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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, May 7

3:30 p.m. Nature Investigators—Macroinvertebrates

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

Saturday, May 9

6:30 a.m. Global Big Day

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

Saturday, May 9

10 a.m. Habitat Healers: Tree Planting

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

Monday, May 11

6 a.m. Birding in the Field Breakfast

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

Wednesday, May 13

1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday

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

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

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

Bacon said her path to higher education was not traditional.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture courtesy of Kell Bales

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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