After 15 years serving in Madison, state Sen. Andre Jacque has decided not to be on the ballot this fall. The New Franken Republican announced his decision Thursday, opting to stay closer to home to make a difference in the community.

“I could not make a positive difference to the same extent I have without the love and sacrifice, first and foremost, of my wife, Renée, and our seven kids, my parents and in-laws, extremely talented and dedicated staff, colleagues, constituents, and the efforts and friendship of so many that God has placed on my path along the way,” Jacque said in a statement. “I will be forever grateful for their incredible support to be able to live my dreams.”

It was a productive final session for Jacque, who saw several of his pieces of legislation signed into law earlier this month, including the expansion of educational options for military families, protections for disabled workers and their health care, and tax credits for stillbirths. He said he is proud the bills addressed real concerns in the community and were met with bipartisan support.

He gave a special shoutout to area law enforcement “who have played an integral role in our success in writing laws that protect child victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, and crack down on drug trafficking, internet crimes against children, gang violence and retail theft.”

Jacque added he is not going anywhere anytime soon. He plans on finishing his term strong and looks forward to working with several area nonprofits, including Green Bay Area Crime Stoppers, the Paul Van Handel Memorial Foundation for families of children with special needs, and Friends of PALS, Youth and Families for Brown County’s at-risk youth, as a board member.

Two people had already declared their candidacy before Jacque’s announcement. In March, DC Farm for Vets founder and 13-year Wisconsin National Guard veteran Jacob VandenPlas announced his candidacy, while small-business owner and former Brown County Republican Party chair Mark Becker made his own announcement in mid-April.

Community members turned out in force Tuesday, for the inaugural Jim Benesh fundraiser softball game, an event that combined competition on the field with an outpouring of local support.

Sturgeon Bay's baseball and softball teams hosted Southern Door for a pair of doubleheaders. Between innings, fans participated in fundraising efforts such as raffles, concessions, and t-shirt sales to honor the legacy of longtime coach Jim Benesh.

The fundraiser was organized by Sturgeon Bay softball head coach Haley Benesh, Jim Benesh’s daughter, as a way to continue her father’s legacy and impact on both the program and the community. Proceeds from the event are split, with 95% benefiting Door CANcer and 5% supporting the Clippers softball program.

“My dad was everything to me. I cannot even put into words how much this meant to me, my team and family,” Coach Hailey Benesh said. “It is so great to feel that love and support for the community. Looking at all the people that came, from the field was really great.”

Coach Benesh said approximately 300 people attended and praised the energy surrounding the event while over $1600 was raised to support DoorCANcer.

“This is our first of many to come,” Athletic Director John Dupuis said. “It is wonderful and exciting to see all of these community members come out and not only support the Clippers, but to help Door CANcer and the Benesh family.”

With packed stands and strong participation throughout the day, Coach Benesh said the fundraiser could become a lasting tradition in Sturgeon Bay, bringing together athletics and community support for years to come.

Miller Art Museum announced award winners for its 52nd Annual Salon of Door County High School Art, recognizing student artists from across the peninsula during a public reception earlier this month.

The exhibition features work from 105 students in grades 9-12 representing Gibraltar, Sevastopol, Southern Door, Sturgeon Bay and Washington Island high schools. Top honors were presented during an awards ceremony at the April 6 opening.

Awards of Excellence were given to Abigail DeMeuse of Gibraltar, Lilian Saltou of Sevastopol, Audrie Schley of Southern Door, Rowan Ploor of Sturgeon Bay and Thomas Pratt of Washington Island.

Honorable Mention recipients included Molly Virlee of Gibraltar, Lola Georgenson of Sevastopol, Angelina LeCloux Herrera of Southern Door, Ryan Felhofer of Sturgeon Bay and Teagan McGrane of Washington Island.

The Jim Rericha Legacy Award was presented to Sevastopol senior Gianna Roman for her piece, “Jalapeno Popper aka JP.” The $100 award honors the late longtime Sevastopol art teacher and theater director, whose legacy continues through an annual gift.

Award winner Gianna Roman said the piece highlights her creativity and perspective.

“I really didn’t have a specific direction when I started, my art teacher, Mr. Kindt told me to keep going and it really turned out amazing, I think it's cute.” Roman said.

Roman looks to keep her passion for art going after her graduation this summer. “I think I’ll keep art as my hobby as I pursue my future career in fire prevention and firefighting.”

The exhibition remains on view through May 23. Admission is free and open to the public.

It is hard to believe that summer is right around the corner. The Door County YMCA has announced dates for the upcoming summer camp sessions. Door County YMCA summer camps will run June 8 through Aug. 21, offering day camp programs across Door County for children ages 5–12 and teen leadership opportunities.

Summer camp session are now open for registration as the Door County YMCA began accepting participants on March 9th.

“At the Y, summer camp is about more than just a drop-off site,” said Aaron Phillips, aquatics and youth director at the Kane Center YMCA in Fish Creek. “It’s about building confidence, friendships and skills that last well beyond the summer season.”

At the Sturgeon Bay Program Center, campers ages 5–12 can participate in full-day camps featuring games, S.T.E.M. activities, arts and crafts. A half-day Camp in the Park, at the newly renovated and upgraded, Otumba Park runs 9 a.m. to noon, focusing on outdoor recreation and beach activities.

In Northern Door, the Kane Center at Kane Center YMCA offers camps for ages 7–12 from June 8 through Aug. 14, with hiking, beach trips and outdoor exploration near Peninsula State Park. Full-day camps run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while half-day options run noon to 5 p.m.

All campers receive free breakfast and lunch through the Summer Foods Program and extended care is available. Teens in seventh grade and up may apply for the Leaders in Training program.

Phillips said, “We meet kids where they are and give them choices through clubs in sports, science and leadership.”

For more information or to register, please visit the Door County YMCA’s website.

A Door County sheriff’s deputy, a Nasewaupee first responder, and several bystanders helped to save a person from a burning pickup truck in the Town of Nasewaupee on Tuesday evening.

Emergency personnel were sent to County Road S near Tagge Road shortly after 5:20 p.m. According to the Door County Sheriff’s Department, the driver was towing a trailer and heading north when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lane of traffic, left the roadway, and struck a tree.

The first deputy on the scene discovered the driver lying on the ground outside the vehicle while the passenger remained inside. Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser confirmed a witness report that a sheriff’s deputy, a Nasewaupee first responder, and other bystanders assisted in removing the passenger from the vehicle shortly before it became fully engulfed in flames.

The driver and passenger were taken to Green Bay for treatment of their injuries.

County Road S was reopened before 9 p.m. after additional investigation and cleanup took place.

The incident, which was listed as a DUI incident according to a dispatch report, remains under investigation.

More than 100 business leaders gathered Tuesday evening at The Lodge at Leathem Smith for Destination Sturgeon Bay's annual meeting, marking the official start of the 2026 tourism season in Sturgeon Bay.

The meeting opened with remarks from outgoing board president Josh Cory-Yaeggi, followed by the adoption of the agenda and an update on what’s ahead for 2026 from Executive Director Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaters. The organization also introduced staff and highlighted upcoming initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing visitor experiences.

“We had over 100 business members in attendance, which is a wonderful kick-off to the 2026 season,” Ehlers-Kwaters said.

A key portion of the evening included the presentation and approval of the 2026–27 slate of directors, featuring representatives from a wide cross-section of the local business community, including hospitality, retail, arts and nonprofit sectors. Incoming board president Julie Wilson delivered closing remarks after the election was finalized.

The organization also took time to recognize outgoing board members for their years of leadership and service. A list of sponsors and community partners was acknowledged during the program.

Ehlers-Kwaters hinted at potential developments on the horizon, drawing attention from attendees.

“We teased some news tonight about the possibility of the return of the tall ships,” she said, referencing a popular maritime attraction that has drawn significant crowds to the waterfront in past years.

She also emphasized the strength of local support behind the organization’s mission. “We are so thankful that our business community and our over 250 members support our organization,” Ehlers-Kwaters said.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of key seasonal initiatives, including the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market and ongoing efforts within the city’s entertainment district.

You know not to use milk, meat and salads past their prime, but what about your children’s car seats? Retailers like Target periodically offer opportunities to trade in car seats to upgrade to a newer version or stock up on other supplies if you no longer need one.

Events like these are encouraged because car seats typically last between six and 10 years before they are considered “expired” due to wear and tear, updated safety regulations and recalls. Expiration dates also factor into national data showing that three out of four car seats are used incorrectly.

Teri Van Lieshout from Door County Public Health says keeping car seats up to date is important to ensure your child is as safe as possible.

You can typically find a car seat’s expiration date in the manual and on the device’s label or plastic mold. You can contact Door County Public Health if you have questions about your car seat, including whether it is installed correctly.

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is inviting bargain hunters and animal lovers alike to Door County this weekend as it hosts its annual rummage sale to support local shelter operations.

The two-day event, organized by the WHS Door County Campus, will take place Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at Arle Memorial Hall. Proceeds benefit animals and pet owners across Door and neighboring Kewaunee counties.

You can browse a wide range of items, including pet supplies, home décor and household goods. Hours run from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with a clearance sale beginning at noon Saturday offering a bag of items for $2.

“The rummage sale is one our best and most popular events of the year.  It plays a crucial role in helping us provide care for animals,” said Corey Viars Media Specialist for WHS in Door County and Green Bay. “Every purchase directly supports the animals, from medical care to adoption programs.”

Those unable to attend can still support the effort by donating new or gently used items. Donations will be accepted at Arle Memorial Hall from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 30 and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, May 1. Donors can also receive a tax-deduction receipt for their contributions.

“The community support is what make these events happen and keeps us going,” Viars said. “Whether you donate, shop or volunteer, you’re making a real difference for local animals and the families who care for them.”

For more information, including additional donation details, visit the WHS website.

A second former Democratic lawmaker could join the bench of the state’s highest court after state appeals court Judge Pedro Colón announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The announcement comes just over a week after Clark County Judge Lyndsey Boon Brunette announced her bid to replace retiring Justice Annette Ziegler, who said in March that she would not seek another term.

Colón represented Milwaukee in the state Assembly as a Democrat for more than a decade before being first appointed as a judge in Milwaukee County in 2010. Gov. Tony Evers appointed Colón to the state Court of Appeals in 2023.

Colón is following the path of newly elected Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Chris Taylor, who represented the Madison area in the state Assembly for a decade before her appointment as a Dane County circuit court judge in 2020. Taylor defeated conservative-backed candidate Maria Lazar in the spring election.

Photo from Judge Pedro Colón Facebook page 

Farmers were able to get into their fields last week, but Mother Nature is not making it easy. According to the weekly USDA Crop Progress and Conditions report, Wisconsin farmers had 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week, with local operators slightly behind that average at 2.8 days.

Above-average temperatures allowed some farmers to complete tasks such as fertilizing, spreading manure, spring tillage and planting in certain areas. Oat planting (14%) and spring tillage (17%) remain far behind the five-year averages of 27% and 28%, respectively. It is even worse in northeast Wisconsin, where those numbers sit at 3% and 5% complete, respectively.

With temperatures hovering in the low 50s through Saturday and more rain in the forecast for Monday, Salentine Homestead Dairy owner Josh Salentine says the wind will have to do the heavy lifting this week to dry out his fields in Luxemburg, but also stresses that patience is key at this time of year.

The USDA reports there is still plenty of water in the fields, with topsoil moisture levels at 67% surplus and subsoil moisture levels at 57% surplus. Despite the cool and wet start, Salentine adds that alfalfa fields are off to great start, which is good news for farmers who grow the crop to feed their cows.

United Way of Door County is seeking volunteers to assist with its annual Spring Jeep Run fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, May 2, an event supporting local mental health programs.

The fundraiser, which sends participants on a countywide scavenger hunt, raises money for the organization’s annual campaign. Proceeds are distributed as grants to agencies providing mental health services throughout Door County.

“This event started as a poker run, and it has grown so much that we’ve added additional stops,” said Amy Kohnle. “We made it a scavenger hunt this year through an app-based system, but we are still keeping the poker run. At those stops, we are looking for volunteers.”

Kohnle says they are seeking help at multiple locations throughout the day. Volunteers are needed from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. and again from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Door County Fire Company to assist with registration, merchandise sales and raffle tickets. Additional volunteers are also needed at designated poker run stops, where participants collect playing cards and take part in games or raffles.

“This is a fun, engaging event, but it also serves a very important purpose,” Kohnle said. “Every volunteer helps us expand our impact.”

Participants may purchase poker scorecards for additional activities during the run. More information, including how to volunteer or donate, is available on the organization’s website.

The Door County Half Marathon and Nicolet Bay 5K return to Peninsula State Park on Saturday, May 2, drawing runners and spectators for one of Wisconsin’s most scenic spring races.

The half marathon begins at 10 a.m., followed by the 5K at 10:15 a.m., starting near Nicolet Bay Beach and the Runner’s Concourse area. Roads into the park will close at 9 a.m., after which entry is restricted to shuttle service only. Parking inside the park is limited, attendees are strongly encouraged to carpool or use the designated park-and-ride shuttles running from Fish Creek locations.

Spectators are encouraged to use designated viewing areas along the course, maps are available at packet pickup and park entrances. Popular spots include the start/finish area and points along Shore Road and Sunset Trail where runners loop through the park’s wooded and lakeside sections.

No pets are allowed at Nicolet Bay Beach, the Runner’s Concourse, on shuttles or along the race course. Leashed dogs are permitted in other areas of Peninsula State Park.

Organizers urge visitors to plan ahead due to limited parking and heavy race-day traffic.  For more information, please visit the Door County Half Marathon website.

Local and regional partners gathered April 16 for a meeting of the Wisconsin Nutrition Incentive Network (WINI), focusing on upcoming changes to federal food assistance programs (SNAP), (EBT) and efforts to expand access at farmers markets.

The meeting brought together organizations working across Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties to increase access to EBT services and promote the growing Double Up Food Bucks program, which allows SNAP recipients to stretch their food dollars on eligible purchases.

Amy Kohnle, United Way of Door County Executive Director, said the changes are part of a broader effort to improve access while maintaining program integrity.

“We’ve always had the support of the Door County Medical Center doing a match program at farmer’s markets in Sturgeon Bay. They match dollar for dollar.” Kohnle said. “Now we are trying to get more cities and communities that can help those in need in places like Manitowoc and Kewaunee Counties.”

Wisconsin currently has one of the lowest SNAP error rates in the nation, and Kohnle says that maintaining compliance will be critical as new rules are implemented. Some changes include updated guidelines on eligible foods and how incentives can be offered.

Kohnle said farmers markets are adapting to the changes as markets begin to start opening this month. Kohnle said continued outreach will be paramount as the changes roll out.

“Not being able to use these benefits for candy and soda, and they are also looking at other restriction at farmer’s markets” she said. “When that first farmer’s market opens here in Sturgeon Bay later this month, we will make sure that our volunteers and workers will be up to date on those changes and how they impact customers.”

The Sister Bay Historical Society (SBHS) and the Village of Sister Bay have signed agreements moving forward with plans to transform the Bunda Boathouse into the Sister Bay Waterfront Museum, a project aimed at preserving and showcasing the village’s maritime history.

Under the agreement, the boathouse will be renovated into a waterfront museum operated by the SBHS and supported by the newly formed Sister Bay Marina Club.

SBHS President John Lijewski said the project represents an important expansion for the organization.

“The Shadow, which is our most important artifact, will be on prominent display,” Lijewski said. “The museum will be on two levels, with the Shadow on the lower level and we have some renovations to do, so we are looking at summer of 2027 to open.”

President Lijewski says that the project will highlight the community’s maritime heritage in a highly visible location.

“The waterfront is so important to the development of Sister Bay and its history,” Andrews said. “We are continuing to raise money for it; it will be a wonderful opportunity for the Historical Society as this is our first foray off of our campus.  This will be an amazing addition to the village and will be in the heart of Sister Bay.”

The museum will feature exhibits and artifacts, including the historic 1929 Chris-Craft boat Shadow, which has long been tied to Sister Bay’s waterfront history. The museum is expected to open in 2027.

For more information, or to donate to the Sister Bay Waterfront Museum, please visit the Village of Sister Bay’s website.

For rural school districts like Kewaunee, Superintendent Scott Fritz says they are often trying to find the best person to fill needed roles within their schools.

Earlier this month, Fritz took part in a roundtable discussion with State Superintendent Jill Underly about the challenges of getting more teachers into the classroom. According to the state Department of Public Instruction, nearly one-third of people who complete teacher training never enter the classroom, and nearly half of those who do leave within eight years.

Underly pointed to compensation as a major reason teachers are leaving the profession or taking jobs out of state. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, median teacher compensation has dropped from more than $110,000 in 2010 to approximately $88,000 in 2024, adjusted for inflation.

Fritz says while compensation is part of the equation, it is not the whole story. While the district remains competitive with similar-sized districts, salaries can easily be matched or exceeded by larger school systems.

As a result, Fritz says the hiring pool of candidates with teaching degrees has shrunk in recent years. The district has instead relied on hiring people with professional, real-world experience and supporting them as they work toward a teaching license while employed.

In 2015, Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill creating a temporary teaching license based on experience for vocational education subjects such as agriculture, child services and food services.

Fritz says adjustments to the school funding formula could also help districts, especially those with low revenue limits, secure the funding they need for operations.

Kewaunee High School senior Hannah Miller has been named one of 32 finalists for the 2026 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Scholar Athlete Award, the WIAA announced this week, placing her among the state’s top student athletes for academic and athletic excellence.

Miller, a standout multi-sport athlete for Kewaunee High School, competes in varsity cross country, track and field, and girls basketball. She has been a key leader for the Storm cross country team, helping guide Kewaunee to a Packerland Conference championship and earning a sectional title during her career.

On the track, Miller has emerged as one of the program’s most versatile performers, competing in the 400-, 800- and 1,600-meter runs as well as the triple jump. She has routinely captured multiple event wins at meets and has been one of the team’s top point scorers throughout the season.

In basketball, Miller serves as a guard for the Storm, playing both point guard and shooting guard during the 2025-26 season.

Her accomplishments extend beyond team success. Miller has earned eight state medals across her athletic career and holds six Kewaunee High School records.

Miller is one of 16 girls and 16 boys selected statewide from more than 724 nominees representing 379 schools.

The finalists will be honored May 3 in Stevens Point.

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.