"Thank you" was a common phrase heard around the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg on Thursday during the Kewaunee County Fair's opening day.

After the exhibition hall was filled with art projects on Monday, exhibitors brought their animals to the fairgrounds on Wednesday to prepare for a busy week in the barns and show rings. Landon Barta bounces between the hog barn and the poultry and rabbit barn to check on his animals throughout the fair. He is thankful to have the support of his parents, siblings and cousins to make sure everything gets done.

Things at this year's Kewaunee County Fair look different for Fairest of the Fair Savannah Bailey. After years of collecting her fair share of ribbons as an exhibitor, Bailey will be the one passing them out this year after she aged out of the junior fair shows. She is thankful for the opportunity to share her love for the fair in a new way this year.

Thursday's festivities included a veterans' flag ceremony as part of the fair's weekend-long tribute to those who defended the community's freedom. They were greeted by a Pierce-built fire truck with an aerial apparatus ladder fabricated a few miles away in Kewaunee. A veteran himself, Kewaunee Fabrications HR Business Partner Associate Adam Heiman said it was important to ensure those who defend the country so people can attend events like the Kewaunee County Fair are celebrated.

The Kewaunee County Fair runs through July 12.

A March monsoon and an April washout could just be a preamble to more wild weather ahead, thanks to El Niño. According to USA Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center recently increased the likelihood of a very strong El Niño event this fall from 63% in June to 81% in July. Water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean are a major driver of an El Niño weather pattern, which often means warmer temperatures and less snow for the northern United States. Weatherology meteorologist Michael Karow says the transition from La Niña to El Niño is one reason you've seen so much severe weather in recent months.

Karow says the effects of El Niño are typically more active across the southern United States, meaning areas stretching from Southern California to the Gulf Coast could experience more storms. He is also expecting less hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin, though he notes it only takes one major storm to become deadly.

Final preparations are underway this week as Third Avenue PlayWorks prepares to open its third play of the 2026 season on July 15. Starring Ellie Duffey, Seth K. Hale, Carolyn Hoerdemann, Alicia Rice, Ethan Serpan and Noah Simon, Red Herring takes audiences back to 1950s Boston, where three couples navigate their relationships amid a mysterious murder and Cold War politics. Similar to its previous productions of Heroes and Moonlight and Magnolia, Artistic Director Jacob Janssen says Red Herring offers a humorous take on a period of American history audiences may already know.

Red Herring opens July 15 with a Pay-What-You-Will preview benefiting the Friends of Door County Libraries. Third Avenue PlayWorks will also host a post-show conversation July 24 following its 2 p.m. matinee before the production closes Aug. 9.

No matter where you travel in Door County this weekend, the Door County Sheriff’s Department wants you to keep a closer eye on the road. Three major events are taking place across the county this weekend and are expected to cause increased traffic and temporary delays.

Running Friday through Sunday in Brussels is Belgian Days, hosted by the Brussels Lions Club. In addition to increased foot traffic near the festival grounds, Saturday’s two- and four-mile races and Sunday’s parade will result in temporary road closures.

In Egg Harbor, the Door County Triathlon will take center stage, with the sprint-distance race on Saturday and the Olympic-distance race on Sunday. Course maps for affected roadways are available below.

If you missed the Independence Day festivities, Sister Bay will host its Freedom Fest on Saturday. Food, children's activities and fireworks will take place at Sister Bay Waterfront Park.

The Door County Sheriff’s Department urges motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and drive patiently.

Your travels through Kewaunee County may include construction cones, road closures and detours this summer. The Kewaunee County Highway Department highlighted two bridge closures Tuesday that will take several weeks before they reopen.

County Highway N is closed at the bridge between Gasche Road and County Highway V through the end of the summer for a bridge replacement.

County Highway J will be completely closed at the bridges between St. Peters Road and County Highway AB later this month through early fall for two bridge replacement projects.

In both cases, parallel roads will allow motorists to get around the closures until the bridges reopen. More information about the bridge closures is available below.

The Sister Bay Historical Society will launch a new community event later this month, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy live Americana music while supporting local history preservation efforts.

Music at the Barn will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Corner of the Past museum campus, next to the Little Sister Barn on the northeast side of the property. Admission is free.

The featured performers are The Riddle Brothers of Minneapolis, whose acoustic performances blend Americana, folk and original music influenced by their Southern heritage and life along the Mississippi River.

You are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, although guests may also bring their own refreshments.

The event will also highlight the Historical Society's ongoing renovation of the Little Sister Barn into a Center for History, Education and Community. During an intermission, you will have the opportunity to tour the Little Sister Barn and the Corner of the Past museum grounds.

"We are excited about this new opportunity to celebrate the heritage of Sister Bay while bringing the local community and visitors together to enjoy music and fun at this special barn," said Laurie Zelnio, co-chair of Music at the Barn for the Sister Bay Historical Society.

Zelnio said organizers hope the inaugural event becomes a lasting community tradition.

"We look forward to continuing this tradition well into the future," she said.

The event will be held rain or shine.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Sister Bay Historical Society and support its mission of preserving and promoting the community's history through education and historic preservation.

More information and events schedules are available on the Sister Bay Historical Society’s website.

The use of public transportation continues to grow in Door County despite its rural setting. Last year, the Door County Transportation Department provided more than 44,000 rides through its Door County Connect and Door 2 Door Rides programs.

Transportation Director Pam Busch says the department is on track to at least match that number, if not exceed it, by the end of the year. Busch says a big reason for the increase is a changing clientele. While the department still serves many older adults and people with disabilities, a growing number of younger riders are using the service to get to work. She says rising transportation costs are a major factor.

Door County Connect is available Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Fridays from 7:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The service operates primarily in the city of Sturgeon Bay and within a 10-mile radius of the Aging & Disability Resource Center. On July 16, the Door County Transportation Department will celebrate Rural Transit Day by offering free rides as a thank-you to the community.

The Door County YMCA's Jackie & Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek wants you to enjoy the outdoors this summer through its programming. On this week's Y-Wednesday Podcast, Jackie & Steve Kane Center Healthy Living Director Laura Cassidy shared two ways you can enjoy the Door County YMCA while soaking up the summer sun.

On Monday mornings through Aug. 17, you can roll out a mat and take part in Yoga Flow at Ephraim's Anderson Dock. Cassidy says it's a great way to start the week in one of Door County's most unique locations.

She also highlighted the center's Campfire Across America event on July 22. The nationwide event will include appearances by the Open Door Bird Sanctuary and Smokey Bear, along with food and other activities before ending the day with a campfire, weather permitting.

You can learn more about these activities by clicking the link to listen to this week's episode.

The Door County Historical Society will take you beneath the surface of the peninsula during its next Dine & Discover program, featuring a presentation on Door County's caves by local author and naturalist Gary Soule.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, July 20, at the Institute Saloon. You will enjoy a family-style dinner followed by Soule's presentation, "Exploring Door County Caves."

Soule will discuss the natural history, geology and folklore surrounding Door County's cave systems, from sea caves carved into the Niagara Escarpment to lesser-known inland formations. The presentation will feature stories, photographs and firsthand accounts from his decades exploring Wisconsin's landscapes.

"Many people have seen Door County's cliffs and beauty from the water or the shoreline, but few realize the incredible stories hidden within the caves themselves, and what is hidden beneath this rock we live on." said Amy Frank, executive director of the Door County Historical Society. "Gary is a Door County lifelong resident and his passion for the outdoors and his extensive knowledge makes this a program you won't want to miss."

The Dine & Discover series pairs dinner with presentations highlighting Door County's history, culture and natural heritage while providing opportunities for community members to learn from local experts.

The cost is $35 for Door County Historical Society members and $40 for nonmembers. The registration fee includes dinner and the presentation. Advance reservations are required.

To register or learn more, please visit the Door County Historical Society's website.

The Southern Door High School Student Council and the American Red Cross are partnering to host a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, or be 16 with parental permission, and be in good general health. Parent permission forms are available on the Red Cross website.

Appointments can be scheduled online through the Red Cross website by selecting “Give Blood” and searching for the Sturgeon Bay ZIP code, 54235. Walk-ins will also be accepted, though donors may experience longer wait times.

Those who successfully donate blood will receive a “Looney Tunes” T-shirt as part of the Red Cross donor incentive program.

While this drive is the only confirmed public blood drive currently scheduled in Door and Kewaunee counties for July and August, additional summer collection events are typically added throughout the season as demand fluctuates. Residents are encouraged to check the Red Cross donation schedule for updated listings in the summer months.

Blood supplies often decline during the summer months due to travel and school breaks, organizers said, making community participation especially important.

For 30 years, one constant around the benches at Birch Creek Music Performance Center has been as familiar to students and faculty members as the black and white keys on the piano.

Jodie DeSalvo has toured the country, tickling the ivories in cities such as Chicago, San Francisco and Naples, Florida, as a frequent soloist with their orchestras. She has also performed at renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Despite those accolades and opportunities, she returns to Door County every summer to spend countless hours with Birch Creek faculty members and students. She says making music with her friends and students in a place like Door County is especially meaningful.

DeSalvo says she still runs into former students who thank her for the impact she had on their lives. She credits Birch Creek's encouraging atmosphere for fostering those lasting relationships.

The final performances of the symphony session begin Thursday, with DeSalvo performing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 as one of the featured works. You can listen to our full conversation with DeSalvo and Birch Creek Music Performance Center Executive Director Jenna Ferdon at this link.

Belgian Days will return July 10–12 to Brussels Town Park, continuing a 65-year tradition of celebrating Belgian heritage through food, music, athletics and community events.

Sponsored by the Brussels Lions Club, the annual festival features Belgian cuisine, live music, a Sunday parade and a full slate of weekend athletic events, including baseball and softball games, a cornhole tournament and a cooyah tournament. Proceeds from the weekend support the Lions Club and a range of local community programs.

Former Brussels Lions Club President Jim Wautier said the event has remained a cornerstone of local identity for generations.

“This is the 65th time we’re putting this on, it’s a big event for the community and we get so much community support. People are surprised how many people we get in the town park every year,” Wautier said.

Festivities also include a Saturday morning run/walk fundraiser benefiting local emergency medical services.

“The BUG EMR walk/run happens Saturday morning and those proceeds help the EMR team,” Wautier said.

Through the years, the Brussels Lions Club has tracked the event’s fundraising impact, reaching a milestone this year.

“Something elite for the Lions Club this year. We just went over a million dollars in donations. We support local schools, Lions International and the town park here in Brussels. We’ve donated all that money back into the community and we are pretty proud of that,” Wautier said.

He said the weekend is designed to strengthen community ties while supporting essential local services.

Events will run throughout the weekend at Brussels Town Park, continuing one of the Town of Brussels’ most enduring summer traditions.

Algoma has a new police chief, but he may already be a familiar face. The City of Algoma announced Tyler Tuttle as its new police chief Monday after he was sworn in during a special ceremony.

Born and raised in Luxemburg, Tuttle began his law enforcement career with the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department and has also served as a part-time officer with the Algoma Police Department. Tuttle's first patrol assignment was with the City of Algoma, and he said he is excited to serve a community that has given him so much alongside the people who have mentored him throughout his career.

Tuttle replaces David Allen, who retired earlier this year after serving as police chief following the retirement of Randy Remiker in 2023. Tuttle said he hopes to serve as police chief for many years while keeping the department engaged with the community and up to date on the latest technology and policing methods.

The Egg Harbor Village Board will consider several infrastructure, financial and administrative items when it meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at the Paul J. Bertschinger Community Center.

Among the meeting's key agenda items is consideration of a proposal from Stantec for grant funding support related to planning and engineering for the Bird View Trail in partnership with Door County Trails. Trustees also will review a proposal from Bay Lake Consulting to provide joint fund accounting services beginning in 2027.

The board is expected to consider a resolution transferring funds from the marina fund to the village's debt service fund as part of a 2026 budget amendment. Trustees also will review a Wisconsin Emergency Management grant agreement for state and local cybersecurity improvements.

Additional business includes declaring surplus village equipment for online auction, recognizing William Freyman for his service to the village, reviewing a proposed overtime policy and receiving an update on AT&T's broadband expansion project. A public meeting on the broadband project is scheduled for July 16 at the Kress Pavilion.

The board also will consider temporary alcohol beverage licenses for events hosted by Open Door Bird Sanctuary, Write On, Door County and Knock Publishing Company at the Kress Pavilion.

The meeting concludes with a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding a notice of injury and potential litigation, with possible action to follow in open session. Public comments will be accepted at the beginning and end of the meeting.

Despite being weeks away from suiting up for the Carolina Panthers, former Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon is still supporting the place he and his family will always consider home.

Dillon and his wife, Gabrielle, presented a $30,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Door County at Horseshoe Bay Farms in Egg Harbor on Monday morning. The Dillon Family Foundation matched a $15,000 donation from an anonymous donor to support a new teen-led cooking and nutrition program. The program will empower older Boys & Girls Club members to teach younger children healthy cooking skills using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Horseshoe Bay Farms. Dillon says it combines two of his family's passions: dining and Door County. The running back has continued giving back across northeast Wisconsin this offseason and says he does not expect that to change, no matter where his career takes him.

Last year, the Dillon Family Foundation donated $25,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Door County to create and maintain garden beds at the organization's Sturgeon Bay headquarters. Boys and Girls Club of the Bay and Lakes Region CEO Johanna Wicklund is excited for the opportunities their latest donation will help provide for its members.

You can also support the program by donating at least $30 to the Dillon Family Foundation to receive the Dining with the Dillons cookbook, which features not only the family's favorite recipes but also recipes from restaurants in Green Bay and Door County.

The Dillon Family Foundation has donated more than $100,000 to Door County charities since July 2024, Dillon's final season with the Packers.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will consider several housing-related items during its meeting Tuesday, with much of the discussion centered on Division Road.

After addressing the second reading of an ordinance affecting the city's historic preservation code and the purchase of a new vehicle, the council will turn its attention to two proposed developments.

First, the council will consider a Plan Commission recommendation to approve a zoning map amendment that would reclassify a parcel at 1259 Division Road from agricultural to two-family residential. The approval would pave the way for a new 55-lot subdivision featuring a mix of single-family homes and duplexes. Thirty of the 55 lots would be reserved for workforce housing.

The rezoning would also set the stage for a planned unit development proposed by DOCO Iron Gate LLC. The developer is seeking approval to build a condominium development featuring 34 storage units with optional living space on a portion of the property. The units would be similar to those built along South 18th Avenue and Utah Street near State Highway 42/57.

During last month's Plan Commission meeting, developer Jim Conard said he believes this type of housing is needed. While he expects many of the owners to be seasonal residents, he said the condominium association documents would prohibit the units from being used as short-term rentals.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at City Hall.

A 60-year-old Sturgeon Bay woman accused of burning down a barn last month will be back in court in three weeks after pleading not guilty.

Donna Jo Franklin is charged with arson of a building without the owner's consent, with an increased penalty because the alleged victim is elderly, after she allegedly set a barn on fire in the 1400 block of North Eighth Avenue on June 10 just before 9 p.m.

The fire was deemed suspicious by the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office, prompting an investigation that led to Franklin's arrest on June 15.

After pleading not guilty on June 25, a status conference was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. July 23.

Time to find your buckets and head to the orchards in the coming days.

Cherry growers have been checking their trees to make sure their sweet and tart varieties are ready for picking. That means about 1,900 acres need to be harvested before the fruit can be picked from the branches, whether by hand or by machine.

Soren's Valhalla Orchards' Toni Sorenson has been taste-testing some of her varieties over the last few days to see what is ready and what still needs more time. She finds it interesting how different varieties can taste different depending on the growing season and how the fruit develops on the tree.

While some cherry orchards are already inviting people into their fields, Sorenson says her orchard will open to the public in the coming days. When you get the chance to pick cherries, she suggests carefully removing the fruit from the tree and placing it gently into your bucket to prevent bruising. She also encourages visitors to take in the beauty of the orchard.

You will have an opportunity to sample a variety of root beers while exploring Door County history during the 12th Annual Root Beer Festival at Heritage Village on Saturday, July 11.

The event, hosted by the Door County Historical Society, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay. Admission is $10 for adults, which includes a root beer flight featuring several varieties of the soft drink, while children 17 and younger are admitted free.

You will be able to vote for your favorite root beer after sampling the selections and enjoy root beer floats, cold root beer and freshly baked root beer cookies throughout the day.

All of Heritage Village's historic buildings will be open during the festival and will feature root beer-themed activities and demonstrations. You can learn about the history of root beer in the Vignes School, watch live root beer-making demonstrations and discover how the beverage evolved from a medicinal tonic into a popular summertime drink.

Additional demonstrations will take place at the Madden Tool Museum and Blacksmith Shop, while families can participate in a community quilt project and take photos with a restored Studebaker carriage.

Live entertainment will be provided throughout the day, with polka lessons available for attendees of all experience levels.

Food will be available for purchase from the Sabor de la Door Hispanic Heritage Committee, with a menu that includes hot dogs, pulled pork, loaded baked beans, pasta salad and combination meal options.

Heritage Village features nine historic buildings representing Door County's early settlement, including a church, schoolhouse, log cabin, barns, granary and the Madden Tool Museum. Costumed interpreters and volunteers will be on hand to share the history of each building.

The Root Beer Festival serves as one of the Door County Historical Society's signature summer fundraisers, supporting the preservation of Heritage Village and the organization's mission to collect, preserve and share Door County's history.

For more information, visit the Door County Historical Society's website.

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is reducing adoption fees throughout July in an effort to find homes for hundreds of dogs and cats as animal populations continue to climb.

The month-long promotion, which runs through July 31, includes 50% off adoption fees for kittens and dogs 6 months and older, a "Name Your Own Fee" promotion for cats 6 months and older, and the same pay-what-you-can option for select long-term "benchwarmer" dogs.

According to the WHS, more than 1,100 cats are currently in its care across its statewide campuses, along with more than 100 dogs available for adoption.

"We have so many fantastic animals, especially cats, looking for new homes this month," said Corey Viars, media specialist for the Wisconsin Humane Society's Green Bay and Door County Campus. "These adoption promotions help more pets find loving families while also creating space for the next animals that come through our doors."

Viars said summer is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters, making community support especially important.

"Every adoption makes a real difference," Viars said. "When someone opens their home to a shelter pet, they're not only changing that animal's life, they're allowing us to help another animal in need. It's a ripple effect that benefits pets and families throughout northeast Wisconsin, including Door County."

For those who are unable to adopt, Viars is also encouraging residents to consider becoming foster volunteers. Foster families provide temporary homes for animals awaiting adoption, helping free kennel space for incoming pets. The organization supplies foster caregivers with food, medical care and other necessary supplies.

More information is available by visiting the Wisconsin Humane Society's website.

“Butterflies” is this week’s Summer at Crossroads theme, and this time of year, our meadows, gardens and open fields are alive with color and motion as butterflies move through one of nature’s most remarkable transformations—from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to winged adult. These insects are important pollinators, and their life cycles are closely tied to specific host plants and seasonal blooms.

For example, monarch caterpillars depend on milkweed species (Wisconsin is home to 13 native types), meadow fritillary caterpillars rely on violets, and black swallowtail caterpillars depend on plants in the carrot family, such as dill, carrots and golden alexander.

As these amazing insects mature into winged adults, their needs change, shifting their diet from their nursery plants to nectar-rich blooms. Examples of these include milkweeds, blazing star, coneflowers and bee balm.

The week starts with a Tale. At 2 p.m. on Monday, July 13, Door County Librarian will read the storybook The Amazing Life Cycle of Butterflies, written by Kay Barnham and illustrated by Maddie Frost. Perfect for curious young readers, this beautifully illustrated picture book explores one of nature’s most fascinating questions: How does a butterfly grow? Children will follow the remarkable transformation from a tiny egg to a crawling caterpillar, then to a resting chrysalis and finally to a graceful butterfly taking flight, all while discovering fascinating science facts along the way. (For those who can’t make story time, the pages of this book will be posted all week on our Trail Tales storybook walk, which starts at our West Trailhead.)

Journeys with Joan, our weekly family program, will explore Butterflies: Masters of Transformation at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants in understanding metamorphosis and encourage them to look for summer butterflies in Crossroads’ gardens, meadows and fields, discovering along the way how even small creatures play a big role in sustaining the mammals we share the landscape with.

Hikers participating in Wandering Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. will be encouraged to look for summer butterflies in Crossroads’ gardens, meadows and fields, where nectar-rich flowers attract a wide variety of species. From monarchs and swallowtails to painted ladies and sulfurs, each butterfly plays a role in pollination as it moves from bloom to bloom in search of energy-rich nectar.

For our 2 p.m. Thursday Talk on July 16, join Karen Newbern, nursery manager at Door Landscape & Nursery, for an inspiring program on creating a garden that truly comes alive. Karen will share practical guidance on designing a butterfly garden that supports both beauty and biodiversity, including how to select plants that attract butterflies throughout their entire life cycle—from egg and caterpillar to chrysalis and adult.

Participants will learn the difference between host plants, which caterpillars rely on for food, and nectar plants, which fuel adult butterflies, as well as how to plan for continuous blooms from spring through fall. Karen will also discuss how thoughtful garden design can provide the essential elements butterflies need—sun, shelter from the wind and access to water.

Drawing on her professional experience, Karen will offer tips tailored to northern Wisconsin gardens, including native plant recommendations, maintenance strategies and design ideas that work in spaces of all sizes, from small backyard plots to school gardens and larger landscapes.

Throughout the week—and the rest of the summer—stop by during open hours for Tinkers, self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds inspired by these winged pollinators.

Butterflies are not only beautiful but also biologically complex. Their wings are covered in tiny overlapping scales that produce color through both pigments and light refraction, and their long, coiled proboscis allows them to sip nectar from deep within flowers. Because they are sensitive to environmental changes, butterflies are also important indicators of ecosystem health.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Crossroads trails are open all day, every day, free of charge.

Monday, July 13

2 p.m. Tale: The Amazing Life Cycle of Butterflies

Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, The Amazing Life Cycle of Butterflies, written by Kay Barnham and illustrated by Maddie Frost. Perfect for curious young readers, this beautifully illustrated picture book answers the question: How does a butterfly grow? Children will follow the fascinating transformation from a tiny egg to a crawling caterpillar, then to a resting chrysalis and finally to a graceful butterfly taking flight. Packed with engaging science facts, this book is perfect for homeschool science lessons, life cycle unit studies or simply sharing the wonders of nature with a child. Free and open to the public. Meet in front of the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, July 14

1 p.m. Journeys with Joan – Butterflies: Masters of Transformation

Join naturalist Joan Wilkie for free, family-oriented activities exploring nature. Butterflies are masters of transformation. Look for summer butterflies in Crossroads’ gardens, meadows and fields. Suitable for all ages. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, July 15

1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday

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

Thursday, July 16

2 p.m. Talk: Creating a Butterfly Garden

Create a garden that truly comes alive with color and motion. Join Karen Newbern, nursery manager at Door Landscape & Nursery, for an inspiring program on designing a butterfly garden that supports both beauty and biodiversity.

Karen will share practical guidance on selecting the right plants to attract butterflies throughout their entire life cycle—from egg and caterpillar to chrysalis and adult. Learn the difference between host plants and nectar plants, how to plan for continuous blooms from spring through fall, and how thoughtful garden design can provide shelter, sun and water for these important pollinators.

With her professional background in nursery management and plant selection, Karen will also offer tips tailored to northern Wisconsin gardens, including native plant choices, maintenance strategies and design ideas that work in a variety of spaces, whether you’re planting a small yard, a school garden or a larger landscape.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this program will leave you inspired to create butterfly-friendly spaces that support pollinators and bring beauty right to your doorstep. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

I’ve written about this before, but being visible in your kayak is an important consideration!  This year I’ve primarily been fishing out of my sit-on-top Jackson Coosa FD kayak.  I know first-hand how busy our beautiful Door County waters are with watercraft of all types, including plenty of kayakers, especially this July 4th weekend.

With the kayaks having such a low profile, they are hard to see sometimes.  Many times those pleasure boaters have several people in the boat talking, laughing and probably not always looking for or able to see small watercraft like kayaks.  I’m on the water often and see both recreational kayakers and anglers out in those bigger fishing kayaks.  From a safety standpoint, I’ve always liked having fishing and recreational kayaks that are brightly colored.  I like bright orange, lime green or chartreuse, white, red, etc.  Those darker greens, grays and browns tend to blend into the water and are much less visible.  An easy way to greatly increase your visibility is using a brightly colored PFD.  My Astral Sturgeon PFD is Blaze Orange and as you can see in the article picture offers great visibility!

Nicely, many of the recreational kayak paddles come with yellow, orange or white blades that can be seen for quite a distance.  Another accessory I’ve used is the YakAttack VISIpole that comes with a bright orange flag on a flexible shaft that flies a few feet above the kayak and is easy to install.  If you are out early or late with low-light, I might suggest their VisiCarbonPro with a light on top.

As always, when on the big waters of Green Bay or Lake Michigan be as safe as possible.  For you smallmouth bass anglers, fishing this season has been somewhat slow with the cold spring, but, with the recent warmer weather and rising water temps it has improved up and down the peninsula.  I’ve been having very good luck with a presentation called the Ned Rig.  I use a light chartreuse colored jig with a Z-Man Finesse TRD in the best color, Green Pumpkin Goby!  Also, Keitech USA 2.8 FAT Swing Impact and the Z-Man 3-inch SlimSwimz.  Both are small swimbaits and after a long cast should retrieved slow and steady on a light Z-Man or Gopher Tackle 1/16 or 3/32 ounce chartruese jig.  The soft plastic lures mentioned can be found at the local Sturgeon Bay Tackle Shop!

If you have any questions about kayak fishing or kayaking in general, please email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com.  Also, my primary talk at Sports Shows and Fishing Clubs for 2026 is Chasing Smallies: Sharing My Secrets.  If you love catching and releasing smallies, you can email me for a PDF of this talk!

Residents of the Village of Sister Bay may notice appraisers working throughout the community beginning Monday as field work gets underway for the village's 2027 property re-evaluation.

Action Appraisers, the village's contracted assessment firm, will conduct field work from July 6 through Oct. 2 as part of the re-evaluation process. Village officials said postcard notifications have already been mailed to property owners notifying them of the upcoming inspections.

During the field work period, appraisers will review properties to verify assessment records and collect information used to prepare the 2027 assessment roll. Officials said all Action Appraisers field staff will wear official company identification badges, and their vehicles will be clearly marked with the company logo.

The re-evaluation is intended to ensure properties are assessed fairly and equitably based on current market values. State law requires municipalities to maintain assessments that closely reflect market value, and periodic revaluations help ensure assessment records remain accurate.

Property re-evaluation does not automatically result in higher property taxes. While a property's assessed value may change, the amount a property owner ultimately pays also depends on local tax levies established by municipalities, school districts and other taxing jurisdictions.

For more information about the field work or the re-evaluation process, please visit the Action Appraisers website.

Zion United Methodist Church will host its annual old-fashioned hymn sing Sunday, July 5, at 5 p.m. as part of local observances marking the United States Semiquincentennial, America 250.

The event will take place at the church, 8781 County F, and is free and open to the public.

What began in 1993 as a small community gathering has grown into a Door County tradition, now drawing participants from more than a dozen area congregations as well as visitors from across the country. Over the years, the hymn sings have raised more than $40,000 for local nonprofits.

The program will be led by Pastors Don Heeringa and Frank Maxwell, with keyboard accompaniment by Caroline Polster. Participants select favorite hymns by calling out numbers, creating an informal, audience-driven evening of music.

“When a room is filled with people who love to sing, the result is inspiring,” said organizer Judie Gauger in a statement. “This evening has always been about bringing the community together. During this America 250 celebration, we’re especially grateful for the opportunity to honor those who have served our country and now are serving their neighbors.”

Proceeds from donations will benefit Billy Weiss American Legion Post 527 and VFW Post 8337. Organizers said all funds collected will remain in Door County.

Refreshments will be served following the hymn sing.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, I wanted to share some thoughts regarding something we all cherish, yet too often take for granted: freedom.

Until you have it taken away, you really can't understand the true value of freedom. For those of us who served in the military, the loss of freedom was the first hard reality we faced in those early days of boot camp or basic training. One of the first steps in that training was the elimination of any and all pre-existing habits, comforts, and even your very identity. You no longer existed as an individual. (To be called an individual in the military is one of the greatest degradations.) You were now part of something larger than yourself. You came to identify more with your squad, platoon, company or, to an even greater extent, as a Marine, soldier, airman or sailor. Your every action was filtered through what was best not for you, but for the greater good.

Over time, you began to earn freedom, and that freedom became something to be savored. We learned something there that I think could serve as a lesson for our greater society. Freedom is not only something we should never take for granted, but also something we sustain through self-discipline.

Many times, when I am teaching young people about freedom—or, in their case, the desire for independence from their parents—I use the analogy of walking the family dog. If you're walking along and the dog is maintaining the proper distance and pace, without trying to run after squirrels, you allow some slack in the leash. If that dog repeatedly attempts to stray, however, the leash gets tighter. Our own family had an amazing dog that, over time, became so well trained that we never even bothered with a leash when we went for walks.

In 30 years of law enforcement, this is the best analogy I can come up with for the relationship between freedom and discipline in our society. I have witnessed people take actions in the name of personal freedom without taking into account the well-being or safety of others, and in doing so, they found themselves in very restricted circumstances. It is somewhat of an oxymoron that through discipline and the tempering of freedom, we expand that freedom, while through the reckless and thoughtless pursuit of freedom, we restrict it.

If we ever hope to celebrate our nation's 300th or 350th anniversary, we would be wise to return to our founding documents and truly appreciate the principles upon which this nation was built. Some say those founding documents need to be rewritten, but I subscribe to the belief that they simply need to be reread. Just as in military service, each of us needs to value our individuality insofar as it contributes value and strength to the greater good.

We are a nation built on self-determination, but that self-determination must always be measured and pursued with purpose and discipline. Our freedoms are ours either to sustain or to lose.

In the end, as great a country as we are, we are not immune to the self-inflicted decay that has led to the decline of so many civilizations throughout history. We must be students of those lessons and apply them in real time. Celebrating our history is to celebrate the sacrifices from which it was born, reflect on the challenges through which it has grown—and continues to grow—and pass along our rich and storied heritage of freedom, a freedom for which so many have paid dearly and which we must relentlessly guard, both from external threats and from our own individual desires.

Happy Birthday, America!