Communities across Door County will honor the nation’s fallen service members with Memorial Day ceremonies and tributes throughout the holiday weekend, continuing long-standing traditions of remembrance and patriotism.

In southern Door County, members of the George W. Goetz Post 372 of the Forestville American Legion will begin cemetery services Sunday, May 24, with stops at more than 20 cemeteries, including Brussels, Kolberg, Maplewood and Forestville. Ceremonies featuring rifle salutes and prayers begin at 7:15 a.m. in Namur and conclude around 12:10 p.m. at Old Catholic Cemetery between Maplewood and Forestville.

In Sturgeon Bay, veterans organizations will conduct ceremonies Monday, May 25, beginning at Bayside Cemetery at 8:30 a.m., followed by stops at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and Sturgeon Bay Health Services. The main ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department and includes music from the Peninsula Symphonic Band, remarks from Door County Veterans Service Officer Beth VanOss and the reading of names of local service members killed in action.

Northern Door ceremonies hosted by American Legion Post 527 will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Little Sister Cemetery in Sister Bay, while Washington Island’s American Legion Post 402 will hold ceremonies beginning at Bethel Church at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, or a schedule of Memorial Day events please visit the specific municipalities' websites.

An undercover human trafficking investigation in Oshkosh earlier this week led to nine arrests, including one man from Sturgeon Bay.

The Oshkosh Police Department released details of the investigation Thursday. The investigation was conducted with assistance from the department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit, detectives and patrol officers.

According to the release, the arrests were made Wednesday. The men, who range in age from 20 to 55, are from Oshkosh, Kimberly, Weyauwega, Sturgeon Bay, Sheboygan, Neenah, Fond du Lac and Texas. They were arrested on charges of pandering, defined as persuading, arranging or facilitating another person to become or remain a prostitute.

Police said the charges may be connected to other crimes, including robbery, theft, assault, drug dealing, drug possession and sexual assault.

“The Oshkosh Police Department remains steadfast in our unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and related crimes, and we continue to work diligently to investigate crimes of this nature,” the release stated.

No further information was available. The department said it works with local nonprofit agencies to provide support for victims of these crimes.

If you thought the pain at the pump was going to ease Memorial Day travel plans, guess again. AAA projects that 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day weekend, which stretches from Thursday through Monday. That is slightly more than the 44.8 million Americans who traveled that far last year. Most travelers will take to the nation’s roads, with 39.1 million Americans heading to their destinations by car. The news comes as gas prices are more than a dollar per gallon higher than they were a year ago, ranging between $4.47 and $4.50 per gallon in Door and Kewaunee counties.

Door County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser said that along with Door County Public Health Department, they hope people “slow the pace and enjoy the place” as the summer goes on.

Memorial Day travel has hit record levels since 2024, when 43.7 million people traveled, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 42.8 million. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of State Patrol is joining law enforcement agencies across the state in the national Click It or Ticket campaign through May 31.

For Algoma Middle/High School Principal David Robertson, he learned a lot about this year’s graduating class of 63 students last summer during the Leadership in High Adventure trip.

For Algoma Middle/High School Principal David Robertson, all he needed to know about this year’s graduating class of 63 students surfaced last summer during the Leadership in High Adventure trip. Several members of the senior class took part in the 11-day excursion, which included stops at Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the Badlands.

On the return trip, the group encountered a severe rainstorm that left beds floating in 6 to 8 inches of water. Robertson said the seniors simply moved into vehicles and trailers for the rest of the night and carried on with the trip as if nothing had happened.

What may seem like just another backcountry story showed Robertson that this group has what it takes to face the unknown challenges ahead.

Algoma School District Jesse Brinkmann says 28 of its graduates will head to four-year school, with 11 going to two-year tech schools, one going to trade school, two joining the military, and eight going directly into the workforce.

Valedictorian Kailani Lee and salutatorian Jadyn Nellis will lead the Algoma High School Class of 2026 across the stage when the school hosts its graduation ceremony Friday at 6 p.m.

Six people were transported to Door County Medical Center on Monday evening following a head-on collision involving two vehicles in the Town of Gibraltar.

The crash occurred just before 5 p.m. on County Highway F near County Highway A. According to the incident report released Thursday, a 44-year-old Mishicot woman was driving east when she attempted to turn into the Gibraltar Fire Department. While making the turn, she collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle driven by a 31-year-old Fish Creek woman.

Both drivers and the passengers in the Fish Creek woman’s vehicle — a 22-year-old Fish Creek woman, a 21-year-old Markesan woman, a 25-year-old Aurora, Illinois, woman, and a 24-year-old Fish Creek woman — suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and a mailbox also was damaged in the crash.

Emergency personnel closed the roadway for approximately one hour following the collision, reopening it shortly after 6 p.m.

A 62-year-old Green Bay man was transported to Door County Medical Center after losing control of his motorcycle in the Town of Sevastopol last week.

The crash occurred shortly after 4 p.m. May 14 on Bayshore Drive/County Highway B near Little Harbor Drive. According to the crash report released Thursday, the man was traveling north when he attempted to avoid a branch in the roadway and lost control of the motorcycle, crashing into a nearby ditch.

The motorcycle was removed from the scene. The rider suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Homeowners looking to create more bird-friendly landscapes will have an opportunity to learn how native plants and thoughtful yard design can support local wildlife during an upcoming educational program hosted by the Door County Master Gardeners Association.

The Door County Master Gardeners Education Series will present “WILD-scaping for Birds” on Tuesday, May 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Collins Learning Center at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones – Door Peninsula and is free and open to the public.

Speaker Coggin Heeringa said many people focus on bird feeders and bird houses when trying to attract wildlife, but landscaping choices can have a much greater long-term impact.

“Birds need much more than feeders to thrive,” Heeringa said. “By planting native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, homeowners can provide food, shelter and nesting habitat throughout the year.”

During the presentation, Heeringa will discuss the seasonal needs of birds and explain how layered landscaping and native plantings can help create sustainable habitats for birds and other wildlife species.

“Even small changes in a yard can make a meaningful difference for migrating and resident birds,” Heeringa said. “When we landscape with native plants, we are helping rebuild the natural ecosystems that wildlife depends on.”

Heeringa serves as co-chair of the education committee for the Door County Master Gardeners Association and president of the Door Peninsula chapter of Wild Ones. She and her husband maintain bird feeders year-round while also supporting wildlife with native plantings on their property.

An 80-year-old Villa Park, Illinois, man was hospitalized after crashing his van May 11 following a medical episode in the Town of Liberty Grove.

The crash occurred just before noon on State Highway 42 near Porcupine Bay Road. According to the crash report released Thursday, the man was traveling south when he experienced a medical emergency and lost consciousness. His vehicle then crossed the centerline, entered a ditch, struck a utility pole and came to a stop in a nearby driveway.

The vehicle was towed. The driver and his passenger, a 69-year-old woman from Wheaton, Illinois, were transported to Door County Medical Center for treatment.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin believes there are at least 2,634 reasons why her For the Fans Act should pass.

According to New York Times sports journalist Joon Lee, that is how much fans would have to spend to watch every game on television by subscribing to nearly a dozen different services. It is about $1,500 a year to tune into Wisconsin's three major professional sports franchises. Baldwin sharpened her criticism of major sports leagues last week when the National Football League celebrated its schedule release day.

For the 2026 season, the Green Bay Packers will play four of their 17 games on streaming services Prime Video and Netflix and one game on ESPN. While the games are required to be available on over-the-air channels in the Milwaukee and Green Bay media markets — which include Door and Kewaunee counties — Packers fans in areas such as Madison, La Crosse and Wausau will have to pay for subscriptions or visit establishments carrying the games.

Of the Milwaukee Brewers’ 162 games, only 10 will air on over-the-air television networks this season, excluding any nationally televised games. Meanwhile, only eight of the Milwaukee Bucks’ 82 games were available for free television broadcasts.

While she understands professional sports are businesses, Baldwin said fans are being left behind and believes ending local blackouts and requiring free access for fans within a team’s home state could help.

Baldwin is still seeking co-sponsors for the legislation. Last year, Baldwin and Rep. Tony Wied introduced a more Packers-focused version of the bill that would require the 13 Wisconsin counties located within the media markets of the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings to have access to Packers broadcasts.

Door County tourism leader Jon Jarosh has earned one of the travel industry’s most prestigious professional distinctions, a certification reserved for top destination management executives across North America.

Jarosh, interim president and CEO and chief communications officer of Destination Door County, recently completed the Certified Destination Management Executive program (CDME). The credential is considered the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement.

The certification is awarded through Destinations International and focuses on executive leadership, strategic planning, vision development and long-term destination management.

Jarosh said the program provided opportunities to collaborate with tourism leaders from across the country while developing new strategies for the future of Door County tourism.

“The CDME program challenged me to think strategically about the future of destination leadership,” Jarosh said. “The experience underscored the importance of balancing a strong visitor economy with stewardship, community well-being, and the character that makes Door County such a special place to live and visit.”

Destination Door County’s current priorities include strengthening year-round economic vitality, expanding stewardship initiatives and supporting community engagement throughout the peninsula. Jarosh completed the certification while helping guide the organization’s 2026-2028 strategic plan, which emphasizes sustainability, collaboration and long-term destination management.

The CDME curriculum is designed to help tourism executives apply advanced leadership and business strategies while preparing destinations to respond to evolving travel trends and growing competition within the tourism industry.

The second annual Door County Contemporary Art Fair will return to PenArt in Fish Creek, June 4-7, bringing nationally recognized galleries and artists back to Door County for what is described as one of Wisconsin’s premier summer art events.

The four-day fair will feature painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers and mixed-media artists from across the country, and the globe, along with artist talks, panel discussions and special programming designed to connect collectors, curators and art enthusiasts. VIP passes will offer early entry and access to exclusive works, as well as local food and hospitality experiences.

The inaugural event held last year drew more than 3,400 attendees and 20 galleries from around the nation, and the globe, generating more than $120,000 in art sales and helping establish the fair as a growing cultural and economic force in the Midwest art scene.

“We’re excited to welcome visitors back to Fish Creek for another year of exceptional contemporary art and meaningful community connections,” said Marketing Director Rachel Sauer. “Door County has such a wonderful local art community and art scene, it’s a vibrant nexus of creativity, commerce and connectivity.”

Sauer said organizers aim to create an inviting alternative to larger commercial art fairs. “Every single year want to make the event better and more meaningful,” she said. “Whether someone is a seasoned collector or buying their first piece, we want everyone to feel inspired, included and welcome.”

For more information, please visit the Door County Contemporary Art Fair website.

The Door County Land Trust is offering a two-day Safety and Woods Working (SAWW) Level 101 chainsaw training course in early June, with spots currently available for participants.

The training will be held Tuesday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Day one will take place at Crossroads at Big Creek, with day two scheduled at the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. The course is taught by Luke Saunders of Blue Heron Stewardship.

Door County Land Trust Ecological Restoration Manager, Tina Lee describes the curriculum as a hands-on, skills-based approach designed to improve safety, efficiency, and confidence while operating chainsaws in field conditions.

“We hired Luke last year and we had such a great experience, we brought him back,” said Lee. The program emphasizes safe operating techniques aimed at reducing risk while increasing effective land management work.

The training course is intended for those with little to no prior chainsaw experience and covers foundational skills. “This training is for folks who are new to chainsaws.  If you want to learn, hands-on, how to use a chainsaw and be safe doing it, this class is for you.” Lee added

Participants are encouraged to bring personal protective equipment, including a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and appropriate footwear, along with their chainsaw and any maintenance tools for sharpening or repairs. Limited extra safety gear will be available for shared use if needed.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact Tina Lee at the Door County Land Trust directly for more information or to sign up.

The Door County YMCA has announced its summer hours, which take effect Friday, May 22, as the organization prepares for the start of its summer programming session beginning June 16.

The updated schedule applies to both the Sturgeon Bay Center and the Jackie and Steve Kane Center, with extended morning access and adjusted evening closures designed to reflect seasonal usage patterns and increased summer activity across the county.

At the Sturgeon Bay Center, summer hours will run Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At the Jackie and Steve Kane Center, summer hours will be Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Holly Butenhoff, Branch Executive of the Kane Center YMCA in Fish Creek, says the seasonal shift helps accommodate early-morning fitness users, youth programming, and family schedules that expand significantly during the summer months.

“Summer is one of our busiest and most exciting times of year at the Y,” said Butenhoff. “These adjusted hours help us better serve the community while giving families more flexibility throughout the day.”

Butenhoff said planning ahead is especially important as registration approaches.

“Programs fill very quickly once registration opens, so we always encourage members and non-members to be ready right at sign-up time,” she said.

Member registration for summer programming opens Monday, June 9, while non-member registration begins Wednesday, June 11. Registration opens promptly at 5 a.m. Butenhoff notes that many classes, camps, and swim lessons reach capacity shortly after registration opens.

The summer session officially begins June 16, featuring youth camps, group fitness classes, aquatic programs, and family activities across both Door County YMCA locations.

For full program availability, child care options, and detailed schedules, please visit the Door County YMCA website, or listen to the full Y-Wednesday podcast here.

The Sturgeon Bay Plan Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday on proposed updates to the city’s Official Map, including conceptual roadway layouts and long-term development planning for the west side.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Sturgeon Bay City Council Chambers. The proposal outlines potential future infrastructure improvements, including a possible extension of Ashland Avenue, conceptual roadway connections east of Douglas Avenue and west of South Ithaca Place, and planning areas north of the Door County Justice Center.

The Official Map is a planning tool allowed under Wisconsin law that helps municipalities identify future road corridors and infrastructure needs before development occurs. The concepts are intended to guide growth while reducing impacts to environmentally sensitive areas, including wetlands.

District 4 Alderman Spencer Gustafson said the discussion is part of long-range planning efforts for the city’s west side.

He added that public input is a key part of the process. "Nothing proposed is final construction approval. This hearing is about hearing from residents and making sure their concerns and ideas are part of the plan moving forward,” he said on a Facebook post.

The Plan Commission will take public comment before making a recommendation to the Common Council. Officials say the update could play a significant role in future traffic flow and development patterns on the city’s west side.

Door County’s Transportation Department will host the “Driven to Succeed: Transportation and Career Fair” from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 17 at John Miles County Park fairgrounds in Sturgeon Bay.

The free community event is designed to connect job seekers, employers and residents interested in transportation services and equipment. More than 30 businesses and organizations are expected to participate, with additional openings still available.

Door County Transportation Manager Pam Busch said in a statement, the event builds on last year’s successful fair. “Last year we had a transportation fair, despite last-minute venue changes due to weather and road construction, it appeared to be well received,” Busch said. “Therefore, we planned another event and added a career fair,” she said.

The transportation fair will be held in the Horse, Sheep and Swine Building, while the career fair will take place in the Junior Fair Building. Food will be available, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Sturgeon Bay will offer free boat inspections.

For more information, please visit the Destination Sturgeon Bay website.

Even if the leaves and cherry blossoms are not quite as full as they usually are this time of year, the sight of artwork throughout Sturgeon Bay is a surefire sign the season has arrived in Door County.

Destination Sturgeon Bay’s 2026 public art installation sets sail this week, with 28 artist-inspired sailboats dotting city streets ahead of the Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair, which runs Saturday and Sunday. More than 80 artists will set up in Martin Park for their annual Memorial Day weekend residency, featuring sculptures, paintings, photography and other media for visitors to explore.

Destination Sturgeon Bay Executive Director Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaterski said the event is about more than just art, as organizers work to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The “Set Sail” art installation will remain on display through September.

Ehlers-Kwaterski added that the Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair is the perfect warmup for the start of the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market season on May 30.

After trailing the five-year average because of heavy precipitation early this spring, area farmers are finally working ahead of schedule. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, Wisconsin farmers had more than six days suitable for fieldwork last week, the second straight week with at least that many days available to plant crops, spread manure and till fields.

As a result, corn planting is 62% complete, 3% ahead of the average, while soybean planting is 54% complete, 4% ahead of the usual pace. Both crops have already begun to emerge. Oat planting is slightly behind at 68% complete, about 7% behind normal. Spring tillage also is nearing completion.

Rio Creek Feed Mill agronomist Adam Barta estimates local farmers are more than halfway finished with planting and are making good progress on other tasks along the way.

Farmers across the state also are using this time to cut hay as they wait for crops such as winter wheat to mature.

A new option for getting children involved in scouting before they even start kindergarten is coming to the area.

Local Scouting America unit Bay-Lakes Council is among seven councils across the country piloting the new Chipmunks program ahead of a nationwide rollout in the coming months. The program is modeled after similar programs in the United Kingdom and Canada that get preschool-age children involved in scouting earlier.

Chipmunks units meet weekly, and meetings are designed more like organized playdates than traditional meetings held by Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA units. Chipmunks replaces ranks and badges with stickers ahead of participants crossing over into a Cub Scout pack as Lion Scouts when they enter kindergarten.

Bay-Lakes Council Scout Executive and CEO Jim Martin said the council is known for finding innovative ways to get children involved. Though the council will start with only two units during the pilot program, Martin said he is encouraged by the early feedback and is looking forward to seeing Chipmunks grow to serve more families.

Chipmunks marks one of the first program additions to Scouting America since Lion Scouts were reintroduced as a national rank in 2018. Martin encourages families interested in the Chipmunks program to contact the council for more information.

Bay-Lakes Council serves more than 7,500 boys and girls through its programs, including several units in Door and Kewaunee counties.

Picture courtesy of Scouting America

For George W. Goetz Post No. 372 Commander Arnie Johnsrud, the Sunday before Memorial Day has always been reserved for those who came before him.

George W. Goetz American Legion Post No. 372 will once again visit 23 Door County cemeteries to conduct Memorial Day ceremonies honoring veterans who have passed away, beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday at the Forestville Town Hall.

The ceremonies typically last only a few minutes, but Johnsrud said they mean the world to families and to those being honored, especially veterans who have died within the past 10 years.

It is a tradition Johnsrud has been part of since attending as a young boy, and one he continues today as a member of the color and rifle squads.

Johnsrud invites the public to attend the ceremonies Sunday, one day before Memorial Day observances are held in Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay and Washington Island. The cemetery visitation schedule can be found below.

SCHEDULE

Namur (Pit Road)..............................  7:15 (Split Squad)

Forestville Town (Maplewood).........  7:20 (Split Squad)

Miesere..............................................  7:35 (Split Squad)

BrockHausen...................................... 7:40 (Split Squad)

Brussels.............................................  7:45

Brown................................................   7:55 (Split Squad)

Kolberg............................................... 8:05

White Star.......................................     8:30

Precious Blood.................................   8:40

St. Joe Catholic  (Fox Ln.).................  8.50

Stevenson..........................................  9:00

Geises................................................  9:10

Break ................................................. (9:20-9:45)

Maplewood.................................................. 9:55

Carnot.......................................................... 10:10

Clay Banks Town.......................................... 10:25

Vignes.......................................................... 10:35

Mount Olive................................................. 10:45

Shiloh Moravian.......................................... 10:55

Schumacher................................................. 11:05

Hainesville................................................... 11:15

Salem-Schulties........................................... 11:35

Forestville.................................................... 11:50

Old Catholic (Between Maplewood & Forestville)         12:10

Forestville Town Hall.....................................12:30

The Luxemburg-Casco School District will be the first in the area to say goodbye to its seniors when it hosts commencement exercises Wednesday.

“Purpose-driven” is how Principal Tyson Tlachac describes this year’s senior class of 164 students, led by valedictorian Rylen Hinckley and salutatorian Anna Annoye. While 41% of the senior class is heading to four-year institutions, the majority will attend technical colleges or trade schools, begin apprenticeships or enter the workforce.

Tlachac credits the district’s youth apprenticeship participation rate of nearly 63% and growing involvement in UW-Green Bay’s Rising Phoenix program — which allows students to graduate with an associate degree while still in high school — as reasons many seniors are entering postsecondary life with a clearer path.

With many students attending either Northeast Wisconsin Technical College or UW-Green Bay, Tlachac said he is hopeful many of them will remain in the community after graduation.

Wednesday’s ceremony at Luxemburg-Casco kicks off graduation season, followed by Algoma on May 22, Southern Door on May 24, Kewaunee on May 27, Sturgeon Bay and Gibraltar on May 31, and Sevastopol and Washington Island in June.

Kewaunee City Administrator Matt Murphy says that unless residents have recently taken out a building permit, they likely will not have an appraiser knocking on their door.

City officials recently alerted residents about the possibility of representatives from Accurate Appraisal knocking on doors and walking on properties. Since the city recently completed a full revaluation, this year is considered a maintenance year for most properties.

That said, Murphy says homes that have had work completed in recent months will likely be appraised again as homes continue to sell at a rapid pace.

Property owners subject to the appraisal process should already have been contacted by Accurate Appraisal. More information about the appraisal process can be found below.

Under Wisconsin statute, municipalities must assess all taxable property at full market value at least once every five years.

The Door County YMCA in Sturgeon Bay will once again offer its Peak Performance Clinics this summer, giving young athletes a six-week training experience focused on strength, speed, agility and leadership development.

The program runs June 15 through July 24 at the Sturgeon Bay Program Center, with registration opening May 15. Sessions are limited to 60 athletes.

Two divisions will be offered. Peak Performance Junior, for grades 3-6, and Peak Performance Clinic for grades 7-12.

The clinics, led by Competitive Swimming Director Mike McHugh, are designed to mirror collegiate and professional-level training systems on a scaled level.

“This is a performance based clinic, one of the few in the country,” McHugh said. “What we have done is taken the pro level tests and the collegiate level tests and scaled them down.”

Athletes will train using more than $11,000 in agility and performance equipment and complete a series of assessments, including sprint testing, vertical leap measurements and agility drills such as the Illinois Speed Test and Arrowhead Test.

McHugh said the program builds foundational skills across sports.

“Its vertical leap, sprint training, running phases and agility and strength,” he said.

Registration costs range from $110 to $150 for junior athletes and $145 to $210 for grades 7-12. Coach McHugh recommends early sign-up due to limited space.

For more information, please visit the Door County YMCA website or listen to the full Y-Wednesday podcast here.

A 30-year-old New London man and one of his passengers suffered minor injuries Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash in the Town of Nasewaupee.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. at the intersection of County Highways C and PD. According to the accident report, the New London man was stopped at a stop sign heading north when he proceeded to cross County Highway C. As he crossed, he was struck by an eastbound vehicle traveling on County Highway PD driven by a 49-year-old woman from Catawissa, Missouri.

The New London man told responding emergency personnel that he saw one eastbound vehicle approaching and turning south but did not see the second vehicle approaching behind it. He and a 66-year-old Eau Claire woman suffered possible injuries but refused transport to a hospital for further treatment.

His wife, a 29-year-old New London woman, and their 2-month-old infant were uninjured. The Catawissa woman and her 45-year-old husband also were uninjured.

Both vehicles were towed due to disabling damage, closing one lane of traffic for about 20 minutes before the scene was cleared shortly after 12:15 p.m. The New London man was warned for failure to yield the right of way but was not cited in connection with the crash.

Kewaunee County Highway Department facilities could receive a major facelift if the Kewaunee County Board of Supervisors approves the plan Tuesday.

On the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting is approval of the design, construction and renovations for the department’s main highway shop in Footbridge and its facilities in Algoma, Casco and Stangelville. The agenda also calls for the board to authorize borrowing up to $4.2 million for the improvements.

Speaking ahead of last month’s meeting, Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson said he believes the project will benefit taxpayers, who ultimately are funding the work.

He added that he is already working with county administrators on a more regular maintenance plan so the buildings do not fall into disrepair after the upgrades are completed.

The Kewaunee County Board also will hear from several department heads and accept a drug trafficking grant when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Kewaunee County Administration Office in Kewaunee.

A plan to bring more than 60 new homes to the city of Sturgeon Bay will move ahead at a faster pace during Tuesday’s Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting.

At an earlier meeting this month, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved a development agreement with Portside Builders and E&I Property Investments. The Colorado Heights housing project will consist of 34 duplexes, three of which are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the council will consider suspending the usual procedure of holding separate ordinance readings for the project’s planned unit development, or PUD, zoning classification so both readings can take place during the same meeting. If approved, the council could give final approval to the project.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward says this is happening because the development agreement was approved first, something that does not always happen.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will also award contracts for street crack sealing and microsurfacing programs and consider replacing a culvert near Utah Street and the railroad spur when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.

A proposed international trip for Southern Door High School students is moving forward after receiving full approval from district officials.

The Southern Door School Board unanimously approved a request from high school science teacher Erin Fritsch to lead a student-funded educational trip to Italy and Greece in the summer of 2027.

School officials said the trip reflects the district’s continued emphasis on expanding learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

“This is exactly the kind of experience that helps students connect what they learn in school to the real world,” said Fritsch. “When students are standing in places like the Roman Forum or Greece, history and science become something they can see and touch, not just read about.”

The 10-day trip is designed to immerse students in the history and culture of Western civilization. Planned stops include Rome, Florence and Athens, where students will visit historic landmarks such as the Roman Forum, the Acropolis and sites within Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

Fritsch said the district supports the program because of its academic and personal impact on students. “The first trip to the Galapagos islands last summer was such a success and great for the kids,” she said. “It’s all student funded, they make monthly payments, but are already out there fundraising, selling candy bars, hosting bake sales all throughout the year.”

For more information, to donate or fundraising event schedules, please visit Southern Door School District website.

Hundreds of Scottish terriers and their owners filled the streets of Baileys Harbor this weekend as the 26th annual Door County Scottie Rally returned to northern Door County.

The three-day event, themed “Canis Major & The Scottie Star,” celebrated the Scottish terrier breed while also promoting awareness for Door County’s dark sky preservation efforts. Activities included the popular Parade of Scots through downtown Baileys Harbor, Scottie Fast Cat races, live music, bagpipe performances and community gatherings at local businesses.

Groups including the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society and Door County Brewing Co. hosted stargazing events and fundraising activities throughout the weekend.

The rally, one of the largest Scottish terrier gatherings in North America, also featured auctions and fundraising efforts supporting Scottish terrier health research and rescue organizations. The event continues to bring visitors from across the United States to Door County each spring in Baileys Harbor.

**Week 2 of the 2026 Door County Baseball League season has been postponed due to inclement weather.  Updates on rescheduled games to follow.

Emergency responders from across Door and Kewaunee counties joined more than 250 personnel statewide last month for a first-of-its-kind series of Overdose Prevention Summits hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).

The summits, held across each of Wisconsin’s five regions, brought together first responders, public health officials and emergency service leaders from 130 agencies to strengthen local overdose prevention efforts and improve coordination among agencies on the front lines of the opioid crisis.

“There were actually five regional convenings, bringing together first responders to learn from each other about overdose prevention,” said Paula Tran, the state health officer and administrator for the Division of Public Health at DHS.

Tran said the role of emergency personnel remains central in responding to overdoses, particularly in rural communities where ambulance response times and access to treatment services can vary widely.

“The role of first responders is so critical to overdose prevention, especially being on the front lines,” Tran said.

In Northeast Wisconsin, including Door and Kewaunee counties, responders often face unique challenges tied to geography, limited staffing and long travel distances between communities. Many rural departments rely on volunteer EMS crews and coordination between sheriff’s offices, local police departments and neighboring agencies when responding to overdose calls.

The regional summits focused on practical strategies agencies are using to combat rising overdose numbers, including expanded naloxone access, post-overdose outreach programs, partnerships with behavioral health providers and data-sharing efforts among departments.

“There are a full range of approaches and innovative strategies that we are learning about, and that was the focus of this summit,” Tran said. “So folks could share some of their best practices across the state from the field.”

State health officials said the gatherings were designed not only to provide training but also to encourage collaboration between public health agencies, law enforcement, EMS providers, fire departments and recovery organizations.

“It really takes the whole community type of response to meet people where they are and get them the help that they need,” Tran said.

The DHS initiative comes as Wisconsin continues to direct opioid settlement funding and federal grant dollars toward prevention, treatment and recovery programs amid the growing presence of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, in drug supplies statewide.

Tran said continued communication between agencies and communities will remain essential as the state works to reduce overdose deaths and improve access to care.

“There is much to be learned statewide and the more we are working together and collaborating, the better,” she said.

The Door County Highway Department will begin a major road reconstruction project on County Road T in early June, with work scheduled along a 4.2-mile stretch from State Highway 42/57 to the Lily Bay boat launch.

The project will include cutting driveways and intersections, pulverizing the existing asphalt surface, regrading and compacting the roadway, paving 3.5 inches of hot mix asphalt in two layers, shouldering and centerline striping.

Initial work is scheduled for the week of June 1. Crews will then regrade and compact the roadway before paving operations are expected to begin the week of June 15. Paving is anticipated to take about two weeks.

The anticipated completion date for the project, excluding final striping, is July 9, weather permitting.

County officials said County Road T will remain open to traffic throughout construction, although lane closures and temporary road closures may occur during paving operations. Flaggers will direct traffic when necessary. Motorists are asked to obey flaggers and avoid driving on freshly treated surfaces.

The highway department also urged drivers to use caution around construction crews, equipment and posted signage throughout the duration of the project.

For those who expected me to focus on mental health during this month of awareness, you were correct. In the practice of resiliency, there are actually 14 skills that help both acquire and sustain a healthy, resilient mindset. While some require only a slight adjustment to our daily rituals, others can be quite challenging. Today’s skill is one of those challenges.

The skill is called “ABC,” and while the title and concept sound simplistic, incorporating it may prove otherwise. Here is the premise: The “A” represents an activating event. These activating events can range from the mundane to the significant. The first thing to realize is that most activating events are outside our control, which, for many, is a major hurdle to clear because we tend to fixate on the uncontrollable.

For the sake of this article, let’s use the example of someone cutting us off in traffic while we are driving, as most of us have experienced this. Once this happens — the activating event — we typically experience emotions such as anger or, in some cases, even rage, leading us to react in an unhealthy and possibly unsafe manner. These reactions, or consequences, are actually the “C” of the equation, so let’s back up and talk about the “B,” which is our brain’s response.

Unlike the activating event, we have absolute control over our brain’s response, which ultimately drives our emotional and physical reactions. Consider two different responses to the same situation. A driver cuts you off. You allow your emotions to go to a negative place, and you may resort to vulgarities or even an impolite hand gesture. In reality, you do not know what may be going on in that person’s life at that moment that led to poor driving. By attaching a negative emotion to your response, you are not punishing that person, but rather yourself.

Another response to the same event could be to take a deep breath, pause your thoughts for a moment and be grateful that everyone, including yourself, is safe. You could even smile and wish the other driver well on the journey. That may seem oversimplified, but the end result is that your mental and emotional well-being will be in a much better state.

This is why I stated earlier that this concept is easier said than done. Consider all the challenging events that occur in your daily life and how many times you internalize those events negatively. If we can work to respond to adversity with a positive mindset, we get that much closer to the internal peace we all yearn for and the deep, meaningful relationships that sustain us throughout our lives.

In more than 30 years of law enforcement, I have had my share of people and situations that tested my ability to stay positive, but a positive response has always served me well. The secret is that, in responding to people’s negative behavior, there are two reasons to apply the above strategy. First, they may not have intended the offense, and the relationship can be salvaged. Second, if they did intend the offense, responding with kindness will render them powerless because your ability to rise above maintains the balance of power in your favor.

Regardless of whether it is an event or a person that serves as the activating event, do not give anyone the satisfaction of hijacking your mental or emotional wellness. Stay positive!

The time of the game is just as important as the day in some cases when it comes to visitors to Door County during Green Bay Packers game weekends. The NFL announced the 2026 schedule Thursday, kicking off travel planning for football fans looking to see their favorite team play.

The Packers will have their first home game Thursday, Sept. 24, before welcoming the Chicago Bears on Oct. 11 and the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 18. Those two games coincide with a pair of the biggest weekends on the calendar in Door County, with Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch taking place Oct. 9-11 and Sister Bay Fall Fest occurring Oct. 16-18.

While some years they do not mind the Packers being out of town during those weekends, Destination Door County Interim CEO Jon Jarosh said they may have caught a break with neither game being a noon start.

Jarosh added that the bye week in Week 11 is good news for deer hunters, who sometimes opt for the tree stand instead of Lambeau Field during gun season. He is also hopeful that the timing works in their favor for fans to check out some of the holiday events taking place in Door County during the Packers’ two December home games.

An impressive 29 students at Southern Door High School were inducted into the National Honor Society during a ceremony held May 6, recognizing their achievements in scholarship, leadership, service and character.

Students selected for membership were chosen by a faculty council based on academic performance and involvement both in and out of the classroom.

Those inducted included Emiah DeFere, Troy Geisel, Kayla Johnson, Samantha Melville, Breleigh Paplham, Daylia Sund, Delaney Wilke, Amira Anschutz, Elloise Bloniarz, Mia Delcore, Lana Finger, Violet Jackson, Chelsie Jacquet, Adley LaVine, Keshawn Lezine, Isabella Martinez, Madeline Merkle, Addison Miller, Joel Moyer, Raymond Paye, Kennedy Pierre, Sophia Price, Octavia Severinsen, Kadince Shefchik, Kylee Starr, Quinn Sperber, Jesse Thorson, Nikaya Trusova and Colton Valley.

“We were lucky this year, we had a really strong group of applicants for our National Honors Society,” Southern Door High School math teacher Brandon Wautier said. “The 29 students inducted filled out a resume, submitted a comprehensive application, and wrote essays on the four pillars, which are scholarship, service, leadership and character.”

Wautier said the induction ceremony highlights the district’s dedication to developing well-rounded students prepared for future success.

The National Honor Society, founded in 1921, is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious student organizations, with chapters in thousands of high schools nationwide. The Southern Door chapter is sponsored by Melissa Schley and Brandon Wautier.

Six percent of girls across the country earn the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award, but three of the newest recipients can be found at Gibraltar Secondary School. Abigail DeMeuse, Josie Martin and McCartney Schwab were honored earlier this month during a ceremony recognizing the organization’s highest achievement. Similar to the Scouts BSA Eagle Scout Award, girls must meet several requirements, including completing a service project that will have a long-lasting impact on the community and logging more than 80 hours of work.

Schwab developed a Sunday school curriculum for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor, while Martin created an athletic equipment loan program at Gibraltar and DeMeuse expanded a community garden near Door County Medical Center’s Sister Bay clinic. Martin and DeMeuse said that as they advanced through the ranks, they became motivated to see it through to the end and achieve an award that eludes many girls, especially as they become involved in more activities outside scouting.

The last time Gibraltar had this many Gold Award recipients in one year, Martin and DeMeuse said, they were in kindergarten. They said they are happy to report the future is bright for Girl Scouting at Gibraltar.

The local council, Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, serves more than 10,000 girls with the support of more than 3,000 volunteers across northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You can watch the full video below.

As summer approaches and aquatic activity increases across the peninsula, officials at the Door County YMCA say the need for trained lifeguards remains strong not only at its Sturgeon Bay campus and other facilities, but up and down the peninsula as well.

Mike McHugh, Competitive Swim Director at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA campus says staffing pools safely is a year-round challenge that becomes even more important during the busy summer season, when swim lessons, recreation swims and community programs peak.

“We are definitely always in need of lifeguards,” said McHugh.

McHugh said the YMCA actively recruits and trains candidates for lifeguard certification, and incentives are offered to encourage participation. “If you complete your training and work at the YMCA, that training is free. We’ll also throw in your membership,” he said.

He added that the role is a strong opportunity for students and adults looking for flexible, local employment. “It is a solid job, especially here on the peninsula. There is certainly a job here in the pool if you like,” McHugh said.

McHugh says they work with staff on flexible scheduling options to accommodate school, work and family commitments, making it easier for lifeguards to stay on duty during high-demand hours.

As Door County heads into its busiest aquatic season, McHugh says that maintaining proper coverage is critical to ensuring swimmer safety and supporting community programs throughout the summer months.

For more information on classes or training, please visit the Door County YMCA website or listen to this week’s full Y-Wednesday podcast here.

Rainstorms expected Sunday and Monday may not arrive soon enough for parts of the state currently under elevated fire danger warnings. Much of northern Wisconsin, including Door and Kewaunee counties, is at a high fire danger level or above. Nearby Oconto and Marinette counties are at a very high fire danger level, while 12 northwestern Wisconsin counties are at an extreme fire danger level.

As a result, the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for Door County through 7 p.m. Friday because of dry conditions and windy weather. With temperatures expected to reach the mid-70s Saturday, along with low relative humidity and gusty winds, the special weather statement could be reissued this weekend ahead of the rain expected early next week.

Residents are urged to use caution with any activities that could potentially spark a fire, such as outdoor cooking, using burn barrels and hosting campfires. No fire departments have issued burn bans this spring, but residents should contact their local department to obtain a burn permit.

Supporters, staff, clients and community members gathered Wednesday evening in Sturgeon Bay as Sunshine Resources of Door County hosted its annual awards dinner and prom.

This year’s event added a casino night theme to the festivities, creating an evening focused on recognition, inclusion and community connection.

Guests entered the venue along a red carpet as cameras flashed and formal attire sparkled under the lights. Dinner was served before annual awards were presented to clients, supporters and community partners who contributed to the organization throughout the year.

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of the prom king and queen. Roberto Gonzalez was named prom king, while Lilja Wanless was crowned prom queen. The pair beamed as they received their crowns and applause from attendees.

The celebration continued with casino-style games, desserts and a packed dance floor. Guests danced to popular party songs, including the YMCA and Chicken Dance, while others showcased energetic hip-hop moves late into the evening.

Jeremy Paszczak, director of business development for Sunshine Resources, said the event was designed to celebrate everyone connected to the organization.

“Tonight is about rewarding our staff, volunteers, clients, partners and the community that makes our organization what it is today,” Paszczak said.

Founded in 1973, Sunshine Resources of Door County provides services and support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization offers vocational training, employment opportunities, residential services and community engagement programs aimed at promoting independence and quality of life for its clients throughout Door County.

After a busy winter of business tours and other activities among its members, the Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce wants people to see the village for themselves.

From this weekend’s villagewide rummage sale to the Music in the Park performances that conclude on Aug. 6, the Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce will host more than a dozen events showcasing the area and rolling out the red carpet for residents and visitors alike.

Chamber Secretary Alex Stodola said events such as the Dairy Days Dash in June and the Kewaunee County Fair kickoff dinner and parade in July help maintain the community pride fostered by the school district during the fall and winter months while also potentially introducing new people to Luxemburg.

More details on the chamber’s events, including its upcoming golf outing, can be found by clicking its link. Other communities throughout Door and Kewaunee counties are also announcing their summer events on their respective websites and social media pages.

A chance to provide property tax relief and increase aid to schools went up in smoke Wednesday night when a $1.8 billion bill was voted down by the Wisconsin State Senate.

All 15 Democrats and three Republicans voted against the measure, which included a 50% reimbursement rate for special education funding, an additional $50 million in property tax relief, the elimination of income taxes on cash tips and overtime pay, and $600 million in rebate checks that could have reached mailboxes by this fall.

Gov. Tony Evers and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu pointed the finger at Democrats for stopping the compromise from passing.

“Wisconsin’s kids and schools aren’t going to get the investments they desperately need this year because Tom Tiffany and a few Republican and Democratic lawmakers chose to blow up a bipartisan plan to invest in our K-12 schools, lower property taxes and help working families afford rising costs, all because they’d rather do what’s best for the next election than what’s right for the people of our state,” Evers said.

LeMahieu added, “Senate Democrats stood together to buck their own governor to deny working families tax relief and leave $2.5 billion sitting in a Madison bank account instead of helping schools perform special education services.”

Tiffany, a Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor, said more of the surplus should go back to taxpayers, while Democratic leaders such as fellow gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys said the deal could turn a surplus into a deficit.

State Sen. Andre Jacque, who voted yes to the bill, said the final tally was disappointing. He is not sure what the future has in store, but he hopes the Wisconsin Legistlature can reach a compromise with the Evers Administration yet this year.

Earlier this week, Rep. Joel Kitchens said the bill was good news for local school districts that have had to pay a larger share of special education costs, which can be a drain on general education funds. He added that the Gibraltar, Sevastopol and Washington Island school districts would have received state funding for the first time in years.

There is no indication whether a new effort to accomplish many of the same goals will take place.

As spring settles in across the peninsula,  northern Door County communities are rolling out a full slate of free and low-cost events designed to celebrate the season, bring residents together and welcome visitors to the peninsula’s villages, parks and shoreline spaces.

Saturday, May 16, is the rescheduled Spring Fun Egg Hunt at Fitzgerald Park. Colorful eggs filled with treats and toys will be hidden throughout the park, along with two special golden eggs offering prize opportunities. The long-running community tradition was rescheduled due to lingering winter weather.

From there, the calendar quickly expands into one of northern Door County’s busiest community seasons. Beginning June 21, residents and visitors can take part in the Annual Pollinator Week Celebration and butterfly scavenger hunt featuring Aponi, the region’s symbolic butterfly. The weeklong adventure runs through June 27, with daily clues posted on Door County North social media pages as Aponi travels to secret locations across the peninsula with geocaching before concluding at Ellison Bay Day.

“People are excited to get outdoors after winter,” said Sandy Smith. “These events give everyone a chance to be part of the seasons together. We’ve also added geocaching up here.” Smith added.

The schedule continues with free concerts and cultural programming, including Camp Door County live music events, performances at Door Community Auditorium, and seasonal shows at Peninsula Players Theatre and Northern Sky Theater.

Villages and Communities will also host lighthouse tours through the Door Peninsula Lighthouse Passport Days program, offering access to historic sites including Chambers Island, Pilot Island and Rock Island’s Potawatomi Light.

In Ellison Bay, the Liberty Grove Historical Society will open its Welcome Center May 15 and begin a full schedule of free programs. The society’s season also features weekly museum hours and special exhibits celebrating local and national history.

“With music in the park, history tours or other events, there’s something almost every week,” Smith said. “It’s what makes northern Door the place to be now in spring and especially when summer comes.”

With Memorial Day gatherings, art strolls, fish boils and waterfront celebrations also on the horizon, northern Door County is preparing for a season defined by community, tradition and the return of warmer days.

For more information on events in northern Door County, please visit the Door County North website.

As the calendar turns from spring to summer, the Griffon String Quartet is reaching the final measures of its 2025-26 season.

From performing at nursing homes and children’s museums to teaching children throughout the community, the musicians behind the Griffon String Quartet have participated in more than 100 events in the region, with more still to come.

Cellist Jesse Nummelin and pianist Rie Tanaka will headline a music-and-wine pairing event Sunday at 3 p.m. at MUSE in Sturgeon Bay ahead of a trio of finale concerts featuring the rest of the ensemble in Sturgeon Bay on May 22, Green Bay on May 23 and Egg Harbor on May 24.

Midsummer’s Music Executive Director Allyson Fleck applauded the work Nummelin, violist Oryann Tsaig and violinists Roy Meyer and Alex Norris do throughout the season.

The Griffon String Quartet performances are free to attend, with donations encouraged. Chamber music lovers do not need to fret at the conclusion of the Griffon String Quartet season. Midsummer’s Music will begin its 36th summer season with its celebratory Gala Opening Night on June 12 at Birch Creek. Tickets are already on sale for that performance and all others during the season, which runs through Labor Day.

We Are HOPE, Inc. has launched a 2026 fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 to help sustain programs and services offered through The EmployAbility HUB in Sturgeon Bay.

The nonprofit, which has provided employment services in Door, Brown and Kewaunee counties since 1978, assists job seekers with career exploration, workforce training, employment preparation, technology access and mentorship services. The organization also partners with employers and community agencies to connect residents with job opportunities and support services.

Executive Director Kim Carley said the campaign comes as grant funding has declined.

“Traditionally, we do not have an annual campaign,” Carley said. “Honestly, our grant funding has been decreasing and we need to fill that gap.”

“We find ourselves in a place that we need $50,000,” she said.

Several events throughout the year will support the fundraising effort, including the fourth annual Hen House ATV Poker Run on May 23, Atomic Bingo at The Hen House on June 9 and the third annual Grub at the HUB event on Sept. 29.

The popular Grub at the HUB fundraiser is already gaining momentum, Carley said, “Every year we make more, you can already reserve your portions.”

The organization also continues to host Tech Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering community members assistance with computer skills, internet access, job searches and technology-related support through The EmployAbility HUB.

For more information, or to donate, please visit the We Are HOPE, Inc. website.

A Brussels teen suffered possible injuries and was cited for her role in a two-vehicle crash in the Town of Gardner on Tuesday night.

The accident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at the intersection of County Highways C and K. According to the accident report, the teen was stopped at a stop sign when she attempted to cross County Highway C from County Highway K and was struck from the side by a vehicle driven by a 76-year-old Brussels man.

She suffered minor injuries in the crash but did not require hospitalization. Her teenage passenger and the Brussels man were uninjured.

Both vehicles were towed due to disabling damage, and the teen was cited for failing to yield the right of way from a stop sign. 

May marks Mental Health Awareness month, a time health professionals in Door County say is especially important for a community with one of the oldest populations in Wisconsin.

The median age of Door County residents is approximately 54.3 years, significantly higher than the state median of about 40. More than 30% of the county’s population is age 65 or older. The share of older adults has steadily increased over the past decade, rising from about 23% in 2010 to roughly 30% in 2020, reflecting a consistent demographic shift toward an older population.

As summer approaches and seasonal changes bring increased activity to the peninsula, local mental health professionals say the transition can have both positive and challenging effects for aging residents.

Dr. Dennis K. White, a clinical and consulting psychologist in Sturgeon Bay, said seasonal shifts often influence emotional well-being, particularly among older adults who may experience isolation, grief or health-related stressors.

“Change in seasons can be energizing for many people, but for others it can highlight loneliness or loss of routine, especially if they have lost their partner” White said. “It becomes important to stay connected, both socially and physically, as the community becomes more active in the summer months.”

Dr. White said maintaining mental health in later adulthood often comes down to consistency and engagement.

“Structure is very important,” he said. “Simple things like regular exercise, maintaining social contact, and having a purpose each day can make a significant difference.”

He added that Door County’s strong community ties can serve as a protective factor, especially when residents take advantage of local resources, outdoor spaces and social opportunities that increase during the warmer months.

Dr. White encourages residents to check in on neighbors, stay active, and seek support when needed, noting that awareness and connection remain key components of emotional well-being at every age.

With the entire school district looking on, officials from the Kewaunee School District, city leaders and construction partners broke ground on the next phase of construction at the school campus.

Elementary school children held tightly to their plastic Miron Construction hats as Superintendent Scott Fritz detailed the next phase of construction in the district. The $24.5 million referendum, approved in 2025, was needed to address the growing needs of the district’s 3K, 4K and kindergarten programs while relocating other classes to underused space in the high school. It also addresses issues that were not included in the district’s last capital referendum in 2016.

Fritz said he was excited to have the children present for Tuesday’s ceremony and for the community to see the progress that will be made through summer 2027.

Much of the phase one work will begin in earnest once school lets out in the coming weeks. Tuesday’s ceremony also included an open house at the transportation center, which was needed after the district switched busing services at the end of the last school year.

Sunshine Resources will host a combined casino night and prom celebration Wednesday, May 13, at the Door County Gala, bringing together staff, volunteers, clients and community partners for an evening of recognition and entertainment.

The event is designed as an expanded celebration of the organization’s annual awards dinner, and is paired with a prom-themed experience and casino-style games intended to create a festive, inclusive atmosphere for attendees of all ages and abilities.

Jeremy Paszczak, director of business development for Sunshine Resources, said the evening is focused on appreciation and community connection.

“Tomorrow is about rewarding our staff, volunteers, clients, partner and the community that makes our organization what it is today,” Paszczak said.

He said the event format was intentionally expanded this year to add new experiences beyond a traditional banquet.

“We took our awards dinner and added a casino night and a prom for those that never got to go to theirs,” Paszczak said.

Paszczak said the prom component was created as a way to provide a shared celebratory experience for individuals who may have missed milestone events in their younger years, while casino-style activities add an interactive element to the evening.

Paszczak said the goal is to highlight achievements while building stronger community relationships.

“This is meant to be a great evening to come together as a community, have fun and celebrate their achievements,” he said.

The event is expected to draw a wide mix of participants connected to Sunshine Resources, which provides services and support for individuals with disabilities in the region.

Wednesday night’s celebration will run from 5-8 p.m. at the Door County Gala in Sturgeon Bay and will feature dinner, awards presentations, themed activities and entertainment throughout the evening.

For more information, or to register please visit the Sunshine Resources website or social media pages.

With Door County’s shoreline and inland waters drawing residents and visitors back to the lakeshore for summer, the Door County YMCA is urging families to prioritize water safety training before peak recreation season arrives.

The Door County peninsula is surrounded by water, and learning proper swimming skills and safety habits is essential as boating, swimming and beach activities increase.

“The aquatics center at the Y should be your focus now with summer coming,” said Mike McHugh, Competitive Swim Director at the Sturgeon Bay campus YMCA.

McHugh said early preparation can make a major difference in preventing accidents and building confidence in the water. “Get in a couple safety sessions before summer, they'll be all set, safe and can enjoy the water,” he said.

The YMCA offers programs designed for all ages and skill levels, from infants and toddlers to adults. “We have lesson starting with babies, adult learn-to-swim classes and even competitive swim lessons up to the collegiate levels,” McHugh said.

He emphasizes that structured instruction helps reduce drowning risks and improves awareness in open water settings, which are common across Door County.

McHugh encourages families to enroll early as classes fill quickly ahead of summer. “Those classes fill up right away; we still have some availability in the current spring session though.”

The goal, McHugh said, is simple: build lifelong skills that keep swimmers and their families safe wherever water recreation takes them.

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

Motorists received another reminder about the increased agricultural traffic on area roads after a 27-year-old woman rear-ended a tractor Sunday evening.

The accident occurred just before 6 p.m. on State Highway 57 near School Road in the Town of Brussels. According to the accident report, a 48-year-old man was driving the tractor with a trailer attached for a Door County farm on the shoulder with its amber warning lights on when he was struck by the woman in the right northbound lane.

The tractor was traveling between 25 and 28 mph, while the woman said she was traveling 73 mph. While her passenger was unharmed, she suffered a minor injury that did not require hospitalization. Her car was towed due to disabling damage, and she was cited for inattentive driving.

One lane of traffic was closed for about 90 minutes while cleanup took place.

The accident came after Wisconsin farmers were able to make significant progress with fieldwork because of improved weather conditions. Farmers in northeast Wisconsin had 5.7 suitable days for fieldwork last week, just below the statewide average of 6.2 days. The drier weather allowed farmers to close the gap with the five-year average for planting corn, oats and soybeans, along with completing spring tillage.

Family and friends of 22-year-old Jesse Morales Hernandez of Kewaunee and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Mary Elliott of Bayside, are mourning their deaths after the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department identified them as the victims of Saturday’s two-vehicle crash in the Town of Montpelier.

Morales Hernandez and Elliott were traveling east on State Highway 29 at about 10:30 p.m. when their motorcycle collided with a pickup truck traveling north on County Road AB. Authorities said the truck had stopped at the intersection before the crash occurred.

The couple died at the scene despite emergency response efforts from the Luxemburg Police Department, Kewaunee Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Luxemburg Fire and Rescue, and Luxemburg-Casco First Responders. The Wisconsin State Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting the Sheriff’s Department with the investigation. No additional details have been released.

Two men, including one from Sturgeon Bay, are behind bars after a multi-month investigation into alleged drug trafficking operations.

The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrests last week after working with the Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit and the DEA Green Bay Resident Office in partnership with the Door County Drug Unit, ATF, FBI and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.

Arquimides Arias-Hernandez of Two Rivers and Santiago Trujillo-Alvarez of Sturgeon Bay were arrested on allegations related to narcotics, firearms and fraudulent document distribution.

During the investigation, which lasted from January through April, law enforcement officers purchased and seized more than 700 grams of cocaine, nearly 3,000 grams of methamphetamine, eight firearms and multiple fraudulent or illegally manufactured documents.

The arrests occurred April 14.

The two men are being held at the Manitowoc County Jail on $500,000 bonds on narcotics distribution charges, as well as federal immigration detainers. Authorities said additional charges could be filed.

ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph Persails, Manitowoc County Sheriff Dan Hartwig and Two Rivers Police Chief Ben Meinnert all called the operation a success, saying it demonstrated how agencies working together can help create safer communities.

Local health officials are advising residents to take the proper steps out of extreme caution in the wake of a hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship this month.

According to NPR, 17 Americans returned home Monday after being quarantined on the cruise ship for several weeks after three people died from hantavirus exposure. During the passengers’ flight from the Canary Islands to Nebraska, one American tested positive for hantavirus while another showed symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can contract hantavirus through contact with rodents such as rats and mice, especially through exposure to their urine, droppings and saliva. Symptoms — including fatigue, fever and muscle aches — can take four to 10 days, or in rare cases several weeks, to appear.

Door County Public Health Nurse Katie Van Lanen says she does not expect the latest outbreak to affect local residents. She adds that people can take precautions just like any other respiratory disease.

Van Lanen added that hantavirus exposure is rare because the virus is not easily transmitted from person to person.

Special education reimbursement funding would reach 50% under a deal struck Monday by the Evers administration and Republican leaders. In addition to the largest increase to the state’s special education reimbursement rate in Wisconsin history, the bipartisan deal provides an additional $50 million in property tax relief and eliminates income taxes on cash tips and overtime pay.

The deal also returns more than $850 million of the state surplus to taxpayers, including $600 million through rebate checks that could arrive in mailboxes by fall. Both sides took victory laps following the announcement after months of negotiations.

“We’ve proven time and again that, here in Wisconsin, we’re capable of finding common ground and working together to get good things done for the people of our state, and the bipartisan compromise we’re announcing today is yet another example,” Gov. Tony Evers said. “I’ve always said that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state — it’s why it’s been important to me throughout this process that we make sure our kids and our schools have the resources they need while also lowering property taxes and giving working families a little breathing room in their household budgets.”

“Republicans have fought hard to control spending, and now we have a sizable budget surplus,” Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said. “We’re sending it back to help families with the pressure of increasing costs, reward hard work and continue investing in schools to help stabilize rising property taxes.”

Rep. Joel Kitchens said the deal is good news for local school districts that have had to pay a larger share of special education costs, which can drain general education funds.

Kitchens added that all school districts, including Gibraltar and Washington Island, which previously received no state aid, will now receive $300 per student in education funding.

The bipartisan deal is set to be taken up by the Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The Wisconsin Assembly and Senate are expected to take up the proposal Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Evers anticipates signing the proposal as early as next week.

Whether it is an animal, a plant, a photo or another project you hope to enter in the Kewaunee County Fair or Door County Fair, it is time to register. Both fairs are now open for prospective exhibitors to log in online and register their projects.

The Kewaunee County Fair hosted a new family fair sign-up day last week at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg. The Door County Fair will offer registration help at the Door County Fairgrounds in Sturgeon Bay on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.

Darlene Boeder of the Kewaunee County Fair advises exhibitors to review the premium books online to ensure they are registering in the correct department and category for their projects and understand the expectations that come with them.

Registration for the Kewaunee County Fair closes June 1, while registration for the Door County Fair closes July 16. The Kewaunee County Fair will take place July 9-12, while the Door County Fair runs Aug. 12-16.

You may recognize “Gone With the Wind,” but Sturgeon Bay’s Third Avenue Playworks is banking on you not knowing the rest of the story. Actors performing “Moonlight and Magnolias” begin rehearsals Wednesday for the play that gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the writing and frantic rewriting of the Academy Award-winning movie.

The play, written by Ron Hutchinson, premiered at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre in 2004, taking audiences back to the late 1930s, when producer David O. Selznick, director Victor Fleming and screenwriter Ben Hecht desperately tried to take the film from failure to fantastic over the course of five days. Artistic Director Jacob Janssen believes audiences will enjoy the account of one of Hollywood’s great stories about a beloved film.

Even though rehearsals begin Wednesday, audiences will have to wait until June 3 to see it on the Third Avenue Playworks stage. Rudy Galvan, Paige Klopfenstein, John Taylor Phillips and Nick Vidal play the lead roles. You can listen to our interview with Janssen about the show by clicking this link.

The Door County Historical Society (DCHS) has launched a new online hub and Centennial Campaign as it marks 100 years of preserving local history and looks ahead to its next century of work.

Founded Oct. 1, 1926, the organization has grown from a small group of local historians into a nonprofit that manages historic sites, collections and educational programming across Door County, including Heritage Village and the Eagle Bluff Light Station.

The new webpage will serve as the central resource for centennial news, events and giving opportunities. It also functions as the primary portal for the organization’s fundraising effort.

The Centennial Campaign aims to support preservation projects, collections care and expanded educational programming.

“A centennial is more than a celebration, it’s a responsibility,” said Amy Frank, executive director of DCHS in a statement. “The decisions we make today will shape how our history is preserved and shared for the next 100 years.”

The organization hopes to secure its first 25 Founding Members by May 15, with recognition planned for donors at a 2026 centennial celebration. Donors will also receive commemorative items marking the milestone year.

Community members learn more through the society’s website or by calling DCHS directly.

More than 300 runners turned out for the Door County YMCA’s annual Blossom Run on Saturday morning in Egg Harbor, turning the longtime spring tradition into one of the organization’s largest recent community wellness events.

Blossom runners took part in a five-mile run, two-mile walk and run, and youth fun run along the Egg Harbor waterfront under mostly sunny skies and cool spring temperatures. Families, competitive runners and casual walkers gathered at Dock Park as volunteers and YMCA staff coordinated race activities throughout the morning.

“It was an amazing turnout. We had over 300 runners pre-register,” said Fish Creek YMCA Member Experience Director Josh Lardinois.

Lardinois said favorable conditions also contributed to the strong participation.

“Overall compared to past years weather, it was a delightful spring day,” he said.

The event featured a new electronic race timing system, post-race refreshments, awards and community activities following the races. Lardinois said the Blossom Run continues to attract both year-round residents and seasonal visitors looking to celebrate the arrival of spring in Door County.

“It was great to see both members and especially non-members come together for a good time,” Lardinois added.

The event also coincided with the Door County YMCA’s celebration of the global YMCA movement’s 175th anniversary and nearly four decades of service in Door County, reinforcing the organization’s emphasis on healthy living and community connection.

The 2026 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Sturgeon Bay will return for year 15 on Sunday, May 17, bringing motorcyclists together to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.

The ride will begin at Tractor Supply Co., with riders gathering at 9:30 a.m. and the official departure scheduled for approximately 10:15 a.m. Riders are encouraged to dress in “distinguished” attire such as suits and tweed while riding classic and vintage-style motorcycles.

"This year in Sturgeon Bay, we are going to have the biggest turnout yet." Distinguished Gentelman's Ride organizer Derek Knipsheer said in a statement from The Netherlands. 

Registration is required in order to view the full route and participate.

The Sturgeon Bay ride is part of a global annual event founded in 2012 that now connects more than 100,000 riders worldwide in support of the Movember Foundation’s men’s health initiatives.

Spectators are encouraged to line the route and support participants throughout the morning ride in Sturgeon Bay area and nearby roads.

For more information, to register or to donate, please visit the official Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website.

Algoma High School will launch its inaugural “Unite the Pack” Day of Service on June 1, bringing students together with local civic clubs and nonprofit organizations for a community-wide volunteer effort.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. in the school gymnasium, where participating organizations will meet with students in a fast-paced presentation format designed to introduce volunteer opportunities and community missions. Each group will have up to five minutes to speak before students rotate to the next organization.

Following the presentations, students will travel to service sites throughout the Algoma area to assist with hands-on projects aimed at supporting the community.

The event reflects the district’s motto to “Ignite, Engage, and Connect” by encouraging students to become active local volunteers and future community leaders.

Activities conclude with a celebration at 2:30 p.m.

The Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate a crash that killed two people Saturday evening in the Town of Montpelier.

The crash occurred before 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 29 and County Road AB.

According to a news release, the motorcycle and its passenger were traveling eastbound on State Highway 29 when they collided with a pickup truck traveling northbound on County Road AB after the truck had stopped at the intersection.

Both people on the motorcycle were pronounced dead at the scene. The Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department is withholding their names pending notification of family members.

The Luxemburg Police Department, Kewaunee Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Luxemburg Fire and Rescue, and Luxemburg-Casco First Responders assisted at the scene.

The Wisconsin State Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting the Sheriff’s Department with the investigation.

For nearly 30 years, one of the strongest voices for tourism in Door County has been Jon Jarosh.

The tenure of Destination Door County’s chief communications officer and interim CEO dates to 1997 and has included several changes along the way, including the organization’s name and the implementation of the room tax that helps fund some of its operations.

While the organization’s work may have evolved over time, its purpose has remained the same: making Door County a better place to live and work.

With decades of experience to draw on, one of Jarosh’s proudest accomplishments is a relatively recent one. Jarosh said the three-year-old Community Investment Fund is one of the greatest reminders of the power of tourism and the positive impact it can have on the community.

National Travel and Tourism Week ended Saturday.

The crack of the wood bat returns to the peninsula this Sunday as the Door County Baseball League (DCBL) officially opens its 2026 season on Mother’s Day, continuing a century-old tradition that defines local summer sports.

The opening day schedule for May 10 features four 1:30 p.m. matchups: Institute at Kolberg, Maplewood at West Jacksonport, Egg Harbor at Washington Island, and Sister Bay at Baileys Harbor.

The marquee matchup of the afternoon takes place at Ernald O Viste Field in Baileys Harbor, where the home-team Athletics host the Sister Bay Bays in the legendary "Grudge" rivalry, a fierce Northern Door competition that dates back decades. Fans unable to attend can tune in to 105.1 The GOAT, where Bryan Mazur and Adam Collins will provide live play-by-play coverage, presented by NEW Radio Sports Network and Door County Media Group. Pre-game begins at 1:15 with the first pitch scheduled for 1:30.

Rooted in town-team traditions reaching back to the 1870s, the DCL modern era began in 1951 when Washington Island claimed the first grand championship.

The league today consists of eight teams, the Baileys Harbor A’s, Egg Harbor Indians, Institute Cubs, Kolberg Braves, Maplewood Mets, Sister Bay Bays, Washington Island Islanders, and West Jacksonport Ports.

In recent years, the league has been dominated by Kolberg and Sister Bay. No other team has won either a league championship or a playoff trophy this decade.

Sunday's games mark the start of a 14-game regular season, with the playoffs scheduled to begin in mid-August.

The Steel Bridge Creative Foundation has released the official lineup for Steel Bridge Day 2026, continuing a Door County tradition that blends live music, community gathering and local arts in downtown Sturgeon Bay.  The day also coincides with the event's 20th anniversary.

Steel Bridge Day 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, June 13 throughout downtown Sturgeon Bay, with full programming centered on the free afternoon stage at Martin Park and the ticketed evening concert at MUSE Sturgeon Bay.

The lineup announcement comes as the annual event continues to grow, drawing regional and touring artists to Door County each summer while highlighting the area’s historic Steel Bridge corridor and its surrounding cultural venues.

Afternoon performances will be held at Martin Park and remain free to the public, featuring live music alongside food and beverage vendors.

Since its inception, Steel Bridge Day has served as a grassroots showcase for singer-songwriters and experimental musicians, reflecting Sturgeon Bay’s role as a hub for independent arts in northeastern Wisconsin. Organizers say the event’s dual-format structure, with a free outdoor afternoon stage and an intimate ticketed evening show, is designed to broaden access while supporting touring artists.

Several artists from the lineup have ties to Door County, or the local music scene, notably Pat mAcdonald, a longtime Sturgeon Bay resident and key organizer of the festival. Ruby James frequently performs in the Door County music scene and at Steel Bridge events, as does Three Springs, a band deeply rooted in the local Door County area.

For more information, the full lineup or to purchase tickets for the evening shows, please visit the Steel bridge songfest website.

The 17th annual Crossroads Trail Run returns June 13. Welcoming runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to participate in Door County’s spring tradition at Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve in Sturgeon Bay.

Participants may choose from 2K, 5K or 10K courses. Chip timing will be used with staggered starts by distance, beginning with the 10K at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K about 10 minutes later and the 2K shortly after. An awards ceremony is planned for about 9:45 a.m.

Packet pickup will be held at the Collins Learning Center in Sturgeon Bay, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 10-11, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 12 and 6:30-7:30 a.m. race day.

Registration by May 12 guarantees a race T-shirt. Later registrants may select from previous-year shirts.

Proceeds will benefit Crossroads at Big Creek and its mission to promote environmental stewardship through education, research, restoration and outdoor experiences. Trail runners will receive prizes for top finishers.

Aid stations will include two water stops on the 5K course and three on the 10K route. Dogs, bikes and spike shoes are not allowed on the course, though dogs are permitted on the property if leashed.

For more information or to register, please visit the Crossroads Trail Run website.

The body of an 81-year-old Brookfield man was recovered Thursday evening near a dock at Chambers Island Marina in the Town of Gibraltar, according to a joint release from the Gibraltar Police Department and the Door County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the Door County Sheriff’s Office was notified at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday of a body found in the water near the marina at 11000 Island Drive E. The Gibraltar Police Department also responded and requested assistance from the sheriff’s office.

Emergency personnel from the Gibraltar Fire Department, Gibraltar Emergency Medical Responders, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Door County Emergency Services, Gibraltar Police Department and the Door County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene.

The victim was identified as Michael J. Kennedy, 81, of Brookfield.

Officials said preliminary findings indicate foul play is not suspected at this time, though the incident remains under investigation.

An autopsy was scheduled Friday through the Brown County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The release was prepared by Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser under the authority of Gibraltar Police Chief Ryan Roesch and Door County Sheriff Tammy Sternard.

It will not be long before you can gaze out onto Lake Michigan from Algoma’s Crescent Beach and see a cruise ship on the water. Beginning May 15, more than a dozen trips from Viking Cruises will stop in Algoma, allowing passengers to explore the city or board charter buses to check out the surrounding area.

Whether it is the Octantis or the Polaris, the cruises will either be round trips from Milwaukee or part of a longer journey to and from Duluth, Minnesota, and Toronto, Ontario. The city has developed a reputation for being extremely accommodating to Viking Cruises and other operators, while also welcoming passengers.

Visitor Services and Volunteer Coordinator Kiera Bair said it has been a community effort to ensure cruise ships and their passengers continue returning to Algoma.

You can find the full schedule of cruise stops in Algoma here. If you want to be part of the welcoming experience for cruise ships and their passengers when they drop anchor, Bair said organizers are currently recruiting volunteers for the Algoma Ambassador program. More information on the program is also available below.

The last ship is scheduled to stop in Algoma on Sept. 30.

Sixty-eight housing units will soon be available after the Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved a development agreement with Portside Builders and E&I Property Investments on Tuesday.

The Colorado Heights housing project will consist of 34 duplexes, three of which are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

According to the meeting agenda, the developer will receive $500,000 for infrastructure improvements, with $250,000 anticipated to be paid in 2027 and another $250,000 in 2030. By that time, a total of 30 units, or 15 buildings, are expected to be completed.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said the project will help address senior housing needs in the community as residents look to retire or downsize from their current homes.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council also approved the issuance and sale of bonds for upcoming upgrades at the Sturgeon Bay Utilities wastewater treatment facility.

The Door County YMCA marked two milestones Thursday evening in Egg Harbor, celebrating the 175th anniversary of the worldwide YMCA movement and nearly four decades of service in Door County during a community gathering at the Kress Pavilion.

The event brought together members, volunteers, staff and community partners to reflect on the organization’s history and its role in supporting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility across the county.

Since establishing a presence in the mid-1980s, the Door County YMCA has expanded programming and outreach efforts throughout the peninsula, serving residents of all ages through fitness, youth programs and community wellness initiatives.

“Tonight, as we reflect on nearly four decades of impact, I hope you find yourself in this story.” Door County YMCA CEO Tonya Felhoffer said. “For every program, every life change, every child that learns to swim or every senior who finds their stength again. Thank you for being part of this journey, and thank you for what comes next.”

The anniversary provided an opportunity to recognize the long-standing commitment of volunteers and staff that has helped sustain and grow the organization over time, as well as the community partnerships that continue to support its mission. 

Mission Advancement Executive Brett Cleveland thanked members, donors and volunteers alike for their commitment to the  YMCA's global mission, "Rooted in Community". "One of our core beliefs is to never turn anyone away from the YMCA," said Cleveland

The celebration also highlighted the YMCA’s ongoing presence as a gathering place and resource for residents throughout Door County, while honoring its global roots and local evolution.

The celebration and YMCA milestones underscore the continued commitment to strengthening community health, youth engagement and connection across Door County for years to come.

After voters rejected an operational referendum that would have allowed the district to exceed state revenue limits by $3.15 million annually for three years, Southern Door School District officials announced the cuts that will have to be made as a result.

More than a dozen positions were cut, resulting in more than $1 million in savings, including one elementary school teacher, two middle school teachers and five high school teachers.

Other sources of savings include a pay freeze for all employees; the elimination of three sports programs; cuts to co-curricular assignment pay and travel; and delays to computer and student device replacements.

The cuts total approximately $1.78 million and are intended to help develop a balanced budget for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Kevin Krutzik says they are being as transparent as they can be to show that they are working to trim expenses where they can while limiting the impact on the student's educational experience.

Southern Door was not alone in making tough budget decisions following failed referendum votes this spring. According to PBS Wisconsin, school districts in Augusta, Dodgeville, Ellsworth, Fond du Lac, Monroe and Oconto are all planning to cut staff, while the Gillett, Hustisford and Winter school districts are considering closing their doors.

The American Legion Posts and Auxiliaries hosted the 62nd Annual Youth Government Day on Wednesday in Kewaunee County, bringing students from Algoma, Kewaunee and Luxemburg-Casco high schools into the heart of local government.

Elected county officials and staff provided students with an inside look at their daily responsibilities, including tours of government offices and opportunities to observe how county operations affect residents. Students also engaged directly with Corporation Counsel, members of the Kewaunee County Bar Association, and participated in a mock trial designed to simulate real courtroom procedures.

The program, held at the Kewaunee County Courthouse and surrounding government facilities, is intended to strengthen civic understanding and encourage future involvement in public service.

Kewaunee County Clerk Jaime Annoye said the event continues to play an important role in educating young residents about local government.

“This is a great event for kids to come out and learn what their local government does and what the elected officials do on a daily basis at the county level” Annoye said. “They were given an oath by Circuit Court Judge Jeffery R. Wisnicki and had a mock trial as jurors. It was a really great experience.”

Youth Government Day is part of a long-running American Legion initiative aimed at promoting citizenship education and leadership development among high school students.

It will not be long before Martin Park fills up and people crowd city streets in Sturgeon Bay. Destination Sturgeon Bay and other area business associations are awaiting the start of the tourism season, which typically begins around Memorial Day weekend and continues through late fall.

The start of the season also brings a variety of festivals and events that become highlights for visitors to the area. Destination Sturgeon Bay Executive Director Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaterski said her team is putting the final touches on planning efforts for the Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair and the kickoff of the farmers market the following weekend. She added that while the work is demanding, it is rewarding to see so many people enjoying themselves in the community.

Though official tourism numbers will not be released until next month, preliminary data is promising. According to the Door County Tourism Zone, total lodging revenue increased 6% in 2025 compared with 2024, and the number of occupied rooms also rose 1.5% to more than 625,000. Organizations across the country are celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, recognizing the impact the visitor economy has on their communities.

Last month, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) joined state lawmakers and industry leaders to recognize Wisconsin’s designation of October as Careers in Construction Month and to spotlight the growing demand for skilled trades workers across the state.

Christina Jungwirth, interim associate dean of advanced manufacturing and skilled trades at NWTC, said state leaders understand the importance of supporting the construction workforce.

“Luckily in our state our legislators realize the need for construction workers and the important work that they do for us,” Jungwirth said. “They thought that it would be fitting to declare at the state level, to honor those in that field.”

Jungwirth said workforce demand remains especially high throughout the region.

“We have a huge demand for construction workers in northeast Wisconsin specifically,” she said.

Construction currently makes up nearly 6% of Wisconsin’s workforce, and industry projections estimate nearly 500,000 new skilled workers will be needed nationwide in 2026. 

That demand is also being felt locally. Door and Kewaunee counties continue to experience tight labor markets and low unemployment rates, both below the national average. This forces employers in several industries, including construction and manufacturing, to compete for skilled workers.

Jungwirth says that NWTC continues to expand training opportunities to help meet workforce needs through hands-on instruction and partnerships with employers and schools throughout the region.

“NWTC has not only our regular college classes for those interested in going into the trades, we also have apprenticeship programs,” Jungwirth said.

She added that outreach efforts begin well before students reach college age.

“We work with high schools and other community organizations to draw interest so that we can support the needs in Door County, and in other communities in northeast Wisconsin,” Jungwirth said.

According to NWTC’s most recent graduate survey, construction-related programs at the college report a 100% employment rate, underscoring the continued demand for skilled workers in the trades.

Careers in Construction Month is intended to bring together educators, employers and community organizations to promote opportunities in the industry and encourage the next generation to pursue construction careers.

Do not be surprised if you encounter tractors, manure trucks and other pieces of agricultural equipment on the roads this week as Mother Nature has allowed farmers to get into their fields. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, Wisconsin farmers had 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork last week thanks to a reprieve from wet weather.

Farmers in Door and Kewaunee counties were about a day below that average at 3.2 suitable days for fieldwork, allowing them to complete spring tillage, manure spreading, fertilizing and planting where field conditions allowed. Better field conditions also mean more traffic on area roadways and more equipment moving in and out of fields.

Deer Run Dairy owner Duane Ducat says it took awhile for farmers to get out due to the eight-plus inches of rain fields took compared to the usual one to two inches they usually do. He reminds everyone to watch out for one another on the roads because, whether you are a farmer or not, everyone has places to go and needs to travel safely.

The planting of corn, oats and soybeans remains slightly behind the five-year average, while winter wheat and other cover crops used for forage continue to progress. Although field conditions are expected to remain mostly dry over the coming week, temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 60s, causing soil temperatures to warm more slowly than needed.

Some of the most important people in your child’s life may be the people you leave them with on your way to work. Since 1995, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day has been celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day to recognize child care providers, teachers and educators and their role in shaping young minds in their communities.

United Way of Door County Child Care Community Coordinator Molly Gary has had a front-row seat to the impact facilities such as Northern Door Children’s Center in Sister Bay and Doorway to Learning in Sturgeon Bay have had in the area. Both centers have expanded operations in recent years, allowing more families access to high-quality child care while enabling parents to remain employed in the community.

Gary spent many years in education before taking on the coordinator position, but she said she became even more appreciative of the work early childhood educators do to prepare children for elementary school and beyond while strengthening the community as a whole.

Gary said affordability remains the biggest challenge facing the local industry, with families struggling to afford tuition while child care centers search for ways to retain high-quality teachers in the area. Child care remains a major focus for United Way of Door County, which continues securing grants and organizing workgroups to expand support services.

Crossroads at Big Creek will bring together more than a dozen community partners for a morning of hands-on learning and celebration during its upcoming Discovery Day event.

The free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. It will feature interactive exhibits from more than 15 local organizations, along with a student art show inside the Collins Learning Center showcasing fish-inspired work from Sturgeon Bay middle and high school students.

Executive Director Samantha “Sam” Koyen said this year’s event will take a more interactive, community-centered approach.

“We’ll be opening our trails in a more community focused way,” Koyen said. “People will be able to interact with and learn about all of these local organizations through our trails, throughout the morning at intermittent stations.”

Activities will include educational opportunities and demonstrations from a variety of partners, offering visitors a chance to explore nature, conservation and local resources in an engaging outdoor setting.

The event also coincides with a milestone anniversary.

“This is all associated with the Collins Learning Center turning 25 this year,” Koyen said

.

In addition to the celebration, Crossroads announced that Program Director and Naturalist Coggin Heeringa will be retiring, though a specific timeline has not yet been set.

“Coggin has had her finger on the pulse in every organization you can think of,” said Koyen. “Crossroads would not be here without her, she amazingly continues to pour her heart into the organization and the community,” she added.

Koyen also revealed a donation match initiative from the Collins family, which will match contributions up to $25,000.

Crossroads at Big Creek was established in 2003, building on earlier efforts to expand environmental education in the Sturgeon Bay area. Koyen says Discovery Day reflects that ongoing mission by connecting residents with local organizations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The event is free and open to the public.

Mental Health Awareness Month is underway in May, with organizations across Door and Kewaunee counties emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being and encouraging residents to seek support when needed.

Joe Krebsbach, director of the Door County Health and Human Services Department said the county continues to expand its behavioral health offerings to meet growing demand.

“We have multiple programs in behavior health that serve individuals in the community,” Krebsbach said. “From the traditional one-on-one counseling to groups and programs that provide additional services for further down the road in the mental health realm.”

Krebsbach noted that Mental Health Awareness Month plays a key role in normalizing conversations around mental health and reducing stigma.

“I think part of what’s cool about Mental Health Awareness Month is that it is OK to talk about where you are at and to seek help if you need it,” he said. “I think in our, and probably all communities, the need is rising.”

As part of the month’s programming, a Suicide Prevention Presentation and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay. The session will focus on recognizing warning signs and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.

Also beginning this month, the NWTC Learning and Innovation Center in Sister Bay is hosting the WeCOPE (Connecting with Our Positive Emotions) program, a seven-week course designed to help adults manage stress and build resilience using evidence-based strategies. The course is free and open to the public.

In Kewaunee County, local libraries and community organizations are offering mental health-related resources and educational materials throughout the month, including information on stress management, youth mental health and substance use prevention.

At the state level, Gov. Tony Evers and the Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health recently released a statewide action plan designed to improve access to care, strengthen crisis response systems and reduce barriers to treatment across Wisconsin.

Together, the local and statewide efforts reflect a continued push to make mental health care more visible, accessible and supported in rural communities.

A road construction project on County Trunk Highway B is set to begin later this month, with work scheduled between the Sturgeon Bay city limits and North Shoreside Circle.

The Door County Highway Department said milling and removal of existing asphalt, along with intersection excavation, will take place May 13-14. Paving is expected to begin the week of May 18 and will include two layers of asphalt, followed by shouldering and centerline striping after a brief curing period.

Officials said an adhesive will be applied between asphalt layers and motorists should avoid driving on freshly treated surfaces and follow posted signage.

Flagging operations and periodic lane closures are expected, though access for local traffic will be maintained when possible.

“I’m going to try to set a closure up between BB and the city limits to through traffic, I probably won’t shut the other end off and have a flagger there.” said Deputy Highway Commissioner Randy Dvorak. “I don’t think we’ll have to move any mailboxes or anything, we are going to try to make that road a little wider and with paving we’ll try to get back there on the 18th, depending on the weather.”

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by June 22, excluding final striping.

A 79-year-old Ellison Bay woman told authorities she believes she fell asleep before crashing into a tree Tuesday afternoon.

The crash occurred shortly before 3 p.m. on State Highway 57 near Valmy Road. According to the crash report, the woman was traveling north when she crossed the centerline into the southbound lane while negotiating a curve. She then drove through a ditch and across a driveway before striking a tree.

A witness told the responding deputy the vehicle had been traveling normally before gradually crossing the centerline.

The woman suffered minor injuries and was taken to Door County Medical Center for treatment.

No citations were issued. The vehicle was towed after sustaining disabling damage.

A free community event focused on wellness, education and connection will take place later this month as part of ongoing efforts to promote healthier lifestyles in Door County.

“Health & Wellness Days” are scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, from 9 to 11:45 a.m. at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA Program Center, with a second session planned May 28 at the Jackie & Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek. The event will feature a structured, half-day format designed to give participants a range of options for improving both physical and mental well-being.

The event will include three rotating sessions, each offering three different activities. Options include guided exercise such as yoga, fitness screenings, nutrition and wellness education, and discussions centered on healthy living and aging. A complimentary lunch will also be provided for attendees.

“This half-day event has three different sessions, with three options in each session,” said Abby Baker, Sturgeon Bay YMCA Special Wellness Director. “It’s going to be a great day.”

Baker said the event aims to remove barriers by bringing multiple services together in one place.

“These screenings and evaluations can really go a long way to help those who may not have the option to do them all in one place,” she said. “The best part is you also get a free lunch.”

The event is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged. For more information, please visit the Door County YMCA website.

The annual citywide garage sale in Sturgeon Bay returns June 5–6, giving residents and visitors an early-summer opportunity to hunt for bargains while taking part in one of the community’s longest-standing traditions.

The two-day event will feature sales hosted by residents across the city, with shoppers expected to travel neighborhood to neighborhood, from Memorial Drive to Neenah Avenue,  in search of deals. District 4 Alderman Spencer Gustafson says the event continues to be a popular way for households to declutter, earn extra income and connect with neighbors.

He encourages residents to take advantage of the event, noting its unique draw in a tourist-heavy region.

“Folks that have things they want to sell at their home have a unique opportunity, especially in an area like ours,” Gustafson said. “I think if you are having a garage sale in Door County, it is a lot easier to sell things than in other areas, mainly because of all the visitors to the peninsula.”

Residents who want to host a sale must register by Wednesday, May 6. The $8 registration fee helps cover the cost of printing official maps that list participating locations and guide shoppers throughout the city.

“You have until May 6 to register, get your information in as soon as possible,” Gustafson said.

Registration forms are available at the Municipal Services Office on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as online through the city’s website.

An official map and directory of participating sales will be released ahead of the event, helping visitors plan their routes and maximize their time during the two-day sale.

Alderman Gustafson encourages anyone with questions to contact Sturgeon Bay City Hall for additional details.

A longtime leader at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) has been recognized statewide for his contributions to student affairs and higher education.

John Grant, associate vice president of student affairs at NWTC, received the Annabelle E. Wolf Outstanding Service in College Student Personnel Award from the Wisconsin College Personnel Association. The annual honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to student services both on their campuses and across the profession.

Grant, who has spent more than two decades at the technical college, said the recognition reflects not only his work, but also the collective efforts of those around him.

“I'm really grateful honestly, it feels like a bit of validation and peer respect,” Grant said. “It is important in my career and for my team to be genuinely committed to the well-being of others.”

Grant has worked at NWTC for 22 years, holding positions that include counselor, director of student support services and dean of student development before stepping into his current leadership role. Over that time, he has helped shape systems designed to improve student outcomes, including developing the college’s first academic advising model, a framework that has supported students for nearly two decades.

“I'm proudest of the systems and processes that help students achieve their goals and leave this institution with degrees,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, Grant said his time within the technical college system has been both meaningful and rewarding.

“It's been a joy, I have had such a blast working in the technical college system and specifically for NWTC,” he said.

The Annabelle E. Wolf award highlights Grant’s longstanding commitment to advancing student services and supporting learners both at NWTC and across the broader higher education community.

When you grab your cards and magazines from your mailbox, consider replacing them with a canned food item for your local food pantry. Mail carriers across the country will support their local food pantries through the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which officially takes place May 9.

The event is held in conjunction with the United States Postal Service, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association and United Way.

Last year, more than 14,000 pounds of food was collected in the Sturgeon Bay area and another 500 pounds in Fish Creek. Longtime organizer Darrell LeCloux says the food drive comes at an important time for food pantries, which are struggling to keep their shelves stocked for those they serve.

While the official date is May 9, LeCloux encourages residents to put food out for their letter carrier sooner rather than later. Space constraints can limit what carriers can collect along their routes, especially if they have a lot of packages to deliver. Donations can also be dropped off at local post offices.

All donations will stay local. Food collected in Sturgeon Bay will benefit Feed My People Door County, Lakeshore CAP, Sturgeon Bay Community Church Pantry and Holy Name of Mary Church pantry in Maplewood.

If you have not seen Third Avenue PlayWorks’ production of “Heroes” yet, you are down to just one more week.

Since April 22, Alan Kopischke, Michael A. Torrey and C. Michael Wright have starred in the comedy, which tells the story of three aging World War I veterans living out their glory days in a retirement home before plotting their escape.

Artistic Director Jacob Janssen is one of the play’s two directors and has been working with the actors for several weeks. He said it is always interesting to see the small ways a production like “Heroes” can evolve as actors receive instant feedback from audiences.

Even though the curtain will fall for “Heroes” after its 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, it will not be long until the next TAP production takes the stage.

Rehearsals for “Moonlight and Magnolias” begin May 14 before the show officially opens in early June. You can hear about both plays and the activity that happens in between by clicking here to listen to our interview with Janssen.

The slate of candidates who could appear on the ballot this fall to replace state Sen. Andre Jacque now stands at four.

U.S. Army veteran and current district director for Jacque, Nic Cravillion, is the latest to enter the race for the 1st Senate District seat, which Jacque is vacating after announcing last week he will not seek reelection.

A lifelong resident of New Franken, Cravillion is a small-business owner and a member of the Army National Guard. In his campaign announcement Monday, Cravillion said he was saddened that his friend and mentor was stepping aside but believes that “now is the time for me to step up, continue the work we’ve started, and fight for the values that define our communities.” He added that his time working with Jacque makes him uniquely qualified for the job.

Cravillion joins a field of candidates that includes Outagamie County Veterans Service Officer Kell Bales, DC Farm for Vets founder Jacob VandenPlas and former Brown County Republican Party chair Mark Becker. The primary election is Aug. 11, ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

After more than 1,500 beagles were rescued from a Wisconsin breeding and testing facility last week, organizations like the Wisconsin Humane Society are preparing for what happens next.

Hundreds of dogs were first moved from Ridglan Farms last Friday after the company reached a deal with animal rights organizations to sell the majority of its 2,000 beagles following years of alleged animal mistreatment.

Of the 1,500 beagles that were rescued, 150 dogs will be heading to facilities within the Wisconsin Humane Society, including locations in Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay. Wisconsin Humane Society spokesperson Angela Speed said some of the beagles could be available for adoption by the end of next week if they pass medical and behavioral testing.

Speed reminded potential adopters and fosters that these dogs have not had a normal start to their lives, meaning more attention and patience will likely be needed to help them acclimate to their new surroundings.

The Wisconsin Humane Society welcomed a similar number of animals in 2022, when more than 4,000 beagles were rescued from a Virginia-based breeding and testing facility. Speed said that if people cannot adopt or foster one of the incoming beagles, they can donate food, soft treats, toys or money to the Wisconsin Humane Society to support placement efforts.

Dozens of Jeeps fanned out across Door County on Saturday for the annual Door County Jeep Run, a daylong fundraiser supporting United Way of Door County and its mental health programs.

The event kicked off at Door County Fire Company with registration and breakfast before Jeep owners and Jeep entusiasts alike gathered for a driver’s meeting ahead of the 11 a.m. start. Teams then set out across the peninsula for an app-based scavenger hunt, solving clues and choosing their own path through local municipalities.

Along the way, participants stopped at peninsula businesses, restaurants and local watering holes for the event’s poker run, collecting cards dealt by United Way donors, volunteers and community personalities.

The event drew a mix of Jeeps and other vehicles, with the United Way emphasizing that the run is open to all. Participants explored towns, completed challenges and visited area businesses throughout the day.

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle summed up the long day with big thanks for all that volunteered and hosted stops. And invited everyone to the next run  coming up this fall in November.

“Our first place winner graciously donated thier money back to the United Way,” Kohnle said. “A big thank you to all of the volunteers and stops that made this happen, we appreciate each and every one of you. We'll see you November 7th”

The wrap-up celebration at Door County Fire Company had food, music and raffle drawings, followed by prize announcements recognizing top teams and poker hands.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to take extra precautions when burning brush piles or using burn barrels.

Door and Kewaunee counties are among more than 30 counties listed in the high fire danger category, meaning the combination of high winds and dry conditions could allow a wildfire to ignite easily. Approximately 35 counties are in the even more severe “very high” category, while only five counties are listed as moderate.

As of now, none of the Door County fire departments have issued burn bans. However, residents are still required to contact their local department to obtain the proper permit before burning.

The noon update came with the report of six wildfires burning across the state, including one in nearby Oconto County.

The Door County Sheriff’s Office released more details Monday about a one-vehicle crash that sent two people to the hospital and highlighted the actions of several rescuers.

Emergency crews were dispatched to County Road S near Tagge Road shortly after 5:20 p.m. According to the sheriff’s office, the driver was towing a trailer and heading north when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lane, left the roadway, and struck a tree and a nearby parked vehicle.

The first deputy on scene found the driver, a 40-year-old Sister Bay man, lying on the ground outside the vehicle, while the passenger, a 28-year-old woman from Kewaunee, remained inside.

Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser confirmed witness reports that a sheriff’s deputy, a Nasewaupee first responder and other bystanders helped remove the passenger shortly before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. The sheriff’s office later commended Deputy Andrew Janikowski and emergency medical responders Caleb Meier, Michael Depner Jr. and John Sperber for their actions during the incident. The department also said Janikowski was taken to Door County Medical Center after experiencing breathing issues.

Both the man and woman were transported to a Green Bay hospital for treatment. The vehicles were towed from the scene, and County Road S reopened before 9 p.m. following investigation and cleanup.

The Sister Bay man was cited for operating while intoxicated causing injury, knowingly operating with a revoked license causing great bodily harm, failure to keep a vehicle under control, and deviation from a designated lane.

The newest name running for Wisconsin governor is not a stranger to headlines, especially in recent weeks. Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad announced over the weekend that he is running for the Democratic nomination for governor.

In his social media announcement, Bangstad expressed his disapproval of the current crop of Democratic candidates, which includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys of Madison, state Rep. Francesca Hong of Madison, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes and former Greater Milwaukee Committee President Joel Brennan.

“I’m running for governor because I believe Wisconsin needs a battle-hardened fighter to join the rest of America to save our democracy from (President Donald) Trump’s regime, and that person currently doesn’t exist in the crowded field of Democrats running in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial primary,” Bangstad wrote.

He said he decided to run for office following an interview with FBI and U.S. Secret Service agents about his alleged threats against President Trump after he expressed disappointment following the failed assassination attempt at last month’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Bangstad’s company celebrates its progressive roots, brewing several beers in honor of liberal politicians, and has served as the ground floor for his super PAC.

The Republican field is less crowded, with U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Andy Manske as the lone candidates. People interested in running for office have until June 1 to submit the necessary paperwork to be placed on the Aug. 11 primary ballot and potentially the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Commuters in Sturgeon Bay will still face disruptions Monday as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation completes its bridge maintenance schedule.

After working on the Bayview Bridge last Monday and the Maple-Oregon Street Bridge on Tuesday and Wednesday, DOT crews will turn their attention to the Michigan Street Bridge.

The bridge will be fully closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. DOT spokesperson Mark Kantola said last month the closure is for routine maintenance and inspections ahead of increased seasonal traffic over and under the bridge.

The Bayview Bridge and Maple-Oregon Street Bridge will remain open as alternate routes. WisDOT officials also launched a website last month to provide motorists and boaters with updates on the work and potential travel impacts.

Southern Door High School’s Student Council and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, in the school gymnasium.

The drive will take place at Southern Door High School, with donors entering at Door 11.

Anyone 17 or older, weighing at least 110 pounds, or age 16 with parental permission, and in good health is eligible to donate. Parent permission forms are available at redcross.org.

Donors can schedule appointments online through the Red Cross website by searching for the 54204 ZIP code, though walk-ins will also be accepted. Participants may experience longer wait times without an appointment.

All donors will receive a $20 Amazon gift card via email after donating.

Troy Pertzborn, Southern Door High School teacher said the event highlights the importance of student involvement in community service.

“Opportunities like this show students how they can directly make a difference in people’s lives right here in our local community,” Pertzborn said.

Officials note that someone in the United States needs blood every two to three seconds, and volunteer donations are critical to meeting that demand.

A topic you might keep to yourself in the bathroom will be shared in the classroom beginning next month in Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay.

The Door County Public Health Department is teaming up with Door County Medical Center, the ADRC of Door County and the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging to present a pair of three-class series titled Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder.

Half of all women age 50 or older will experience incontinence at some point in their lives. Left untreated, incontinence can lead to chronic skin conditions like rashes and sores, recurring urinary tract infections and pelvic floor muscle damage, in addition to other concerns that could affect quality of life.

Door County Public Health’s Teri Van Lieshout says the material covered could help improve symptoms occurring in the bladder and bowels.

The Sturgeon Bay class will take place May 21, June 4 and June 18 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the ADRC building. The Sister Bay class will take place at the Door County Medical Center clinic on June 2, June 16 and June 30 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

You can contact Van Lieshout by phone or email to sign up for the course.

This week at Crossroads at Big Creek, we focus our binoculars—and our programming—on birds. Birdwatching has become far more than a pleasant hobby. Birds are often described as “biological barometers,” or indicator species, of environmental health. Because of our commitment to habitat restoration, we view them as a valuable metric for evaluating ecological integrity. Their presence—or absence—helps us gauge whether our restoration and tree-planting efforts are making a meaningful difference.

So why birds? They offer a rare combination of ecological importance and visibility.

First, birds can fly. This mobility allows them to respond quickly to environmental change. If a habitat becomes degraded and no longer provides sufficient food to support breeding adults and their young, adequate nesting sites, clean water or suitable microclimate conditions, birds can move elsewhere. The reverse is also true: as habitat quality improves, we often see an increase in the diversity and abundance of breeding birds.

Birds also play many roles that influence ecosystem processes. Depending on the species, they may act as predators, seed dispersers, scavengers or pollinators. By observing which species are present, land managers gain insight into different levels of the food web. Changes in bird communities can signal broader ecosystem shifts, making them useful indicators of ecological integrity.

They are also relatively easy to observe. Many birds are colorful, active during the day and vocal, which makes them easier to detect and identify than many other wildlife groups. (For the record, Crossroads also monitors bats and frogs as part of its broader ecological work.)

Finally, some birds are highly selective about their habitat. Certain species require large tracts of mature forest, while others depend on a mix of habitat types—such as areas where young forest or shrubland occurs alongside older growth. Because of these specific requirements, the presence of particular bird species can tell us a great deal about habitat quality and diversity.

For this reason, creating a mosaic of habitats—with a diversity of native plant species and a range of age classes—is essential. Without this diversity, some bird species are unlikely to use an area for nesting. Conversely, when restoration goals are met, we may begin to see the return of sensitive or even rare species.

We are proud to participate each year in Global Big Day, an annual 24-hour birding event. In 2026, it takes place May 9, in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day. Bird enthusiasts around the world record species and submit their observations through eBird, contributing to a global dataset that supports conservation science. Organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this effort helps researchers track migration patterns, monitor population changes and better understand the impacts of climate change.

At Crossroads, we’ll kick off the day with a morning birding jaunt at the Cove Estuary Preserve beginning at 6:30 a.m. Saturday. Participants are also encouraged to bird throughout the day and submit their sightings.

Then on Monday, May 11, at 6 a.m., the public is invited to join us for a Birding in the Field Breakfast at the Cove Estuary Preserve. Registration is required—please visit our website for details and to reserve your spot.

Later that same morning, at 10 a.m., our Habitat Healers volunteers will be planting trees to increase biodiversity across our preserves—for birds and other wildlife now and into the future.

We welcome birders—especially eBirders—at Crossroads year-round. We also welcome anyone who wants to connect with nature.

Thursday, May 7

3:30 p.m. Nature Investigators—Macroinvertebrates

Geared for school-age children, this weekly, hands-on program invites participants to explore a new environmental mystery each session. This week: discover the creatures of the creek. Dress for the weather. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Saturday, May 9

6:30 a.m. Global Big Day

Meet at the Cove Estuary Preserve in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Participants will identify and report birds in the Cove and riparian wetlands and forests. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Cove Preserve parking lot, 817 S. 20th Place, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Saturday, May 9

10 a.m. Habitat Healers: Tree Planting

Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Equipment and instruction provided. Waterproof or muck boots are recommended. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Meet at the Shop, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Monday, May 11

6 a.m. Birding in the Field Breakfast

Perfect for those curious about waterfowl and secretive marsh birds. A naturalist will provide spotting scopes and extra binoculars (participants may also bring their own). Enjoy a spring morning of bird observation followed by a field-style breakfast and coffee. Registration required—visit the Crossroads website for details and to register.

Wednesday, May 13

1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday

An easy, hour-long hike with a naturalist. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. eBirders are encouraged to bring a phone. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

A Sturgeon Bay resident who began her academic journey in a high school equivalency program (HSED) is now earning national recognition for her achievements at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

Jennifer Bacon, a student in NWTC’s cybersecurity associate degree program, has been named to the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship. She is scheduled to graduate next month with a 4.0 GPA and plans to transfer to Western Governors University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance.

Bacon said her path to higher education was not traditional.

“I was homeschooled since I was 15,” she said. “I do remember people telling me that I would fail."

She later decided to return to school through NWTC’s HSED program, crediting encouragement from a mentor for helping her take the first step.

“Something was missing, I now had the time, and Nancy Brennan told me that I could do it, and we’d do it together,” Bacon said. “And guess what? I did it. I got my GED.”

Bacon said the experience at NWTC helped restore her confidence and motivated her to continue her education.

“NWTC gave me the confidence to walk back through those doors,” she said.

In addition to the Coca-Cola Academic Team honor, Bacon is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, has been named to the All-Wisconsin Academic Team, nominated for the All-USA Academic Team and received NWTC’s STAR Award.

She balanced her coursework while undergoing breast cancer treatment, an experience she said strengthened her resolve to succeed.

Bacon’s story highlights the importance of accessible education pathways for nontraditional students and the impact of perseverance.

“Being recognized as part of the Coca-Cola Academic Team is surreal,” Bacon said. “I am very grateful and humbled, and proof that when someone works hard and believes in themselves, other people will believe in you too.”

Bacon said she hopes to build a career in cybersecurity focused on threat intelligence and digital forensics, while also helping others feel safer and more confident online.

“I want to protect people and give people confidence, just like people gave me,” she said. “That’s what NWTC did for me.”

The Door County Scottie Rally (DCSR) will mark its 26th gathering of Scottish terriers May 15-17, in Baileys Harbor, featuring themed events, community activities and fundraising efforts to support dark sky awareness.

The weekend theme, “Canis Major & the Scottie Star,” highlights efforts to protect Door County’s night skies for aurora viewing and celestial education, DCSR President Michele Geiger-Bronsky said.

Events begin Friday at Door County Brewing Co. with “Pups & Pints,” live music, stargazing with the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society and informational booths.

Saturday features the Parade of Scots with the Northern Unit Pipes & Drums, which is planned to march through downtown around 11:30 a.m., followed by Fast Cat racing demonstrations at Kendall Park and a public online auction, accepting donation starting May 9, supporting the nonprofit and breed advocacy.

Sunday events include a coffee gathering and a walk to Baileys Harbor’s farmers market.

Michele Geiger-Bronsky, president of Door County Scottie Rally, Inc., said the event blends celebration and community engagement.

“We love bringing people together through the Scotties from all corners of the world, but also using that joy to support education, local partners and protecting our dark skies,” Geiger-Bronsky said.

For more information or to donate, please visit the DCSR website.

Plum Loco Animal Farm is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary season this year, marking two decades as a family-friendly destination in Door County.

The farm, located in West Jacksonport, first opened in 2006 and has since welcomed both local residents and visitors each season. Co-owner and proprietor Linda Steiner said the milestone reflects years of community support.

“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of the Door County community for the past 20 years,” Steiner said. “Seeing families return year after year, and now bringing their own children, has been one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”

To mark the anniversary, the farm plans to introduce several special features and events throughout the summer season. On the 20th of June, July and August, the business will donate 20% of its ticket sales to Feed and Clothe My People of Door County, a local nonprofit organization.

Additional updates for the 2026 season include new attractions within the farm’s play village, along with a season-long scavenger hunt and prizes for visitors.

The farm is scheduled to reopen for the season May 23, weather permitting. Hours and additional information are available on the farm’s website.

The month of May is a special month for many reasons. For nature, it is a time of rebirth and growth in what has been dead and dormant over the past wintry months.

For us, it is a time of renewed energy as the air warms and the trees, flowers and grass all begin to bloom around us. The month of May becomes the reward for all that we have endured over the past six months. Although we may begrudge our winters, we must always remind ourselves that without them, we would lack the appreciation for what we are experiencing now. In the end, you can’t fully appreciate glory and beauty without having endured pain and struggle.

Coincidentally, May is also designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, which is fitting, as the strains of inconsistent weather patterns, along with the remnants of the winter blues, can have a negative impact on just about anyone’s mental state.

This leads me to my topic today, which is a philosophy I have been drawn to for the better part of my adult life without even knowing it. The philosophy is Stoicism and the strength that can be drawn by implementing its theories. Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that focuses on cardinal virtues as a way to overcome negative and even damaging emotions. One of the teachings of Stoicism is that the suffering we endure is not necessarily due to the event that caused the suffering, but rather to our judgments and reactions to it. We can observe two different people enduring similar suffering, in which one succumbs to it and the other thrives in it. The event is the same, but the mindset is quite different.

Another of the Stoic teachings is how we approach our suffering. Stoicism teaches that our struggles make us stronger, so long as our focus remains on what lies within our control. So much of our pain and struggles today are due to our focus, and even, in some cases, fixation on the things in our community, state, country and world that we have zero control over. Our energies and efforts would be better spent refocusing our attention on those things and people that we can influence in a positive way, rather than attempting to control.

An aspect of Stoicism that I see play out every day here in our community is the connection between Stoic duties and virtue. The Stoic believes that it is their duty to make the world a better place through the sharing of their gifts and talents for the common good. We can find examples of this when a business uses its resources to support a fundraiser for a family going through a medical struggle, or when sponsorships are provided for area youth athletic teams. Something as fun-filled as Hooray for Hollywood takes on a Stoic aspect as it takes the proceeds of its event and, in turn, supports area organizations that make our community a better place to live.

As parents, we have an opportunity to give our children an example of Stoicism in our lives by modeling a life of virtue. We can arm them with the mindset to counter the toxic and negative environments they will no doubt be subjected to at some points in their lives by incorporating Stoicism as a skill set that they can apply both inwardly and outwardly.

In all circumstances, choose calm over chaos, joy over anxiety and peace over rage. Choose those paths not because they are easy, but because they are hard. There are many things that stand in the way of a life of virtue. Those impediments should be looked upon as a gift. When you face a struggle, find that quiet inner strength. As Marcus Aurelius stated, “Impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Door County residents have a new tool to help navigate local transportation options, as community partners roll out a resource aimed at improving access to essential services and supporting healthy aging.

Do Good Door County, in collaboration with the Aging Coalition, introduced a transportation guide that allows residents to compare services available throughout the county. The guide highlights options for getting to medical appointments, grocery stores, workplaces and social activities, all key components of maintaining independence and overall well-being.

The resource was developed with contributions from Door County Public Health, Door County Connect and Door-Tran.

“Shauna Blackledge from Public Health created an incredible resource guide,” said Nikki Voight, executive director of Door-Tran. “The QR code goes right to the resource page, which is a quick and easy way to find out about Door-Tran, local transportation services, and how to get from here to there.”

Voight says the guide is designed to be shared widely, helping residents and their families better understand transportation choices across the peninsula.

The guide's release also comes ahead of a community fundraiser Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. The event is being held at the Door County GALA in Sturgeon Bay, bringing residents together for an evening of entertainment in support of local services.

Voight is also encouraging attendees to use local transportation resources to travel safely.

For more information, please visit the Door-Tran, Do Good Door County or the Aging Coalition websites.

Community members and race fans alike are invited to gather Saturday, May 2, for a Kentucky Derby-themed benefit at Fernwood Gardens in Jacksonport to support Lucia Ramirez as she undergoes treatment for leukemia.

The event will run from 3 to 7 p.m. and will feature Derby-inspired activities, food and beverages, raffle buckets and a silent auction, all aimed at raising funds for Ramirez and her family during her cancer battle.

Admission is $20 at the door, with children 12 and under admitted free. Organizers said admission includes complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages for attendees.

The benefit is being held to help offset medical costs and related expenses as Ramirez continues chemotherapy treatment. Community members say the event is also intended to show support and solidarity for the family during a difficult time.

For those unable to attend, donations can still be made to the Lucia Ramirez Benefit Fund at local Nicolet Bank branches or through Ramirez’s GoFundMe page.

Hours after state Sen. Andre Jacque announced he would not seek reelection to represent Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District, a new candidate is stepping forward.

Outagamie County Veterans Service Officer and small-business owner Kell Bales entered the race Thursday afternoon, announcing his candidacy for the seat being vacated by Jacque.

In his initial announcement, Bales praised Jacque for his 15 years of service in Madison, specifically citing his work on veterans issues. Bales also previously served on the Kimberly School District Board and the Board of Control for CESA (Cooperative Educational Service Agency).

Bales said he had been considering a run for state office for some time, but phone calls from Jacque and others inspired him to enter the race. He says his campaign will be rooted in faith and will be built on family to strengthen the community.

Bales will run as a Republican, setting up a potential primary with DC Farm for Vets founder Jacob VandenPlas, barring additional candidates entering the race. Former Brown County Republican Party Chair Mark Becker is running as an independent.

Picture courtesy of Kell Bales

A new program focused on strengthening mental and emotional well-being is coming to northern Door County this spring, offering residents additional tools to manage stress and build resilience.

WeCOPE, short for “Connecting with Our Positive Emotions,” will be held at the NWTC Learning and Innovation Center in Sister Bay as a seven week course designed to support adults in navigating life’s challenges using research-based strategies.

“The WeCOPE program is a great opportunity to provide mental health options in northern Door County,” said Paul Salm, Human Development & Relationships Door County, University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension.

The program aims to address issues commonly faced in rural communities, including social isolation and limited access to mental health resources. Salm says those challenges can contribute to increased stress, anxiety and other concerns.

Classes will take place Mondays at 1 p.m. from May 4 through June 15, with sessions also recorded for those unable to attend in person.

According to Salm, the course offers a wide range of practical tools. “The curriculum has 11 different coping mechanisms involved to maintain a positive emotional affect in your life,” he said.

Each session will focus on developing skills such as emotional awareness, mindfulness, gratitude, self-compassion and identifying personal strengths and goals. The program also emphasizes connection as a key component of well-being.

“WeCOPE focuses on understanding our emotions and creating a social connection that helps us get through trying times,” Salm said.

Research behind the program shows participants often experience reduced stress and depression while reporting improved overall health habits and increased positive emotions.

The program is open to the public. Those interested in participating can register by contacting Holly Herzog with UW-Madison Extension in Door County at 920-746-2260 or by email at holly.herzog@wisc.edu

For more information about WeCope, please visit the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Health and Well Being Institute website.

Years after introducing its water bottle filling station initiative aimed at diverting thousands of pounds of plastic from area landfills, Destination Door County is targeting another popular drink for its next sustainability pilot program.

The tourism organization showcased its regenerative coffee cup campaign at last week’s Every Day Is Earth Day event in Egg Harbor. The NoTree paper cups can handle hot beverages but are made from bamboo paper and lined with a corn-based product that makes the cups 100% compostable.

Destination Door County Director of Community Partnerships Sue Schwartz says the success of the water bottle filling station initiative inspired the organization to take its sustainability efforts to the next level and bring them to partners in the community.

Schwartz says the pilot program will begin at Kick Ash Coffee in Ellison Bay before being evaluated for future expansion. Destination Door County launched its sustainability efforts in 2019 with a partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and expanded them through its Community Investment Fund and other initiatives.

While you may be dreaming of summer,  area’s orchard owners are focused on what spring could mean for their trees.

Much of northeast Wisconsin was under a frost advisory Friday morning and will be under a freeze warning Saturday morning. Temperatures below 30 degrees are expected in some parts of the area.

For gardeners, this means covering some plants that are already in the ground and moving others inside if they are still in pots. While that is feasible for people with small gardens, it is not easy to do the same for the area’s fruit trees, which will be blossoming in the coming weeks.

Soren’s Valhalla Orchards owner Terry Sorenson has been watching the temperatures for the past three weeks, ever since the buds on his cherry trees started to swell. If weather conditions do not cooperate, Sorenson believes his crop of tart cherries could be limited, as others could be, because of the tough winter.

The forecast is a little brighter for apple growers, which usually see blossoms shortly after cherry trees show their color. Hillside Apples owner Bill Roethle says while his apple trees are starting to show some of fall’s promise, the cool start to spring has helped keep their blossoms under wraps for now.

Warmer temperatures in the coming days should allow orchard owners and gardeners alike to breathe a sigh of relief, though temperatures could return to the 30s late next week.