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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click Here for Door County Election Results

Click Here for Kewaunee County Election Results

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

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

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

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

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

You can find the full report from the survey here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Door County Fair runs Aug. 12-16.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, August 17

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, August 18

1:00 pm — Journeys with Joan – Finding Fossils

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

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

Wednesday, August 19

1:30 pm — Wandering Wednesday

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

Thursday, August 20

2:00 pm — Talk: Ancient Silurian Seas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early in-person voting ends Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can listen to the full interview at this link.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture courtesy of Door County Maritime Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can listen to our full interview with Jenna Ferdon here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture courtesy of Door County Scottie Rally

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, August 10

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

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

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

Tuesday, August 11

1:00 pm Journeys with Joan – Finding Fossils

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

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

Wednesday, August 12

1:30 pm Wandering Wednesday

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

Thursday, August 13

2:00 pm Talk: Heritage Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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