After nearly two decades of winemaking history, Parallel 44 Vineyard and Winery closed its original tasting room doors on Saturday in Kewaunee.

During the farewell celebration Saturday, visitors gathered at the winery’s original site to mark its final day, culminating in a “final vineyard toast” among the vines first planted by founders Steve Johnson and Maria Milano nearly 20 years ago.

“Today is kind of a walk down memory lane, it is hard to believe it has been 21 years,” Maria Milano said. “It is bittersweet but exciting.”  Steve Johnson looked ahead at the future.  "This next chapter will allow us to focus on broadcasting to the world what Wisconsin wine means." 

The closure follows the vintners decision to consolidate all winery operations at Door 44 Winery, which will be renamed under the Parallel 44 brand. The move is intended to streamline production and strengthen the winery’s presence in Door County, a major tourism destination.

Guests at the event reflected on the winery’s role in launching cold-climate grape growing in northeast Wisconsin. The Kewaunee County location, built on the original vineyard, has been central to that effort.

“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," said Johnson.

At 4 p.m., the crowd gathered among the vines for a final toast, marking the end of an era with a mix of tears, hugs and an optimistic outlook toward the winery’s future in Door County. Raising a glass, Johnson offered closing remarks to those in attendance, expressing gratitude for nearly two decades of support. Rather than a goodbye, he framed the moment as a transition. “I'm so proud of what we've done. But yet so hopeful for what is to come,” Johnson toasted. “From all of us, to all of you. And from the bottom of our hearts, all the best." He added.

Parallel 44 has earned statewide recognition for its role in developing Wisconsin-grown wines and contributing to agritourism in both Door and Kewaunee counties.

When driving through Sturgeon Bay next week, expect lane reductions as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) conducts traffic signal maintenance along a busy stretch of State Highway 42/57.

Work will take place Tuesday, April 28, and Wednesday, April 29, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. During that time, both northbound and southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane at various intersections.

On Tuesday, WisDOT crews will perform maintenance on traffic signals at Duluth Avenue and Ashland Avenue. Work will continue Wednesday at the intersections of Neenah Avenue and the Mid Junction near E. Jorns Lane.

The temporary lane closures are necessary to safely complete the signal upgrades and drivers should use caution when traveling through the affected areas. Delays are possible, particularly during peak travel times.

WisDOT apologized for any inconvenience and encourages motorists to plan ahead or seek alternate routes when possible.

Your morning commute through Sturgeon Bay may change slightly beginning Monday.

After completing work in Green Bay and Marinette earlier this month, crews will be in Sturgeon Bay this week for bridge maintenance work. They will start with the Bayview Bridge on April 27, before moving to the Maple/Oregon Street Bridge on April 28 and 29. Work will wrap up May 4 with the Michigan Street Bridge.

Maintenance on the Bayview Bridge includes concrete patching on the deck, while the Maple/Oregon Street Bridge will be washed underneath and have delaminated epoxy removed. Wisconsin Department of Transportation spokesperson Mark Kantola says it is all about getting the bridges ready for another year of operation.

The bridges will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on their maintenance days, with the other two bridges serving as detour routes.

Earlier this month, WisDOT launched a website dedicated to providing motorists and boaters with information on the work and how their commutes may be affected.

Residents across the lakeshore are being urged to stay alert as a new wave of scams targets the region, according to Wisconsin State Patrol and Kewaunee County authorities.

Scammers are sending text messages and emails claiming recipients owe money for unpaid traffic citations, often including links demanding immediate payment.

Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski says those messages are fraudulent.

“Law enforcement will never contact you by text or email demanding payment for a citation,” Joski said. “If you receive something like that, it’s 100 % a scam, don’t click on any links and don’t provide any personal information.”

Sheriff Joski says similar scams are also circulating in the form of letters claiming recipients have won the lottery.

“You can’t win a lottery you never entered,” Joski said. “That’s one of the biggest red flags we see. If someone is asking for money upfront or telling you to keep it a secret, it’s not legitimate.”

“These scams rely on emotion,” he added. “One of the best things you can do is having someone else take a look. Without that emotional pressure, clearer heads can prevail. Take a moment, verify the information and talk to someone you trust before taking any action.”

If you are contacted by suspicious means, report the messages as spam and delete them immediately.

The Village of Sister Bay has approved a new zoning map following updates to its long-term land use plan and subsequent revisions to correct mapping errors.

The Village Board voted April 21 to adopt an ordinance establishing an updated official zoning map for the community. The change follows the village’s March 2025 update to its 20-year comprehensive land use plan, which included a revised future land use map.

Village officials later identified errors in that map and approved corrections in February. Under Wisconsin law, municipal zoning maps must align with adopted comprehensive plans, prompting the Plan Commission to draft a revised zoning map.

The commission held a public hearing March 31 and, after taking testimony, recommended approval of the updated map to the Village Board.

Zoning determines what can be built and where. The revised map is intended to align local regulations with long-term planning goals for housing, business development and land use.

The change is expected to provide clearer guidance for property owners and developers on permitted uses across the village. It also helps guide future growth by identifying appropriate areas for residential, commercial and mixed-use development, a key consideration in a tourism-driven Door County community.

The updated map will also support infrastructure planning by offering a more predictable framework for roads, utilities and public services based on anticipated development patterns.

The ordinance took effect April 22.

The Green Tier Legacy Community Committee will mark Earth Week and Arbor Day by giving away free trees to the public on May 9 in Sister Bay.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or while supplies last, at the Piggly Wiggly in Sister Bay. The giveaway is part of a broader effort to promote sustainability and support The Big Plant Door County, a countywide initiative focused on increasing tree coverage.

Volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to distribute trees and provide basic planting guidance to residents.

Organizers say the effort aims to encourage community members to take part in environmental stewardship while contributing to the long-term health of local ecosystems.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as quantities are limited and trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event is free and open to the public.

Authorities have identified the man killed in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday evening on Washington Island.

The Washington Island Police Department said the crash was reported at about 6:38 p.m. April 22 on Town Line Road, east of Range Line Road in the Town of Washington.

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, who was the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In an update released April 25, police identified the driver as 56-year-old Christian Healy of Washington Island.

An autopsy was conducted April 24 at the Brown County Medical Examiner’s Office. Results are pending.

Town Line Road was closed for several hours following the crash and reopened around midnight.

The incident remains under investigation, and Police Chief Gary Schultz has not released additional information.

This week we recognized “Administrative Professionals Week” and we would like to take a moment to share the many roles and duties of our two amazing administrative professionals.

In every organization there is a system of processes which allows for the smooth and
reliable transfer of information from one component of the organization to another. It is the center of all activity and its success relies on constant communication and the ability to adjust to changes on a moment’s notice. For the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department these processes involve the handling of all documentation from traffic citations to accident reports, civil process to criminal charge requests, juvenile referrals to open records requests. They involve providing information to agencies throughout Kewaunee County, the State of Wisconsin and in some cases the Federal Government.

All of this activity falls under the duties of “Sheriff’s Administrative Assistant” and in
Kewaunee County we have two of the best; Angie Mueller and Tara LaCrosse. To provide a glimpse into the daily life of these two will be difficult in the space I have available for this article, but I will try to provide a broad overview.

From the moment a report is generated to the time when it goes to court our Sheriff’s
Administrative Assistants are a vital link between the responding officers to the Supervisory staff where reports are filed reviewed proofed, and ultimately submitted to either the District Attorney’s Office, Human Services or the many other agencies with whom we work with on a daily basis. Here at the Sheriff’s Department all reports are dictated by the responding Officers which then require them to be transcribed by the Sheriff’s Administrative Assistants. This accounts for a great deal of the volume of work which is done by these two employees. Beyond just transcribing they also must make sure all of the incidents are coded correctly so that the monthly reports to the Department of Justice are accurate and reflect the actual offenses occurring in Kewaunee County.

Beyond the world of law enforcement reports they are also involved in the civil process
work that is done at the Sheriff’s Department. This involves the service of court orders ranging from sheriff sales to writ of executions, evictions to restraining orders. Even after the reports have left the Sheriff’s Department and the cases have moved forward in the legal process, many times we receive requests for various reports which these two employees facilitate.

In the world of law enforcement where documentation is everything, the need for accurate and timely reports is vital and we are very fortunate to have two dedicated individuals who make sure the “I’s” have been dotted and the “T’s” crossed. Thank you, Angie and Tara!

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.