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County Road T to Remain Open during Reconstruction Project

The Door County Highway Department will begin a major road reconstruction project on County Road T in early June, with work scheduled along a 4.2-mile stretch from State Highway 42/57 to the Lily Bay boat launch.

 

The project will include cutting driveways and intersections, pulverizing the existing asphalt surface, regrading and compacting the roadway, paving 3.5 inches of hot mix asphalt in two layers, shouldering and centerline striping.

 

Initial work is scheduled for the week of June 1. Crews will then regrade and compact the roadway before paving operations are expected to begin the week of June 15. Paving is anticipated to take about two weeks.

 

The anticipated completion date for the project, excluding final striping, is July 9, weather permitting.

 

County officials said County Road T will remain open to traffic throughout construction, although lane closures and temporary road closures may occur during paving operations. Flaggers will direct traffic when necessary. Motorists are asked to obey flaggers and avoid driving on freshly treated surfaces.

 

The highway department also urged drivers to use caution around construction crews, equipment and posted signage throughout the duration of the project.

Local Responders Join Statewide Push to Combat Overdose Crisis

Emergency responders from across Door and Kewaunee counties joined more than 250 personnel statewide last month for a first-of-its-kind series of Overdose Prevention Summits hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).

 

The summits, held across each of Wisconsin’s five regions, brought together first responders, public health officials and emergency service leaders from 130 agencies to strengthen local overdose prevention efforts and improve coordination among agencies on the front lines of the opioid crisis.

 

“There were actually five regional convenings, bringing together first responders to learn from each other about overdose prevention,” said Paula Tran, the state health officer and administrator for the Division of Public Health at DHS.

 

Tran said the role of emergency personnel remains central in responding to overdoses, particularly in rural communities where ambulance response times and access to treatment services can vary widely.

 

“The role of first responders is so critical to overdose prevention, especially being on the front lines,” Tran said.

 

In Northeast Wisconsin, including Door and Kewaunee counties, responders often face unique challenges tied to geography, limited staffing and long travel distances between communities. Many rural departments rely on volunteer EMS crews and coordination between sheriff’s offices, local police departments and neighboring agencies when responding to overdose calls.

 

The regional summits focused on practical strategies agencies are using to combat rising overdose numbers, including expanded naloxone access, post-overdose outreach programs, partnerships with behavioral health providers and data-sharing efforts among departments.

 

“There are a full range of approaches and innovative strategies that we are learning about, and that was the focus of this summit,” Tran said. “So folks could share some of their best practices across the state from the field.”

 

 

 

State health officials said the gatherings were designed not only to provide training but also to encourage collaboration between public health agencies, law enforcement, EMS providers, fire departments and recovery organizations.

 

“It really takes the whole community type of response to meet people where they are and get them the help that they need,” Tran said.

 

The DHS initiative comes as Wisconsin continues to direct opioid settlement funding and federal grant dollars toward prevention, treatment and recovery programs amid the growing presence of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, in drug supplies statewide.

 

Tran said continued communication between agencies and communities will remain essential as the state works to reduce overdose deaths and improve access to care.

 

“There is much to be learned statewide and the more we are working together and collaborating, the better,” she said.


Area tourism gets friendly roll with Packers schedule release

The time of the game is just as important as the day in some cases when it comes to visitors to Door County during Green Bay Packers game weekends. The NFL announced the 2026 schedule Thursday, kicking off travel planning for football fans looking to see their favorite team play.

 

 

The Packers will have their first home game Thursday, Sept. 24, before welcoming the Chicago Bears on Oct. 11 and the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 18. Those two games coincide with a pair of the biggest weekends on the calendar in Door County, with Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch taking place Oct. 9-11 and Sister Bay Fall Fest occurring Oct. 16-18.

 

While some years they do not mind the Packers being out of town during those weekends, Destination Door County Interim CEO Jon Jarosh said they may have caught a break with neither game being a noon start.

 

 

 

Jarosh added that the bye week in Week 11 is good news for deer hunters, who sometimes opt for the tree stand instead of Lambeau Field during gun season. He is also hopeful that the timing works in their favor for fans to check out some of the holiday events taking place in Door County during the Packers’ two December home games.

Three Gibraltar teens earn Girl Scouts' Gold Award

Six percent of girls across the country earn the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award, but three of the newest recipients can be found at Gibraltar Secondary School. Abigail DeMeuse, Josie Martin and McCartney Schwab were honored earlier this month during a ceremony recognizing the organization’s highest achievement. Similar to the Scouts BSA Eagle Scout Award, girls must meet several requirements, including completing a service project that will have a long-lasting impact on the community and logging more than 80 hours of work.

 

Schwab developed a Sunday school curriculum for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor, while Martin created an athletic equipment loan program at Gibraltar and DeMeuse expanded a community garden near Door County Medical Center’s Sister Bay clinic. Martin and DeMeuse said that as they advanced through the ranks, they became motivated to see it through to the end and achieve an award that eludes many girls, especially as they become involved in more activities outside scouting.

 

 

 

The last time Gibraltar had this many Gold Award recipients in one year, Martin and DeMeuse said, they were in kindergarten. They said they are happy to report the future is bright for Girl Scouting at Gibraltar.

 

 

 

The local council, Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, serves more than 10,000 girls with the support of more than 3,000 volunteers across northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. You can watch the full video below.

 

 


Sunshine Resources Hosts Prom, Awards Night in Sturgeon Bay

Supporters, staff, clients and community members gathered Wednesday evening in Sturgeon Bay as Sunshine Resources of Door County hosted its annual awards dinner and prom.

 

This year’s event added a casino night theme to the festivities, creating an evening focused on recognition, inclusion and community connection.

 

Guests entered the venue along a red carpet as cameras flashed and formal attire sparkled under the lights. Dinner was served before annual awards were presented to clients, supporters and community partners who contributed to the organization throughout the year.

 

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of the prom king and queen. Roberto Gonzalez was named prom king, while Lilja Wanless was crowned prom queen. The pair beamed as they received their crowns and applause from attendees.

 

 

The celebration continued with casino-style games, desserts and a packed dance floor. Guests danced to popular party songs, including the YMCA and Chicken Dance, while others showcased energetic hip-hop moves late into the evening.

 

Jeremy Paszczak, director of business development for Sunshine Resources, said the event was designed to celebrate everyone connected to the organization.

 

“Tonight is about rewarding our staff, volunteers, clients, partners and the community that makes our organization what it is today,” Paszczak said.

 

Founded in 1973, Sunshine Resources of Door County provides services and support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization offers vocational training, employment opportunities, residential services and community engagement programs aimed at promoting independence and quality of life for its clients throughout Door County.

Mental Health Awareness Month Highlights Needs in Door County's Aging Population

May marks Mental Health Awareness month, a time health professionals in Door County say is especially important for a community with one of the oldest populations in Wisconsin.

 

The median age of Door County residents is approximately 54.3 years, significantly higher than the state median of about 40. More than 30% of the county’s population is age 65 or older. The share of older adults has steadily increased over the past decade, rising from about 23% in 2010 to roughly 30% in 2020, reflecting a consistent demographic shift toward an older population.

 

As summer approaches and seasonal changes bring increased activity to the peninsula, local mental health professionals say the transition can have both positive and challenging effects for aging residents.

 

Dr. Dennis K. White, a clinical and consulting psychologist in Sturgeon Bay, said seasonal shifts often influence emotional well-being, particularly among older adults who may experience isolation, grief or health-related stressors.

 

“Change in seasons can be energizing for many people, but for others it can highlight loneliness or loss of routine, especially if they have lost their partner” White said. “It becomes important to stay connected, both socially and physically, as the community becomes more active in the summer months.”

 

 

 

Dr. White said maintaining mental health in later adulthood often comes down to consistency and engagement.

 

“Structure is very important,” he said. “Simple things like regular exercise, maintaining social contact, and having a purpose each day can make a significant difference.”

 

He added that Door County’s strong community ties can serve as a protective factor, especially when residents take advantage of local resources, outdoor spaces and social opportunities that increase during the warmer months.

 

Dr. White encourages residents to check in on neighbors, stay active, and seek support when needed, noting that awareness and connection remain key components of emotional well-being at every age.


Jacque laments failed compromise in the Senate

A chance to provide property tax relief and increase aid to schools went up in smoke Wednesday night when a $1.8 billion bill was voted down by the Wisconsin State Senate.

 

All 15 Democrats and three Republicans voted against the measure, which included a 50% reimbursement rate for special education funding, an additional $50 million in property tax relief, the elimination of income taxes on cash tips and overtime pay, and $600 million in rebate checks that could have reached mailboxes by this fall.

 

Gov. Tony Evers and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu pointed the finger at Democrats for stopping the compromise from passing.

 

“Wisconsin’s kids and schools aren’t going to get the investments they desperately need this year because Tom Tiffany and a few Republican and Democratic lawmakers chose to blow up a bipartisan plan to invest in our K-12 schools, lower property taxes and help working families afford rising costs, all because they’d rather do what’s best for the next election than what’s right for the people of our state,” Evers said.

 

LeMahieu added, “Senate Democrats stood together to buck their own governor to deny working families tax relief and leave $2.5 billion sitting in a Madison bank account instead of helping schools perform special education services.”

 

Tiffany, a Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor, said more of the surplus should go back to taxpayers, while Democratic leaders such as fellow gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys said the deal could turn a surplus into a deficit.

 

 

 

State Sen. Andre Jacque, who voted yes to the bill, said the final tally was disappointing. He is not sure what the future has in store, but he hopes the Wisconsin Legistlature can reach a compromise with the Evers Administration yet this year.

 

 

 

Earlier this week, Rep. Joel Kitchens said the bill was good news for local school districts that have had to pay a larger share of special education costs, which can be a drain on general education funds. He added that the Gibraltar, Sevastopol and Washington Island school districts would have received state funding for the first time in years.

 

There is no indication whether a new effort to accomplish many of the same goals will take place.

Kewaunee School District officially begins new era with groundbreaking ceremony

With the entire school district looking on, officials from the Kewaunee School District, city leaders and construction partners broke ground on the next phase of construction at the school campus.

 

 

Elementary school children held tightly to their plastic Miron Construction hats as Superintendent Scott Fritz detailed the next phase of construction in the district. The $24.5 million referendum, approved in 2025, was needed to address the growing needs of the district’s 3K, 4K and kindergarten programs while relocating other classes to underused space in the high school. It also addresses issues that were not included in the district’s last capital referendum in 2016.

 

 

Fritz said he was excited to have the children present for Tuesday’s ceremony and for the community to see the progress that will be made through summer 2027.

 

 

Much of the phase one work will begin in earnest once school lets out in the coming weeks. Tuesday’s ceremony also included an open house at the transportation center, which was needed after the district switched busing services at the end of the last school year.

 

 

Motorcycle crash victims identified

Family and friends of 22-year-old Jesse Morales Hernandez of Kewaunee and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Mary Elliott of Bayside, are mourning their deaths after the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department identified them as the victims of Saturday’s two-vehicle crash in the Town of Montpelier.

 

Morales Hernandez and Elliott were traveling east on State Highway 29 at about 10:30 p.m. when their motorcycle collided with a pickup truck traveling north on County Road AB. Authorities said the truck had stopped at the intersection before the crash occurred.

 

The couple died at the scene despite emergency response efforts from the Luxemburg Police Department, Kewaunee Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Luxemburg Fire and Rescue, and Luxemburg-Casco First Responders. The Wisconsin State Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting the Sheriff’s Department with the investigation. No additional details have been released.

Registration deadlines approaching for area fair families

Whether it is an animal, a plant, a photo or another project you hope to enter in the Kewaunee County Fair or Door County Fair, it is time to register. Both fairs are now open for prospective exhibitors to log in online and register their projects.

 

The Kewaunee County Fair hosted a new family fair sign-up day last week at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg. The Door County Fair will offer registration help at the Door County Fairgrounds in Sturgeon Bay on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.

 

Darlene Boeder of the Kewaunee County Fair advises exhibitors to review the premium books online to ensure they are registering in the correct department and category for their projects and understand the expectations that come with them.

 

 

 

Registration for the Kewaunee County Fair closes June 1, while registration for the Door County Fair closes July 16. The Kewaunee County Fair will take place July 9-12, while the Door County Fair runs Aug. 12-16.

County Board looks to approve $4.2 million in borrowing for highway department improvements

Kewaunee County Highway Department facilities could receive a major facelift if the Kewaunee County Board of Supervisors approves the plan Tuesday.

 

On the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting is approval of the design, construction and renovations for the department’s main highway shop in Footbridge and its facilities in Algoma, Casco and Stangelville. The agenda also calls for the board to authorize borrowing up to $4.2 million for the improvements.

 

Speaking ahead of last month’s meeting, Kewaunee County Board Chair Dan Olson said he believes the project will benefit taxpayers, who ultimately are funding the work.

 

 

 

He added that he is already working with county administrators on a more regular maintenance plan so the buildings do not fall into disrepair after the upgrades are completed.

 

The Kewaunee County Board also will hear from several department heads and accept a drug trafficking grant when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Kewaunee County Administration Office in Kewaunee.

Colorado Heights housing development looks for PUD approval

A plan to bring more than 60 new homes to the city of Sturgeon Bay will move ahead at a faster pace during Tuesday’s Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting.

 

At an earlier meeting this month, the Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved a development agreement with Portside Builders and E&I Property Investments. The Colorado Heights housing project will consist of 34 duplexes, three of which are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

 

At Tuesday’s meeting, the council will consider suspending the usual procedure of holding separate ordinance readings for the project’s planned unit development, or PUD, zoning classification so both readings can take place during the same meeting. If approved, the council could give final approval to the project.

 

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward says this is happening because the development agreement was approved first, something that does not always happen.

 

 

 

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council will also award contracts for street crack sealing and microsurfacing programs and consider replacing a culvert near Utah Street and the railroad spur when it meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Southern Door Board Approves Student Trip to Italy, Greece in 2027

A proposed international trip for Southern Door High School students is moving forward after receiving full approval from district officials.

 

The Southern Door School Board unanimously approved a request from high school science teacher Erin Fritsch to lead a student-funded educational trip to Italy and Greece in the summer of 2027.

 

School officials said the trip reflects the district’s continued emphasis on expanding learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

 

“This is exactly the kind of experience that helps students connect what they learn in school to the real world,” said Fritsch. “When students are standing in places like the Roman Forum or Greece, history and science become something they can see and touch, not just read about.”

 

 

 

The 10-day trip is designed to immerse students in the history and culture of Western civilization. Planned stops include Rome, Florence and Athens, where students will visit historic landmarks such as the Roman Forum, the Acropolis and sites within Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

 

Fritsch said the district supports the program because of its academic and personal impact on students. “The first trip to the Galapagos islands last summer was such a success and great for the kids,” she said. “It’s all student funded, they make monthly payments, but are already out there fundraising, selling candy bars, hosting bake sales all throughout the year.”

 

For more information, to donate or fundraising event schedules, please visit Southern Door School District website.

Bagpipes and Scottish Terriers fill Baileys Harbor over the Weekend

Hundreds of Scottish terriers and their owners filled the streets of Baileys Harbor this weekend as the 26th annual Door County Scottie Rally returned to northern Door County.

 

  

 

The three-day event, themed “Canis Major & The Scottie Star,” celebrated the Scottish terrier breed while also promoting awareness for Door County’s dark sky preservation efforts. Activities included the popular Parade of Scots through downtown Baileys Harbor, Scottie Fast Cat races, live music, bagpipe performances and community gatherings at local businesses.


 

 

Groups including the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society and Door County Brewing Co. hosted stargazing events and fundraising activities throughout the weekend.

 

The rally, one of the largest Scottish terrier gatherings in North America, also featured auctions and fundraising efforts supporting Scottish terrier health research and rescue organizations. The event continues to bring visitors from across the United States to Door County each spring in Baileys Harbor.

Door County Baseball League Postpones Week 2

**Week 2 of the 2026 Door County Baseball League season has been postponed due to inclement weather.  Updates on rescheduled games to follow.

 

 

 

The ABC's of mental health

For those who expected me to focus on mental health during this month of awareness, you were correct. In the practice of resiliency, there are actually 14 skills that help both acquire and sustain a healthy, resilient mindset. While some require only a slight adjustment to our daily rituals, others can be quite challenging. Today’s skill is one of those challenges.

 

The skill is called “ABC,” and while the title and concept sound simplistic, incorporating it may prove otherwise. Here is the premise: The “A” represents an activating event. These activating events can range from the mundane to the significant. The first thing to realize is that most activating events are outside our control, which, for many, is a major hurdle to clear because we tend to fixate on the uncontrollable.

 

For the sake of this article, let’s use the example of someone cutting us off in traffic while we are driving, as most of us have experienced this. Once this happens — the activating event — we typically experience emotions such as anger or, in some cases, even rage, leading us to react in an unhealthy and possibly unsafe manner. These reactions, or consequences, are actually the “C” of the equation, so let’s back up and talk about the “B,” which is our brain’s response.

 

Unlike the activating event, we have absolute control over our brain’s response, which ultimately drives our emotional and physical reactions. Consider two different responses to the same situation. A driver cuts you off. You allow your emotions to go to a negative place, and you may resort to vulgarities or even an impolite hand gesture. In reality, you do not know what may be going on in that person’s life at that moment that led to poor driving. By attaching a negative emotion to your response, you are not punishing that person, but rather yourself.

 

Another response to the same event could be to take a deep breath, pause your thoughts for a moment and be grateful that everyone, including yourself, is safe. You could even smile and wish the other driver well on the journey. That may seem oversimplified, but the end result is that your mental and emotional well-being will be in a much better state.

 

This is why I stated earlier that this concept is easier said than done. Consider all the challenging events that occur in your daily life and how many times you internalize those events negatively. If we can work to respond to adversity with a positive mindset, we get that much closer to the internal peace we all yearn for and the deep, meaningful relationships that sustain us throughout our lives.

 

In more than 30 years of law enforcement, I have had my share of people and situations that tested my ability to stay positive, but a positive response has always served me well. The secret is that, in responding to people’s negative behavior, there are two reasons to apply the above strategy. First, they may not have intended the offense, and the relationship can be salvaged. Second, if they did intend the offense, responding with kindness will render them powerless because your ability to rise above maintains the balance of power in your favor.

 

Regardless of whether it is an event or a person that serves as the activating event, do not give anyone the satisfaction of hijacking your mental or emotional wellness. Stay positive!

Southern Door High School Honors New NHS Members

An impressive 29 students at Southern Door High School were inducted into the National Honor Society during a ceremony held May 6, recognizing their achievements in scholarship, leadership, service and character.

 

Students selected for membership were chosen by a faculty council based on academic performance and involvement both in and out of the classroom.

 

Those inducted included Emiah DeFere, Troy Geisel, Kayla Johnson, Samantha Melville, Breleigh Paplham, Daylia Sund, Delaney Wilke, Amira Anschutz, Elloise Bloniarz, Mia Delcore, Lana Finger, Violet Jackson, Chelsie Jacquet, Adley LaVine, Keshawn Lezine, Isabella Martinez, Madeline Merkle, Addison Miller, Joel Moyer, Raymond Paye, Kennedy Pierre, Sophia Price, Octavia Severinsen, Kadince Shefchik, Kylee Starr, Quinn Sperber, Jesse Thorson, Nikaya Trusova and Colton Valley.

 

“We were lucky this year, we had a really strong group of applicants for our National Honors Society,” Southern Door High School math teacher Brandon Wautier said. “The 29 students inducted filled out a resume, submitted a comprehensive application, and wrote essays on the four pillars, which are scholarship, service, leadership and character.”

 

 

 

Wautier said the induction ceremony highlights the district’s dedication to developing well-rounded students prepared for future success.

 

The National Honor Society, founded in 1921, is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious student organizations, with chapters in thousands of high schools nationwide. The Southern Door chapter is sponsored by Melissa Schley and Brandon Wautier.

Door County YMCA Seeks More Lifeguards Ahead Of Busy Summer Season

As summer approaches and aquatic activity increases across the peninsula, officials at the Door County YMCA say the need for trained lifeguards remains strong not only at its Sturgeon Bay campus and other facilities, but up and down the peninsula as well.

 

Mike McHugh, Competitive Swim Director at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA campus says staffing pools safely is a year-round challenge that becomes even more important during the busy summer season, when swim lessons, recreation swims and community programs peak.

 

“We are definitely always in need of lifeguards,” said McHugh.

 

McHugh said the YMCA actively recruits and trains candidates for lifeguard certification, and incentives are offered to encourage participation. “If you complete your training and work at the YMCA, that training is free. We’ll also throw in your membership,” he said.


 

 

 

He added that the role is a strong opportunity for students and adults looking for flexible, local employment. “It is a solid job, especially here on the peninsula. There is certainly a job here in the pool if you like,” McHugh said.

 

McHugh says they work with staff on flexible scheduling options to accommodate school, work and family commitments, making it easier for lifeguards to stay on duty during high-demand hours.

 

As Door County heads into its busiest aquatic season, McHugh says that maintaining proper coverage is critical to ensuring swimmer safety and supporting community programs throughout the summer months.

 

For more information on classes or training, please visit the Door County YMCA website or listen to this week’s full Y-Wednesday podcast here.

Fire danger remains high in Door and Kewaunee counties

Rainstorms expected Sunday and Monday may not arrive soon enough for parts of the state currently under elevated fire danger warnings. Much of northern Wisconsin, including Door and Kewaunee counties, is at a high fire danger level or above. Nearby Oconto and Marinette counties are at a very high fire danger level, while 12 northwestern Wisconsin counties are at an extreme fire danger level.

 

As a result, the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for Door County through 7 p.m. Friday because of dry conditions and windy weather. With temperatures expected to reach the mid-70s Saturday, along with low relative humidity and gusty winds, the special weather statement could be reissued this weekend ahead of the rain expected early next week.

 

Residents are urged to use caution with any activities that could potentially spark a fire, such as outdoor cooking, using burn barrels and hosting campfires. No fire departments have issued burn bans this spring, but residents should contact their local department to obtain a burn permit.

Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce prepares for busy summer stretch

After a busy winter of business tours and other activities among its members, the Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce wants people to see the village for themselves.

 

From this weekend’s villagewide rummage sale to the Music in the Park performances that conclude on Aug. 6, the Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce will host more than a dozen events showcasing the area and rolling out the red carpet for residents and visitors alike.

 

Chamber Secretary Alex Stodola said events such as the Dairy Days Dash in June and the Kewaunee County Fair kickoff dinner and parade in July help maintain the community pride fostered by the school district during the fall and winter months while also potentially introducing new people to Luxemburg.

 

 

 

More details on the chamber’s events, including its upcoming golf outing, can be found by clicking its link. Other communities throughout Door and Kewaunee counties are also announcing their summer events on their respective websites and social media pages.

Northern Door County Springs to Life with Full Calendar of Free Community Events

As spring settles in across the peninsula,  northern Door County communities are rolling out a full slate of free and low-cost events designed to celebrate the season, bring residents together and welcome visitors to the peninsula’s villages, parks and shoreline spaces.

 

Saturday, May 16, is the rescheduled Spring Fun Egg Hunt at Fitzgerald Park. Colorful eggs filled with treats and toys will be hidden throughout the park, along with two special golden eggs offering prize opportunities. The long-running community tradition was rescheduled due to lingering winter weather.

 

From there, the calendar quickly expands into one of northern Door County’s busiest community seasons. Beginning June 21, residents and visitors can take part in the Annual Pollinator Week Celebration and butterfly scavenger hunt featuring Aponi, the region’s symbolic butterfly. The weeklong adventure runs through June 27, with daily clues posted on Door County North social media pages as Aponi travels to secret locations across the peninsula with geocaching before concluding at Ellison Bay Day.

 

“People are excited to get outdoors after winter,” said Sandy Smith. “These events give everyone a chance to be part of the seasons together. We’ve also added geocaching up here.” Smith added.

 

 

 

The schedule continues with free concerts and cultural programming, including Camp Door County live music events, performances at Door Community Auditorium, and seasonal shows at Peninsula Players Theatre and Northern Sky Theater.

 

Villages and Communities will also host lighthouse tours through the Door Peninsula Lighthouse Passport Days program, offering access to historic sites including Chambers Island, Pilot Island and Rock Island’s Potawatomi Light.

 

In Ellison Bay, the Liberty Grove Historical Society will open its Welcome Center May 15 and begin a full schedule of free programs. The society’s season also features weekly museum hours and special exhibits celebrating local and national history.

 

“With music in the park, history tours or other events, there’s something almost every week,” Smith said. “It’s what makes northern Door the place to be now in spring and especially when summer comes.”

 

With Memorial Day gatherings, art strolls, fish boils and waterfront celebrations also on the horizon, northern Door County is preparing for a season defined by community, tradition and the return of warmer days.

 

For more information on events in northern Door County, please visit the Door County North website.

Griffon String Quartet reaches season's coda

As the calendar turns from spring to summer, the Griffon String Quartet is reaching the final measures of its 2025-26 season.

 

From performing at nursing homes and children’s museums to teaching children throughout the community, the musicians behind the Griffon String Quartet have participated in more than 100 events in the region, with more still to come.

 

Cellist Jesse Nummelin and pianist Rie Tanaka will headline a music-and-wine pairing event Sunday at 3 p.m. at MUSE in Sturgeon Bay ahead of a trio of finale concerts featuring the rest of the ensemble in Sturgeon Bay on May 22, Green Bay on May 23 and Egg Harbor on May 24.

 

Midsummer’s Music Executive Director Allyson Fleck applauded the work Nummelin, violist Oryann Tsaig and violinists Roy Meyer and Alex Norris do throughout the season.

 

 

 

The Griffon String Quartet performances are free to attend, with donations encouraged. Chamber music lovers do not need to fret at the conclusion of the Griffon String Quartet season. Midsummer’s Music will begin its 36th summer season with its celebratory Gala Opening Night on June 12 at Birch Creek. Tickets are already on sale for that performance and all others during the season, which runs through Labor Day.

We Are HOPE Expands Fundraising Efforts amid Grant Funding Decline

We Are HOPE, Inc. has launched a 2026 fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 to help sustain programs and services offered through The EmployAbility HUB in Sturgeon Bay.

 

The nonprofit, which has provided employment services in Door, Brown and Kewaunee counties since 1978, assists job seekers with career exploration, workforce training, employment preparation, technology access and mentorship services. The organization also partners with employers and community agencies to connect residents with job opportunities and support services.

 

Executive Director Kim Carley said the campaign comes as grant funding has declined.

“Traditionally, we do not have an annual campaign,” Carley said. “Honestly, our grant funding has been decreasing and we need to fill that gap.”

 

“We find ourselves in a place that we need $50,000,” she said.

 

 

 

Several events throughout the year will support the fundraising effort, including the fourth annual Hen House ATV Poker Run on May 23, Atomic Bingo at The Hen House on June 9 and the third annual Grub at the HUB event on Sept. 29.

 

The popular Grub at the HUB fundraiser is already gaining momentum, Carley said, “Every year we make more, you can already reserve your portions.”

 

The organization also continues to host Tech Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering community members assistance with computer skills, internet access, job searches and technology-related support through The EmployAbility HUB.

 

For more information, or to donate, please visit the We Are HOPE, Inc. website.

One injured in Gardner crash

A Brussels teen suffered possible injuries and was cited for her role in a two-vehicle crash in the Town of Gardner on Tuesday night.

 

The accident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at the intersection of County Highways C and K. According to the accident report, the teen was stopped at a stop sign when she attempted to cross County Highway C from County Highway K and was struck from the side by a vehicle driven by a 76-year-old Brussels man.

 

She suffered minor injuries in the crash but did not require hospitalization. Her teenage passenger and the Brussels man were uninjured.

 

Both vehicles were towed due to disabling damage, and the teen was cited for failing to yield the right of way from a stop sign. 

Sunshine Resources to Host Casino Night and Prom Event Wednesday

Sunshine Resources will host a combined casino night and prom celebration Wednesday, May 13, at the Door County Gala, bringing together staff, volunteers, clients and community partners for an evening of recognition and entertainment.

 

The event is designed as an expanded celebration of the organization’s annual awards dinner, and is paired with a prom-themed experience and casino-style games intended to create a festive, inclusive atmosphere for attendees of all ages and abilities.

 

Jeremy Paszczak, director of business development for Sunshine Resources, said the evening is focused on appreciation and community connection.

 

“Tomorrow is about rewarding our staff, volunteers, clients, partner and the community that makes our organization what it is today,” Paszczak said.

 

He said the event format was intentionally expanded this year to add new experiences beyond a traditional banquet.

 

“We took our awards dinner and added a casino night and a prom for those that never got to go to theirs,” Paszczak said.

 

 

 

Paszczak said the prom component was created as a way to provide a shared celebratory experience for individuals who may have missed milestone events in their younger years, while casino-style activities add an interactive element to the evening.

 

Paszczak said the goal is to highlight achievements while building stronger community relationships.

 

“This is meant to be a great evening to come together as a community, have fun and celebrate their achievements,” he said.

 

The event is expected to draw a wide mix of participants connected to Sunshine Resources, which provides services and support for individuals with disabilities in the region.

 

Wednesday night’s celebration will run from 5-8 p.m. at the Door County Gala in Sturgeon Bay and will feature dinner, awards presentations, themed activities and entertainment throughout the evening.

 

For more information, or to register please visit the Sunshine Resources website or social media pages.

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