Nearly one-third of Door County households are struggling to make ends meet, according to recent data released by United for ALICE and the United Way of Door County.

Of the county's households, 31% fell below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, including 9% living below the federal poverty line.

Door County is faring better than the state average, with 22% of households classified as ALICE compared with 24% statewide, and 9% living in poverty compared with 11% statewide.

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle said that while the percentages declined slightly from a year ago, there has been little real improvement in the actual number of households living in poverty or below the ALICE threshold. She said people struggling with student loans, credit card debt, and high mortgage and vehicle payments are often the most vulnerable when it comes to meeting household survival and stability budgets.

Kohnle added that an organization's ability to positively impact the ALICE population is a major factor when community grant funding is awarded.

One program intended to support the ALICE population is Thriving in Door County, a free, confidential initiative designed to help individuals build financial stability through personalized, self-paced training. Kohnle said the program is still being developed and is expected to launch in the near future.

Motorists will have to avoid downtown Ephraim until approximately 5 p.m. Monday because of an accident.

Ephraim Fire Chief Justin MacDonald alerted the community at about 12:30 p.m. that the crash had closed Highway 42 (Water Street) near Brodd Lane.

MacDonald says that it was a single-vehicle accident that required the driver to be taken to the hospital for addition treatment after he took out two utility poles, one of which is owned by Wisconsin Public Service.

While WPS crews replace the pole, Highway 42 will remain closed from Meadow Lane to Coral Hill Road until approximately 5 p.m. MacDonald kept open the possibility that the road may have to close again if the other utility pole needs to be replaced, but did not have a timeline as to when that might occur. The detour uses Meadow Lane and Coral Hill Road  two local roads to get around the closure.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Americans are finding ways to put hamburgers and steaks on the grill despite higher prices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a pound of ground beef is about $6.75, up about 13% from a year ago. While inflation is partly to blame, National Public Radio reported in May that the U.S. cattle herd is at a 75-year low, due in part to drought, increased industry consolidation and international competition. However, demand for beef and other cuts of meat continues to remain high as the summer cookout season reaches its peak.

Stodola's IGA Meat Manager Mike Mauer says while meat prices may be be high, they have remained relatively steady. He adds that shopping sale prices can help people enjoy some of their favorite cuts of meat without putting additional strain on their budgets.

 

 

 

 

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While some products are expected to increase in price, the USDA says others, including eggs and farm-level fruit prices, could decline this year compared with last year.

A water emergency in the Town of Sevastopol remains under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources after a swimmer died Sunday.

Emergency personnel from Sevastopol Emergency Medical Responders, the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department, Door County Emergency Services, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Door County Sheriff's Office responded to George Pinney County Park shortly before 3 p.m. after an unconscious swimmer was pulled from the water.

According to the Door County Sheriff's Office, a group of friends was swimming near their boat when one of the swimmers called out for someone to throw them a life buoy. Another person on the boat entered the water and was able to bring the unconscious swimmer back to shore, where CPR was performed.

The individual was taken to Door County Medical Center but was pronounced dead at the hospital. No additional information has been released.

A 65-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman was injured and cited following a two-vehicle crash in Ephraim on Friday morning.

The crash occurred just after 7:45 a.m. on State Highway 42 near Meadow Lane. According to the crash report, the Sturgeon Bay woman was traveling behind a pickup truck driven by a 46-year-old Baileys Harbor woman.

The Baileys Harbor woman told deputies the Sturgeon Bay woman had been following her too closely as they drove through downtown Ephraim. When the Sturgeon Bay woman allegedly attempted to pass in a no-passing zone, the Baileys Harbor woman brake-checked, and the Sturgeon Bay woman's vehicle struck the rear of the pickup.

The Sturgeon Bay woman admitted she had been following too closely because she believed the pickup was traveling below the speed limit. She also told deputies she was not wearing a seat belt and struck her head on the steering wheel during the crash.

She was transported to Door County Medical Center for treatment and was cited for failing to wear a seat belt. The Baileys Harbor woman was not cited in connection with the crash.

Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, take proper precautions when working outdoors, stay out of the sun and check on your neighbors over the next 48 hours.

That is the advice from the National Weather Service after it issued a heat advisory for much of Wisconsin from 11 a.m. Monday through 9 p.m. Tuesday.

High temperatures could reach at least 95 degrees both Monday and Tuesday, with the heat index climbing above 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures will remain in the mid-70s, which could be uncomfortable for people without air conditioning.

The high on Wednesday could still reach 90 degrees before temperatures retreat into the upper 80s on Thursday and Friday.

During last week's stretch of extreme heat, officials in Door and Kewaunee counties opened cooling shelters for those in need. You can find more heat safety resources below.

How to cool off your home (and your wallet) during extreme heat

Staying safe when out in the heat

The three candidates running for Kewaunee County sheriff know that while improvements are being made to the current Kewaunee County Jail, questions about its long-term future remain.

What began several years ago as an ambitious plan to replace the state's oldest and smallest jail has instead turned into roof repairs and other improvements to address immediate concerns raised by the state jail inspector. In September 2024, Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski acknowledged that staffing challenges played a role in shelving the replacement plan, but also suggested the county cannot continue relying on other counties to house its inmates.

"The deficiencies of our current facility go well beyond cosmetics," Joski wrote. "Our current facility's mere design and configuration have been and continue to be the greatest source of concern and risk."

In interviews with the Republican Party of Kewaunee County, candidates Eric Zellner, Scott Szydel and Kevin Schmidt acknowledged the current repairs are only temporary.

Zellner expects the issue will need to be addressed within three to four years, after some of the county's other major projects are completed. He believes it is not ideal to house inmates in neighboring county jails because housing rates can change and end up costing the county more than budgeted.

Szydel expressed a similar concern about the unpredictability of inmate housing costs. If building a new jail is not feasible, he said he would like to explore what it would take to bring the current facility up to code.

Drawing on his construction experience, Schmidt said it is important to begin addressing the issue now to help control future construction costs. Until the county can increase its jail capacity, Schmidt said it has little choice but to house inmates in other county jails.

Zellner, Szydel and Schmidt will face off in the Republican primary on Aug. 11. With no Democratic candidate in the race, the Republican nominee is expected to run unopposed in the November general election.

You can listen to the candidates' full interviews by clicking this link or watch them here.

After holding out hope that lawmakers in Madison could reach an agreement on the future of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, Door County Land Trust Executive Director Emily Wood is now looking for ways to move forward without it.

Democrats and Republicans adjourned without reaching a deal to reauthorize the program, allowing it to expire June 30.

About 93% of Wisconsinites support the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program as a way to protect some of the state's most valuable and vulnerable lands, making it one of the few conservation programs to receive broad bipartisan support. The disagreement centered on how the program should continue.

According to Wisconsin Watch, lawmakers considered several proposals to preserve the program, including a compromise that would have provided about $28 million annually through 2030. The proposal would have shifted the program's focus toward maintaining existing public lands rather than acquiring new ones. It also would have required full legislative approval for any Department of Natural Resources land purchase of $1 million or more using stewardship funding.

Wood said the land trust has been working to identify other funding sources, including grants and private donations, to continue its conservation efforts.

While Democrats and Republicans have blamed each other for allowing the program to expire, the Door County Land Trust's work continues. The organization is working to secure a 338-acre parcel near the Gardner Swamp Wildlife Area in Little Sturgeon. Wood says the land trust has been pursuing the property for years because of its ecological importance. She says the organization is knocking on doors to raise the remaining $750,000 needed to complete the purchase, including a $25,000 matching challenge from the Thriving Earth Fund and the Wong family.

For 65 years, Door County visitors and residents have been able to support the growing needs of Door County Medical Center with a simple tour.

Tickets went on sale July 1 for the Door County Medical Center Auxiliary's House and Garden Walk on July 28. The event will take attendees on a journey from Sturgeon Bay to Sister Bay, featuring eight unique homes, gardens and historic sites, including The Garden Door in Sturgeon Bay and Boynton Chapel and Grounds in Baileys Harbor.

The annual event has raised money for a variety of needs at Door County Medical Center, including its assisted living center and expanding behavioral health program. DCMC Auxiliary volunteer Diana Kiederlen says the event's 65-year legacy is only possible because of the community support it has received.

Kiederlen says this year's event will help the DCMC Auxiliary complete its $250,000 fundraising campaign for the hospital's behavioral health program. The funding has helped the hospital hire new staff and provide professional behavioral health services in area schools.

You can click on this link for more information about this year's walk and to purchase tickets.

Door County is home to an amazing variety of animals, from butterflies drifting through summer meadows to mammals hidden in forests and wetlands. This week's Summer at Crossroads theme, Animals, invites visitors to explore the creatures that share our peninsula and discover the remarkable ways they survive, thrive and connect to the natural world around us.

The week begins with a Tale. At 2 p.m. Monday, July 20, Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read The Busy Tree, written by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Lisa Falkenstern. Through vibrant oil paintings and rhythmic text, the story reveals the countless animals that depend on a single tree. Chipmunks nibble acorns, ants scurry along bark, spiders spin webs and birds find shelter among the branches. Young readers will discover that even an ordinary tree is a bustling habitat filled with life. For those unable to attend Tale story time, the book will also be featured throughout the week on the Trail Tales storybook walk beginning at the West Trailhead.

At 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, Journeys with Joan will focus on Butterflies: Masters of Transformation. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants through the fascinating life cycle of butterflies, from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis and adult. Participants will learn about the adaptations that help butterflies survive, the native plants they depend on and the important role they play as pollinators in Door County ecosystems.

That same evening, at 5:30 p.m., community members are invited to attend the Door County Beekeeper Club's Hive Dive Q&A. The club promotes the study, science and craft of beekeeping while raising awareness of the many benefits bees provide to our environment, ecology and local economy. Whether you're curious about pollinators, interested in starting a hive or simply want to learn more about these remarkable insects, this free program offers an opportunity to connect with experienced local beekeepers.

On Wednesday, July 22, at 1:30 p.m., participants in Wandering Wednesday will join a naturalist-led hike to search for signs of wildlife along the trails. Summer is an active time for many animals, and hikers may observe birds, insects, tracks, nests, feeding evidence or other clues that reveal the lives of the creatures inhabiting Crossroads' forests, fields and wetlands.

The week concludes with a special Thursday Talk at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Wisconsin DNR Game Warden Chris Kratcha will present Animal Adaptations, an engaging program exploring the fascinating adaptations of mammals found throughout Door County and Wisconsin. Participants will discover how animals such as deer, foxes, bears and smaller mammals use specialized physical and behavioral traits — including thick winter coats, powerful claws, keen senses and unique diets — to find food, avoid predators and survive seasonal changes. The program will offer a deeper appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of Wisconsin wildlife and the ways animals interact with people and the environment.

Throughout the week — and all summer long — visitors can also enjoy Tinkers, self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Guests can explore animal-themed challenges and activities that encourage observation, inquiry and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Animals are an essential part of every ecosystem. From pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds to controlling insect populations and shaping habitats, they play important roles in maintaining healthy environments. By learning about the animals that call Door County home, we gain a greater appreciation for the diverse web of life that surrounds us and a deeper understanding of our connection to nature.

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

Monday, July 20

2 p.m. — Tale: The Busy Tree

Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, The Busy Tree, written by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Lisa Falkenstern. Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint and rhyming text that describes a tree's activities from its roots to its branches introduce young readers to the amazing activity taking place in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web and leaves "breathing out air for all to breathe in" all add up to a "busy tree" for everyone to "come and see." Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, July 21

1 p.m. — Journeys with Joan: Butterflies: Masters of Transformation

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

Butterflies are masters of transformation. Search for summer butterflies in Crossroads' gardens, meadows and fields. Suitable for all ages. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public thanks to donors like you. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, July 22

1:30 p.m. — Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. Expect easy walking for about an hour. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Thursday, July 23

2 p.m. — Talk: Animal Adaptations

Discover how Wisconsin's mammals are perfectly equipped to survive and thrive in a changing environment. Join Wisconsin DNR Game Warden Chris Kratcha for an engaging program exploring the fascinating adaptations of mammals found across Door County and beyond.

From thick winter coats and fat reserves to keen senses, powerful claws and specialized diets, mammals have evolved remarkable physical and behavioral traits that help them find food, avoid predators and endure harsh seasonal conditions. Kratcha will share insights from his work in the field, highlighting how animals such as deer, foxes, bears and small mammals are adapted to the landscapes and climates they call home.

Participants will learn how these adaptations influence where mammals live, how they move and how they interact with people and the environment. This program offers a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of local wildlife and gain a new appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of Wisconsin's mammals.

Whether you're curious about animal behavior, enjoy wildlife watching or want to learn more about the mammals you encounter around your home or on the trail, this program is sure to be an eye-opening experience. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

The community is invited to join the members and friends of Zion United Methodist Church as they celebrate the 145-year history of Zion Church Cemetery on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The celebration will feature historical and genealogical displays, along with guided tours of the cemetery highlighting the stories of the families who helped settle the area.

The cemetery was established in 1881 on land owned by George Reinhard. Following the tragic death of his 6-year-old daughter, Ella, who fell down the stairs in the family farmhouse and suffered a fatal broken neck, the Reinhard family buried her on a hill just east of their home. The historic Reinhard farmhouse still stands today.

Among the area's earliest settlers were the Sohns, Franke, Reinhard and Gauger families, who came together to form the Zion Church congregation. Many descendants of these founding families remain connected to the church and cemetery today.

Over the years, the cemetery has been known by several names, including the Reinhard Family Cemetery, the Evangelical United Brethren Cemetery, the Gibraltar Cemetery, the Maple Grove Cemetery and, today, Zion Church Cemetery. While the name has changed over time, the gravestones continue to reflect the legacy of the area's founding families.

Zion Church Cemetery is adjacent to Zion United Methodist Church at 8781 County Road F, between Fish Creek and Baileys Harbor. Community members of all ages are welcome to attend and learn more about the rich history of this landmark and the families who shaped the local community.

The aroma of sourdough bread fills the air at the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market thanks in part to Freckles Bakehouse. Kelly Page returned to Sturgeon Bay after stints in Oregon and California with plans to open a bakery with a neighborhood feel. The business takes its name not from the freckles on her face, but from the bubbles created during the sourdough fermentation process.

Page says people often have a particular taste in mind when they think of sourdough, especially after many home bakers took up the hobby during the pandemic. With offerings such as her scones and rolls, she believes sourdough doesn't have to fit that expectation.

In addition to selling her baked goods at farmers markets across Door County, including the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, Page hopes to open a brick-and-mortar location for Freckles Bakehouse in the future.

You can listen to the full interview with Page on the latest episode of the Faces of the Farmers Market podcast.

At the request of a community member, I am going to spend some time discussing issues surrounding motorcycle operation and safety considerations. I will start by sharing my admiration for the feeling of cruising down the road with the wind through my hair—or, in my case, the feeling of the wind on my head. Since the invention of the motorcycle, it has been eternally linked to the desire for freedom and the exercise of individuality and independence. That being said, there is an old saying in the world of accident dynamics: "He with the most lug nuts wins." In the case of a motorcycle, it is imperative to understand the volatility of simply traveling down the road.

So, let's start with some basic rules for those interested in operating a motorcycle. First, you must hold a valid Class M license or motorcycle instruction permit to operate on a public road. In addition, if you are under the age of 18, you must also have completed an approved motorcycle rider education course. Once you have all of that, you can begin thinking about heading out onto the open road.

The first personal safety consideration is wearing a helmet. While it is not mandatory for riders over the age of 18 in Wisconsin, it is highly recommended. For those under the age of 18, it is mandatory. Even if you are not required to wear a helmet, eye protection is required unless your motorcycle has a windshield or windscreen that provides adequate coverage.

Just as with any motor vehicle, proper mirrors and turn signals are required. A recent addition to Wisconsin law is that a motorcycle's headlamp must be turned on at all times, including during daylight hours. This is a great safety measure because any attention you can draw to yourself and your motorcycle while operating on a public roadway increases your visibility and safety.

Another consideration when operating a motorcycle is where on the road you should position yourself. Think of your lane of travel in terms of "three thirds," meaning you divide the lane into three sections and position yourself consistently within one of them unless conditions change.

Position 1 is the left third of the lane. It provides the best line of sight for oncoming traffic and allows vehicles behind you to better see you in their rearview mirrors. It is also the best position when traveling in cities because it helps you avoid doors opening from parked vehicles. When operating on interstates, it also provides additional room for merging traffic.

Position 2 is the center of the lane. While it provides additional distance from oncoming traffic, it also has the greatest likelihood of containing debris, oil, or other roadway hazards.

Position 3 is the right third of the lane. It is ideal for rural roads or multilane highways because it provides greater distance from oncoming traffic and reduces the effects of wind turbulence created by large oncoming vehicles.

Overall, the consensus is that Position 1 is the safest in most riding situations.

Another consideration for motorcycle operators that is less prevalent for other motor vehicles is roadway debris. As the operator of a motorcycle, you must always be keenly aware of the road surface and any hazards that could reduce your tires' contact with the pavement.

Finally, slow down. Operating on two wheels already carries inherent risks. Don't increase those risks by exceeding not only the posted speed limit but also a safe speed for the current road and weather conditions. Along those same lines, leave yourself plenty of space to stop suddenly if necessary.

For those of us sharing the road with motorcycles, we can also take steps to make their journey a safe one. First and foremost, just as I would tell motorcyclists, slow down and allow greater following distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle ahead of you. Increase your vigilance at intersections by taking an extra look to the left and right before proceeding, as the smaller profile of a motorcycle can easily be overlooked at first glance.

As we continue to share the roads with motorcycles, tractors, recreational vehicles and, of course, pedestrians during the summer months, let's all do our part to keep one another safe.

For many of the exhibitors at this year's Kewaunee County Fair, Sunday means saying goodbye to more than just a week of memories. They're also hoping to earn a spot in Saturday's animal sale.

Businesses from around the region descend on the Andy Barta Legacy Show Pavilion to support the youth who have spent months raising and preparing their projects. Before the fair, participants have to complete Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training in addition to other meetings related to their species' project. For some species, the exhibitor's animals has to be among the best of the best to be included.

One of those hopefuls is Kewaunee County Poultry Project member Lainey Barta, who has pigs and meat chickens in the running for a spot in the sale. She says it takes a lot of hard work to make sure the animals are properly fed, reach the right weight and have the proper body structure so they can perform well in both the show ring and the sale.

Kewaunee County businesses spend thousands of dollars on ducks, chickens, pigs, sheep, steers and other animals each year during the sale. This year's animal sale begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 11.

Former Rep. Reid Ribble believes the nation's two major political parties could face a shake-up if things don't start changing.

Ribble was part of a wave of Republicans elected in 2010, as voters pushed back against many of the policies advanced by the Obama administration during President Barack Obama's first term, including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Tea Party candidates challenged — and, in some cases, defeated — establishment Republicans in primaries because of growing voter dissatisfaction. Ribble sees a similar trend in today's political landscape, with MAGA candidates on the right and democratic socialists on the left unseating more traditional Republicans and Democrats. Ribble says the country has a similar feel to the 1850s, when deeply held differences fractured political parties. It would be a break up Ribble would encourage, saying it could help return power to the people.

Ribble says he is troubled by the rush toward each ideology's respective corner, blaming it for much of the toxicity in today's political landscape, due in part to social media. He says independent voters can have a stronger voice in the country's direction if they vote in primary elections.

Ribble predicts Democrats will regain control of the House after the midterm elections, while he believes control of the Senate is a toss-up. Ribble represented Door and Kewaunee counties in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms.

Health officials in Wisconsin are encouraging people to be more proactive when it comes to washing their hands and fresh produce as an intestinal illness spreads across the Midwest. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting nearly 40 cases of an intestinal illness linked to Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite often spread through contaminated food and water. Seventeen states have reported cases of Cyclospora cayetanensis, including Illinois and Michigan. Wisconsin officials have reported 35 cases, already more than half of the 62 cases recorded during all of 2025.

While "explosive diarrhea" has drawn most of the headlines, other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. Medical professionals reccommend washing your handsand cleaning off your fruits and vegetables while discarding parts that look compromised.

The silver lining is that most of the cases have involved people who recently returned from international travel. Of the nearly 40 cases reported in Wisconsin, only 10 have not been linked to travel.

Warm temperatures and wet conditions kept crops growing and progressing across the state last week, according to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition report.

Wisconsin farmers had 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork last week, about the same as the previous week, thanks to timely rains. Temperatures well above normal spurred crop growth while conditions remained steady for corn (82% good to excellent, no change), soybeans (78% good to excellent, no change), oats (81%, down 1 percentage point) and winter wheat (80%, up 1 percentage point).

Soybeans blooming and oats heading are both about 2 percentage points behind the five-year average, while the second cutting of alfalfa hay is 48% complete, 1 percentage point behind the average pace.

Farmers will be able to avoid raindrops for the next week while temperatures are expected to climb above 90 degrees Monday and Tuesday.

"Thank you" was a common phrase heard around the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg on Thursday during the Kewaunee County Fair's opening day.

After the exhibition hall was filled with art projects on Monday, exhibitors brought their animals to the fairgrounds on Wednesday to prepare for a busy week in the barns and show rings. Landon Barta bounces between the hog barn and the poultry and rabbit barn to check on his animals throughout the fair. He is thankful to have the support of his parents, siblings and cousins to make sure everything gets done.

Things at this year's Kewaunee County Fair look different for Fairest of the Fair Savannah Bailey. After years of collecting her fair share of ribbons as an exhibitor, Bailey will be the one passing them out this year after she aged out of the junior fair shows. She is thankful for the opportunity to share her love for the fair in a new way this year.

Thursday's festivities included a veterans' flag ceremony as part of the fair's weekend-long tribute to those who defended the community's freedom. They were greeted by a Pierce-built fire truck with an aerial apparatus ladder fabricated a few miles away in Kewaunee. A veteran himself, Kewaunee Fabrications HR Business Partner Associate Adam Heiman said it was important to ensure those who defend the country so people can attend events like the Kewaunee County Fair are celebrated.

The Kewaunee County Fair runs through July 12.

A March monsoon and an April washout could just be a preamble to more wild weather ahead, thanks to El Niño. According to USA Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center recently increased the likelihood of a very strong El Niño event this fall from 63% in June to 81% in July. Water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean are a major driver of an El Niño weather pattern, which often means warmer temperatures and less snow for the northern United States. Weatherology meteorologist Michael Karow says the transition from La Niña to El Niño is one reason you've seen so much severe weather in recent months.

Karow says the effects of El Niño are typically more active across the southern United States, meaning areas stretching from Southern California to the Gulf Coast could experience more storms. He is also expecting less hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin, though he notes it only takes one major storm to become deadly.

Final preparations are underway this week as Third Avenue PlayWorks prepares to open its third play of the 2026 season on July 15. Starring Ellie Duffey, Seth K. Hale, Carolyn Hoerdemann, Alicia Rice, Ethan Serpan and Noah Simon, Red Herring takes audiences back to 1950s Boston, where three couples navigate their relationships amid a mysterious murder and Cold War politics. Similar to its previous productions of Heroes and Moonlight and Magnolia, Artistic Director Jacob Janssen says Red Herring offers a humorous take on a period of American history audiences may already know.

Red Herring opens July 15 with a Pay-What-You-Will preview benefiting the Friends of Door County Libraries. Third Avenue PlayWorks will also host a post-show conversation July 24 following its 2 p.m. matinee before the production closes Aug. 9.

No matter where you travel in Door County this weekend, the Door County Sheriff’s Department wants you to keep a closer eye on the road. Three major events are taking place across the county this weekend and are expected to cause increased traffic and temporary delays.

Running Friday through Sunday in Brussels is Belgian Days, hosted by the Brussels Lions Club. In addition to increased foot traffic near the festival grounds, Saturday’s two- and four-mile races and Sunday’s parade will result in temporary road closures.

In Egg Harbor, the Door County Triathlon will take center stage, with the sprint-distance race on Saturday and the Olympic-distance race on Sunday. Course maps for affected roadways are available below.

If you missed the Independence Day festivities, Sister Bay will host its Freedom Fest on Saturday. Food, children's activities and fireworks will take place at Sister Bay Waterfront Park.

The Door County Sheriff’s Department urges motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and drive patiently.

Your travels through Kewaunee County may include construction cones, road closures and detours this summer. The Kewaunee County Highway Department highlighted two bridge closures Tuesday that will take several weeks before they reopen.

County Highway N is closed at the bridge between Gasche Road and County Highway V through the end of the summer for a bridge replacement.

County Highway J will be completely closed at the bridges between St. Peters Road and County Highway AB later this month through early fall for two bridge replacement projects.

In both cases, parallel roads will allow motorists to get around the closures until the bridges reopen. More information about the bridge closures is available below.

The Sister Bay Historical Society will launch a new community event later this month, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy live Americana music while supporting local history preservation efforts.

Music at the Barn will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Corner of the Past museum campus, next to the Little Sister Barn on the northeast side of the property. Admission is free.

The featured performers are The Riddle Brothers of Minneapolis, whose acoustic performances blend Americana, folk and original music influenced by their Southern heritage and life along the Mississippi River.

You are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, although guests may also bring their own refreshments.

The event will also highlight the Historical Society's ongoing renovation of the Little Sister Barn into a Center for History, Education and Community. During an intermission, you will have the opportunity to tour the Little Sister Barn and the Corner of the Past museum grounds.

"We are excited about this new opportunity to celebrate the heritage of Sister Bay while bringing the local community and visitors together to enjoy music and fun at this special barn," said Laurie Zelnio, co-chair of Music at the Barn for the Sister Bay Historical Society.

Zelnio said organizers hope the inaugural event becomes a lasting community tradition.

"We look forward to continuing this tradition well into the future," she said.

The event will be held rain or shine.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Sister Bay Historical Society and support its mission of preserving and promoting the community's history through education and historic preservation.

More information and events schedules are available on the Sister Bay Historical Society’s website.

The use of public transportation continues to grow in Door County despite its rural setting. Last year, the Door County Transportation Department provided more than 44,000 rides through its Door County Connect and Door 2 Door Rides programs.

Transportation Director Pam Busch says the department is on track to at least match that number, if not exceed it, by the end of the year. Busch says a big reason for the increase is a changing clientele. While the department still serves many older adults and people with disabilities, a growing number of younger riders are using the service to get to work. She says rising transportation costs are a major factor.

Door County Connect is available Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Fridays from 7:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The service operates primarily in the city of Sturgeon Bay and within a 10-mile radius of the Aging & Disability Resource Center. On July 16, the Door County Transportation Department will celebrate Rural Transit Day by offering free rides as a thank-you to the community.

The Door County YMCA's Jackie & Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek wants you to enjoy the outdoors this summer through its programming. On this week's Y-Wednesday Podcast, Jackie & Steve Kane Center Healthy Living Director Laura Cassidy shared two ways you can enjoy the Door County YMCA while soaking up the summer sun.

On Monday mornings through Aug. 17, you can roll out a mat and take part in Yoga Flow at Ephraim's Anderson Dock. Cassidy says it's a great way to start the week in one of Door County's most unique locations.

She also highlighted the center's Campfire Across America event on July 22. The nationwide event will include appearances by the Open Door Bird Sanctuary and Smokey Bear, along with food and other activities before ending the day with a campfire, weather permitting.

You can learn more about these activities by clicking the link to listen to this week's episode.