Motorists traveling through Door and Kewaunee counties this summer should plan for delays as road construction and resurfacing projects get underway on local, county and state highways ahead of the peak tourism season.

In northern Door County, the Door County Highway Department and the Village of Ephraim are preparing to begin pulverizing and paving several local roads later in June, including Holand Road, Spruce Lane off Norway Street, and a section of North Orchard Street between State Highway 42 and Bella Vista Lane.

Several residential streets elsewhere in the county already operate under road closure restrictions with access limited to local traffic as crews replace curb sections and prepare for milling, grading and paving work.

One of Door County's largest projects is taking place on County Road T east of Sturgeon Bay. The reconstruction project stretches from Highway 42/57 to the Lily Bay Boat Launch and includes pulverizing existing pavement, grading, repaving, driveway improvements and shoulder work. Construction began earlier this month, with paving scheduled through late June and completion expected by early July.

Meanwhile, a major reconstruction project continues on County Road S in Sturgeon Bay between Emerald Drive and Highway 42/57. The roadway remains closed to through traffic. Detours are posted, and the project is expected to continue through much of the summer.

Door County drivers may also encounter temporary traffic disruptions along Highway 57, where crews are replacing roadway signs at various locations throughout the county.

In Kewaunee County, work continues on a nearly $4 million resurfacing and safety improvement project along WIS 29 from the Brown-Kewaunee county line east to County C. The project includes pavement resurfacing and other roadway improvements designed to extend the highway's service life and improve safety.

The construction activity comes as Door County enters the busiest time of its summer tourism season, with major events expected to bring thousands of additional visitors to the peninsula in the coming weeks.

Anglers throughout Door and Kewaunee counties will be able to cast a line without purchasing a fishing license during Wisconsin's annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 6-7.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is once again waiving fishing license requirements, along with trout and salmon stamp fees, for both residents and visitors during the two-day event. The annual promotion is designed to introduce more people to the sport of fishing while encouraging families to spend time outdoors.

DNR Fisheries Biologist Jacob Steckmesser said the event provides an opportunity for anyone interested in fishing to get out on the water.

"Anyone that wants to fish anywhere in the state can get out this weekend," Steckmesser said.

The weekend also coincides with several other state-sponsored outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition to free fishing, admission fees will be waived at Wisconsin state parks and forests.

"The weekend includes free entry to state parks and forests," Steckmesser said.

Local anglers will find no shortage of options, with fishing opportunities available throughout Green Bay and Lake Michigan waters, along the Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers, and on numerous inland lakes and streams across the peninsula.

Steckmesser said the event is especially beneficial for those who have never tried fishing or have been hesitant because of licensing requirements.

"People that haven't fished before, that barriers are taken away and you can just go out this particular weekend and do it," he said.

Although fishing licenses and stamps are not required during the event, all other Wisconsin fishing regulations remain in effect, including daily bag limits, size restrictions and species-specific regulations.

For those who do not own fishing equipment, nearly 60 tackle loaner locations are available statewide, including several at Wisconsin state parks. Anglers are encouraged to contact individual locations regarding equipment availability and hours of operation.

Wisconsin hosts Free Fishing Weekends twice each year, during the first full weekend in June and the third full weekend in January.

The Door County YMCA is preparing for a busy summer season with several facility improvements, program offerings and volunteer opportunities planned over the coming months.

One of the most visible projects will be the final phase of resurfacing the parking lot at the YMCA's Sturgeon Bay Program Center. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, June 8. YMCA officials are asking members and visitors to follow posted directional signs and instructions from construction crews while work is underway.

"If you're taking morning classes, get here early," said Sarah Gavin, Healthy Living Director at the Sturgeon Bay Program Center YMCA. "Try to carpool, ride your bike or walk over as parking will be at a premium, but it'll be woth it."

Gavin also highlighted the YMCA's upcoming summer program session, which begins June 15. Registration opens for YMCA members at 5 a.m. Monday, June 8 and for community non-members on Wednesday, June 10. The summer session will feature a wide range of youth, family and adult programs aimed at promoting healthy living, personal growth and community engagement throughout the season.

In preparation for the busy season, the Sturgeon Bay Program Center swimming pool will be closed from June 6 through June 14 for annual maintenance. The temporary closure will allow staff to complete routine upkeep and ensure the facility remains safe and operational for swimmers.

Meanwhile, organizers of the upcoming Door County Triathlon are seeking additional volunteers to assist with race-day operations. Gavin is encouraging community members to sign up for course volunteer positions to help support one of Door County's premier athletic events.

Additional information about construction updates, summer programming and volunteer opportunities is available through the Door County YMCA website or you can listen to this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast here.

One of Door County’s most cherished summer traditions returns Saturday, June 20 as the Village of Ephraim celebrates the 61st annual Fyr Bal Festival along the shores of Eagle Harbor.

The daylong festival, rooted in Scandinavian customs dating back centuries, marks the transition from spring to summer and draws thousands of residents and visitors to the village waterfront each year. The Norwegian phrase “Fyr Bal,” meaning “bonfire,” reflects the event’s signature evening ceremony that symbolizes burning away winter and welcoming the long days of summer.

Festival activities begin in the morning and continue throughout the day with live music, traditional dancing, artisan and craft vendors, food stands and family-friendly activities spread across Ephraim’s waterfront. Visitors can also enjoy historic walking tours, trolley tours and a boat regatta on Eagle Harbor. Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor is expected to once again host its popular Firecracker Frenzy ice cream-eating competition.

“Fyr Bal is one of the most meaningful traditions in Ephraim because it brings together our community, celebrates our Scandinavian heritage and provides a memorable experience for residents and visitors,” said Kelsey Stone, Marketing and Events Coordinator of the Ephraim Business Council. “The festival showcases everything that makes Ephraim special, from our beautiful waterfront to our strong sense of community.”

As sunset approaches, anticipation builds for the festival’s signature event. A ceremonial bonfire is lit on the shoreline of Eagle Harbor, symbolizing the arrival of summer, followed by multiple harbor bonfires that illuminate the waterfront. A fireworks display over Eagle Harbor provides a dramatic conclusion to the celebration.

The festival is free to attend and is organized by the Ephraim Business Council. Stone encourages visitors to arrive early because the waterfront becomes crowded throughout the day, especially during the evening bonfire and fireworks ceremonies.

Additional information and event updates are available through the Ephraim Business Councils website.

Door County baseball fans will have an opportunity to cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers in person this summer as the Sturgeon Bay Program Center hosts a day trip to American Family Field on Thursday, Aug. 20.

The excursion, organized through the YMCA’s ForeverWell program for adults age 55 and older, includes round-trip motor coach transportation, game admission, snacks and a bagged dinner for the ride home. Participants will depart from the Sturgeon Bay Program Center at 8:30 a.m. and are expected to return around 7 p.m.

The trip also includes a special opportunity for attendees to walk around the field following the game.

Abby Baker, specialty wellness director for the Sturgeon Bay Program Center, said the event is designed to provide more than just a day at the ballpark.

"Our ForeverWell trips are about creating opportunities for people to stay active, connect with others and experience something new together," Baker said. "A Brewers game is a fun way to bring people together while enjoying one of Wisconsin’s favorite teams."

Baker said organized outings like the Brewers trip continue to be popular among older adults looking for social and recreational opportunities throughout the year.

"We know many community members enjoy the convenience of traveling as a group and not having to worry about driving or parking," she said.

The cost of the trip is $97 for YMCA members and $117 for community participants. Lunch will be on participants’ own at the stadium.

Registration is available online or at the Sturgeon Bay Program Center welcome center.

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is kicking off a series of adoption promotions throughout June aimed at helping more dogs and cats find permanent homes across northeast Wisconsin, including residents in Door and Kewaunee counties who may be looking to add a pet to their family.

The effort comes as animal shelters prepare for what is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year.

"During the summer months there are just more animals on the move. Both stray and surrender numbers go up this time of year," said Viars. "We hope these promotions encourage more people to open their homes to the amazing animals in our care. We’re being much more proactive this year by offering these incentives to the community"

According to Corey Viars, media specialist for the WHS, “the veterinary care, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, food and other services provided before adoption can exceed $1,000 in value.” By comparison, the average adoption fee for an adult dog is $249.

In June, the WHS will allow you to name-your-own adoption fee for its "Benchwarmer" dogs, a designation given to dogs that have spent more time waiting for adoption than the average shelter resident. The promotion is designed to draw attention to pets that may be overlooked despite being ready for loving homes.

The adoption incentives also extend to cats. Through June 30, all cats six months of age and older will be available through a name-your-own adoption fee program. “In addition, the shelter's Kitten Buddy Pricing promotion remains in effect, allowing adopters to receive 50% off the adoption fee for a second kitten when two kittens are adopted together,” said Viars.

Residents interested in adopting can browse available pets through the WHS website.

If you think the latest push to celebrate all things dairy in Wisconsin has a Kewaunee County flavor to it, you would be correct.

For the past year, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has highlighted the different personalities of the dairy industry through its marketing campaign. It kicked off last fall when comedian Charlie Berens shared more than a Manitowoc Minute with Luxemburg's Salentine Homestead Dairy.

It continued this spring when two of the personalities featured in the organization's "Born to Dairy" campaign had Kewaunee County ties. Television personality, Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Famer and Luxemburg farmer Millaine Stodola was highlighted as the "momager," tasked not only with farm-related duties but also with keeping her family's activities under control. In another piece, Pagel Family Businesses' Kiley Pagel was featured showcasing the technology involved in a modern dairy operation.

Pagel said it is important for her family and other farmers to explain the many different roles that help make the dairy industry what it is today.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin is home to approximately 1.3 million dairy cows and more than 5,000 dairy farms — more than any other state. The dairy industry contributes $52.8 billion annually to Wisconsin's economy.

Counties across the state will host their own June Dairy Month activities in the coming weeks, including the Kewaunee County Breakfast on the Farm at El-Na Farms in Algoma on June 21 and the Sevastopol FFA Dairy Breakfast at Lazy J Farms in Luxemburg on July 5.

Depending on the day of the week, you can visit a different part of Door County while meeting and supporting local farmers and vendors.

Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, Jacksonport and Washington Island all kicked off their farmers markets last month, with Sister Bay, Egg Harbor and Ephraim joining the scene in the coming weeks.

This marks the fifth year Destination Sturgeon Bay has organized the city's farmers market as it continues to line up approximately 80 vendors along Third Avenue and Nebraska Street after years of operating in the parking lot of Sturgeon Bay City Hall.

For Destination Sturgeon Bay's Andrea Buboltz and Alexa Soto, that means early mornings marking the streets to ensure all of those vendors have enough room to operate before the market opens at 8 a.m. Buboltz and Soto say it is exciting to have the market back for another season and to watch people's routines take shape as the summer progresses.

You can hear more about this year's Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, which runs Saturdays through Oct. 10, during Season 4 of the "Face of the Farmers Market" podcast, available here.

While Egg Harbor and Ephraim wrap up their farmers markets in August, the others across the county continue through mid-October.

You will have one less candidate for Wisconsin's state Senate to choose from this August after Outagamie County Veterans Service Officer Kell Bales suspended his campaign.

Bales entered the race on April 30, saying his campaign would be rooted in faith and built on family to strengthen the community. He suspended his bid on May 25, admitting he started too late to gather the necessary signatures while working full time and supporting his son, who is graduating from high school.

Bales then endorsed U.S. Army veteran Nic Cravillion, the current district director for state Sen. Andre Jacque.

"He's a solid man of faith, a combat veteran, a family man and has many years working for Sen. Jacque — all great experiences he can bring to our state," Bales wrote in his endorsement.

The news comes after another Republican state Senate candidate, DC Farm for Vets founder Jacob VandenPlas, announced he had received an endorsement from retiring Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski.

"VandenPlas understands the importance of supporting law enforcement, protecting our communities, and defending the values that matter most to the people of Wisconsin," Joski wrote.

The Republican primary will also feature Calumet County's Barb Bittner and De Pere's Katie Baney. After the Aug. 11 primary, the winner will likely face independent candidate Mark Becker in the Nov. 3 general election.

If you live in Sturgeon Bay's 6th or 7th District, you could be voting at a new location beginning in August.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council is set to approve a new polling place for voters in city wards 16-21, which are located in Districts 6 and 7. The city is working with the ADRC of Door County to establish its Sturgeon Bay center as the new polling place, replacing the P.A.T.H. of Door County building on Jaycee Court.

Sunshine Resources of Door County Executive Director Barry Metzentine told the city that the organization plans to begin renovating the facility in the near future. Once the renovation is complete, Sunshine Resources will utilize both sides of the building.

Sturgeon Bay City Administrator Josh Van Lieshout is hopeful the transition will be smooth for all parties involved.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council also will weigh in on the Heron Crossing and Colorado Heights housing developments when it meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Sturgeon Bay City Hall.

Thanks to a group of volunteers in Kewaunee County, some of your furriest neighbors have a voice they never had before.

Established in late 2023, A Cause for Paws Kewaunee County had a simple goal: helping unsheltered pets in Kewaunee County find homes.

Unlike many other municipalities, towns and villages in Kewaunee County had no partnerships with organizations such as the Wisconsin Humane Society to take in unsheltered dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals after they were found, leaving their futures uncertain.

A Cause for Paws Kewaunee County advocated for those animals and served as a conduit between animal rescue organizations and Kewaunee County municipalities. The group also provided funding to communities to help pay for those agreements.

Thanks to its work and the generosity of donors, volunteer Suzie Leist said only a few municipalities still need to finalize agreements before all communities in the county are covered.

Leist hopes Kewaunee County will eventually take on the responsibility of ensuring partnerships with the Wisconsin Humane Society remain sustainable.

You can support A Cause for Paws Kewaunee County this weekend by participating in the Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce's Dairy Days Dash, which has donated thousands of dollars to the organization over the years.

You will find familiar faces in different roles next year in the Sturgeon Bay School District.

The resignation of Sturgeon Bay High School Principal Keith Nerby at the end of the school year prompted the reassignment of several administrators into expanded roles for the 2026-27 school year.

Jon Dupuis will serve as Sturgeon Bay High School dean of students and athletic director, while Mark Smullen will become principal for grades 6-10. Superintendent Dan Tjernagel will add principal responsibilities for grades 11-12 to his duties.

Tjernagel said the school board discussed various options and timelines for posting the high school principal position from this spring through the 2026-27 school year but ultimately decided to take a shared-responsibility approach, leaving the district with one fewer administrator. He added that the decision will allow for staff, student and community involvement in the hiring process.

With this approach, the district expects to hire a new principal in late winter or early spring, allowing that person to transition into the role ahead of the 2027-28 school year.

A 79-year-old man from Larsen was hospitalized after a motorcycle crash Sunday morning in the Town of Sturgeon Bay.

The crash occurred on County Highway U near Sand Lane. According to the accident report, the man was traveling north on County Highway U when he lost control of his motorcycle while navigating a curve.

He left the roadway and entered a nearby ditch.

When speaking with deputies, the man said he was traveling about 50 mph and believed he was going too fast for the curve.

He was transported to Door County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. His motorcycle was later removed from the scene.

The man was not cited in connection with the crash.

It’s all relative when it comes to the size of graduating classes in Wisconsin, so nine students in the Washington Island School Class of 2026 is bigger than you might think. In fact, it is the school’s largest graduating class since COVID-19. The closest came in 2021, when seven students graduated.

This year’s graduating class holds a special place in the heart of Principal Tim Verboomen, who, like Kewaunee’s Lindsey Hudson and Southern Door’s Steve Bousley, will have the opportunity to hand his child a high school diploma. His son, Colin, is the class salutatorian, while Rita Valentincic is the valedictorian. Verboomen said he always gets a little emotional on graduation day, but June 5 may be a little harder for him to hold back the tears.

It will be hard for the other seniors to say goodbye as well, many of whom have not ventured much farther than Door County’s mainland. Valentincic said that even though she is not an island lifer like some of her classmates, the senior class has been like siblings to her.

Magnus Purinton echoed those sentiments, adding that basketball trips were among his favorite memories. He is looking forward to seeing what life is like off the island when he studies mechanical engineering at UW-Platteville.

Cydney Kickbusch has traveled a little more than Purinton, having already spent a semester abroad. She is looking forward to the additional opportunities she will encounter when she attends UW-Milwaukee to study nursing.

Gretta Gunnlaugsson is also looking forward to opportunities that are not necessarily available on the island. Before heading to technical college to study to become a paramedic, she is looking forward to celebrating graduation day with a community that means so much to her.

The connection to the community is important to Ashlynn DeJardin, who said it inspired her to attend UW-Stevens Point to study family and consumer sciences.

Cam Munao, Tom Pratt and Mason Isaacson-Krueger also will celebrate their graduation with the community when the ceremony takes place June 5, the final such ceremony this spring in Door and Kewaunee counties.

Do not be surprised if you see native plants and grasses incorporated into farm fields in the near future.

Iowa State University's Dr. Marshall McDaniel and Tim Youngquist will highlight the use of "prairie strips" in farm fields during a presentation Monday at Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor, hosted by the Door County Environmental Council.

The use of native prairie grasses and flowers in row-crop land has evolved from an Iowa State University research project into a nationwide conservation strategy. Prairie strips can help farmers keep topsoil in place, filter surface water and create wildlife habitat while still allowing them to grow crops in other parts of the field.

McDaniel and Youngquist now help farmers establish prairie strips on their own operations. Youngquist has several prairie restorations that he actively manages on his family's farm in western Iowa.

The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Monday. If you cannot attend in person at Kress Pavilion, the presentation also will be available on Zoom. A link is available on the Door County Environmental Council's website.

Crossroads at Big Creek will offer a full slate of educational and community programs this June, highlighting outdoor exploration, hands-on science, and family events across its 200-acre nature preserve in Sturgeon Bay.

The month begins with continuing seasonal programming, including naturalist-led hikes, environmental education sessions, and family science activities hosted at the Collins Learning Center. Weekly offerings such as “Wandering Wednesdays” and “Environmental Exploration” will continue throughout the month, giving participants of all ages opportunities to engage with local ecosystems, wildlife, and seasonal changes across the preserve’s trails and habitats.

Special programming in June includes expanded summer learning activities and community events tied to Crossroads’ mission of environmental stewardship and outdoor education. The organization’s event calendar also features youth-focused programming and collaborative community experiences designed to encourage hands-on discovery in nature.

Later in the month, Crossroads will also host larger seasonal gatherings that draw families and visitors from across Door County, continuing its tradition of combining recreation with environmental learning on the preserve grounds.

Near the end of June, Crossroads at Big Creek announced the upcoming retirement of longtime naturalist and educator Coggin Heeringa, who has served in leadership and program development roles at the organization for decades. Heeringa, widely recognized for her environmental education work in Door County and beyond, has helped shape many of the preserve’s signature programs and community outreach efforts. Her retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Crossroads’ history.

Staff and supporters say her legacy will continue through the programs, trails, and educational mission she helped build, even as the organization prepares for a leadership transition in its naturalist programming.

For more information and events calendars, please visit the Crossroads at Big Creek website.

Peninsula Players Theatre has received a $30,000 grant from The Shubert Foundation, marking the 11th consecutive year the Door County arts institution has earned support from the nation's leading funder of nonprofit theater organizations.

The award is part of The Shubert Foundation’s 2025 grant program, which distributed $42 million to 672 nonprofit arts organizations nationwide. Since its founding, the foundation has provided more than $653 million in support to theaters, dance companies and other arts organizations across the United States.

Peninsula Players Theatre Managing Director Brian Kelsey said the grant will help sustain the organization’s long-standing commitment to professional theater while supporting its future growth.

“Peninsula Players Theatre has been a cornerstone of Door County’s arts community since 1935,” Kelsey said. “The dedication of our staff, board members and loyal patrons has helped make us one of the county’s leading cultural organizations. We are honored that a respected institution like The Shubert Foundation recognizes the value of our work and continues to support our mission through this grant.”

Peninsula Players Theatre, located along the shores of Green Bay in Fish Creek, is recognized as America’s oldest professional resident summer theater. Now in its 91st season, Peninsula Players has become one of Door County’s most enduring cultural landmarks, attracting theatergoers from across Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Cyclists of all ages and skill levels gathered Saturday at Peninsula State Park to celebrate the grand opening of a new mountain biking trail during the “Ride the Park” event hosted by Friends of Peninsula State Park.

The daylong celebration centered at the Highland Trailhead, where riders, families and outdoor enthusiasts came together to mark the official ribbon-cutting at noon. The ceremony highlighted ongoing efforts to expand recreational opportunities within one of Wisconsin’s most visited state parks.

Activities began early with a morning group ride at 10 a.m., welcoming participants of all abilities to experience the newly developed trail system. Following the ribbon-cutting, additional rides were offered, including a scenic Sunset Path ride and a more challenging route designed for advanced cyclists.

Beyond the trails, attendees enjoyed a festival-like atmosphere featuring food, beverages, merchandise and a raffle. The event was designed to showcase the new trail and build community support for continued park improvements.

The new mountain bike trail represents the growing seasonal interest in outdoor recreation in Door County, potentially attracting visitors while enhancing the park’s accessibility for local riders.

More information about the trail system and future events is available on the Friends of Peninsula State Park website.

The Miller Art Museum will launch a new contemporary exhibition series next month with a showcase featuring Wisconsin artist Adam Fulwiler.

"Adam Fulwiler | 12x12 Project" opens June 1 and runs through June 30, serving as the inaugural exhibition in the museum's new 12x12 Project, an invitational series highlighting contemporary artists from Wisconsin and across the Midwest.

"It's an honor to be showing my work and paintings for the museum's inaugural show in their 12x12 series," Fulwiler said.

The exhibition will feature a collection of Fulwiler's abstract paintings alongside several industrial-inspired works. "I'll be opening it up with some large scale paintings and some industrial sewing pieces," he said.

Fulwiler's work explores themes of communication, perception and human connection through color, pattern and improvisation. Much of the exhibition is influenced by his relationship with his younger brother, whose experience with autism has shaped the artist's exploration of sensory awareness and observation.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the University of Arkansas, Fulwiler has exhibited his work nationally and is represented in several public and private collections. He currently serves as executive director of the Hardy Gallery in Ephraim.

As part of the exhibition, Fulwiler will present an artist talk at 4 p.m. June 13, followed by a public reception at the museum. Both events are free and open to the public.

"I'm really looking forward to the reception and talk on the 13th," Fulwiler said. "It will be a great opportunity to share more about the work and connect with the community."

The exhibition will remain on display at the Miller Art Museum through June 30.

One of Sturgeon Bay’s most anticipated community traditions will return next weekend as the annual Citywide Garage Sale takes place Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, bringing bargain hunters and treasure seekers to neighborhoods across the city.

The two-day event has become a staple of the community’s summer kickoff, with residents opening garages, driveways and yards to shoppers looking for everything from antiques and collectibles to furniture, household goods, tools, clothing and seasonal décor.

For decades, the citywide sale has drawn participants from throughout Door County and neighboring communities, turning Sturgeon Bay into a destination for bargain hunters. The event also serves as a community gathering, offering residents an opportunity to declutter their homes, earn extra income and connect with neighbors.

District 4 Alderman Spencer Gustafson said the event's popularity extends beyond city residents.

“People in the community, along with all the visitors this time of year, anticipate this weekend,” Gustafson said.

Shoppers can expect sales scattered throughout the city, from Memorial Drive on the west side to Neenah Avenue and neighborhoods on the east side, creating a citywide treasure hunt that often attracts visitors from across Northeast Wisconsin.

Gustafson said the event reflects the growing popularity of thrifting and vintage shopping while showcasing Sturgeon Bay’s appeal as a destination community.

“Everyone loves antiquing and thrifting, and what better setting than Sturgeon Bay?” he said.

The Sturgeon Bay sale is part of a busy garage and rummage sale season across Door and Kewaunee counties. Communitywide sales are common throughout the region during late spring and summer, while churches, schools, service organizations and nonprofit groups host fundraising rummage sales that draw large crowds each year.

An official map and directory of participating sales will be released ahead of the event on June 3 here, allowing shoppers to plan their routes and maximize their bargain-hunting opportunities.

A while back, I wrote on the topic of grants and wanted to follow up with a significant grant award for radio equipment that we recently received. First, I want to provide some background for clarity.

Kewaunee County, like every other county, maintains a public safety radio system. These systems allow our first responders to communicate on a daily basis while responding to the various calls for service received through our Dispatch Center.

Throughout Wisconsin, many of these systems are local and supported through local budgets for their operation, maintenance, and periodic replacement. As you can imagine, this infrastructure comes with significant costs. In 2009, the State of Wisconsin began building a statewide radio system known as WISCOM. This system was primarily developed to improve interoperability—that is, to allow agencies throughout the state to communicate with one another.

While this may seem like common sense, many local systems across the state could not communicate with each other because they operated on disparate platforms. One example is the different frequency bands utilized by individual counties based on their specific needs. A rural area may be better served by a VHF frequency band because it provides broader coverage, while an urban community may be better served by an 800 MHz frequency because it offers better coverage within high-density buildings. Long story short, as a state, we needed to move closer toward interoperability.

During this period, Kewaunee County made the decision to partner with the state because our radio system at the time was nearing the end of its useful life. We recognized the benefits of partnering with the state through shared resources and system support. Through that relationship, we were able to build a system that supported local communications while also providing access to statewide communication resources. This partnership also positioned us to receive financial support for the system buildout. At the time, we were able to equip all emergency responder agencies throughout the county with radio equipment through grants for which we qualified as a Daily Use Community.

Fast forward to 2026. The state is currently building the next generation of the statewide system, and our participation in that system has once again afforded us a unique opportunity for equipment acquisition support. While this update may seem premature, it is important to recognize that in the world of technology, 15 years is well beyond the typical life expectancy of critical communications equipment.

To better prepare for this upcoming transition, I pursued grants available to Daily Use Communities. In 2025, we were awarded approximately $324,000 to outfit several of our local agencies. In early 2026, I submitted an additional grant application, and another $1.8 million was awarded just this past week. Between these two grants, we are able to support all law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other first responder agencies, along with our Highway Department and Emergency Management Department, in acquiring new radios that will carry us through the next decade.

These grants require an 80/20 cost share, meaning local agencies are responsible for only 20 percent of the costs. In addition, the state secured a 60 percent rebate on radios purchased through these grant programs. While local agencies will remain responsible for the maintenance and eventual replacement of the radios, the county benefits significantly because the state has committed to the buildout and maintenance of the new system. To say this is significant would be an understatement, as replacing the entire system independently would cost well into the millions of dollars.

This is a great example of local and state collaboration in the pursuit of shared resources, resulting in substantial cost savings for taxpayers.

I would like to thank the Wisconsin Department of Emergency Communications for its continued support, as well as our local agencies for their willingness to provide the equipment data needed to submit these grant applications in a timely manner.

A multimillion-dollar overhaul of the athletic facilities across the street from Sturgeon Bay High School is nowhere near the end zone, but it is at least close to a first down.

Earlier this month, the Sturgeon Bay School Board followed the lead of the Sturgeon Bay Common Council and approved the master plan for an approximately $14.7 million project to improve the football, baseball, softball, soccer, track and other athletic facilities along Michigan Street.

The public-private partnership will also see pickleball courts, a fitness circuit, multiuse trails, pavilions and more added to the property, which includes parcels owned by the city and the school district.

City Administrator Josh Van Lieshout says it is a once-in-a-lifetime project for an area where some facilities have not seen significant improvements in decades.

Rather than relying on a capital referendum or operating funds from the Sturgeon Bay School District, Van Lieshout says a combination of Tax Increment District revenues, grants and private donations will support the project.

Although the progress may seem slow to some, Van Lieshout says it is moving in the right direction.

With both parties agreeing to the master plan, Van Lieshout says the city and school district will work together to formalize an intergovernmental agreement.

Last fall, Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward said that if engineering work begins in 2026, construction could start in 2027 or 2028.

A grassroots fundraising campaign is gaining momentum in Algoma as residents work to preserve one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks before a major reconstruction project permanently alters the harbor skyline.

The Save the Algoma Catwalk Committee is seeking to raise $500,000 to salvage, restore and eventually reinstall the historic steel catwalk that stretches along the city’s North Pier. The effort comes as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins a two-year reconstruction of the pier, a project that requires the removal of both the catwalk and the iconic red lighthouse. While plans call for the lighthouse to return after construction, the catwalk currently has no guaranteed future.

Committee Secretary and Treasurer Jacqueline Toepfer said preserving the structure is about more than saving steel and concrete.

“The catwalk is an important part of Algoma’s history and has become a symbol of our community,” Toepfer said. “We want future generations to be able to experience and appreciate that history.”

Originally constructed in 1908, the catwalk once allowed lighthouse keepers safe passage to the pierhead lighthouse during rough Lake Michigan weather. Though it no longer serves a functional purpose, the structure remains a favorite subject for photographers, artists and visitors drawn to Algoma’s shoreline.

“The catwalk has added a unique beauty to our harbor for more than 118 years,” Toepfer said. “It helps tell the story of who we are.”

The committee has already secured permission from the Army Corps of Engineers and support from the City of Algoma to reinstall the catwalk if funding can be raised privately.

For many in Algoma, saving the catwalk is about protecting a piece of the city’s identity. The Save the Catwalk foundation is holding fundraising events throughout the summer, including a Bon Voyage party for the lighthouse and catwalk at the Algoma Boat Club on Saturday, June 13. 

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit the Save the Catwalk website.

For Sevastopol Middle/High School Principal Troy Schaefer, it is not just what the Class of 2026 accomplished in the classroom or on the field that makes it special.

There is plenty to brag about with Sevastopol’s class of 42 seniors. Some students, like valedictorian Ben Martin and salutatorian Christian Ruiz, are headed to prestigious colleges such as Hillsdale College and Columbia University. Others are well on their way to joining the workforce thanks to youth apprenticeship and internship opportunities.

What stood out most to Schaefer, however, was the class’s altruism. He reflected on how students rallied behind three young children facing significant health challenges.

Schaefer also credits the strong families the students come from and the community support they receive for the success the Class of 2026 has achieved.

The Sevastopol School District will hold its graduation ceremony Sunday at 2 p.m.

The initial lighting of a water heater caused a fire in Sister Bay on Thursday that damaged a home and injured one person.

The Sister Bay-Liberty Grove Fire Department responded to the single-story home on Bay Shore Drive just after 9:10 a.m. According to Sister Bay-Liberty Grove Fire Chief Michael Goldstone, the gas piping to the water heater had recently been replaced, and a technician was on-site for the initial gas fill and startup procedure.

During the lighting process, a flash fire occurred around the base of the water heater, burning the technician’s face. He was able to call 911 and shut down the propane tank, but not before the fire spread into the walls of the home.

Firefighters were able to locate the fire extension shortly after arriving on scene. They opened sections of the walls with chainsaws and quickly extinguished the blaze using approximately 50 gallons of water and foam solution.

The technician was evaluated at the scene by paramedics and released.

The incident remains under investigation, though Goldstone said preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental.

The Ephraim, Gibraltar, Baileys Harbor, Egg Harbor and Jacksonport fire departments, along with the Door County Sheriff’s Department and Door County Emergency Medical Services, assisted at the scene.