What’s going on with Door County Weather, and how could we prepare as a community, is the topic being considered at the next Climate Change Coalition conversation, scheduled for Thursday, November 12 at 7-8:30pm, at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor.

UW–Madison Senior Scientist and State Climatologist Steve Vavrus will host the free to attend conversation and help attendees dig into how Door County’s weather is changing, what’s coming next, and what could be done about it.

Presented in partnership with Crossroads at Big Creek, Door County Environmental Council, The Ridges Sanctuary, and Door County Land Trust.

If you’re a Fair fan, dates for the 2027 Door County Fair were confirmed at the Door County Board of Supervisors budget hearing Tuesday morning, along with plans to bring in a band or musical group from the national stage level.

The Door County Fair Board (DCFB) reported significant increases in entries and attendance at the 2026 fair, and acknowledged the support of the County Board. Entries totaled 5,752, coming from 744 exhibitors, an increase of 588 entries and 220 exhibitors from 2025. Fair Board President Thad Ash thanked the County supervisors, County Parks, Highway Department and Emergency Services for their support.

DCFB members recommended a pay increase for Fair Board officers, from $2,500 to $3,000 per board member, a total impact to the Fair’s budget of $6,000. Ash said that pay amount has been in place for 25 years 

Talking about planning for the 2027 Fair, Ash said the August 11-15, 2027 dates for the fair means the popular Boogie and the Yo-Yos won’t be playing, and the DCFB budgeted some additional funds toward bringing in a national level act, to be announced at a future date. While popular bands are a draw, what keeps people coming is the low entry fees and pricing, said Ash.

Attendance tracking has been aided with online payment methods implemented by the DCFB three years ago. This past year Fair staff used the Square application, which Ash said was the easiest and smoothest to use all around. Fair attendees remain 80 percent locals and 20 percent visitors, based on conversations fair staff and volunteers have with attendees.

Some fair-goers have mourned the loss of the fair buttons, Ash said, but not enough to bring back the expense.

Luxemburg-Casco School District Superintendent Jo-Ellen Fairbanks and Sturgeon Bay School District Superintendent Dan Tjernagel will stay patient when it comes to the state’s school funding formula. 

Both districts saw voters approve their respective referendum questions Tuesday, with Luxemburg-Casco passing its referendum 2,172-1,958, while Sturgeon Bay voters approved theirs by a 2,487-1,871 margin.

School funding was a major topic for area Democrats on the campaign trail, with candidates calling for an overhaul of the current system. Some also campaigned to reverse former Gov. Scott Walker's Act 10, which curtailed collective bargaining rights for public employees but also reduced costs for local governments, including school districts.

Fairbanks is appreciative of the support the district’s residents give its schools, whether it is at the ballot box, in the stands, or out in the community. She hopes the new Legislature takes a closer look at the school funding formula rather than simply throwing money at the problem.

Tjernagel is thankful for the community's support, regardless of how residents voted on the referendum. He says the area’s superintendents are taking a wait-and-see approach to the Legislature’s approach to school funding. Until then, he knows the work is not done when it comes to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and finding ways to save money wherever possible.

Seventy-nine school districts had referendum questions on last Tuesday's ballot, with 45 approved to provide $1.3 billion in funding. Southern Door, Gillett and Oconto were among the school districts that saw their referendum questions fail.

For nearly a decade, the Starr family in Sturgeon Bay has kept a seat saved for you on Christmas Eve. For the ninth time, Kyle and Carrie Starr are inviting the community to the Knights of Columbus Hall off State Highway 42/57 in Sturgeon Bay for a free Christmas Eve meal.

What began with a mission trip Kyle went on years ago has turned into a tradition, with hundreds of meals served every year. Carrie says the event continues to grow, which is why the invitation to the community is going out more than a month earlier than usual. Starr says the phone calls and text messages are constant leading up to the event, serving as a reminder that we are all called to serve in one way or another.

The traditional Christmas Eve lunch will be offered as a sit-down meal or drive-thru takeout Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Starr says that if you are more focused on Thanksgiving than Christmas Eve, don't worry. An RSVP for in-person dining is appreciated but not necessary, while special deliveries can be requested until 8 a.m. on Dec. 23.

This past Saturday, I, along with more than 1,000 others, participated in the 14th annual HOOAH Ruck March on the Fox River Trail to recognize and support efforts surrounding Veteran Suicide.

This was my 10th time participating in this event, and every year it brings with it an opportunity for reflection, intention, and pride. It is a time of reflection on the lives of so many men and women who, after serving their country, lost their personal battle with depression and isolation, which too often is a residual effect of that service. It is a time of intention. That we shift our focus to the internal struggle that our Veteran population continues to battle, and the weight that they carry. That we advocate for the resources that are necessary, and create a supportive community to overcome the stigma that too often is attached to mental health struggles. And it is a time of pride, as we come together to celebrate and support those who have and continue to dedicate their lives to our great country through military service.

I should back up a bit for those who may not understand the significance of a “Ruck March”. Why not just call it a walk, or a hike? In the military, we do not just walk; we march. There are times when we march in formation as part of a ceremony or drill, and there are times that we march as a coordinated tactical movement. In any of these examples, they are a movement of purpose. In the tactical marches, we conduct these movements with the gear needed to sustain us for the immediate future, until additional resources are able to be provided. The distance of these movements will vary depending on mission. We carry everything from our clothing, food, water, ammo, and weapons, with the primary means being that of our military backpack, fondly known as our “Ruck”, the weight of which is also dictated by mission and duration of that mission. 

So, what is the significance of this annual event, and conducting it as a Ruck March? It is about shared suffering and showing our willingness to carry the weight, much like those who are struggling to carry the mental weight of painful memories and unresolved trauma. 

It is also about camaraderie, in that the experiences we share are universal and span the generations of service to our nation. This includes not just those who served, but just as importantly, the families of those who serve, as their lives have also been impacted.  

Each year the distance of the March is determined by the number of veterans that we lose to suicide every day throughout our nation. This year that number was 17.6, and thus we marched that same number in miles, with the goal that one day we will not have to march even one mile. 

Although this was not an easy journey, it is always worth the pain, for as the old saying goes: “Pain is not an excuse to quit; it is an indication that what you are doing counts.”

For more information on this event, or the organization, visit: www.hooahwi.org

The parade "so nice you get to see it twice" will once again carry extra meaning this year as the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Parade and Benefit raises funds for the family of retired Baileys Harbor Fire Chief Brian Zak. Earlier this year, Zak stepped away from the department he led for 15 years as he battles a rare and rapidly progressing neurological disease. Zak has been in and out of hospitals across the Midwest in recent months for testing and other procedures. For 30 years, the Jacksonport Thanksgiving Parade and Benefit has helped families like the Zaks, something co-founder Jeri Taylor remains proud of after all these years.

Taylor encourages people to be part of the parade by lining up in the town hall parking lot at 9:30 a.m. before the parade makes its short trip up and down State Highway 57 beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Operation Not Alone founder Susan Fochs did not have to look far for inspiration when her organization recently sent out approximately 500 care packages ahead of Veterans Day this week.

Fochs founded Operation Not Alone more than a decade ago in honor of her father, who is a veteran of the Marine Corps with a service-connected disability. That inspiration led to a calling to support veterans and active-duty military members through its veteran cheer package, active-duty care package, and veteran visit programs. Fochs and Operation Not Alone took it a step further when they developed the Operation Not Alone Girl Scout Patch Program to foster an appreciation for military service among the next generation. With the Marine Corps' birthday on Nov. 10 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Fochs is proud to help brighten the days of people like her father who dedicated their lives to serving their country.

You can find more information about Operation Not Alone by clicking this link. 

This Veterans Day, schools in Algoma, Gibraltar, and Washington Island will hold ceremonies to honor those who have served our country.

Rachel and Collin Mirkes welcomed baby Jackson on November 5, 2026, at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay. 

Congratulations to the couple on their new baby boy!

As the gales of November blow around the Door peninsula, the Door County Parks Department will begin seasonal removal of boat launch docks. By removing the temporary docks each fall, the lifespan of the equipment is extended. 

The work is completed by County Parks Department employees, said Marc Moore, County Parks Manager, who use heavy equipment owned by the county to complete the dock removal and secure equipment for next season.

In consideration of people who like to fish fall, spring, and hard water seasons, the County will leave a dock in at George K. Pinney, Robert M. Carmody, and Chaudoir’s Dock through mid- to late-December, weather permitting.

Forestville, Sugar Creek, Murphy Park, and Lily Bay dock removal is subcontracted from the County to Pier and Waterfront Solutions in Sturgeon Bay. The removal schedule is listed below.

Dredging and maintenance work at Chaudoir’s Dock has been completed, and is now deep enough to allow entry for commercial vessels like fishing tugs. Moore said bedrock did prevent the project from hitting full depth requirement in some areas, but the project met with County Parks’ expectations. 

The project, which began the second week of July and was completed the first week of September, included dredging of the harbor and harbor entrance, and resurfacing of the parking lot. Chaudoir's Dock gives boaters access to the bay of Green Bay for fishing and other water recreation activities via a 100-foot-long dock, three boat launches and an emergency refuge harbor. The park includes five acres of partially wooded land with 625 feet of shoreline and a picnic area.

The removal schedule is as follows: 

Week of November 16: 

Frank E. Murphy Park Boat Launch
Lily Bay Boat Launch
Forestville Dam Boat Launch and Fishing Pier 

Weather permitting, beginning the week of November 16, to be completed by November 25:

George K. Pinney (Stone Quarry) Boat Launch
Robert M. Carmody (Little Sturgeon Bay) Boat Launch
Chaudoir’s Dock Boat Launch 

Door County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Michelle Lawrie wants the update to its housing study to be more than just data points, which is where you come in. The DCEDC is asking community members to sign up for engagement sessions in December, where they can share their perspectives on how housing has changed since the organization’s last housing study in 2019. Lawrie is interested in learning how the community thinks the county has fared over the past seven years, following an analysis that estimated the housing shortage cost the county approximately $25 million and prevented local employers from attracting qualified candidates to fill key positions.

Lawrie adds that while the data being collected is valuable, hearing about residents’ experiences with housing is even more important.

You can click this link to complete a short survey and be assigned a location for an upcoming engagement session. Employers will have their own input session this week. Lawrie hopes the complete findings from the housing study will be released by the end of February.

Drivers traveling through downtown Sturgeon Bay on Tuesday, November 10, are advised that the Maple/Oregon Bridge will be closed to all vehicle and marine traffic from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Maintenance work being done includes installing the new center lock actuator. A center lock actuator, also called a span lock actuator or lock bar operator, is the powered drive mechanism that extends and retracts a lock bar(s) to secure the movable lift span when it is fully lowered and closed.

The Kewaunee County Board of Supervisors has two major items on its agenda when it meets Tuesday at the Kewaunee County Administration Building in Kewaunee. The board is set to approve the 2027 budget, which includes an 8-cent drop in the county property tax rate from $4.28 to $4.20 per $1,000 of equalized property value. Since the introduction of the 2024 county budget, the county's tax rate has dropped 85 cents per $1,000 of equalized value. The Kewaunee County Board will also consider an offer from the Algoma Hunting and Fishing Club to donate 1 acre of land that would be added to the county's Bruemmerville Park. Board Chairperson Dan Olson says the opportunity came up because the club is folding.

The property, which sits adjacent to county-owned land, includes a building previously used as meeting space and a single-stall garage. The Kewaunee County Board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers.  

The Door County Maritime Museum will turn into a Christmas wonderland later this week as it prepares to open the Merry-Time Festival of Trees on Saturday in Sturgeon Bay. The holiday tradition invites businesses and local organizations to decorate trees, wreaths, and other holiday displays for the museum’s galleries.

The beginning of the Merry-Time Festival of Trees is marked by a visit from Santa, who makes his way to the museum aboard a U.S. Coast Guard boat if weather permits. That same day, the museum’s neighboring vessel, the Utopia, aims to recreate a tradition more than a century old by bringing Christmas trees from Upper Michigan to sell as a fundraiser supporting veterans programs. Patriot Racing Project Executive Director Jack Gage and Door County Maritime Museum Education Programs Coordinator Andrea Stromeyer hope it is the start of a new holiday tradition.

The Merry-Time Festival of Trees also features its Jingle Mixer on Dec. 10, when the decorated trees will be raffled off alongside other entertainment. The Merry-Time Festival of Trees runs through Dec. 30 at the Door County Maritime Museum.

November has a reputation in the Great Lakes region. It's the month of blustery winds, dramatic waves, and the legendary "Gales of November." While many people associate these storms with famous shipwrecks and maritime history, they are also a fascinating reminder of the natural forces that shape life along our shores

As autumn gives way to winter, shorter days and cooler temperatures bring changing weather patterns across North America. Cold Arctic air begins moving south while pockets of warmer air can still travel north. When these very different air masses meet, they can create powerful storm systems that bring strong winds and rapidly changing conditions.

The Great Lakes play an important role as well. Even as the air cools, the lakes retain warmth absorbed during the summer months. When cold air moves across the relatively warm waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, heat and moisture rise into the atmosphere, helping fuel storms and creating the conditions that make November weather so memorable.

Here in the Door Peninsula, we have a front-row seat to this seasonal spectacle. Wind-swept shorelines, rolling waves, and ever-changing skies offer a chance to witness the power and beauty of the Great Lakes in a new way.

"November is a wonderful time to observe how weather, water, and the landscape all interact," said Jess Poppie, Interpretive Naturalist at Crossroads at Big Creek. "Whether you're watching waves along the shore or listening to the wind through the trees, there are signs of these seasonal changes all around us."

While seasonal weather has always shaped life along the Great Lakes, scientists are also helping us better understand how long-term climate trends may influence the region in the future.

Community members are invited to explore this topic at Door County's Changing Weather on Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m. at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor. Hosted by the Climate Change Coalition in partnership with The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County Land Trust, and Crossroads at Big Creek, the program will feature Steve Vavrus, Senior Scientist and Wisconsin State Climatologist at UW-Madison, presenting Envisioning a Climate-Resilient Future. This free public program will examine how a changing climate is affecting our region and highlight opportunities to build resilient communities and ecosystems. No registration is required.

November's storms have become part of Great Lakes folklore, from the Great Storm of 1913 to the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. These stories remind us of the respect these inland seas command, while also highlighting the unique natural history of our region.

The season also offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore. Join us for Wandering Wednesday on November 11 at 1:30 p.m. for an easy naturalist-led hike. We'll explore seasonal changes, observe signs of wildlife, and discover what makes this time of year so special.

For a different outdoor experience, join us for our Luminary Lit Hike on Friday, November 13, from 5-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a peaceful walk along trails illuminated by the warm glow of luminaries before gathering around a campfire with a cup of hot chocolate. It's a wonderful way to experience Crossroads after dark and celebrate the beauty of the season.

The next time you hear the wind blowing, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable forces at work on the Great Lakes and the beauty they create. Whether you're watching waves crash along the shoreline, exploring a local trail, or learning about Door County's changing weather, November offers countless opportunities to deepen your understanding of the dynamic natural processes that shape our region.

Missy LeBelle, long time manager of the High Point Inn in Ephraim, was recognized for her tourism-supporting work as the 2026 annual Innkeeper of the Year Award.

The Innkeeper of the Year Award is a tradition of the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging  Association (WHLA) that recognizes an outstanding individual who exemplifies the hospitality industry in our state. LeBelle was presented with the award at the 2026 Wisconsin Lodging Conference on November 2 in Wisconsin Dells.

Serving for 17 years as General Manager of High Point Inn, Missy’s steady leadership has helped maintain a standout property with consistent guest-focused excellence.

Not only is the High Point Inn reknowned for its positive reputation and repeat visitors under Labelle's leadership, she's been involved with the Ephraim Business Council and Ephraim Historical Foundation; a commissioner on the Door County Tourism Zone Commission; collaborator on community projects, such as hosting the cast and crew of a Christmas movie filmed in Door County; and as dedicated support for local first responders as a member of the Door County Incident Support Team.

She serves as a WHLA Lodging Director, an active member on the WWIL Steering Committee, and serves on the WHLA Conference Committee.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in cleaning up our family’s Adopt a Highway section on STH 42 between Kewaunee and Algoma. It is always interesting to see what kinds of items one gets to pick up each year. One thing I did notice was the number of animal carcasses along the roads and down in the ditches. This, of course, gave me the inspiration for this week’s article.

As it relates to car-deer accidents, we have seen increases, with varying degrees of highs and lows, over the years.

Our current records management system dates back to 2000. In that year, we documented 268 car-deer accidents. In 2020, we had a total of 367, and these are just the accidents that were reported to us. Many times, for various reasons, deer are struck by motor vehicles, but the drivers decide not to report these accidents. We become aware of some of these incidents because of the deer carcasses that remain at the scene. Those accidents are not counted in this data.

Last year’s total number of car-deer accidents was 352, with 272 recorded at this time of year. So far this year, we are at 283. Let’s all try to keep this year’s total lower than last year’s. We can do this in many ways.

First, let me say that I don’t speculate about deer populations or trends. That is information that the DNR keeps track of, and while it may have some bearing on our growing number of car-deer accidents, I also believe we have developed some bad habits over the past 17 years that have contributed to the increase.

The biggest contributor I see is inattentive driving. Although inattentive driving has been around since the dawn of the automobile, the presence of electronic devices is something new, and with it has emerged a new method of communication: texting. We have all heard of, or may even have witnessed, the dangers that texting while driving poses on our roadways. I have no doubt that more than a few car-deer accidents could have been avoided had the drivers been paying closer attention to the road.

Distracted driving is a danger throughout the year, but if there were ever a time to put your phones away, it would be during these next few weeks and months. As a driver, your focus needs to be on your primary mission, and that is driving. Many accidents could be avoided by increased vigilance along road edges and ditch lines. Most of the ditches along town, county and state highways have been cleared for this very reason, providing drivers with an additional field of vision to help prevent such tragedies.

As I stated earlier, we are trending higher for accidents this year, which coincides with the historical increase in car-deer accidents during this time of year. Please take your time and be watchful, especially during the evening and morning hours. This includes allowing additional space between your vehicle and the vehicle traveling in front of you. Following too closely is always unsafe, but even more so at this time of year when the vehicle in front of you may have to react suddenly. Due to your close proximity, you may not have enough time to react safely.

Speaking of evasive maneuvers, it is always recommended that you not swerve to miss a deer in the roadway, as the potential for damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself is greatly increased. Although it may seem counterintuitive, it is best to apply your brakes but remain in your lane of travel. It is best to slow down and enjoy the beauty of autumn that surrounds us.

Experience the traditions of Christmases gone by as the Door County Historical Society hosts its fourth annual Glimpse of Christmas Past, at Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay. This festive holiday event is scheduled for every Friday and Saturday in December (excluding December 25), from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

During A Glimpse of Christmas Past, the historic buildings of Heritage Village will be decorated for the holidays by local nonprofit organizations, each bringing its own creativity and interpretation of the Christmas season. Visitors wander through the Village, admiring the festive displays, and experiencing the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas surrounded by Door County's history.

The event is also a celebration of the nonprofit organizations that make Door County such a special place to live. While admission to Heritage Village is free, visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite decorated building with a donation. Every donation is a vote of appreciation for the creativity and hard work that goes into making the Village festive for the season.

Heritage Village's entrance is at 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. For more information, visit www.doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org or call (920) 421-2332.

The Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department has identified the victims of a Thursday afternoon crash that killed one person and injured another.

According to the department’s news release, 55-year-old Julie Bertrand was driving eastbound on State Highway 54 near Walhain Road in the Town of Luxemburg shortly before 12:50 p.m. when she crossed the centerline into the westbound lane and struck a cargo van driven by 28-year-old Tanner Brunner of Green Bay.

Bertrand died at the scene. Brunner was taken to the hospital by Luxemburg Rescue with non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.

The Luxemburg Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Luxemburg Fire and Rescue, and Luxemburg-Casco First Responders also assisted the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department.

The crash remains under investigation by the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team.

Domestic violence organizations like HELP of Door County and the Violence Intervention Project in Algoma want survivors to know that assistance is available.

According to End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, there were 101 domestic and family violence-related fatalities in 2025, a slight decrease from the record high of 110 in 2024.

HELP of Door County Executive Director Moriah Benzow hopes the organization's free services, including crisis intervention, support groups, safe houses and transitional living programs, can help address domestic violence before it reaches that point. She stresses the importance of recognizing the problem and seeking help before the situation escalates.

Both HELP of Door County and the Violence Intervention Project in Algoma offer resources for those experiencing domestic abuse, along with opportunities for community members to get involved. HELP of Door County will benefit from the Chili Cook-Off for a Cause on Saturday at Dromhus, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Violence Intervention Project will host its mystery dinner benefit Nov. 14 at Northbrook Golf and Grill. Additional information about both events is available through the provided links.

Stargazing in Sturgeon Bay is spectacular, especially on clear nights, and is made even better with the help of the telescope at the Ray and Ruthie Stonecipher Astronomy Center. Make a note for Star Date November 7, 2026, beginning at 7PM, for the first Star Party night of the ‘winter’ stargazing season, and you might be part of some of the ongoing exploration work undertaken by the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society (DPAS).

If you haven’t been to one of DPAS’ star parties in Sturgeon Bay, make plans to teleport (or drive) yourself there this winter, to experience the updates and offerings of this 28 year old astronomy campus. 

Dave Lenius, DPAS board president since 2020 and member of 14 years, explained the technological upgrades DPAS has made in recent months.

The astrotechnology DPAS uses, allows DPAS members, and visiting scientists to see deeper into space. This deep space viewing, combined with Sturgeon Bay’s dark(ish) skies, have helped DPAS astronomers identify and register with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 35 exoplanets.

The altruistic Stoneciphers left much of their wealth to DPAS and the observatory, with the caveats that there were two funds set up: one for technology upgrades at the Astronomy center, the other for scholarships for Door County students wanting to pursue degrees focusing on math and science. Currently, Lenius said, DPAS is sponsoring 16 students at various universities.

DPAS also has a mobile planetarium they travel with and make presentations to school groups of all ages. Lenius said their presentation is changeable for different age groups. DPAS has even been invited to the regional Destination Imagination challenge weekends.

By attending a DPAS event like the Star Party tomorrow night and making a donation, you can become a member and support astronomy opportunities, and receive information about the Door Peninsula Astronomy Society and their activities. 

The Stonecipher astronomy center will be open for visitors on Saturday, with the telescope if skies are clear, in addition to some private telescopes set up on different objects for people to view. The Leonid meteor shower is happening, with a peak mid-November. Skywatchers could see 10 to 15 meteors per hour. The astronomy center is located at 2200 Utah Street, Sturgeon Bay, with the entrance off of Cove Road (turn left through the gate onto the dirt road).  For more info about DPAS events, visit DoorAstronomy.org, or find them on Facebook under DoorAstronomy.

With just two concerts remaining on its 2026 calendar, Birch Creek Music Performance Center is already preparing for 2027 programs and performances. Registration for the 2027 Summer Academy opens December 1, with the percussion session kicking things off June 13, followed by symphony on June 27 and big band jazz sessions on July 11 and July 25. The Summer Academy welcomes students from across the country to Egg Harbor to learn from professional musicians and perform for audiences. Executive Director Jenna Ferdon says students and concertgoers alike talk each year about how special and impactful the summer experience at Birch Creek is.

Scholarships are available for interested students, especially those attending schools in Door County. Birch Creek Music Performance Center will wrap up its 2026 season next month with a pair of sold-out Christmas concerts. Ferdon encourages those interested in attending to contact the box office to be added to the waiting list.

If you purchased fuel from Thomas Kaczmarek, Jean Kaczmarek or Justin Kaczmarek over the last decade, the Door County Sheriff’s Department would like to hear from you.

The trio appeared in Door County Circuit Court on Friday in connection with an alleged large-scale theft and money laundering operation involving 14 victims and an estimated $1.8 million in losses.

According to the Door County Sheriff’s Department, investigators obtained four search warrants and three seizure warrants, which were executed Thursday in Nasewaupee and Pembine, one day after the Kaczmareks were arrested.

All three remain in the Door County Jail. Thomas is being held on a $25,000 cash bond, Justin on a $10,000 cash bond and Jean on a $5,000 cash bond.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the department asking potential victims who paid the Kaczmareks directly by cash or check for fuel deliveries to contact Investigator Jon Gilson at 920-746-2555.

Residents and voters in the Village of Ephraim will see some changes to their administration building this next year, as the office undergoes an internal remodel of the offices and meeting space.

The plan would reconfigure the internal use of space of the building at the top of the hill at 10005 N. Norway Street. Village administrator Brent Bristol told the Village trustees on Friday morning that staff worked out three options with chosen project management and construction firm Keller.

“We wanted that project to be something that was effective, that would serve the village for a long time, but also was affordable, was the most cost-effective option,” Bristol said.

Trustees discussed two options, with estimated construction costs of either $1.575 million for Option 1, or $1.8 million for Option 2, both with $100,000 contingencies. The remodel space includes 2,622 square feet of existing space, and adding either 450 sqft of new space in Option 1, or 818 sqft of new space in Option 2. Construction timeline would be about 6 months, for either option, and would begin in February, based on Keller’s proposed timeline.  

According to information in the Village Board meeting packet, this remodel would be a comprehensive renovation of the existing 2,172 square foot facility to improve code compliance, and overall building performance. (Option 2) includes an internal ramp (rather than an external), and additional work space in an 818 sqft addition. Work would involve reconfiguration of interior spaces, upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and improvements to the building envelope as needed. 

Keller Constriction Manager Devin Flanigan explained the inclusion of a contingency amount, especially when remodeling a decades-old building.

“Why a $100,000 contingency? With a remodel, with the age of the building, with a lot of uncertainty, I felt it was best to make sure that we can include some unknowns,” said Flanigan. “Like everyone knows, when you take on a project of a remodel, there's going to be some level of things that we run into.” 

The trustees voted unanimously to approve Option 2, and they await the final details of the proposal and timeline from Keller.

After sitting vacant for several years, a property in Sturgeon Bay could become more attractive to potential buyers following a proposed zoning change. During Tuesday’s meeting, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council unanimously supported changing the zoning for 616 and 628 S. Neenah Ave. from Office/Business Park (C-4) to Mixed Commercial-Residential (C-5). The parcel is on the northeast corner of the intersection to Sturgeon Bay's industrial park. The property’s owner, Marie Viglas, has attempted to sell the approximately 2.5-acre property in recent years but has been unsuccessful because of a separate parcel that prevents direct access to the highway. Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward says the hope is that the zoning change will make the property more marketable for its owner while addressing a need in the community.

The zoning ordinance change received its first reading at Tuesday’s meeting and will receive its second reading at the Sturgeon Bay Common Council’s next meeting Nov. 17. The council also approved the 2027 budget and the removal of three parking spaces near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Jefferson Street to address safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians.

Breaking news…

Just after noon today deputies from the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 54 and Walhain Road in the town of Luxemburg.

During the initial investigation, officers determined that a mini van traveling eastbound on Highway 54 went into the westbound lane and collided with a cargo truck that was traveling westbound on Highway 54.

The driver of the minivan was pronounced dead at the scene.The driver of the cargo truck was transported with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle. Kewaunee County was assisted by the Luxemburg Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Luxemburg Fire and Rescue, and Luxemburg-Casco First Responders.

The names of those involved are not being released at this time to allow for family notifications, and possible further investigation.