A recent grant received by the Door County Food Pantry Coalition is ensuring your neighbors in need can get more than boxes of cereal and jars of peanut butter when they stop by to pick up groceries. The Door County Food Pantry Coalition is a network of food pantries across the county, part of a collaboration between United Way of Door County and the Door County Community Foundation.

 

Thanks to a grant application submitted by the Door County Community Foundation, the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force awarded the Door County Food Pantry Coalition $10,000 through its Connecting Farms to Families program. The member pantries worked together to purchase cheese, bacon, ground pork, chicken and ground beef to distribute to families throughout the county.

 

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle says this is just the latest example of the county's food pantries working together to accomplish their shared goal of taking care of their neighbors.

 

 

Food is not the only thing United Way of Door County is trying to gather for families in need. Its program partner, Door County Partnership for Children and Families, is continuing its efforts to distribute diapers and wipes to eligible families. Similar to food, the cost of diapers and wipes has increased with inflation, which has had a greater impact on the county's ALICE population. You can support the effort by visiting United Way of Door County during the Sail Through the Avenues Sidewalk Sales on Thursday.

If you plan to vote in person in the upcoming primary but cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, it's time to visit your local municipal clerk.

 

Early voting began Tuesday and will be available during normal business hours through Aug. 7, the Friday before the Aug. 11 primary. You can register to vote with your municipal clerk when you stop by to cast your ballot, as long as you have a valid photo ID and proof of residence.

 

Because it is a partisan primary, you must select one political party's ballot and vote only for candidates within that party. That includes the Republican primaries for Door County sheriff, Kewaunee County sheriff and Wisconsin state Senate, along with the Democratic primaries for Wisconsin governor and U.S. representative.

 

If you make a mistake while voting in person, Algoma City Clerk Erin Mueller says you will have the opportunity to "spoil" your ballot and try again before you leave.

 

 

Winners in the partisan primary will advance to the fall general election on Nov. 3.

Door and Kewaunee counties wrestled with heavy downpours, high winds and hail during Monday morning's storms.

 

According to Precip.ai, Sturgeon Bay received just under nine-tenths of an inch of rain, with even less falling farther north. Egg Harbor and Washington Island each received less than two-tenths of an inch. The storms hit Kewaunee County much harder, with 1.72 inches of rain falling in Kewaunee and 2.41 inches in Algoma. The storms also knocked out power to 1,038 customers at their peak at approximately 1:30 p.m., with the towns of Carlton and West Kewaunee among the hardest hit. As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, power had been fully restored.

 

The storms kept cleanup crews busy and flooded some streets, though most of that work had been completed within a few hours. Algoma Public Services Director Casey Groessl said the flooded streets subsided once their water pumps could catch up and crews were able to clean up one tree that narrowly missed hitting a house and other branches throughout the city.

The storm damage in Door and Kewaunee counties paled in comparison to what was seen in the Fox Valley, where a tornado ripped through Appleton and Menasha, leveling businesses and homes in its path. Outagamie County officials asked residents to stay home if possible to allow emergency personnel to respond to incidents and crews to clean up debris and restore power.

 

Sturgeon Bay Utilities General Manager Jason Bieri announced early Tuesday morning that the utility will assist Menasha Utilities with power restoration efforts by deploying multiple electric line crews to the area. As a result, local operations will have reduced staffing through at least the end of the week, though crews will be recalled if needed to respond to emergencies or service needs within the utility's service territory.

"Providing mutual aid is an important part of the utility industry, and we are committed to supporting neighboring municipal utilities during significant events while continuing to maintain reliable service for our customers," Bieri said.

The storms also inspired the latest philanthropic effort from Door County Candle Company. Owner Christiana Trapani said the decision to release the vanilla-scented Wisconsin Strong candle was immediate, and the company is working with area nonprofits to find the most impactful ways to support recovery efforts.
 

While the area should get some relief from severe weather, the National Weather Service says more rain is expected Friday and Saturday.

Washington Island Police Chief Gary Schultz said that without a group of Good Samaritans, the fate of a 36-year-old man could have been tragically different Saturday afternoon at Schoolhouse Beach.

 

The incident occurred before 3:45 p.m. at the popular beach, where bystanders reportedly saw the man swimming approximately 30 to 40 yards offshore before he went underwater for two to three minutes.

 

The Good Samaritans rescued him from the water and performed lifesaving measures until emergency personnel from the Washington Island Fire Department, Washington Island Emergency Medical Responders, Ephraim Fire Department, Eagle 3 and the Washington Island Police Department responded to the scene.

 

The man was taken by ambulance to Washington Island Airport before being airlifted to a Green Bay hospital.

 

When Schultz released details about the incident at 6:30 p.m., the man was alert and following directions.

 

In addition to the Good Samaritans, Schultz thanked the Door County Communications Department for its assistance.

After nearly three decades of service, including two stints as interim president and CEO, Jon Jarosh officially has the reins of Destination Door County.

 

The national search to replace former President and CEO Julie Gilbert ended within the organization, with its chief communications officer selected for the role.

 

"Throughout the search, we were looking for someone with exceptional leadership, a collaborative spirit and a deep passion for our community, and we found all of those qualities in Jon," said Jeff Lutsey, chair of the Destination Door County Board of Directors. "He has embodied the direction and transformation of DDC, bringing together outstanding destination marketing with thoughtful environmental stewardship and strong community partnerships."

 

Earlier this year, Jarosh completed the Certified Destination Management Executive program, or CDME, considered the tourism industry's highest individual educational achievement.

 

Jarosh said he is excited to expand on his role of helping make Door County a better place to live, work and play.

 

 

Jarosh adds that Destination Door County is in year one of its three-year strategic plan and hopes to continue the momentum that they currently have. He also highlights the organization's Community Investment Fund as a way they have been able to showcase the positive impact of tourism in the community. 

Two occupants of an ultralight aircraft suffered minor cuts and scrapes in a crash Sunday in the Town of Liberty Grove.

 

The crash occurred shortly before 7:45 p.m. near Eagle Lane, between Townline Drive and State Highway 57 near County Q.

 

According to the Door County Sheriff's Office, the aircraft departed from the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport for a planned one-hour flight before attempting to return to the airport. During the return flight, the aircraft experienced engine failure, and the pilot attempted an emergency landing in an open field. The aircraft overturned during the landing.

 

Emergency personnel from the Sister Bay Fire Department, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Emergency Medical Responders, Door County Emergency Services and the Door County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene.

 

The crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

A 29-year-old Manitowoc man was taken to the hospital Sunday after a motorcycle crash in the Town of Sturgeon Bay.

 

The crash occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m. on County U near Sand Lane as the man was heading north and approaching a curve.

 

According to the crash report, the man was traveling too fast for the curve when he lost control of the motorcycle and left the roadway.

 

Although he was wearing the proper safety gear, he was taken to Door County Medical Center with suspected minor injuries. No citations were issued.

A 17-year-old from Wilmette, Illinois, was taken to a Green Bay hospital Saturday following a motocross bike crash in the Town of Sturgeon Bay.

 

The crash occurred shortly after 11:45 a.m. on Sand Lane near Lake Lane as the teen was traveling south.

 

According to the crash report, the rider told the responding deputy he did not lean enough while entering a turn. As a result, he left the roadway, entered a ditch and jumped a nearby driveway. He was thrown from the bike after it landed on the other side of the driveway.

 

No citations were issued as a result of the crash.

A 68-year-old Fish Creek man suffered suspected minor injuries Thursday in a two-vehicle crash in the Village of Sister Bay.

 

The crash occurred at the intersection of State Highway 42 and Country Lane shortly before 11:45 a.m. as the man was traveling south on the highway.

 

As he drove through the intersection, his vehicle was struck by a 64-year-old De Pere woman who was attempting to cross the highway from the stop sign on Country Lane.

 

According to the crash report, the woman told the responding deputy she did not see the man as he approached the intersection. The man told the deputy he saw her pull out in front of him but could not stop in time.

 

The man suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization. The woman was cited for failing to yield the right of way from a stop sign.

 

Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and had to be towed from the scene.

Whether "Christmas in July" dates back to an 1892 French opera or a summer celebration at a North Carolina campground in the 1930s, the work that goes into making your holiday traditions special is a 12-month proposition for area tree farms.

 

For the past several weeks, employees at Aissen Tree Farm in Pilsen have been shearing the new growth from thousands of trees to help control their shape. Each tree also contributes to the collection of pinecones used in some of the fresh greenery decorations the farm sells during the holiday season.

 

Tammy Aissen says the weather has been unusual this year. The March blizzard had the potential to damage some of the trees' lower branches, while the heavy April rains were less than ideal for their root systems. Aissen adds that nearby hail storms could have really caused issues for them. While some tree farms in central Wisconsin are battling the recent hot, dry weather, she feels the trees in this area have never looked better.

Aissen says the shearing process usually takes about two months to complete, with a goal of finishing by Aug. 1.

Wisconsin ranks fifth in the nation for Christmas tree production, harvesting nearly 2 million trees each year worth about $50 million annually, according to Farm Flavor.

Christmas is now less than five months away.

Like many law enforcement agencies across the country, Kewaunee County's three sheriff candidates believe staffing remains one of the department's biggest challenges moving forward.

According to a survey conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum in 2025, overall staffing levels were 5.2% lower than they were in 2020 despite a modest 0.4% increase between 2024 and 2025. Staffing challenges were one of the reasons the county opted not to build a new jail.

Scott Syzdel says it is important to form connections with new and prospective hires and to get involved in the community.
 

Eric Zellner says that even though the pool of applicants is getting smaller, the department cannot fill a position simply to fill it.

 

Kevin Schmidt says the goal is to have at least three deputies on each shift so there is adequate coverage if calls become busy.
 

All three candidates also cited the jail as one of the biggest issues facing the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department. You can visit this link to listen to all three interviews ahead of the Aug. 11 fall primary.

A proposed housing project in Sturgeon Bay took another step forward Tuesday, but not without criticism from some of its future neighbors.

 

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved the rezoning of property on Division Road from Agricultural (A) to Two-Family Residential (R-3) and the creation of a planned unit development (PUD) classification. While a related agenda item — a development agreement with DOCO Iron Gate LLC — was tabled for a future meeting, the action does move a proposed 55-lot subdivision featuring a mix of single-family homes and duplexes, along with a condominium development featuring 34 storage units with optional living space, closer to reality.

 

The development's future neighbors have voiced concerns about a previously quiet area becoming busier with more traffic and activity. Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward understands the concerns but says the development addresses a significant need in the city.

 

 

The Division Road development is not the only housing project drawing the ire of residents.

 

The city approved a preliminary plat for a 27.5-acre site near North Eighth Avenue and North 11th Place for a development featuring a mix of workforce housing, market-rate homes and duplexes spread across approximately 72 lots.

 

Since work began in recent weeks, residents have raised concerns about the property, which was formerly an apple orchard. In one letter to the city, residents asked officials to refrain from blasting because of "significant public safety, property protection, and liability concerns until proper notice, documentation, accountability, and protection for nearby homeowners" are addressed.

 

More recently, residents expressed concern in a letter to state officials that dust created by the blasting could contain "former orchard soil that has not been tested for lead, arsenic, DDT, pesticide residues, or other historic orchard-related contaminants."

Thought determines action. I came across this principle, and it had an impact on me, as everything we respond to in law enforcement is a result of someone's actions. I reflect on so many unfortunate situations that required our presence and, in many cases, intervention in the form of citations, arrests or incarceration—a great many of them preventable.

 

Over the years, I have tried to understand what drives such actions, and I have come to believe that no action is purely spontaneous but rather has its foundation in our thoughts. So the question becomes: If thought determines action, how do we master our thoughts so that the actions that are a byproduct of them serve to improve our lives rather than become a detriment?

 

There are so many messages and narratives bombarding us each and every day, but none of them have power unless we allow them into our minds. These messages influence us from the moment we wake up until we fall asleep, and in some cases, they even follow us into our dreams.

 

The good news is that we have complete control over what we let in and what we cast out. There is, in fact, a word for this: self-efficacy, or, in other words, self-determination. Studies have shown that positive self-efficacy has a greater influence on our success in a given effort than our actual skill for that effort.

 

If you embark on an endeavor while believing you are not capable or worthy, you will, in fact, struggle more than if you approach that same effort with a positive mindset.

 

Our thoughts can either propel us forward or become an anchor chain, so we must first master our thoughts—our internal message. We need to "center," which is to say, take a tactical pause, find a place of serenity and, from that new foundation, determine the next best steps.

 

A great tool to use in this process is a personal mantra, or personal saying. One of my favorites is, "It's all good." No matter what frustrating situation or individual I may be dealing with, I say to myself in the moment, "It's all good." This isn't to say that I am in denial of the frustration, struggle or even anger, but rather that I control my thoughts, thereby controlling my actions. Is it easier said than done? Possibly. But preserving a positive and controlled mental state will serve us far better than the alternative: an uncontrolled, emotional and, many times, destructive response.

 

This has been my lesson after three decades of countless calls and interventions in which good people found themselves in bad situations. It is not a matter of whether they were justified in their response, but whether that response brought about the best outcome.

 

This kind of internal messaging takes some effort. You may want to write your phrase on a sticky note and place it on your bedroom mirror so it is the first thing you see each morning. You may want to place it on your dashboard as a gentle reminder during frustrating commutes. However you choose to incorporate it, realize that you are forming a new habit—a habit of positive thoughts and personal encouragement. Once established, you will find yourself returning to those positive messages and, ultimately, positive actions, even in times of struggle.

Kewaunee County individuals and families struggling with substance abuse and other challenges will have a safe place to turn in the future after county officials approved the purchase of a wraparound house in Casco on Tuesday.

 

By a 16-4 vote, the county approved purchasing the home on Hyland Court from the Village of Casco for $300,000 using funds primarily obtained through settlements with opioid manufacturers.

 

Wraparound houses provide a support network for individuals and families with complex needs, including behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders and other issues.

 

Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson was one of the four "no" votes. He questioned what the county would do with the house if the program is unsuccessful and argued that the money from the opioid settlements would be better used for enforcement purposes.

 

Of the $300,000 being used to purchase the house, $168,000 will come from opioid settlement funds, with the remainder coming from the county's Human Services Department.

The volunteers of the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department put in a full day of work Friday as they responded to three separate calls.

 

The first call came at approximately 7:15 p.m. from the intersection of County DK and County Y near Namur. BUG Assistant Fire Chief Jim Wautier said a bearing on a baler overheated and caught fire. The straw it was baling also ignited, and the fire spread across several acres before reaching a nearby wooded area, where pine needles and other brush caught fire.

 

In addition to B.U.G's four trucks that responded, the Southern Door Fire Department assisted by bringing additional personnel, a brush truck and a UTV. Wautier said firefighters remained on the scene for nearly three hours.

 

 

At approximately 9 p.m., emergency personnel responded to Fox Lane in Gardner, where an ATV overturned, leaving a man unconscious. He was later transported to a hospital for treatment.

 

As that call was wrapping up, BUG firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on Sun N Surf Drive in the Town of Union. According to Wautier, the cottage owners had finished using a fire pit on their deck, placed the cover over it and went inside. Shortly afterward, they discovered the ashes from the fire pit had apparently ignited the plastic decking before the fire spread to the exterior of the home.

 

B.U.G, the Southern Door Fire Department and other departments from Door and Kewaunee counties helped extinguish the blaze, which took approximately four hours. Wautier estimated the fire trucks were able to return to the station by 1:30 a.m.

Door County's forests, wetlands and meadows are home to a remarkable diversity of fungi. From colorful shelf fungi on fallen logs to chanterelles emerging from the forest floor and the many species that form essential partnerships with trees, mushrooms are a hidden but vital part of the peninsula's ecosystem. This week's Summer at Crossroads theme, "Mushrooms," invites visitors to discover the fascinating world of fungi and the important roles they play in the health of Door County's natural communities.

 

The week begins with a Tale. At 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read Mushrooms Know: Wisdom from Our Friends the Fungi, written by Kallie George and illustrated by Sara Gillingham. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, this delightful book shares lessons that fungi can teach us: that small can be mighty, being unique is something to celebrate and staying connected is essential. The story offers a wonderful introduction to the hidden world beneath our feet and the interconnected relationships that make nature thrive. For those unable to attend story time, the book will also be featured on the Trail Tales storybook walk beginning at the West Trailhead anytime throughout the week.

 

At 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, Journeys with Joan will explore Glaciers to Great Lakes. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants through the story of how glacial ice shaped Wisconsin and created the Great Lakes that define Door County today. Visitors will discover how glaciers transformed the landscape, influenced local habitats and helped create the environmental conditions that support the forests, wetlands and ecosystems where many fungi flourish.

 

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 1:30 p.m., participants in Wandering Wednesday will join a naturalist-led hike to search for signs of fungi along the trails. August is an excellent time to observe mushrooms emerging in woodlands and along shaded pathways. Hikers may find mushrooms growing on decaying logs, nestled among mosses or forming partnerships with tree roots beneath the forest floor. Along the way, participants will learn how fungi contribute to decomposition, nutrient cycling and overall forest health.

 

The week concludes with a special Thursday Talk at 2 p.m. Aug. 6. Mike Marit of the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club will present an engaging introduction to the incredible diversity of fungi found throughout Door County. Participants will learn how to recognize common mushrooms, understand the basics of fungal life cycles and discover how fungi interact with trees, soil and wildlife. Mike will explain the differences between edible, toxic and simply fascinating species while exploring why fungi are critical to nutrient recycling, forest health and habitat stability. Drawing on his experience with the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club, he will also discuss ethical mushroom hunting, safe observation practices and ways to begin noticing fungi in local woodlands, parks and even backyard landscapes. This program is designed to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the often-overlooked kingdom of fungi.

 

Throughout the week—and year-round during open hours—visitors can also enjoy Tinkers, our self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Guests can investigate the unique structures of fungi, learn about mushroom identification and explore the important roles fungi play in natural ecosystems.

 

Although mushrooms often appear only briefly above ground, they are part of a vast underground network that helps sustain life in our forests. Fungi decompose fallen leaves and wood, recycle nutrients, support plant growth through underground partnerships and provide food for wildlife. By learning more about the mushrooms of Door County, we gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable connections that keep our ecosystems healthy and thriving.

 

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can offer free programming for all ages, and our trails are open all day, every day, free of charge.

 

Monday, Aug. 3

2 p.m. Tale: Mushrooms Know: Wisdom from Our Friends the Fungi

Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, Mushrooms Know: Wisdom from Our Friends the Fungi, written by Kallie George and illustrated by Sara Gillingham.

 

Mushrooms always wear their thinking caps. They know so many things. This vibrant and informative book shares the fascinating lessons that fungi can teach us: that small can be mighty, being unique is a reason to celebrate and staying connected is key. Sara Gillingham's lively art and Kallie George's charming text capture the wondrous world of mushrooms and everything we can learn from it.

 

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

 

Tuesday, Aug. 4

1 p.m. Journeys with Joan – Glaciers to Great Lakes

Join our naturalist, Joan Wilkie, for free, family-oriented activities exploring nature!

Wisconsin has an amazing gift — our Great Lakes! We'll explore how glacial ice transformed our landscape. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free thanks to donors like you!

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

 

Wednesday, Aug. 5

1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walk of about one hour. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a leash. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free.

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

 

Thursday, Aug. 6

2 p.m. Talk: Door County Mushrooms

Step into the fascinating and often mysterious world of fungi with Mike Marit of the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club! This engaging program will introduce participants to the incredible diversity of mushrooms found in Door County and the vital roles they play in our local ecosystems.

 

Mike will explore how to recognize common mushrooms, explain the basics of fungal life cycles and discuss how mushrooms interact with trees, soil and wildlife. Learn the difference between edible, toxic and simply fascinating species, and gain insight into why fungi are essential for nutrient cycling, forest health and habitat stability.

 

Drawing on his experience with the Door Peninsula Mushroom Club, Mike will also share tips for ethical mushroom hunting, safe observation practices and how to start noticing fungi on trails, in yards and in woodlands throughout the seasons. This program is designed to inspire curiosity—not collecting—and to help you see the forest floor in a whole new light.

 

Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced nature lover, join us to uncover the hidden kingdom of fungi and discover why mushrooms matter more than you might think.

 

Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

The Door County Board of Supervisors could award contracts Tuesday to make upgrades to the Door County Historical Museum and renovate the former Younkers building for a proposed museum archives facility.

 

Back in March, county officials began discussing a new future for the former Younkers building, which has been owned by the county since 2019. After the Door County Board of Supervisors balked at an original estimate of $8 million, it began exploring a new concept with a $3 million price tag that would also provide space for a private business.

 

Last month, Door County Administrator Ken Pabich said officials did what they could to make the project as efficient as possible. Based on the bids they received, Immel Construction presented the county with a total construction cost of more than $2.9 million in its July Summary Report, about $57,000 over the control estimate submitted in May.

 

The resolution would approve an expenditure of up to $3.3 million from the Capital Projects Fund to complete Phase III, the construction phase.

 

The Door County Board of Supervisors is also set to discuss an additional $150,000 needed to complete runway improvements at Cherryland Airport and approve the appointment of Matthew Decur as the new highway commissioner when it meets at the Door County Government Center on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

You will soon see red trolleys traversing the southern Door County countryside, showcasing the area's agricultural roots.

 

The Southern Door Business Association piloted its first agricultural tour Wednesday, taking invited guests on the "Cherries and Dairies Tour." Guests explored Soren's Valhalla Orchards to see its mechanical harvester and pick their own cherries, Olson Family Farms to see how its solar array powers the operation, including its robotic milker, and learned how businesses like Country Ovens and Wienke's Farm Market bring local agriculture to consumers.

 

Southern Door Business Association Executive Director Karyn Stroschein credits a conversation with her former teacher and current trolley driver, Dave Samuels, with inspiring the idea to bring a unique agritourism experience to the area. Stroschein says the early feedback has been fantastic and adds that, for many on the tour, it was an experience they otherwise would not have had, despite some living in Door County their entire lives.

 

 

Looking to build on the growing interest in southern Door County, Stroschein says the organization plans to pilot another tour this fall before likely offering them to the public next year.

 

 

Agritourism is becoming a growing part of the state's tourism industry while also benefiting the farms that participate. According to 2022 data from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, nearly 670 farms offered structured agritourism and recreational services, generating an average of about $31,000 per farm.

Names like Allis-Chalmers, Oliver, Case and more will draw plenty of attention over the next month, beginning with Saturday's Liberty Grove Historical Society Antique Tractor and Arts Festival.

 

Dozens of tractors and other antique farm equipment will bring an extra dose of history to the organization's grounds atop the hill in Ellison Bay. The display will be paired with farm animals, children's activities, artisan vendors, live music from the Gibraltar Jazz Combo and more, in addition to the Liberty Grove Historical Society's historic buildings being open to visitors.

 

The festival is part of a busy stretch for antique tractor enthusiasts. It serves as a precursor to the Northeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Association's Valmy Thresheree in mid-August. This year's event will highlight Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline and White tractors, along with traditional tractor pulls, farming demonstrations and other activities.

The 0.5% sales tax instituted by the Kewaunee County Board in 2017, and approved again in 2021, is sticking around for the foreseeable future after the board approved the first reading of the amended ordinance Tuesday.

The amended ordinance removes the sunset date of Dec. 31, 2026, an action that was required to take place at least 120 days before the original repeal date. The sales tax was extended in 2021 as a way to adjust to life after the Kewaunee Power Station closed.

Five years later, Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson still does not like placing a regressive tax on people struggling to make ends meet. However, Olson says the county cannot afford not to have it, adding that repealing the sales tax would leave a giant hole in the budget.
 

Keeping the county sales tax also keeps Kewaunee County in the majority of Wisconsin counties that levy one. Of the state's 72 counties, Waukesha and Winnebago are the only two that do not impose their own sales tax. Milwaukee County is the only one of the remaining 70 counties with a higher local sales tax, at 0.9%.

 

The second reading of the ordinance will also have to be approved at a later meeting for the amended version to take effect.

 

A previous version of this story showed that the sunset removal was approved and that it was permament. We regret this error.

The Door County Historical Society was recently recognized for keeping history alive in your backyard. The organization is the latest recipient of the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History, the Wisconsin Historical Society's highest honor for affiliated local historical organizations.

The traveling trophy, which dates to 1958, recognizes the organization's work in the community over the past five years. The award coincides with the Door County Historical Society's efforts to restore the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to its former glory.

In addition to rehabilitation work inside the lighthouse, which dates to 1868, the reimagining of the site included restoring the oil house and privy and reconstructing the summer kitchen and barn. The Door County Historical Society raised more than $3 million to bring former keeper William Duclon's story back to life. Executive Director Amy Frank said last month that it took a lot of people to make the project a reality.
 

The restoration of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse also earned the organization the Historic Rehabilitation Award. Frank thanked the community for its support, which helped the organization earn the two awards.

"These awards celebrate what we've accomplished together over the past 100 years," Frank said. "They remind us that preserving history isn't just about protecting old buildings or collecting artifacts — it's about connecting people to the stories that define our community."

Do not be surprised if you see area feed mills buzzing with activity in the coming weeks as winter wheat matures enough to be harvested. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, winter wheat was 96% colored and 29% harvested as of last week. That is 10 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

 

Oats are also coming off the fields at a fast clip, with 70% colored compared to the five-year average of 66%. As a result, 10% of the oat crop has been harvested.

 

The second cutting of alfalfa is about four percentage points ahead of the five-year average, with 86% complete compared to 82%. The third cutting is 12% complete.

 

A big reason for the progress is the weather, despite smoky conditions that made outdoor work difficult. Farmers had 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, which has been good for making progress but has also contributed to crops beginning to show signs of stress because of the lack of recent precipitation.

 

Corn silking is about three percentage points behind the usual pace at 23% complete compared to the five-year average of 26%. Soybeans, however, are blooming ahead of schedule at 62% compared to the average of 54%.

Before you head to the beach this week, you may want to check to make sure it's safe. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, two beaches are closed and several others are under an advisory because of elevated bacteria levels as of Wednesday afternoon.

 

Jackson Harbor Ridges Beach and Ephraim Beach are closed. Advisories are in effect for Anclam Park Beach, Egg Harbor Beach, Newport Bay Beach, Nicolet Beach, Otumba Park Beach and Sand Dune Beach.

 

Swimming in water with elevated bacteria levels can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and other illnesses. Bacteria levels can fluctuate over several hours, and because conventional lab analyses take 18 to 24 hours, test results may not reflect current conditions.

 

For example, Goldenrod Lane Beach and Whitefish Dunes Beach were listed under an advisory on Tuesday before being declared open on Wednesday.

 

Door County Public Health encourages beachgoers to monitor the website and digital signs at 10 county beaches for real-time updates on whether conditions are safe for swimming.

With several contested primaries on the ballot for next month's fall primary, election officials want to make sure you're ready to head to the polls. In Door and Kewaunee counties, primaries will be held for several local, state, and federal offices, with the Republican primaries for Door County sheriff, Kewaunee County sheriff and Wisconsin State Senate, along with the Democratic primaries for Wisconsin governor and U.S. representative, driving most of the headlines.

 

With every election come the usual reminders for voters, especially those casting a ballot for the first time. You will need an acceptable photo ID to receive your ballot, and you can visit your local DMV to get a free ID card if you do not already have one. You can register to vote with your municipal clerk through Aug. 7 or on Election Day at your polling place with a valid photo ID and proof of residence.

 

When it comes to casting your ballot, Algoma City Clerk Erin Mueller reminds voters that this is a partisan primary, which means you cannot jump from party to party when voting for different offices.

 

 

Mueller also says you can only "spoil" your ballot if you make a mistake while voting in person. If you make a mistake or your chosen candidate drops out before Election Day, you cannot change your vote if you have already returned your absentee ballot.

 

Early in-person voting begins July 28 during normal office hours and continues through Aug. 7. The primary election is Aug. 11.

While you can find many delicious items that are good for you at the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, there are others that benefit you in different ways. Trillium Herbal Company has called Sturgeon Bay home for more than 30 years. Trillium CEO Karen Ciesar developed her line of organic skin care products in response to a lack of available options for her newborn daughter, who had sensitive skin. Ciesar says she learned a great deal about skin care from her midwives and used Trillium as a way to leave her law career and pursue a more fulfilling endeavor.

 

 

Boasting a line that includes everything from body soap and face polish to remedy balms and bug spray, Trillium Herbal Company was the first to offer a USDA-certified personal care line.

 

You can hear more about Trillium Herbal Company in the latest episode of the Faces of the Farmers Market podcast.