The search is over for the County of Door when it comes to filling tenant space at the former Younkers building. The Door County Economic Development Corporation announced Thursday that it will move its offices to the site, which will also be home to the county’s museum archives.

Joining DCEDC in the space is the Door County Tourism Zone, which administers short-term rental permitting and room tax collection for the county’s municipalities.

“This is more than finding a tenant for an empty building,” said David Englebert, county board supervisor and chair. “DCEDC provides a strong, long-term presence downtown while creating a location that serves businesses and communities throughout Door County.”

DCEDC Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says relocating DCEDC to the heart of downtown Sturgeon Bay is an exciting move and one that makes sense given its role as an organization dedicated to business growth in the county.

The county, DCEDC, and Door County Tourism Zone are discussing an occupancy timeline for moving into the building after contracts for its renovation were recently approved by the county board. Lawrie says the goal is to move into their new space next summer.

As I have done in the past, I would like to spend some time bringing attention to safety during our homecoming festivities. This time of year brings with it not only the games and other school activities that our kids are involved in, but also the social activities that are such an important part of their lives.

As we approach the season of homecoming games and dances, we should encourage our kids to make good decisions and, more importantly, be an example of good decision-making.

To the kids, let your parents know where you are going to be and with whom. For those areas where “decorating” is allowed, please be respectful of those who do not wish to be part of this tradition. When traveling from one place to another, please use caution and adhere to the rules of the road.

Be aware of the consequences of drinking, and remove yourself from situations in which you don’t feel comfortable.

To the parents, provide a safe environment for your kids in the form of gathering places in your homes, and always reassure them that you will be there if they find themselves in a place they no longer wish to be.

It goes without saying that those under 21 should not be drinking, and the consequences, both legally and academically, are not worth it. It is also illegal for those over 21 to provide alcohol to minors.

This may seem like common sense, but there are adults who rationalize providing alcohol to minors by having parties at their homes or by taking keys. Regardless of how you justify it, it is still illegal, and the consequences can be far-reaching.

I hope everyone has a safe homecoming season, both on and off the field.

This weekend’s full moon will make for a spooky vibe to see the “Turn back the veil” exhibit at the historic Noble House in downtown Fish Creek. 

Until October 17, visitors can see Victorian-era death-related artifacts and momentos at the house on the corner of Hwy 42. The exhibit includes mourning gowns and accessories from the late 1800s, hair art, artifacts related to Abraham Lincoln, a death mask, and more. 

Sharing these traditions and stories shows that people in the past regarded death as a normal part of life. Families often faced the uncertainties of disease and illness. Presenting these rituals aims to enhance understanding of customs that persist today.

Gibraltar Historical Association Executive Director (and exhibit curator), Laurie Buske, talked about what visitors to the Noble House will see, and why the exhibit is important.

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For tour times and hours of operation, please visit HistoricNoble.com 

Winners of the Miller Art Museum’s 51st Juried Annual have been announced, and their work is on display in downtown Sturgeon Bay through November 7.

Established in 1975, the Miller Art Museum’s Juried Annual grew from a local exhibition of Northeast Wisconsin artists into a statewide platform celebrating visual arts excellence. This year, the museum received 317 submissions from 177 artists across the state. From that field, 64 works by 61 artists were selected, creating a vibrant conversation across media, approaches, and points of view.

MAM’s Exhibitions and Collections Curator Suzanne Rose said working on the show was a privilege, and that the works celebrates the extraordinary breadth of vision, practice, and creative life found throughout Wisconsin.

"The exhibition speaks so strongly to the range and vitality of Wisconsin artists,” Rose said, “and it's an honor to share it with our community and the many visitors who come to Door County."

Eight artists were recognized with a total of $1,950 in cash awards:

Gerhard Miller Award of Excellence ($500)
Rebecca Jabs (Manitiwoc), Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Special Merit Awards ($250 each)
Doug Fath (Madison), The Wounded Will Illuminate the Way
Karla Lauden (Sheboygan), Grave Digger
Abby Thiede (Sturgeon Bay), Aftercare

Juror's Choice Awards ($200 each)
Selected by Cristian Anderson: Bonnie Connolly (Sturgeon Bay), Milkweed
Selected by Debra Brehmer: Tania Nelson (Green Bay), Newport Village
Selected by Kimberly Burnett: Daniel Fleming (Milwaukee), Demons II (Prophet)

Bonnie Hartmann Award for Outstanding Creativity ($100)
Nova Czarnecki (Milwaukee), Born with Teeth

 The Miller Art Museum is located within the Door County Library at 107 S. 4th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay. Museum hours are Monday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free, and an elevator provides access to all gallery levels

For the all the details about the 51st Juiried Annual, and other happenings at the Miller Art Museum, visit their website, MillerArtMuseum.org.

A two-vehicle crash in the Town of Sturgeon Bay on Tuesday shut down County Highway S for nearly an hour and sent two people to the hospital.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:40 a.m. at the intersection of County Highway S and Wilson Road. According to the accident report, a 77-year-old Sturgeon Bay man was traveling south on the highway when he attempted to turn onto Wilson Road. A 20-year-old Algoma woman was traveling north at the time and did not believe the man would turn because she had the right of way.

When the man did turn, he struck the front end of the woman’s vehicle. Her vehicle ended up in a field next to the roadway, something she believed happened as she tried to avoid the crash.

Multiple witnesses told the deputy they saw the man turn in front of the woman without yielding first, with one adding that she did not see him use a turn signal.

Both drivers were taken to area hospitals to be treated for minor injuries, while their vehicles were towed. The man received a citation for failing to yield the right of way.

The scene was cleared by 11:40 a.m.

You have another opportunity this weekend to see how farming in northeast Wisconsin used to be done. Agricultural Heritage and Resources is hosting its annual Ag Heritage Days at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday.

Like thresherees hosted in the area, Ag Heritage Days features a Saturday tractor pull, antique tractors, historic implement demonstrations, and other activities throughout the grounds. Julie Siegmund of Agricultural Heritage and Resources says there are plenty of other things to do and eat during the event that make it a fun day for families.

Ag Heritage Days runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Farmers who were looking for rain certainly got it over the past week as harvest progress was forced to slow down. According to the most recent USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, farmers had an average of 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork last week after soaking rains left standing water in some fields.

Despite less-than-favorable weather, the corn silage harvest remains well ahead of the five-year average at 54% complete. Corn in the dent stage is about on par with the five-year average as farmers prepare for the corn grain harvest.

Soybeans are progressing as well, with 49% dropping leaves compared with the five-year average of 45%. Winter wheat planting is slightly behind the average at 27% complete.

The search is over for the County of Door when it comes to filling tenant space at the former Younkers building. The Door County Economic Development Corporation announced Thursday that it will move its offices to the site, which will also be home to the county’s museum archives.

Joining DCEDC in the space is the Door County Tourism Zone, which administers short-term rental permitting and room tax collection for the county’s municipalities.

“This is more than finding a tenant for an empty building,” said David Englebert, county board supervisor and chair. “DCEDC provides a strong, long-term presence downtown while creating a location that serves businesses and communities throughout Door County.”

DCEDC Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says relocating DCEDC to the heart of downtown Sturgeon Bay is an exciting move and one that makes sense given its role as an organization dedicated to business growth in the county.

LAWRIE1

The county, DCEDC, and Door County Tourism Zone are discussing an occupancy timeline for moving into the building after contracts for its renovation were recently approved by the county board. During that time, Lawrie says they will also discuss what will become of DCEDC’s current headquarters in the Sturgeon Bay Industrial Park.

The Interfaith Coalition for Housing - Sturgeon Bay is preparing to open its first transitional home. This is a momentous milestone for six Door County churches that decided to join forces to address housing insecurity and homelessness in the City.

This first project of ICH-SB is to convert a former medical clinic on 16th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for a family experiencing housing insecurity because of a crisis or life-changing circumstance. Door County Medical Center owns the building and has made it available to the coalition, while Door County Habitat for Humanity has provided renovation assistance. 

Ann Quale, a board member at Hope United Church of Christ, said the coalition grew out of conversations among local churches about the need for additional housing resources.

“Six churches got together and decided to get serious about the homeless population in Door County,” Quale said.

The Interfaith Coalition for Housing-Sturgeon Bay includes Hope Church, Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church, Sturgeon Bay United Methodist Church, Bay View Lutheran Church, Christ the King Holy Nativity and Hainesville Lutheran Church. The coalition has partnered with Door County Medical Center and Door County Habitat for Humanity on its transitional housing project.

Quale said a community presentation scheduled for October 4 will provide residents an opportunity to learn more about the coalition's work and plans.

“We'll present information and data about homeless issues in Door County, talk about the transitional house and all of our future plans,” Quale said.

The transitional housing model is designed to provide more than a place to stay. Coalition plans include connecting families with services such as case management, financial counseling and other resources aimed at helping move toward long-term housing stability.

“We'll have a slide program and plenty of time for questions as well,” Quale said.

The community is invited to learn more about the effort during a presentation scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Hope United Church of Christ, Sturgeon Bay. Coffee and light refreshments will be available.The event is free and open to the public.

You can enjoy a fun day with the family while supporting improvements at Bruemmer Park Zoo during the 15th annual Zoobilee Saturday, Sept. 26, in Kewaunee.

Proceeds from the annual event will support the construction of a new Environmental Education Center at the zoo, which is expected to provide additional facilities and educational opportunities for visitors to the park. “This year's donations will help build a new environmental education center including a new bathroom facility, a classroom and other amenities for people to use, it'll be a great addition to the park,”  Kewaunee County Promotions and Recreation Director Dave Myers said.

Organized by the  the Zoological Society of Kewaunee County, Zoobilee runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bruemmer Park Zoo in Kewaunee. The car show begins at 8 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m. You can also peruse an art and craft fair, check out the car show, participate in basket raffles and a silent auction, and enjoy live music.

More information is available through Bruemmer Park Zoo website and the Zoobilee Facebook event page.

Misplaced owners’ manuals for a new water heater are to blame for a small fire that caused guests to be evacuated from Ephraim Shores Resort on Thursday.

Ephraim Fire Chief Justin MacDonald responded to the fire just before 8:30 a.m. after receiving a call about smoke in the building. He discovered smoke in the pool area and mechanical rooms before finding the owners’ manuals near the recently installed water heater. They were close to the heat source and in an area that was difficult to locate.

Thanks to a nearby garden hose, the fire was extinguished with approximately 2 gallons of water. The scene was cleared by 9:45 a.m., and there were no injuries or damage.

The Door County Sheriff’s Office, Door County EMS and fire departments from Sister Bay/Liberty Grove, Baileys Harbor, Jacksonport and Gibraltar also responded.

MacDonald thanked the staff at Ephraim Shores Resort for assisting guests during the incident. He also used the incident as a reminder to use the closest exit during an emergency and remain outside until hotel staff or firefighters say it is safe to re-enter the building.

Land protection is still happening across the state. It just looks a little different after funding for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program expired earlier this year.

Despite widespread public support for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program as a way to protect some of the state's most valuable and vulnerable lands, lawmakers adjourned earlier this year without reaching a deal to reauthorize its funding, allowing it to expire June 30.

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

In July, Door County Land Trust Executive Director Emily Wood said the land trust has been working to identify other funding sources, including grants and private donations, to continue its conservation efforts.

As the state's alliance of land trusts, Gathering Waters continues to work with other conservation organizations, fishing and hunting advocates, trail builders, bicycling enthusiasts, and thousands of individuals to generate support needed to revive funding for the program.

Charles Carlin with Gathering Waters says that without support from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, the state also risks missing out on federal funding that helps make land acquisition projects possible.

Carlin is hopeful the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program will receive bipartisan support to continue land acquisition and maintenance efforts across the state. That funding could be especially important for the Door County Land Trust, which announced plans in August to create the Little Sturgeon Estuary Preserve.

As life changes as much as the leaves do during the fall, for seniors across the country, it is becoming increasingly important to check in on their mental health.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the largest percentage increases in suicide rates between 2001 and 2021 were among men ages 55-64 and women ages 65-74.

Declines in physical and cognitive abilities, bereavement, loneliness, and a lack of social connectedness are among the factors that may lead older adults to contemplate suicide. Jennalee Lundquist with Senior Life Solutions at Door County Medical Center says it can be difficult for seniors coming out of the summer when family members stop visiting, and friends either move away or pass away.

Senior Life Solutions through Door County Medical Center looks to help people work through these issues with group therapy. The sessions can benefit the entire group by allowing participants to share personal experiences and work together to build self-esteem and confidence.

You can listen to our full interview with Lundquist here.

A 22-year-old Brussels woman was hospitalized and later released with minor injuries Monday following a collision involving her e-bicycle and another vehicle in the city of Sturgeon Bay.

The crash occurred shortly before 8:15 a.m. at the intersection of Michigan Street and Third Avenue. According to a release from the Sturgeon Bay Police Department, a 52-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman was stopped at a stop sign in her vehicle, preparing to make a right-hand turn.

As she began her turn, the Brussels woman entered the intersection from the sidewalk on her e-bicycle as she tried to catch up to another cyclist. She did not stop at the stop sign and rode directly into the path of the vehicle.

Both the e-bicycle and vehicle suffered minor damage as a result of the crash, and the driver of the vehicle was uninjured. The e-cyclist was determined to be at fault, but was not issued a citation.

Sturgeon Bay police officers told DoorCountyDailyNews.com that they used the crash as a teaching moment for the Brussels woman, reminding her that City municipal code does not allow bicycle riding on downtown Sturgeon Bay sidewalks.  State law prohibits bicyclists from leaving a sidewalk and entering the path of an oncoming vehicle.

SBPD said they encouraged the e-cyclist to purchase a bicycle helmet with the money she saved by not receiving a citation.

Door County residents can help stock local food pantry shelves during the Thrivent “Cans” Hunger Food Drive at Sturgeon Bay Community Church.

The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28 at the church, 515 N. 12th St., Sturgeon Bay. The drive is hosted by the Thrivent Member Network-Wisconsin Upper Michigan and local Thrivent advisers.

For every nonperishable food item donated, the Thrivent Member Network will make a financial gift to the Door County Food Pantry Coalition, up to $3,000.

“What is really great about this event is that the Thrivent member network is going to donate three dollars for every food item donated,” said Amy Kohnle, executive director of United Way of Door County.

Suggested donations include canned soup, fruit and vegetables, chicken, tuna and beans, along with cereal, oatmeal, pasta and sauce, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly.

The Door County Food Pantry Coalition which includes 11 churches and food pantries working throughout the county to help residents facing food insecurity.

“The Door County food pantry coalition gets together on a monthly basis to share ideas, share resources and collaborate on food drives,” Kohnle said.

Community members are encouraged to bring as many nonperishable items as they can. No products will be sold during the event.

More information can be found on the Door County Food Pantry Coalition website.

Money raised through a longtime fundraiser at Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay will help support more than a dozen local charitable organizations.

The church’s Benevolent Committee uses proceeds from its twice-yearly rummage sales to provide financial support to local charities, while also helping meet needs within the church that fall outside its regular budget. According to Hope UCC, supporting local organizations with rummage-sale proceeds has been part of the committee’s work for years.

Hope board member Ann Quale said the community benefit is an important part of the fundraiser.

“The money that the Benevolent Foundation receives goes to over 15 local charitable organizations,” Quale said.

The fundraising continues this weekend with the church’s annual fall rummage sale. The sale is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at Hope United Church of Christ, Sturgeon Bay.

 “There are children's things, sporting goods, adult clothing, coats, books, games and holiday décor, anything you can think of, we’ve got it,” Quale said.

Items will be individually priced Friday. On Saturday, shoppers can fill an eligible grocery bag for $5.

The sale provides an opportunity to purchase donated items while helping generate funds that will be distributed to charitable organizations serving the Door County community.

A decrease in occupancy and sales tax from January to August 2026 has Door County Tourism Zone finance committee members concerned about the proposed 2027 budget for Destination Door County.

While presenting the proposed 2027 DDC budget at a joint DCTZ/DDC finance committee meeting last week, Thursday, Sept. 17, the organization’s President and CEO Jon Jarosh said occupancy rates are down five percent year-to-date over 2025 numbers, and sales tax collections are down 0.15% through August 2026. Collections in 2025 January-August totaled $4,038,599, while 2026 collections of the same timeframe total $4,032,695, a difference of $5,904. 

However as of Sept. 24, revenue is up, a fluctuation DDC said depends on when revenue reports are turned in from lodging properties. However, room occupancy, and availability are still down from this time last year. 

He talked about other economic factors impacting the number of visitors staying overnight in Door County, transportation being a significant factor in visitors choosing to vacation closer to home. Historically, Door County has either seen a bump in visitors when gas prices increase, or has stayed flat, Jarosh explained, and DDC is waiting until the end of the busy tourist season for final reports.

While talking about the 2026 tourism impact thus far, Jarosh mentioned restaurant owners have been “up and down” all year, the Piggly Wiggly in Sister Bay has reported an increase in liquor sales, and hotels are reporting an increase in garbage left at their establishments, in levels similar to 2020 when visitors couldn’t dine in at restaurants, or would choose to eat in their lodging accommodations after picking up to-go food.

The decrease in occupancy means less room tax dollars collected, which means less money for DDC to market the county to potential visitors, and less money for the municipalities and community business associations. 

DCTZ Commissioner, and Chairman for the Town of Baileys Harbor, David Eliot, questioned how much each community is spending on infrastructure that supports tourism, such as refuse collection in parks, utility usage for public spaces, and emergency response services. He referenced that the Town of Baileys Harbor has added a whole new public works crew, but hasn’t seen an increase in taxes to cover the costs. The purpose of room taxes, Eliot said, is to support infrastructure impacted by tourism.

Jarosh responded to the DCTZ committee members that DDC plans to increase its investment in marketing and promotion to attempt to drive additional room nights. The plan announced Thursday included a projected increase of $1M for marketing the county, in hopes of keeping the County’s market share of room tax revenue increasing, or at least not decreasing.

Considerable time was spent by the commissioners discussing money planned for spending on the multimodal trail being planned in the Town of Gibraltar. They questioned the fairness of allocating Community Improvement Fund grant money to the Town for this portion of the trail, looking ahead at funding applications from other municipalities and their potential qualifications. Commissioners requested DDC return to the Joint Finance Committee with a detailed budget, including numbers on the return on investment for the trail.

While the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, a steadfast church in north Baileys Harbor proudly celebrates 150 years of community and congregation. To mark the occasion, Christ Lutheran Church members, friends and neighbors are invited to a special service this Sunday, September 27. Church President Steve Strucely said the Church is excited to welcome a former Pastor as a part of the celebration.

Parishoners recently dedicated a memorial plaque outside the church buildings - the brief history of the church etched in bronze and mounted on a piece of Door County limestone.

The families of some CLC members have been attending for generations, proudly passing on their knowledge, and welcoming new members into their flock.

CLC members Joy Lang and Todd Ehlers shared their families’ attachment to the church, which has averaged 60 members for decades, according to Lang.

The Belgian Heritage Center will commemorate one of the most significant events in the history of Door County’s Belgian settlements during its annual Great Fire Remembrance on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The free program begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Belgian Heritage Center in Brussels and will feature presentations by Sandy Lampereur Orsted, retired Green Bay Metro Fire Department Capt. David Siegel and Barb Englebert Chisholm.

The Great Fire of 1871 devastated communities across Northeast Wisconsin, including the region’s Belgian settlements. The Belgian Heritage Center preserves and shares the history of those communities, including the fire and its impact on the settlers.

Belgian Heritage Center President Joe Alexander said Siegel’s presentation will offer a detailed look at the disaster.

“David Siegel has a really interesting story about fires and how this one took place,” Alexander said. “He goes out to Tornado Park after the event for those who want to join.”

The remembrance will be followed by an optional visit to Tornado Park.

The weekend continues Sunday, Oct. 4, with Booyah To Go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Award-winning booyah will be available, with preorders available through the center.

Alexander said proceeds from the fundraiser support the center.

“All the proceeds go directly back to help support the Heritage Center,” he said.

For more information or to pre-order Booyah to go, please visit the Belgian Heritage Center website.

While gentiles may be more familiar with Passover and Hanukkah because of their proximity to the Christian holidays of Easter and Christmas, area Jews are amid one of the holiest stretches of the year.

Monday marked Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement and the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. It comes several days after Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year. In addition to asking for forgiveness and attending synagogue services, observant Jews abstain from food and drink for more than 24 hours, refrain from certain earthly pleasures such as bathing, and traditionally wear white.

Yom Kippur also comes days before Sukkot, a seven-day Jewish autumn harvest festival that also commemorates the temporary shelters used during the Israelites' 40-year journey through the desert after leaving Egypt.

Although the holidays may not receive the same attention from the outside as others in the Jewish faith, Congregation Cnesses Israel Cantor Kate Judd says celebrating them is important to continuing Jewish traditions locally.

Congregation Cnesses Israel hosts in-person and Zoom services throughout the year, with additional opportunities available during the fall holidays.

If you are curious about what could be in your well water in Door County, UW-Oshkosh would love to hear from you.

Registration is open for UW-Oshkosh’s Fall 2026 Private Well Monitoring Program, which tests well water for total coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrates. Additional testing for arsenic, pH, alkalinity, hardness, and iron is also available.

Researchers at UW-Oshkosh’s Environmental Research and Innovation Center have offered discounted testing of Door County well water since 2019 and have worked with Crossroads at Big Creek for more than 20 years to provide education about the importance of testing and build their database.

Since 2019, approximately 150 to 300 residents have participated in the program, which offers testing at a discounted rate of $30.

Because of the county’s karst geology, the area’s groundwater is highly vulnerable to contamination, and results can vary depending on the season and other external factors.

You can register for this year’s program through Oct. 9 before returning your water testing kit Oct. 23 or Oct. 24. You can find more details here.

Whether they are performing gymnastics routines on the balance beam or just hanging out with their peers, the Door County YMCA has found many ways to bring youth from across the peninsula together.

In this week’s episode of the Y-Wednesday Podcast, Strivers gymnastics head coach Nikki Pollman talked about the growth she has seen in the program during her 30 years in the role. This summer, the Strivers scored 110.025 points to earn a spot on the national podium and claim the second-place team banner.

Fine Arts Director Rebecca Brown discussed the programming the Door County YMCA provides to bring area homeschool families together while giving parents a respite from teaching. Activities such as art and gym give students a chance not only to have a different experience outside their homeschool environment, but also to interact with other kids their age.

You can listen to the entire Y-Wednesday Podcast at this link.

Experience a bit of nightlife as a lighthouse keeper during the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse Twilight Tours, Saturdays September 26 and October 3. 

Lighthouse docents will bring to life stories from the era of the Duclon family, keepers of the Eagle Bluff light for 43 years, tales of shipwrecks, and daily life on the bluffs of what is now Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. The best part is being inside the lighthouse at night when it’s quiet in the Park…

Sales of the tour tickets help support the Lighthouse, which is independently operated by the Door County Historical Society. Ticket sales from events such as this, helped make possible the recent construction of a new summer kitchen, shed and chicken coop/well house on the property.

Eagle Bluff Site Manager Jamie Jorns shared a preview of what Twilight Tour takers will experience.

To purchase tour tickets, visit the Door County Historical Society's special events. 

Two drivers were injured Tuesday afternoon after a pickup truck and a semitrailer collided at an intersection in the Town of Casco.

The Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department received a report of the crash at about 2:16 p.m. Sept. 22 at the intersection of County Highway C and County Highway K.

According to the preliminary investigation, an 80-year-old man was driving a 2014 Dodge pickup westbound on County Highway K. The driver stopped at the controlled intersection with County Highway C before proceeding westbound.

The pickup was then struck by a 2009 Peterbilt semitrailer traveling southbound on County Highway C. The semi was driven by a 25-year-old Green Bay man.

Both vehicles left the roadway following the collision. The semitrailer, which was hauling liquid manure, overturned in an adjacent ditch.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources responded to assist with spill mitigation, while the Kewaunee County Highway Department helped with traffic control.

Both drivers were transported to a Green Bay-area medical facility with injuries that were not immediately known.

Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski said the investigation remains ongoing.

Resident Jay Walters wants you to slow down not just for a group of walkers on Wednesday as they take their first steps from George K. Pinney County Park in Sevastopol, but all the time.

Wednesday’s Safety Awareness Walk is the latest effort by Neighbors for Safe Bay Shore Drive to bring attention to concerns about drivers traveling too quickly on the road, which frequently has pedestrians and cyclists enjoying the scenic 13-mile stretch.

In the past, residents have collected data showing drivers traveling between 30 and 60 mph above the posted speed limit. Neighbors have poured approximately $18,000 into efforts to make Bay Shore Drive a safer place to recreate.

Walters has advocated for a safer Bay Shore Drive and says progress has been made thanks to recent work to widen the shoulders, collaborations with local law enforcement, and other efforts to raise awareness. However, he believes more can be done.

Walters encourages participants to wear high-visibility clothing and bring signs encouraging people to “slow the pace, enjoy the place.”

An 83-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman was killed Monday night after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing State Highway 57 in the Town of Sevastopol.

The Door County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the crash at approximately 7:53 p.m. near County Road P.

According to the initial investigation, a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica was traveling north on Highway 57 when it struck Erika May, who was crossing the highway and walking east toward a parking lot.

May was transported to Door County Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

The Pacifica was driven by a 72-year-old woman from Ferndale, Washington. The driver and three passengers in the vehicle were not injured.

Highway 57 between County Road P and the middle split of State Highways 42 and 57 was closed for several hours while authorities investigated the crash. Traffic was detoured around the scene.

The Door County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Sturgeon Bay Fire Department, Sevastopol Emergency Medical Responders and Door County Emergency Services.

The crash remains under investigation. The sheriff’s office said no further information is being released at this time.

You will notice new shades of orange on your drive through southern Door County for the next few weeks, but it is not because the leaves are changing colors.

The Door County Highway Department announced Monday that it has begun work on County Highway H between State Highway 57 and Stone Road. According to Door County Highway Commissioner Matt Decur, grading and compaction will begin next week after crews pulverize the existing asphalt and excavate intersections and driveways.

Paving will begin the week of Oct. 5, with the project expected to be completed by Oct. 23.

Traffic will be controlled by flagging operations. Decur is asking motorists to obey all signage, use caution around construction crews and equipment, and avoid driving on the oiled surface between layers of asphalt once paving begins.

As summer winds down and shelters see an influx of cats and kittens, the Wisconsin Humane Society is encouraging you to consider adoption with several specials running through Oct. 31.

Corey Viars, media specialist for the Wisconsin Humane Society, said the Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay campuses are among those working to find homes for the animals.

“As we're coming out of summer, we have a large population of cats and kittens and we want to find them homes,” Viars said. “Right now we have some great promotions for our adoptable cats and kittens.”

One promotion is Kitten Buddy Pricing, which gives adopters 50% off the second adoption fee when two kittens are adopted at the same time. For adult cats age 1 and older, adopters can name their own adoption fee. Adult cat adopters also receive a 50% off coupon for the Animal Antics store.

The promotions are intended to help more animals find homes as shelters manage larger populations following the summer months.

For people who may not be ready to make a permanent commitment, fostering is another way to help animals find a new home.

“You can also become one of our foster parents,” Viars said. “We take care of everything needed for the pet and all you have to do is provide a loving home for that kitten.”

Foster homes can provide animals with a temporary, comfortable environment while they wait for adoption, helping make room at the shelter for other animals in need.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering, visit the Wisconsin Humane Society website to view currently available animals and learn more about the specials.

If you or someone you know needs medical equipment for permanent or long-term use, Neighbor to Neighbor is offering a chance to get some items at no cost Tuesday in Sturgeon Bay.

Neighbor to Neighbor will hold a medical equipment giveaway from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, for Door County community members in need.

The giveaway will include only items designated in Neighbor to Neighbor’s giveaway section and will not include the organization’s regular equipment inventory. Items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The giveaway will take place at the Neighbor to Neighbor equipment facility at 1610 Georgia St. in Sturgeon Bay, located in the basement of one of the Cherry Cove Assisted Living facilities.

If you are attending, organizers say you must use the entrance on the left side of the building. A gravel driveway leads uphill to the basement entrance.

Construction is officially underway on the Cobblestone Hotel in Sturgeon Bay, marked with a groundbreaking Monday afternoon on Egg Harbor Road in Sturgeon Bay. Blasting for foundational footings has begun on the four-story, 62-room ‘corporate’ hotel, the siting of which abuts the Tall Pines Estate apartments toward the back of the 1.92-acre lot.

A handful of City and County representatives showed up to shovel some soil, and heard words of support for the economic impact the new hotel could have on the local community. 

Door County Economic Development Director Michelle Lawrie touted the convenience of the hotel to the highway, for travelers. This is the third location in the city that Cobblestone Hotels considered for locating the hotel. 

The hotel location within Tax Incremental District (TID) #6, will help finance the development agreement for Cobblestone Hotels to receive a total of $1.2 million in financial incentives, $810,000 within 30 days of an occupancy permit being issued to the hotel, and $390,000 in annual payments of $26,000 over a span of 15 years.

Cobblestone President of Development Jeremy Griesbach talked about the decades-long efforts that went into the siting and development of the Sturgeon Bay hotel. This property is considered a corporate property, and is not franchised like others. 

Construction is expected to take the remainder of 2026, and most of 2027. 

A 32-year-old Green Bay woman was cited for inattentive driving for her role in a two-vehicle crash that left a 63-year-old Sturgeon Bay man injured in the town of Sevastopol Saturday afternoon.

The crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on State Highway 42 near Cherry Road. According to the crash report, the Sturgeon Bay man was waiting to turn into his driveway when the Green Bay woman rear-ended his vehicle.

The woman told responding deputies she was reaching for her coffee and did not realize the man had stopped with his turn signal on while waiting to turn.

The crash damaged both vehicles and left the man with a small cut on his hand. EMS evaluated both drivers and the woman’s two passengers, but no one required hospitalization.

Cleanup took approximately 30 minutes, with the Door County Sheriff’s Office clearing the scene before 2:45 p.m.

A significant increase in request for Meals on Wheels deliveries, and in participants at the free meal sites around Door County, were reported Monday during the reporting of the results of the annual Nutrition Survey performed by the Adult Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Door County.

With the increase in food costs, this came as no surprise to Nutrition Advisory Council members, nor to Assistant ADRC Director Nikki Scharrig.

Meals on Wheels Coordinator Barb Snow, noted that the demand for frozen meals has increased significantly, just in the last two months. Total meals delivered increased 10 percent from January through August 2026, and isn’t slowing down as gas prices climb alongside food prices. The meal requests from the MOW rural routes have also increased. Noteworthy alongside the survey results reporting that most of the respondents don’t want to or are unable to drive more than one to five miles for a meal.

ADRC manages the free and reduced cost meal program offered at four locations around Door County - Baileys Harbor, Liberty Grove, Sturgeon Bay, and Washington Island. The participation in those meal offerings increased 30 percent from the first to the second quarter of 2026. 

The meal offerings provided by the ADRC, and Meals on Wheels, rely heavily on financial and product donations. The center can also accept produce, meat and dairy donations from area farmers, or gardeners who have an overabundance. 

Kewaunee County Board Chairperson Dan Olson is hopeful the mistakes made while planning a new Kewaunee County Public Safety Building will not be repeated as the county gets closer to awarding contracts for its upcoming highway shop projects.

The board approved borrowing up to $4.2 million in May for the design, construction, and renovations of the department’s main highway shop in Footbridge and its facilities in Algoma, Casco and Stangelville.

Just a few years ago, Kewaunee County Board supervisors were trying to find a solution to decades-long concerns about the county’s aging jail facility. In 2023, bids for a new jail facility came in $8 million over budget, and the county spent thousands of dollars on consulting fees before eventually shelving the project in 2024.

Olson thinks that experience helped the county plan for the highway projects and believes the numbers will be on its side this time around.

Olson says the board will likely be able to review bids for the projects at its Oct. 20 meeting, which will also serve as its budget hearing.

A 33-year-old Fish Creek man was cited for operating while intoxicated and operating left of center after losing control of his car and striking a tree in Sister Bay on Friday night.

The crash occurred just before 8:20 p.m. at the intersection of South Bay Shore Drive and Fieldcrest Road. According to the crash report, the man was traveling south on South Bay Shore Drive and attempting to turn left onto Fieldcrest Road when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree.

Deputies later found him near Glen Lane, just south of the crash scene, and arrested him for OWI. He suffered a possible injury but did not require hospitalization.

If you love Winnie-the-Pooh, Door County is turning October into a celebration of the beloved bear, his friends and the timeless stories of A.A. Milne.

Winnie-Pooh-Looza marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Milne’s classic “Winnie-the-Pooh,” first published in 1926. The countywide celebration, organized by the Friends of Door County Libraries, features activities throughout October, including Hundred Acre Wood walks, story and poetry trails, creative workshops, nature activities and special programs at Door County’s eight libraries.

Friends of Door County Libraries Treasurer Carol Burns says the celebration is about honoring the lasting impact of the characters.

“We just wanted to celebrate that legacy of A.A. Milne's beloved characters.”

Burns says the group also hopes the celebration encourages people to experience Door County’s own natural spaces.

“We are trying to invite people to go out and enjoy the 100 acre woods we call home, Door County.”

The month kicks off Friday, Oct. 2, at MUSE in Sturgeon Bay with an adults-only fundraising event from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening includes appetizers, music, and a cash bar featuring local actors bringing favorite Hundred Acre Wood adventures to life. Tickets are $50.

And the celebration supports a local cause.

“We are fundraising for the kids programming in all eight libraries,” Burns said

.

So whether you’re a lifelong Pooh fan or simply looking for a reason to explore Door County this fall, Winnie-Pooh-Looza offers plenty of ways to step into the Hundred Acre Wood.

For a full calendar of events or more information, visit the Friends of Door County Libraries website.

Hundreds of people dodged raindrops Friday and Saturday to welcome the autumn season at Sturgeon Bay Harvest Festival. Destination Sturgeon Bay planned activities on both sides of the water for this year’s event, with the Ferris wheel and Set Sail in Sturgeon Bay art pieces - displayed along the West Waterfront Promenade.

On Saturday, the Old Bolts Car Show took its spot along Third Avenue, displaying a wide variety of cars from yesteryear and today.

On the west side of Michigan Street along Third Avenue, the street fair atmosphere from the morning’s Sturgeon Bay farmers market continued into the afternoon, with Mayor David Ward tapping the annual Oktoberfest firkin among the highlights.

Autumn revelers have more events to choose from in Door County over the next several weeks as the colors start to turn across the state. Outside of Iron County in northern Wisconsin, most areas, including Door and Kewaunee counties, have only the occasional branch showing fall colors. That likely will not be the case next month when Egg Harbor hosts its annual Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 9-11, and Sister Bay hosts Fall Festival, Oct. 16-18.  

You are seeing more electric bikes and scooters in your daily life, and Sturgeon Bay is no exception.

According to Future Market Insights Inc., the electric bike market is expected to reach $59.35 billion in 2026 and $134.19 billion by 2036.

That growth comes as states such as New York, New Jersey and California crack down on some high-speed models and municipalities grapple with whether they should be treated as bicycles that do not require a license to operate or vehicles that do.

The debate over e-bikes and e-scooters has spilled into local government, with Sturgeon Bay’s Local Transportation Board tackling the issue. Board Chairperson Spencer Gustafson says officers and community members alike have expressed concerns about the prevalence of e-bikes and e-scooters. He is hopeful the state will address the issue through upcoming legislation.

Until then, Gustafson says the city will take a more educational approach to its guidance on e-bike and e-scooter safety, though an ordinance is already in place prohibiting vehicles on city sidewalks in the downtown area. He would like to see safety presentations in schools and incentive programs in the community to encourage children to operate e-bikes and e-scooters safely.

According to NPR and health data and analytics firm Truveta, injury rates involving e-bikes and e-scooters have increased 7.5-fold since 2023.

The camaraderie of a shared soccer (futbol) game will kick off the festivities of the third annual Sabor de la Door. On Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 2pm, anyone ages 14 and older is invited to the soccer fields at the Door County Fairgrounds/John Miles County Park  in Sturgeon Bay. 

The ‘taste’ of Door County will begin at 3pm inside the fairgrounds, centered around the stage, and merchant tent. Multicultural food trucks will tantalize your tastebuds. Music from two different bands will get your feet tapping, and there’s word of dance contests, so wear your dancing shoes. 

A number of Door County-based resource organizations will attend Sabor de la Door, to share their available resources with you. Visit the Merchant tent to learn more.

For event details, visit doorcountyparents.com/hispanic-heritage-month.

Organizers talked with Door County Daily News about the planned futbol game.

An expanded Sunflower Cottage is getting closer to reality thanks to public support of Sunshine Resources’ 5-5-5 Campaign. The trio of fives represents the $5 million needed to accomplish five strategic initiatives over the next five years.

Among the key projects is the nearly $1.9 million Sunflower Cottage, designed to support senior care and specialized programming, as well as upgrades to existing facilities and expansion into northern Door County. Sunshine Resources CEO Barry Metzentine says the organization has raised approximately 70% to 75% of the money needed for the Sunflower Cottage project, which he identified as the county’s most significant need. Director of Business Development Jeremy Pasczak says the Sunshine Resources story is a powerful one, and people are learning how the organization impacts their loved ones.

The 5-5-5 Campaign is also tasked with creating an alternative school program, developing a Northern Door facility and program, renovating the PATH building, modernizing its Yew Street facility, and establishing an endowment fund.

You can learn how you can support Sunshine Resources’ campaign here.

If you think birds and monarch butterflies are the only creatures migrating through Door County this time of year, take a closer look at the skies.

Dragonflies are also making their seasonal journey south, with the Common Green Darner among the species that can be spotted around the peninsula in late summer and early fall.

“Each species has their own migratory pattern,” said Sam Koyen, Executive Director of Crossroads at Big Creek. “Darners migrate and are the larger dragonfly that people think of as the most iconic dragonfly.”

Koyen said dragonflies are far more diverse than many people realize.

“Each dragonfly species is highly unique,” she said.

Door County’s Lake Michigan shoreline provides an opportunity to see these insects as they move through the area. Some dragonflies can travel hundreds of miles during migration.

But not every dragonfly heads south. Many species spend the winter underwater as nymphs.

“You can’t see it, but there are a lot of dragonfly larvae burrowing into the earth,” Koyen said.

If you want to experience Door County’s seasonal changes up close, Crossroads at Big Creek will host a Wandering Wednesday naturalist-led hike at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 30.

So the next time a dragonfly zips past you, stop for a second. You might be watching one of Door County’s smallest seasonal travelers on a much longer journey than you imagined.

When you take your dog for a walk, you may think a brisk stroll down the sidewalk is all the exercise and enrichment they need. But if you’re holding a short leash and setting the pace, your dog may be missing an important part of the experience: the chance to simply be a dog.

The Wisconsin Humane Society recommends trying a “decompression walk,” where you give your dog freedom to explore safely, follow their nose and set the pace.

“These walks allow your dog to take things at their own pace, slow down and really find their own enrichment and exercise,” said Corey Viars, media specialist for the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Instead of rushing along a route, you let your dog stop, sniff, wander and investigate. Sniffing and exploring can provide mental stimulation while helping dogs relax.

“These walks not only provide health benefits but behavioral benefits as well,” Viars said.

For a decompression walk, choose a quiet, open area such as a trail, beach, field or backyard. A long line and well-fitted, nonrestrictive harness can give your dog room to explore while keeping them safe.

Most importantly, take your cues from your dog.

“The walk should be 100% guided and driven by your dog,” Viars said.

Over the past few months, I have found myself on the road more than usual. I have been everywhere from the Canadian border in the north to Mississippi in the south, West to Omaha, and east to Michigan. In one trip, I believe we traveled through 5 different states in a single 24-hour period. Our mobility, and the infrastructure that supports it, is truly something that I find awe-inspiring. Although the road construction would seem perpetual, and the product of those efforts is something that so many of us take for granted, our reality would be greatly different without our system of public roadways.

In all of that traveling, I was able to do some reflection on human behavior as it relates to our interaction with fellow motorists.

Since the advent of the automobile, we as Americans have had a special relationship with our individual means of transportation. Our vehicles are in fact an extension of our own identity. From the color to the style and the accessories, we add to them. Similarly, how we operate our motor vehicles is also an extension of who we are as human beings. Those who have never met us are able to draw conclusions as to our personalities, temperament, and character. This is where the phrase “Car-mmunication” comes into play. It is said that in any given conversation, it is not the actual words we say, but rather in what people see that has the greatest impact. This is known as our “Non-verbal” communication.

As we operate our vehicles from place to place, we are in fact non-verbally communicating or “Car-mmunicating”. When we speed, we are communicating a lack of planning and disrespect for those who did plan and are able to maintain the proper speed. When we follow too closely, we are communicating impatience and aggressiveness. When we pass in a no passing zone, we are saying to those around us that our lives and theirs mean little in the pursuit of our goals. When we fail to use our directional signals, we communicate that we are oblivious to those around us.

The same can be said for the equipment on our vehicles. If we modify our exhaust, resulting in excessive noise, or play our music at an unreasonable volume, we are communicating our disregard for the peace and tranquility of our community. If, as operators of commercial trucks, we make unnecessary use of our engine brakes, we are communicating that either we lack the skill to operate that vehicle, or again we are just disregarding our community and that we lack the essential character strength of respect.

It all comes down to the accountability we have to each other. I have often felt that placing our names prominently on our vehicles would be a great step in this increased accountability, but regardless of our anonymity, we should each consider what our actions, especially behind the wheel, are saying about our character. Let’s all make an effort to “Car-mmunicate” respect, patience, and care for those around us. While we are at it, maybe consider adding a cheerful wave as we meet. There is a quote from Francesca Reigler that states: “We either make ourselves Miserable or Happy. The amount of work is the same.” Choose Happiness!

Visitors to Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Harvest Fest can wish “fair winds and following seas” to approximately two dozen steel sailboats as the summer art installation wraps up its season.

Many of the artists gathered Friday night to meet each other and talk about their pieces, which were displayed across the city over the last few months. While some of the artists are longtime participants in the annual rite of summer, others took part in the experience for the first time.

Artist Paula Hare brought back a taste of a previous piece, “Wisconsin Woodland Violet,” which she presented to former first lady Laura Bush.

 

 

 

 

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Artist Tiffany Baseler was encouraged to participate in Set Sail in Sturgeon Bay by another artist and decided to share her love of Door County nature with the community.

 

 

 

 

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Artist Shari Brzinski chose a different strategy for her piece, “Twin Sturgeon,” using foam insulation to mimic fish intertwining with each other and the sail’s structure.

 

 

 

 

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You can find all of the Set Sail in Sturgeon Bay pieces along the West Waterfront near the Door County Granary and Door County Maritime Museum. You can also bid on the pieces by clicking on this link.

An expanded Harvest Festival in Sturgeon Bay this weekend is providing a festive atmosphere for the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Teweles & Brandeis Grain Elevator.

On Friday, September 18, from 4 - 8 PM, the Granary Wharf Cafe will sell drinks and  snacks for the Set Sail Artist Reception, and a Ferris wheel will provide free rides overlooking the bay. Then on Saturday, a Czech-themed celebration will honor Teweles’s and Brandeis’s heritage; both  men and their families immigrated from Prague, Bohemia (modern day Czech Republic) in the  late 1800s. 

The Granary will be open 10 AM - 7 PM with Czech-inspired refreshments, including Zel?a?ka (sauerkraut soup), available at the Granary Wharf Cafe. Live music will rock the elevators from noon to 5:30pm, including a set from the legendary polka band Jerry Voelker and  the Jolly Gents (Fun fact: polka was invented in Bohemia.) There will also be a short program highlighting historic events from 1901. 

Be sure to pick up a copy of the special 125th anniversary t-shirt and Historic  Events of 1901 booklet, all proceeds from the events benefit the preservation and operation of the Door County Granary.  

Visit the  Granary during open hours to tour the historic building and learn more about its significance to the area. Learn more about the upcoming events at the Granary at:  

sturgeonbayhistoricalsociety.org/sbhs-events

Between the chatter, excited greetings, and pleas to purchase raffle tickets, Door County’s female movers and shakers celebrated a year of community support and action at the 10th annual Women’s Fund of Door County Celebrate Women Luncheon on Friday at Stone Harbor Resort and Conference center in Sturgeon Bay. 

For the 17th consecutive year, Marti Spittell Ziegelbauer enraptured the room, with details about the $245,000 granted to Door County organizations during the last year.

Highlighted was a $5,000 grantee - the Door County Medical Center’s Birthing Center - and Registered Nurse and Lactation consultant Jessica Skinner talked about the equipment and supplies the birthing center purchased with the grant money, and the support that money has provided DCMC’s lactation depot. To date, women in our community have donated over almost 5 times the amount of breast milk to the milk bank that has been used in our community.

Information about that job, and more information about the Women’s Fund of Door County, can be found on WomensFundDoorCounty.org 

There is still time for things to change, but Kewaunee County taxpayers could be in for some good news this fall. A relatively quick Kewaunee County Board meeting was highlighted by a sneak peek at the upcoming 2027 budget from Kewaunee County Administrator Jeremy Kral.

Kewaunee County Board Chairperson Dan Olson says the county held the line on overall spending while providing cost-of-living increases for employees and adjusting to an increase in health care costs. As a result, Olson says the proposed tax rate per $1,000 of equalized value would drop by just over 7%. The tax levy is also expected to inch down approximately 1.8%.

He credits an increase in the county’s equalized value and a projected reduction in debt service for the drop in the tax rate. Olson adds that the downward trend in the tax rate is encouraging.

A public hearing for the 2027 budget will take place as part of the Kewaunee County Board’s next meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 20.

The Luxemburg Sportsman’s Club is making it easier and more exciting for those getting into clay pigeon shooting to have fun outdoors. Funded in part by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant and donations from local businesses, the club opened its new fully automated sporting clays course this month. Shooters walk a trail to 10 different stations to shoot clay pigeons in a setting similar to bird hunting.

At each station, shooters can scan a QR code to see the trajectory of the clays and use a card to pay for the clays being launched before hopefully shooting them out of the sky.

Brian Rueckl of the Luxemburg Sportsman’s Club hopes the handicap-accessible course allows more people to be introduced to the sport.

The Luxemburg Sportsman’s Club will host a grand opening event this Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.

Your child’s fun does not have to stop when they need a break from the playground or beach at Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay. The city of Sturgeon Bay and United Way of Door County joined forces to create the Born Learning Trail, part of a national program featuring interactive signs with fun, active learning activities for families to participate in together.

On Sturgeon Bay’s trail, volunteers helped paint a hopscotch course, letters and circles to start the fun. United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle credited Child Care Community Coordinator Molly Gary with getting the ball rolling on the project’s installation and said she cannot wait to see how families interact with it for years to come.

Kohnle says more activities will be added to the trail next spring, and the paint will be refreshed annually.

Experience artistic creation from conception to fruition during the Door Kinetic Arts Festival, returning to the peninsula for its 10th year this week.

The weeklong festival begins Sunday, Sept. 20, and continues through Saturday, Sept. 26, with events centered on the Björklunden campus in Baileys Harbor.

The festival was created by Door County playwright and filmmaker Eric Simonson as a way for performing artists to gather, collaborate and develop new work. For local residents and visitors, the week's events offer opportunities to see that creative process unfold through performances, film screenings, staged readings, workshops, artist discussions and other events.

Alan Kopischke, producer of Door Kinetic Arts, said this year's festival represents an important milestone, and attendees should expect the busiest Festival to date.

“It is both our tenth anniversary and our tenth year,” Kopischke said. “This is our biggest and best year ever; Eric has gone above and beyond. We have things happening every single night from Sunday through Saturday and even some afternoon."

Whether you're interested in theater, film, dance, music, writing or simply getting a behind-the-scenes look at how new artistic work is created, you'll find something of interest during the week. At a previous festival, playwright Brian James Polak conceptualized "The Call List", a theatrical performance currently running on the Third Avenue Playworks stage.

It’s Barn Dance season!

Dust off your dancing shoes for the first Barn Dance of the season this Sunday at MUSE in Sturgeon Bay, 3-5pm.

The Door County Folk Alliance is once again hosting the annual community get togethers, for all to enjoy. DCFA Board President Mike Grimm shared a brief history of barn dances – they’re not all held in barns!

The purpose of the dances is not only movement and the sharing of dance and music, but to build community.

No previous dancing experience is necessary, only the desire to move to the music and enjoy life. DCFA does ask for children to be 8 years or older. The Barn Dances are alcohol free events. No charge to attend the dances; donations are requested to help offset costs.

For the full schedule of DC Folk Alliance barn dances, visit DCFolk.com

As the season begins to turn, Kewaunee County 4-H is inviting area youth to discover their spark indoors and outdoors next month. On Saturday, Oct. 3, attendees can sample a wide variety of activities at Kewaunee County 4-H’s Outdoor Adventure Day at Black Ash Gun Club in Algoma. Kayaking, fire building, woodworking and leathercraft are just some of the activities kids can try.

On Oct. 5, the Taste of 4-H Open House will give families a peek at what area clubs and projects do throughout the year. Kewaunee County 4-H Educator Erin Dahle says the best way to learn is to do.

While both activities are taking place next month, registration for the organization’s Outdoor Adventure Day closes Friday. 4-H organizations across the country, including those in Kewaunee and Door counties, are welcoming new and returning members this month as part of their registration periods.

In the weeks leading up to the November election, Door County sheriff candidates Tammy Sternard, Randy Wagner, and Curt Vandertie have had both positive and negative aspects of their law enforcement careers shared publicly for voters to consider.

In June, the Door County Sheriff’s Deputies Association issued a vote of no confidence in Sternard, the current sheriff. The resolution cited the handling of a case involving the shooting of a feral pig, low morale in the jail division, and poor attendance at monthly meetings among members’ concerns with Sternard. The resolution stated that members had lost faith in Sternard’s ability to effectively lead the agency.

Sternard responded in writing after the resolution was obtained through an open records request, addressing some of the concerns directly. She wrote that it was unfortunate some association members did not approach her about most of the allegations before airing their grievances through the resolution.

Last month, Wagner shared his 14-page disciplinary file from his time with the Denver Police Department after being asked whether he had anything to hide regarding his internal affairs record. Discourtesy, a preventable accident, failure to attend court and inappropriate force were among the allegations listed in the report. Wagner said complaints are a reality in law enforcement, adding that what matters is how complaints are handled, what the facts reveal and whether an officer is willing to be accountable for their actions.

On Wednesday, a Facebook page titled “Corruption in Door County” was created and shared documents it identified as Vandertie’s disciplinary file. The documents detailed allegations of harassment involving another deputy and the use of personal time while on the clock.

Vandertie released written and video statements, saying he wanted to focus on running a positive campaign but felt the need to “address the ongoing attacks and rumors” about his character.

“My annual performance evaluations before, during and after this isolated incident consistently recognized my professionalism, leadership and commitment to serving the people of Door County,” Vandertie wrote. “I remain committed to leading with professionalism, fairness, accountability, integrity and genuine community connection.”

Sternard, Wagner and Vandertie will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, with absentee voting already underway.

Construction on the long-awaited extension of South 18th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay is nearing completion, bringing a decades-old city goal closer to reality.

You can soon use the new created roadway, which connects Memorial Drive and Utah Streets. The private roadway paralleling Bayview Bridge was brought under city control this year after the City reached an agreement to purchase the needed parcel of land for approximately $80,000. This easement allowed South 18th Avenue to extend to Memorial Drive, creating a public roadway.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward has gone on record to say that bringing the roadway under city control had been on the city's to-do list for nearly 30 years. The extension was included in the city's 2026 street improvement plan. Mayor Ward is optimistic that the project will be completed in short order.

This month, crews will put the finishing touches on the project, with paving work underway as the roadway approaches completion.

'Signal Red' is the aptly named paint color being applied this week to the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse, which is currently undergoing repairs and painting at the Roen Salvage yard in Sturgeon Bay.

The 109 year old structure didn't need a whole lot of work, according to Ryan Gustafson, owner of Door County Color Professional Painting, and assistant Tyler Woodgate.

The City of Algoma is ready for the navigational landmark to return to port after the work is complete, said City Administrator Matt Murphy. A total of 10 gallons of epoxy primer put on the first coat, and the painters will use 10-15 gallons of Signal Red paint to put on 2 coats of color. 
 

Working on this project is more than just a paycheck for Gustafson, whose family roots date to 1835, and Door County's first 'official' white settlers, the Claflins.
 

For now, the reconstruction of the catwalk to the Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse remains in question. The website SavetheCatwalk.com, dedicated to raising $400,000 to rebuild the catwalk, reports $44,000 raised to date.

If you’re a home gardener, you can learn ways to preserve and enjoy your harvest during “Putting Up Your Harvest” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

Alumna Master Gardener Stacia Dick-Schuster will lead the presentation, sharing ideas for preserving home-grown vegetables while helping gardeners make the most of their harvest.

“Preserving your garden’s bounty is a great way to enjoy the flavors and nutrition of fresh vegetables long after the growing season ends,” Dick-Schuster said. “There are many simple and practical ways to put up your harvest.”

Dick-Schuster will also offer door prizes during the program.

The event is co-sponsored by the Door County Seed Library and the Door County Master Gardeners. The presentation is free and open to the public.

After Baileys Harbor kicked off the autumn festival season last weekend, Sturgeon Bay will take the torch this Friday and Saturday when Harvest Fest returns to the city.

Friday will see the biggest changes with the addition of activities on the west side near the Door County Maritime Museum and Door County Granary. Free Ferris wheel rides will be available, while visitors can participate in a meet-and-greet with the artists behind the Set Sail in Sturgeon Bay street art project before the pieces are auctioned off.

The Old Bolts Car Show will host its Cruise-In Meet and Greet at The Lodge at Leathem Smith instead of the usual parade through town.

Saturday’s activities will bring back plenty of old favorites, including the Old Bolts Car Show, firkin tapping and a stein-holding contest. Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Alexa Soto says Martin Park will look a little different this year, with kids' activities and local nonprofits dotting the green space.

Activities run until 8:30 p.m. Friday and 5:30 p.m. Saturday. You can see the full schedule of activities at this link.

For farmers like Brey Cycle Farm’s Jacob Brey, what goes into the ground can be just as important as what comes off it. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, the corn silage harvest was 32% complete after nearly six days suitable for fieldwork across the state last week. That is 10 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

Some farmers are even harvesting corn for grain if their fields were exceptionally dry over the summer. Brey Cycle Farm was planning to harvest its corn for silage this week if Mother Nature allowed, while also getting equipment ready to plant cover crops such as triticale with a grain drill close behind.

Brey says they do it this way to take advantage of every opportunity to get the cover crop established before winter settles in.

Winter wheat planting is about on par with the average at 17% complete, while 27% of soybeans were dropping leaves, about 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

A lifetime of family mental health trauma, and a career investigating and reporting on the American mental health crisis, has again brought Meg Kissinger to Door County to share her knowledge and expertise. 

Kissinger is scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the sold out 17th annual Women’s Fund of Door County’s Celebrate Women luncheon, on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sturgeon Bay.

Friday's keynote will differ from the Thursday evening program, Kissinger said.

New this year, the public is welcome to attend a complimentary reception with Kissinger the evening before the luncheon, Thursday, September 17, at 6 p.m. at the Kress Pavillion. Kissinger is a Pulitzer Prize finalist for investigative reporting and the author  of "While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an  Era of Silence,". She, along with local mental health advocates from Door County Medical Center, Emily Kraynak and Allycia Bretl, will host a conversation about how to support families and break  the shame of mental illness.  

Following the conversation, local organizations will offer a Health Fair for guests to learn more  about mental health education, resources, and support available in Door County. 

All proceeds raised during the Celebrate Women Luncheon will benefit the Women’s Fund of  Door County’s mission of building, enriching, and nurturing the lives of women and girls  through collective wisdom and philanthropy.  In its 17 years as a component fund of the Door County Community Foundation, the Women’s Fund has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants, and supported more than 100 programs throughout the peninsula.

There is no shortage of activities coming up at the Door County YMCA’s program centers in Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek as the seasons begin to turn. During this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast, Healthy Living Director Sarah Gavin shared details about activities coming up over the next several weeks.

This month, both program centers will commemorate Fall Prevention Awareness Week with fall risk assessments Sept. 21 in Fish Creek and Sept. 22 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisdom Wednesday presentations with UW-Madison’s Elizabeth Collinson on Sept. 16 in Fish Creek and Sept. 23 in Sturgeon Bay, and a program spotlight on tai chi.

Gavin also highlighted some of the YMCA’s October programming, including the Pay the Day membership promotion, Active Aging Week from Oct. 5-9 and Trunk or Treat on Oct. 30.

You can listen to the full conversation by clicking on this link.

The Door County Housing Partnership broke ground Tuesday on its tenth home in Door County, the third on Galley Place in Sturgeon Bay, marking another step in the organization’s effort to help create permanently affordable housing.

DCHP President Scott Bader and State Assemblyman Joel Kitchens joined housing partnership representatives for the groundbreaking ceremony, taking turns talking about the Housing Partnership efforts, and the impact on the greater community.

Kitchens emphasized the impact of housing like this on not only the family living in the home, but on the community at large.

The Door County Housing Partnership works to create housing opportunities for local residents while ensuring the homes remain affordable for future generations. Its model protects the initial public and private investment in the properties and keeps the homes permanently affordable through long-term land agreements.

Under the partnership’s model, buyers purchase the home at below-market value while entering into a 98-year land lease. The arrangement allows the homeowner to build equity while ensuring the property remains affordable when it is eventually sold to another qualified buyer.

By preserving affordability over the long term, the Door County Housing Partnership aims to create a lasting supply of attainable homes rather than providing a one-time benefit to individual homeowners.

DCHP is beginning its next fundraising campaign this fall.

Pictured in groundbreaking photo (L to R): Krystal Kubichka, Rep. Joel Kitchens, Sean Linnan, Mariah Goode, Frank Paul, Scott Bader, Sam Nelson, Tim Halbrook.

Hope Church in Sturgeon Bay will host an educational forum Sunday, Sept. 27 focused on autism, neurodiversity and the experiences of those living with autism.

“The Unique & Authentic Journey Through Autism: A Discussion Through Neurodivergency” is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday at Hope Church, 141 S. 12th Ave, Sturgeon Bay.

The forum will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism through personal experiences and open discussion. The event will also include a question-and-answer session, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation about neurodiversity.

Organizer Sandy Brown says the event is open to people of all ages and invite community members to attend, “All are welcome,” says Brown, whether they have a personal connection to autism or simply want to better understand the experiences of neurodivergent individuals.

The forum is designed to encourage education, awareness and conversation surrounding autism and the diverse ways people experience and navigate the world.

UW Extension Regional Dairy Educator Aerica Bjurstrom says you can add diesel prices to the common farming conversation of “expect the unexpected.” Diesel prices hit an all-time high Tuesday at $6.10 per gallon, which is 84 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and $2.65 per gallon higher than a year ago.

Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, paired with high demand, are causing sticker shock at the pump. For Wisconsin farmers, there is not much they can do because now is the time for corn to come off, cover crops to go on, and manure to be spread. All of that equipment uses diesel fuel — and a lot of it.

Bjurstrom says many farmers bought their diesel fuel ahead of time, either storing it on-site or contracting for delivery at a lower price. She adds that there are some things farmers can do to stretch their fuel supply and avoid more pain at the pump.

Regular gasoline prices have also seen better days, with the average price in the Green Bay metro area sitting at $4.15 per gallon. That is 24 cents per gallon more than a month ago and $1.29 per gallon more than a year ago.

A 32-year-old Baileys Harbor man was arrested and cited in connection with a hit-and-run crash in Sister Bay on Thursday night. The crash occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Bay Shore Drive and Mill Road.

According to the crash report, the man was driving south on Bay Shore Drive when a 21-year-old Egg Harbor woman was walking across the street. The report noted that she was walking outside the angled crosswalk, taking a more direct path across Bay Shore Drive. The man did not see her in time and struck her at an unknown speed. He stopped briefly before leaving the scene.

The woman drove herself to Door County Medical Center to be treated for her injuries.

Following an investigation, the man was arrested a day later and cited for operating while under the influence causing injury and hit-and-run. The woman was not cited for jaywalking or failure to yield the right of way.

A third school district in Door and Kewaunee counties will go to voters in November to help fund its operations. The Luxemburg-Casco School District announced Tuesday that it will seek $1.8 million per year for three years through an operational referendum.

The proposed referendum would replace the three-year referendum approved in 2024, which also provides $1.8 million per year. Because of that, the district says the referendum would have a net-zero impact on its mill rate.

Luxemburg-Casco Superintendent Jo-Ellen Fairbanks says she deeply appreciates the community’s support and the partnerships the district has formed, including the Ahnapee Automotive and Diesel programs, the Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Program and two student business and enterprise programs.

“Our schools are at the heart of our community,” Fairbanks says. “Together, we can ensure Luxemburg-Casco remains a place where students thrive, families belong, and our community grows stronger.”

She adds that the district has reduced bus purchases and routes, changed or contracted services, and reduced and restructured positions while actively seeking additional revenue sources, such as grants and fundraising, to keep its budget in check.

“We are proud of the education we provide for our students and remain committed to being good stewards of our community’s resources while giving every student the opportunities they need to thrive,” Fairbanks said.

The district will announce dates and times for community meetings where residents can learn more about the referendum and ask questions.

Sturgeon Bay and Southern Door announced their operational referendum plans last month. The Sturgeon Bay School Board approved resolutions asking voters to support an operational referendum that would allow the district to exceed its revenue limit by $3.75 million in each of the next five years. The Southern Door School Board approved resolutions asking voters to exceed the revenue limit by $2.055 million per year for three years.

Voters will decide on the referendum questions as part of the Nov. 3 general election.

Boaters and other small craft are advised to stay off the water this evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory for the Bay of Green Bay from 4-9PM on Monday, with gale warnings from 9PM this evening until 7AM Tuesday.

South winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and waves 1 to 3 ft are expected. For the Gale Warning, south winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and waves 3 to 6 ft are expected. For the second Small Craft Advisory, southwest winds 15 to 20 kt veering west, with gusts up to 30 kt and waves 3 to 6 ft expected.

Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions.

Video taken Sunday, Sept 13, 2026 of a windy Death’s Door crossing on the Washington Island Ferry. Winds registered 15-20kts out of the SW.

Instead of riding a bus for multiple hours a day to and from Green Bay for alternative placement programming, students in Door County are staying closer to home thanks to a partnership with Sunshine Resources. The Sturgeon Bay organization is piloting its Sunshine Bridges program for the 2026-27 school year to provide programming at the PATH building for students with extraordinary social and behavioral needs from area school districts.

Sunshine Resources CEO Barry Metzentine says some school districts do not have the resources or staffing to give those students the tools and help they need to succeed in the classroom. Sevastopol was the first to partner with Sunshine Resources, with Sturgeon Bay and Southern Door following suit. Together, the districts have seven students involved in the Sunshine Bridges program.

With discussions also underway with Gibraltar and Washington Island, and potentially soon with Algoma and Kewaunee, Metzentine says the program is a great way to keep more students local instead of sending them back and forth to Green Bay.

As the program grows, Sunshine Resources is looking for additional student aides to help meet future demand.

The Door County Historical Society (DCHS) was recognized with two prestigious honors from the Wisconsin Historical Society during ceremonies held at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Fish Creek, and Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay, on Wednesday, Sept 9th.

The DCHS received the 2026 Historic Preservation Award at Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, recognizing the organization’s work in rehabilitating the 158 year old Door County landmark.

The award celebrates years of planning, fundraising, restoration and collaboration that helped restore the lighthouse and its historic grounds while preserving the site for future generations.

Later in the day at Heritage Village, the Door County Historical Society received the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History.

The annual award recognizes a local historical organization for outstanding service in preserving and sharing Wisconsin history. The honor reflects the collective efforts of DCHS staff, board members, volunteers, members, donors and supporters who have contributed to the organization’s mission.

The Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy is now on display at the Door County Historical Society office on Fourth Avenue in downtown Sturgeon Bay, where visitors can view the latest recognition of the organization’s efforts to preserve and celebrate Door County history.

New interpretive and educational panels were unveiled Sunday, Sept 13, at Escarpment Park in Ellison Bay. Members of the Greater Escarpment Organization of Door County were onsite to answer questions and talk about the process of creating the panels.

More panels are still to come in Spring 2027!

Pictured (left to right): Suzi Johnson Hass, Janet Johnson, Walter ‘Bud’ Kalms, and Nancy Goss.

See

That old gas in your garage, expired oil-based paint in the basement, and used ink cartridges in your drawer would be better off at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds this Thursday than in your home. The Kewaunee County Emergency Management Department is hosting its Clean Sweep hazardous waste collection event this week, accepting everything from ammunition and medications to household chemicals and agricultural pesticides.

Household hazardous waste can pile up after a while, with the average U.S. household generating about 30 pounds of it each year. Kewaunee County Emergency Management Director Tracy Nollenberg says if you have it, you should bring it in before something happens.

Registration is requested through the Kewaunee County Emergency Management Department. Some items are not accepted at the event and will need to be taken to the Riverview Transfer Station for a fee. You can find the full list of accepted and non-accepted items below.

A 29-year-old Baileys Harbor man is behind bars after multiple collisions Saturday that included damage to a Sturgeon Bay Police Department vehicle.

The department was called to assist the Door County Sheriff’s Office after the man rear-ended a vehicle on State Highway 57 near Jorns Road while traveling south. He continued south until exiting the roundabout from State Highway 42/57 onto Michigan Street.

The man then struck a police vehicle head-on and stopped near the intersection of Michigan Street and 18th Avenue. A second squad car boxed in the man before officers ordered him to show his hands and exit his vehicle. He instead ignored the commands and told responding officers he had a gun.

The man eventually exited the vehicle and walked toward officers, continuing to ignore their commands until he was stunned with a Taser and arrested. He remains in the Door County Jail awaiting charges.

One police officer suffered minor injuries when his squad car was struck head-on. He was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released.

The start of Saturday’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s began before a single dollar was donated, a single person registered or a single step was taken. The walkers, many of them donning shades of purple and carrying spinning flowers, brought stories of their loved ones’ struggles with the disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and accounts for the majority of dementia cases. For some walkers, like Rachel, it was a chance to remember the fun times they had with grandparents before they died.

For others, like Jamie, Carla and Mark, the walk was about supporting their moms as they struggle with Alzheimer’s every day.

As of Monday morning, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Door County was approximately $8,000 short of its $107,500 goal. If you missed Saturday’s walk, you still have one more chance to participate when the Walk to End Alzheimer’s comes to Fish Creek this Saturday, Sept. 19, at Stella Maris Church.

A 63-year-old Manitowoc man was taken to a Green Bay hospital Saturday after his motorcycle collided with an oncoming car. The crash occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on Mathey Road near the Wisconsin Motorcycle Memorial in the town of Sevastopol.

According to the incident report, the motorcyclist was attempting to turn left out of the memorial when he noticed a car driven by a Sturgeon Bay teenager heading north. The motorcyclist tried to accelerate out of the driveway and around the car as its driver changed lanes in an attempt to avoid the collision, but it was too late.

The motorcyclist was thrown from the motorcycle after the collision tore off its rear wheel. Both drivers were shaken up after the crash, but the motorcyclist was cited for failure to yield while making a left turn.

The crash closed the road for about an hour while the vehicles were towed and the area was cleaned up.

With many projects either already underway or about to get going in the coming weeks, Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward hopes the city is making a significant dent in its housing needs. The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will have a light agenda when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

One item the council will address is an updated development agreement for the DOCO Iron Gate and DOCO Bay Heights developments along Division Road. Once built out, the developments are expected to yield 30 workforce dwellings, 36 market-rate dwellings and 34 storage units with optional living spaces.

The meeting comes on the heels of continued work at Heron Crossing and the groundbreaking for The Avenue, which is slated to bring 39 affordable housing units to 14th Avenue between Georgia Street and Iowa Drive. Ward says some lengthy meetings earlier this summer are allowing these types of projects to get off the ground and will keep the area busy for years to come.

After Tuesday’s meeting, much of the focus will turn to the city’s budget. Ward says officials need to gauge how the Premier Resort Area Tax and the new stormwater utility are affecting the city’s bottom line.

While their humans are in the fields chopping corn for the silage harvest, the heifers at Brey Cycle Farm in Sturgeon Bay are enjoying the sunshine and fresh air before the seasons turn. In 2022, Brey Cycle Farm turned more than 140 acres of row crops into pasture for its heifers to roam freely while enjoying a mixture of cover crops and grasses. The switch allowed the farm to reduce soil erosion and phosphorus runoff while saving money on feed costs and other inputs.

When Brey Cycle Farm hosts Tuesday’s Peninsula Pride Farms Conservation event at 5 p.m., owner Jacob Brey hopes farmers can see a great way to do right by their cows, their land and their bottom line.

Do not be mistaken: Brey and other farmers are working hard to make sure their herds have plenty to munch on during the winter months when delicious winter rye and summer cocktail mixes could be under snow. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, Wisconsin farmers are 14% complete with their corn silage harvest, 6 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

Corn in the dough stage, at 93%, and soybeans dropping leaves, at 12%, were also several percentage points ahead of their five-year averages, while winter wheat planting, at 7%, was slightly behind.

What was once old is new again for the City of Algoma as the clock is officially ticking on its new city hall and police station. Bayland Buildings announced Wednesday that it had been awarded the contract to renovate the former Associated Bank building into the new city hall and police station.

The contract also includes upgrades to the HVAC and electrical systems and new utility services for the existing public library. Earlier in the process, all three were going to share the former bank building, but the library will stay in its current space thanks to the generosity of a donor.

Algoma City Administrator Matt Murphy says the building is in great shape but still requires some changes to fit the needs of city government and its police department.

Murphy adds that crews are slowly moving over to the building as work at the soon-to-be-opened fire station finishes. Once city hall and police operations move into their new home, Murphy says the current city hall and police station property will be put on the market.

For those who take the time to look, autumn's transition is already underway, even if summer's warmth still lingers.

Along the Lake Michigan shoreline, monarch butterflies are gathering before beginning their remarkable journey to Mexico. Warblers, thrushes, shorebirds, and other migratory birds are passing through local forests, fields, and shorelines, stopping to rest and refuel before continuing south. Trees are quietly storing nutrients for winter, even while their leaves remain green, and bats are feeding heavily before migrating or settling into hibernation sites.

According to Interpretive Naturalist Jess Poppie, migration season offers a reminder that Door County sits along one of nature's busiest travel corridors.

"Many people are noticing monarch butterflies gathering along the shoreline right now," Poppie said. "At the same time, we're seeing a variety of migrating birds passing through Crossroads preserves. Some of these travelers have come from northern Wisconsin or Canada and are headed thousands of miles south. It's a season filled with incredible journeys."

Some migratory birds may eventually reach destinations in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, or beyond. Many songbirds travel under the cover of darkness, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and favorable winds. Before departing, they build up fat reserves that fuel astonishing long-distance flights. A Wood Thrush, for example, may eventually cross the Gulf of Mexico on its journey south.

Our popular Wandering Wednesday hike returns on Wednesday, September 23, at 1:30 p.m. As monarchs drift overhead, migrating birds move through local habitats, and splashes of gold begin appearing along trails and wetlands, participants can join a naturalist-led walk through the preserve to see what signs of fall are emerging. No two hikes are ever quite the same, which is part of the fun.

The arrival of fall also signals a new season of exploration for Crossroads' youngest naturalists. Beginning Tuesday, September 29, at 10 a.m., Junior Nature Club invites children ages 3 to 5 and their adults to discover the wonders of nature through a six-week series focused on observation, exploration, and learning through the senses.

Fall's beauty can also be found right in our own backyards. On Tuesday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m., Crossroads will host Leave the Leaves, a presentation sponsored by the Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones Door Peninsula. The program will explore how fallen leaves support pollinators and other wildlife, improve soil health, and contribute to a healthier ecosystem while reducing yard work. As trees prepare for winter and begin their annual leaf drop, it is a timely reminder that nature's processes often work best when given a little space.

Visitors can also enjoy the changing season at their own pace through Crossroads' current Trail Tales Storybook Walk. Beginning at the West Trailhead and following the Meadow Trail, families can experience Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell, beautifully illustrated by her daughter Lizzy Rockwell.

As pages of the story unfold along the trail, readers are invited to share the simple pleasures of spending time outdoors. With lyrical text and vibrant illustrations that practically leap from the page, Hiking Day is a perfect companion for an autumn walk, encouraging children and adults alike to slow down, explore, and appreciate the natural world around them.

As migration season continues, Crossroads encourages visitors to keep an eye on the skies and listen for the calls of birds moving through Door County. Simple actions, such as making windows more bird-friendly with decals, screens, or other visual markers, can help reduce collisions and make the journey a little safer for these remarkable travelers.

Whether you're watching monarchs prepare for migration, listening for a passing warbler, noticing the first hints of color in the canopy, leaving the leaves beneath your trees, or sharing a story along the trail, fall offers countless opportunities to connect with nature.

All programs are held at the Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, unless otherwise noted. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to offer free programming for all ages. If you cannot attend a program, remember that the trails at Crossroads and Ida Bay Preserve are open all day, every day, free of charge. Fall migration is already underway, and there is plenty to discover outside.

Upcoming Programs

Wednesday, September 23

1:30 p.m. | Wandering Wednesday

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

Registration is not required. This program is free and open to the public. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Thursday, September 17

1:00 p.m. | Nature Club: Fall Session

Nature Club is a free, six-week program for children ages 6-8 who love to discover, investigate, and learn about the outdoors. Each week, kids will connect with nature through hands-on activities that encourage movement, friendship, and a lifelong sense of wonder. Class is full; contact us to join the wait list. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Tuesday, September 29

10:00 a.m. | Junior Nature Club: Fall Session

Six-week program for ages 3-5 and their adults, learning about observing nature with their senses. Drop in. Registration is not required. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

6:30 p.m. | Talk: Leave the Leaves

Presented by Door County Master Gardeners Association and Wild Ones - Door Peninsula, those fallen leaves aren’t yard waste—they’re an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. Discover how leaving leaves can enrich your soil, protect overwintering pollinators and other wildlife, and support a healthier landscape—all while reducing fall yard work. Speaker: Coggin Heeringa of Wild Ones – Door Peninsula Chapter. Free and open to the public. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

It is not every production where the cast has the show’s playwright looking on, but that has been the case for Third Avenue Playworks’ world premiere of “The Call List.”

Written by Brian James Polak and starring Eva Nimmer, “The Call List” tells the story of a young woman who is handed a list of names to call to alert them of a law firm client’s death, only to discover a mystery unfolding in front of her.

It is a show Artistic Director Jacob Janssen has been helping Polak develop for many years. “The Call List” was previously workshopped at the Door Kinetic Arts Festival before being completely rewritten. Janssen says it has been exciting for everybody to be part of the show’s evolution from words on a page to a production on stage.

“The Call List” is part of the World Premiere Wisconsin Festival and will first take the stage at Third Avenue Playworks on Sept. 23. You can also expect more premieres in the future as Janssen’s team reads through more than 700 scripts that could be part of a winter festival of productions. You can listen to our full conversation with Janssen here.

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Wisconsin National Guard, where we convoyed to northern Minnesota for our training. Operating large vehicles in a convoy for that distance is a unique experience that I truly enjoyed, and it provided me with a different perspective regarding the respect we show for large vehicles operating on our roadways.

While I was traveling down the road, the topic for this article became very clear to me as I witnessed numerous passing maneuvers by motorists with either a high sense of urgency or a low sense of patience. The topic is the statute related to passing.

Wisconsin State Statute 346.07, “Overtaking and passing on the left,” states the following: The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. Statute 346.07 goes on to state that the driver of a motor vehicle may not drive on the left side of the center of a roadway in any portion that is marked as a no-passing zone.

One of the questions has been, “Is it allowable to pass a vehicle as long as I start the passing maneuver in a passing zone, even though I may be in a no-passing zone before I return to the right lane?” The answer is no. You must be able to initiate and complete your passing maneuver in a passing zone. It is also worth mentioning that even if you are in a passing zone, you are not allowed to pass if your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed.

Another question was, “Is it allowable to speed while executing a passing maneuver?” Again, the answer is no. The speed of the vehicle you are overtaking must be slow enough that you are able to execute the passing maneuver without exceeding the posted speed limit.

An interesting exception to the no-passing law is that if a vehicle is traveling at less than half the posted speed limit, you may legally pass that vehicle. An important exception to that exception is that you cannot pass any implements of husbandry, or farm equipment, in a no-passing zone, even if they are traveling at less than half the posted speed limit.

Another interesting provision of State Statute 346.07 is that if you are driving the vehicle being overtaken, you are not allowed to increase your speed while being passed.

Putting yourself and your vehicle in the opposite lane of traffic is a risky maneuver at best and a fatal maneuver at worst. Please consider this before you place yourself, as well as others on the roadway, in peril because of your need to save a little bit of time. Plan ahead, leave early and enjoy the ride!

The outdoor Museum that has come to be called Escarpment Park in Ellison Bay (11876 Highway 42, Ellison Bay), will dedicate four new educational panels on Sunday, beginning at 1pm. 

GEO-DC President Nancy Goss said there will be a short presentation and official unveiling of the panels. Very detailed information handouts will be available for those who visit between 1-3pm.

These panels are the first of 6 that the GEO-DC members have completed, with the help of grant money from the Door County Community Investment Fund. The purpose of these panels is to provide educational information for all to learn about the geological feature that is the Niagara Escarpment. One of these first panels details the impact of the historical Menominee tribes, which Nancy Goss, president of GEO-DC, said was the most challenging, yet satisfying aspect of completing these panels.

For more information on GEO-DC, stop by on Sunday or visit their website. 

The throaty rumble of classic cars and motorcycles will fill downtown Baileys Harbor Saturday during the community's annual AutumnFest.

From 9am until 4pm, arts and crafts vendors will sell autumn-themed goods around the Baileys Harbor Town Hall. Food and beverage vendors will be set up behind the town hall in Kendall Park. 

Classic cars and motorcycles are encouraged to attend, and may register from 9-11am Saturday morning at the tent near the intersection of County F and Guy St.
Vehicle entrants may vote for their favorite vehicles in 12 class categories. 

The Modern Day Drifters will entertain Autumnfest attendees with their tunes from 11am-3pm.

All Autumnfest proceeds support the Baileys Harbor Community Association. For details, check out the AutumnFest event page.

The tragedies of 9/11 may have taken place hundreds of miles away, but the pain felt in Door County made them feel much closer to home.

It has been 25 years since terrorists hijacked planes that crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth attack was thwarted by passengers aboard Flight 93 before the plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

According to the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial in Kewaskum, 18 people with Wisconsin connections were killed in the attacks. One of those individuals was Barbara K. Olson, who was buried at Ellison Bay Cemetery after her remains were recovered following the crash of American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon.

According to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Olson was a well-known conservative legal analyst and author who called her husband, U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson, as the plane was being hijacked. Her burial in Ellison Bay placed her near her family’s longtime vacation retreat.

Door County Maritime Museum Deputy Director Sam Perlman was nine months removed from moving to Door County from New York City when the attacks occurred. Perlman’s Brooklyn residence served as a point of reference when he would visit Windows on the World, the restaurant that sat on the 106th and 107th floors of the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

As a freelance writer for the Door County Advocate, Perlman shared stories not just about Olson, but also about his time in New York City and the friends he still had there.

“The whole thing seems totally unreal to me,” Perlman wrote 25 years ago. “I cannot imagine the next time that I return to New York and see where the World Trade Center used to be. The idea of the skyline of the city without the Twin Towers there is unbelievable.”

Linda Schultz was working at Sevastopol School when she got the call from the Red Cross to spend three weeks in New York City providing respite care to first responders and rescue dogs working at Ground Zero. Her Red Cross group attended several funerals for firefighters, and she can still see and smell the devastation in her memories. She wishes people could come together as they did in the days following the attacks, and she treasures the keepsakes and relationships she formed while serving in New York City.

All told, 2,977 people died in the 9/11 attacks, including more than 400 New York City emergency personnel and more than 50 military personnel at the Pentagon. Fire departments in Door and Kewaunee counties have participated in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in past years, with many firefighters donning their turnout gear while carrying the name of a fallen hero.

Even though summer is in its twilight and school is back in session, you will have to pay extra attention to the roads this weekend with two major events taking place in Door County.

On Saturday, dozens of Jeeps will take to the road to benefit DOOR CANcer during the annual Door County Jeep Jam. The event takes Jeep owners and DOOR CANcer supporters on a drive through Baileys Harbor, Sister Bay, Ephraim, Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park before returning to Thirsty Cow Tap House for live music, food and auctions.

You can still register for Door County Jeep Jam, which raised more than $19,000 for DOOR CANcer last year. During the event, Jeep drivers will have a police escort, allowing them to proceed through red lights and stop signs.

On Sunday, the Jeeps give way to 3,000 bicycles as the Door County Century hits the pavement. Starting at John Miles County Park in Sturgeon Bay, the event offers four distances ranging from 30 to 100 miles, taking cyclists as far north as Ellison Bay. All four distances are sold out.

Motorists and cyclists are encouraged to travel cautiously and follow the rules of the road.

A 79-year-old Ellison Bay woman believes she injured her hand while trying to alert a skid steer driver before he backed into her vehicle.

The accident occurred near the intersection of State Highway 42 and Gooseberry Lane in the town of Liberty Grove at 9:45 a.m. Thursday. According to the accident report, the woman was traveling east on Gooseberry Lane when she encountered a dump truck and an accompanying skid steer.

After she stopped her vehicle, the skid steer driver continued backing up, causing her to honk her horn to get his attention. The skid steer driver, a 57-year-old Ellison Bay man, said he has a backup camera and was using it periodically as they leveled gravel along the side of the road.

He told the deputy he never saw the vehicle. The report notes that sunlight coming through the trees may have affected his ability to see.

The man checked on the woman to see if she needed medical assistance. She told him and emergency personnel that she would drive to the clinic later to have her hand examined.

No citations were issued in connection with the accident.

The Griffon String Quartet and Eric Lewis will tour Door County once again this fall, but this time with songs you may not have heard before. The pairing will play one show in Green Bay on Sept. 17 before performing at MUSE in Sturgeon Bay on Sept. 18, Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church in Ellison Bay on Sept. 19 and Woodwalk Gallery in Egg Harbor on Sept. 20.

Some of their set will come from their new album, “Under the Harvest Moon,” the follow-up to their record “Beneath the Waves.” Midsummer’s Music Executive Director Allyson Fleck says the combination of bluegrass and chamber music seems to work well when Lewis and the Griffon String Quartet perform together.

The concerts serve as a precursor to the larger Autumn Fest that will take place throughout Door County and Green Bay in October. The Griffon String Quartet, the Pro Arte Quartet, and David Perry and Friends will be among the performers during the three-show series.

You will have to watch out for more than just law enforcement vehicles on the road this weekend. Door County is one of five counties that will receive aerial enforcement by the Wisconsin State Patrol this weekend and the only one that will be targeted twice.

State Highway 57 will receive extra attention from the Wisconsin State Patrol on Friday and Sunday. Aerial enforcement is one of the ways the Wisconsin State Patrol tries to enhance public safety efforts since it is easier to spot drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively from the air. If a pilot spots a violation, the pilot will contact officers on the ground to pull over the offending driver.

Eau Claire, Washburn, Columbia, and Waupaca counties will also receive aerial enforcement.

You can expect to see hunters entering the woods beginning Saturday, when deer hunting season opens for archery and crossbow hunters. It kicks off a period of more than four months during which hunters can harvest deer. Based on recommendations from county deer advisory councils, hunters are eligible for additional antlerless tags in Door and Kewaunee counties when they purchase their licenses. The archery and crossbow season runs through Jan. 31.

Other opportunities include the gun deer hunt for hunters with disabilities Oct. 3-11, the youth deer hunt Oct. 10-11, the traditional gun deer season Nov. 21-29, the muzzleloader season Nov. 30-Dec. 9, and the antlerless-only holiday hunt Dec. 24-Jan. 1. With hunters entering the woods, DNR Warden Chris Kratcha wants hunters to think about safety, especially when setting up their tree stands.

Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must complete a hunter education course and have a hunter education safety certificate on file to purchase a hunting license in Wisconsin unless they are hunting under the hunting mentorship program or have successfully completed and can provide proof of basic military training. You can find course information on the DNR website.

If you missed the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Washington Island last month, you are in luck this month. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will return to Sturgeon Bay on Sept. 12 in conjunction with Sunshine Resources’ Sunflower Fest at the city’s Martin Park. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. As of Thursday morning, more than $91,000 has been raised, which is 85% of the Door County chapter’s $107,500 goal. With positive momentum building to support people with Alzheimer’s, event organizer Cari Josephson says every little bit helps.

If you cannot make it to Sturgeon Bay this weekend, you can still participate in the third Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Door County this year. The Fish Creek walk will begin and end at Stella Maris Church at 8:30 a.m. You can register at this link or in person at the Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek events.

The opportunity to make a bigger impact in the community required Sunshine Resources to add a second day to its biggest event of the year at Sturgeon Bay’s Martin Park. Sunflower Fest will kick off Friday night with a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at 5 p.m. The solemn start to the evening precedes a performance by Boogie and the Yo-Yoz.

With a portion of the proceeds from Friday night going to support Door County first responders, Sunshine Resources CEO Barry Metzentine says it is a great opportunity to showcase not only the work of the organization, but also the work of others in the community.

Saturday begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Sturgeon Bay edition of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s ahead of a busy day of cornhole, kids' activities, raffles and music by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns. Sunshine Resources Director of Business Development Jeremy Paszczak says Sunflower Fest shows how partnerships can help organizations play to their strengths and make a bigger impact.

Proceeds from Sunflower Fest support the work of Sunshine Resources. Earlier this year, the organization launched its “Five Initiatives, Five Years, $5 Million” plan, which will touch people of all ages and abilities throughout the county.

The plan includes creating an alternative school program; developing a Northern Door facility and program; building a new Sunflower Cottage; renovating the PATH building; modernizing its Yew Street facility; and establishing an endowment fund. All are on the calendar within the next five years.

Expect to rely on the Bayview Bridge or Michigan Street Bridge to get through Sturgeon Bay next week. Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials announced Tuesday that routine maintenance is scheduled for Sept. 14 and 15 on the downtown bridge, with work possibly extending into Sept. 16 if weather conditions are poor.

The bridge will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate crews as they repair developing potholes and apply epoxy overlay patches. WisDOT Engineering Specialist Jim McDowell says this is routine maintenance for a span like the Maple/Oregon Street Bridge.

As for the other bridges, McDowell says the Bayview Bridge will likely undergo maintenance in November that will require it to close for a few days. The Michigan Street Bridge is expected to remain open until its spring maintenance.

Some of the people who benefit from the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market are faces you do not regularly see on Saturday mornings. For the last few years, the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market has participated in a food rescue initiative that takes fresh, unsold produce donated by market vendors and brings it to Lakeshore CAP for distribution to local families in need.

More than a dozen businesses have helped Destination Sturgeon Bay collect more than 1,000 pounds of food through the program, ensuring that families who rely on Lakeshore CAP to help keep their pantries and refrigerators full have healthy options to choose from.

In this week’s episode of the Faces of the Farmers Market Podcast, Door County Media Group’s Bryan Mazur discussed the Food Rescue program with Door County Mutual Aid’s Carol Jensen-Olson, Grow Door County’s Matt Peter and Dromhus’ Heather Popp.

You can learn more about the program and listen to the full Faces of the Farmers Market Podcast by clicking the link.

The calendars and colors are turning, which means the hours and programming at the Door County YMCA are changing as well. 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.

One of the highlights is a collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association and Sunshine Resources that will bring former Wisconsin Gov. Marty Schreiber to the Jackie and Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek for a special presentation at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 18. His book, “My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver,” shares stories from his experience as a caregiver for his wife as she battled the disease.

Butenhoff also spotlighted upcoming tailgates on Sept. 24 ahead of the home opener at Lambeau Field and a special membership promotion in October.

You can listen to the full podcast at this link.

It will soon be easier to charge up and explore the area if you drive an electric vehicle in Door County. Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that 42 locations, including one in Sturgeon Bay, will receive grants to build fast, reliable electric vehicle charging stations across Wisconsin.

The awards are part of $25 million in funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“From the start, we’ve planned an EV charging station network that will benefit both EV drivers and Wisconsin communities. The stations provide fast charging at convenient locations where drivers can also take care of other errands while charging up,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said.

For Sturgeon Bay drivers, the new charging station will be located at the Kwik Trip near the intersection of State Highway 42/57 and Duluth Avenue. The investment of more than $436,000 was welcome news for Destination Door County President and CEO Jon Jarosh, especially with the area being a cul-de-sac of sorts for motorists. He says it is a step forward compared with many of the charging stations in the county, which are approximately 10 years old and feature slower Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.

Jarosh adds that Destination Door County still offers businesses up to $1,000 in reimbursement for electric vehicle charging station installation costs through its mini-grant program.

To date, WisDOT has awarded approximately $62 million through three rounds of funding to support 120 projects throughout Wisconsin. Previous grants supported charging station projects at businesses along the state’s Alternative Fuel Corridor system. The network is designed to serve more than 43,200 electric vehicles registered in Wisconsin, as well as travelers and visitors. Twenty-five stations funded through the program are currently operational.

A 48-year-old Fish Creek man was pulled from the water at Peninsula State Park on Monday and later died at the hospital.

According to a joint statement from the Door County Sheriff’s Department and Gibraltar Police Department, the two agencies responded to Nicolet Bay after receiving a report that Grant A. Vytlacil had been found unresponsive in the water. Lifesaving measures were performed after Vytlacil was pulled from the water, but he later died at the hospital.

Gibraltar Fire and Emergency Services, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Door County Emergency Services also assisted at the scene.

Officials with the Door County Sheriff’s Department and Gibraltar Police Department thanked bystanders who assisted agencies with bringing Vytlacil to shore.

The case is considered closed, and no further information will be released.

The 2026 season at Peninsula Players Theatre will come to a close with “Murder Girl,” which begins its run Wednesday. Written by Heidi Armbruster and directed by Mallory Metoxen, the show is about as Wisconsin as a murder mystery can get. The story unfolds inside a supper club as the show’s characters, played by Garrett Lutz, Isabelle Muthiah, Laura T. Fisher, Charlotte Booker and Joe Picchetti, question each other about the disappearance of an employee while enjoying Old Fashioneds.

Armbruster, who will host a pre-show seminar ahead of the Sept. 11 performance, enjoys highlighting her home state in the production.

“Murder Girl is about a small community where everybody has known everybody forever, old stories have become local mythology, and people’s lives are tangled up with one another in ways they can’t entirely escape,” Armbruster said. “There’s something about bringing that story to Door County — and to an audience that understands the particular intimacy of a place with a long memory — that feels very right.”

“Murder Girl” runs through Oct. 18, with performances Tuesday through Saturday at 7 p.m., except for 2 p.m. matinees Oct. 4 and 18.

An 89-year-old Ellison Bay woman was taken to Door County Medical Center on Saturday after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in the town of Liberty Grove.

The crash occurred just before 9:40 a.m. at the intersection of Mink River Road and State Highway 42. According to the crash report, the woman was crossing the street when a 28-year-old Madison man attempted to turn left from southbound Highway 42 onto Mink River Road.

The driver told the responding deputy that a pillar in his vehicle blocked his view of the woman and that he was checking on his daughter in the back seat. He said he was traveling approximately 5 mph when he struck the woman, breaking her hip.

The driver was cited for inattentive driving.

If you are struggling to get ahold of people in Door County on your first day back in the office after Labor Day weekend, you are not alone. Area businesses began alerting their followers on social media at approximately 8:45 a.m. Tuesday about a Spectrum outage and explaining how it would affect their operations.

For many businesses, the outage affects not just internet access but also phone and point-of-sale systems. Those trying to reach businesses affected by the outage are encouraged to find alternate ways to make contact and bring cash when visiting impacted businesses.

No timeline for service restoration has been announced, but Spectrum alerted customers that their next update would come by 1 p.m.

Good news is coming Wednesday for city residents who face the steepest climb when it comes to finding affordable housing in Sturgeon Bay. The city and representatives from community development financial institution Cinnaire and real estate developer Spoerl Commercial will break ground on Phase 1 of the development known as The Avenue.

The new construction will bring 39 affordable housing units to 14th Avenue between Georgia Street and Iowa Drive. Thanks to low-income housing tax credits, the project will feature a mix of apartments for individuals and families earning between 30% and 60% of Door County’s median income, including eight units reserved for residents with special needs.

Door County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Lawrie hopes area leaders will have a better idea of the housing situation in their communities by early next year as work continues on an updated study.

DCEDC is working with Place Dynamics to conduct the study as it looks to assess the current housing inventory and development activity, factors influencing housing supply and demand, and strategies to address housing needs over the next five, 10 and 20 years. The report will update a 2019 study that showed a significant disparity between available housing units and demand. The analysis estimated that the housing shortage cost the county approximately $25 million.

Lawrie says DCEDC is currently planning opportunities for the community to engage in the process so residents can share what they are seeing and how they believe public and private entities can work together to address housing issues in Door County.

Lawrie adds that a schedule of community engagement opportunities will be released in late September.

As the final visitors depart the peninsula on Labor Day, Destination Door County President and CEO Jon Jarosh is ready to kick off the fall tourism season. While the county is known for its summer fun, approximately 30% of Door County’s lodging room activity occurs over the next several weeks through the end of November as people look to experience Door County’s fall foliage and other activities.

Last weekend’s Sister Bay Marina Fest kicked off a busy stretch of fall events, including Baileys Harbor Autumn Fest on Sept. 12, Sturgeon Bay Harvest Fest on Sept. 18 and 19, Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 10 and 11, and Sister Bay Fall Fest from Oct. 16-18.

With fall, however, come different hours and other impacts due to reduced staffing. Jarosh says it is a great time to visit, especially if you have been waiting for some of the heavier crowds to disperse.

If you are keeping track, Travel Wisconsin is predicting that Door County will reach peak color during the third week of October, weather permitting.

The Door County Historical Society will welcome a special guest to its centennial celebration Wednesday as the organization marks its 100th anniversary. The organization is inviting the community to Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay for the presentation of the 2026 Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History, the Wisconsin Historical Society's highest honor for affiliated local historical organizations.

The traveling trophy, which dates to 1958, recognizes the organization's work in the community over the past five years. The award, which was announced in July, coincided with the Door County Historical Society's efforts to restore the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to its former glory. The restoration also earned the Door County Historical Society the Historic Rehabilitation Award.

“These awards celebrate what we've accomplished together over the past 100 years,” Door County Historical Society Executive Director Amy Frank said. “They remind us that preserving history isn't just about protecting old buildings or collecting artifacts — it's about connecting people to the stories that define our community.”

Christian Overland, Ruth & Hartley Barker director and chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Historical Society, along with society staff and members of the Board of Curators, will be in attendance for the ceremony, which will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Heritage Village.

The Door County Housing Partnership will reach a major milestone later this month when it breaks ground on its 10th home. Formed in 2021, the Door County Housing Partnership operates on a community land trust model designed to keep homes and their properties affordable for low- to middle-income working families to purchase.

The homes built during that time have been split between Sister Bay and Sturgeon Bay. The 10th home will be on Galley Place, close to others built by the organization, including its first home in 2022. The organization has worked with Door County Habitat for Humanity and private homebuilders to help make affordable homes a reality for people wanting to live and work in the area.

Mariah Goode has worked in affordable housing for more than 25 years, and she is proud of the work the Door County Housing Partnership has done in the community.

The Door County Housing Partnership will host its groundbreaking at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 15. The event coincides with the kickoff of its annual campaign to raise enough money to support the construction of two or more homes in 2027.

To break the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, the best place to start could be with a single step. Prevent Suicide-Door County will host its annual Walk for Hope and Awareness on Sept. 13, beginning at 1 p.m. at Sawyer Park in Sturgeon Bay.

According to USAFacts.com, 920 Wisconsinites died by suicide in 2024, representing a suicide rate of 14.8 deaths per 100,000 people, which exceeds the national average. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that more than 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and potentially treatable mental health condition, although the condition often goes unrecognized or untreated.

A simple conversation about mental health could make a difference.

“Our goal is to break the stigma, to get the word out there. If we don't talk about it, it still becomes a hidden thing in our county,” said Prevent Suicide-Door County Secretary and member April Grosbeier. “We really need to talk about it because it's here, it's not going away, it's not getting better.”

The event will feature local counselor and licensed clinical social worker Kathy Bandstra, MSW, LCSW, as a guest speaker. Bandstra will address the crowd at 1:30 p.m. before the walk officially begins at 2 p.m. Walkers are encouraged to bring a large picture of a loved one that they can affix to their shirt or to a banner at the park.

You can find more details about the walk here.

If your kids are looking to get involved in their community, local organizations like 4-H would like to hear from you. Sept. 2 marked the official start of enrollment for 4-H, with hundreds of youth choosing clubs to join and projects to explore.

In Kewaunee County, some of the new offerings include a veterinary science project, a livestock judging club, an arts club, a creative writing project, and a junior leaders association. 4-H Youth Educator Erin Dahle says 4-H has grown beyond what is done in the barn and helps youth find their spark.

Current members and volunteers have until Nov. 1 to re-enroll, while new families have until Feb. 1. 4-H is not the only youth organization in recruitment mode. Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes is holding membership recruitment events at Lambeau Field on Sept. 12 and 13, in addition to other events at Green Bay-area schools and libraries. Individual units of Scouting America and Girl Scouts of the USA may also schedule their own recruitment events at area schools.

The signs of fall are already beginning to appear across Door County. Monarch butterflies are gathering along the Lake Michigan shoreline before making their journey south. Trees are quietly storing nutrients and energy in preparation for winter, even while their leaves remain green. Bats are feeding heavily before migrating or settling into winter hibernation sites. For those who take the time to look, autumn's transition is well underway.

At Crossroads at Big Creek, many of this month's programs connect directly to these seasonal changes and the natural rhythms that shape life in Door County.

The week begins on Wednesday, September 16, with a unique opportunity to explore a hidden world beneath the Great Lakes. Crossroads will livestream freshwater filmmakers and explorers Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert (filmmakers of All Too Clear) as they partner with Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Great Lakes Now for the first-ever live broadcast from Middle Island Sinkhole, an underwater time capsule located 80 feet below the surface of Lake Huron.

Using a high-tech remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the team will descend into the sinkhole, following advanced divers as they collect samples from the remarkable microbial mats that thrive on the lakebed. The livestream is expected to begin at 10 a.m. CST.

During Sinkhole Odyssey | Hidden Below, visitors will journey into an underwater environment that mirrors conditions on Earth more than 2.5 billion years ago. While wildlife above ground is preparing for winter, participants will discover the fascinating ecosystems that exist deep beneath the water's surface and gain a rare glimpse into one of the Great Lakes' most extraordinary hidden wonders.

While wildlife above ground is preparing for winter, participants can discover the fascinating ecosystems that exist deep below the water's surface.

Later that afternoon, Crossroads will host Wandering Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. As monarch butterflies continue their migration and hints of fall color begin appearing along trails and wetlands, participants can join a naturalist-led walk through the preserve to observe the season unfolding in real time. Easy walking and seasonal discoveries make this outing a favorite for visitors who enjoy experiencing nature at a slower pace.

The changing season is also a reminder of the people who help care for Door County's natural spaces. On Thursday, September 17, at 5 p.m., Crossroads will celebrate the volunteers whose dedication supports environmental education, habitat restoration, and community programs throughout the year. Volunteer Appreciation Night will offer an evening of dinner, stories, and fellowship as staff and volunteers reflect on another successful season.

As gardeners know, fall is a time of abundance. While trees are busy storing resources for winter, home gardens are producing their final harvests. On Saturday, September 19, from 9 to 11 a.m., gardener and educator Stacia Dick-Schuster will present Putting Up Your Harvest, a workshop designed to help gardeners make the most of their late-season bounty. Co-sponsored by the Door County Seed Library and the Door County Master Gardeners Association, the program will explore practical ways to manage and preserve fresh produce as the growing season comes to a close.

Fall's beauty takes center stage on Monday, September 21, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., during Let's Get Artsy! Participants will create clay leaf prints inspired by the colors, textures, and shapes that make autumn in Door County so memorable. As trees begin revealing the brilliant pigments hidden beneath summer's green leaves, this hands-on art program offers a creative way to celebrate the season.

The arrival of fall also signals a new season of exploration for Crossroads' youngest naturalists. Beginning Tuesday, September 22, at 10 a.m., Junior Nature Club invites children ages 3 to 5 and their adults to discover the wonders of fall through a six-week series of nature-focused activities while exploring their senses.

Visitors can also enjoy the changing season at their own pace through Crossroads' current Trail Tales Storybook Walk. Beginning at the West Trailhead and following the Meadow Trail, families can experience Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell, beautifully illustrated by her daughter Lizzy Rockwell. As pages of the story unfold along the trail, readers are invited to share the simple pleasures of spending time outdoors. With lyrical text and vibrant illustrations that practically leap from the page, Hiking Day is a perfect companion for a fall walk, encouraging children and adults alike to slow down, explore, and appreciate the natural world around them.

According to Crossroads new Naturalist Jess Poppie, autumn offers some of the best opportunities to observe nature in action.

"Many people are noticing monarch butterflies gathering along the shoreline right now," Poppie said. "Some of these butterflies will travel more than 2,000 miles to central Mexico. At the same time, trees, bats, birds, and many other species are preparing for winter in their own ways. It's a season filled with incredible stories."

Whether you're watching butterflies fuel up for a long migration, noticing the first hints of color in the canopy, preserving the harvest from your garden, or sharing a storybook walk with family, fall offers countless opportunities to connect with nature.

All programs are held at the Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, unless otherwise noted. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can offer free programming for all ages, and our trails are open to the public all day, every day, free of charge.

Upcoming Programs

Wednesday, September 16

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Live Movie - "Sinkhole Odyssey | Hidden Below"

Join a livestreamed exploration of one of the Great Lakes’ most extraordinary underwater environments and discover a world that resembles the Earth as it was 2.5 billion years ago. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

1:30 p.m. | Wandering Wednesday

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

Registration is not required. This program is free and open to the public. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Thursday, September 17

5:00 p.m. | Volunteer Appreciation Night

We’ve accomplished some incredible things this year, and none of it would have been possible without our amazing volunteers! To show our appreciation for your time, energy, and dedication, we’d love to celebrate with you! Are you a Crossroads volunteer? Join us for an evening of dinner, stories, and community! Please RSVP 920-746-5895. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Saturday, September 19

9:00-11:00 a.m. | Putting Up Your Harvest: Education Series

Congratulations! Your vegetable garden has given you fresh produce, but what do you do with the bounty? Stacia Dick-Schuster will explain what to do with the garden as it ripens. This workshop, co-sponsored by the Door County Seed Library and Door County Master Gardeners Association, is free and open to the public. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Monday, September 21

1:30-2:30 p.m. |Let's Get Artsy!

Create make-and-take leaf prints with clay. All materials provided - just bring your curiosity! Free and open to the public. Please register at crossroadsatbigcreek.org/event/lets-get-artsy/ or call 920-746-5895. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Tuesday, September 22

10:00 a.m. | Junior Nature Club

Six-week program for ages 3-5 and their adults, learning about observing nature with their senses. Drop in. Registration is not required. Meet at: Crossroads at Big Creek Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St, Sturgeon Bay, WI

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Nature Center Closure

The Collins Learning Center at Crossroads at Bigg Creek will be closed to the public this afternoon for a special event. Trails remain open all day, every day at no charge.

Two months after a summer storm knocked out power in southern Door County and damaged the transmitter for 96.7 WBDK, listeners to Door County’s Playlist will be rewarded for their patience Tuesday. NEW Radio, Inc., the parent company of 96.7 WBDK, U-102.1, The Pirate, 104.1 WRLU and 105.1 The GOAT, recently completed the installation of its fourth solid-state transmitter.

Since mid-July, 96.7 WBDK has been operating under Special Temporary Authority after its transmitter took a direct lightning strike, forcing the station to broadcast at reduced power. With the installation of a new Nautel solid-state transmitter, listeners will experience the station's full power beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

As usual, it is hard to determine whether the kids or the parents are more excited to begin the new school year.

I hope that all had an enjoyable summer, and I would like to take some time to refocus on some safety reminders that we should all be aware of. For those driving on country roads, be aware that you will once again be sharing the road with school buses. Give them the attention and respect they deserve. If you are driving on the streets of cities and villages, be aware of the increased pedestrian traffic. Do not assume that a child about to cross the street will see you and stop.

For this week, I would like to focus on the rural environment and touch on a few of the basic statutes that relate to school buses. From time to time, I get asked, “When does an oncoming vehicle need to stop for a school bus about to load or unload?”

State Statute 346.48, “Vehicles to stop for school buses displaying flashing lights,” states that any vehicle approaching from either the front or the back of a school bus with its flashing lights activated must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator of the bus has extinguished its flashing lights. This statute also directs the driver of the bus to activate those flashing lights 100 feet before the location where passengers will be loaded or unloaded.

State Statute 346.485, “Owner’s liability for vehicle illegally passing a school bus,” describes the process by which the driver of the school bus documents the incident and reports it to law enforcement, allowing law enforcement to cite the owner of the vehicle regardless of who was driving. This is different from most statutes, under which we issue the citation to the driver.

These laws do not pertain to drivers on the opposite side of a divided highway when the school bus is loading or unloading.

Aside from these two statutes, it is also important to note that school buses can and do make wide right turns and that due caution should be used when near a bus at or near an intersection. Finally, please remember that those drivers have a lot going on inside that bus. Please give them the space and time they deserve, considering the cargo they are carrying.

A very true quote from Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple: “Time moves slowly, but passes quickly!” Summer sure did pass quickly! Wasn’t it just the other day that I was hitting the waters of Door County to start the season in early May, and now it’s Labor Day weekend! The good news is, don’t put those kayaks and that fishing gear away yet. September and October, and even into November, can be outstanding months to get out and view our Door County beauty from your kayak, and it’s a good time for catching and releasing those smallmouth bass. Door County is the No. 1 location in the Midwest for viewing the fall colors from the water. I’ve done it many times, and it’s spectacular. Pick a day with light winds, and you have dozens of great locations to paddle and enjoy the beauty!

I’ve talked about this in the past, but as we got into summer, many of the bigger smallies went deeper, which is a challenge for anglers in boats or kayaks. However, as the water cools, those smallies begin to come back into shallower water. Probably not as shallow as in the spring, but in a normal fall, you’ll find them in the 6- to 15-foot range. For my fall fishing, I’m still using the Ned Rig and love using it with the Z-Man Finesse TRD. Tube jigs in the 2.5-inch size can be tremendous in the fall. The last several years, soft plastic swimbaits, like the Keitech USA 2.8 and 3.3 FAT Swing Impact, have also been winners. Work the Ned Rig and tubes very slowly on the bottom with almost no movement, and the swimbaits should be retrieved after a long cast, slow and steady. Be sure to pay attention to those bottom lures so the smallies don’t take them too deep. The local tackle shop carries the items I mentioned and can also point you toward some of the better spots for those fall smallies.

Two points of caution with fall kayaking and fishing from a kayak: Be sure to wear proper cold-weather gear as water temperatures begin falling, and be sure to check the forecast for wind conditions. I only kayak and fish close to shore just in case of an emergency.

It’s been great sharing my thoughts about kayaking and kayak fishing with you again this year, and, as always, if you have any questions, email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com. As we get into the late winter months and spring 2027, some of you may be looking to buy a new kayak or paddle. I would be very happy to be a resource for you, especially when it comes to fishing kayaks.

Your child’s mental health could receive a boost with a box of crayons and the help of members of the Boys & Girls Club of Door County. More than 45 teens contributed to the creation of “Creative Coping,” a coloring and activity book designed by kids for kids to help manage stress and build emotional wellness.

The idea came from the Strong Minds, Strong Futures program, supported by the Women's Fund of Door County. From those lessons, the teens were challenged to create a project about a health issue that mattered to them. Mental health rose to the top of the list, with 1 in 5 children struggling with a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Boys & Girls Club of Door County Development Director Kacie Mueller says the kids took it from there, designing the book from cover to cover.

Mueller adds that she is proud of the teens for helping their peers find a creative outlet when they might be struggling.

More than 400 copies have now been distributed across the community, including to members of other Boys & Girls Clubs in the region and visitors to places such as Door County Medical Center, Door County Public Health, United Way of Door County and HELP of Door County.

Organizations in Door and Kewaunee counties were among those receiving $1.6 million in grants distributed by the Green Bay Packers Foundation earlier this week. Door CANcer, Open Door Bird Sanctuary, Sunshine House, United Way of Door County, Washington Island Community Health Program and the Bruemmer Park Inclusive Playground were among the 402 civic and charitable groups statewide that received funding through the program.

According to Packers.com, this year's grant cycle focused on organizations that will direct the funds toward areas of need, including animal welfare, homelessness, and human services. Some of the local organizations receiving grants celebrated the awards on their social media channels. The Bruemmer Park Inclusive Playground posted that the grant brings the organization closer to its $250,000 goal to break ground this year.

Door CANcer said its funding will allow the organization to “continue providing non-medical financial assistance to Door County cancer patients, allowing families to focus on healing instead of bills.”

The Green Bay Packers Foundation has distributed more than $33 million for charitable purposes since its inception in 1986, including approximately $3.5 million this year.

Three Door County organizations focused on emergency housing will each receive approximately $2,500 in funding thanks in part to a pop-up campaign organized by United Way of Door County. In early August, the organization launched an approximately three-week campaign to raise $30,000 for The Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul-St. Joseph Conference and HELP of Door County.

The request came 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. While the campaign fell short of its goal, United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle says the community’s support was still important, and the three organizations will be able to put those funds to good use.

The emergency housing relief appeal served as an appetizer for United Way of Door County’s annual campaign, which launched last week at Woodwalk Gallery in Egg Harbor. The $1.25 million annual campaign goal will support nearly two dozen programs and partners, including United Way of Door County’s Child Care Initiative, Healthy Door County, STRIDE — School-Based Mental Health Services, the Door County Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition, and the Door County Partnership for Children and Families.

If there was not enough on your ballot already this fall, voters are being reminded about three constitutional amendments that will also be among the decisions they make. The three measures made the ballot after the Wisconsin Legislature approved the proposed language by a majority in two consecutive legislative sessions.

One referendum measure would prohibit the government from closing places of worship during emergencies. The proposal dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic, when Gov. Tony Evers’ Safer at Home order limited mass gatherings. The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the statewide restrictions two months later after the stay-at-home order was extended, allowing churches to decide for themselves whether to reopen.

A second referendum question will focus on the governor’s partial veto powers by barring the governor from using them to create or increase any tax or fee. Governors representing both political parties have used Wisconsin’s broad partial veto powers, but this measure grew out of a recent budget in which Evers used his partial veto authority to extend a school funding provision from two years to 400 years.

The third referendum question would prohibit state and local governments from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to certain groups. If approved, the amendment would prohibit certain affirmative action practices in government hiring and contracting and public education.

All three measures will be on the Nov. 3 ballot. Municipal clerks must send absentee ballots to voters with active requests on file by Sept. 17, with in-person absentee voting beginning Oct. 20.

Door County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Lawrie says bringing new people in is not the only challenge facing area employers — keeping them around is also an issue. Online job boards show approximately 3,200 jobs available in Door County, whether it is a CNC machinist at a local manufacturer, a server at an area restaurant, or a health care professional at the hospital.

Lawrie says DCEDC has focused heavily on employee attraction and retention since the pandemic, and the issue is not going away as retirements continue and businesses look to grow. The upcoming Talent Attraction and Retention Employer Forum is for businesses of all sizes and will showcase tools at the local, state and regional levels designed to help employers attract, engage and retain their workforce.

Lawrie says it is not just about getting new people to come and work at a business, but also getting them to become part of the county as a whole.

She adds that the forum will serve as a launch point for new resources DCEDC will offer employers to help recruit and retain their next longtime employees. You can register for the Talent Attraction and Retention Employer Forum on Sept. 22 at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay at this link.

The fruit of orchard owners’ labor will come to a store or farmers market near you as soon as the apple harvest season gets underway. The state’s orchards produce approximately 49 million pounds of apples each year across 4,000 acres, according to the Wisconsin State Climatology Office.

Those acres include Hillside Apples in Casco, which opened its 30th season last week. Owner Bill Roethle says the weather has been good for growing apples this year, with one exception. Earlier this summer, a storm hit the region that brought hail to the orchard. Depending on where each apple variety was in its development, the fruit may have suffered some minor damage. Roethle says the damage could have been worse if the storm had brought high winds along with the hail.

Roethle says it will still be a good crop for apple lovers to choose from, dents and all.

Early-season apples such as Paula Red and Zestar are ready to be picked, while other varieties such as McIntosh, Cortland and Honeycrisp are still a couple of weeks away.

An unwanted sight off the shores of Baileys Harbor will be addressed in court after a case was filed in Door County Circuit Court on Tuesday. According to court records, the state of Wisconsin is suing Jeremy Schultz, Michael Cole, ABC Insurance Company, Iron Works Construction, DEF Insurance Company, Sarter Marine Towing Company and XYZ Insurance Company to force the removal of the tug Donny S from the waters of Baileys Harbor.

The action follows resolutions approved by officials from the Town of Baileys Harbor and Door County urging the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to inspect and remove the tugboat, which has sat aground and abandoned since 2021.

According to the Peninsula Pulse, dozens of citations and more than $20,000 in fines have accrued over the years in an effort to get the tugboat removed. As of Thursday, no court date had been set.

Just in time for one final boat ride ahead of Labor Day, the dredging operation at Chaudoir’s Dock County Park has been completed. The popular dock and boat launch had been closed since mid-July for the second phase of a dredging project that carried a price tag of more than $551,000. The project was funded through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and county boat launch fees.

According to the county website, the outer entrance to the harbor was dredged in 2001, again in 2005 during bin wall repairs caused by ice damage, and once more in 2014 because of low water levels.

It is not completely clear sailing for boaters just yet. According to the Door County Parks Department, dredging activity can sometimes bring submerged logs, debris and other hazards into navigable areas. The department urges boaters to use caution as they operate around the harbor entrance in case they encounter one of those hidden hazards.

The park will also be closed Sept. 8 and 9 to accommodate construction equipment needed for the next phase of improvements, which will include resurfacing the upper parking lot. That portion of the project should be completed by Sept. 10.

A 55-year-old Appleton woman suffered a possible injury and was taken to the hospital Monday after her vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle driven by an 18-year-old Sturgeon Bay man.

The crash occurred shortly after 5:15 p.m. at the intersection of Idlewild Road and State Highway 42/57. According to the crash report, the woman was stopped at the stop sign on Idlewild Road and looking to turn onto Highway 42/57 when the man approached from behind. When she pulled closer to Highway 42/57 to gauge traffic, the man struck her vehicle from behind after he thought she was pulling into the intersection.

The woman was taken to Door County Medical Center for further treatment. The man was cited for following too closely and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.

The crash closed a lane of traffic for about 20 minutes, with the lane reopening before 5:45 p.m.

“A Cherry Pie Christmas” may have started more than just a holiday movie tradition after its debut last winter. Not only did it prompt Wisconsin officials to open a film office and award grants to future movie projects, but it also garnered Travel Wisconsin and Destination Door County additional recognition for the innovation it created within the tourism industry.

At last week’s U.S. Travel Association ESTO Awards, Destination Door County was a finalist for the Bridging Communities Award for its Door County Christmas Movie Trail, which had more than 3,000 participants from 35 states and generated more than $36,000 in trackable sales between Nov. 1 and Jan. 5.

Travel Wisconsin won the Innovation Award for its role in developing “A Cherry Pie Christmas,” which not only increased lodging revenue and room rentals during a slower time of year for Door County but also built national awareness of Wisconsin as a winter destination. Destination Door County President and CEO Jon Jarosh says it was an honor to be celebrated by the industry for doing something remarkable.

Much like your tree and ornaments, the Door County Christmas Movie Trail will be brought out again this winter, with some new wrinkles added to the promotion. “A Cherry Pie Christmas” will also appear on streaming platforms for American and international viewers, in addition to a potential DVD release and a live showing at the Southern Door Auditorium on Dec. 12.

If you plan on spending time outside this weekend, make sure you pack the bug spray. Early September is usually when the mosquito population starts to dip along with temperatures. According to the UW-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab, insects like mosquitoes become less active when temperatures are in the 50s, something Door County can usually count on in September. That may not be the case for the early part of September this year, when low temperatures will be 5 to 8 degrees warmer than normal.

While drier-than-normal conditions have limited the mosquito population somewhat, Door County Public Health Environmental Health Specialist Allison Reckelberg says mosquitoes and even ticks can be around much longer if the circumstances are just right.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed West Nile virus activity among mosquitoes in Milwaukee County and in a bird in Bayfield County earlier this summer, but there have been no such cases in Door County and no human cases statewide. Tick activity in northeast Wisconsin has been on par with 2025. Reckelberg also encourages you to wear a light-fitting, long-sleeved shirt and pants, in addition to using bug spray containing DEET, to protect yourself.

Pack your patience along with a couple of extra bucks if you plan on traveling this Labor Day weekend. AAA is expecting heavy traffic Thursday through Monday as millions of Americans hit the road and take to the skies for one last summer hurrah.

That comes despite higher prices at the pump for motorists and at the ticket counter for air travelers. According to GasBuddy, gas prices in Door County are around $3.80 a gallon. While that is lower than the nationwide average of $4.09 a gallon and the $3.91 a gallon motorists were paying a week ago, it is still a far cry from the $2.99 a gallon they were paying a year ago.

AAA also reports that airfare costs are up 2% from a year ago and nearly 20% for some of the top destinations.

If you are driving to your Labor Day destination, AAA recommends avoiding travel between 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, noon and 8 p.m. Friday, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, and 2 and 5 p.m. Monday.

Labor Day ranks as the fifth-busiest holiday travel weekend of the year, trailing Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s, Independence Day and Memorial Day.

You may notice a new face poolside at the Door County YMCA’s program centers in Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek. In this week’s episode of the Y-Wednesday Podcast, we met new Door County YMCA Aquatics Executive Byron Rodriguez.

Originally from the Green Bay area, Rodriguez got his start in aquatics as a lifeguard. After college, he took a position with the YMCA in Brown Deer before finding an opportunity closer to home in Door County.

Rodriguez talked about the need for lifeguards, especially as traffic at the program centers increases with swim lessons, the Door County YMCA swim team and the Door County United high school swim team all sharing the space throughout the day.

You can listen to the entire interview with Rodriguez here.

Do not be shocked if you start seeing farmers harvest corn for silage in the coming days. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, the corn silage harvest is about 5% complete, about 2 percentage points ahead of average. The western part of the state is responsible for most of that, but 1% of the crop in northeast Wisconsin has been harvested.

Farmers in Door and Kewaunee counties will get a better idea of whether their corn is ready for harvest beginning next week when UW Extension holds corn dry-down events Sept. 9 at Rio Creek Feed Mill in Luxemburg and Sept. 15 at Door County Cooperative. Corn 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.

The dry weather has been good for fieldwork, with six days suitable for activities such as harvesting potatoes and oats, cutting alfalfa hay or starting fall tillage. It has not been great for the corn and soybeans still developing in the fields. Both crops saw their condition ratings slip 2 to 3 percentage points in the last week and 9 to 10 percentage points over a longer period. Even with some rain in the forecast, Weatherology meteorologist Laura Lockwood says only time will tell if it makes much of a difference.

Earlier this month, Deer Run Dairy owner Duane Ducat said harvesting underdeveloped corn reduces the nutritional value of what farmers feed their cows. According to the University of Wisconsin Agronomy Department, the corn silage harvest typically starts around Sept. 10, with the most active period running from Sept. 20 through Oct. 15 and harvest wrapping up by Nov. 1.

A 73-year-old Aurora, Illinois, man was transported to a Green Bay hospital last Thursday following a collision with another vehicle towing a trailer in the town of Nasewaupee.

The crash occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. on State Highway 42/57 near the southern junction as the Illinois man was exiting the parking lot of a local restaurant. According to the accident report, the man was attempting to cross the highway when he was struck by a pickup truck towing a trailer driven southbound by a 28-year-old Winneconne man.

The collision sent both vehicles into the median ditch, where they remained until emergency personnel arrived. When speaking with deputies, the Illinois man was able to recall the events leading up to the crash and had suffered an injury to his forehead. He was transported to the hospital for treatment and was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

The Winneconne man was not injured in the crash.

The crash occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on Walker Road near Peterson Road when the boy allegedly took a curve too quickly. According to the accident report, the boy overcorrected when his vehicle began to skid as he traveled southeast. The vehicle skidded back and forth across the roadway before entering a ditch, overturning and coming to rest against a nearby tree.

The boy told responding deputies he was traveling approximately 30 mph at the time, a claim deputies disputed in the report “due to the amount of damage caused and evidence at the scene of losing control.”

The boy’s minor injury did not require a trip to the hospital, though his vehicle had to be towed because of disabling damage.

You can help say goodbye to summer this weekend in Sister Bay when the village hosts its annual Marina Fest celebration. Initially billed as a thank-you to the community for supporting the Sister Bay Marina, the annual Labor Day weekend celebration returns to Sister Bay Waterfront Park with food, live music and family-friendly activities Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department will serve pancakes ahead of a day that features kids’ boat building with the Sister Bay Lions Club, a classic and wooden boat show, an arts and crafts fair, a used book sale and three bands performing before fireworks light up the sky at dusk.

Two more bands will take the stage Sunday, with the arts and crafts fair and used book sale also returning for a second day. You can find the full schedule here.