress for the conditions. This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, Jan. 26 | 1:30 p.m.
Monday Movie Matinee – “How Trees Built the Midwest”
This University of the Air prerecorded lecture explores Wisconsin’s Trees: A Living Legacy. Discover how ash, pine, sugar maple, white birch and apple trees have shaped Wisconsin’s landscapes, culture and communities. Presented by Jay Dampier, statewide horticulture outreach program manager, as part of a University Place program. Free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 3:30 p.m.
Environmental Exploration: Seeps in Winter
This after-school program, geared toward elementary students but open to all ages, explores winter seeps—water that travels through bedrock before emerging and flowing into Big Creek. Weather permitting, this will include a hike, so please dress accordingly. Free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 1:30 p.m.
Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led hike through the trails of Crossroads. Easy walking, approximately one hour. Free and open to the public. Meet in the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Destination Door County is inviting you to help shape the future of bicycle and pedestrian trails across the peninsula as work continues on a county-wide Master Trails Plan.

The effort aims to create a connected, safe, and accessible network of trails that serves residents, visitors, and local businesses. Community input is a paramount part of the process, ensuring the plan reflects local needs, priorities, and long-term vision.

The Master Trails Plan will bring together years of existing local planning efforts, community input, and vision into one coordinated roadmap. Once completed, it will help guide future trail investment and support economic development while enhancing year-round quality of life in Door County.

Trails play an important role not only in recreation and tourism, but also in transportation, public health, and community connectivity. By asking questions now, the organization hopes to create a system that balances growth with preservation and works for people of all ages and abilities.

You are encouraged to learn more about the planning process and share your ideas online. Feedback gathered will help inform decisions about trail locations, design priorities, and long-term goals.

More information and opportunities to get involved can be found at the Door County Trails website.  You can take the survey here.

The Baileys Harbor Community Association (BHCA) will host its next Talk of the Town program on Wednesday, Jan. 28, focusing on the Door County Trails Program and efforts to build a connected, countywide trail network.

The event will take place at Lake Fire Winery. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for food and socializing, with the presentation beginning at 6:15 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session and open discussion. Door County Trails staff will lead the presentation, joined by trail development experts from other Wisconsin communities.

The Talk of the Town series has become a regular community forum hosted by the BHCA, designed to function much like a town hall. The association was formed in the early 1990s by local residents and business owners who wanted a unified, volunteer-driven organization to support Baileys Harbor’s economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and quality of life. Since its founding, BHCA has taken on roles ranging from event promotion and community beautification to serving as a convener for civic discussion.

The desired outcome of these town hall-style meetings is informed community engagement. BHCA aims to provide clear information, encourage respectful dialogue, and help residents understand how they can participate in decision-making or ongoing initiatives. The Jan. 28 program continues that mission, offering residents a chance to learn about trail planning efforts and how community input can shape the future of outdoor recreation and connectivity in Door County.

For more information, head to the “events” section of the BHCA website.

Farmers will not be out in their fields planting for a few more months, but they are working hard now so they can hit the ground running this spring. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, farmers across the country are coming off a record crop of more than 17 billion bushels of corn in 2025, along with record highs in soybean production in eight U.S. states, including Wisconsin.

While yields were strong, other factors such as tariffs and high input prices were less encouraging for farmers. As a result, agricultural analysts predict producers will see the tightest profit margins this year, according to Wisconsin State Farmers.

The news comes as farmers are meeting with agronomists like Rio Creek Feed Mill’s Adam Barta to discuss their plans for 2026. Barta says those conversations are focused on selecting seed and fertilizer levels that will help improve their bottom line.

Barta adds that early snow cover has been good news for area fields, something farmers have not seen in recent years. Snow acts as a natural insulator, trapping heat in the soil and protecting the land from wind and erosion. Friday’s snowfall came just in time, as nighttime temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits through Thursday.

As I write this article, we are enjoying a thaw amid our winter season. Don’t take this for granted, as we are guaranteed a few more bursts of Arctic air from old winter before we are rewarded with the inevitable glory of spring.

Remain vigilant about the basic considerations of cold-weather preparedness, whether those temperature dips last for a day, a week or a month.

Some of the most common calls during periods of extreme cold weather involve animal welfare, as well as concerns from travelers or neighbors regarding animals kept outside year-round. While each situation is unique and many times the animals do have their basic needs met, it is important for animal owners to understand the effects of cold weather on their specific pets and what actions should be taken to prevent suffering.

On the road: If you are traveling, make sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Items to include are candles and matches, a flashlight, a pocketknife, snacks, a cellphone adapter, a blanket and extra clothing. Also, if you haven’t already, have your vehicle tuned up and your tires checked.

Health risks: With wind chills of minus 20 to minus 35 degrees, there is an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia. If you must venture outdoors, be sure to wear a hat and gloves. Frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes under these conditions. Symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in the fingers, toes, ear tips and the tip of the nose. Limit your time outdoors. If you notice these signs, seek medical care immediately.

Hypothermia is also a danger in these conditions. It occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Again, limit outdoor activity and seek medical care if these symptoms appear.

Never run a gasoline or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or an unventilated garage. Any heating system that burns fuel produces carbon monoxide. Use battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors where fuel-burning devices are present but no electric outlets are available, such as in tents, cabins, RVs and boats with enclosed cabins.

Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running, a door must be open to the outside. Generators should be operated a safe distance from the home. Never run a generator inside a home or garage, or near windows or doors.

Breathing carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the blood and can cause death within minutes at high levels. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are often mistaken for the flu and include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath or chest pain, nausea or vomiting, and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if a carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm, go outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.

It is my hope that the worst of the cold weather is behind us, but it is better to be prepared for the worst and experience the best than to prepare for the best and be caught off guard by the worst. Stay safe.

Officials at Door County Medical Center are asking patients to begin preparing for a major change in how medical information is handled. The hospital will soon join Epic, an electronic health records system already used by hospitals across northeastern Wisconsin. According to DCMC, Epic is used by providers who care for approximately 72% of the U.S. population.

With Epic’s MyChart platform, Chief Medical Officer and primary care provider Dr. Jim Heise says patients can expect improved care coordination and easier access to their health information as a result of the change.

The transition from the hospital’s MyPortal platform through Meditech to Epic’s MyChart system has been more than a year in the making. When the system goes live Feb. 7, Door County Medical Center will become one of the smallest hospitals in the country using Epic for its electronic health records.

One of the final steps in completing the transition relies on patients. This past week, DCMC employees began transitioning their own electronic health records to MyChart to better assist patients when their transition begins Jan. 22. Door County Medical Center Clinic Registration Coordinator Joy Hansen and Patient Financial Services Director Ashley Moede say there are several ways patients can get help to ensure a smooth transition.

Heise recommends patients arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for appointments to confirm their records have been transferred and to address any questions or concerns related to the change. The full conversation is available on the Door County Medical Center Community Connections podcast page.

You will find that their offices will remain in the same location, but the Door County Economic Development Corporation no longer owns the building they call home.

DCEDC announced Thursday that its business center on Walnut Street is now owned by Appleton-based Lawe Street Sanctuary LLC.

The building will continue to operate as a multi-tenant business center, providing stability for the businesses currently housed there. DCEDC Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says the organization’s focus is shifting toward programs that promote long-term sustainability and workforce attraction and retention. She says she is confident the change will benefit the organization and help it fulfill its mission and vision for the future.

The business center is home to DCEDC, distributors, nonprofit organizations and professional service providers that have moved beyond the incubator stage, which was the building’s original purpose for several years.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is warning residents, including those in Door and Kewaunee County, from Salmonella infections linked to a nationally recalled dietary supplement. DHS confirms that 11 Wisconsinites have become ill,  with two of the affected individuals requiring hospitalization.

According to DHS, the illnesses are linked to Live it Up-brand Super Greens dietary supplement powder. If you purchased the product you are advised not to eat or drink it, and to either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. Health officials also recommend washing hands, utensils, containers, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the powder. 

DHS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and public health agencies in other states to investigate the outbreak. Nationwide, 45 people across 21 states have been infected with Salmonella after consuming the product. The first Wisconsin illness was reported on October 1, 2025.

The FDA issued a recall for Live it Up-brand Super Greens powder with expiration dates ranging from August 2026 through January 2028. Both the original and wild berry flavors are included in the recall. The product is sold nationwide, primarily through online stores, and Walmart is listed as retailer.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, usually appearing six hours to six days after exposure. While most recover without treatment, children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems may develop more serious complications.

DHS says the investigation is ongoing and encourages you to monitor symptoms and seek medical care if illness becomes severe. Updates can be found on the DHS outbreaks webpage.

Legislation aimed at strengthening Wisconsin’s response to retail theft, along with several other measures authored by Senator André Jacque, is headed to the governor’s desk after passing the State Assembly on a voice vote Tuesday.

Assembly Bill 89, authored by Jacque, who represents Wisconsin’s First Senate District, gives law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to address repeat retail theft, a growing concern for small businesses across the state. The bill allows prosecutors to combine the value of stolen items across multiple incidents and locations, enabling stronger criminal charges for repeat offenders. Under current law, retail theft involving less than $500 is typically charged as a misdemeanor, even when thefts occur repeatedly at different locations.

“We’ve received very strong support from small businesses across the state for this bill,” Jacque said. “We are very excited about the Assembly’s action on the floor this week.”

Several other bills authored by Jacque also advanced through the Assembly. Senate Bill 259 requires county human and social service agencies to immediately notify the Department of Defense when allegations of domestic abuse or neglect involve military family members.

Also passing was Assembly Bill 19, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen protections for adults at risk. The bill increases penalties for crimes committed against adults with physical or mental disadvantages and expands safeguards against financial exploitation. It also extends the same protections currently in place for individuals over the age of 60.

“Protection for at-risk adults is a big one, and we’ll have it on the Senate floor as well,” Jacque said.

The Assembly also approved Senate Joint Resolution 103, which condemns the abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Another high-profile measure advanced shortly before Jacque’s interview, a proposal to eliminate taxes on tips. “Today, the Assembly is passing my no-tax-on-tips proposal,” Jacque said. “This bill is something that will help the service industry, certainly in Door County and all of Northeast Wisconsin, in terms of being able to keep our service industry staff in a good economic position.”

Senator Jacque represents the First Senate District, which includes Door and Kewaunee counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.

A new law bringing whole milk back into your child’s cafeteria had the fingerprints of key figures from northeast Wisconsin on it. President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law Wednesday, with legislators, Cabinet members and dairy industry professionals flanking him.

The new law reverses an Obama administration rule and will allow school districts to offer whole and 2% milk options alongside 1% and skim varieties. One of the bill’s co-sponsors was Rep. Tony Wied, who represents Wisconsin’s 8th District, including Door and Kewaunee counties, in the U.S. House of Representatives. He said he was proud to co-sponsor the legislation, telling the Washington Reporter that “growing children benefit from essential nutrients found in whole and 2% milk, and farmers will benefit from greater demand for their products.”

Standing alongside Trump as he signed the new law was Pagel Family Businesses Chair Jamie Witcpalek, a third-generation owner of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Kewaunee. She praised the Trump administration for pushing what she called common-sense legislation, adding that research shows kids need the strong bones, energy and healthy muscles that whole milk can provide.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suggested implementation of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act could be ready in the coming weeks.

Door County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Curt Vandertie is seeking your vote this fall as he runs for Door County Sheriff. Vandertie announced his campaign Thursday as he looks to extend nearly three decades of public service into a new role.

In addition to serving as a reserve deputy with the Door County Sheriff’s Office for 17 years, Vandertie has been a member of the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department for 29 years, including 18 years as fire chief. He has also served as an emergency medical technician with Door County Emergency Services for 26 years and as an emergency medical responder with the Brussels-Union EMRs for 17 years.

Coupled with 14 years in the private sector, Vandertie said his background has allowed him to develop the skills needed to become sheriff, including communication, teamwork, budgeting and strategic decision-making.

Vandertie is the first to announce his candidacy for Door County Sheriff. The election will be decided in November.

Megan Salentine’s eyes were full of happy tears Wednesday night as she became a former Fairest for the third time.

Salentine’s reign as Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair came to an end Wednesday evening at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, as Kenosha County Fairest of the Fair Kaelie Billingsley was crowned her successor as the 60th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs.

Salentine said hosting portions of the competition and visiting with dozens of other young women vying for the title allowed her not only to reflect on her term as state Fairest, but also on her time representing Kewaunee County as its Fairest and Junior Fairest. Her time donning a crown spanned everything from Kewaunee County hosting the 2017 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days during her tenure as Junior Fairest to weathering a major storm that canceled the final day of the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair.

She expressed how blessed she felt to have served in the Fairest role as she addressed a full ballroom to close out Wednesday’s event.

Afterward, Salentine said it was easy to give up the crown because she knows how the experience can change someone’s life, just as it did for her. She added that this moment does not mark a goodbye to the fair industry.

Salentine will wrap up her senior year at St. Norbert College before entering the workforce as a teacher later this year. The 2026 Wisconsin State Fair runs Aug. 6–16 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is now accepting applications for individuals interested in serving as state troopers, with the annual recruitment period open through Feb. 15, 2026.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is a statewide, multi-role law enforcement agency focused on public safety, transportation safety, criminal enforcement, and specialized technical and tactical support for local, state, and federal partners. As a division of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the agency plays a critical role in maintaining safe and efficient roadways throughout the state.

Troopers and inspectors are assigned to counties across Wisconsin, enforcing traffic and criminal laws while supporting a variety of specialized operations. These roles include pilots, K9 officers, crash reconstruction specialists, and commercial motor vehicle inspectors. Additional units focus on drug interdiction, human trafficking enforcement, honor guard services, and dignitary protection.

Applicants must hold a two-year associate degree or have completed at least 60 college-level credits before entering the Academy, though up to 60 credits may be waived for individuals with qualifying military or law enforcement experience. Candidates are not required to be Wisconsin residents but must be willing to relocate.

Those meeting minimum requirements will undergo interviews, background checks, physical readiness testing, and medical and psychological evaluations. Training begins July 12, 2026, at the State Patrol Academy at Fort McCoy. Graduates of the 73rd Recruit Class will be sworn in on Dec. 18, 2026, before completing additional field training in one of five State Patrol regions.

More information and application details are available online. The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.

The Sister Bay Advancement Association (SBAA) is proud to announce that Erin Peddle, Marketing & Events professional for the organization, has been nominated for the Wisconsin Governor’s Tourism Rising Star Award, which recognizes emerging leaders who have worked in the tourism industry for five years or fewer and demonstrate leadership, commitment, and passion for advancing Wisconsin tourism.

Erin has been working in the tourism industry for nearly two years and joined SBAA in April 2024. In her role, she supports strategic marketing initiatives, community engagement, and event execution that strengthen Sister Bay’s brand and promote the village as a year-round destination.

Erin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago and brings extensive experience in digital content, brand strategy, and communications across multiple industries. 

She has demonstrated leadership in tourism through her proactive approach to research, trend analysis, and innovative event development. Most notably, Erin played a key role in launching Winter Wellness Weekend, a new off-season event debuting this month and designed to increase winter visitation to Sister Bay. The initiative has generated strong enthusiasm among residents, businesses and visitors while strengthening tourism during one of the community’s quietest seasons.

In addition to her professional contributions, Erin is a valued team member known for her enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, and willingness to support her colleagues in any capacity.

SBAA awards typically happen in late April or early May, with local ceremonies in Milwaukee recognizing state winners, followed by national recognition in D.C.

Voters in the Sturgeon Bay School District will have a competitive school board race this spring, with four candidates running for three open seats in the April 7, 2026 election, and a long-standing board member retiring.

Allison Haus, Damion Howard, Jeffery Matson, and Cliff Wind are vying for the three seats carrying three-year terms that will begin April 27th.

One of the seats is becoming vacant following the retirement of longtime board member and Vice President Tina Jennerjohn. Jennerjohn has filed her non-candidacy paperwork and will step down after more than twenty-one years of service on the Sturgeon Bay School Board.  

"Her performance was quite awesome, and a huge thank you to Tina Jennerjohn for her devoted service,” said Sturgeon Bay School District Superintendent Dan Tjernagel. Her departure marks the end of a tenure spanning more than two decades of district growth, policy development, and community involvement. 

The other two seats up for election are currently held by Haus and Howard, who are both seeking re-election. With only four candidates filing for the three available positions, a primary election will not be necessary.

Voters will make their selections during the spring election on April 7. 

A single-vehicle crash was reported Friday afternoon in the Town of Nasewaupee, according to the Door County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched at about 5:40 p.m. on January 9 to the 2500 block of County Highway S after a caller reported an older female driver had gone into the ditch and was bleeding from her hands. When officers arrived, the vehicle had already been removed from the ditch and relocated to a nearby residence behind Sahs Auto Shop.

Emergency medical services were on scene evaluating the driver, who declined medical transport and told deputies she was not injured. The driver told officers she had been traveling to visit family in the area, missed a turn, and ended up in the ditch. She also reported exiting the vehicle and falling into water in the ditch, which explained why her clothing was wet.

Deputies noted the vehicle sustained damage to the lower bumper area. The driver denied alcohol or drug use prior to the crash.

Residents in Kewaunee’s Fourth Aldermanic District will once again have two representatives on the City Council.

Members of the Kewaunee City Council voted earlier this week to approve Aaron Drouse to join Jeffrey Kohnle as the district’s second representative. Drouse is the owner and head instructor at  Monarch Martial Arts Academy. The seat has been largely vacant for the past two years after multiple attempts to fill it were unsuccessful.

According to City Clerk Patty Schreiber, Drouse is also expected to run for the seat as a write-in candidate in April’s election.

The Village of Egg Harbor has issued a memorandum proposing a resolution that would strongly encourage developers of large-scale projects to hold a public consultation meeting before submitting formal plans for approval.

The goal is to give residents an opportunity to review and comment on projects while plans are still being developed, rather than after they are finalized.

According to the memo, the resolution would “formally express the Village’s strong encouragement for developers of major projects to conduct community information sessions before submitting formal applications.” While participation would not be mandatory, the Village notes that a developer’s decision to engage the public could be taken into account during the approval process. The memo explains that the Plan Commission and Village Board would be allowed to consider whether a developer made a good-faith effort to involve the community, creating an incentive for early outreach without making it a requirement or grounds for denial.

Megan Sawyer, Egg Harbor Village Administrator, says “we want to understand what our community’s goals are, and we want those who invest in our village to know what those goals are.” She adds that “it is a proactive approach to solving potential issues regarding planning.   This is something that will help that process go smoothly moving forward for everyone involved.”

Sawyer says the proposal offers benefits for residents, developers, and local government.

For Egg Harbor residents, it could provide earlier awareness of major development proposals and meaningful opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns, and offer suggestions before the formal review process begins.

Developers could benefit by building community goodwill, identifying potential issues early, and incorporating feedback before investing in final plans.

For the Village, officials say early dialogue may lead to more informed public participation, fewer conflicts or delays during hearings, and a stronger reputation for transparent and inclusive decision-making that aligns development with community values.

Sawyer says the village is recommending the resolution as a low-cost, high-impact way to enhance transparency and community engagement without creating legal complications, with trustees expected to discuss the proposal and consider adoption at this week’s Village Board meeting.  

Employers across Door County are being encouraged to apply for new workforce training grants as the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development opens the latest round of Wisconsin Fast Forward funding.

The program is designed to help businesses address the growing demand for skilled workers, a challenge often felt acutely in Door County’s tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and service industries. Employers of all sizes and in all sectors are eligible to apply.

Through Wisconsin Fast Forward, grants reimburse the cost of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, or existing workers. Funding can be used to help employees qualify for full-time jobs, move into higher-skilled positions, or earn higher wages. Approximately $1.5 million is available statewide, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $400,000, and larger awards possible for consortium applications.

The program is a strategic investment that helps employers fill in-demand positions while giving workers the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy.

Eligible applicants include public agencies, private businesses, industry partnerships, and tribal governments. Applications for this round of funding are due by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Additional details and application instructions are available through the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program website.

A single-vehicle rollover crash was reported Saturday evening in the Town of Clay Banks, according to the Door County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to County Highway S near Carnot Road at about 7 p.m. on January 10. The crash occurred just minutes earlier when a northbound pickup truck lost control on icy pavement, began spinning, and entered the west ditch, where it rolled over and came to rest facing southwest.

The driver and one passenger were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. One person reported a possible injury and was transported by EMS for evaluation. No fatalities were reported.

Investigators noted the roadway was dark and unlit, with icy surface conditions contributing to the crash. The driver was cited for failure to keep the vehicle under control, operating while suspended, operating without insurance, and failure to wear a seat belt.

A portion of County Highway S experienced a brief lane closure while emergency crews responded and the vehicle was removed. The scene was cleared shortly after 8 p.m.

As winter settles in, the Door County YMCA is wrapping up one of its busiest times of the year while welcoming both returning and new members into the New Year with events, programs, and community gatherings, says Laura Cassidy, Healthy Living Director at the Kane Center YMCA in Fish Creek.

The Jackie & Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek will host its annual Soup Day on Monday, January 19, with servings beginning at 7 a.m. and continuing until supplies last. “We will run our sales until the soup runs out,” Cassidy said. Patrons can call in orders ahead of time “you can pre-order online starting on Sunday the 18th,”  she adds. 16-ounce containers are priced at $7 each. The fundraiser supports YMCA programming and community engagement.

In addition to Soup Day, YMCA members and guests can test their chili skills, or simply taste and enjoy, at two Chili Cook-Off events. 

The Sturgeon Bay Program Center will host its cook-off on January 20 at 11:30 a.m., inviting participants to register their best recipes or come sample the entries.

The Kane Center in Fish Creek will be hosting their Chili Cook-off on National Chili Day, February 26th also at 11:30 a.m. giving local cooks in Door County a chance to compete and connect with neighbors over bowls of chili. “If you want to show off your chili recipe, call Abby Baker in Sturgeon Bay or myself in Fish Creek to register.” Cassidy says.

For members who want even more flexibility, the YMCA offers a $20 after-hours access FOB that can be purchased to allow entry outside regular staffed hours, perfect for early birds or night owls keeping up with fitness goals.

As the New Year unfolds, YMCA staff are focused on fostering connection, wellness, and community support through both long-standing traditions like Soup Day, a Chili Cook-Off, and fresh opportunities in their seasonal program lineup.

A new Wisconsin law that took effect Jan. 1 is reshaping the regulatory landscape for rural event venues commonly labeled as “wedding barns,” drawing criticism from agricultural venue owners while earning support from traditional banquet halls and the state’s Tavern League.

The legislation, enacted as part of 2023 Act 73, changes how alcohol is regulated at private event venues that previously operated under exemptions from standard liquor licensing. Under the new rules, venues that allow alcohol consumption must either obtain a full liquor license from their municipality or operate under a limited no-sale event venue permit, often referred to as a BYOB alcohol permit.

Rob Geitner, owner of Fernwood Gardens in Jacksonport, a third-generation family farm operated since 1973, says the terminology and scope of the law need to be open for discussion.

“All sorts of venues can fall into the category of 'wedding barn', and many of them have nothing to do with agricultural land.” Geitner said. “We want to change the narrative. We support competition and support certain licenses for actual barns, but not having laws regulating alcohol consumption for them seems unfair."

"Working farms (with a wedding barn) shouldn't be grouped with all other venue spaces like galleries, private propoerty venues with no ag history, etc. " added Geitner. “The legislation brushed with a large swath, and some of these venues can skirt laws,” he said.

For venues that choose the permit route, the impact is substantial. They are limited to six events per year where beer and wine may be consumed, with no more than one event per month. Hard liquor is prohibited, and venues cannot allow guests to bring alcohol without the permit.

Venues seeking greater flexibility must obtain a full liquor license, which allows alcohol service at unlimited events. However, licenses are often subject to municipal quotas, annual fees, and administrative requirements that smaller, seasonal venues say are difficult to meet.

 “We’re just looking for an even playing field,” Geitner said. "The current legilation that went into effect this month at least made it fair for commercial businesses like ours, but I'm not opposed to  modifying it to assist with actual farms." He added.

As the 2026 wedding season approaches, venue owners, couples, and municipalities alike continue to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, with debate ongoing over whether the law ensures fairness, or places an uneven burden on some Wisconsin’s  businesses.

The United Way of Door County raised the second-highest total in the organization’s history as part of its 2025 annual campaign. Executive Director Amy Kohnle and Board President Michelle Lawrie announced Tuesday that the campaign brought in $937,969.33, second only to last year’s total of $942,686.14.

Funds raised will support nearly two dozen programs and partners, including the United Way of Door County’s Child Care Initiative, Healthy Door County, STRIDE – School-Based Mental Health Services, the Door County Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition, and the Door County Partnership for Children and Families.

Lawrie and Kohnle said they appreciate the community’s support of the $1.2 million goal and hope the campaign helped residents better understand how the United Way serves the entire community.

Kohnle and Lawrie also thanked local businesses for providing creative ways to help promote the United Way of Door County’s mission, ranging from guest bartending and cheese-mongering events in Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor to staging a sit-in atop Al Johnson’s Restaurant in Sister Bay.

If you are at least 50 years old, live in Door County, and need a few improvements made to your home, Door County Habitat for Humanity may be able to help. The organization recently received grants from the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation’s R. Bruce & Alyce S. Kopseker Trust and AARP to provide needed home repairs for area seniors.

Door County Habitat for Humanity was one of just 383 organizations nationwide to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant, which focuses on making home repairs for Door County homeowners age 50 and older. Like many of the grants it awards, the R. Bruce & Alyce S. Kopseker Trust supports projects serving residents aged 60 and older who live primarily north of Sturgeon Bay, helping them remain healthy and independent in their homes.

Door County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Lori Allen said the two grants will allow residents to receive home upgrades that help them age in place in the community.

Those who believe they, or someone they know, may be eligible for assistance are encouraged to contact Door County Habitat for Humanity.

The MatchUp Program is officially under the guidance of We Are Hope Inc. following an open house hosted by the organization on Tuesday. Do Good Door County and We Are Hope Inc./The EmployAbility HUB announced the transition earlier this month.

The two organizations have worked together on the project since Do Good Door County launched the program in 2024. By connecting older adults with local employers, the program addresses community needs by providing businesses with workers while fostering social connections for the area’s aging population.

We Are Hope Inc. Executive Director Kim Carley said she is excited to see the program grow under the organization’s leadership, noting that several clients have already stopped in to learn more about how they can take advantage of the opportunities.

Do Good Door County’s Cynthia Germain said earlier this month that she is confident We Are Hope Inc. can help expand the program and build an age-friendly approach to employment, adding that “MatchUp was always about creating meaningful connections between people, purpose and opportunity.”

Those interested can contact We Are Hope Inc. or stop by its office inside the Cherry Point Mall in Sturgeon Bay to learn more about the MatchUp Program.

For the second day in a row, a vehicle accident along State Highway 57 has knocked out power for Door County residents. Wisconsin Public Service reported the outage shortly before 8:15 a.m. Tuesday near Sand Dunes Shores between Jacksonport and Baileys Harbor.

The outage is impacting 149 customers, including 102 in Baileys Harbor, according to WPS. Crews were assigned as of 9 a.m., with an estimated restoration time of 12:15 p.m.

On Monday, an accident on State Highway 57 near Clark Lake Road in Jacksonport knocked out power to more than 660 customers.

The Marquette Historic District is offering the public an opportunity to learn more about one of Kewaunee’s oldest neighborhoods. The district recently launched a new website detailing homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places.

Situated on a bluff near the city’s downtown and overlooking Lake Michigan, the Marquette Historic District includes homes once owned by some of Kewaunee’s founding families and features unique architecture dating back, in some cases, to the 1880s. While the nearby Marquette School was torn down in 2019, much of the neighborhood has remained unchanged.

Marquette Historic District President Kirt Johnson said the website celebrates the neighborhood’s history and provides residents and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the people who made it special.

More information about the 44 homes that make up the Marquette Historic District is available on the website. Those interested in seeing the homes in person will also have that opportunity, as Johnson said a Parade of Homes is in the works.

He said additional details will be released in the coming months, but encouraged the public to mark July 18 on their calendars and include the Parade of Homes as part of their Alumni Fest activities.

While you will have to wait until August to see the team make a positive impact on the field, you may not have to wait as long to see what the Green Bay Packers do to accomplish that off of it. Last month, the Green Bay Packers Foundation issued more than $1.5 million in grants to 395 civic and charitable groups across Wisconsin, including seven in Door County and three in Kewaunee County.

The focus areas for the 2025 grant program were animal welfare; civic and community; environmental; and health and wellness, including drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence.

One of the recipients was the Door County Medical Center Foundation, which is helping the hospital expand its behavioral health program. The foundation has raised $4.5 million to address mental health needs in the community by adding staff members to lower the current ratio of one behavioral health specialist for every 700-plus residents.

Door County Medical Center Foundation Assistant Director Andy Boettcher says the hospital aims to support more than 8,600 residents through its behavioral health program, with a fundraising goal that is a constantly moving target. He says support from the community and organizations such as the Green Bay Packers Foundation is crucial to the effort.

Grants from the Green Bay Packers Foundation are typically between $3,000 and $8,000. Funded projects range from expanding the agroforestry demonstration farm at Gathering Ground on Washington Island to helping build an environmental education center at Bruemmer Park in Kewaunee. A full list of funded projects can be found here.

DOOR COUNTY

Sturgeon Bay
Door County Medical Center Foundation
Door County Medical Center Behavioral Health Program 

Washington Island
Gathering Ground
Expanding our agroforestry demonstration Farm 

Sturgeon Bay

HELP of Door County, Inc.

Emergency Basic Needs Support

Sturgeon Bay

Open Door Bird Sanctuary

Enhance the visitor facility, a nature center, with safety and access improvements

Sturgeon Bay

Sturgeon Bay Historical Society

The Door County Granary: A Living Museum & Community Gathering Space

Sturgeon Bay

Town of Forestville

Maplewood Park Project

Washington Island

Washington Island Foundation

Putting the Best Foot Forward: Treadmill Replacement at the Washington Island Mosling Recreation Center Health

KEWAUNEE COUNTY

Algoma
Friends of Crescent Beach
Implementing Nature-Based Stormwater Solutions and Greenspace Restoration at Olson Park

Algoma
Violence Intervention Project Violence Intervention Project - Survivor Services

Kewaunee
Zoological Society of Kewaunee County

Environmental Education Center Project 

If you have ever wanted to act on stage at the Steve & Jackie Kane Theatre at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, move your schedule around on Wednesday. Third Avenue PlayWorks will host open auditions for its 2026 season on Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., with a break from 4 to 5 p.m.

The performing arts organization is looking to fill 19 roles for actors ranging in age from their 20s to 80s for its upcoming season.

“There is so much talent here in Northeast Wisconsin, and we are always excited to get a chance to meet new folks,” said Jacob Janssen, Jackie & Steve Kane artistic director. “If you have ever thought it might be fun to try your hand at acting, we encourage you to audition.”

The upcoming season includes productions of Heroes, Moonlight and Magnolias, Red Herring, The Call List, and It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Door County. Janssen said last month that he believes the slate of shows will generate conversation in the community.

The 2026 season kicks off April 22 with Heroes. Those planning to audition are encouraged to set up an appointment with Third Avenue PlayWorks and prepare two contrasting monologues with a combined length of no more than five minutes.

If you are not quite ready to audition, registration is open for Third Avenue PlayWorks Theatre Workshops for teens and adults beginning in March.

Photo courtesy of Third Avenue Playworks

A Monday morning accident left more than 600 Wisconsin Public Service customers without power. WPS reported the outage just before 11 a.m. following a crash near State Highway 57 and Clark Lake Road. A total of 664 customers were affected.

Crews were on site as of 11:30 a.m., with power potentially restored by 12:30 p.m.

The accident followed a busy weekend for emergency responders, with the Door County Sheriff’s Department receiving more than a dozen reports of vehicles in ditches and responding to more than 10 crashes, two of which involved injuries.

You may soon be able to relive some old memories at the former Younkers building next to the Door County Historical Museum. Door County officials are exploring the possibility of renovating the building so the county could use a portion of it for museum and archives storage while making the rest suitable for a tenant.

The county has owned the building since 2019 and initially planned to turn it into an addition to the neighboring history museum. When estimates came back at $8 million, supervisors balked at the price tag and opted to go back to the drawing board.

Door County Administrator Ken Pabich says the county is now moving forward with a $3 million budget. That plan would allow officials to rehabilitate the structure for county needs while setting up the potential for a public-private partnership to keep the building viable for years to come.

Pabich hopes to see drawings for the reimagined space in the coming months so construction can be completed by the end of the year.

Saturday’s weather did not deter approximately 200 people from lining State Highway 42 in Egg Harbor and exercising their First Amendment rights.

Protests took place across the country as individuals challenged the Trump Administration on several stances regarding the use of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and foreign conflicts. Organized by the Democratic Party of Door County and Indivisible Door County, protestors began lining downtown Egg Harbor at noon, sharing sentiments that weighed in on the recent shooting death of Renee Good in Minneapolis and the recent military conflict in Venezuela. 

Other weekend protests took place in Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, and Madison. 

Screenshot and video courtesy of Mitchell Gossman

The Washington Island Ferry will switch to its winter schedule beginning Monday, January 12.

Daily service to the island will include two trips at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., with an extra 4 p.m. trip on Thursdays and Fridays. Return trips to the mainland will depart at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an additional 3:15 p.m. service on Thursdays and Fridays.

Vehicle reservations are required through March 12, so you are encouraged to plan ahead. The schedule aims to accommodate winter travel while maintaining safe and efficient ferry operations.

For more information or to make reservations, passengers can visit the ferry’s official website or contact the terminal directly.

After a year of crisscrossing the state, you will not see Luxemburg native Megan Salentine sporting a crown and sash after this week. The competition for the 60th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs began Sunday, signaling the end of Salentine’s reign.

Last summer, Salentine visited 57 fairs across the state, including the Wisconsin State Fair and county fairs in Brown, Door and Kewaunee counties.

“At each and every fair, I interacted with the people that make the fair industry world go around, each of them becoming a part of my fair story,” Salentine wrote last fall before heading back to St. Norbert College for her senior year. “Across fair staff and volunteers, exhibitors, vendors, family members, entertainers, superintendents and fair heroes, the passion in the fair industry is so very alive.”

At the Brown County Fair last August, the 2017 Kewaunee County Junior Fairest and 2024 Kewaunee County Fairest shared how blessed she felt to hold the title at the state level.

Salentine will help crown her successor Wednesday evening in Wisconsin Dells.

Offering children different opportunities, such as leadership roles, may be key to keeping them involved. Whether in youth sports or organizations like scouting and 4-H, attrition often begins between ages 11 and 15. Time conflicts, social dynamics and an increasing number of choices often lead kids to move from one organization or activity to another.

With members as young as kindergarten in some clubs, the Kewaunee County 4-H Teen Association is designed to give older youth a larger leadership role and opportunities to participate in activities with their peers. Kewaunee County 4-H Program Coordinator Erin Dahle says the teen association has been a great way to keep participants involved as they grow older within the program.

The public can support the Kewaunee County 4-H Teen Association this month at its prom dress sale at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds from Jan. 15–17 or by ordering a Belgian pie through the group by Jan. 31. More information on both offerings is available below.

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is inviting residents across the state, including Door County, to help spread some Valentine’s Day cheer to veterans living in Wisconsin Veterans Homes.

The department has launched its annual Valentine’s card collection, encouraging community members to create and mail handmade or store-bought cards as a simple way to thank veterans for their service and brighten their day. Officials say the gesture may be small, but the impact can be meaningful, especially for veterans who may feel isolated during the winter months.

Cards must be mailed by January 31 to ensure they arrive in time for Valentine’s Day. All cards should be sent to:

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Attn: Veteran Valentines

PO Box 7843

Madison, WI 53707-7843

Participants are asked to keep messages respectful and inclusive, avoiding personal contact information. Cards can be signed with a first name, family name, school, organization, or community, such as “From Door County,” to help veterans know where the well-wishes are coming from.

Veterans Homes across Wisconsin serve hundreds of former service members, providing long-term and skilled care. State officials say community support plays an important role in maintaining morale and connection.

Additional details  are available through the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs website.

It’s a time for adapting at Crossroads—we are adapting to short days and long nights, sudden shifts in weather, and the presence or absence of snow and ice. Even so, we have many activities scheduled, including outdoor programs, and we will continue to adapt to changing conditions.

Our Ski-for-Free Program is a good example. This Crossroads tradition has gone through many adaptations over the past 25 years. We lend skis, poles, boots, snowshoes and kicksleds in a wide range of sizes. This year, equipment distribution has moved to the lower level of the Collins Learning Center, and our open hours have been significantly expanded.

Experience has taught us, however, that winter conditions can change quickly, so Ski-for-Free hours will always depend on several factors. Trail conditions must be just right, with enough snow of adequate depth and consistency to be “rolled” into a base. Without a base, the groomer cannot set tracks.

Because visitor safety is our priority, we will not open during periods of extreme cold or high winds. Finally, we must have enough volunteers available to help properly fit participants with equipment. If conditions are appropriate, skis and kicksleds will be made available in the afternoons during business hours and on weekends as staffing allows. Please check the ticker on our website and our calendar for updates.

Snowshoes will be made available all winter long during business hours and during Ski-for-Free.

Please note that Crossroads trails are always open and free, and visitors are welcome to use their own equipment at any time. Current trail conditions and Ski-for-Free hours will be posted on the ticker at the top of the Crossroads website, www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org.

On Friday, Jan. 16, between 5 and 6:30 p.m., Door County residents and visitors can experience our trails in a different light during the Winter Sky Luminary-Lit Hike and Campfire Gathering. Candlelight will guide the way, and at the end of the trail, participants can gather with friends to share a blazing campfire and a cup of hot chocolate.

The word luminary comes from the Latin lumen, meaning light. While the human eye can adapt somewhat to darkness, early humans were largely confined to daylight until the discovery and control of fire led to the first torches.

You may be familiar with mullein, the tall plant with fuzzy leaves that grows in disturbed areas throughout our region. Long ago, people in Europe discovered that by soaking mullein’s tall, pithy stalks in animal fat, they could create effective torches.

Later, fibers from mullein and other plants were used to make wicks for oil lamps and candles. During the Middle Ages, beeswax candles were developed as a cleaner alternative to tallow. Over time, other fuels—including spermaceti from whales and 19th-century paraffin wax—were used to extend light into the dark hours.

Adaptation is also the theme of our Science Saturday program on Saturday, Jan. 17, titled Fit the Bill. This family program explores the adaptations that enable birds to use a wide variety of food sources. That discussion naturally raises another question: Do birds have adaptations that allow them to fly—and navigate—in the dark?

They do. Birds have eyes that are more sensitive to low light than humans, and research suggests young birds learn the pattern of stars rotating around the North Star to orient themselves.

Remarkably, it seems that birds can sense Earth’s magnetic field through specialized proteins containing iron in their eyes. Scientists have also discovered that at dusk, light becomes polarized—vibrating in organized directions—allowing birds to determine direction even on cloudy days and after sunset.

It is a season of adaptation—and occasionally unavoidable program cancellations—so we encourage everyone to check the Crossroads website before heading out.

Wednesday, Jan. 14
1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday
Join a naturalist-led guided hike to places of interest. Easy walking, about an hour. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Friday, Jan. 16
5–6:30 p.m. Winter Sky Luminary-Lit Hike and Campfire
Take a stroll along one of our trails, beautifully lit by the enchanting glow of luminaries. When you return, cozy up around a blazing campfire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the company of good people. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Saturday, Jan. 17
2 p.m. Science Saturday: Fit the Bill
Through hands-on demonstrations, learn how bird bills are like tools. This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Registration not required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Monday, Jan. 19
Nature Center Closed
Trails open.

Tuesday, Jan. 20
3:30 p.m. Environmental Exploration: Under the Bark
This after-school outing will explore how insects and fungi survive in winter under tree bark. Geared for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Dress for outdoor conditions. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

The Door County Master Gardeners will kick off their Growing Together Education Series for the New Year with a January program focused on winter sowing. The free educational presentation, titled “Winter Sowing Demonstration,” will take place Monday, January 12, 2026, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

The video webinar is open to the public and designed for gardeners of all experience levels. While winter may seem like an unlikely time to start seeds, the program will highlight how gardeners can successfully sow seeds outdoors using the winter sowing method. The technique often uses recycled milk jugs as mini greenhouses, allowing seeds to undergo natural cold stratification before germinating when conditions are right.

Winter sowing is especially beneficial for native plants and offers a hands-off, cost-effective alternative to indoor seed starting. The method produces stronger, harder seedlings without the need for grow lights.

The Growing Together Education Series is part of the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener program and emphasizes research-based gardening practices. Programs are held on the second Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m. and last about an hour, followed by a light refreshment social for those interested in connecting with fellow gardeners.

Residents of Carlton Heights Mobile Home Park, a land-lease community in Door County, say repeated water outages and raw sewage problems point to issues with maintenance, enforcement, and regulation of mobile home parks in Wisconsin.

Tenants have reported going several days without running water, including a four-day outage this winter. In June, raw sewage reportedly surfaced near several trailers, prompting Door County to file a lawsuit against the park’s owner for violations of state wastewater laws.

Door County Corporation Counsel Sean Donohue says the county received numerous complaints and moved quickly to address concerns related to wastewater treatment and resident safety.

“We have received various complaints over time,” Donahue said. “The immediate focus was on the wastewater treatment system and the safety of the residents.”

Donahue explained that the park’s Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, known as POWTS, were found to be out of compliance. As a result, the Door County Land Use Services Department took enforcement action against Carlton Heights. “The outcome was a fine, and an injunction.” Donahue said.

Donohue states that, "different issues are regulated by different local and state entities. Complaints are sometimes made to the County for issues we do not have the authority to address. In such cases, we do our best to notify the appropriate regulatory body."

Issues cited include severe disrepair of the park’s only access road, improper garbage disposal, and reports of some units still lacking reliable water service.

*Story edited 01/13/2026

The Community Blood Center (CBC) is issuing an urgent call for blood donors across Door and Kewaunee Counties as supplies of several key blood types reach critically low levels. CBC reports an immediate need for Type O positive, Type O negative, and Type A negative donors to help meet growing patient demand at local hospitals.

Earlier this week, CBC delivered more than 30 units of O positive blood to four area hospitals, above and beyond routine shipments, to support emergency and urgent transfusions. At the same time, a patient requiring multiple units of A negative blood has placed additional strain on an already limited supply. As of Thursday, CBC’s A negative inventory stood at less than two days on hand.

“Right now the CBC is experiencing a critical need for multiple blood types. All blood types are constantly needed, because local patients rely on transfusions for life-threatening emergencies.” said Emily Roberts, CBC’s PR and Community Engagement Specialist. “Type O positive, Type O Negative, and especially Type A Negative are our focus right now.”

Roberts also highlighted an upcoming blood drive at Sturgeon Bay High School on Wednesday, January 14, encouraging residents to participate. “Blood drives are incredibly important for maintaining blood supply,” she said. “We have over 100 mobile drives each month, they come right to your neighborhood and we try to make it as easy and as convenient as possible.”

Schedule a donation by visiting communityblood.org, using the CBC Donor App or calling (800) 280-4102.

Wisconsin drivers now have new ways to show state pride, as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced the release of two new specialty license plate designs, a sleek Blackout plate and a Retro butter yellow plate inspired by the 1970s.

The much-anticipated plates became available in early January at most DMV service centers, participating dealers, and online. State officials estimate the new designs will generate more than $25 million for Wisconsin’s transportation fund within the first three years, helping support road and bridge improvements statewide, including in rural and tourism-heavy areas like Door County.

The plates offer drivers a choice between a modern look and a nostalgic nod to Wisconsin’s past. The Blackout plate features a black background with white lettering, while the Retro plate uses a butter yellow background with black lettering and includes the slogan “America’s Dairyland.” Both plates allow up to seven characters for personalization.

Each plate carries a one-time $15 issuance fee and a $25 annual registration fee, with proceeds directed toward transportation projects that benefit communities across Wisconsin, including Door County.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is responding to a manure spill reported in Kewaunee County, East of Casco, along Highway 54.

The DNR was notified Friday morning, Jan. 9, of manure discharging from a field operated by El-Na Farms into a stream that feeds into Rio Creek, where bass fishing is prevalent. Officials say the discharge appears to have been caused by overnight heavy rainfall (appx. 0.7 inches), which washed manure off cropland where it had recently been applied.

DNR staff has been on site since Friday to monitor the situation, while the farm worked to clean up the discharge and prevent further runoff. Officials say no additional impacts have been reported at this time.

The DNR encourages farmers and the public to review best practices for manure application and spill prevention.

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Genevieve Heyward, a former Door County music scene regular, is set to compete on Season 24 of the long-running television singing competition American Idol. Heyward shared the news on her Instagram page on January 1, announcing her participation on the show, which premieres later this season on ABC.

Heyward, a 2017 graduate of Lake Geneva’s Badger High School, built her early career performing across Wisconsin, including at Steel Bridge Songfest in Sturgeon Bay and the Mile of Music Festival in Appleton, as well as Summerfest in Milwaukee.

After relocating to Nashville, she has become known on the indie-pop and singer-songwriter circuit, releasing her Sprinkles EP in 2025 and earning local acclaim for her strong vocals and engaging stage presence.

Local supporters here have taken to social media celebrating her American Idol journey, with friends and alumni alike cheering her on as she takes the next step in her musical career.

The show’s 24th season returns with judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood, and will showcase hopefuls like Heyward vying for a recording contract and national recognition.

You will find a new duo showcasing the Kewaunee County Fair while sporting new crowns and sashes in 2026. UW-River Falls student Savannah Bailey was crowned Fairest of the Fair, while homeschool student Teresa Livingstone will serve as her Junior Fairest of the Fair. Algoma Elementary School student Lainey Barta will assist Bailey and Livingstone as a member of the Fairest Court.

All three girls showcased their love for the Kewaunee County Fair and their involvement with their 4-H clubs and communities during the gala event. The event included individual and group interviews, an impromptu question, a mock introduction and an auction basket showcase.

After the crowning ceremony, the three girls expressed their excitement for the summer ahead. Bailey said she is looking forward to mentoring Livingstone and Barta, just as she was mentored when she served as Junior Fairest for former Fairest of the Fair Paige Bellin. Livingstone and Barta said they are looking forward to connecting with exhibitors and fair visitors, especially during the livestock shows.

You will see the trio traveling throughout the county this year, including at the Kewaunee County Fair, which runs July 9–12.

As we enter the new year, I thought I would use this article, as well as the next few, as a format to share some year-end statistics on the various components of the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department. I want to thank our partners in the local media for providing a platform through which we can share this information directly with those we serve.

I would like to begin by going over some numbers from the perspective of our dispatch center. The Kewaunee County Dispatch Center serves as the primary answering point for all 911 and other emergency calls throughout Kewaunee County. We also dispatch and page for all local fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies. We are unique in Kewaunee County in that we dual-role our staff as both dispatchers and jailers. In most other counties, there are dedicated jailers and dedicated dispatchers. Kewaunee County has financially benefited from this arrangement for years, and it is a testament to the quality of our staff that they are able to maintain a high level of effectiveness and proficiency in both areas.

In 2024, we received 20,211 calls into our dispatch center. This compares with 20,662 calls received the previous year. In addition, there were 3,616 emergency 911 calls received by our dispatchers, an increase from 3,424 the prior year.

As it relates to calls that resulted in the dispatching of resources throughout Kewaunee County, there were approximately 8,147 calls for service, which is slightly down from 8,270 the previous year. I would like to go over some of the most common calls we receive and provide some background on the nature of these calls.

The highest-frequency calls we receive are categorized as “rescue calls,” which accounted for 1,390 calls this past year, up from 1,331 the previous year. These calls range from citizens experiencing medical emergencies in their homes to patients at local clinics in need of transport due to a medical emergency. In each of these cases, our dispatchers play an important role in obtaining vital information about the patient and coordinating the appropriate response based on location and urgency.

While much less frequent, another category of emergency calls we receive involves requests for local fire department services. In 2025, we received 62 fire-related calls, down from 81 in 2024. While not as frequent as other calls, these incidents are typically very involved and require a great deal of coordination and communication. These calls also last significantly longer as responding agencies work together during the initial response and throughout the lengthy efforts to fully extinguish the fire and prevent future flare-ups.

The next most frequent category is 911 hang-ups, totaling 505 calls, down from 509 the previous year. These are often accidental misdials and require follow-up by our dispatchers or, in many cases, the dispatch of an officer to the call location. Thanks to Next Generation 911, we are able to determine the location of these calls if the caller is unable to provide it. If these calls are determined to be legitimate calls for service, their status is changed to reflect the nature of the incident. Thank you to our community for being more aware of your devices and taking steps to keep these calls to a minimum.

Following 911 hang-ups is the category of “citizen assist,” which accounted for 249 calls this past year, a slight decrease from 294 the previous year. These calls vary in nature but primarily involve assistance with civil matters where law enforcement is requested to be present during a volatile situation.

The next two categories had very similar numbers: “welfare checks,” with 298 calls, down from 306, and “suspicious activity,” with 258 calls, down from 273. These calls are similar in that the caller is concerned about the behavior or well-being of someone they know or the actions of someone they do not know and would like investigated. In either case, these are important calls and demonstrate that our community is engaged in the well-being and security of those around them.

Another category of calls we handled involved “animal problems,” with 334 calls, down from 363 the previous year. These unfortunate situations typically result from an actual or perceived lack of care or control by an animal owner. These types of calls can be reduced through attentive and responsible pet ownership.

“Traffic offenses” accounted for 321 calls this past year, down from 339 in 2024. These calls have increased over time with the widespread use of cell phones, allowing community members to serve as an extra set of eyes on the road. These calls are appreciated and send a clear message that we are holding each other accountable as motorists. We ask only that calls be made in a safe manner that does not jeopardize the caller’s safety or distract from their own driving.

I would like to thank the dedicated men and women who serve our community as public safety telecommunicators. These roles often go unnoticed and underappreciated, but they form the foundation of the public safety services we provide throughout the year.

If you would like to know more about the work done at the Kewaunee County Dispatch Center, please do not hesitate to contact our department. We can even arrange a tour.

Door County’s forests are showing the scars of a turbulent year, as severe summer storms and long-term ecological stress continue to take a toll on the peninsula’s trees. But amid the cleanup and concern, researchers and conservationists say recovery efforts tied to the Boreal Climate Survivability Project are offering both insight and hope for the future of the region’s woodlands.

In early August, a series of powerful storms swept across Door County, toppling trees, closing roads, and disrupting power from Rowley’s Bay to Sturgeon Bay. Officials confirmed at least one tornado near Peninsula State Park, while high winds caused widespread damage in both developed areas and natural landscapes. For ecosystems already under pressure from invasive species, changing climate patterns, and aging tree stands, the storms added another layer of stress.

“The storms were dramatic, but they’re also part of a bigger picture,” said Victoria Holderer, Applied Research Ecologist at The Ridges Sanctuary. “We’re seeing more frequent and intense weather events, and that reality is reshaping how our forests function and which species are able to persist.”

That shifting reality is at the heart of the Boreal Climate Survivability Project, a collaborative effort led by The Ridges Sanctuary and regional partners. The project focuses on planting and monitoring thousands of trees across different habitats, including state natural areas such as the Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest. The goal is to better understand which boreal and near-boreal species can survive and adapt as conditions change.

“This project isn’t just about planting trees,” Holderer explained. “It’s about learning which species can handle warmer temperatures, fluctuating moisture, and storm stress, so we can make informed decisions about future forest management.”

An additional challenge facing forest recovery in Door County is the region’s high deer population, which places intense pressure on young trees. Deer browsing can significantly reduce sapling survival, particularly for species already stressed by changing climate conditions. “Deer tend to preferentially browse the same species we’re trying hardest to protect,” said Holderer. “When saplings are repeatedly eaten back year after year, they never get the chance to grow beyond that vulnerable stage, which can dramatically alter future forest composition and limit the success of restoration and research efforts like the Boreal Climate Survivability Project.”

As seasons change and unpredictable weather moves across the peninsula, the Boreal Climate Survivability Project stands as a forward-looking response, one rooted in science, adaptation, and a long-term commitment to Door County’s natural heritage.

Door County Reads 2026 will launch with a special in-person author event featuring bestselling historical fiction writer Kate Quinn. The free program is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, at noon at the Sturgeon Bay High School Auditorium.

Quinn, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, will present a live talk followed by a book signing. The event will be recorded and later available for viewing on the Door County Library YouTube channel through the end of February, allowing community members to participate even if they are unable to attend in person.

Known for her richly researched novels and strong female protagonists, Quinn is the author of popular titles including The Alice Network, The Huntress, The Rose Code, and The Diamond Eye, many of which are set during World War II. A native of Southern California, Quinn holds bachelor's and master’s degrees in Classical Voice from Boston University and currently resides in Maryland with her family.

This year’s Door County Reads selection is The Briar Club, a novel set in 1950s Washington, D.C., centered on the residents of an all-female boarding house navigating secrets, friendships, and Cold War tensions.

Attendees are encouraged to bring books for signing or purchase copies on-site. The event is funded by the Door County Library Foundation and is open to the public.

Drivers will need to find an alternate route through the Town of Franklin as a road project gets underway. Kewaunee County officials announced this week that a bridge on County KB near Curran Road will be closed beginning Jan. 19 for replacement. The bridge is expected to remain closed until May 8.

During the closure, motorists are advised to use County J to the north and County BB to the south. Officials urge drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted detour routes.

Voters may notice some empty spaces on their ballots this spring, but those seats on local governing bodies will still need to be filled. For some positions, such as Door County Board District 19 and the City of Kewaunee’s 2nd and 4th aldermanic districts, no one submitted the required paperwork to appear on the ballot. For others, including the Southern Door School Board, there are more seats than candidates.

While a whisper campaign at the local watering hole could earn the votes needed, Door County Clerk Jill Lau says speaking with your municipal clerk about becoming a registered write-in candidate helps everyone involved.

The deadline to become a registered write-in candidate is noon on the Friday before the scheduled spring primary, Feb. 17, and the spring election, April 7.

If you ring it, others will donate in Door County as The Salvation Army winds down its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign. According to ringer coordinator Nancy Kexel-Calabresa, about $74,000 was raised from kettles placed across the peninsula. That total is down from approximately $83,000 collected last year.

Kexel-Calabresa attributed the decline potentially to increased online shopping, fewer customers carrying cash and weather issues that limited bell ringers and shoppers alike from getting to stores. Still, she says she is thankful for all the volunteers and donors who will help make 2026 a little brighter because of their generosity during last holiday season.

Kexel-Calabresa says donations to support the 2025 campaign can still be made by mailing a check to P.O. Box 644, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Door County followed a trend seen in other communities’ Salvation Army Red Kettle campaigns.

In Kewaunee County, $26,076.05 in donations were received, down from $28,485.10 last year. According to WLUK, The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay exceeded its $270,000 kettle goal by more than $40,000, but it was still short of its $1.33 million Christmas campaign goal. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign regularly raises between $100 million and $150 million nationwide each year.

Health care professionals are urging people to stay home, drink fluids and rest if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, much of the country is at a high to very high level for flu activity, with West Virginia (moderate), Vermont (low) and Nevada (insufficient data) as the lone outliers.

The CDC reports at least 11 million illnesses and 5,000 deaths due to the flu so far this season. Flu-like illness accounts for 8% of visits to health care providers, marking the highest activity level since the late 1990s.

Door County Public Health Officer Katie Van Lanen says this flu season is affecting everyone and that symptoms are largely the same.

Van Lanen says if you are worried about the flu, it is never too late to get vaccinated. More than 130.7 million doses of the flu vaccine have been administered, according to the CDC, which is about 13 million fewer doses compared with the same point in the season last year.

At least 15 Wisconsin counties, including Door County, are under a flood watch due to heavy rain expected Thursday (1/8) evening. The rain, combined with melting snowpack and partially frozen ground and rivers, could lead to rapid runoff, causing minor flooding and ice jams. Low-lying and poor-drainage areas, including storm drains and ditches clogged with ice and snow, are especially vulnerable to flooding.

The National Weather Service advises residents in these areas to be prepared to take action if flooding develops. The flood watch is expected to expire at noon Friday (1/9).

Nomination papers are in, and it will be up to voters to decide who will represent their families and neighbors on county boards. This spring, there will be eight contested races in Door and Kewaunee counties, six of them in Door County. 

A primary will take place Feb. 17 in District 17, where Dave Smith and Mariah Goode are challenging Bob Bultman for his seat. The top two finishers in the primary will advance to the April 7 ballot, which will also feature contested races in District 3 (Jan Guillette and Jason Tlachac), District 9 (incumbent Ryan Shaw and Amy Austad Labott), District 10 (incumbent Phillip Rockwell and Alexis Heim Peter), District 16 (incumbent David Enigl and Theresa Cain-Bieri) and District 21 (Joe Rogers and Nancy Barnowsky Goss).

The passing of Roy Englebert (District 3), the noncandidacy declarations of Morgan Rusnak (District 11) and Joel Gunnlaugsson (District 21), and the vacancy in District 19 guarantee at least four new faces on the Door County Board this spring.

There will be less turnover in Kewaunee County, where there is just one contested race in District 12 between incumbent Milt Swagel and Robert Obry. New faces will also fill two seats, as Lisa Cochart (District 7) and Jason Jelinek (District 18) are set to replace Timothy Kinnard and Jeffrey Vollenweider, both of whom filed notices of noncandidacy.

Voters can begin requesting absentee ballots now if they plan to vote by mail, or they can wait until Feb. 3 to vote in the primary or March 24 to vote in person ahead of time. To see who else may appear on the ballot this spring, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website.

As the holiday season winds down, local officials are warning residents to stay vigilant against a new scam targeting Plan Commission applicants in Door County and across the state. Village authorities say fraudulent emails are circulating that appear to come directly from the Village, using official logos, letterhead, and referencing publicly posted agenda materials, seeming legitimate.

The emails typically request around $4,900, by wire transfer for phony services related to Plan Commission applications. Julie Thyssen, Village Clerk of Sister Bay stresses that these requests are not legitimate. “The Village only invoices applicants through our HeyGov portal and will never request payment by wire transfer,” said Thyssen.

Thyssen says that the timing of the scam makes it particularly concerning. “Right after the holidays, people are often distracted with personal finances, end-of-year bills, and planning for the New Year,” she noted. “Scammers exploit that vulnerability; hoping residents won’t double-check unusual payment requests.”

Residents are urged to carefully verify any invoice they receive and to contact Village Hall immediately if they suspect a fraudulent request. The Village encourages applicants to report suspicious emails or phone calls to prevent others from falling victim.

Thyssen reminds us: ”if it seems suspicious, it likely is, do not send payment and reach out directly to Village Hall for assistance.”

The Brussels-Union-Gardner (BUG) Fire Department has been awarded $19,917.46 through the Wisconsin EMS Funding Assistance Grant Program, funding that will help strengthen emergency medical services across the three-town district.

The grant supports EMS agencies throughout Wisconsin, including fire departments that provide medical response, and can be used for equipment purchases, training, and other operational needs. BUG Fire Chief Curt Vandertie said the award is the result of teamwork and persistence.

“This grant became available with the merger of our local EMR's, when we rolled everything into our Fire Department” Vandertie said. “This grant was on the top of our list, and there’s never a guarantee of success. You can apply for ten grants in a year and receive one. In this case, it paid off for our community.”

Vandertie also credited Captain Dalton Everard for his role in the application process, noting that grant writing often happens behind the scenes. “Captain Everard put in a lot of work on this application, and it’s important to recognize that dedication,” he said.

The Chief emphasized that the funding will directly benefit residents by helping the department maintain a high level of emergency medical care. Vandertie also thanked the firefighters and emergency medical responders who serve the Towns of Brussels, Union, and Gardner.

“We truly are three towns, one department,” Vandertie said. “Our members take great pride in serving this community, and this grant will help us continue doing that at the highest level.”

Whether you are at a bar or at home, do not be surprised if you see more people sipping nonalcoholic beverages this month. According to CivicScience, more than 25% of Americans took the Dry January challenge in 2024, up from 16% the previous year.

Dry January is part of a worldwide effort to abstain from alcohol for the entire month to help people start the new year on a healthier note. The benefits of participating are not limited to savings in your bank account. Men’s Health suggests that cutting out alcohol can improve mood, lead to better sleep, boost organ and metabolic health, and help curb future alcohol use.

As a result, nonalcoholic beer sales have grown every year since 2018, while alternatives such as hop water and ready-to-drink mocktails are also rising in popularity. One year into marketing their own line of mocktail beverages, Luba Libations owners Christiana and Nic Trapani say the trend is not going anywhere.

The growth of Dry January also coincides with a drop in alcohol consumption nationwide. According to Gallup, a record-low 54% of Americans say they drink alcohol. The previous low was 55% in 1958.

Jan. 7th is Dry January USA Day.

As the 2025 deer hunting season wraps up in Door and Kewaunee Counties, wildlife officials are reminding hunters and landowners that chronic wasting disease, a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and caribou, remains a serious concern in Wisconsin’s deer herd. CWD is caused by misfolded proteins called prions and is always fatal once an animal becomes infected.

Under Wisconsin law, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must impose baiting and feeding bans in any county where CWD has been confirmed in wild or captive deer, as well as in adjoining counties within 10 miles of a confirmed case.

According to state wildlife experts and regulatory maps, Door and Kewaunee Counties are not currently listed among counties with mandated baiting and feeding bans related to recent CWD detections, meaning those prohibitions are not in effect here at this time.

However, DNR Wildlife Habitat Herd Health Specialist Erin Larson continues to caution that baiting or feeding deer, practices that artificially congregate animals, can accelerate the spread of CWD by increasing contact between infected and healthy deer. “When deer gather unnaturally around feed or bait sites, it creates the perfect conditions for CWD to move through a herd,” said Larson. “These CWD deer may look healthy, but are spreading the disease to healthy deer”, she added. 

Larson encourages hunters to have harvested deer tested for CWD, especially in areas where the disease has been detected elsewhere in the state. Free testing through the DNR helps wildlife managers monitor the disease’s distribution and better understand how populations are affected.

Even without local bans, Larson stresses that reducing artificial gathering of deer, including discontinuing supplemental feeding, remains one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of this always-fatal disease as winter gives way to spring.

The Sturgeon Bay YMCA is rolling out a new program aimed at helping young adults build connections and feel more engaged in the community. On this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast, Mission Advancement Director Brett Cleveland and Marketing and Events Coordinator Makayla Thoma announce the launch of the Door County Social Collective, a low-pressure social group designed for people looking to meet new friends, try different activities, and get involved without long-term commitments.

The program officially begins Tuesday, January 6th, and offers a rotating schedule of casual, drop-in events throughout the month. Cleveland said the idea grew from conversations with young adults who were looking for welcoming spaces to connect. “Not everyone wants a formal club or league,” he said. “This is about showing up, having fun, and feeling like you belong.”

Weekly activities kick off every Tuesday with pick-up basketball in Gym C at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA from 6 to 8 p.m. All skill levels are welcome, and participants can join for a relaxed game without registration. On January 15, the Social Collective will host Game Night in the YMCA community room, featuring competitive board games in an unplugged setting. This month’s featured game is cribbage, and the event is open to everyone.

The program also includes a Monthly Social on Thursday, January 22, at 6 p.m. at Bridge Up Brewing in Sturgeon Bay, offering a laid-back evening of conversation at a local brewery. Rounding out the month is a Book Club meeting on January 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stone Harbor Resort, focused on casual discussion and shared recommendations, January's featured book is "The Housemaid".

Thoma said the goal is accessibility. “You don’t have to attend everything. Just come when something sounds fun.”

More details, including a full discussion of the program, can be found on the latest Y-Wednesday podcast.

If you live in Algoma’s 4th Aldermanic District and do not have time to gather the signatures needed to get on the ballot, there is another way to serve on the City Council.

During Monday’s meeting, Algoma Mayor Steve Lautenbach announced the resignation of District 4 Alder Dawn Kidd, effective Dec. 31, 2025. Kidd’s seat is not up for election until 2027, and the council opted not to place the position on the ballot for a special election. Instead, the council will appoint someone to serve the remainder of the two-year term, avoiding the need for the appointee to immediately return to the campaign trail next year.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and resume to the city in person or via email by noon Jan. 30.

You can expect some traffic delays in downtown Sturgeon Bay as the winter fleet begins to pull into port. The James R. Barker was the first ship to arrive at Bay Shipbuilding earlier this weekend, kicking off what is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the Sturgeon Bay shipyard.

At just over 1,000 feet long, the nearly 50-year-old vessel is one of the longest on the Great Lakes. Large bulk carriers take advantage of winter ice cover to head to Sturgeon Bay for maintenance and repairs. The boat traffic coincides with the closure of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., which will be closed from January 15th until potentially March 25th.

With no list of ships or arrival schedule published for public viewing, residents will need to keep sites such as MarineTraffic or BoatNerd bookmarked to track where and when vessels like the James R. Barker arrive. The winter fleet season typically ends in late February or early March, when the spring shipping season begins.

The time to crown Miss Door County is now just over a month away. Tickets went on sale Monday for the Miss Door County Pageant, with the Feb. 7 show nearly selling out Southern Door Auditorium within the first hour.

A record field of 27 contestants will compete for the Miss Door County, Miss Door County Teen and Miss Cherryland crowns, as well as thousands of dollars in scholarships. Executive Director Susan Fochs credits the current titleholders — Miss Door County Faith Blackley, Miss Door County Teen Elise Jackson and Miss Cherryland Hannah Mertens — with generating increased interest in the program, which now stretches beyond the peninsula’s borders.

After competing in the Miss Door County Scholarship Competition on Feb. 7, the new titleholders will advance to the Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin’s Teen competitions June 17–20, 2026, in New Berlin. Even if tickets for Saturday’s main show are unavailable, community members can still take part in the excitement. The Miss Door County Scholarship Program will sell tickets to Friday night's dress rehearsal, and supporters can log on to vote for their favorite contestant in the People’s Choice competition.

The home of the 12th American to reach sainthood could be in your backyard.

The Diocese of Green Bay opened the door to that possibility on Sunday, calling on Catholics to share testimony about how Adele Brice has impacted their lives.

According to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the Virgin Mary appeared to the Belgian immigrant Brice in October 1859, calling her to dedicate her life to catechism and teaching local children God’s word.

During the Great Peshtigo Fire in 1871, Brise gathered area residents at the chapel and prayed for Mary’s protection from the blaze. While the fire destroyed much of the surrounding area, the grounds on which the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion sits remained largely untouched.

Brice was buried on the chapel grounds in 1896.

Over the years, many have pointed to visits to the shrine as the source of miracles in their lives. Those accounts led Diocese of Green Bay Bishop David Ricken to declare the Marian apparitions “worthy of belief” in 2010 and to designate the site—then known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help—as the first approved Marian apparition shrine in the United States.

Ricken is now calling on area Catholics to submit testimony as he considers nominating Brise for canonization.

According to the Archdiocese of San Francisco, there are 11 American saints and nearly 20 others who are considered “blessed” or “venerable.” There are four major steps to sainthood: request for canonization, determination, beatification and canonization.

A collection of drawing prompts and discussion through a United Way program could help address a child’s anxiety and stress. Winter registration is now open for the STRIDE Creative Mighty Teens Empowerment Project.

On Tuesday nights from 6 to 7 p.m., Feb. 4 through March 18, Door County students in grades five through seven can participate in a series of Zoom calls. During the sessions, participants will draw alongside credentialed art therapist Jodi Rose Gonzales while exploring topics such as resilience, coping skills, emotional self-expression and growth mindset.

STRIDE is part of United Way efforts to address a shortage of mental health professionals in Door County, particularly for youth. STRIDE offers one-on-one sessions for Door County schoolchildren and currently has a waiting list of families hoping to access services.

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle said STRIDE creative programs, like the Mighty Teens Empowerment Project, can provide support while families wait for more personalized services.

STRIDE is one of many programs supported by United Way of Door County, which entered the week at $824,281.21 toward its annual campaign goal of $1.2 million. Kohnle said she is hopeful the organization can reach its goal so supported programs can reach their full potential.

Community members can support United Way of Door County’s annual campaign through Jan. 7 at this link.

With all of the Christmas excitement behind us, I wanted to take just a moment to share the outcome of our 2025 season of giving. Just as in the past, this year’s Kewaunee County Kettle Campaign was a testament to the generosity of our communities. Overall, we received $26,076.05 in donations between Nov. 23 and Dec. 24. This was slightly down from last year, when we received $28,485.10, but still an amazing amount by any measure.

This is a true testament to the commitment and dedication of all those who took the time to ring bells, as well as the generosity of those who gave what they could throughout the giving season.

Leading the giving this year were the Kewaunee sites, with a total of $10,951.81, followed by Luxemburg at $7,675.80 and Algoma at $6,764.66. These totals include both what was received in the kettles and donation checks received throughout the 2025 season. A relatively new addition to our campaign has been the countertop kettles at area businesses. Each year, they tend to draw a bit more attention as well as donations. Thank you to the businesses that hosted them.

These are some impressive numbers when you consider that most of these donations are small amounts as people come and go from the kettle sites. We would like to thank the businesses that allow us to place kettles and bell-ringing volunteers at their entrances. We would also like to thank the many volunteers who took time from their lives to ring bells and encourage giving. There is no way we would have been as successful in our fundraising had the bell ringers not been at the sites as often as they were. I am always encouraged by the many new faces who volunteer each year and look forward to even more next season.

I would like to thank Jake Blazkovec and John Ortlieb for all of their efforts in the Algoma area. I would also like to thank Annette Wuest for her coordination at the Luxemburg sites. In addition to volunteers of all ages, young and old, a special shout-out goes to our Kewaunee County youth for showing us that there is no minimum age for volunteerism. We had students, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and student/staff members of various organizations and schools giving of themselves and their time.

Big thanks also go to all of the Nicolet Bank staff, especially Lynn LaCrosse, for processing all of the transactions and patiently sorting the contents of the kettles. Many hours were spent flattening out rolled-up, crunched-up, and otherwise jam-packed currency from the kettles that were brought in.

It is important to note that these funds stay here in Kewaunee County to help those around us who find themselves in short-term need. These needs may be due to a sudden loss of employment or an unexpected medical bill. In these instances, resources are sent directly to the vendor so there is no doubt the money is going toward its intended purpose.

I have the unique privilege of being the voucher writer for The Salvation Army here in Kewaunee County, which allows me to meet with and assist our neighbors throughout the year with needs such as utilities, rent, lodging, food, clothing and fuel. While I may be the person filling out the voucher, I know I am merely a representative of our community and its amazing generosity. I am grateful for the role I play in changing people’s lives for the better, and I would encourage anyone with an interest to join our county unit of The Salvation Army. We meet on a quarterly basis and are always looking for fresh insight and perspective on how we can better serve our community. Please give me a call if you are interested.

A 35-year-old man was hospitalized over the weekend after being stabbed with his own knife.

According to the Sturgeon Bay Police Department, officers responded to the 1200 block of Tacoma Beach Road for a report of a stabbing. Officers spoke with two men, ages 30 and 35, who had been involved in an argument.

Police say the 35-year-old man took out a small folding knife and threatened to kill the other man, which led to a physical altercation. During the fight, the 35-year-old was stabbed and taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

The incident remains under investigation. The 35-year-old has been charged with recklessly endangering safety and disorderly conduct.

The Town of Liberty Grove Board hopes to see more progress at the site formerly home to one of Door County’s lodging landmarks. An update on the former Rowleys Bay Resort property is on the agenda for the board’s regular monthly meeting, which will also include discussion of its broadband project, room tax funds and on-site random DOT testing.

The resort was destroyed in 2023 when a September fire ripped through the Ellison Bay property. The property’s owners, Bob and Jewel Peterson Ouradink, put it up for sale months later after deciding not to rebuild. According to past town board meeting minutes, progress has been slow in the two years since, largely due to failed deals with prospective buyers for the property. 

Last fall, the property was inspected, paving the way for asbestos abatement in late 2025 and the demolition of the existing buildings.

The Town of Liberty Grove Board will meet at town hall beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday.  

If you are a fan of the show America’s Best Restaurants, you may recognize the newest featured restaurant this week. The Gnoshery in Sturgeon Bay will be showcased on America’s Best Restaurants when the episode is released at 1 p.m. Monday.

Film crews from America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company, were on location in September to capture what makes The Gnoshery a special place to dine and play in Sturgeon Bay. Popular dishes and drinks were highlighted during the appearance, while owner Pat Fuge and his gnomes showcased the restaurant’s special place in the community.

During the filming, Fuge said much of what makes The Gnoshery unique comes naturally, and he is thrilled that more people around the country will get to see it for themselves.

Once it is released, the episode will be available to watch on America’s Best Restaurants’ YouTube page. Opened in 2003, The Gnoshery has welcomed residents and visitors alike to bring their families together to dine and play. The Gnoshery earned its place on the show thanks to its online customer reviews, menu items, social media presence and strong involvement in the community.

The countdown to potentially spending a little more on some purchases will begin Tuesday, when the Sturgeon Bay Common Council holds its first ordinance reading to institute a Premier Resort Area Tax in the city.

The 2025-27 state budget allowed the city, along with the town of Minocqua, to join other tourist-oriented communities such as Ephraim, Sister Bay and Wisconsin Dells in charging an additional 0.5% tax on items typically associated with tourism, excluding essentials such as gasoline and groceries. The city has sought for about a decade to institute a PRAT to help fund infrastructure improvements.

In 2018, 70% of Sturgeon Bay voters approved the PRAT in an advisory referendum. Even if the ordinance is approved by the end of the month, Mayor David Ward said it likely will not take effect until July, in accordance with state statutes.

Ward said he hopes the PRAT will help spread the burden of repairing the city’s roads, an area in which the city has fallen behind.

In addition to its consent agenda, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council will consider adding a spring primary to the election calendar when it meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

A program linking older adults with local job opportunities is moving under a new umbrella this year.

Do Good Door County announced Friday that its MatchUp employment program is being transitioned to We Are HOPE Inc./The EmployAbility HUB. The two organizations have worked together on the project since Do Good Door County launched the program in 2024.

By connecting older adults with local employers, the program addressed community needs by providing businesses with workers while fostering social connections for the area’s aging population. Do Good Door County’s Cynthia Germain said she is confident We Are HOPE Inc. can help expand the program and build an age-friendly approach to employment, adding that “MatchUp was always about creating meaningful connections between people, purpose and opportunity.”

We Are HOPE Inc. Executive Director Kim Carley said it is an honor to carry on the program’s legacy, noting that “this transition allows us to build on that foundation and support even more older adults seeking meaningful work.”

The two organizations will celebrate the transition during an open house Jan. 13 at 8 a.m. at The EmployAbility HUB, located inside Cherry Point Mall in Sturgeon Bay.

The League of Women Voters of Door County is rolling out a series of nonpartisan voter education and engagement efforts ahead of the 2026 spring elections.

As part of those campaigns, League volunteers will provide voter registration assistance at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA, on Monday, January 12. Assistance will be available from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and again from 4 to 6 p.m. Volunteers will help community members register to vote or update existing registrations.

Voters are encouraged to review their registration status, especially if they are new to Wisconsin, have moved, or have changed their name. Proof of current address is required for registration updates. Residents may also check their status online through the state’s MyVote website.

In addition, the League is accepting requests to host candidate forums in advance of the April 7 election. Forums are designed to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates in a neutral setting and learn about issues affecting the community.

Requests must be submitted by Friday, January 23. Forums are open to the public and will only be held for contested races. Additional guidelines apply, and all requests are subject to League review based on volunteer and venue availability.

More information can be found on The League of Women Voters of Door County website.

Winter has arrived at Crossroads at Big Creek in earnest, and much of the conversation this week has centered around ice. Is it thick enough to safely walk or fish on? Did you get caught in the flash freeze? Will the pipes burst? Ice—love it, hate it, or sometimes feel both at once—will be the focus of this week’s Science Saturday, our weekly family science program geared toward kids but engaging for learners of all ages. This interactive program will explore the global influence of frozen water.

Water is literally universal—it is found throughout space. We are often taught that without liquid water, life as we know it would not be possible. That is true, but it is only part of the story. Water is a strange substance, able to change from vapor to liquid, or liquid to solid, with relatively small changes in temperature.

According to NASA scientists, for life as we know it on Earth, the ability of water to exist in all three states—solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor)—is necessary. While liquid water is the primary medium for the chemical reactions of life, the solid and gaseous forms play critical roles in regulating the planet’s climate, distributing water, and creating habitable environments.

Even young children learn about the water cycle and how water evaporates and then returns as rain or snow. Clearly, water vapor—the gaseous form—is essential. But ice plays a critical role as well.

Ice is the solid form of water, and peculiarly, it floats. If it did not, bodies of water—from puddles to oceans—would freeze from the bottom up each winter, killing aquatic life. Instead, a protective layer of ice forms on the surface, acting as an insulating blanket that allows fish and other organisms to survive in the liquid water below.

On a global scale, polar ice caps reflect sunlight back into space, helping cool the planet and regulate land temperatures and ocean currents. Melting glaciers also provide freshwater each year for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.

Closer to home, snow is made up of ice crystals—water in its solid form—and when that solid form is adequate for grooming, Crossroads offers Ski-for-Free. We lend skis, boots, poles, snowshoes in all sizes, and kick sleds to Door County residents and visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Ski-for-Free is open based on trail conditions and volunteer availability; for updates, check our events calendar and the ticker on our website.

Love it, tolerate it, or hate it, ice is essential, and Crossroads invites the community to celebrate it through winter science education and outdoor recreation.

Saturday, Jan. 10
2 p.m. – Science Saturday: Ice
Families are invited to learn the science behind ice—why it floats, why it is slippery, and more. This weekly family program is intended for elementary students, but learners of all ages are welcome. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Monday, Jan. 12
1:30 p.m. – DCMGA Growing Together Education Series: Winter Sowing Demonstration
Veteran gardener Karen Kidd will explain how seeds can be sown outdoors in milk jugs and left outside for the winter. This hands-off approach allows seeds to determine when conditions are right to sprout. Winter sowing is particularly useful for native plants that require cold stratification and results in stronger, hardened-off seedlings. This cost-effective technique requires no indoor grow lights and saves space, as the container acts as a miniature greenhouse that exposes seeds to natural conditions. The program is free and open to the public and is brought to you by the Door County Master Gardeners Association. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, Jan. 13
3:30 p.m. – Environmental Exploration: Winter Meadows
During this afterschool program, participants will search for signs of life in winter meadows. This program is geared toward elementary-aged students but is open to learners of all ages. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, Jan. 14
1:30 p.m. – Wandering Wednesday
This weekly program offers a naturalist-led hike featuring easy walking for about an hour. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash. Registration is not required, and the program is open to the public and free thanks to community support. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

As the calendar turns to 2026, Door County winter continues on, blanketing our communities in snow and settling in with its familiar quiet beauty. For many, the season brings enjoyment and cozy moments at home. For others, however, winter can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to clearing sidewalks and driveways without help.

While it’s easy to admire the snowy landscape, the physical demands that come with it can be a real challenge for some of our neighbors. Older adults, those with health concerns, or individuals facing difficult circumstances may struggle every time the snow begins to fall. Recognizing that need, Do Good Wisconsin is continuing its Snow Angel Program for the new year.

The initiative is designed to connect neighbors and encourage simple acts of kindness during the snowy and frigid winter months. Through the program, Do Good Wisconsin is offering free Snow Angel lawn signs that can be placed in front yards to quietly signal that assistance with snow removal would be appreciated. The signs serve as an invitation for neighbors and passer-bys to step in and help when they are able and are available on the Do Good Wisconsin website.

Do Good Wisconsin’s Snow Angel Program is a reminder that community support starts close to home. When you see a Snow Angel sign this winter, consider lending a hand and helping make the season a little easier for someone nearby.

Door County youth will have a chance to showcase their basketball skills later this month during the 2026 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship, set for Saturday, January 10, in Sturgeon Bay. The annual competition will take place at the St. John Bosco/Corpus Christi Gym and is open to boys and girls ages 9 through 14.

The event is free to enter, and no prior basketball experience is required. Organizers say the contest is designed to encourage sportsmanship, confidence, and friendly competition among young athletes. Participants will compete against others in their own age and gender divisions, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the gym, with the official start of the contest scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Parents are asked to bring proof of age for each participant, i.e. a copy of a birth certificate, at the time of registration.

Winners in each boys’ and girls’ age category will advance to the next level of competition at the Knights of Columbus District Championship, where they will face top free throw shooters from across the area. Additional levels of competition may follow for those who continue to advance.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is part of the organization’s long-standing commitment to supporting youth development and community engagement through athletics. Local organizers encourage families from across Door County to attend, whether to participate or cheer on young competitors, and help make the event a positive and memorable experience for all involved.

A week past the holiday itself, you can still celebrate Christmas in Door County through Monday. Destination Door County is offering its Door County Movie Trail through Monday, giving viewers of “A Cherry Pie Christmas” a chance to see some of the sights featured in the film. Approximately 3,000 people have signed up to participate in the movie trail, with more than 900 coffee mugs being distributed and at least $30,000 being spent at the participating businesses. Destination Door County’s Jen Rogers says it helped make the holidays a little merrier for everyone in Door County.

It certainly meant a lot to Ann Renard from Renard’s Cheese, who helped supply the key ingredient for the main character’s entry in the movie’s final pie contest. She was amazed by the role the Door County Cherry Cheddar played in the film and the impact it had on business during an already busy time.

With help from Destination Door County, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Travel Wisconsin and other partners, Stacy Griesbach was able to ensure businesses like Door County Coffee, Door County Candle, Novel Bay Booksellers and others got their spotlight, giving the film a uniquely Wisconsin feel. She says she appreciated how much the community wanted to be part of the process.

Nearly a year after filming began on “A Cherry Pie Christmas,” director John Stimpson says last month’s sold-out screening at the Door Community Auditorium and the Sister Bay Christkindlmarkt made the experience unlike any other Christmas movie he has made. He hopes “A Cherry Pie Christmas” becomes a holiday tradition for those who live in and visit Door County.

If you still have not seen “A Cherry Pie Christmas,” it is available on YouTube, where it has amassed more than 423,000 views since its mid-December release. Stimpson adds that for those already planning Christmas shopping, “A Cherry Pie Christmas” will be released on DVD later this year.

As we step into the new year, many of us will be making the traditional “New Year’s resolutions.” Although there is nothing wrong with this tradition, it is important to set yourself up for success rather than failure in such endeavors, as it is estimated that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail within the first few months. Here are a few thoughts from someone who has failed as many times as he has succeeded.

The first key step in successful goal-setting is to give it meaning. There are two types of motivation in our lives: extrinsic and intrinsic. An example of a common goal based in extrinsic motivation is weight loss for the purpose of appearance. A better approach is to pursue such a goal with the intrinsic motivator of being overall healthier and enjoying a longer life with our loved ones. The difference lies in the personal value you assign to a given goal. Focusing on our personal values as they relate to our goals is what creates sustainability during those moments when you are tempted to give up. Just as with any other important part of our life’s journey, we must know our “why.” Being able to reflect on the “why” behind your goal, and how that goal is directly related to your values, allows you to draw from a deeper place of perseverance that would otherwise be a fleeting urge or temporary novelty.

The next step is just that: establishing realistic and achievable steps toward your goal. If you were to put up a ladder in an effort to do some sort of work, but that ladder only had the first and last rung, you would be stranded on the ground. Don’t get too caught up in the ultimate goal—the highest rung—at the start of your journey. Focus on the first rung, and when you have cleared that goal, celebrate it, then move on to the next rung or subgoal on your journey.

Another great component of goal-setting is sharing your goals. This accomplishes two things: it allows others into your journey to celebrate the wins and support you through the setbacks, and it adds a component of accountability. Many times, I have resisted a morning run, only to be motivated by the fact that I told someone else I would be out on the trail in the morning. Joining fitness apps as a group can also have this same positive effect.

The final consideration in setting goals is accepting the real possibility that you will fail—and that is absolutely all right, so long as you “fail forward.” This means that when you fall short of your goal, you don’t give up, surrender, or spiral into a negative mental state. You acknowledge the setback, take inventory of what you have learned from it, and step forward armed with this new knowledge. By doing so, you don’t return to your point of origination, but rather to a new place where you can apply what you’ve learned, reflect, and once again move forward in pursuit of your goal.

Just as a river is confined by its banks, we too are confined by our habits. And just as a river has the ability to change its banks over time, we also have the ability to change our habits through consistent and persistent effort. Before you know it, you have changed your “riverbanks,” and the thought of returning to your old rituals or lifestyle is no longer an option.

On a final note, if you have set a goal and, upon reaching it, you are not fundamentally changed in some way, that goal was probably not the final goal. As long as we are drawing a breath, we should be striving to reach new goals. Within the constant pursuit of improvement, as we battle against complacency, always remember to find contentment in the moment. Good luck!

Rising reading scores, honoring local residents and passing bills in the Assembly were among the highlights of the past year for state Rep. Joel Kitchens.

In his final update of 2025, the Sturgeon Bay Republican highlighted his top 10 accomplishments of the year. Topping the list was securing Gov. Tony Evers’ signature on his bill banning cellphones in Wisconsin schools. Under the new law, educators would be able to take a tougher stance on cellphone use during classroom time. With mental health declining among young people since the advent of smartphones, Kitchens said he is hopeful the law will make a difference statewide.

Bills on school consolidation, drone bans over schools, birth control and a property tax exemption for Northern Sky Theater also made the list, though Kitchens acknowledged he will need help from colleagues in the Senate to get those measures across the finish line and to Evers for approval.

Honoring former Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon and Door County Sheriff’s Department employee Carl Waterstreet were also among the year’s highlights. The full list of accomplishments is available below.

FROM REP. JOEL KITCHENS 12/30 UPDATE

Honorable Mention: 
Door and Kewaunee County Days - Once again, around 60 people from our area came to Madison to lobby for issues that are important to residents of Door and Kewaunee County. Lawmakers and staff heard about issues affecting our area. I've heard from many of my colleagues that the visits are very effective and informative. 

Reading Scores Rise after Act 20: Last session, I authored the Right-to-Read Act to change the way Wisconsin schools teach reading. I'm very happy to report we are already seeing dramatic improvements in reading. Children in the Mequon-Thiensville, at the end of the 2024-25 school year, 58% of students scored at or above the 50th percentile on early literacy screenings. After implementing Act 20 this fall, 84% of the district's students in kindergarten through second grade scored at or above the 50th percentile for early literacy proficiency. This spring, teachers in Oshkosh talked about how well phonics is working in their district. One teacher said, "My newcomer, who started the year with minimal English, grew 419%… at the very same time, my highest readers grew 338% and 286%. That never happened before.”

10. Northern Sky Theater Bill Passes Assembly - Northern Sky’s outdoor theater draws thousands every year, generating significant sales tax revenue for the state and county. Additionally, Northern Sky pays the DNR 6% on ticket sales, snacks, and merchandise for shows in Peninsula Park. Unfortunately, a rainout on a two-show night can cost the company as much as $20,000 in losses, making their financial situation precarious. My bill exempts Northern Sky Theater from property taxes, adding it to the existing group of theaters in Wisconsin that are exempt from property taxes. The bill is now in the State Senate awaiting further action.

9. Common-Sense Budget Approved - After months of negotiating, we ended up with a bipartisan budget plan that actually cuts taxes by more than $1.3 billion and increased special education funding by $500 million. Beginning in tax year 2025, individuals, 67 years old and older won't pay taxes on the first $24,000 of retirement income. For married, joint filers, that number is $48,000. We already don’t tax Social Security benefits in Wisconsin, so a large majority of retirees will pay no state income tax. The budget even eliminates taxes on electricity and natural gas bills, saving $178 million!

8. Birth Control Bill Passes Assembly - The Assembly overwhelmingly approved my bill allowing pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives. Studies show that increased access to contraceptives plays a larger role in reducing abortions than new restrictions in the law. I am pro-life and this is probably the best and most effective way to limit or prevent abortions. Currently, 30 states and more than 100 countries allow women to receive birth control from their pharmacists. It is supported by nearly every major medical group. My bill passed by a vote of 87-10 and is now in the State Senate.

7. Assembly Approves Drone Bans over Schools - My office was contacted by constituents about a situation in which a drone repeatedly flew over a Brown County elementary school during recess and was taking photos of children. School officials contacted police, but were told there wasn’t anything they could do about it. My bill bans flying a drone over a school without prior authorization from the school board or governing body with jurisdiction over the school. The bill is now in the State Senate awaiting action.

6. Veterinarian Loan Bill Passes Committee - New veterinarians average more than $150,000 in student load debt. It’s hard to make up that kind of money in a rural area – especially when urban areas can pay more. The Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities unanimously approved my bill to encourage more veterinarians to move to rural parts of Wisconsin. The bill creates a loan repayment program which will provide up to $25,000 per year, for up to four years, for new veterinarians who commit to full-time practice in designated rural counties.

5. Battery Safety Bill Introduced - Whether we know it or not, almost everyone is walking around with a potential fire hazard that can very quickly reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The same high-powered batteries that power our phones and other devices can become unstable and catch fire if damaged. They can be especially dangerous when thrown in the trash, posing serious risks to public health and employee safety. My bill establishes a battery stewardship program requiring battery makers to join or create battery stewardship organizations (BSOs), which are responsible for collecting and recycling certain batteries sold in Wisconsin. Beginning January 1, 2027 (or one year after the bill’s enactment), producers may not sell covered batteries or products containing them unless they are part of a DNR-approved stewardship plan. The goal is to mitigate these types of fires, improve recycling, and reduce landfill disposal. 

4. Consolidation Bills Pass Assembly - According to the Department of Administration, Wisconsin’s student population is expected to decline by 200,000 people by the year 2050. The drop is blamed on the state’s declining birth rates. State schools already saw a drop of 53,000 students from 2013-14 to 2023-24. Nearly 70% of districts experienced a decline. I authored and co-authored a series of voluntary consolidation bills to help districts get ahead of this population drop with voluntary incentives to combine school districts and resources. This will not only help save taxpayers money, it will also help provide better educational opportunities for students.  

3. AJ Dillon Named "Hometown Hero" - The Wisconsin State Assembly honored the former Green Bay Packer running back as a Hometown Hero for his work in the community. Dillon and his wife Gabrielle launched the Dillon Family Foundation in July of 2024 to target food insecurity and to support youth. Their “Carry for a Cause” initiative delivered 1,400 backpacks filled with food for children and families in need throughout Door County and Green Bay. AJ has spent countless hours supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Bay and Lakes Region. He even wrote a children’s book. At a time when so many of the people our kids idolize end up letting them down, AJ is a person every parent would be happy to have their kids emulate.

2. Carl Weatherstreet Named First Responder of the Year - I had the honor of presenting Door County Sheriff Department Professional Standards Captain, Carl Waterstreet, with the 2025 First Responder of the Year for the First Assembly District. In 2023, Carl and his son, Connor, came to me with a bill to help first responders find missing people sooner. That bill is now law thanks to Carl’s leadership. The Kelsey Smith Act requires wireless providers to turn over the device location information to law enforcement without a warrant. Wisconsin became the 31st state to pass the bill into law.

1. Cellphones banned in Wisconsin schools - Teachers will now be able to get the full attention of their students. Governor Tony Evers signed into law a bill that I authored which allows schools to restrict cellphone use during class time, providing educators with a stronger tool to enforce existing policies. Studies show that excessive cell phone and social media use have taken a serious toll on the mental health of young people. Since smartphones and social media became prevalent in 2010, the mental health of young people across the world has rapidly declined.  The impact on young girls has been particularly severe. Suicide among girls has nearly tripled during that time. Making matters worse, the average age children get their first cell phone is 10. School cellphone bans have been universally positive in the U.S. and across the world. In Orlando, schools report that students are more engaged, with less bullying and early reports show a dramatic improvement in test scores.

The Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor is inviting the public to explore Door County’s winter landscape with guided winter nature hikes running from January through March. Led by a Sanctuary naturalist, the hikes offer participants a chance to learn about the preserve’s unique ecosystems while discovering how plants and animals adapt to the colder months.

Hikes are scheduled on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. During each outing, participants will head out on the Sanctuary’s trails to search for animal tracks, observe winter adaptations, and gain insight into the natural history of Wisconsin’s oldest land trust.

If conditions allow, snowshoes can be used for the hike with rentals available.

The hikes are available for a small fee, and free for youth ages 16 and under. Advance registration is recommended and encouraged by calling or visiting The Ridges Sanctuary website.

With less than seven days remaining in its annual campaign, United Way of Door County is making sure supporters are ready for last call.

United Way of Door County ended the calendar year having raised $800,887.91, about 67% of its $1.2 million goal. Percentage-wise, the organization is slightly behind where it was at this time last year, when the goal was $1 million. Executive Director Amy Kohnle said she has told the board there is no need to panic, but those who have not yet donated may receive a phone call from a board member in the coming days.

For those looking to support United Way of Door County while toasting the work it does in the community, board President Michelle Lawrie will serve as a guest bartender at Door County Fire Company in Sturgeon Bay from 5 to 7 p.m. One dollar from select drinks and all tips will go toward United Way of Door County’s annual campaign, which wraps up Jan. 7th.

With just a few days remaining before Tuesday’s filing deadline, more candidates are adding their names to the ballot for this spring’s election.

In Sturgeon Bay, the lone contested race will feature incumbent Seth Wiederanders facing Susan Hilsabeck for the District 6 seat. Matthew Huston (District 2) and Spencer Gustafson (District 4) are running unopposed.

In Algoma, there could also be a contested race in District 3, where incumbent Casey Buhr is facing a challenge from Kenneth Taylor. Kevin Schmidt (District 1), Scott Meverden (District 2), and Amy Johnson (District 4) are running for re-election, while James Winter is running for mayor to replace Steve Lautenbach, who returned a notice of noncandidacy.

In Kewaunee, District 3 will feature a contested election between Scott Oftedahl and Perry Castrovillari Sr. Thomas M. Schneider is the lone candidate running in District 1 to replace Roberta Jeanquart, and no one is running for District 2 after James Brewster joined Jeanquart in filing a notice of noncandidacy. As of Wednesday, Jason Jelinek was the only person to file a declaration of candidacy for Kewaunee mayor, a seat currently held by Jeffrey Vollenweider.

From school boards to county boards, all municipalities and school districts are accepting nomination paperwork until 5 p.m. Tuesday to appear on the spring election ballot April 7. If necessary, a primary will be held Feb. 17.

Egg Harbor rang in the New Year with laughter, music, and a touch of small-town charm during today’s New Year’s Day Parade, residents and visitors lined the streets despite the sub-zero winter chill. Heavily bundled spectators gathered early, armed with hot coffee, cameras, and plenty of enthusiasm to welcome the first community event of the year.

The parade featured a cheerful mix of decorated vehicles, Miss Door County, a hot tub, and familiar faces waving to the crowd. From festively adorned trucks to walkers exchanging high-fives and tossing candy, the procession proved that Egg Harbor doesn’t need warm weather to put on a warm-hearted show.

Even the frigid cold seemed to take a back seat as the parade rolled on, with spectators stomping their feet to stay warm and joking that the brisk temperatures were simply part of the authentic Egg Harbor Parade experience.

The Egg Harbor New Year’s Day Parade once again delivered a lighthearted start to the calendar, reminding the community that the best way to begin the year is together, preferably with a smile, a wave, and maybe an extra pair of gloves.

Door County has issued an updated snowmobile trail report, with most trail zones now closed as winter conditions continue to limit safe riding opportunities. The update was posted December 31, 2025, through the Door County Alert Center.

According to the latest report, the North Zone is closed. This includes trails running from Maple Tree Road and Kangaroo Beach Road between Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor north to the Gills Rock area. Officials say inadequate snow cover and unfavorable conditions have made the trails unsafe for use.

The Central Zone is also closed. Trails in this area extend from County Road EE between Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor south to Gordon Road on the northern edge of Sturgeon Bay. As with the northern section, conditions do not currently meet minimum safety standards.

The Southwest Zone, which includes all trails west of County Road M and west of the southern half of the Ahnapee State Trail to the Door County line, is likewise closed.

The only area currently open is the Southeast Zone, which runs from Gordon Road South over the Bayview Bridge and includes Potawatomi State Park and the Ahnapee State Trail to the southern Door County line at County Road X. However, officials caution that conditions in this zone are rated poor, and riders should use extreme care.

County officials remind snowmobilers to respect all trail closures on both public and private property. Riding on closed trails can result in citations and fines. Riders are encouraged to check trail updates frequently, as conditions may change with future weather.

For detailed maps and the latest trail information, visit the Door County Snowmobile Trail Conditions website.

Braving frigid temperatures and icy waters, hundreds of participants gathered in Jacksonport today for the annual Polar Bear Plunge, turning a cold winter day into a lively community celebration along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Despite the sub-zero wind chill, spirits were high as plungers of all ages suited up in costumes, swimsuits, and winter hats before making the dash into the freezing lake.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as individuals and groups counted down together, sprinting into the water, splashing briefly, and then racing back to shore to warm towels, blankets, and applause. Some participants went for a quick dip, while others lingered just long enough to earn bragging rights.

What began with one brave plunger wearing a tuxedo, in 1986, the Jacksonport Polar Bear Plunge has become a popular winter tradition, offering a fun way for the community to come together during the colder months. For many, the event is less about enduring the cold and more about camaraderie, shared experience, and starting the year with a bold, fond, and frigid memory.

While temperatures were unforgiving, the enthusiasm of the plungers and the encouragement from onlookers helped make the event a success to kick-off 2026. Jacksonport proved once again, that even the coldest days can bring people together for a good cause and a great story.

As the calendar turns to a New Year, many people are busy making resolutions and hoping this will finally be the year everything changes. But according to Abby Rose, a psychic medium with a shop on Fourth Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, the pressure people put on themselves may be working against them.

“People put a lot of pressure on themselves to make a change with the New Year,” Rose said. “New Year’s resolutions create stress, and you should really take it one day at a time.”

From her perspective, part intuitive guide, part realist, Rose says lasting change has less to do with grand declarations and more to do with setting intentions that actually fit your life. Instead of sweeping promises like “completely reinvent myself,” she suggests narrowing the focus to something specific and achievable. Clear, realistic goals make it easier to recognize progress without needing a crystal ball.

Rose also warns against trying to transform every aspect of life at once. “You need to devote yourself to something that really resonates with you,” she said. “Don’t put yourself in a box that’s just going to disappoint you in the long run.” Focusing on one or two meaningful changes, she says, helps avoid burnout and keeps motivation grounded.

Planning for obstacles is another key, whether that means busy schedules, stress, or simple human nature. Rose encourages flexibility and self-compassion when things don’t go perfectly. Missing a day doesn’t mean the universe is against you, it just means you’re human.

Her advice for the New Year is refreshingly low-pressure and a little tongue-in-cheek: set intentions that feel right, keep your goals realistic, and don’t stress if the stars don’t align every day. Sometimes, the best resolution is simply to see it happen.

Whether your friend or family member facing physical or cognitive challenges is 8 or 80, Sunshine Resources has a place for them.

Last summer, Sunshine Resources and P.A.T.H. of Door County merged, combining their resources to create a unified entity serving Door County’s special needs community. The merger allowed the organization to eliminate a service gap between youth and adults, creating a more seamless and less stressful transition for families.

P.A.T.H. of Door County joined a portfolio that also includes Sunflower Cottage, a program that provides day services for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, as well as seniors seeking socialization and companionship.

Speaking with Amy Kohnle and Bryan Mazur during last month’s Pay to Play with the United Way, Jeremy Paszczak, director of business development, said the work done at Sunshine Resources allows the organization to connect with people in the community, learn their interests and provide opportunities for them to succeed. He said he is looking forward to the organization’s continued growth as it works to meet community needs, especially through Sunflower Cottage.

Sunshine Resources is one of many programs supported by the United Way of Door County through its annual campaign. Entering the week, the organization had raised $743,417.91, or 62% of its $1.2 million goal. Donations can be made by mailing or dropping off a check or by donating online.

The United Way of Door County’s annual campaign is aiming to surpass last year’s record total of $942,686.14.