Parts of the Kewaunee School District’s campus will be a work in progress when students arrive Tuesday. The district broke ground on a series of projects supported by a $24.5 million capital referendum approved in 2025.

The projects were needed to address issues that were not included in the district’s last capital referendum in 2016 and help the district meet the growing needs of its 3K, 4K and kindergarten programs while relocating other classes to underused space in the high school.

Superintendent Scott Fritz says the projects are about halfway complete, crediting project partner Miron Construction for working around some delayed equipment deliveries. He adds that crews should be able to continue working throughout the school year with minimal disruptions to students and staff.

Fritz says he is excited for students and community members to see the progress made on the project and imagine what it will look like when more classrooms are remodeled and the kitchen is outfitted with new equipment.

This school year will also mark the first full year of the district’s new transportation center, which hosted an open house in May.

You are still weeks away from seeing the green leaves on Door County trees turn shades of yellow, orange and red, but meteorologists say weather from months ago may be a deciding factor.

Travel Wisconsin has activated its fall color report, giving leaf peepers regular updates on when peak color is expected in different parts of the state. Door County is expected to reach peak color during the third week of October, while Kewaunee and Brown counties are expected to peak a week later.

What those colors will actually look like is anyone’s guess, but Weathology’s Laura Lockwood says the record precipitation the area received this spring may keep the colors more muted than vibrant.

Once fall arrives, Lockwood says the area will need warm days, cool nights, and no severe weather to keep the colorful foliage around for the long haul.

With two school districts turning to referendums this fall, a presentation Wednesday in Sturgeon Bay will focus on how tax increment districts fit into the equation.

School boards in the Sturgeon Bay and Southern Door school districts recently approved referendum questions to be placed on the fall ballot. Southern Door will ask voters to exceed the revenue limit by $2.055 million per year for three years, while Sturgeon Bay will do the same by $3.75 million per year for five years.

Ahead of the presentation featuring Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials Executive Director Mike Barry, Sturgeon Bay School District Superintendent Dan Tjernagel hopes the session can provide more clarity about why some districts have to rely on referendum questions to fund parts of their operations.

Wednesday’s session will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Sturgeon Bay High School library. The referendum questions will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Your morning commute will be a little more crowded this week with school back in session. While many school districts will have their first day of classes Sept. 1, others went back Monday, if not earlier.

That means, in addition to pedestrians walking to school, school buses are back on area roads, making frequent stops to pick up students. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 655 crashes involving school buses in 2025 and 1,300 traffic convictions for failure to stop for a school bus.

If you want to save yourself from a $767.50 fine and points on your license, Door County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser says to pay attention to the lights on the bus and not pass when they are flashing.

The National Safety Council also urges motorists to slow down, eliminate distractions, and yield to pedestrians when driving in school zones.

When you live in a purple state like Wisconsin, there are smiles on either side of the aisle when you talk about the fall election. Both parties have a full slate of candidates heading into the fall election, ranging from local races like Door County sheriff all the way up to governor and other statewide constitutional offices.

Door County Democratic Party Chairperson Kris Sadur says they have a good slate of candidates that can address the issues constituents are facing.

Door County Republican Party Chair Stephanie Soucek believes the controversy stemming from Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley pushing past Madison lawmaker Francesca Hong has allowed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany to speak directly to voters about the issues that matter most to them.

Both parties will continue to be active leading up to Election Day on Nov. 3. The Democratic Party of Door County and Northern Door Indivisible continue to have pop-up events throughout the county on select days, including Wednesdays in Sturgeon Bay. The Door County Republican Party will host Save Wisconsin Saturdays  at its 3rd Avenue headquarters.  Both Soucek and Sadur say they are vying for additional events to come to Door County over the next two months.

While the first day of school may be old hat for some students, some of the area’s youngest learners may be feeling a little more apprehensive about the experience.

Many public and some private schools will have their first day of classes Tuesday as the calendar turns to September. Separation anxiety, unfamiliar authority figures or settings, and uncertainty about having their basic needs met can all fuel that concern. The excitement and nervousness are not limited to children, either. According to Education World, nearly 25% of parents are worried about the social aspects their children will face, and nearly 12% feel uneasy about interacting with their children’s teachers.

Karen Corekin-DeLaMer from Northern Door Children’s Center in Sister Bay says it is important for parents to stay positive about school in front of their children so they can stay positive when they are in the classroom.

If you have not started already, Corekin-DeLaMer recommends parents get their children back into a school-year routine so the first week back goes as smoothly as possible.

The only road longer than the one Sevastopol graduate Max Krohn will be running on Oct. 24 when the Fall 50 kicks off from Gills Rock is the one he had to take to get there.

It was only four years ago that Krohn was skiing in Colorado when a freak accident left him with a spinal trauma injury that temporarily paralyzed him from the neck down. Doctors told him he could walk again if he followed his rehabilitation plan closely, but there was also a chance that his last steps were behind him.

Even reading notes of encouragement had to be done in doses because of the pain that would ensue if he got too worked up. Krohn eventually walked out of the hospital, and he has since completed the Door County Triathlon, two marathons and other distance events.

During his training runs, Krohn says it is hard not to think about what could have been if he had stopped doing his rehabilitation or if his injuries had been even more significant.

Krohn now has his eyes set on the Fall 50, which takes runners from Gills Rock to Sturgeon Bay on hilly terrain that many divide up among friends and family. Krohn will try to run the full distance himself, with extra meaning behind his miles as he tries to raise $20,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Door County and its healthy living initiatives.

It is an organization near and dear to his grandpa Dave Resch’s, heart after 20 years of service. Krohn says his grandpa’s stories and his interactions with club officials and members will give him plenty of motivation to get outside and run.

Resch is proud of his grandson for adding altruism to his running.

“To see Max use his remarkable journey to give back to an organization that does so much for the young people in our community makes me especially proud.”

You can donate by clicking this link: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/boys-and-girls-club-of-the-bay-and-lakes-region/max-krohn---fall-50-run

You can listen to our full interview here.

As summer gradually gives way to autumn, the landscape at Crossroads at Big Creek is beginning its annual transformation. Vast seas of yellow and purple wildflowers blanket the preserves, signaling that cooler temperatures and shorter days are on the horizon. Goldenrods sway in late-summer breezes, asters provide splashes of purple across open fields, and the first hints of color are beginning to appear in the leaves overhead. While the changing season brings a touch of nostalgia, it also ushers in one of the most anticipated times of year at Crossroads. The transition between summer and fall is one of the richest and most dynamic periods on the preserve, when migrating wildlife, blooming flowers, ripening seeds, and changing foliage combine to create a landscape filled with color, movement, and discovery.

Fall festivities are just around the corner, including the highly anticipated Trails and Ales event, taking place on September 12 at 12:00 p.m. This popular gathering brings together brewers from throughout Door and Kewaunee counties, offering participants an opportunity to sample a wide variety of locally crafted beers while enjoying the beauty of the Crossroads trails. The event showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of local breweries while celebrating the unique natural resources that make Door County such a special place. Guests can spend the afternoon exploring scenic pathways, enjoying conversations with friends old and new, and discovering their next favorite locally brewed beverage.

Trails and Ales has become a favorite tradition for both longtime supporters and first-time visitors. The event combines the best of the season: locally produced beverages, community connections, and time spent outdoors surrounded by nature's changing colors. As guests stroll along the trails, they will experience the soft glow of leaves beginning to turn golden and the vibrant blooms that continue to brighten the landscape. The event encourages participants to slow their pace, take in the sights and sounds of the preserve, and appreciate the beauty that emerges as summer gradually yields to autumn.

The event celebrates more than just local breweries. It serves as an invitation to explore and appreciate the remarkable natural world that thrives throughout the preserves during late summer and early fall. Every walk along the trail offers a new discovery, whether it is a colorful wildflower attracting pollinators, a migrating insect stopping to fuel its journey, or a glimpse of wildlife preparing for the coming winter. This season reminds visitors that nature is constantly changing and that every visit to Crossroads offers a different experience.

Right now, the trails are alive with some of Crossroads' most fascinating visitors. Large numbers of darner dragonflies can be seen staging for their annual migration south. These powerful and agile fliers gather in impressive numbers before beginning their journey, often patrolling fields and wetlands in search of flying insects. Their presence is a reminder that migration is not limited to birds; many insects undertake remarkable seasonal movements that remain largely unnoticed by most people. Watching waves of dragonflies move through the preserve offers visitors a glimpse into one of nature's lesser-known migrations.

Visitors may also encounter another intriguing resident of the season: the goldenrod soldier beetle. These insects are often mistaken for wasps because of their yellow and black coloration, though they are entirely harmless. Their convincing disguise helps deter predators as they feed and search for mates among the blooming goldenrod. During this time of year, they can often be seen gathering pollen and nectar while contributing to the important work of pollination throughout the preserve. A patch of goldenrod in late summer can host dozens of beetles, bees, butterflies, and other insects, making it one of the most active and fascinating places to observe wildlife.

For those looking for an even deeper exploration of the season's offerings, Crossroads Naturalists will lead a guided hike through one of the preserve system's most unique natural areas. On September 9 at 1:30 p.m., participants are invited to join a guided exploration of the Ida Bay Preserve. This special hike will highlight the preserve's distinctive plant communities, seasonal wildflowers, and diverse habitats while also sharing the rich human and natural history of the site. Along the way, visitors will learn how the landscape has changed over time, how restoration efforts have shaped the property, and why Ida Bay remains an important part of Door County's ecological heritage. Whether you are a longtime nature enthusiast or simply curious about the changing season, the guided hike offers an opportunity to experience the preserve through the eyes of a naturalist and gain a deeper appreciation for the plants, animals, and stories that make this landscape so special.

Together, these events celebrate everything that makes autumn at Crossroads memorable: community, conservation, local flavors, and the ever-changing beauty of the natural world. As fields glow with gold and purple and wildlife prepares for the coming season, there is no better time to get outside, explore the trails, and experience the wonder of fall in Door County.

Upcoming Programs

Wednesday, September 9

1:30 p.m. | Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike through the preserve. Enjoy easy walking and seasonal discoveries during this approximately one-hour outing. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.

Registration is not required. This program is free and open to the public.

Meet at: Ida Bay Preserve 1195 Canal Rd Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin

Saturday, September 12

12:00-3:30 p.m. | Trails & Ales

Stroll the trails and enjoy beer from all of the finest brewmasters in Door & Kewaunee Counties! The Ale Trail is approximately one-half mile long and includes beer sampling stations from all of the Door County and Kewaunee County breweries.  This amazing fundraiser helps supports Crossroads mission of inspiring environmental stewardship in learners of all ages and all backgrounds.

Location: 2041 Michigan St Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Tuesday, September 15

10:00 a.m. | Junior Nature Club

Six-week program for ages 3-5 and their adults. Each week, explore an aspect of winter. Drop in. Registration is not required.

Meet at: The Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Tuesday, September 15

5:30 pm | Preparing Your Bees for Winter

The Door County Beekeepers Club invites you to attend this monthly program to learn more about winterizing bees presented by Jonathan Parsons, Len Arsenault, and Max Martin.

Meet at: The Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

The Luxemburg-Casco fire and police departments were among nine agencies in northeast Wisconsin to receive Rewarding Responders grants from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation this week.

WPS awarded $75,000 in grants through the program to help police, fire and emergency medical services agencies afford the equipment they need to stay safe and help people in times of need. The Luxemburg Fire Department used its grant funding to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED), while the Luxemburg Police Department acquired new protective vests for officers.

“As a small agency, grant opportunities like this allow us to acquire essential, high-grade safety equipment that directly impacts the daily lives and protection of our officers without placing an added burden on local taxpayers,” said Neil Dorner, police chief of the Luxemburg Police Department. “Community partnerships are the backbone of public safety. This support from the WPS Foundation demonstrates a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of the village of Luxemburg.”

Dozens of other communities in the area, including nearby Denmark and New Franken, as well as the Wisconsin K9 Response Team, received $2,000 grants through the foundation.

You can get a little more insight and appreciation for what goes on onstage next Friday when Peninsula Players Theatre hosts one of its stars for a pre-show seminar before Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo takes the stage.

Actor Karl Hamilton will be featured during the pre-show seminar, which begins at 6:30 p.m. before the Sept. 4 production. The Chicago native is a Peninsula Players Theatre veteran, having appeared in Living on Love, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Bridges of Madison County and Miss Holmes in the past.

Hamilton will discuss the art of comedic timing and the challenges of performing fast-paced comedy.

Set in 1950s New York, Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo tells the story of George and Charlotte Hay as they approach what could be their last chance to make it big. Peninsula Players Marketing Director Peter Kelly said last week that the comedy is a love letter to theater and strikes a chord with the actors involved in the show.

The pre-show seminar is free to attend if you plan to attend the show that evening. If you cannot make it that night, Moon Over Buffalo runs Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., except for a 2 p.m. closing-day performance on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Last week I touched on the need for Physical and Emotional Wellness, and this week, I want to round out that discussion with Social and Spiritual Wellness. In last week’s article I shared the need for personal responsibility in the pursuit and sustainment of our wellness, and this week, I want to share a story that speaks to how we become captive in our minds, even when reality tells us different.

The story has to do with the training of an elephant. When an elephant is young, the trainer chains it to an anchor point in the ground. No matter how it tries, the young elephant can not break away, and ultimately accepts it captivity. Now as the elephant grows, it continues with the belief that its circumstance has not changed and will, despite any efforts, remain captive, although the stake in the ground has long ago lost its ability to hold that larger and stronger elephant. At any time, the elephant could free itself with little effort, but remains captive due to its previous experience, and acceptance of its previous limitations.

Our life’s story is being written each and every day, by our experiences and actions. What once held us back, no longer has that same power over us, that is, if choose it. To often in our journey for wellness, we become our biggest limitation. This is especially true in our Social Wellness. We have to be willing to step outside our comfort zone, go against our past practices, and be present in the moment with those around us. Each and every moment with another person is truly a gift. That’s why they call it the “Present”

Our Social wellness is reliant on three “Cs”- Communication, Connection, and Commitment. Each and every day we should be nurturing our social wellness by engaging in meaningful and authentic communication. In doing so, we establish a human connection with those near us, which will naturally lead to a shared commitment to each other. This is the essence of Social Wellness.

In the limited space of this article, I want to conclude with the most important tenant of wellness, that being our Spiritual wellness. When I teach resiliency, this one brings with it the greatest hesitation, which is unfortunate, as it is truly the foundation. I think the reason for the hesitation is the assumption that spirituality brings with a conversation which is strictly based in religious beliefs. Although a person’s religious faith may play a large role in their spirituality and spiritual wellness, it is actually defined by the active search for meaning and purpose. It includes things like our morals, beliefs, and values. It is that which brings about inner peace and harmony, knowing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. What spiritual wellness should not be, is something tied to a superficial or materialistic existence.

A good formula for determining if your current activity or lifestyle is in fact one of purpose, is to answer three basic questions; 1. Do I enjoy this activity? 2. Does this activity come naturally, and allow me to use my gifts and talents? 3. In doing this activity, am I having a positive impact on others? Give that some thought. Only if you are able to answer yes to each of these, are you on life’s path of purpose. Enjoy the Journey!!

Improvements to Nautical Drive took another step toward reality this week when it was announced that the City of Sturgeon Bay has been tentatively awarded a $561,684 federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

It is the third such grant the city has received for the project this year. In February, the city celebrated receiving a $518,414 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Boating Facilities grant and a $188,000 Wisconsin Department of Transportation Harbor Assistance Program grant.

With more than $1.2 million in grants, the city is getting closer to developing the site, which will include a Sail Training Foundation building, a new E-Dock and a renovated boat ramp at the city-owned property next to the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club. Sturgeon Bay City Administrator Josh Van Lieshout has said grants like these make projects attainable and help move them forward more quickly.

Sturgeon Bay District 4 Alderperson Spencer Gustafson shared with constituents online that the grant is still considered tentative and must go through the final review and approval process. About 20 applications statewide are vying for approximately $6.7 million in funding for public outdoor recreation projects.

The project is expected to start early next year.

Another Door County shipwreck has become a treasure for years to come after the Jennibel shipwreck was placed on the National Register of Historic Places earlier this month.

Constructed in Manitowoc in 1863, the Jennibel operated in the Great Lakes lumber and other bulk cargo trades until 1881, when it capsized due to a sudden gale while carrying green lumber and tanbark on its way to Milwaukee from Egg Harbor.

The tug John Gregory was able to rescue the crew, but once the ship sank near Chambers Island, attempts to salvage the Jennibel were abandoned.

The Jennibel was documented by the Wisconsin Historical Society in June 2025 and placed on the State Register six months later.

Since the ship is sitting upright with its hull intact, the Wisconsin Historical Society suggests the Jennibel could provide historians and archaeologists with an opportunity to study wooden schooner construction and its use in other bulk cargo trades.

The Jennibel is the fourth Door County shipwreck this year to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, joining Liberty Grove’s F.J. King, Maria and Sardinia and Baileys Harbor’s Joseph Cochrane.

The battle against Alzheimer’s disease stretches across the entire peninsula this year, with three events united for one cause.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place in three Door County communities this year after being primarily held in Sturgeon Bay in years past.

The first of the three events will take place on Washington Island Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m., with activities followed by the walk to and from Nicolet National Bank starting at 10 a.m.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will return to Sturgeon Bay on Sept. 12 in conjunction with Sunshine Resources’ Sunflower Fest at the city’s Martin Park. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m.

The third Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place in Fish Creek, beginning and ending at Stella Maris Church at 8:30 a.m.

With the positive momentum building to help support people with Alzheimer's, event organizer Cari Josephson says every little bit helps.

Registration is still open for all three events, either online or in person.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, more than 120,000 residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and accounts for the majority of all dementia cases.

While students may not see them in action until they start school Sept. 1, two of the Southern Door School District’s newest additions are already making an impact thanks to the Southern Door Community Foundation. Last May, the school board accepted the donation of two robotic lawn mowers that are being used primarily on the district's baseball and football fields.

“By saving significant time on daily mowing and clipping collection, our maintenance crew can now dedicate more hours to crucial pre-school year preparation and other vital maintenance work across the district,” Southern Door Director of Transportation and Maintenance Dan Viste said.

This past week, the Southern Door Community Foundation made possible the purchase and installation of a new flagpole, along with the flags, appropriate lighting and landscaping. A formal dedication of the flagpole will take place Sept. 11 at 5 p.m.

Fire departments in Door and Kewaunee counties responded to a house fire Thursday morning in the Town of Ahnapee, limiting the damage to the home’s exterior.

The Algoma Fire and Rescue Department was called to Cherry Tree Road at approximately 11:30 a.m. for a house fire and activated MABAS Division 138 Box 6-1-2 to the working still level, calling in mutual aid from the Kewaunee, Casco and Southern Door fire departments.

When firefighters arrived, the homeowner believed the fire was out. However, when crews inspected the home, they discovered the fire had extended into the attic and quickly extinguished it.

The home was ventilated, and mutual aid units were released shortly after arriving, with some departments turning back before reaching the scene.

There were no injuries, and the scene was cleared by 1:30 p.m. During the incident, Algoma Rescue was able to return to the city for a secondary EMS call.

In addition to the responding fire departments, Wisconsin Public Service and the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department also provided assistance.

Using a quilt as a metaphor for the work to come over the next few months, the United Way of Door County announced Wednesday that its 2026 annual campaign goal is $1.25 million. The annual kickoff event at Woodwalk Gallery in Egg Harbor started with board members and individual donors sharing their “why” when it comes to supporting the organization. Many of the stories focused on the scope of the United Way’s work and the collaboration it fosters with other local nonprofits.

Individual partner programs took center stage later in the evening, with their respective coordinators sharing their accomplishments from the past year and the work that still lies ahead.

Ahead of the announcement, Executive Director Amy Kohnle called for those in attendance to participate in an arts and crafts project in which everyone received a square to share what the community means to them. Along with the stories shared earlier in the evening, those squares represented the effort needed to strengthen the fabric of the community, something Kohnle knows Door County is up for.

The 2026 United Way of Door County annual campaign continues through early January. The 2025 annual campaign brought in $937,969.33 toward its $1.2 million goal, second only to the 2024 campaign total of $942,686.14. The funds raised supported nearly two dozen programs and partners, including the United Way of Door County’s Child Care Initiative, Healthy Door County, STRIDE — School-Based Mental Health Services, the Door County Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition, and the Door County Partnership for Children and Families.

You will have an extra item on your ballot this November if you live in the Sturgeon Bay School District. Earlier this month, the Sturgeon Bay School Board approved resolutions that will ask voters to support an operating referendum that would allow the district to exceed its revenue limits by $3.75 million in each of the next five years. The goal of the referendum is to address higher costs for transportation, utilities, insurance and special education services; declining federal funding and state general school aid; and the need to pay teachers more competitively. Surveys showed the option received marginally less support than a $3.5 million-per-year option that would have addressed only operational needs, but much more support than a $4 million-per-year option that would have included additional maintenance needs. Superintendent Dan Tjernagel says the referendum, paired with ongoing cuts, will put the district in a better place financially.

Before you cast your ballot for the Nov. 3 election, the district is planning informational sessions not just about the referendum, but about school funding as a whole. The Sturgeon Bay School District will host Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials Executive Director Mike Barry to discuss the connection between tax increment districts and school funding Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m.

If you are looking to fill a freezer with venison for the first time this year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging you to go back to school. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must complete a hunter education course and have a hunter education safety certificate on file to purchase a hunting license in Wisconsin unless they are hunting under the hunting mentorship program or have successfully completed and can provide proof of basic military training. You can take hunter education courses anywhere in the state, with two coming up locally in Pulaski at the end of September and Fish Creek at the end of October. Since course offerings depend on volunteers, DNR Warden Chris Kratcha urges prospective first-time hunters to keep an eye on the department’s website to ensure they do not miss a course they could possibly attend.

You can click this link to search for available hunter safety courses. The deer hunting season for archery and crossbow opens Sept. 12, with the gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities taking place Oct. 3-11, the youth deer hunt Oct. 10-11, the traditional gun season Nov. 21-29 and the muzzleloader season Nov. 30-Dec. 9. Kratcha says hunters in Door and Kewaunee counties are also eligible for the antlerless-only holiday hunt Dec. 24-Jan. 1 and the extended archery and crossbow season through Jan. 31, 2027.

The story behind treating fields with the nutrients, pesticides and herbicides needed to keep crops healthy and growing goes well beyond the big equipment you see entering the field. Applicators took center stage during Wednesday’s Peninsula Pride Farms Summer Field Day and Member Picnic, highlighting the little things they do before heading out into the fields. Dave LaCrosse, Adam Barta, Ben Heim, Jeff Kohnle, Jessy Hill and Trevor Balthazor explained how the GPS maps they rely on and the data they collect during previous applications help guide subsequent trips to the field. Barta pointed out that the technology has changed immensely over the years, allowing applicators to customize their approach instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all strategy. Attendees were then given an up-close look at the technology available, ranging from small drones to large sprayers.

 

 

 

 

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Peninsula Pride Farms President Duane Ducat says the technology keeps improving, allowing farmers to use fewer chemicals on their fields while having a more positive impact.

The session comes at a time when input costs continue to rise because of a variety of factors. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, cost-of-production estimates raised fertilizer expense projections for 2026. Despite potential relief next year for fuel and fertilizer prices, higher prices for seed, chemicals, repairs, labor, machinery and cash rents are expected to increase production costs in 2027.

Much like Gibraltar Area Schools, the Algoma School District is prepared to show off its newest features to families and area residents. The district and its construction partners are putting the final touches on $10.2 million in referendum projects that began after voters approved the measure in 2024.

The improvements included new plumbing and roofing at Algoma Elementary School, safety upgrades at the middle/high school, replacement of the middle/high school’s parking lot and track, updates to the lighting, sound and ceiling tiles at the Algoma Performing Arts Center, and remodeling of portions of the middle/high school, including the band and choir room, Algoma Venture Academy, agriculture classroom and restrooms.

The work took place over the past two summers to limit disruptions for students in the classroom. With those projects now nearly complete, Superintendent Jesse Brinkmann is excited for staff members and students to return for another school year.

While students will be welcomed back Sept. 1, it will be a cooler reception for their devices. Under the new school policy, students cannot use their devices from bell to bell during the school day or risk having them taken away by a faculty member. Brinkmann says he is excited to see the impact the policy could have on students’ education.

If you plan on attending Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Harvest Fest this year, you will have to budget time for both sides of the water. Destination Sturgeon Bay announced new details Monday for the 2026 edition, which will kick off Friday, Sept. 18, and run all day Saturday, Sept. 19.

New this year will be activities on the other side of the water, with free Ferris wheel rides and a meet-and-greet with the artists behind the Set Sail in Sturgeon Bay street art projects on Friday before they are auctioned off. Live music, food trucks, and more Ferris wheel rides are in store for Saturday as well. The familiar red Door County Trolley will help connect Harvest Fest attendees travel across the bridges if they do not want to walk.

The Old Bolts Car Show will also see a change to its Friday night festivities, hosting a Cruise-In Meet and Greet at The Lodge at Leathem Smith instead of the usual parade through town. 

Destination Sturgeon Bay Marketing Director Alexa Soto says organizers made the changes because of how popular the event has become in recent years as crowds filled 3rd Avenue. She looks forward to seeing how people respond to the expanded offerings.

Saturday’s activities will bring back plenty of old favorites, including the Old Bolts Car Show, firkin tapping, a stein-holding contest, and the street art auction. You can find the full schedule of events here.

The final movements of the 2026 season for Midsummer’s Music begin Friday. Ensembles will perform works by Johannes Brahms, Paul Schoenfeld, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and others across 10 performances over the next two weeks, culminating with Midsummer’s Music’s Labor Day Gala at Björklunden in Baileys Harbor. Violinist David Perry will take the spotlight for several performances in Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay and Ellison Bay. Midsummer’s Music Executive Director Allyson Fleck says it is a great way to end the season by celebrating such an accomplished musician.

Tickets are available for all of the shows here. The music will not stop after the season ends Sept. 7. The Griffon String Quartet will take the baton beginning Sept. 17 with a performance in Green Bay, ahead of a series of shows alongside Eric Lewis in Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Ellison Bay and Egg Harbor from Sept. 17-20.

Whether you swing golf clubs or not, there are ways you can support the Door County YMCA in the coming weeks. In our latest episode of the Y-Wednesday Podcast, Door County YMCA Marketing and Events Director Makayla Thoma stopped by to talk about the upcoming Tee Up for Kids Golf Outing on Sept. 8 at Maxwelton Braes Golf Course in Baileys Harbor. The scramble-style outing features 18 holes of golf, food and beverages. The event benefits youth programming at the Door County YMCA.

Thoma also touched on two ways you can support your neighbors through the YMCA’s community cupboard and community closet. The Door County YMCA is accepting food items such as pancake mix, peanut butter and jelly, and other staples for its community cupboard. It is also accepting toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, deodorant and body wash for its community closet.

You can listen to the full episode of the Y-Wednesday Podcast.

The target will be set Wednesday in Egg Harbor when the United Way of Door County hosts its annual campaign kickoff celebration. The 2025 annual campaign brought in $937,969.33 toward its $1.2 million goal, second only to the 2024 campaign total of $942,686.14. The funds raised supported nearly two dozen programs and partners, including the United Way of Door County’s Child Care Initiative, Healthy Door County, STRIDE — School-Based Mental Health Services, the Door County Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition and the Door County Partnership for Children and Families. United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle says the campaign kickoff is always an exciting time because it gives the organization a North Star for the rest of the year.

The campaign kickoff will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Woodwalk Gallery in Egg Harbor. The 2026 campaign will then continue with multiple fundraising opportunities through early January.

Farmers in Door and Kewaunee counties are playing the waiting game after wrapping up their wheat harvest and looking forward to chopping corn for silage in the coming weeks. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, Wisconsin farmers had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week, while rain knocked that average to below five days for operations in Door and Kewaunee counties.

Dry conditions continue to affect the quality of corn and soybeans still maturing in the fields, with both crops taking a hit of a few percentage points. Corn and soybeans are still progressing ahead of the five-year average, with 70% of corn in the dough stage, compared with 67% on average, and 91% of soybeans setting pods, compared with 87% on average.

While crops in the field continue to progress, farmers in Door and Kewaunee counties will pause Wednesday to do a little learning. Deer Run Dairy owner and Peninsula Pride Farms President Duane Ducat says Wednesday’s Summer Field Day and Picnic at Heim’s Hillcrest Dairy in Algoma will help farmers and applicators get on the same page as some crops come off and forages are planted as summer turns into fall.

The UW Extension office has set dates for upcoming corn dry-down events for Sept. 9 at Rio Creek Feed Mill in Luxemburg and Sept. 15 at Door County Cooperative. The USDA report also shows that the oat harvest and third cutting of alfalfa are ahead of the five-year average.

The next home build for Door County Habitat for Humanity needs a little more than just volunteers, some pieces of wood and a couple of nails. This year’s home build, the organization’s 51st, has been underway in Sister Bay for the last three weeks. Located on Ava Hope Trail, the home is near others Door County Habitat for Humanity has helped build with assistance from the Door County Housing Partnership. Executive Director Lori Allen says while home No. 51 will likely be completed by the end of the year, the start of home No. 52 depends on whether the organization can secure land in the near future.

You can contact Door County Habitat for Humanity if you have any leads on land to sell or donate. You can also assist with this year’s home build by donating your time at the build site or providing drinks and snacks for the crew.

The Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market is in full swing, with plenty of locally grown produce available now with some fall favorites arriving sooner than you might think.

In Season 4, Episode 4 of Faces of the Farmers Market, Bryan Mazur and Alexa Soto give an update on the 2026 market season. They talk about what visitors can find at the market right now, when locally grown apples will begin arriving, and what's ahead for Destination Sturgeon Bay.

Here’s a hint about those apples: you won’t have to wait until fall.

Whether you’re shopping for something fresh, visiting downtown, or just looking for a fun way to start your Saturday, the Farmers Market is a great place to spend the morning. The market runs from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday until October 10th. 

Watch or listen to Season 4, Episode 4 of Faces of the Farmers Market.

The Door County Land Trust added another 20 acres of wetlands to its portfolio this month, this time in the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area on Washington Island. Thanks to the generosity of Mike Davis and Susan Buchanan, the acquisition brings the amount of protected land in the Big and Little Marsh State Natural Area to nearly 500 acres, 132 of which are protected by the Door County Land Trust.

According to the Door County Land Trust, the property contains an ephemeral pond that is hydrologically connected to the Big Marsh, helping protect water quality and habitat for migratory birds, fish, rare plants and the federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly.

A portion of the conservation costs for the property is being funded by grants from the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration program and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act in partnership with Ducks Unlimited.

The Door County Land Trust is actively trying to raise $915,000 this year to support this land protection effort, along with 12 other projects across the peninsula. One of the organization’s major sources of funding, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, expired last June with no signs of renewal.

Photo by Brian Forest

Unless you drive past Gibraltar Area Schools on a daily basis, your next visit might surprise you. The district is wrapping up its $29.8 million referendum project, which has removed some of the building’s aging sections and replaced them with a new two-station gym, community space, classrooms, cafeteria and office updates.

While some got to see the new spaces during registration earlier this month, staff started their in-service days Monday ahead of an open house for students and their families Wednesday. Gibraltar Superintendent Brett Stousland says it has been exciting to see the project come together and to see new and returning staff get used to their home away from home.

The building is not the only aspect of Gibraltar Area Schools that will be new this year. Middle and High School Principal Andrew Holdmann, District Nurse Stormy Gale and several teachers and paraprofessionals are among the new faces joining the district staff this fall. Stousland adds that the district will host a community open house Sept. 29 beginning at 5 p.m. in conjunction with the Vikings’ volleyball match against Providence Academy.

The half-percent sales tax instituted in 2017 will remain in place in Kewaunee County for the foreseeable future. The Kewaunee County Board approved the second reading of the ordinance last Tuesday, removing the Dec. 31, 2026, sunset date. The action was required to take place at least 120 days before the original repeal date. The amended ordinance would still allow a future Kewaunee County Board to repeal the tax. Keeping the sales tax in place also keeps Kewaunee County among the 70 Wisconsin counties that have one, with Waukesha and Winnebago counties the lone exceptions. Board Chair Dan Olson says the sales tax has proved to be an important revenue source for the county and one that helps county officials form their budget. With the vote in the rearview mirror, Olson is confident the county will not spend beyond its means.

During last Tuesday’s meeting, the Kewaunee County Board also approved the purchase of the property in the Town of Casco where its hot mix plant is located. During his comments, Olson also reiterated the position of the Wisconsin Counties Association that its meetings should not be recorded, pointing to open records maintenance issues as the main concern.

The Door County Board of Supervisors will take a deep dive into forming its budget Tuesday after its regularly scheduled meeting. The board and the county’s department heads will meet to discuss the proposed 2027 budget while also looking at the county’s capital improvement plan through 2031 and a forecast for the 2028 budget. Door County Administrator Ken Pabich says uncertainty surrounding state and federal funding makes the budget a tricky discussion, especially with other major capital projects on the horizon, including the public safety radio system upgrade and a new Door County Emergency Services facility in West Jacksonport.

Before discussing the budget, the Door County Board of Supervisors will consider an application for financial assistance for dock refurbishment at Lily Bay County Park, a Wisconsin Department of Transportation grant for a bus replacement and the next steps for the public safety radio system upgrade. The board meets at 9 a.m. at the Door County Government Center in Sturgeon Bay.

As money from the city’s Premier Resort Area Tax begins to come in, Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward says he knows one project he wants to tackle with the funds. Ward used a portion of his mayor’s comments Tuesday to address increasing traffic in the city and the danger it presents to pedestrians and cyclists. Ward says that as the city has become more popular with visitors, traffic has increased right along with it. He adds that there are ways to improve pedestrian safety while using PRAT funds for road improvements.

Earlier this month, a 75-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman died after she was struck while crossing the street near the intersection of Third Avenue and Michigan Street. A 73-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman told officers she was waiting to turn left onto Michigan Street from Third Avenue while a group of pedestrians crossed another part of the intersection. After the pedestrians cleared, she began her turn without seeing the 75-year-old woman, who was crossing from west to east in the south crosswalk.

When it came to helping families in his community, Dan Rueckl knew where to turn: his own. Rueckl approached his family about a new post-retirement venture after the village’s only laundromat closed years ago, converting a portion of his building along State Highway 54 into a new one.

An extensive remodel later, Lux Wash Co. was born, giving the community the ability to wash items big and small on their own schedule without having to drive to Kewaunee or Green Bay to do their laundry or washing their furry family members. From researching the machines to opening the doors six weeks ago, Rueckl says it has been a great experience getting the whole family involved in a business that fills a community need.

The property has housed other Rueckl ventures in the past including pole building construction and storage units.

The days are growing shorter, and the storms of fall roll in, accenting cooler nights and pleasantly warm days. As you wander into the woods, the forest seems spent from summer's abundance. Songbirds are molting into their more subdued winter plumage, leaves and stems are riddled with holes and galls, and scavenging detritivores are growing fat on the season's harvest.

We often think of spring as mushroom season, but autumn offers its own remarkable fungal bounty. As the forest begins to slow, fungi emerge to play a vital role in recycling nutrients, decomposing fallen leaves and wood, and preparing the ecosystem for another cycle of growth. Hidden beneath the forest floor, vast networks of fungal threads are hard at work linking plants, breaking down organic matter, and returning nutrients to the soil. While flowers fade and many animals begin preparing for winter, fungi come into their own, transforming the forest into a showcase of strange colors, shapes, and textures.

This time of year, as children return to school and stores seem to set out Halloween decorations earlier every year, nature joins in the seasonal celebration. Walking through the woods, the eerie Dead Man's Fingers fungus can often be found emerging from decaying wood, while the bright yellow slime mold commonly called Witch's Butter adds unexpected splashes of color to the forest floor. Both organisms are unique in appearance and never fail to bring me immense joy during autumn explorations.

Slime molds, funny enough, are neither molds nor slimes. Instead, they belong to a group of organisms all their own. Capable of movement, responding to their environment, and even solving surprisingly complex problems such as finding efficient pathways to food, these remarkable organisms have long challenged taxonomists and fascinated scientists. To encounter one on a woodland walk is to be reminded that nature does not always fit neatly into the categories we create.

Fall is also a season of migration and preparation. The woods are filled with subtle signs that another season is coming. Warblers and other songbirds gather in mixed flocks as they fuel up for journeys that may carry them hundreds or even thousands of miles south. Insects take advantage of the last warm days, while chipmunks and squirrels busily collect and store food. Goldenrods and asters provide one final burst of color and nectar for pollinators. Everywhere you look, the natural world is balancing the abundance of summer with the demands of the coming winter.

At 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, Crossroads naturalists will lead participants on a Wandering Wednesday hike through the trails of the main campus, searching for signs of the season. These walks explore relatively easy terrain and aim to foster both skills and curiosity in understanding the natural world. Every hike is  different. We may be fortunate enough to encounter a flock of migrating songbirds moving through the canopy, discover an unusual slime mold along a rotting log, or stumble across one of the many fascinating mushroom species that thrive in Door County's forests. Participants may also observe insects and birds gathering energy reserves and preparing for the long seasonal journeys ahead.

At Crossroads, the first week of September is also a season of transition. We are excited to welcome our new Naturalist, Jess Poppie, to the Crossroads community. Jess joins us at a time when the preserve itself is shifting from the energy of summer programming to the quieter rhythms of fall exploration and stewardship.

Much like the forest's detritivores, which tirelessly recycle the remains of summer into resources for the future, Crossroads staff and volunteers will be cleaning up and tidying the abundance of the season with our annual Trail Spruce Up on September 4. Volunteers will help clean signs, trim branches, and perform light trail maintenance to ensure that the preserve remains welcoming and accessible throughout the fall and winter months. Stewardship is an essential part of our mission, and community workdays provide a wonderful opportunity to care for the places that connect us with nature.

Whether you join us for a hike, lend a hand on the trails, or simply take time to wander through the woods on your own, early autumn offers an invitation to slow down and pay attention. The forest is changing. Mushrooms emerge from hidden places, birds gather for migration, and the first hints of fall color begin to appear. It is a season rich with discovery, and one of the most rewarding times of the year to experience the natural wonders of Crossroads at Big Creek.

Upcoming Programs

Wednesday, September 2

1:30 p.m. | Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike through the preserve. Enjoy easy walking and seasonal discoveries during this approximately one-hour outing. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.

Registration is not required. This program is free and open to the public.

Meet at: Collins Learning Center Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Friday, September 4

9:00-11:00 a.m. | Trail Spruce Up

Join Crossroads staff for an outdoor cleanup project including sign cleaning, branch trimming, and trail maintenance. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Please dress for outdoor work and changing weather conditions.

Meet at: The Shop (across the parking lot from the Collins Learning Center), Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Unity Hospice will receive the funds raised at the Zion United Methodist Church Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing on Sunday, September 6, at 5 p.m. 

What began in 1993 as a simple community gathering has grown into a beloved local tradition. Zion’s Hymn Sings now attract participants from more than a dozen area congregations, along with visitors from across the country. Over the years, the events have raised more than $42,000 for Door County nonprofits.

The Hymn Sing will be led by the Rev. Forrest Wells, with keyboard accompaniment by Caroline Polster. Participants call out the numbers of their favorite hymns, and everyone joins in the enthusiastic music-making and nostalgia.

But charitable giving is an important part of the tradition, and this Labor Day Weekend the Zion congregation has chosen Unity Hospice as the recipient. The choice is a particularly meaningful one. Over the past year, several families in the Zion congregation have been blessed by Unity’s compassionate support and comfort.

Refreshments will be served following the singing. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free.

Zion United Methodist Church is located at 8781 County Road F, between Baileys Harbor and Fish Creek.

I want to give a shout-out to Kinnard Funeral Services for the reminder that August is Wellness Recognition Month. I know that I have written on the topic in the past, but the importance of maintaining our personal wellness can never be overstated. The direction I want to take for this conversation is that of personal responsibility for that wellness. Too often, we look outward to our family, friends or even the community to create the conditions of wellness for us, when the only true path to wellness is that which originates and is sustained within us.

I’ll start with physical wellness, as it is the most tangible aspect of perceived wellness and one that we can take action on regardless of our surroundings. We are fortunate to have some great resources here in Kewaunee County in the form of fitness centers and businesses focused on exercise and nutrition, but it still requires deliberate action on behalf of the individual to make use of them. We speak a great deal about barriers in our small community, but the reality is that, in most cases, we are our own greatest barrier.

The internal conflict that we wage upon ourselves every day is real. It is the conflict between what we know we should do and what we want to do. It is also known as ambivalence, and once you create a habit of doing the right thing, even if it is the hard thing, personal growth is inevitable. So, get out there and go for a walk instead of streaming that television program. Park at the farthest point from the store. Grab a bottle of water instead of that Mountain Dew (I’m still working on that one!).

The next tenet of wellness on which I want to share some insight is emotional wellness. This, again, is a very personal and internal journey that has as its foundation a simple principle: Control what is in your control. Too often, we feel our emotional well-being is dependent on the actions or decisions of others. This is, of course, not only inaccurate but also detrimental to a solid foundation from which we can endure the many struggles we all face in our lives.

While we cannot control the vast majority of what we encounter in our daily lives, we can control our response to it. This, of course, takes a great deal of both discipline and practice and would be best incorporated into the small things so that, when the big things come along, we have already built those healthy habits of acceptance and self-regulation.

A good example of a starting point could be the next time a vehicle pulls out in front of you or passes you in a no-passing zone. Instead of defaulting to anger or even rage, transition to a more beneficial emotional state of acceptance and grace, as you may not know the circumstances that person may be dealing with.

Another great overarching emotion that can be relied upon to put us in a better emotional state is gratitude. This could be gratitude for what we have rather than frustration over what we don’t have, or gratitude for that special person in your life. If you really want to make an impact on both yourself and others, share that gratitude. It is literally a force multiplier of positive emotions.

Next week, I will cover some other aspects of wellness: social and spiritual.

My philosophy with all my fishing, including my kayak fishing, is to keep it simple. I have three sit-on-top (SOT) fishing kayaks and I’ve kept the accessories to a minimum.  For me, it’s RAM Mount external rod holders behind the seat, two flush mount rod holders also behind the seat and a small camera mount with waterproof camera for pictures of bigger smallmouth bass I catch and release.  At times I also have a storage crate with rod holders behind the seat. Having fished the waters of Door County for almost 30 years and mostly fishing shallow I don’t even use a fish finder.  My big change the past few years has been using a pedal kayak, although I still love getting out there and paddling.  The nice thing about my Jackson Kayak Coosa FD pedal kayak is the ability to troll a lure as I go from spot to spot.  And, if I find fish and the wind is blowing, which it usually is in Door County, I can hold myself in place much easier than with a paddle kayak.

Over the past several years it’s interesting to see how elaborate some kayak anglers go in rigging their fishing kayaks.  Except for the big engine, many of these fishing kayaks look like a small version of those bass boats we see zooming around the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Many have one or two fish finders, trolling motors, power poles and more!  With these loaded and quite heavy fishing kayaks most will be using a trailer or possibly the back of a pick-up truck and bed extender.  Even simple SOT kayaks are heavier than recreational sit-in kayaks and take two people for roof transport.

The city of Sturgeon Bay and Wisconsin Public Power Inc. (WPPI Energy) extended their contract through 2073 on Tuesday to help ensure affordable energy for years to come. Sturgeon Bay Utilities is a city-owned entity and part of a group of more than 50 community-owned utilities that purchase power together. WPPI Energy purchases energy from a variety of sources, including an Illinois wind farm and a solar operation in Two Rivers, to keep power flowing to its customers. Last year, Sturgeon Bay Utilities hit a peak load during a summer heat wave that tested the system’s limits. Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward says the contract helps keep the city in line for power that is produced and sold to other member utilities.

Sturgeon Bay Utilities President Jim Stawicki said earlier this month that WPPI Energy is making significant investments to help meet future demand while keeping costs as low as possible, making long-term contracts necessary.

Sturgeon Bay Utilities has been busy burying power lines to make them less susceptible to tree damage during storms and is preparing to replace the First Avenue substation in the near future.

Advocating for 4-H in Kewaunee County has come as naturally to Savannah Bailey and Morgan Servaes this summer as reciting the organization’s pledge.

The duo have assisted UW-Madison Extension Kewaunee County this summer as AmeriCorps members serving its 4-H programming. AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism tasked with connecting adults with local schools, nonprofits and public agencies to help with tutoring, disaster relief, health needs and environmental projects.

In the case of Bailey and Servaes, they have been tasked with working with day care centers, summer schools and other educational programs to create 4-H opportunities for their students. It has been a rewarding experience for both Bailey and Servaes.

Bailey, a student at UW-River Falls, is working on a professional development course for 4-H members, while Servaes, a UW-Stevens Point student, is preparing to expand her popular Fairytales Animal Show for next year’s Kewaunee County Fair. The pair hope their work bears fruit next month when open enrollment for 4-H begins.

If you can lend a paw to a cat in need, the Wisconsin Humane Society will be fur-ever grateful.

WHS is currently caring for more than 1,050 cats, including more than 300 available for adoption across its campuses. That is pushing the organization’s capacity for caring for cats, while it also has dozens of dogs and other animals up for adoption. Schedule and travel changes, peak puppy and kitten season and an influx of lost pets are all factors driving animal shelters across the country to take in more animals.

The high cat population not only stretches WHS’ physical limits but its financial ones as well. Speaking about the organization’s August fundraising challenge, Wisconsin Humane Society Media Specialist Corey Viars says more animals to care for also means increased expenses for medical care, food and other necessities.

WHS is enticing potential cat owners with special adoption offers and encouraging others to consider becoming foster parents. The organization supplies everything needed to care for the animal; all the foster parent needs to provide is a loving home.

Local golfers had another opportunity Thursday to hit the links in the name of a good cause. Door County Habitat for Humanity hosted its seventh annual Home-in-One Golf Outing at Idlewild Golf Course in Sturgeon Bay, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s affordable housing projects on the peninsula. The event carries extra significance for Executive Director Lori Allen, and not just because of her role with Door County Habitat for Humanity. Dozens of local businesses and Allen’s neighbors donated time, raffle prizes and money to make the event a reality. One of the holes was sponsored by Allen’s neighbor, Keitha McDonald, who dedicated it to her late husband, Mac. She says Allen’s passion for the organization made it an easy decision to support their friend.

Allen is thankful for the support the community gives to Door County Habitat for Humanity and all of the area’s nonprofit organizations.

Door County Habitat for Humanity began its 51st home build late last month in Sister Bay, a project it hopes to complete by the end of the year, along with home repair projects in other parts of the county.

The Kewaunee Police Department shared its condolences and gratitude following a fatal boat crash earlier this week. The accident occurred about 4:30 a.m. along the north breakwall near the Kewaunee Lighthouse Pier.

An 81-year-old Appleton man, identified Thursday as Jimmie D. Brooks, was driving his 18-foot fishing boat out of Kewaunee Harbor when it struck the south side of the north breakwall. He suffered fatal injuries in the crash, and his body was recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

His passenger, 68-year-old Randy H. Sieg of Appleton, was rescued, taken to shore and treated for his injuries by Kewaunee Rescue. The Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department, Kewaunee Marina and Kewaunee Public Works Department also assisted in the rescue effort.

In Thursday’s release, Kewaunee Police Chief Robin Mueller extended her sympathies to the victims’ families and expressed gratitude to the responding agencies and other boaters who assisted in recovering Brooks’ and Sieg’s personal property.

A trip down the road between Stodola’s IGA and the middle and high school buildings will carry a new, special meaning Friday when School Street is renamed Okoniewski Way.

The side street is being dedicated to the late Steve Okoniewski, who served as Luxemburg-Casco High School principal from 1989 until 2014. It was a homecoming of sorts for Okoniewski, whose six-year NFL career included a two-season stint with the Green Bay Packers in 1974 and 1975.

His retirement did not stop him from supporting the Spartans, as he continued to attend school events and athletic competitions. When he died in 2024, Luxemburg-Casco head wrestling coach Chas Treml said “Mr. O” had a tremendous impact on his life as a student and coach. Treml added that a picture of the two hugging after the Spartans captured a team state wrestling championship says everything.

Athletic Director Jenny Bandow said renaming School Street after the man who hired her is a fitting tribute to someone whose influence extended well beyond the school’s walls.

“Mr. O was known as a leader who believed in people. He admired the community-minded spirit and strong work ethic of the greater Luxemburg area – values that aligned perfectly with his own approach to education and leadership. Under his guidance, Luxemburg-Casco High School continued to foster a culture of excellence, pride and opportunity for every student.”

School Street will be renamed Okoniewski Way on Friday.

No matter the size of the donation, each one gets the Door County Pickleball Club closer to what members believe will be an ace for the Egg Harbor community. The club began its $500,000 fundraising effort earlier this summer and has already garnered approximately $160,000 in pledges for a pickleball facility that will feature six state-of-the-art courts near the Egg Harbor dog park.

When completed, it will be the county’s largest facility designed solely for pickleball. Door County Pickleball Club President Don Helm says not only will it give players in the northern part of the peninsula a closer place to play than Sturgeon Bay and Institute, but he believes it will also bring a boost in tourism to the area.

If fundraising goes according to plan, Helm says construction will begin in early spring, with hopes of the first matches taking place on the new courts by July 1.

To donate, you can drop off cash or checks at the Village of Egg Harbor and indicate that the donation is for the pickleball courts.

You could soon have a little more room to walk around with a drink in downtown Sturgeon Bay.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will review and consider an expansion of the area that allows residents and visitors to walk around downtown with an open alcoholic beverage. The district was born out of the pandemic, when area restaurants were looking for ways to increase sales at a time when people were uneasy about going out.

District 4 Alderperson Spencer Gustafson helped design the current ordinance in response to requests from local businesses and Destination Sturgeon Bay. Some concerns residents had about the downtown entertainment district involved littering and law enforcement. Gustafson says that based on feedback from the Sturgeon Bay Police Department, there have been no issues and, in fact, conditions have improved.

The proposed expansion of the downtown entertainment district includes areas where new restaurants have opened since the pandemic, additional portions of the waterfront and the footprint of the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market.

Gustafson says if the proposal makes it through committee and Common Council meetings next month, the new boundaries could be in effect by Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Harvest Fest on Sept. 19.

In a family’s lowest moments, it is the simplest things that can make a difference. Lennox’s Feel the Love program has helped communities since 2009 by partnering with local contractors to install furnaces and air conditioners free of charge for those who need them most.

It is a program that Ultimate Air in Luxemburg has been part of for close to 15 years. Owner Jeff Blemke believes some of his favorite days on the job have come during Feel the Love installation days, especially when watching his employees’ families interact with the recipients of the equipment.

He says one of the most powerful moments came when his team gathered around a recipient in his hospital bed at home. The man thanked them, knowing he would not get to experience the comfort of the new furnace for long because of his battle with cancer.

You can nominate a friend, neighbor or family member for the Lennox Feel the Love program at this link. Nominations close Aug. 31, with the units installed in early October. More than 3,100 families have been supported by the Lennox Feel the Love program since it began in 2009.

Area farmers are beginning to see signs that the corn harvest is right around the corner. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, 9% of the state’s corn crop is in the dent stage, which is the final major phase of maturity.

Northeast Wisconsin is trailing the southern portion of the state, which is driving up the statewide average. In northeast Wisconsin, 1% of the crop is in the dent stage, compared with 36% in the dough stage and 96% in the silking phase. Corn condition is rated 67% good to excellent, down 2 percentage points.

Duane Ducat of Deer Run Dairy in Kewaunee has been focusing on his third crop of alfalfa hay, which is about 85% complete statewide, compared with the five-year average of 79%. Ducat says that with much of the corn crop still in development, his plants can use more water than heat at this point in the season.

Ducat adds that underdeveloped corn takes nutritional value away from what they feed their cows once it is chopped into silage.

Soybean development and the harvest of winter wheat and oats are ahead of the five-year average. Wisconsin farmers had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork last week, with some producers chopping corn in northern counties because of the warm, dry conditions.

Midwest Environmental Advocates legal fellow Michael Greif has spent plenty of time along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, and he would rather not see the scenery around it change without the proper notification. Greif will sound the alarm Friday at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay when he presents “Protecting Public Rights in Age of Privatization,” which will take a look at the looming threat of data center construction.

The presentation, hosted by the Door County Environmental Council, comes as AI data centers become a major talking point in political races around the state and after a Marquette Law School poll showed 73% of Wisconsinites believe the costs outweigh the benefits. Proponents of data center construction point to increases in local tax revenue and construction jobs, while opponents say the facilities are bad for the environment and consumers’ pocketbooks. Greif says it is important for communities to get all the facts before AI data centers are built in their backyards.

Greif’s presentation Friday begins at 7 p.m. If you cannot attend the presentation in person, the Door County Environmental Council will make it available remotely via Zoom at this link.

A familiar venue for Midsummer’s Music musicians and fans will be the site of a special moment for the organization’s founder and artistic director. As part of this year’s Boynton Festival at Bjorklunden in Baileys Harbor, Lawrence University will honor Jim Berkenstock with its prestigious Winifred Boynton Creative Spirit Award.

Presented since 2017, the award honors individuals who have created something with a lasting impact on Door County. That description applies to Berkenstock, who, along with his late wife, Jean, founded Midsummer’s Music more than 30 years ago to bring chamber music to the peninsula.

That mission grew to include the Griffon String Quartet, which was created in 2018 not only to perform but also to help foster a love of chamber music in classrooms in Door and Brown counties.

The 2 p.m. award ceremony is part of a larger Boynton Festival lineup that includes mini-seminars, live music, a Door Shakespeare performance and more on Aug. 22. You can find more details about the event, including registration, at this link.

You are running out of time to get your kids protected against diseases like measles, mumps and whooping cough ahead of the school year. In Wisconsin, children are required to be vaccinated against certain diseases based on their age and grade level unless their family has filed a waiver.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the state is lagging behind the rest of the country when it comes to children being up to date on their vaccinations. Just over 85% of Wisconsin kindergartners are up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and approximately 86% are up to date on the vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

Both numbers are down compared with recent years, corresponding with an uptick in parental exemptions. The exemption rate hit a 10-year high of 7.3% during the 2025-26 school year. With a 97% efficacy rate, Kewaunee County Public Health Director Cindy Kinnard says the required vaccinations have been proven safe and encourages families to get their kids vaccinated ahead of the school year.

Kinnard says schools keep track of students’ vaccination histories, and if students fall behind, their families are reminded by letter to get caught up. The Kewaunee County Public Health Department will hold an open vaccination clinic in October, though Kinnard encourages families to schedule an appointment with the department or their medical provider ahead of time.

The reminder comes as the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports 36 confirmed and three probable cases of measles in Grant, Lafayette and Iowa counties.

The story of two stage actors chasing Hollywood stardom one last time will take the stage the next time you visit Peninsula Players Theatre in Fish Creek.

Starring Aja Alcazar, Joe Casey, James David Larson and Garrett Lutz, among others, Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo is set in 1950s New York, where George and Charlotte Hay learn that director Frank Capra will be in the audience for a matinee. They must weather several twists and turns involving their performance and marriage before taking the stage for what could be their final chance to make it big.

Peninsula Players Marketing Director Peter Kelly says the comedy is a love letter to theater and strikes a chord with the actors involved in the show.

The penultimate show of the Peninsula Players Theatre season runs Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., except for a 2 p.m. performance Sunday, Sept. 6. You can hear our full interview with Peter Kelly here.

Voters in the Southern Door School District will have an extra item on their ballots this fall. On Monday, the Southern Door School Board passed the resolutions required to ask voters to exceed the revenue limit by $2.055 million per year for three years.

“After engaging with our community in recent months and careful consideration, the Board of Education has taken the next step in allowing our voters to consider a referendum measure in November,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Krutzik. “This proposal is about investing in our schools in ways that will strengthen educational opportunities for our students while helping position Southern Door for continued success in the years ahead.”

This marks the second time the district’s voters have weighed in on an operational referendum, after rejecting a measure in April that would have allowed the district to exceed the state revenue limit by $3.15 million annually for three years.

More than a dozen positions were cut, including one elementary school teacher, two middle school teachers and five high school teachers. A pay freeze was instituted for all employees, co-curricular assignment pay and travel were cut, and computer and student device replacements were delayed. Three sports programs were also cut but were later reinstated with support from the Southern Door Athletic Booster Club.

By passing the new referendum, the district hopes it can provide market-rate pay raises for staff, fund essential facility repairs and maintenance, and restore select teaching positions.

“Balancing the district’s budget required our board to make many difficult decisions, and we know those decisions have had an impact on our staff and our students,” said Board President Janel Veeser. “We are hopeful that a new operational referendum will provide the financial means to restore some of the staff positions and programming that were lost because we want to give our students the opportunities, support, and resources they need to succeed.”

District officials say that even if the referendum passes, the mill rate will drop from its current $6.99 per $1,000 of equalized value to $6.35 for the upcoming school year, $6.07 for the 2027-28 school year and $5.61 for the 2028-29 school year.

The referendum will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Now that county fair season is officially over for Door and Kewaunee counties, the search for the next Fairest and Junior Fairest of the Fair in Kewaunee County is on. The Kewaunee County Fair has opened its application window for its Junior Fairest of the Fair title.

This year’s Fairest, Savannah Bailey, and Junior Fairest, Teresa Livingstone, crisscrossed the county attending events and promoting the Kewaunee County Fair, in addition to passing out ribbons, visiting with exhibitors and sponsors, and introducing entertainment acts.

Bailey became the most recent Fairest to pull double duty for the Kewaunee County Fair after serving as Junior Fairest in 2019. During this year’s Kewaunee County Fair, Bailey said she enjoyed meeting community members and getting a different view of the livestock shows after years of exhibiting animals in the show ring herself.

Kewaunee County Junior Fairest of the Fair applicants must be in grades 6 through 10, be able to participate in the Fairest Gala on Jan. 8, 2027, and attend events throughout the county, including the Kewaunee County Fair July 8-11, 2027.

You can find the application and more details about the role at this link. The application for Kewaunee County Fairest of the Fair will be available in the coming weeks.

For many individuals, finding a job is a lot harder than just filling out an application. According to We are HOPE, Inc.-The EmployAbility Hub Executive Director Kim Carley, disabilities, age, justice status and a lack of confidence are just some of the reasons people who want to work struggle to find the right fit or keep the jobs they already have.

She says summer is a busy time because there are so many opportunities available that some people just do not know where to start. Carley says We are HOPE’s programming helps people find the tools and confidence they need to get the jobs they desire.

We are HOPE, Inc.-The EmployAbility Hub is in the middle of its annual campaign, with a goal of raising $50,000 to continue supporting the community through career exploration, job training and employment services.

One of its biggest fundraisers is the Grub at the Hub event on Sept. 29. You can find more information about the event below.

An 81-year-old Appleton man died and a 68-year-old Appleton man was injured in a boating accident in Kewaunee on Monday morning.

The accident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. along the north breakwall near the Kewaunee Lighthouse Pier. According to the initial investigation, the 81-year-old man was driving his 18-foot fishing boat out of Kewaunee Harbor when it struck the south side of the north breakwall.

He suffered fatal injuries in the crash, and his body was recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard. His passenger was rescued, taken to land and treated for his injuries by Kewaunee Rescue.

No names have been released, and the crash remains under investigation by the Kewaunee Police Department and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department, Kewaunee Marina and Kewaunee Public Works Department also assisted in the rescue efforts.

The same community that welcomes summer in June with its Fyr Bal will bid it farewell Saturday when Ephraim hosts its first Sweet Summer Send-Off at Harborside Park.

Running from 1 to 4 p.m., the event will feature balloon artists, caricaturists and musicians throughout the park, in addition to red bouncy balls that are part of a scavenger hunt. Attendees can also check out food at local restaurants and visit with members of the Ephraim Fire Department.

The event is free to attend, but visitors are encouraged to bring school supplies to be distributed at schools throughout Door County as part of the countywide Community Business Association school supply drive.

Ephraim’s Sweet Summer Send-Off comes just over a week before many schools around the state begin classes, with most public schools starting Sept. 1.

A 53-year-old Green Bay woman was transported to a Green Bay hospital Sunday afternoon after she lost control of her motorcycle and crashed in the town of Brussels.

The crash occurred just before 4:20 p.m. on State Highway 57 near School Road. According to the accident report, the motorcyclist was traveling south when she attempted to change lanes and lost control.

She crashed in the median and was unable to recall the incident when speaking with responding personnel. She was wearing a helmet and protective gear when the crash occurred.

The crash closed a lane of traffic for about 40 minutes while emergency personnel tended to the motorcyclist and cleared the scene. The lane reopened shortly after 5 p.m.

A 73-year-old Ellison Bay man suffered scratches and bruises to his knee after he was struck by a vehicle backing up Saturday in Baileys Harbor.

According to the accident report, the man was walking near the gas pumps at approximately 10 a.m. when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a 50-year-old Joliet, Illinois, woman who was backing into a parking spot.

The impact caused the man to grab the vehicle’s rear windshield wiper for balance before falling. He was treated at the scene and declined transportation to the hospital.

The driver, who said she did not see the man in her backup camera, was warned for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian.

A 71-year-old Sister Bay woman was cited for her role in a two-vehicle crash in the town of Egg Harbor on Friday. The crash occurred at the intersection of County Highway E and Heritage Lake Road just before noon.

According to the accident report, the woman was stopped on Heritage Lake Road and was looking to cross County Highway E while heading north when she pulled out in front of an eastbound vehicle driven by a 20-year-old Eau Claire woman.

The Sister Bay woman told the deputy she looked but did not see the other vehicle coming. The Eau Claire woman said she saw the vehicle pulling out slowly but could not avoid the crash.

Both drivers and two passengers, both 21-year-old women from River Falls, suffered possible injuries that did not require hospitalization. Both vehicles had to be towed because of disabling damage.

The Sister Bay woman was cited for failing to yield the right of way from a stop sign.

If last Tuesday was any indication, poll workers in Door and Kewaunee counties are going to be even busier in November when the general election comes around.

Both counties saw strong turnout in the fall primary, with about 40% of registered voters in Kewaunee County and 50% in Door County casting ballots. Both figures were much higher than the statewide voter turnout of 27%, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Kewaunee County Clerk Jamie Annoye and Door County Clerk Jill Lau said the evening went smoothly for their municipal clerks and poll workers despite the higher-than-usual number of voters.

Annoye said communication was especially important for this election because it was a partisan primary, meaning voters casting a ballot in the Democratic primary could not weigh in on the Kewaunee County sheriff’s race, which featured only Republican candidates.

Lau said fall primary participation has been increasing since 2020 and added that Tuesday’s record turnout is an indicator of how busy the Nov. 3 general election could be.

Sept. 17 is the next major date to keep in mind, as that is when municipal clerks must send absentee ballots to voters with an active request on file. Otherwise, the deadline to register to vote by mail or online is Oct. 14, and in-person absentee voting will take place from Oct. 20 through Nov. 1.

There was plenty to see and do over the five days of the Door County Fair, but a trip through the exhibition halls and barns told a much longer story. More than 6,000 exhibits were entered in this year’s Door County Fair, ranging from Lego sculptures and pottery to photographs and paintings.

Just next door, dozens of animals took up residence for the week after their exhibitors spent weeks, if not months, caring for them and ensuring they were ready for show day. Keegan and Kinsley Schopf, two of the fair’s younger exhibitors, spent lots of time walking with their goats to prepare them for the Door County Fair. The pair enjoy spending time with their animals while also getting a chance to go on some rides in between.

Parker Lacrosse’s time with his beef steers yielded him not just blue ribbons but a buyer during Saturday’s Door County Quality Market Animal Sale. He says it can be hard to say goodbye after so much time together, but he understands it is just part of the deal at the fair.

The Door County Fair wraps up Sunday after five days of food, fun and music. The more than 150-year-old tradition will return next August to John Miles County Park in Sturgeon Bay.

The Kewaunee County Board is one step away from removing the sunset provision for its 0.5% county sales tax. The ordinance was previously read at the board’s July meeting, paving the way for its potential passage Tuesday when the Kewaunee County Board meets in Kewaunee.

The 0.5% sales tax was instituted by the Kewaunee County Board in 2017 and extended for another five years in 2021. The amended ordinance removes the Dec. 31, 2026, sunset date, an action required to take place at least 120 days before the original repeal date. The amended ordinance would still allow a future Kewaunee County Board to repeal the tax.

Keeping the sales tax in place would also keep Kewaunee County among the 70 Wisconsin counties that have one, with Waukesha and Winnebago counties the lone exceptions. Speaking after last month’s meeting, Kewaunee County Board Chairperson Dan Olson said that although he is not a fan of the tax, repealing it would leave a giant hole in the county’s budget.

The Kewaunee County Board will also weigh in on a petition for bridge aid in the town of Red River and the purchase of real property in the town of Casco, in addition to hearing from Finance Director Paul Kunesh, Clerk of Courts Rebecca Deterville and Administrator Jeremy Kral. Tuesday’s meeting begins at 6 p.m.

There have been some significant concerns surrounding a new technology that is being incorporated for the purpose of enhanced public safety. The technology is known as LPRs or License Plate Readers, and it consists of fixed cameras along public roadways, by which any and all vehicles traveling on those roadways are subject to their vehicle license plate information being scanned and subsequently stored in a data base.

As you can imagine having a data base of not just vehicle information, but also the associated travel activity could and has been of great value in the investigation of crimes. We have seen similar technologies such as ring door bell, and CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) be of great use as we work to solve crimes, protect victims, and keep our communities safe. It is that last word that I want to focus on in this article; Safe. What does it mean to be safe? To what levels are we willing to go to in the pursuit of safety? How do we strike a balance between our desire for safety, while sustaining the freedoms we cherish so dearly.

Freedom by its nature is a risky proposition. For every decision we make, we take a certain risk. From driving vehicles, to riding a bike or going for a walk. Even in our daily habits of how we spend or invest our money. Each action brings with it, an associated risk. There are some who would say that we need greater restrictions, or more regulations in the name safety. There are many who yearn for a reality whereby pain, suffering, or discomfort could be eliminated by the increased intervention of government. As law enforcement officers, our purpose and mission is rooted in the pursuit of keeping our communities safe. Each time there is an auto accident, a theft, or tragic incident, we look inward, and ask how could we have prevented such a thing from happening. In most cases however, the answer is, we can’t. Many times, the best we can do is respond, and provide as much dignity and respect to the victims, while conducting the most professional and thorough investigation in pursuit of justice.

The truth of the matter is that we live in a free country, and that freedom brings with it risks and dangers. Although a utopian dream of safety at all costs may be alluring, we must guard against that utopia stripping us of the freedoms that make life worth living, and allow us each to live out our life’s purpose.

The application of any tactic or technology by those who serve the public, must always strike that important balance between the safety of that community, and the preservation of the God given freedom of that same community.

As the great Ben Franklin once stated. “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”There have been some significant concerns surrounding a new technology that is being incorporated for the purpose of enhanced public safety. The technology is known as LPRs or License Plate Readers, and it consists of fixed cameras along public roadways, by which any and all vehicles traveling on those roadways are subject to their vehicle license plate information being scanned and subsequently stored in a data base.

As you can imagine having a data base of not just vehicle information, but also the associated travel activity could and has been of great value in the investigation of crimes. We have seen similar technologies such as ring door bell, and CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) be of great use as we work to solve crimes, protect victims, and keep our communities safe. It is that last word that I want to focus on in this article; Safe. What does it mean to be safe? To what levels are we willing to go to in the pursuit of safety? How do we strike a balance between our desire for safety, while sustaining the freedoms we cherish so dearly.

Freedom by its nature is a risky proposition. For every decision we make, we take a certain risk. From driving vehicles, to riding a bike or going for a walk. Even in our daily habits of how we spend or invest our money. Each action brings with it, an associated risk. There are some who would say that we need greater restrictions, or more regulations in the name safety. There are many who yearn for a reality whereby pain, suffering, or discomfort could be eliminated by the increased intervention of government. As law enforcement officers, our purpose and mission is rooted in the pursuit of keeping our communities safe. Each time there is an auto accident, a theft, or tragic incident, we look inward, and ask how could we have prevented such a thing from happening. In most cases however, the answer is, we can’t. Many times, the best we can do is respond, and provide as much dignity and respect to the victims, while conducting the most professional and thorough investigation in pursuit of justice.

The truth of the matter is that we live in a free country, and that freedom brings with it risks and dangers. Although a utopian dream of safety at all costs may be alluring, we must guard against that utopia stripping us of the freedoms that make life worth living, and allow us each to live out our life’s purpose.

The application of any tactic or technology by those who serve the public, must always strike that important balance between the safety of that community, and the preservation of the God given freedom of that same community.

As the great Ben Franklin once stated. “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Door County Administrator Ken Pabich says uncertainty and anticipation about the future are among the hardest parts of crafting the county’s 2027 budget.

Door County, like other municipalities across the state, is in the early stages of budget planning, with details expected to be shared at upcoming meetings before the budget is ultimately approved in November.

On Aug. 25, Door County officials will hold a budget session following the regular County Board meeting. Officials will try to nail down the details before sending the budget to committees for their input.

One major expense on the horizon is actually planned for 2028, when the county hopes to begin work on its new emergency communications system.

What Pabich does not know yet is what impact the "One Big Beautiful Bill" could have on the county’s Health and Human Services Department and what the state budget could look like with a new governor on the way.

Kewaunee County officials will also begin sharing details of their budget at upcoming meetings, with a public hearing already scheduled for Oct. 20.

The summer harvest of wheat and oats is coming to a quick conclusion thanks to favorable weather for farmers.

According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, farmers had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork last week, with some much-needed rainfall in southern Wisconsin bringing down the statewide average.

The weather allowed farmers to make considerable progress on their harvests, with the oat harvest jumping from 41 percent complete to 57 percent and the winter wheat harvest going from 69 percent complete to 85 percent.

While some crops are coming off the fields, others are still developing nicely in them. Corn silking is maintaining its five-year average at 72 percent, with 16 percent of corn reaching the dough stage. Soybeans are trending a little ahead of schedule, with 86 percent blooming and 53 percent setting pods. Area farmers are also halfway done with their third cutting of alfalfa.

A scary situation could have been much worse for an 18-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman after she rolled her vehicle Wednesday morning in the town of Gardner. The crash occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. on Stevenson Pier Road near County Highway K.

According to the crash report, she was traveling north on Stevenson Pier Road when some items began to roll off the passenger seat. As she tried to stop more of the items from falling, she crossed the centerline and entered the southbound lane.

Her vehicle rolled over before landing on its tires, with two of them in the southbound lane. No citations were issued and no injuries were reported, but the vehicle had to be towed from the scene because of disabling damage.

The City of Sturgeon Bay will now wrap up negotiations with some developers and start them with others over infrastructure improvements needed to begin work in the newly amended and created tax increment districts, or TIDs.

The TIDs were officially approved Thursday after the city met with local school districts, the county, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and local residents to discuss the scope of the proposed projects and determine whether the TIDs are necessary for the projects to become a reality.

The city has been working not only to create TID No. 12 to help fund infrastructure improvements necessary to build a new housing development along Division Road, but also to amend TIDs 7, 9 and 10 to expand those districts and facilitate future residential and commercial development.

As a result, the districts grew by more than 120 acres following the Aug. 4 Common Council meeting, including the 77 acres in the proposed TID No. 12.

Sturgeon Bay City Administrator Josh Van Lieshout says the creation of TID No. 12 and amendments to some of the others help the city address a major concern: having enough housing supply to meet demand in the area, especially for the workforce.

Van Lieshout adds that it is important to note that under Wisconsin law, property taxes currently being generated on pre-development land continue to go to the local taxing jurisdictions.

Currently, 8% of the city is in a TID, below the 12% maximum allowed by the state.

Destination Door County’s Community Investment Fund is making it easier for you to enjoy the birds, sail the bay and find a bathroom through its latest round of grants.

The organization announced more than $190,000 in grants Friday, bringing the total to more than $3.9 million for 74 supported projects.

The largest award was for Destination Sturgeon Bay’s $87,000 effort to create ADA-accessible bathrooms in the city’s downtown to support visitors and residents while they shop, dine and explore the area. Destination Sturgeon Bay Executive Director Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaterski says that this grant will allow them to start the process of a more extensive renovation of their visitor center which has seen more traffic in recent years.

The Patriot Racing Project received $74,200 to preserve and restore the tall ship Utopia, which docks at the Door County Maritime Museum and provides maritime experiences, education and veteran programming to the community.

Open Door Bird Sanctuary received $29,060 in support to build a year-round, ADA-accessible songbird aviary to expand its educational experiences while providing a permanent home to many of its feathered friends. The organization also received $9,000 from the Door County Community Foundation, bringing the total investment in the project to $38,060.

Destination Door County President and CEO Jon Jarosh says this round of grants shows how tourism can have a positive impact on the community, whether the projects are ordinary or extraordinary.

The next grant application deadline is Sept. 28. Jarosh encourages nonprofits and government agencies alike to speak with the Door County Community Foundation to see if their projects qualify for the Community Investment Fund program, which is funded by room tax collections.

For the second time this year, Southern Door School District could be asking voters for a little extra help funding its operations.

The Southern Door School Board looks to pass resolutions asking to exceed the revenue limit by $2.055 million per year for three years when it meets Monday.

The district announced last week it was exploring the possibility after voters rejected a measure in April that would have allowed the district to exceed the state revenue limit by $3.15 million annually for three years.

After that referendum failed by a vote of 2,031 to 1,603, more than a dozen positions were cut, including one elementary school teacher, two middle school teachers and five high school teachers. A pay freeze was instituted for all employees, co-curricular assignment pay and travel were cut, and computer and student device replacements were delayed.

Three sports programs were also cut, but they were later reinstated with support from the Southern Door Athletic Booster Club.

According to the meeting agenda packet, the new referendum would help the district provide market-value pay raises for staff, fund essential facility repairs and maintenance, and restore select teaching positions.

If approved, the measure would appear on the November ballot.

It would also be the second school referendum being discussed in Door County this fall. Sturgeon Bay School District will also make a decision on its possible referendum next week.

If you want to experience Washington Island while enjoying the fun of a fair, you are in luck this Saturday. The Washington Island Lions Club is hosting its annual Island Fair at the Washington Island School.

Kicking off with a parade at noon, the annual event will commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States while also featuring live music, exhibits, games and more. The Island Fair is one of the major fundraisers the Washington Island Lions Club hosts each summer. Lions Club member Joel Gunnlaugsson said last month that the events support many causes in the community.

The Washington Island Fair and Parade costs $2 to attend, with all proceeds benefiting local charities supported by the Washington Island Lions Club.

Kewaunee County Sheriff-elect Eric Zellner is excited to experience for himself what it means to be the county’s top cop after his primary win Tuesday. Zellner, who serves as Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski’s lieutenant of operations, won the Republican primary with 2,711 votes, more than the combined total of Scott Szydel and Kevin Schmidt.

With no other nominees put forward by the area’s other political parties, a win in August is essentially a win in November, meaning Zellner will take over for Joski at year’s end. Zellner says it was a special moment for him and his family when he realized the promotion Kewaunee County voters granted him Tuesday.

Zellner believes his conversations with the community will set him up well for when he takes the post in January and appreciates Joski for the support and encouragement to run for sheriff.

In his 28-year career with the department, Zellner started as a part-time jailer and dispatcher before taking on other positions, including SWAT team member, patrol deputy, field training officer, evidence room manager and drug investigator.

A Nasewaupee homeowner lost their garage and everything inside it after a fire Wednesday morning. The Nasewaupee Fire Department responded to the blaze on County Highway M between Elms and Hammarstrom roads shortly before 9:15 a.m.

The single-stall garage was already fully engulfed when crews arrived, but the fire was quickly extinguished once crews established a water supply. The Brussels-Union-Gardner, Southern Door and Sturgeon Bay fire departments also responded, along with the Door County Sheriff’s Department and Door County Emergency Services, but not in time to save the structure and its contents.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Smiles dotted the midway and beyond on the opening day of the Door County Fair. The work to make the fair a reality began long before the first animals and projects arrived Wednesday morning. Setup for a new carnival and different features like Jurassic Kingdom and Dominguez Attractions began earlier in the week, while the behind-the-scenes work by the Door County Fair Board started as members said goodbye to the final guests of the 2025 event.

Mike Kuehn has spent many summer days at the Door County Fair, starting on the cleanup crews as a 10-year-old and now serving as a member of the fair board and his business, Door County Custom Creations, a sponsor of the main stage that welcomed The Glam Band for the Door County Fair’s opening night. Kuehn is happy to see friends and families enjoying the fair as much as he does.

One of those people is Sturgeon Bay’s Phineas Shaw, who brought five projects to the fair. His parents also brought several exhibits of their own, all among the more than 6,000 that will be on display throughout the fairgrounds.

Shaw took a lot of pride in the work that went into his projects and the five blue ribbons he earned for them.

The Door County Fair continues through Sunday, with some of the livestock shows starting Thursday morning.

Three brands of tractors that were once united in business will reunite in spirit this weekend at the Valmy Thresheree. Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline and White equipment will be featured at this year’s event, which opens Friday.

According to Successful Farming, White Motor Co. acquired Oliver and Minneapolis-Moline in the early 1960s before merging them under the White Farm Equipment Co. banner in 1969. The Oliver and Minneapolis-Moline brands disappeared by the mid-1970s, while the White name disappeared from tractors by 2001.

Tractor pulls will be part of the weekend entertainment, with antiques taking the track Saturday and garden and kids’ pedal tractors taking over Sunday. The weekend concludes with the Cavalcade of Power at noon Sunday before mud pig wrestling begins at 3:30 p.m.

The annual event will also feature historical equipment demonstrations, an antique chainsaw competition, church services and live music. You can find more details about the event here.

Last May proved to be a swan song for Griffon String Quartet cellist Jesse Nummelin after Midsummer’s Music recently announced his departure. Nummelin had performed with the Griffon String Quartet for three years before leaving the ensemble to spend more time with his wife, Rie Tanaka, in Arizona, where she is an accomplished pianist and educator.

Midsummer’s Music Executive Director Allyson Fleck says Nummelin served the roles of performer and educator well during his stint with the group.

Fleck adds that it takes a unique individual to be a great performer and an outstanding teacher at the same time.

You can find information on how to apply to be Nummelin’s replacement here. The Griffon String Quartet’s first performances of the season will take place Sept. 17, with an afternoon appearance at First Presbyterian Church of Green Bay followed by an evening show at The Tarlton Theatre in Green Bay.

Republican voters in Wisconsin’s 1st State Senate District have become accustomed to seeing Andre Jacque and Matt Joski’s names on the ballot, but for the first time in a long time, that was not the case Tuesday.

Joski and Jacque announced their departures from their respective positions earlier this year, paving the way for new faces to step into the fold.

Joski began his long goodbye in January when he announced his retirement after 20 years on the job. Tuesday marked the first time since 2006 that his name was not on the ballot, and he is ready for the next step and to support his successor.

Jacque has been more visible since announcing his looming departure from the Wisconsin Legislature after 15 years of service in the Assembly and Senate. He has continued to attend many of the events he would have as a sitting state senator while also supporting Republican candidate Nic Cravillion in his bid to take Jacque’s seat.

For the first time since 2011, Jacque said he had mixed feelings not being on a primary ballot, but he is looking forward to supporting the community in other ways.

Despite the finality that Tuesday’s primary brought, both Jacque and Joski are excited to finish their terms through the end of the year.

One of the great traditions from the old country makes its late-summer comeback this month.

The tradition of kermiss events dates to the 1850s, when Belgian communities in northeast Wisconsin would celebrate the harvest season. Many kermises serve as church celebrations, offering traditional dishes like booyah, trippe and pies, along with Belgian beer and fun for the whole family.

Belgian Heritage Center President Joe Alexander says a kermiss like theirs is a great way to introduce visitors to Belgian traditions while keeping them alive for locals.

The Belgian Heritage Center hosts its annual kermiss Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event serves as the center’s largest fundraiser of the year, helping it provide programming in the community in addition to caring for its building in Namur.

Other churches and communities will host their own kermises in the coming weeks.

An 18-year-old Green Bay man was transported to a Green Bay hospital Sunday night after suffering a serious injury in a golf cart crash.

Emergency personnel were called to the area behind Harbor Village Campground in Carlsville at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The driver, also an 18-year-old Green Bay man, told the responding deputy they were driving the golf cart and began making a left turn when it started to flip. The injured man stuck his leg out to brace himself as the cart landed on its side.

The driver and two other passengers, both 17-year-old Green Bay girls, were uninjured. No citations were issued as a result of the crash.

No matter your age or physical abilities, the Door County YMCA likely has something that might capture your interest.

Registration opens for YMCA members Aug. 17, with community members able to follow suit Aug. 19. During this week’s Y-Wednesday Podcast, Specialty Wellness Director Baker highlighted some of the course offerings for the fall session, which begins Aug. 31.

Some of the offerings she highlighted include TRX group training (Monday through Thursday, Sept. 2-Oct. 22), meditation (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Aug. 31-Oct. 25), Memory in Development (Tuesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 6), Livestrong (Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 1-Nov. 11) and Zumba (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 21).

Baker also featured the Door County YMCA’s Rock Steady Boxing course. Introduced last September, the Rock Steady Boxing program is a noncontact, high-intensity program designed to counteract the motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Baker is looking for volunteers for the course, which meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. this fall.

You can listen to the entire Y-Wednesday Podcast here.

While many races at the state and federal levels were settled long before the polls opened Tuesday, there were still some that needed voters to weigh in on before the road to November could continue.

On the Democratic side, David Crowley narrowly won the nomination for Wisconsin governor and will face Tom Tiffany in November, despite dropping out of the race just a few weeks ago. The current Milwaukee County executive was trailing state Rep. Francesca Hong in the polls heading into Election Day but came out on top by just over 3,000 votes with 98% of the vote counted.

In the race for the U.S. House, Rick Crosson edged Mark Scheffler and Katrina deVille for the nomination to face incumbent Rep. Tony Wied in the November election. There was less than a four-percentage-point gap between first-place finisher Crosson and third-place finisher deVille.

On the Republican side, Nic Cravillion dominated the field for Wisconsin State Senate District 1, leading second-place finisher Barb Bittner by more than 20 percentage points, 44.08% to 23.43%. Sturgeon Bay resident Jacob VandenPlas finished fourth with about 13% of the vote. Cravillion will now face independent candidate Mark Becker in the November election.

The winners of Tuesday’s Republican primary for sheriff in Door and Kewaunee counties face two different paths moving forward.

Eric Zellner captured the nomination in Kewaunee County, garnering 2,711 votes to Scott Szydel’s 1,606 and Kevin Schmidt’s 339. With no Democratic or independent challenger on the November ballot, Zellner is expected to become the next Kewaunee County sheriff and take the reins from retiring Sheriff Matt Joski.

For Curt Vandertie, it is one race down and one to go after beating Carl Waterstreet in the Door County Republican primary for sheriff, 3,114-1,951. Vandertie will now face incumbent Sheriff Tammy Sternard, a Democrat, and independent candidate Randy Wagner in the November election.

In the only other contested local primary, Shannon Lauder edged Pamela Parks, 2,598-2,326, for the Democratic nomination for Door County Clerk of Circuit Court. She will face Becky Rericha in the November election.

Click Here for Door County Election Results

Click Here for Kewaunee County Election Results

The Sturgeon Bay School District has been contemplating a fall referendum for months, but what will ultimately make it onto the ballot became clearer this week.

District officials received survey results from consultant School Perceptions to learn what the community would support ahead of the expiration of the district’s current referendum cycle. Higher costs for transportation, utilities, insurance and special education services, along with declining federal funding and state general school aid, have left the district facing a multimillion-dollar shortfall if nothing is done.

When the district sent out surveys in July, Superintendent Dan Tjernagel said the district was doing what it could to trim the budget, following a multiyear plan to reduce staffing by 15 positions and save about $1 million annually.

According to the survey, 60% of the 857 respondents said they would definitely or probably support a replacement operating referendum that would provide the Sturgeon Bay School District with $3.5 million in each of the next five years. When the amount increased to $3.75 million to pay teachers more competitively, 59.4% of respondents said they would definitely or probably support it.

Support dropped nearly 10 percentage points to 50.8% when respondents were presented with a $4 million referendum that would also provide funding for building maintenance above and beyond what they already do. Tjernagel says that with the data they collected they leaned heavier into the opinion of those who would be contributing to the district's success without direct connection to them like a parent or staff member would

You can find the full report from the survey here.

The Sturgeon Bay School Board will meet next week to discuss placing a potential referendum question on the November general election ballot.

Just because the summer academy season is over does not mean the learning has stopped at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Egg Harbor. The organization will host three different musical retreats this month, beginning with wind ensemble on Aug. 12, followed by chamber music on Aug. 17 and piano on Aug. 21.

Each session ends with a free concert at 2 p.m.: wind ensemble on Aug. 15, chamber music on Aug. 20 and piano on Aug. 24. Birch Creek Music Performance Center Executive Director Jenna Ferdon says it is inspiring to see so many adults in the community who want to get better at their instruments.

The adult retreat concerts serve as a precursor to Birch Creek’s fall concert series, which kicks off Sept. 12 with the Michael Stryker Quintet. You can listen to our full interview with Ferdon here.

Two Door County institutions are joining forces this fall to assist you or your loved ones who are struggling with memory loss.

Door County Medical Center and the Door County YMCA are presenting Memory in Development (M.IN.D.) beginning Sept. 1 for people who are worried about memory loss or are already experiencing mild memory loss.

M.IN.D. is a research-driven, interactive workshop that combines mental strategies with light physical activity to begin addressing some of those concerns. DCMC Rehab Services Outreach Specialist Christy Wisniewski has helped teach the course for more than 15 years and says the biggest change has been a more proactive approach to helping people who might be noticing changes.

M.IN.D. meets Tuesdays at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA Program Center from 12:30 to 2 p.m. from Sept. 1 through Oct. 6. You can sign up for the course through the Door County YMCA or Door County Medical Center.

You can hear more about the course from Wisniewski in the latest episode of the Door County Medical Center Community Connections podcast.

Dry conditions have caused the Town and Village of Egg Harbor to issue a burn ban until further notice. According to Precip.ai, Egg Harbor residents have seen 0.17 inches of rain this month and less than 0.70 inches of rain since the area received approximately 0.4 inches on July 17.

Issued at 3 p.m. Monday, the notice states, “The Egg Harbor Fire Department strongly urges the community to refrain from all burning, including campfires at this time.”

No burn permits will be issued, and annual permits are suspended until the ban is lifted. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ WisBurn website, Door County is currently at a low fire danger level.

Egg Harbor Fire Chief Justin MacDonald told the Door County Daily News that they are trying to be preemptive with their burn ban issuance, especially as area farmers hit their fields to harvest wheat.

A parade of golf carts and celebrities took place at Horseshoe Bay Golf Club in Egg Harbor on Monday as part of the Boys and Girls Club of Door County Celebrity Golf Outing. Mark Murphy, Wayne Larrivee and Paul Coffman were among the participants with Packers ties who came to support the Boys and Girls Club of the Bay and Lakes Region, which supports youth in Green Bay, Shawano and Door County.

Thousands of dollars are expected to be raised as part of the event, with proceeds benefiting the club’s programming. With the help of decorated thank-you bags from its members, Boys and Girls Club of the Bay and Lakes Region CEO Johanna Wicklund said participants get to see and hear about the impact their generosity is making.

Portside Builders founder and Boys and Girls Club of Door County board member Fran Shefchik is thankful to the golfers for everything they have helped the organization accomplish.

Paul Coffman is thankful for the support as well, but from a different perspective. In his eight-year career with the Green Bay Packers, the strike-shortened 1982 season was the only time the team made the playoffs and finished with a winning record. Despite that, the fans never stopped showing up at Lambeau Field, and for the last 12 years, Coffman has shown up to the celebrity golf outing support Door County’s youth.

Monday’s celebrity golf outing was one of the organization’s two major fundraisers this summer as the Boys and Girls Club prepares for its school-year programming.

In one of their family’s darkest moments, the Thalmans are trying to make the future brighter for others.

Last Monday, 20-year-olds David Thalman of Dundee, Illinois, and Franceska Warick of South Elgin, Illinois, were recovered after they went missing while kayaking without life jackets, following an exhaustive 48-hour search by several local, state and federal agencies.

Family friend Amanda Freis says that while the outcome may not have changed, the Washington Island Fire Department told the Thalman family it could have brought them closure much sooner if its rescue vessel had been properly equipped

.

The incident turned into a call to action for the Thalman family, which launched the David Thalman Memorial Search & Rescue Boat Campaign.

By helping the department reach its ongoing $300,000 goal to fully fund a new, purpose-built 28-foot search-and-rescue boat, the campaign could help equip the vessel with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced sonar, radar and FLIR thermal imaging; shallow-water capability; a hydraulic bow door for rescue and diver operations; and a 1,500-gallon-per-minute fire pump.

Freis says the Thalman family has been visiting Washington Island for generations and wants to help other families avoid similar tragedies in the future.

Freis and the Thalman family have been moved by the support the campaign has received. It has raised more than $9,300 toward its $30,000 goal since launching over the weekend.

You can support the David Thalman Memorial Search & Rescue Boat Campaign by clicking this link.

The more things change, the more they stay the same for attendees and exhibitors at the Door County Fair.

The annual rite of summer opens to the public Wednesday, with exhibitors heading to John Miles County Park on Monday and Tuesday to pick up their exhibit tags.

Mainstays like livestock shows, pig and duck races, live music and races in the grandstand will continue to greet attendees, while new attractions like Dominguez Attractions and Jurassic Kingdom make their debuts on the midway.

A lot has changed for Door County Fair Board President Tom Ash, who exhibited at the fair as a boy before helping his own children and eventually joining the fair board alongside his brothers and other family members.

He says the county fair is about family, friends and celebrating the end of summer together.

The Door County Fair runs Aug. 12-16.

Listen to our full interview during Sunday's West Jacksonport/Egg Harbor game on 105.1 The GOAT

Dozens of dogs and their favorite humans visited the Door County YMCA’s Peterson Park in Sturgeon Bay as part of the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Pet Walk Door County on Saturday.

Attendees were greeted by pet-centric activities, music from Door County Media Group and vendors ahead of the 10 a.m. walk.

The event concluded with the annual pet costume contest and talent show, with top honors going to Fran and Loki’s patriotic princess and Frankenpuff.

Thousands of dollars were raised as part of Pet Walk Door County to support the 1,300 pets in the Wisconsin Humane Society’s care.

If you missed the event and want to support the Wisconsin Humane Society, the organization has issued a matching challenge in which all donations will be tripled through the end of August, thanks to a group of donors.

Voters in both counties will be able to weigh in on races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, the 8th Congressional District, the 1st State Senate District and the 1st State Assembly District. The Democratic races for governor (Kelda Roys, Francesca Hong, Joel Brennan and David Crowley) and the 8th Congressional District (Rick Crosson, Mark Scheffler and Katrina DeVille), along with the Republican race for the 1st State Senate District (Nic Cravillion, Jake VandenPlas, Barb Bittner and Katie Baney), have garnered much of the attention locally.

In Kewaunee County, the Republican nomination for sheriff is the only local race with a contested primary. Eric Zellner, Scott Szydel and Kevin Schmidt are all vying for the role being vacated by Sheriff Matt Joski, who will retire at the end of the year. With no other candidates running, Tuesday’s primary could very well decide who the next sheriff will be. You can click this link to listen to interviews with the three candidates.

In Door County, Democrats and Republicans will each have one local race to decide in a contested primary. Democrats will choose between Shannon Lauder and Pamela Parks to run against Republican Becky Rericha for Door County clerk of courts. Republicans will choose between Carl Waterstreet and Curt Vandertie in the Door County sheriff’s race. The winner will face Democrat Tammy Sternard and independent Randy Wagner. You can listen to our interviews with all four Door County sheriff candidates here.

Because it is a partisan primary, voters are limited to voting for candidates in one political party. If you vote in more than one party’s primary (for example, voting in the Democratic primary for governor and the Republican primary for sheriff), those votes will not count.

Polls in Door and Kewaunee counties will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. The winners of the primary will advance to the fall general election Nov. 3.

Businesses and nonprofits have been doing their part to help residents impacted by last month’s tornado in the Fox Cities rebuild and come back even stronger.

The tornado carried wind speeds of up to 140 mph when it ripped through neighborhoods and business districts over a 12-mile stretch between Appleton and Lake Winnebago. Gov. Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, mobilizing the Wisconsin National Guard to support cleanup and recovery efforts while restoring essential services.

Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski detailed his experience in his weekly column, returning the thanks he received for the newfound perspective.

“Having been part of this community’s recovery, I want to thank them for the profound impact it has made on my own perspective, helping me to appreciate what really matters in life,” he wrote. “I will not soon forget the smiles, laughter, tears, and stories shared. Your strength has been inspiring, your perseverance has been humbling, and your courage will be your legacy.”

GFL Environmental’s Steve Estes reached out to state officials to suspend weight limits so he could send trucks to the area to remove debris. Born out of that request was Executive Order No. 301, which directed the Department of Transportation to assist carriers requesting permits to exceed statutory vehicle weight limits for the purpose of removing storm debris and providing other emergency transportation relief.

Sturgeon Bay Utilities was among the more than two dozen utilities that sent crews to the area to help Menasha Utilities restore power to its more than 9,000 customers.

General Manager Jim Stawicki says that as of Friday, more than 90% had gotten their power restored, though some of them will never get it back. His crew of eight linemen rotated through the area over the last two weeks to help in Menasha’s recovery efforts and gain their own knowledge in case a similar disaster ever happens in Sturgeon Bay.

Stawicki says making sure they support their fellow utility companies in times of need was an important thing to do.

Rick’s Toy Box in New Franken has made two more trips to the area since we profiled Rick Brunner’s nonprofit last week. In addition to dropping off hundreds more activity cars and other handmade toys, he has also distributed clothing and gift cards to impacted families.

The Door County Jazz Festival and Door County Candle Company have also been able to assist in the efforts. Donations were collected at Thursday’s Harmon Brothers concert at Björklunden in Baileys Harbor to support the United Way of Fox Cities, while Wisconsin Strong candle sales have raised more than $17,000 as of Thursday to support nonprofits in the Fox Cities serving tornado victims.

With potential changes on the horizon, the Algoma Chamber of Commerce wants you to buy wristbands, listen to some music and enjoy food and beverages at this year’s Shanty Days.

The Algoma Chamber of Commerce opened a discussion about the event’s future on Friday, a week before the annual rite of summer kicks off near the shores of Lake Michigan.

In its message to the community, the organization stopped short of saying the event is ending but added that it needs the support of the entire community to allow it to continue in its current format.

Last year, poor weather hampered attendance and participation in Shanty Days, causing the Algoma Chamber of Commerce to experience a significant deficit from putting on the event.

Citing $20,000 for bands, $8,000 for fireworks and other costs, the Algoma Chamber of Commerce says it cannot afford another year like that as it looks for a more sustainable path forward.

“That could mean changes to the format, entertainment, schedule, or other aspects of the event,” the Algoma Chamber of Commerce posted Friday. “However, before we consider retiring Shanty Days altogether, we will explore every reasonable avenue to make this community tradition financially sustainable.”

Shanty Days also includes a weekend-long fishing contest and volleyball tournament, a parade and 5K run/walk on Saturday, an arts and crafts fair, and more.

It is part of a busy weekend of activities in Door and Kewaunee counties, which also includes the Door County Fair in Sturgeon Bay and the Valmy Thresheree.

Long before Door County’s forests, farms, and shorelines existed, the peninsula lay beneath a warm, shallow tropical sea teeming with life. Corals, crinoids, brachiopods, and other marine organisms thrived here hundreds of millions of years ago, leaving behind the fossils that can still be found embedded in Door County’s dolomite bedrock today. This week’s Summer at Crossroads theme, Fossils, invites visitors to uncover clues from Earth’s distant past and explore the ancient history hidden beneath our feet.

The week begins with a Tale. At 2 pm on Monday, August 17, “Curious About Fossils” by Kate Waters will be read aloud to participants. This engaging book introduces young readers to the fascinating world of fossils, explaining how they form and what they reveal about ancient life on Earth. Along the way, readers will meet famous fossil hunters such as Mary Anning, who discovered the first ichthyosaur skeleton; Richard Owen, who coined the word “dinosaur”; and Barnum Brown, who uncovered the first remains of a T. rex. The story also explores how modern scientists use technology to uncover clues from fossilized bones, teeth, and even footprints. For those unable to attend Story Time, the book will also be featured on our Trail Tales storybook walk, available all week long beginning at the West Trailhead.

At 1 pm on Tuesday, August 18, Journeys with Joan will explore Finding Fossils. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants in discovering how plants and animals from an ancient sea became the fossils we find throughout Door County today. Visitors will learn how fossils form over vast stretches of time and gain a deeper appreciation for the marine life that once inhabited the region. As participants examine examples and explore fossil-rich landscapes, they will better understand the geological history that shaped the peninsula we know today.

On Wednesday, August 19, at 1:30 pm, participants in Wandering Wednesday will join a naturalist-led hike to look for evidence of Door County’s geological past. Along the trails, hikers will explore the landscape with fresh eyes, observing rock formations, exposed dolomite, and features influenced by ancient seas and glacial activity. The hike will highlight the connections between geology, fossils, and the modern ecosystems that have developed atop this ancient foundation.

The week concludes with a special Talk at 2 pm on Thursday, August 20. We welcome back Naturalist Coggin Heeringa, who will present Ancient Silurian Seas, a fascinating journey back hundreds of millions of years to a time when Door County was covered by a warm, shallow sea. Participants will discover how coral reefs, marine invertebrates, and other sea life flourished here during the Silurian Period, long before dinosaurs or even land plants existed. The program will explore common local fossils such as corals, brachiopods, and crinoids, explaining how they formed, where they can still be found today, and what they reveal about changing climates and environments through time. Coggin will also connect these fossils to Door County’s distinctive dolomite bedrock, Niagara Escarpment, and shoreline landscapes, helping participants understand how the peninsula’s ancient past continues to shape the present.

Throughout the week—and continuing year-round during open hours—visitors can also enjoy Tinkers, our self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Guests can examine fossils, investigate ancient life forms, and explore the processes that preserve traces of organisms for millions of years.

Fossils are more than remnants of long-extinct organisms; they are records of ancient environments and evidence of dramatic changes across Earth’s history. In Door County, fossils remind us that our familiar landscape was once a tropical sea filled with life very different from what we see today. By exploring fossils, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped our region and a greater appreciation for the immense span of time recorded in the rocks beneath our feet.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can offer free programming for all ages, and our trails are open all day, every day, free of charge.

Monday, August 17

2:00 pm — Tale: “Curious About Fossils”

Join us as our weekly story, Curious About Fossils, written by Kate Waters, is read aloud.

Aren’t you curious about what Earth was like long ago? What creatures lived before us? What happened to the dinosaurs?

Curious About Fossils explains why and where fossils form and looks at the colorful lives and important discoveries of some of the great early fossil hunters and collectors, including Mary Anning, who unearthed the first ichthyosaur skeleton; Richard Owen, who coined the word “dinosaur”; and Barnum Brown, who discovered the first remains of a T. rex. Then the adventure continues into modern times, when scientists on fossil hunts in places like North Dakota’s Hell Creek Formation use computers and other technology to dig up the fossilized bones, teeth, and even poop that provide clues to the past. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, August 18

1:00 pm — Journeys with Joan – Finding Fossils

Join our naturalist, Joan Wilkie, for free family-oriented activities exploring nature!

Discover how plants and animals from an ancient sea transformed into the fossils we find at Crossroads. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free thanks to donors like you! Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, August 19

1:30 pm — Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on leash. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

Thursday, August 20

2:00 pm — Talk: Ancient Silurian Seas

Travel back hundreds of millions of years to a time when Door County was covered by a warm, shallow sea! Join Naturalist Coggin Heeringa for a fascinating program exploring the ancient Silurian seas and the fossils they left behind.

Coggin will guide participants through Door County’s deep geological past, explaining how coral reefs, marine invertebrates, and other sea life flourished here during the Silurian Period—long before dinosaurs or even land plants existed. Learn how fossils such as corals, brachiopods, and crinoids formed, where they can still be found today, and what they reveal about Earth’s changing climate and environments over time.

This accessible and story-rich program will help you recognize common local fossils and understand their connection to Door County’s distinctive dolomite bedrock, escarpment, and shorelines. Perfect for curious beginners and seasoned rockhounds alike, this talk brings ancient geology to life through science, history, and hands-on discovery.

Join us to uncover the fossilized remains of a long-vanished sea and gain a deeper appreciation for the ancient forces that shaped the peninsula we know today. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

As I write this article, I find myself assisting the communities recently affected by severe weather in the Fox Valley. The level of devastation was not something anyone was prepared for. However, it was met with a resolve that I was not prepared for but had the honor and privilege to observe firsthand.

Over the years, I have written numerous articles surrounding the topic of resiliency, and I have drawn upon many examples. But the resolve, resiliency and optimism that have been on display over the past week are almost beyond comprehension. To see a family’s life’s work and memories lying in ruins while those same people extend what little they have left in energy and resources to help their neighbors is hard to put into words. It brings to mind a fundamental reality: We have more capacity than we know or can appreciate until we are placed in circumstances that demand that capacity. In this, I am referring to the capacity for courage, compassion, love and patience.

Very few of us will ever be placed in such circumstances, and in some ways, that is to our detriment, as it is in those experiences that our greatest attributes shine forth. It is in those times of struggle that we truly look adversity in the eye and declare that it will not define us. In fact, that pain and struggle can propel us to a place of courage and growth. That is, if we allow it.

As we arrived in these communities and walked through the devastation, it was hard not to feel a sense of guilt or shame that such amazing people had to face these circumstances while others like ourselves have homes and treasured belongings waiting for us. It was also difficult to grasp the amazing blessing that, in all of this devastation, no lives were lost.

Over the following days, as we interacted and shared stories, the true beauty of these people shone through. The sense of loss was overshadowed by the sense of gratitude, even while they were standing on a pile of rubble that was once their dream.

There is a phrase we use in teaching resiliency that states, “Do not let the tragedy define you.” But after this experience, I need to refine that statement, as I have no doubt that this tragedy will, in fact, define this community. It will define them in the sense that they have already chosen growth from the pain. They have already looked this adversity in the eye, smiled back and said, “We will not be defeated. You have made us stronger.”

Having been part of this community’s recovery, I want to thank its members for the profound impact they have made on my own perspective, helping me appreciate what really matters in life. I will not soon forget the smiles, laughter, tears and stories shared. Your strength has been inspiring, your perseverance has been humbling, and your courage will be your legacy.

After the tragic drownings of the two kayakers on Washington Island recently, PLEASE, no matter your skill level or the conditions, wear your PFD (life jacket)!

I have been chasing smallmouth bass in the waters of Door County since 1995, with many days spent in one of my Jackson Kayak fishing kayaks. Summer can be a tough time to find the big smallies, but it is still a fun time to be on the water! Door County is a beautiful place to fish for smallmouth bass, even though the numbers have been on the decline over the past 10 or so years. This can be due to a variety of factors, including more fishing pressure. Even though it hurts the fishery, many anglers still try to catch males while they are doing their natural thing in shallower water, guarding nests in the spring!

Even with the numbers somewhat down, there are still lots of smallies and some big ones to be found. In summer and into early fall, I would suggest fishing shallow — 15 feet and under — and throwing small swimbaits on light mushroom-head jigs. Also, in that deeper range, fishing a tube jig or Ned rig very slowly on the bottom can be productive. As I have found the past few weeks, there are still many smaller bass out there, especially around permanent piers protected by boulders. Smallies love to hang around structure like this.

For the presentations I mentioned, I am using medium-fast and medium extra-fast-action St. Croix rods in the 7-foot to 7-foot-3-inch range and a 2500-size spinning reel spooled with 8- or 10-pound-test braided line with a 3- to 4-foot, 10-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. The Ned rig is a tremendous presentation, and my tip is to use the buoyant Z-Man Finesse TRD in Green Pumpkin Goby, which is what I use almost all the time. Tubes should be the 2.5-inch version, and the well-known local bait shop sells the style I use.

As I have mentioned before, I keep it very simple with my fishing kayaks, whether paddle or pedal. I have two flush-mount rod holders, two external rod holders and a box with additional rod holders in the tankwell behind my seat for gear and lures. I am usually out with four or five rods and a small net. The one item I could use but have never added to my fishing kayaks is a fish finder. This would be helpful for water temperature, water depth and bottom structure. With the clear water and the many days I’ve chased smallies in Door County, I know my spots very well! I’m a 100% catch-and-release angler, and I’d suggest you do the same.

If you have any general kayak or kayak fishing questions, please email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com. I’d be very happy to email you the PDF of my Kayaking & Kayak Fishing Door County, WI talk I gave at Canoecopia this year.

The long wait for additional space at the Door County Museum and its archives is finally over.

The Door County Board approved $3.3 million in contracts to renovate the former Younkers building and make additional improvements to the Door County Museum.

The renovated building will provide additional museum space while also accommodating two tenants.

The property's future had been in limbo since the county purchased it in 2019, and discussions about expanding the museum have been ongoing even longer. After the Door County Board of Supervisors rejected an initial estimate of $8 million, county leaders began exploring a scaled-back plan with a price tag of just over $3 million.

Door County Administrator Ken Pabich said he is pleased work will finally begin this month and expects the project to move quickly because of the type of renovations being completed.

Work on the former Younkers building is scheduled to begin Aug. 24, with completion expected in midwinter.

Pabich said the additional space will give the museum more room to operate and allow staff to rotate exhibits more frequently.

What could be good for hikers at Whitefish Dunes State Park could spell trouble for a rare plant.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued an incidental take notice for the dwarf lake iris as it prepares to resurface the Brachiopod Trail at Whitefish Dunes State Park.

The project calls for a new limestone surface and sloped trail shoulders to make the trail more accessible as the DNR works to bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The concern is that the project could potentially harm the dwarf lake iris, which, according to the U.S. Forest Service, has been federally listed as threatened since 1988 and is considered endangered in Wisconsin.

According to the jeopardy assessment released by the DNR, crews will take several precautions, including flagging off nearby plants and limiting driving in the area to minimize potential impacts.

With the proposed mitigation measures, the DNR anticipates that the incidental take of the plant will be low.

The public is encouraged to submit written comments regarding project-related impacts to the dwarf lake iris by Aug. 21.

You can read the full incidental take notice and jeopardy assessment at these links.

Sometimes, preventing a fall means learning how to R.I.S.E. to catch yourself. That's the goal of the Reducing Incidence of Falls with Strength and Education, or R.I.S.E., course being offered by Door County Medical Center at its Sister Bay Clinic and Rehab Center.

Led by Falls Certified Physical Therapist Krista Keck and DCMC Rehab Services Outreach Specialist Christy Wisniewski, the six-week workshop brings together local clinicians and community providers to help participants develop strategies and confidence to reduce their risk of falling.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 older adults falls each year, making falls one of the leading causes of injury and death among older adults. Falling once also doubles the risk of falling again.

Wisniewski said the course can help people recognize warning signs and develop the skills needed to stay safe.

Space is limited for the R.I.S.E. course, which will be held Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. beginning Aug. 31 and running through Oct. 12, with no class on Labor Day.

More registration information is available at this link, and you can listen to our full conversation with Wisniewski here.

While it may rest on the bottom of Lake Michigan, the F.J. King shipwreck was added earlier this week to the National Register of Historic Places.

Constructed in Toledo, Ohio, in 1867, the F.J. King was used in the coal and grain trade between Lake Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes. In September 1886, the vessel met its fate when it sprang a leak while carrying iron ore from Escanaba, Michigan, to Chicago and sank near Door County.

Last June, Principal Investigator Brendon Baillod and a group of 20 citizen scientists and community historians discovered the vessel near Cana Island. Among them were Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands Capt. Stiles Meredith and Capt. Scott Nelson, who said last September they had always wanted to be part of an expedition to discover a shipwreck and are still amazed their goal became a reality.

Despite nearly five decades of unsuccessful searches, Baillod credited advances in technology and a trove of original documents that had been digitized with helping locate the wreck.

Thanks to thousands of photographs taken during the discovery, visitors can explore the F.J. King through 3D virtual reality tours using an Oculus VR headset.

At the time of its discovery, the F.J. King was the fifth shipwreck Baillod had helped locate in three years. 

Upper Lone Tree Farm in Brooklyn, Wis. and an expanded listing for Milwaukee's Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Complex was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places this week.

After failing to pass one in the spring, the Southern Door School District may ask voters to consider an operational referendum this fall.

The district announced its intentions Thursday after a series of special meetings focused on its financial outlook.

In April, voters rejected an operational referendum by a vote of 2,031 to 1,603. The measure would have allowed the district to exceed the state revenue limit by $3.15 million annually for three years. District officials said the additional funding would support day-to-day operations and address emerging needs, including maintaining programs and services.

A month later, more than a dozen positions were cut, including one elementary school teacher, two middle school teachers and five high school teachers. A pay freeze was instituted for all employees, three sports programs were eliminated, co-curricular assignment pay and travel were cut, and computer and student device replacements were delayed.

The sports programs were later reinstated with support from the Southern Door Booster Club.

The cuts totaled approximately $1.78 million, but the district said it is still facing a $1.67 million budget deficit.

"Like many school districts across Wisconsin, we are facing financial challenges that require us to carefully evaluate how we can continue providing the high-quality educational opportunities our students deserve," Superintendent Dr. Kevin Krutzik said. "The board's decision to explore an operational referendum for November is an important step in that process. We are committed to engaging our staff, families and community members as we evaluate our options."

By reducing the specific categories a new operational referendum would address, the district expects the amount requested would be less than the $3.15 million sought in April.

The Sturgeon Bay School District is also exploring a possible operational referendum this fall.

Both districts will participate in a Joint Review Board meeting with Sturgeon Bay officials next week as they explore potentially expanding tax increment districts in the city, which could further affect the schools' finances.

Decisions on both districts' referendum questions will be discussed at upcoming school board meetings.

The proposal of a 12th Tax Increment District earlier this week did not come without a fight.

Residents attended the meeting to voice concerns not only about creating one TID to jump-start new housing developments along Division Road and amending three others, but also about recent changes made to Sawyer Park Flats.

Residents told WGBA-TV they fear the TIDs are diverting too much funding that should be going to local schools. School districts receive only the base tax value from properties within a TID for the life of the district, which is typically 20 years.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said it is a balancing act for communities like Sturgeon Bay, which is negatively affected by the current school funding formula. While he acknowledged the TIDs will prevent some money from going to the Sturgeon Bay and Southern Door school districts, he said he hopes the growth they promote will bring more families to the area, resulting in higher student enrollment.

A Joint Review Board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13 to discuss the TIDs with the school districts. The districts grew by more than 120 acres after Tuesday's Common Council meeting, including the 77 acres included in the proposed TID No. 12.

After a busy week of water rescue missions, including one that ended tragically, you can't blame the Door County Sheriff's Office for being extra cautious when it comes to finding an empty kayak.

The department recovered a red kayak Thursday morning floating in Green Bay about three miles north of Dyckesville after the U.S. Coast Guard, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and local fire departments also responded. A few hours later, the kayak had been returned to its rightful owner after it had floated away. 

Door County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser reminds watercraft owners to properly label their vessels so they can be contacted if the craft is found adrift or washes ashore without them.

You can label your vessels and other marine equipment with a permanent marker or use a free, weatherproof watercraft decal from the Coast Guard Foundation or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

Making the area a safer place to live and the Sheriff's Office a better place to work are among the goals the four candidates for Door County sheriff have outlined ahead of Tuesday's primary and the Nov. 3 general election.

Curt Vandertie and Carl Waterstreet will face each other in the Republican primary, while Tammy Sternard will run unopposed in the Democratic primary. Randy Wagner will not appear on the primary ballot but will be on the ballot for the general election.

Vandertie said he would like the department to be more engaged with the community, starting with his Community Connect program. He said the initiative would take a proactive approach to law enforcement by hosting educational events to keep residents informed.

Waterstreet said he would like to restore a sense of pride within the department by allowing employees to take part in the decision-making process and by providing support for their families.

Wagner said he would like to see more money invested in the department while ensuring all employees receive the training they need and want to be successful.

Sternard said she wants to expand programs that protect the county's aging population while helping foster the next generation of leaders within the department.

You can watch and listen to the full interviews with the candidates by clicking on the links.

Local municipalities have also been reminding voters that this is a partisan primary, meaning they must select a single political party and vote only for candidates from that party when casting their ballots.

Early in-person voting ends Friday.

Just because summer is winding down doesn't mean road construction season in Door County is wrapping up.

The Door County Highway Department announced this week that its latest project on County DK will begin Aug. 17. The project, which stretches from Cemetery Road to Junction Road, will begin with cutting driveways and intersections and pulverizing the existing road surface.

Paving is expected to begin Aug. 24, followed by shouldering and striping. The road will remain open to traffic throughout the project, although paving operations may require temporary closures with flaggers directing traffic.

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by Sept. 10.

After a busy stretch for emergency personnel on the water, the U.S. Coast Guard is reminding boaters to wear a life jacket and prepare for the unexpected.

On Monday, 20-year-olds David Thalman of Dundee, Illinois, and Franceska Warick of South Elgin, Illinois, were recovered after they went missing while kayaking without life jackets following an exhaustive search by several local, state and federal agencies.

Later Monday evening, two paddleboarders near Little Sister Bay also needed assistance from multiple agencies after they floated too far from Pebble Beach without life jackets.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, all vessels must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan Public Affairs Officer Joe Neff says a properly fitted life jacket should be treated like a seat belt in your car.

Neff also advises boaters to check the weather, carry a fully charged cellphone, and let friends and family know where they are going and when they expect to return.

If your future dreams involve a fire station, Algoma City Administrator Matt Murphy wants to hear from you.

With the Algoma Fire Department's move from its downtown station to the nearby industrial park just weeks away, the City of Algoma recently issued a request for proposals, or RFP, for its former fire station, which served the community for decades.

Restaurants, breweries, offices, retail storefronts or a mixed-use development with residential space upstairs have all been floated as preferred uses for the building. Murphy says it was important to him and the City Council not to focus solely on selling the building to the highest bidder, but also on its future as a community asset. He believes it has a future as a commercial property.

The deadline to submit a proposal is Oct. 1. Murphy adds that the city has already received interest in the building, which carries a minimum bid of $150,000. He hopes the sale can be completed before the end of the year.

With farmers' crops progressing with every passing day, the UW Extension office has set dates for upcoming corn dry-down events in Luxemburg and Sturgeon Bay.

The events serve as a first look for farmers to see if their corn crop is ready to be harvested for silage, which typically needs to have a moisture content between 60% and 70%, depending on how it will be stored. By comparison, corn harvested for grain usually has a moisture content between 13% and 25%, depending on storage methods.

While marking your calendars for Sept. 9 at Rio Creek Feed Mill in Luxemburg and Sept. 15 at Door County Cooperative is good for planning, farmers have plenty of time before they need to collect samples.

According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, corn silking is 72% complete, which is on par with the five-year average. Sixteen percent of the corn crop has reached the dough stage, when the milky fluid inside the kernels begins to thicken before the kernels dent and reach maturity.

UW Extension Regional Dairy Educator Aerica Bjurstrom says many of the farmers she meets with say their corn is on the right track thanks to timely rains and, if they were lucky, withstood severe weather events such as high winds and hail.

Soybean blooming is 86% complete, and oat coloring has reached 93%, with both crops still trending ahead of the five-year average, while the winter wheat harvest remains on pace with the average. Farmers across the state had 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork, with parts of eastern Wisconsin, including Door and Kewaunee counties, receiving some relief from the warm, dry conditions.

A 75-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman died Monday after she was struck while crossing the street in downtown Sturgeon Bay.

The crash occurred shortly after 11 a.m. at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Michigan Street.

According to a news release from the Sturgeon Bay Police Department, a 73-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman told officers she was waiting to turn left onto Michigan Street from 3rd Avenue while a group of pedestrians crossed another part of the intersection. After the pedestrians cleared, she began her turn without seeing the 75-year-old woman, who was crossing from west to east in the south crosswalk. The vehicle struck the pedestrian.

When emergency crews arrived, they found the woman lying in the intersection. She was taken to Door County Medical Center before being transferred to a Green Bay hospital, where she later died.

No additional details were released. The Sturgeon Bay Police Department extended its condolences to the victim's family.

As summer begins its descent into fall, the Door County YMCA is ready for the excitement the changing seasons bring.

In the latest episode of the Y-Wednesday Podcast, Steve and Jackie Kane Center Executive Director Holly Butenhoff shares details about the programming and hours that come with the fall season. Registration opens to members Aug. 17 and to community members Aug. 19 ahead of the start of the Fall 1 session on Aug. 31.

Along with new programs come new hours, which are extended during the fall and winter months. Butenhoff also highlighted the YMCA's upcoming blood drive this Friday and its golf outing next month at Maxwelton Braes Golf Course in Baileys Harbor.

You can listen to the full interview at this link.

A 41-year-old Brussels man was cited for inattentive driving following a two-vehicle crash in the Town of Union on July 30.

The crash occurred at 4:50 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 57 and Tru Way Road.

According to the Door County Sheriff's Office, the Brussels man was towing a trailer and attempting to cross State Highway 57 while traveling north to continue on Tru Way Road. He crossed the northbound lanes and stopped in the median. Meanwhile, a 58-year-old Grand Chute man was driving south on State Highway 57. As the Brussels man attempted to cross the southbound lanes, the Grand Chute man was unable to stop in time and struck the Brussels man's vehicle and trailer.

The Grand Chute man injured his hand in the crash. He was treated at the scene and did not require hospitalization.

The Brussels man received his citation after failing to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic after stopping in the median, as required by law.

The highway's southbound lanes were closed for about an hour while the Brussels man's trailer was removed and crews cleared the scene. The lanes reopened just before 6 p.m.

After a rash of incidents over the past few days, the Door County Sheriff’s Department is reminding visitors that the area’s waters are beautiful but can be extremely unpredictable.

Within 24 hours of recovering the bodies of two kayakers from Illinois, the department, along with other agencies including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to two other incidents involving people being rescued without life jackets.

On Monday at around 9 p.m., two paddleboarders near Little Sister Bay needed to be rescued after they floated too far from Pebble Beach without life jackets.

On Tuesday at around 12:20 p.m., multiple people had to be rescued near Whitefish Dunes State Park after they were caught in a rip current hundreds of yards from shore.

Everyone returned to shore safely, but the Door County Sheriff’s Department used the incidents as a teaching moment.

"Wisconsin law requires that every boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard and other floating vessel have a properly sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available for each person on board," the department said in a statement. "We strongly encourage everyone to wear their life jacket whenever they are on the water, as it can make the difference between life and death. Swimmers, especially those unfamiliar with the area, should also consider using a flotation device and never swim alone. Before heading out, always check the weather and water conditions, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, and be prepared to change your plans if conditions deteriorate. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent tragedies and save lives."

Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties are under a small craft advisory and a beach hazards statement until 10 p.m. Tuesday because of high waves and dangerous currents.

The National Weather Service says several beaches are especially susceptible to dangerous swimming conditions, including Rock Island State Beach, Baileys Harbor beaches and Whitefish Dunes Beach in Door County; Crescent Beach and the City of Kewaunee Beach in Kewaunee County; and Point Beach, Neshotah Beach and Red Arrow Beach in Manitowoc County.

United Way of Door County is asking for the community's help to address local housing needs as it launches a $30,000 emergency housing assistance campaign.

The request comes as the rising cost of housing and other basic necessities has left the area's ALICE population — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — with little financial flexibility to cover unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies and vehicle repairs.

The funds raised will be divided among three local organizations that provide critical assistance to individuals and families experiencing housing instability: The Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul–St. Joseph Conference and HELP of Door County.

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle says all three organizations have seen requests for assistance increase while exhausting their available funding. While the United Way of Door County does not usually address emergency housing with its own fundraising efforts, Kohnle says the need is there. 

United Way of Door County hopes to raise the $30,000 by Aug. 24. Donations can be made online or by mailing a check with "Emergency Housing" in the memo line to support the effort.

The Sturgeon Bay Maritime Week festivities continued Monday night with the Door County Mariner Honors Dinner. Co-hosted by the Door County Maritime Museum and the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club, the event honored Lt. j.g. Aaron Person of Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay as the Coast Guard Person of the Year. Stewart Fett received the Mariner Award, while Amos Lovejoy and Steve McNeil were each honored with a Posthumous Mariner Award.

Person was recognized not only for navigating an extended ice season on the water, but also for leading through a year of significant transition ashore. He led a crew of more than 30 new personnel through an icebreaking season that lasted more than 80 days.

Former Sturgeon Bay Common Council Alderman Stewart Fett was honored for his career at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, where he worked his way up through the electrical department from foreman and general superintendent to production manager before retiring. He is credited with leading a technological revolution at Bay Shipbuilding, helping vessels transition from gauges and switches to computerized systems.

Former Sturgeon Bay City Administrator Steve McNeil was recognized for his role in creating the Sturgeon Bay Coast Guard Committee and helping the city earn designation as an official U.S. Coast Guard City, one of the smallest communities in the nation to receive that recognition. In acknowledgment of the city's connection to the U.S. Coast Guard, McNeil also led the effort to establish Sturgeon Bay Maritime Week.

Lovejoy was honored as one of the peninsula's earliest settlers, working his way north from the Sevastopol area toward Washington Island. He is also credited with constructing the first vessel in Sturgeon Bay.

Maritime Week celebrations continue this week with the Salute to the Coast Guard Golf Outing, a special military-themed Concert in the Park and the U.S. Coast Guard Picnic.

Picture courtesy of Door County Maritime Museum

A 69-year-old Sturgeon Bay man was taken to a Green Bay hospital after colliding with a deer while riding his motorcycle in the Town of Gardner Saturday.

The crash occurred at 4:45 p.m. as the man was traveling west on County K near Hilly Ridge Road.

According to the accident report, the man told the deputy he was traveling about 20 mph on his motorcycle when a deer suddenly crossed in front of him, giving him no opportunity to stop in time.

The crash closed one lane of traffic for about an hour while the man was treated and the motorcycle was removed. The roadway reopened just before 6 p.m.

For $15.5 million, you can take your turn owning a piece of bayfront Egg Harbor history.

The Alpine Resort has been put on the market after years of public scrutiny over Sagorac Enterprises' proposed redevelopment plans for the site, which included the demolition of the historic lodge building.

"This historic and cherished Egg Harbor resort and iconic wedding venue drew generations of guests for a century of lodge stays and waterfront getaways," reads the listing by Erika Skogg of Christie's International Real Estate. "A rare half-mile of Green Bay shoreline in the heart of Door County. Restore and operate the resort once again to welcome guests, an outcome with deep sentimental and nostalgic interest; or reimagine it with a combination of private waterfront home sites."

In addition to the shoreline access, the property also includes more than 29,000 square feet of living space on an 8.71-acre lot. It does not include the nearby golf course or restaurant.

The listing comes about two months after a legal battle over the site ended in June, when a group of taxpayers hoping to block the demolition of the lodge and three other buildings dismissed their request for judicial review of the village's approval of the raze permit.

The decision came nearly two months after Sagorac Enterprises issued a news release formally evicting Alpine Resort operator Randy Abrahams and his affiliated entities over alleged lease violations and unpaid rent. The Alpine Resort said it had terminated its ongoing negotiations with Sagorac Enterprises and had no knowledge of the issue until its access was blocked. The resort added that it had been negotiating the lease and repurchase of the waterfront parcels and blamed recent delays on sudden changes to the agreement.

Abrahams sold the property to Sagorac Enterprises in 2025 for $6.75 million.

Two kayakers who went missing Saturday near Washington Island were recovered from the water Monday, ending a nearly 40-hour search.

Washington Island Police, Fire and Ambulance was called to the area at approximately 6:50 p.m. Saturday. Emergency personnel were told that the two missing kayakers, 20-year-olds David Thalman of Dundee, Illinois, and Franceska Warick of South Elgin, Illinois, went out without life jackets.

Washington Island emergency personnel conducted their own search operations until nearly 10 p.m. The U.S. Coast Guard took over from there, conducting search operations until 2:30 a.m. Sunday. The Coast Guard resumed the search at 7:30 a.m. and stopped at 10:45 a.m.

Search operations continued with the assistance of the Washington Island Fire Department, Egg Harbor Fire Department, Ephraim Fire Department, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department, Gibraltar K-9 Search Team and Jacksonport Fire Department, along with the Gibraltar Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Door County Sheriff's Office and Door County Emergency Management.

Just before 11 a.m. Monday, Thalman's body was pulled from the water, followed by Warick's.

The incident remains under investigation by the Door County Sheriff's Office, which extended its condolences to the victims' families.

The installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box and the creation of a new tax increment district highlight Tuesday's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting.

The city became the eighth Wisconsin community to approve the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box in June. The climate-controlled boxes allow parents to safely and anonymously surrender newborns younger than 3 days old without risking arrest. With support from Door County Medical Center and the Knights of Columbus, the future Safe Haven Baby Box will be located at the city's west-side fire station.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the Knights of Columbus will provide funding for the box, while Door County Medical Center will be responsible for its annual maintenance. The city is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and approvals before it is installed at the west-side fire station. It will also install a silent alarm and 911 connection through the Door County Communications Center. When the project was approved, Mayor David Ward said he believes the box is a worthwhile investment to help protect Sturgeon Bay's youngest residents.

Also on the agenda is the creation of TID No. 12, which will help fund the infrastructure improvements necessary to build a new housing development along Division Road. The council has been working on a new 55-lot subdivision featuring a mix of single-family homes and duplexes, along with a condominium development featuring 34 storage units with optional living space on a portion of the property.

As part of the discussion, the council will also consider amendments to TIDs 7, 9 and 10 to expand those districts and facilitate future residential and commercial development.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will also celebrate the Door County Jazz Festival and Maritime Week, create a street closure application and fee, and discuss the final plat for the Division Road subdivision when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Sturgeon Bay City Hall.

If you are attending Packers Family Night this year, you can help Sturgeon Bay native Zane Statz participate in one of the time-honored traditions along Lombardi Avenue.

For decades, select fences facing Lambeau Field have been painted with slogans and images celebrating the Packers, their players and their coaches. Statz has participated in the tradition since 2015 near the corner of Lombardi Avenue and Ridge Road. For the past three years, he has created a "community fence," where he stencils the design weeks in advance before inviting hundreds of people to help paint it.

Traditionally done before the first home game of the regular season, the league's schedule makers threw a wrench into those plans when they scheduled that game for a Thursday in late September. Statz believes holding the painting event on the same day as Family Night is a great fit, and he is excited to see what the turnout will be like.

This year, Statz is incorporating two sponsors into the mural, which will highlight tailgating and game-day culture through 34 different illustrations. You can lend Statz a hand Friday from noon to 6 p.m. ahead of Family Night. Click the link below to see photos from past years.

The "dog days of summer" mean something completely different at Wisconsin Humane Society campuses across the state, including those in Green Bay and Door County.

According to Wisconsin Humane Society Media Specialist Corey Viars, more than 1,300 animals are available for adoption through its facilities thanks to increased intake during the summer months. Schedule and travel changes, peak puppy and kitten season, and an influx of lost pets are all factors driving animal shelters across the country to take in more animals.

With more animals to care for, Viars says that also increases expenses for medical care, food and other necessities.

If you cannot adopt or foster an animal, there are other ways you can show your support. The Wisconsin Humane Society's Door County Campus will host its annual Pet Walk on Saturday, Aug. 8, with events beginning at 9 a.m. at the Door County YMCA's Peterson Park. You can register here.

You can also donate directly to the Wisconsin Humane Society. Thanks to a group of donors, all funds raised during August will be tripled.

As Birch Creek Music Performance Center kicks off its final week of Summer Academy performances, it will pay tribute to one of its own on Thursday.

The concert will honor the life of longtime Jazz II faculty member Rick Haydon, who died in January. When he was not mentoring young musicians at Birch Creek Music Performance Center, he was doing the same south of the border as a professor emeritus of music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His obituary stated that "music was not only his profession, but his lifelong language of expression."

Executive Director Jenna Ferdon hopes Thursday's concert honors Haydon's Birch Creek legacy.

Tickets are still available for Thursday's performance, as well as the concerts scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

You can listen to our full interview with Jenna Ferdon here

Much like their colleagues in Kewaunee County, the challenge of recruiting and retaining high-quality employees is one of the issues the four candidates running for Door County sheriff would like to tackle if elected in November.

Republican candidates Curt Vandertie and Carl Waterstreet, Democratic candidate and incumbent Sheriff Tammy Sternard, and independent candidate Randy Wagner all mentioned staffing as one of the biggest challenges facing the Door County Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement agencies. Waterstreet paired that challenge with the budget, adding that the department has to be creative to fill roles without increasing the burden on taxpayers.

Vandertie says one of the strongest foundations of any organization is its people, adding that improving the culture within the department can help attract new recruits.

Sternard recognizes the challenges she has faced hiring new deputies and jail staff, saying the department needs to become more aware of what is happening and determine what it needs to do differently.

Wagner says promoting a culture of personal growth could be key to retaining more staff and attracting new hires.

Vandertie and Waterstreet will face each other in the Aug. 11 Republican primary, while Sternard will be unopposed in the Democratic primary. The winners will join Wagner on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election.

You can listen to all four candidate interviews on our podcast page and watch their candidate forum with the League of Women Voters of Door County below.

You can play a bigger role in helping pet owners find their furry best friends when they go missing.

The Door County Scottie Rally announced Wednesday that its lost pet microchip scanning station is now open for use in Baileys Harbor. A first of its kind in northeast Wisconsin, the station is located on the north side of the Town Hall building near the fire station, where people can use it 24/7 to help connect lost pets with their owners.

Door County Scottie Rally President Michele Geiger-Bronsky says she read about a similar station being installed elsewhere in the country and felt it would be a good fit for an area that sees its fair share of dogs and other pets that either call Door County home or come along with their owners on vacation.

The sign attached to the station has step-by-step instructions on how to scan a pet, along with additional resources and information to help Good Samaritans reunite pet owners with their animals.

The station is just a small part of the philanthropy shown by the Door County Scottie Rally, which attracts dozens of dogs from around the country to Baileys Harbor for its annual spring event. Since 2001, the organization has donated more than $648,000 to Scottish Terrier health research and Scottie rescue while also supporting other pet-related causes in Door County.

Picture courtesy of Door County Scottie Rally

For the second time in three years, you will be able to enjoy the music of Johnny Cash with bayside views at Peninsula Players Theatre in Fish Creek.

Starring Aja Alcazar, Joe Casey, Trevor Lindley Craft, James David Larson and Paul Wyatt, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash uses more than two dozen of Cash's songs to bring the spirit of the Man in Black to the stage.

In 2024, it was the Broadway hit Million Dollar Quartet that brought the story of Cash to the stage as part of an ensemble featuring Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. Speaking before the season, Artistic Director Linda Fortunato said it was exciting to highlight Cash's song catalog once again.

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash runs Tuesdays through Saturdays through Aug. 16.

Plants shape the character of Door County. From white cedars clinging to the Niagara Escarpment and sugar maples shading forest trails to native wildflowers brightening meadows and wetlands, plants provide food, shelter, beauty, and the foundation for every ecosystem. This week’s Summer at Crossroads theme, Plants, invites visitors to discover the remarkable lives of plants and the important role native species have played in Door County’s natural history.

The week begins with a Tale. At 2 pm on Monday, August 10, enjoy “Plants Can’t Sit Still,” written by Rebecca E. Hirsch and illustrated by Mia Posada read aloud. This engaging story reveals the surprising ways plants move, from sunflowers tracking the sun to seeds traveling on the wind, water, and wildlife. Through colorful illustrations and fascinating examples, readers will discover that plants are far more active than they might appear. For those unable to attend Story Time, the book will also be featured on our Trail Tales storybook walk all week long beginning at the West Trailhead.

At 1 pm on Tuesday, August 11, Journeys with Joan will explore Finding Fossils. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants in discovering how ancient plants and animals from a long-vanished sea became the fossils we find throughout Door County today. As participants learn about life hundreds of millions of years ago, they will gain a deeper appreciation for the historic landscapes that came before.

On Wednesday, August 12, at 1:30 pm, participants in Wandering Wednesday will join a naturalist-led hike focused on the plants that make Crossroads unique. August is an excellent time to observe native wildflowers, woodland plants, and wetland vegetation. Along the trail, hikers may encounter species such as goldenrod, asters, jewelweed, and native grasses while learning how these plants support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Participants will also explore how Door County’s soils, geology, and proximity to both Green Bay and Lake Michigan create conditions that support a rich diversity of plant life.

The week concludes with a special Thursday Talk at 2 pm on August 13. Dina Boettcher and Ruth Wasson of the Door County Master Gardeners Association will present Heritage Garden, a guided tour and discussion of the Heritage Garden at Heritage Village at Big Creek. Participants will discover how plants were traditionally grown and used by early Door County settlers for food, medicine, and household purposes. The program will highlight heritage plant varieties, period-inspired garden design, and the practical ways families worked with the land and seasons to sustain themselves. Through storytelling, gardening knowledge, and hands-on observation, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for how plants connect history, culture, and sustainability.

Throughout the week—and all summer long—visitors can also enjoy Tinkers, our self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Guests can investigate seeds, leaves, flowers, and plant adaptations while exploring the many ways plants grow, reproduce, and interact with the world around them.

Plants may seem rooted in place, but they are dynamic and essential members of every ecosystem. They capture sunlight, produce oxygen, stabilize soil, provide habitat, and nourish countless forms of life. In Door County, native plants help define the peninsula’s distinctive landscapes, from shoreline bluffs and cedar forests to wetlands and prairies. By learning more about the plants that surround us, we gain a deeper understanding of the natural communities that make Door County such a special place.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can offer free programming for all ages, and our trails are open all day, every day, free of charge.

Monday, August 10

2:00 pm Tale: “Plants Can’t Sit Still”

Join us as our weekly story, Plants Can’t Sit Still written by Rebecca E. Hirsch and illustrated by Mia Posada, is read aloud.

You might be surprised by all ways plants can move. Plants might not pick up their roots and walk away, but they don’t sit still! Discover the many ways plants (and their seeds) move. Whether it’s a sunflower, a Venus flytrap, or an exotic plant like an exploding cucumber, this fascinating picture book shows just how excitingly active plants really are. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. 

Tuesday, August 11

1:00 pm Journeys with Joan – Finding Fossils

Join our naturalist, Joan Wilkie, for free family-oriented activities exploring nature!

Discover how plants and animals from an ancient sea transformed into the fossils we find at Crossroads. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free thanks to donors like you! Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. 

Wednesday, August 12

1:30 pm Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. Well-behaved dogs allowed on leash. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

Thursday, August 13

2:00 pm Talk: Heritage Garden

Step back in time and discover how gardens once shaped daily life in Door County! Join Dina Boettcher and Ruth Wasson of the Door County Master Gardeners Association for a guided tour and discussion of the Heritage Garden at Heritage Village at Big Creek, part of the Door County Historical Foundation.

This special program will explore how plants were traditionally grown and used for food, medicine, and household purposes, offering insight into the practical and cultural importance of historic gardening practices. Dina and Ruth will highlight heritage plant varieties, period?inspired garden design, and the ways early settlers worked in harmony with the land and seasons.

Through storytelling, plant knowledge, and hands?on observation, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for how gardens connect history, culture, and sustainability. Whether you’re interested in gardening, local history, or both, this program brings the past to life through the plants that sustained it.

Join us for a stroll through history and discover how heritage gardens preserve stories, skills, and seeds for future generations. Meet at Heritage Garden at Heritage Village (across from the Collins Learning Center), 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

Birch Creek Music Performance Center is not the only place in Door County where you will be able to tap your toes to jazz music next week.

The Door County Jazz Festival returns for its second year, kicking off with a documentary screening Sunday before six straight days of free concerts across the peninsula, including gigs in Ephraim, Fish Creek, Sister Bay, Baileys Harbor and Sturgeon Bay.

This year, the festival is celebrating the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Tony Bennett, with musicians including the Aaron Hedenstrom Quintet, The Harmon Brothers, Aubrey Johnson, Alyssa Allgood and Paul Marinaro helping to fill the bill.

Bringing a jazz festival to Door County has been a dream come true for organizer Staci Griesbach, who hopes the event and its accompanying Door County Jazz Foundation continue to grow.

The shows are free to attend, but the Door County Jazz Foundation will take up a special collection to support United Way Fox Cities as it assists the community following Monday's tornado in Appleton and Menasha.

You can learn more about the Door County Jazz Festival on our podcast page.

I just returned from my annual training exercise with the Wisconsin National Guard. The ability to serve my country and state at this point in my life remains one of my greatest honors, as well as one of my greatest challenges. I am privileged to serve among some of the finest men and women, and I hope they learn as much from me as I do from them.

One of the activities we engaged in during our time was land navigation. This is one of my favorite basic warrior tasks because it has not changed a great deal over time, regardless of advances in technology. While so many of us automatically revert to our smartphones and the navigation programs they provide, our military training takes us back to the basics with a compass, map, and protractor. We also work as a team, with one person focused on the compass and another focused on the distance. For any of you who know me or have read any of my articles, you know by now that I am about to turn this into an exercise in life lessons, so here we go.

The first step in any navigation is knowing where you are, or as we call it, acclimation. This may be easy when holding a map, but it can get a little tricky when we are navigating life, especially in the early part of our journey. This process of personal "acclimation" is one of soul-searching to know who we have been, who we are, and who we hope to be. Once we answer these foundational questions, we can then determine our direction of travel. In land navigation, we base this direction on what is called "magnetic north." In life's journey, we need to base it on our "moral north."

Each of us has our own moral north. It is built upon our foundational beliefs, values, traditions, and virtues. Every step we take and every decision we make must first be aligned with that moral north. If not, we will undoubtedly go off course and languish in a reality that may have presented itself as the easier path but ultimately did not align with our moral north. Just as in land navigation, once you are off course, your probability of success quickly diminishes. Although you may strike out on a direction that is a certain number of degrees off magnetic north, that new direction is still based on the foundation of the original bearing. The same is true in life and in our need to maintain an adherence to—and relationship with—our own moral north, regardless of the many easy paths that tempt us along the journey.

The second component of land navigation is the need for a pacer. This person establishes a pace count per 100 meters, which allows you to determine how far you have traveled and how much farther you must go on your journey. This is important because not knowing runs the risk of either overshooting your destination or coming up short. Either way, you miss your target. In life, we would call this goal-setting. We need to set our goals at a level that is both challenging and reasonable. If we set our goals too close, no real gain is made. However, if we set our goals too far in the distance, we risk making them unattainable.

At each point on the map, we pause and set our compass for the next leg of the journey. It is at this time that we verify we are, in fact, still on course because, if we are not, every step moving forward will also be off course. In life, we must do the same. We must pause and take stock of our journey thus far, making sure that we have not compromised our moral north and that we are, in fact, still "on course" in life's journey.

There are so many temptations in life that cause us either to violate our moral north or, in some cases, to drift just a few degrees from our intended direction. In both cases, we must have the discipline to first know our moral north, then chart a path in accordance with it, and finally resist straying from it. Each is a deliberate and conscious decision.

For those of you just getting started on this amazing journey of life, I offer the following advice: Know who you are and what you stand for, and don't violate your moral north for anyone or anything. And finally, when given the choice, follow the path less traveled.