The American Legion Posts and Auxiliaries hosted the 62nd Annual Youth Government Day on Wednesday in Kewaunee County, bringing students from Algoma, Kewaunee and Luxemburg-Casco high schools into the heart of local government.

Elected county officials and staff provided students with an inside look at their daily responsibilities, including tours of government offices and opportunities to observe how county operations affect residents. Students also engaged directly with Corporation Counsel, members of the Kewaunee County Bar Association, and participated in a mock trial designed to simulate real courtroom procedures.

The program, held at the Kewaunee County Courthouse and surrounding government facilities, is intended to strengthen civic understanding and encourage future involvement in public service.

Kewaunee County Clerk Jaime Annoye said the event continues to play an important role in educating young residents about local government.

“This is a great event for kids to come out and learn what their local government does and what the elected officials do on a daily basis at the county level” Annoye said. “They were given an oath by Circuit Court Judge Jeffery R. Wisnicki and had a mock trial as jurors. It was a really great experience.”

Youth Government Day is part of a long-running American Legion initiative aimed at promoting citizenship education and leadership development among high school students.

It will not be long before Martin Park fills up and people crowd city streets in Sturgeon Bay. Destination Sturgeon Bay and other area business associations are awaiting the start of the tourism season, which typically begins around Memorial Day weekend and continues through late fall.

The start of the season also brings a variety of festivals and events that become highlights for visitors to the area. Destination Sturgeon Bay Executive Director Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaterski said her team is putting the final touches on planning efforts for the Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair and the kickoff of the farmers market the following weekend. She added that while the work is demanding, it is rewarding to see so many people enjoying themselves in the community.

Though official tourism numbers will not be released until next month, preliminary data is promising. According to the Door County Tourism Zone, total lodging revenue increased 6% in 2025 compared with 2024, and the number of occupied rooms also rose 1.5% to more than 625,000. Organizations across the country are celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, recognizing the impact the visitor economy has on their communities.

Last month, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) joined state lawmakers and industry leaders to recognize Wisconsin’s designation of October as Careers in Construction Month and to spotlight the growing demand for skilled trades workers across the state.

Christina Jungwirth, interim associate dean of advanced manufacturing and skilled trades at NWTC, said state leaders understand the importance of supporting the construction workforce.

“Luckily in our state our legislators realize the need for construction workers and the important work that they do for us,” Jungwirth said. “They thought that it would be fitting to declare at the state level, to honor those in that field.”

Jungwirth said workforce demand remains especially high throughout the region.

“We have a huge demand for construction workers in northeast Wisconsin specifically,” she said.

Construction currently makes up nearly 6% of Wisconsin’s workforce, and industry projections estimate nearly 500,000 new skilled workers will be needed nationwide in 2026. 

That demand is also being felt locally. Door and Kewaunee counties continue to experience tight labor markets and low unemployment rates, both below the national average. This forces employers in several industries, including construction and manufacturing, to compete for skilled workers.

Jungwirth says that NWTC continues to expand training opportunities to help meet workforce needs through hands-on instruction and partnerships with employers and schools throughout the region.

“NWTC has not only our regular college classes for those interested in going into the trades, we also have apprenticeship programs,” Jungwirth said.

She added that outreach efforts begin well before students reach college age.

“We work with high schools and other community organizations to draw interest so that we can support the needs in Door County, and in other communities in northeast Wisconsin,” Jungwirth said.

According to NWTC’s most recent graduate survey, construction-related programs at the college report a 100% employment rate, underscoring the continued demand for skilled workers in the trades.

Careers in Construction Month is intended to bring together educators, employers and community organizations to promote opportunities in the industry and encourage the next generation to pursue construction careers.

Do not be surprised if you encounter tractors, manure trucks and other pieces of agricultural equipment on the roads this week as Mother Nature has allowed farmers to get into their fields. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, Wisconsin farmers had 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork last week thanks to a reprieve from wet weather.

Farmers in Door and Kewaunee counties were about a day below that average at 3.2 suitable days for fieldwork, allowing them to complete spring tillage, manure spreading, fertilizing and planting where field conditions allowed. Better field conditions also mean more traffic on area roadways and more equipment moving in and out of fields.

Deer Run Dairy owner Duane Ducat says it took awhile for farmers to get out due to the eight-plus inches of rain fields took compared to the usual one to two inches they usually do. He reminds everyone to watch out for one another on the roads because, whether you are a farmer or not, everyone has places to go and needs to travel safely.

The planting of corn, oats and soybeans remains slightly behind the five-year average, while winter wheat and other cover crops used for forage continue to progress. Although field conditions are expected to remain mostly dry over the coming week, temperatures will struggle to climb out of the 60s, causing soil temperatures to warm more slowly than needed.

Some of the most important people in your child’s life may be the people you leave them with on your way to work. Since 1995, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day has been celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day to recognize child care providers, teachers and educators and their role in shaping young minds in their communities.

United Way of Door County Child Care Community Coordinator Molly Gary has had a front-row seat to the impact facilities such as Northern Door Children’s Center in Sister Bay and Doorway to Learning in Sturgeon Bay have had in the area. Both centers have expanded operations in recent years, allowing more families access to high-quality child care while enabling parents to remain employed in the community.

Gary spent many years in education before taking on the coordinator position, but she said she became even more appreciative of the work early childhood educators do to prepare children for elementary school and beyond while strengthening the community as a whole.

Gary said affordability remains the biggest challenge facing the local industry, with families struggling to afford tuition while child care centers search for ways to retain high-quality teachers in the area. Child care remains a major focus for United Way of Door County, which continues securing grants and organizing workgroups to expand support services.

Crossroads at Big Creek will bring together more than a dozen community partners for a morning of hands-on learning and celebration during its upcoming Discovery Day event.

The free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. It will feature interactive exhibits from more than 15 local organizations, along with a student art show inside the Collins Learning Center showcasing fish-inspired work from Sturgeon Bay middle and high school students.

Executive Director Samantha “Sam” Koyen said this year’s event will take a more interactive, community-centered approach.

“We’ll be opening our trails in a more community focused way,” Koyen said. “People will be able to interact with and learn about all of these local organizations through our trails, throughout the morning at intermittent stations.”

Activities will include educational opportunities and demonstrations from a variety of partners, offering visitors a chance to explore nature, conservation and local resources in an engaging outdoor setting.

The event also coincides with a milestone anniversary.

“This is all associated with the Collins Learning Center turning 25 this year,” Koyen said

.

In addition to the celebration, Crossroads announced that Program Director and Naturalist Coggin Heeringa will be retiring, though a specific timeline has not yet been set.

“Coggin has had her finger on the pulse in every organization you can think of,” said Koyen. “Crossroads would not be here without her, she amazingly continues to pour her heart into the organization and the community,” she added.

Koyen also revealed a donation match initiative from the Collins family, which will match contributions up to $25,000.

Crossroads at Big Creek was established in 2003, building on earlier efforts to expand environmental education in the Sturgeon Bay area. Koyen says Discovery Day reflects that ongoing mission by connecting residents with local organizations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The event is free and open to the public.

Mental Health Awareness Month is underway in May, with organizations across Door and Kewaunee counties emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being and encouraging residents to seek support when needed.

Joe Krebsbach, director of the Door County Health and Human Services Department said the county continues to expand its behavioral health offerings to meet growing demand.

“We have multiple programs in behavior health that serve individuals in the community,” Krebsbach said. “From the traditional one-on-one counseling to groups and programs that provide additional services for further down the road in the mental health realm.”

Krebsbach noted that Mental Health Awareness Month plays a key role in normalizing conversations around mental health and reducing stigma.

“I think part of what’s cool about Mental Health Awareness Month is that it is OK to talk about where you are at and to seek help if you need it,” he said. “I think in our, and probably all communities, the need is rising.”

As part of the month’s programming, a Suicide Prevention Presentation and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay. The session will focus on recognizing warning signs and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.

Also beginning this month, the NWTC Learning and Innovation Center in Sister Bay is hosting the WeCOPE (Connecting with Our Positive Emotions) program, a seven-week course designed to help adults manage stress and build resilience using evidence-based strategies. The course is free and open to the public.

In Kewaunee County, local libraries and community organizations are offering mental health-related resources and educational materials throughout the month, including information on stress management, youth mental health and substance use prevention.

At the state level, Gov. Tony Evers and the Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health recently released a statewide action plan designed to improve access to care, strengthen crisis response systems and reduce barriers to treatment across Wisconsin.

Together, the local and statewide efforts reflect a continued push to make mental health care more visible, accessible and supported in rural communities.

A road construction project on County Trunk Highway B is set to begin later this month, with work scheduled between the Sturgeon Bay city limits and North Shoreside Circle.

The Door County Highway Department said milling and removal of existing asphalt, along with intersection excavation, will take place May 13-14. Paving is expected to begin the week of May 18 and will include two layers of asphalt, followed by shouldering and centerline striping after a brief curing period.

Officials said an adhesive will be applied between asphalt layers and motorists should avoid driving on freshly treated surfaces and follow posted signage.

Flagging operations and periodic lane closures are expected, though access for local traffic will be maintained when possible.

“I’m going to try to set a closure up between BB and the city limits to through traffic, I probably won’t shut the other end off and have a flagger there.” said Deputy Highway Commissioner Randy Dvorak. “I don’t think we’ll have to move any mailboxes or anything, we are going to try to make that road a little wider and with paving we’ll try to get back there on the 18th, depending on the weather.”

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by June 22, excluding final striping.

A 79-year-old Ellison Bay woman told authorities she believes she fell asleep before crashing into a tree Tuesday afternoon.

The crash occurred shortly before 3 p.m. on State Highway 57 near Valmy Road. According to the crash report, the woman was traveling north when she crossed the centerline into the southbound lane while negotiating a curve. She then drove through a ditch and across a driveway before striking a tree.

A witness told the responding deputy the vehicle had been traveling normally before gradually crossing the centerline.

The woman suffered minor injuries and was taken to Door County Medical Center for treatment.

No citations were issued. The vehicle was towed after sustaining disabling damage.

A free community event focused on wellness, education and connection will take place later this month as part of ongoing efforts to promote healthier lifestyles in Door County.

“Health & Wellness Days” are scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, from 9 to 11:45 a.m. at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA Program Center, with a second session planned May 28 at the Jackie & Steve Kane Center in Fish Creek. The event will feature a structured, half-day format designed to give participants a range of options for improving both physical and mental well-being.

The event will include three rotating sessions, each offering three different activities. Options include guided exercise such as yoga, fitness screenings, nutrition and wellness education, and discussions centered on healthy living and aging. A complimentary lunch will also be provided for attendees.

“This half-day event has three different sessions, with three options in each session,” said Abby Baker, Sturgeon Bay YMCA Special Wellness Director. “It’s going to be a great day.”

Baker said the event aims to remove barriers by bringing multiple services together in one place.

“These screenings and evaluations can really go a long way to help those who may not have the option to do them all in one place,” she said. “The best part is you also get a free lunch.”

The event is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged. For more information, please visit the Door County YMCA website.

The annual citywide garage sale in Sturgeon Bay returns June 5–6, giving residents and visitors an early-summer opportunity to hunt for bargains while taking part in one of the community’s longest-standing traditions.

The two-day event will feature sales hosted by residents across the city, with shoppers expected to travel neighborhood to neighborhood, from Memorial Drive to Neenah Avenue,  in search of deals. District 4 Alderman Spencer Gustafson says the event continues to be a popular way for households to declutter, earn extra income and connect with neighbors.

He encourages residents to take advantage of the event, noting its unique draw in a tourist-heavy region.

“Folks that have things they want to sell at their home have a unique opportunity, especially in an area like ours,” Gustafson said. “I think if you are having a garage sale in Door County, it is a lot easier to sell things than in other areas, mainly because of all the visitors to the peninsula.”

Residents who want to host a sale must register by Wednesday, May 6. The $8 registration fee helps cover the cost of printing official maps that list participating locations and guide shoppers throughout the city.

“You have until May 6 to register, get your information in as soon as possible,” Gustafson said.

Registration forms are available at the Municipal Services Office on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as online through the city’s website.

An official map and directory of participating sales will be released ahead of the event, helping visitors plan their routes and maximize their time during the two-day sale.

Alderman Gustafson encourages anyone with questions to contact Sturgeon Bay City Hall for additional details.

A longtime leader at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) has been recognized statewide for his contributions to student affairs and higher education.

John Grant, associate vice president of student affairs at NWTC, received the Annabelle E. Wolf Outstanding Service in College Student Personnel Award from the Wisconsin College Personnel Association. The annual honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to student services both on their campuses and across the profession.

Grant, who has spent more than two decades at the technical college, said the recognition reflects not only his work, but also the collective efforts of those around him.

“I'm really grateful honestly, it feels like a bit of validation and peer respect,” Grant said. “It is important in my career and for my team to be genuinely committed to the well-being of others.”

Grant has worked at NWTC for 22 years, holding positions that include counselor, director of student support services and dean of student development before stepping into his current leadership role. Over that time, he has helped shape systems designed to improve student outcomes, including developing the college’s first academic advising model, a framework that has supported students for nearly two decades.

“I'm proudest of the systems and processes that help students achieve their goals and leave this institution with degrees,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, Grant said his time within the technical college system has been both meaningful and rewarding.

“It's been a joy, I have had such a blast working in the technical college system and specifically for NWTC,” he said.

The Annabelle E. Wolf award highlights Grant’s longstanding commitment to advancing student services and supporting learners both at NWTC and across the broader higher education community.

When you grab your cards and magazines from your mailbox, consider replacing them with a canned food item for your local food pantry. Mail carriers across the country will support their local food pantries through the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which officially takes place May 9.

The event is held in conjunction with the United States Postal Service, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association and United Way.

Last year, more than 14,000 pounds of food was collected in the Sturgeon Bay area and another 500 pounds in Fish Creek. Longtime organizer Darrell LeCloux says the food drive comes at an important time for food pantries, which are struggling to keep their shelves stocked for those they serve.

While the official date is May 9, LeCloux encourages residents to put food out for their letter carrier sooner rather than later. Space constraints can limit what carriers can collect along their routes, especially if they have a lot of packages to deliver. Donations can also be dropped off at local post offices.

All donations will stay local. Food collected in Sturgeon Bay will benefit Feed My People Door County, Lakeshore CAP, Sturgeon Bay Community Church Pantry and Holy Name of Mary Church pantry in Maplewood.

If you have not seen Third Avenue PlayWorks’ production of “Heroes” yet, you are down to just one more week.

Since April 22, Alan Kopischke, Michael A. Torrey and C. Michael Wright have starred in the comedy, which tells the story of three aging World War I veterans living out their glory days in a retirement home before plotting their escape.

Artistic Director Jacob Janssen is one of the play’s two directors and has been working with the actors for several weeks. He said it is always interesting to see the small ways a production like “Heroes” can evolve as actors receive instant feedback from audiences.

Even though the curtain will fall for “Heroes” after its 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, it will not be long until the next TAP production takes the stage.

Rehearsals for “Moonlight and Magnolias” begin May 14 before the show officially opens in early June. You can hear about both plays and the activity that happens in between by clicking here to listen to our interview with Janssen.

The slate of candidates who could appear on the ballot this fall to replace state Sen. Andre Jacque now stands at four.

U.S. Army veteran and current district director for Jacque, Nic Cravillion, is the latest to enter the race for the 1st Senate District seat, which Jacque is vacating after announcing last week he will not seek reelection.

A lifelong resident of New Franken, Cravillion is a small-business owner and a member of the Army National Guard. In his campaign announcement Monday, Cravillion said he was saddened that his friend and mentor was stepping aside but believes that “now is the time for me to step up, continue the work we’ve started, and fight for the values that define our communities.” He added that his time working with Jacque makes him uniquely qualified for the job.

Cravillion joins a field of candidates that includes Outagamie County Veterans Service Officer Kell Bales, DC Farm for Vets founder Jacob VandenPlas and former Brown County Republican Party chair Mark Becker. The primary election is Aug. 11, ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

After more than 1,500 beagles were rescued from a Wisconsin breeding and testing facility last week, organizations like the Wisconsin Humane Society are preparing for what happens next.

Hundreds of dogs were first moved from Ridglan Farms last Friday after the company reached a deal with animal rights organizations to sell the majority of its 2,000 beagles following years of alleged animal mistreatment.

Of the 1,500 beagles that were rescued, 150 dogs will be heading to facilities within the Wisconsin Humane Society, including locations in Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay. Wisconsin Humane Society spokesperson Angela Speed said some of the beagles could be available for adoption by the end of next week if they pass medical and behavioral testing.

Speed reminded potential adopters and fosters that these dogs have not had a normal start to their lives, meaning more attention and patience will likely be needed to help them acclimate to their new surroundings.

The Wisconsin Humane Society welcomed a similar number of animals in 2022, when more than 4,000 beagles were rescued from a Virginia-based breeding and testing facility. Speed said that if people cannot adopt or foster one of the incoming beagles, they can donate food, soft treats, toys or money to the Wisconsin Humane Society to support placement efforts.

Dozens of Jeeps fanned out across Door County on Saturday for the annual Door County Jeep Run, a daylong fundraiser supporting United Way of Door County and its mental health programs.

The event kicked off at Door County Fire Company with registration and breakfast before Jeep owners and Jeep entusiasts alike gathered for a driver’s meeting ahead of the 11 a.m. start. Teams then set out across the peninsula for an app-based scavenger hunt, solving clues and choosing their own path through local municipalities.

Along the way, participants stopped at peninsula businesses, restaurants and local watering holes for the event’s poker run, collecting cards dealt by United Way donors, volunteers and community personalities.

The event drew a mix of Jeeps and other vehicles, with the United Way emphasizing that the run is open to all. Participants explored towns, completed challenges and visited area businesses throughout the day.

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle summed up the long day with big thanks for all that volunteered and hosted stops. And invited everyone to the next run  coming up this fall in November.

“Our first place winner graciously donated thier money back to the United Way,” Kohnle said. “A big thank you to all of the volunteers and stops that made this happen, we appreciate each and every one of you. We'll see you November 7th”

The wrap-up celebration at Door County Fire Company had food, music and raffle drawings, followed by prize announcements recognizing top teams and poker hands.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to take extra precautions when burning brush piles or using burn barrels.

Door and Kewaunee counties are among more than 30 counties listed in the high fire danger category, meaning the combination of high winds and dry conditions could allow a wildfire to ignite easily. Approximately 35 counties are in the even more severe “very high” category, while only five counties are listed as moderate.

As of now, none of the Door County fire departments have issued burn bans. However, residents are still required to contact their local department to obtain the proper permit before burning.

The noon update came with the report of six wildfires burning across the state, including one in nearby Oconto County.

The Door County Sheriff’s Office released more details Monday about a one-vehicle crash that sent two people to the hospital and highlighted the actions of several rescuers.

Emergency crews were dispatched to County Road S near Tagge Road shortly after 5:20 p.m. According to the sheriff’s office, the driver was towing a trailer and heading north when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lane, left the roadway, and struck a tree and a nearby parked vehicle.

The first deputy on scene found the driver, a 40-year-old Sister Bay man, lying on the ground outside the vehicle, while the passenger, a 28-year-old woman from Kewaunee, remained inside.

Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser confirmed witness reports that a sheriff’s deputy, a Nasewaupee first responder and other bystanders helped remove the passenger shortly before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. The sheriff’s office later commended Deputy Andrew Janikowski and emergency medical responders Caleb Meier, Michael Depner Jr. and John Sperber for their actions during the incident. The department also said Janikowski was taken to Door County Medical Center after experiencing breathing issues.

Both the man and woman were transported to a Green Bay hospital for treatment. The vehicles were towed from the scene, and County Road S reopened before 9 p.m. following investigation and cleanup.

The Sister Bay man was cited for operating while intoxicated causing injury, knowingly operating with a revoked license causing great bodily harm, failure to keep a vehicle under control, and deviation from a designated lane.

The newest name running for Wisconsin governor is not a stranger to headlines, especially in recent weeks. Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad announced over the weekend that he is running for the Democratic nomination for governor.

In his social media announcement, Bangstad expressed his disapproval of the current crop of Democratic candidates, which includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys of Madison, state Rep. Francesca Hong of Madison, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes and former Greater Milwaukee Committee President Joel Brennan.

“I’m running for governor because I believe Wisconsin needs a battle-hardened fighter to join the rest of America to save our democracy from (President Donald) Trump’s regime, and that person currently doesn’t exist in the crowded field of Democrats running in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial primary,” Bangstad wrote.

He said he decided to run for office following an interview with FBI and U.S. Secret Service agents about his alleged threats against President Trump after he expressed disappointment following the failed assassination attempt at last month’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Bangstad’s company celebrates its progressive roots, brewing several beers in honor of liberal politicians, and has served as the ground floor for his super PAC.

The Republican field is less crowded, with U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Andy Manske as the lone candidates. People interested in running for office have until June 1 to submit the necessary paperwork to be placed on the Aug. 11 primary ballot and potentially the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Commuters in Sturgeon Bay will still face disruptions Monday as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation completes its bridge maintenance schedule.

After working on the Bayview Bridge last Monday and the Maple-Oregon Street Bridge on Tuesday and Wednesday, DOT crews will turn their attention to the Michigan Street Bridge.

The bridge will be fully closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. DOT spokesperson Mark Kantola said last month the closure is for routine maintenance and inspections ahead of increased seasonal traffic over and under the bridge.

The Bayview Bridge and Maple-Oregon Street Bridge will remain open as alternate routes. WisDOT officials also launched a website last month to provide motorists and boaters with updates on the work and potential travel impacts.

Southern Door High School’s Student Council and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, in the school gymnasium.

The drive will take place at Southern Door High School, with donors entering at Door 11.

Anyone 17 or older, weighing at least 110 pounds, or age 16 with parental permission, and in good health is eligible to donate. Parent permission forms are available at redcross.org.

Donors can schedule appointments online through the Red Cross website by searching for the 54204 ZIP code, though walk-ins will also be accepted. Participants may experience longer wait times without an appointment.

All donors will receive a $20 Amazon gift card via email after donating.

Troy Pertzborn, Southern Door High School teacher said the event highlights the importance of student involvement in community service.

“Opportunities like this show students how they can directly make a difference in people’s lives right here in our local community,” Pertzborn said.

Officials note that someone in the United States needs blood every two to three seconds, and volunteer donations are critical to meeting that demand.

A topic you might keep to yourself in the bathroom will be shared in the classroom beginning next month in Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay.

The Door County Public Health Department is teaming up with Door County Medical Center, the ADRC of Door County and the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging to present a pair of three-class series titled Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder.

Half of all women age 50 or older will experience incontinence at some point in their lives. Left untreated, incontinence can lead to chronic skin conditions like rashes and sores, recurring urinary tract infections and pelvic floor muscle damage, in addition to other concerns that could affect quality of life.

Door County Public Health’s Teri Van Lieshout says the material covered could help improve symptoms occurring in the bladder and bowels.

The Sturgeon Bay class will take place May 21, June 4 and June 18 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the ADRC building. The Sister Bay class will take place at the Door County Medical Center clinic on June 2, June 16 and June 30 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

You can contact Van Lieshout by phone or email to sign up for the course.

This week at Crossroads at Big Creek, we focus our binoculars—and our programming—on birds. Birdwatching has become far more than a pleasant hobby. Birds are often described as “biological barometers,” or indicator species, of environmental health. Because of our commitment to habitat restoration, we view them as a valuable metric for evaluating ecological integrity. Their presence—or absence—helps us gauge whether our restoration and tree-planting efforts are making a meaningful difference.

So why birds? They offer a rare combination of ecological importance and visibility.

First, birds can fly. This mobility allows them to respond quickly to environmental change. If a habitat becomes degraded and no longer provides sufficient food to support breeding adults and their young, adequate nesting sites, clean water or suitable microclimate conditions, birds can move elsewhere. The reverse is also true: as habitat quality improves, we often see an increase in the diversity and abundance of breeding birds.

Birds also play many roles that influence ecosystem processes. Depending on the species, they may act as predators, seed dispersers, scavengers or pollinators. By observing which species are present, land managers gain insight into different levels of the food web. Changes in bird communities can signal broader ecosystem shifts, making them useful indicators of ecological integrity.

They are also relatively easy to observe. Many birds are colorful, active during the day and vocal, which makes them easier to detect and identify than many other wildlife groups. (For the record, Crossroads also monitors bats and frogs as part of its broader ecological work.)

Finally, some birds are highly selective about their habitat. Certain species require large tracts of mature forest, while others depend on a mix of habitat types—such as areas where young forest or shrubland occurs alongside older growth. Because of these specific requirements, the presence of particular bird species can tell us a great deal about habitat quality and diversity.

For this reason, creating a mosaic of habitats—with a diversity of native plant species and a range of age classes—is essential. Without this diversity, some bird species are unlikely to use an area for nesting. Conversely, when restoration goals are met, we may begin to see the return of sensitive or even rare species.

We are proud to participate each year in Global Big Day, an annual 24-hour birding event. In 2026, it takes place May 9, in conjunction with World Migratory Bird Day. Bird enthusiasts around the world record species and submit their observations through eBird, contributing to a global dataset that supports conservation science. Organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this effort helps researchers track migration patterns, monitor population changes and better understand the impacts of climate change.

At Crossroads, we’ll kick off the day with a morning birding jaunt at the Cove Estuary Preserve beginning at 6:30 a.m. Saturday. Participants are also encouraged to bird throughout the day and submit their sightings.

Then on Monday, May 11, at 6 a.m., the public is invited to join us for a Birding in the Field Breakfast at the Cove Estuary Preserve. Registration is required—please visit our website for details and to reserve your spot.

Later that same morning, at 10 a.m., our Habitat Healers volunteers will be planting trees to increase biodiversity across our preserves—for birds and other wildlife now and into the future.

We welcome birders—especially eBirders—at Crossroads year-round. We also welcome anyone who wants to connect with nature.

Thursday, May 7

3:30 p.m. Nature Investigators—Macroinvertebrates

Geared for school-age children, this weekly, hands-on program invites participants to explore a new environmental mystery each session. This week: discover the creatures of the creek. Dress for the weather. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Saturday, May 9

6:30 a.m. Global Big Day

Meet at the Cove Estuary Preserve in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Participants will identify and report birds in the Cove and riparian wetlands and forests. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Cove Preserve parking lot, 817 S. 20th Place, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Saturday, May 9

10 a.m. Habitat Healers: Tree Planting

Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Equipment and instruction provided. Waterproof or muck boots are recommended. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Meet at the Shop, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Monday, May 11

6 a.m. Birding in the Field Breakfast

Perfect for those curious about waterfowl and secretive marsh birds. A naturalist will provide spotting scopes and extra binoculars (participants may also bring their own). Enjoy a spring morning of bird observation followed by a field-style breakfast and coffee. Registration required—visit the Crossroads website for details and to register.

Wednesday, May 13

1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday

An easy, hour-long hike with a naturalist. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. eBirders are encouraged to bring a phone. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

A Sturgeon Bay resident who began her academic journey in a high school equivalency program (HSED) is now earning national recognition for her achievements at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

Jennifer Bacon, a student in NWTC’s cybersecurity associate degree program, has been named to the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship. She is scheduled to graduate next month with a 4.0 GPA and plans to transfer to Western Governors University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance.

Bacon said her path to higher education was not traditional.

“I was homeschooled since I was 15,” she said. “I do remember people telling me that I would fail."

She later decided to return to school through NWTC’s HSED program, crediting encouragement from a mentor for helping her take the first step.

“Something was missing, I now had the time, and Nancy Brennan told me that I could do it, and we’d do it together,” Bacon said. “And guess what? I did it. I got my GED.”

Bacon said the experience at NWTC helped restore her confidence and motivated her to continue her education.

“NWTC gave me the confidence to walk back through those doors,” she said.

In addition to the Coca-Cola Academic Team honor, Bacon is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, has been named to the All-Wisconsin Academic Team, nominated for the All-USA Academic Team and received NWTC’s STAR Award.

She balanced her coursework while undergoing breast cancer treatment, an experience she said strengthened her resolve to succeed.

Bacon’s story highlights the importance of accessible education pathways for nontraditional students and the impact of perseverance.

“Being recognized as part of the Coca-Cola Academic Team is surreal,” Bacon said. “I am very grateful and humbled, and proof that when someone works hard and believes in themselves, other people will believe in you too.”

Bacon said she hopes to build a career in cybersecurity focused on threat intelligence and digital forensics, while also helping others feel safer and more confident online.

“I want to protect people and give people confidence, just like people gave me,” she said. “That’s what NWTC did for me.”