Nearly two decades after planting their first vines, the founders of Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery are consolidating operations and closing the winery’s original tasting room in Kewaunee County.

Steve and Maria Johnson announced they will transition all winery operations to their Door 44 Winery location, unifying the business under the Parallel 44 name. The move marks a new chapter for the winery, which has played a key role in establishing cold-climate grape growing in northeast Wisconsin.

“This was not an easy decision because this property is where it all began for us,” said owner and vintner Steve Johnson. “We've reached a point now where we want to focus on expanding distribution, focus on the wine club and still be Wisconsin ground to glass.”

The Kewaunee tasting room, built on the site where the Johnsons planted their first vines nearly 20 years ago, will close following a final celebration on Saturday, April 25. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. and will conclude with a “final vineyard toast” at 4 p.m., capping a month of commemorative activities honoring the vineyard’s legacy.

“Now that we work with seven other growers across the state of Wisconsin we are able to consolidate and have a greater presence up here,” Johnson said. “Saturday will be our last day with the tasting room. Once that occurs we are going to rename Door 44 up here to Parallel 44 as that's where it all started”

The Johnsons opened Door 44 in 2013 to expand production and visitor experiences in Door County. By consolidating operations there, they aim to streamline production while continuing to welcome guests in a single, larger location.

Parallel 44 has been widely recognized for pioneering Wisconsin-grown wine grapes, helping to grow the state’s wine industry and attract agritourism to both Door and Kewaunee counties.

As spring planting season gets underway across northeast Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin Extension officials are encouraging residents in Door and Kewaunee counties to support local food pantries through the “Plant a Row” program.

The initiative asks home gardeners to grow an extra row or container of fruits and vegetables specifically for donation. Fresh produce such as tomatoes, beans and lettuce can be especially valuable for pantries that often lack consistent access to perishable items.

“This is a very simple way for gardeners and growers in Door County to give back to their community,” said Laura Apfelbeck, nutrition coordinator for Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties. “Even a little extra produce can help people access fresh, healthy foods they might not otherwise have or can’t afford.”

Demand at food pantries continues to rise as grocery and fuel costs remain high. Local pantries across Door and Kewaunee counties have reported increased use in recent years.

“Food pantries are seeing more people walk through their doors, and fresh produce is always in demand,” Apfelbeck said. “If you’re already planting a garden, adding one more row or pot can make a big difference.”

UW Extension has promoted the program through newsletters and community outreach, encouraging residents to donate what they can throughout the growing season.

A benefit concert aimed at supporting local transportation services is set to take place in Door County next month.

Local performer Don Kuehn will join the band Rocker to host a fundraiser for Door-Tran from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Door County Gala.

The event is designed to raise both funds and awareness for Door-Tran, a nonprofit that provides transportation to seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and low-income residents across the county. The service helps individuals reach medical appointments, jobs and other essential destinations, supporting independence and daily living.

“Door-Tran is a lifeline for many people in our community who rely on safe, reliable transportation to maintain their independence,” said Executive Director Nikki Voight. “Events like this help ensure we can continue to meet those needs.”

Attendees can expect an evening of live classic rock music in a community-focused setting. Organizers say guests will also have opportunities to contribute directly to Door-Tran’s mission throughout the event.

To boost fundraising efforts, Catholic Financial Life has pledged to match donations made during the concert, up to $250.

“We’re grateful for the community support and partnerships that make our work possible,” Voight said. “Every dollar raised helps us connect people to essential services and opportunities.”

Organizers encourage community members to attend, enjoy the music and support a service that plays a vital role for many Door County residents.

If you need to renew your vehicle registration or get a new license or title, you will have to go somewhere else in Sturgeon Bay beginning next month. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV) announced this week that its Sturgeon Bay service center will be moving up the street from 1009 Egg Harbor Road at Bay Ridge Mall to a new location at Cherry Point Mall, 1300 Egg Harbor Road, Suite 114.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer our customers improved parking, easier accessibility and a better customer experience in a larger space that’s right down the street from our current location,” said Adam Busalacchi, Wisconsin DMV director of the Bureau of Field Services.

The new location does not mean different hours for the office. It will remain open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office’s last day at the current location will be April 30, and it will not reopen until May 5.

During the closure, customers can conduct business on the DMV’s website or visit other locations across the state, including Algoma on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Families across Door County are invited to the Door County YMCA this Saturday for Healthy Kids Day, a free community event focused on youth wellness and family engagement.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sturgeon Bay Program Center and coincides with a free community day, allowing residents to explore the facility and its programs at no cost.

Healthy Kids Day is part of a nationwide YMCA initiative aimed at helping children and families build healthy habits ahead of the summer months. The annual event, held at more than 1,300 locations, features activities designed to keep kids active, engaged and connected.

Josh Lardinois, Member Experience Director at the YMCA’s Kane Center in Fish Creek, said the event is about more than just a day of fun.

“Healthy Kids Day is a great way to bring families together and get kids excited about staying active,” Lardinois said. “It also gives parents a chance to see everything the YMCA has to offer heading into the warmer weather of the summer season.”

Lardinois added the free community day helps remove barriers for families who may not be familiar with the facility.

“We want people to come in, try things out and feel comfortable being part of the Y,” he said.

Healthy Kids Day has been a YMCA tradition for more than 30 years, serving as a kickoff to summer and promoting healthy lifestyles for families.

For more information please visit the Door County YMCA website or listen to this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast here.

A multi-year effort to study walleye populations in the Bay of Green Bay is continuing this spring, with impacts expected for anglers in Door and Kewaunee counties.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Walleyes for Tomorrow, will again tag thousands of walleyes as part of a reward-based study aimed at better understanding fishing pressure and harvest rates.

Biologists plan to tag up to 5,000 fish with yellow floy tags and about 400 fish with red reward tags across key spawning areas, including Sturgeon Bay and the Fox, Menominee, Oconto and Peshtigo rivers.

Wisconsin DNR Fisheries Biologist Jason Breggmann says the study is critical to managing one of the region’s most important fisheries.

“This tagging effort gives us a clearer picture of how many fish are being harvested and how anglers are using the fishery,” Breggmann said. “That information helps guide future management decisions to keep the walleye population healthy.”

The study, launched in 2024, asks anglers who catch tagged fish to report details such as tag number, location and whether the fish was kept or released.

“Every report we receive helps us better understand fish movement and survival,” Breggmann said. “Even if the fish is released, that information is valuable.”

Some fish will carry red tags labeled with a $100 reward, which anglers can claim by submitting verification either in person or with a photo of the tag along with the imprinted code. Anglers are encouraged to report all walleyes caught with any color floy tag to the DNR via email to DNRFHGBFish@wisconsin.gov or 920-662-5411. You can also mail reports to the DNR Green Bay Service Center.

All state fishing regulations remain in effect and anglers are encouraged to leave tags on released fish and practice responsible catch-and-release.

For more information, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website.

A 35-year-old man has entered a not guilty plea to a series of felony charges tied to a shooting incident in Door County last fall that authorities say put multiple law enforcement officers at risk.

Manuel Ponce appeared in Door County court Monday, where he is charged with 14 counts, including five counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide.

Prosecutors allege Ponce fired shots during an Oct. 2, 2025, encounter involving deputies from the Door County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Sturgeon Bay Police Department.

According to the criminal complaint, officers were dispatched to a home on County C in the Town of Nasewaupee for a 911 follow-up. A witness at the scene told authorities he had been drinking alcohol with Ponce but left because he feared for his safety.

As deputies approached the residence, they reported hearing gunshots from inside. After announcing their presence, additional rounds were fired, the complaint states.

Authorities later contacted Ponce by phone. He allegedly said he did not want to be killed by police in front of his 8-year-old daughter. Roughly 30 minutes later, he exited the home and was taken into custody without incident.

Investigators reported significant damage throughout the residence, recovering 69 shell casings and documenting bullet holes in several rooms. Many of the shots appeared to have been fired through a bedroom door and across the home.

Ponce told investigators he believed his social media activity had drawn the attention of Mexican drug cartels and that he was being targeted.

While no trial date has been scheduled, court records show Ponce is due back in court on June 8 for a status conference.

A man was killed Wednesday evening in a single-vehicle crash on Washington Island, authorities said.

The Washington Island Police Department said it was notified of the crash at about 6:38 p.m. on Town Line Road, east of Range Line Road in the Town of Washington.

Emergency crews from the Washington Island Fire Department, Washington Island Emergency Medical Responders, Door County Emergency Services and the Door County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

According to an initial investigation, a 2007 Toyota passenger vehicle was traveling eastbound on Town Line Road when it left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have not released the name of the victim pending notification of family.

Town Line Road was closed for several hours during the response and reopened at approximately midnight.

The crash remains under investigation.

A new historical display honoring early settlers buried at Our Lady of the Snows Cemetery will be dedicated next month at the Belgian Heritage Center in southern Door County.

The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The ceremony will recognize nearly 200 individuals buried at the historic cemetery between 1860 and 1911. Organizers say the project highlights both the region’s Belgian heritage and efforts to preserve local history.

The event will begin with Mass at St. Francis and St. Mary Church, followed by a cemetery blessing and an open house at the Belgian Heritage Center (BHC). The new display includes interpretive materials, a list of known burials and a patio area with memorial benches for reflection.

Sandy Orsted, BHC Treasurer, said the effort reflects years of research and community dedication.

“We began this effort over two years ago. This is about remembering the people who helped build this community, even when their graves are no longer marked,” Orsted said. “We wanted to create a space where their stories are preserved and shared with future generations.”

Organizers say the exhibit also showcases photographs and historical research used to identify those buried at the site.

“This project represents a deep commitment to preserving local history,” Orsted added. “It ensures these individuals are not forgotten.”

The Belgian Heritage Center, located in Brussels, serves as a cultural hub focused on the area’s Belgian roots and history. For more information, please visit the Belgian Heritage Center’s website.

You might be missing the sights and sounds that usually accompany the start of spring in Door and Kewaunee counties, as farmers wait for their opportunity to get back to work. According to this week’s USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, farmers across the state had just over one day suitable for fieldwork, with northwest Wisconsin driving that average up. While farmers in that region were able to do some limited spring tillage and planting of corn and oats, much of the rest of the state was limited to typical winter activities, such as fixing equipment and tweaking planting and nutrient plans, as they fall behind.

Aaron Augustian from Augustian Farms in Kewaunee says farmers were wise to hold off on manure and urea spreading last week, as much of it would have been flushed away by rainwater. He believes that with some sun and wind, activity on area farms could begin picking up in the near future.

Rain is in the forecast for later this weekend, but Augustian says it is nothing farmers cannot handle. Oat planting and spring tillage are both at 5% complete across the state, down from the five-year average of 16%. In northeast Wisconsin, both figures are at 0%.

State and local officials are encouraging residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during Wisconsin’s upcoming Drug Take Back Day.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, with more than 165 collection sites statewide and participation from over 265 law enforcement agencies. Leaders, including Josh Kaul, are expected to highlight the importance of preventing prescription drug misuse.

Unused medications left in homes can increase the risk of accidental ingestion and abuse. Officials also warn that throwing medications in the trash or flushing them can pose environmental risks, including the potential to contaminate soil and groundwater.

Drug Take Back Day offers a safe and anonymous way to dispose of those items.

In Door and Kewaunee counties, residents also have access to year-round drop-off locations, including the Door County Sheriff’s Office and the Kewaunee County Safety Building, along with sites in Sister Bay, Brussels, Algoma and Luxemburg.

Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski said the effort is an important tool for protecting the community and the environment.

“This gives people a safe, easy way to get unused medications out of their homes,” Joski said. “When prescriptions sit around, they can be misused or fall into the wrong hands. Proper disposal also helps prevent harmful substances from ending up in our water.”

Joski added that prevention starts with simple steps.

“Taking a minute to dispose of medications properly can make a difference in keeping families safe,” he said.

Residents are advised to place pills in sealed bags before drop-off. Liquids, needles and other medical waste are not accepted.

Despite recent heavy rainfall across the peninsula, both Door and Kewaunee County remain under a high fire danger designation as dry, windy conditions continue to elevate the risk of wildfires, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Officials say the recent precipitation has not significantly improved ground conditions, with low humidity and sustained winds contributing to the ongoing threat. The DNR continues to classify the area as “high risk,” warning that fires can start easily and spread quickly.

Local authorities are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, including brush piles, leaves and the use of burn barrels, until conditions improve. While the DNR monitors statewide fire danger levels, burn permits and restrictions are managed at the municipal level.

“People assume thet rain made things safer, but that’s not the case right now,” said Gibraltar Fire Chief Andy Bertges. “Burn piles can quickly get out of control in these conditions, especially with the wind. It only takes one spark to ignite dry, dead grass.”

Chief Bertges emphasizes the importance of obtaining proper permits before any outdoor burning. “Burn permits are there to protect both residents and the fire fighters,” he said. “When the DNR rates the level as high, we don’t issues permits or allow burning at the municipal level. We will mirror the states recommendations as they know what they are doing, especially the fire guys”

Fire danger ratings are updated daily, typically around 11 a.m., on the DNR’s website.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council on Tuesday night took steps toward expanding recreational access and addressing housing and infrastructure needs, approving a resolution to pursue federal funding while reviewing proposed updates to several tax increment districts.

Council members approved a resolution authorizing the city to apply for funding through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. The grant application, to be submitted through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), focuses on city-owned property at 600 Nautical Drive and would support future outdoor recreation improvements.

District 4 Alderman Spencer Gustafson supports the effort, citing the long-term benefits of outside funding.

“This is a great opportunity to bring investment into the community while maintaining public access to our waterfront,” Gustafson said. “It helps us improve amenities without placing the full burden on local taxpayers.”

The council also discussed a proposed $38,000 agreement with R.W. Baird & Company to assist with updates to several tax increment districts, including potential boundary changes and the creation of a new district.

Among the proposals, TID 7 includes infrastructure support for two housing developments totaling more than 50 units, along with new street construction.

Adjustments to TID 9 would resolve a property line issue involving an existing building. In TID 10, plans call for extending Ashland Avenue and Yew Street and supporting the Columbia Corners development, which includes 60 low-income housing units.

Council members also reviewed plans for a proposed TID 12, which would support workforce housing along Division Road, expansion of the Ahnapee Trail and development of a future community park.

Gustafson said the proposals reflect community priorities.

“A lot of this comes directly from feedback we've been hearing from the community regarding housing, infrastructure and long-term planning,” he said. “These are important steps to make sure our development strategy matches the needs we have today.”

While Americans across the country celebrate Earth Day, those celebrations mean a little more in Wisconsin. It was former Wisconsin Gov. Gaylord Nelson who originated the idea of Earth Day during his three-term stint as a U.S. senator.

According to CBS News, Nelson struggled to get more people interested in conservation until a large oil spill near Santa Barbara, California, changed the tenor of the conversation. Borrowing a strategy used during the Vietnam War to raise awareness about its dangers, he called for April 22 to be a day when teachers across the country would talk with their students about the environment.

Nearly 60 years later, organizations like the Door County Land Trust continue that call to action, making Earth Day an everyday effort. Door County Land Trust Executive Director Emily Wood says Wisconsin’s connection to Earth Day makes her work even more rewarding.

The Door County Land Trust, the Climate Change Coalition of Door County, and other like-minded organizations are holding events throughout the month, with some extending into May. You can hear more from our conversation with Wood, including details about a free plant giveaway May 9, by clicking this link.

The Door County YMCA’s Jackie and Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek has reopened its outdoor pickleball courts following recent upgrades, just in time for expanded spring programming.

The courts officially reopened Monday, April 20, after being resurfaced and outfitted with new nets. The improvements aim to enhance play as the fast-growing sport continues to draw more participants across the community.

The reopening also coincides with the introduction of new parent-child open pickleball hours, scheduled for Thursday and Sunday afternoons. The designated times are intended for parents and children under 16, offering a more welcoming environment for families to learn and play together.

Josh Lardinois, the Fish Creek YMCA’s Member Experience Director, said the updates and new programming reflect the organization’s focus on accessibility and community engagement.

“We’re excited to offer a refreshed space and new opportunities for families to get involved,” Lardinois said. “Pickleball is a great way for parents and kids to stay active together, and these dedicated times help make that possible.”

YMCA officials expect the updated courts and added family programming to draw steady participation throughout the spring and summer as interest in pickleball continues to grow.

For more information, please visit the Door County YMCA website or listen to this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast here.

Community members gathered Tuesday evening to celebrate volunteerism at the annual Golden Heart Volunteer Awards, an event recognizing individuals and groups who have made a significant impact across Door County.

Hosted by United Way of Door County and presented by the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, the ceremony was held at the Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. The annual awards highlight the importance of volunteer service in sustaining the county’s nonprofits, environment and cultural institutions.

Winners were announced across seven categories, each honoring a different area of community contribution.

Coggin Heeringa received the Karl May Lifetime of Service Award, recognizing decades of dedication to volunteerism and community leadership. Lily Snyder was named recipient of the Youth Volunteer Scholarship Award for her service and commitment at a young age.

Lakeshore CAP Food Pantry Volunteers were honored as Volunteer Group of the Year for their ongoing efforts to support families in need throughout the county. In the Environmental Stewardship category, Hugh and Cheryl Zettel were recognized for their work preserving and protecting local natural resources.

Ed Miller and Charles Baum earned the Cultural Volunteer of the Year award for their contributions to the arts and local heritage initiatives. Karen Kraase was named Performing Arts Volunteer of the Year for her support of Door County’s vibrant arts scene.

Organizers emphasized that volunteers remain the backbone of the community, donating countless hours to causes ranging from food security to environmental conservation and the arts.

“The true measure of a community is not what it owns, but how many people are willing to give their time to help others,” read Door County United Way Board President Michelle Lawrie,  underscoring the evening’s theme that was featured prominently during the event.

The Golden Heart Volunteer Awards continue to serve as a reminder of the vital role volunteers play in maintaining the character and quality of life in Door County, with organizers noting that nominations grow each year as more residents step forward to serve.

If you are driving in Door County, you can expect ongoing road construction activity this week as multiple projects continue across the Sturgeon Bay area and surrounding highways.

The Door County Highway Department will rubberize STH 42/57 from the Egg Harbor roundabout to the 42/57 Mid Junction, and STH 57 from the Mid Junction to Valmy. Work is scheduled from April 21 through April 30, running Monday through Thursday between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic through the work zones.

In Sturgeon Bay, additional spring road work is also underway as the city’s construction season continues to ramp up. Projects include roadway and utility improvements on Michigan Street and nearby side streets, where rolling “soft closures” maintain local access while crews complete concrete and pavement work. These closures shift as work progresses, with barricades moved to allow access for residents, businesses, and emergency vehicles within active work zones.

Remember to use caution, reduce speeds in work zones, and expect intermittent delays as seasonal road improvement projects continue across Door and Kewaunee Counties.

The Village of Egg Harbor’s wastewater treatment plant has been named the 2026 Wastewater System of the Year by the Wisconsin Rural Water Association, recognizing decades of investment and operational excellence.

The facility, which began operations in 1988, has undergone multiple upgrades, including a $3 million headworks improvement in 2021 and infrastructure expansions tied to a new lift station completed in 2024.

Village President John Heller credits  both current and past staff for maintaining high standards in water quality and system reliability. The plant is operated daily by three certified professionals responsible for treatment and collection systems serving residents and visitors.

Village President John Heller said the recognition reflects a long-term commitment shared across Door County utilities.

The annual award highlights top-performing wastewater systems across Wisconsin, with past recipients including utilities from communities such as Footfield, Waupaca, Saulkville, Westfield, and Marion

Whether you are looking for a good book to read or listen to, a new band to discover or a movie to watch, there is a good chance you can find it at your local library.

According to the most recent data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Wisconsin ranks in the top 10 for public library visits per capita, at 3.24 visits per person, trailing only Wyoming, Washington, D.C., Ohio and Kansas.

Kewaunee County is following that trend, as usage has continued to rise since the pandemic. Library officials from Algoma and Kewaunee were at Stodola’s IGA in Luxemburg on Monday promoting library card signups, with the grocery store serving as a designated drop-off site for the area.

Algoma Public Library’s Katie Haasch says many people are quickly learning about everything available at their library, including digital resources that allow people to check out books on their personal devices. She adds that the convenience factor for people who want to use the library in a more rural area is key.

Using the resources available from the Kewaunee and Algoma public libraries is not just good for your brain; it is also good for the county’s bottom line. In 2024, Kewaunee County paid Brown County more than $3,100 for the use of its library materials. That is a far cry from a decade ago, when Kewaunee County was paying more than $50,000 a year to use Brown County library materials.

Community support filled the gym at Sevastopol High School on Sunday as students, families and local businesses rallied behind the district’s Destination Imagination teams during the “Road to Globals Showcase,” a high-energy fundraiser aimed at helping students reach the Global Finals in Kansas City next month.

The afternoon event drew a steady crowd beginning at noon, when volunteers fired up grills for a brat, burger and hot dog fry while supporters perused a packed silent auction and raffle tables. A bake sale featuring homemade goods added to the fundraising effort, with proceeds from every corner of the event going directly toward travel, lodging and competition costs.

At 1 p.m., attention shifted to the stage, where Sevastopol’s state-qualifying teams delivered their award-winning performances. Each team showcased the creativity, problem-solving and teamwork that earned those top-three finishes at the state level.

The event marked a meaningful step toward their fundraising goal, though significant expenses remain. Travel to Kansas City for the Destination Imagination Global Finals includes transportation, lodging, registration fees and equipment costs for multiple teams and team managers.

Six Sevastopol teams, three from Algoma and one from Holy Rosary qualified for Global Finals after placing in the top three at the 2026 Wisconsin Destination Imagination Affiliate Tournament in Sun Prairie.

The competition challenges students to apply skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics through team-based problem solving.

With qualification secured, the focus now turns to funding the trip. Organizers said donations remain open, and area businesses are encouraged to contribute through sponsorships that offer visibility on team shirts and displays at the international event.

Additional fundraising efforts are already on the calendar across the region. In Algoma, three qualifying teams; Super Kids, Fantastic Five and Four Horse Them, will host a donkey basketball fundraiser at 7 p.m. April 29 at Algoma High School. At Holy Rosary, the HRS Rockets, who also earned a Global Finals berth, are planning a spaghetti dinner and bake sale, with details to be announced in the coming days.

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit the Wisconsin Destination Imagination website.

Residents of a neighborhood in the city of Kewaunee were evacuated late Monday night after a piece of machinery slid into a hole and punctured a gas line. The Kewaunee Police Department reported the emergency near Dodge and Rose streets shortly after 11 p.m.

Emergency personnel asked residents within a two-block radius of the site to either shelter in place or go to Kewaunee High School as a safety precaution. The gas was turned off about a half-hour later, allowing residents to return to their homes.

Dodge Street is undergoing a significant reconstruction project that includes the removal and replacement of storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, curb and gutter, sidewalks and driveway aprons. The project began in March and is expected to be completed in October.

After sharing slices of their story on social media over the past few days, two Door County pizza restaurants are boxing up their disagreement and taking it to court.

Wild Tomato Pizza has filed a trademark infringement suit in Green Bay’s U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin against Wild Man Pizza. The two restaurants are both based in Door County, with Wild Tomato’s locations in Sister Bay and Fish Creek and Wild Man’s in Sturgeon Bay.

Representatives for Wild Tomato say the Wild Man name and logo are similar to theirs and claim the resemblance has caused confusion among consumers. Cease-and-desist letters were sent to Wild Man in March, according to WBAY, and have allegedly been ignored. The two businesses have exchanged social media posts in recent weeks.

The family behind Wild Man Pizza, which also owns Red Oak Winery, says the lawsuit, along with changing tourism in Door County, has caused them to put their building in Carlsville up for sale.

@paigehk_ We’re being sued :/ Since 2004, my family and I have worked together to run our family business Red Oak Winery in Door County. Last year, we opened Wild Man Pizza (name credit to my 94 year old grandmother) so we cater to more people and have more options! We are currently being sued by Wild Tomato due to the reason of the word “Wild” and they are also claiming it’s causing confusion to the door county customers. As a result of this, and economical factors, we have put our building up for sales. As of right now, we will continue operating until further notice! Thank you for the support and see you this summer while we can! #doorcounty #redoakwinery #wildmanpizza #trademark #fyp ? original sound - Paige

Wild Tomato responded, saying the video tells only one side of the story and that it decided to take the case to court after “many attempts at mediation and numerous in-person contacts failed.”

@wildtomatopizza

 

? original sound - Wild Tomato Pizza

Wild Tomato is asking that Wild Man stop using its current logo and destroy any materials that still feature it. The case will be heard June 15.

After spending several months working on its new transportation center, construction activity will soon shift across the street to the main education buildings in the Kewaunee School District.

The projects are part of a $24.5 million referendum that narrowly passed in April 2025 to repair aging infrastructure, enhance educational spaces and maximize existing space in the district.

The referendum was needed to address the growing needs of its 3K, 4K and kindergarten programs while relocating other classes to underutilized space in the high school. It also addresses issues that were not included in the district’s last capital referendum in 2016.

A change in its transportation situation required the district to adjust its original plan to build the transportation center to house its buses, scaling back some aspects and reducing the impact on taxpayers.

Kewaunee Superintendent Scott Fritz says residents will see changes to district buildings by the end of the summer.

Fritz says the district will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the school-related projects and an open house for the transportation center May 12, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.

He says he appreciates the community’s support for the project, which benefited from a lower interest rate and a decrease in the district’s debt service compared with what was originally expected.

After a week full of severe weather, you may have to wait for routes to work, school and home to dry out before some repairs are made.

At nearly 7.9 inches of precipitation recorded at its Green Bay office, the National Weather Service says this is the wettest April on record, with 10 days still to go.

The heavy rainfall caused some Door County municipalities to require property owners to redirect their sump pump discharge outside the home or to designated drainage areas because of the stress the storms placed on wastewater systems.

Rising, fast-moving water also put additional strain on the area’s roadways. There were at least 10 locations where water crossed roadways, washing away gravel shoulders. In two spots near County T, Bechtel Road and County WD, crews will have to address areas where culverts were compromised. Door County Highway Commissioner Thad Ash says that until the water recedes in many areas, placing road barriers and posting detour signs is all crews can do.

Ash says people have been moving barriers to get where they need to go, something that could cause issues for both the road and their vehicles if they do not know what is underneath. Crews will begin work on County T between Ploor Road and Bechtel Road and on Bechtel Road between County T and County WD on Tuesday and should be done within the next day or two.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is especially true for Wild Wind Images owner John Van Den Brandt. Van Den Brandt has traveled the world with a camera alongside his wife, Jean, photographing wildlife since he started Wild Wind Images in 2007.

For Van Den Brandt, the work that goes into getting the perfect shot goes much deeper and takes much longer than simply pushing the shutter button. He says he does extensive research on his subject before he sets foot in the habitat he is photographing, and he is willing to wait it out so the image he captures can tell the story he wants to convey.

Van Den Brandt says days spent shooting in places like Wisconsin are often 95% preparation and 5% actually taking the photo. That ratio is flipped when he travels to places like Africa, where the perfect frame can be just around the corner.

In his upcoming presentation at Crossroads at Big Creek this Wednesday, he hopes to shine a light on animals the community is aware of but does not often get to see.

The presentation takes place Wednesday at 6 p.m. You can listen to our full interview with Van Den Brandt and Door County Land Trust’s Cinnamon Rossman here.