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.

Depending on when you choose to get your laps in at the Door County YMCA in Sturgeon Bay or Fish Creek, you are well aware of the ongoing nationwide lifeguard shortage.

While it is not a new issue, pools and other aquatic facilities are feeling the impact of not having enough lifeguards, especially as college and high school students head back to class in the coming weeks.

In this week's Y-Wednesday Podcast, Door County YMCA CEO Tonya Felhofer explains why the YMCA has to close its pools when there are not enough lifeguards on duty and discusses the opportunities available for those interested in becoming certified.

That includes the YMCA's lifeguard certification class, which will take place Aug. 3-7 from noon to 6 p.m. each day. The course is free for participants who become lifeguards at the Door County YMCA, and they also receive a free YMCA membership.

You can hear more about the available opportunities and today's (July 22) Campfire Across America event at the Kane Center in Fish Creek by clicking this link.

Changes are on the way if you rely on the InfoSoup platform  to find some of your favorite books and magazines through the Door County Library.

 

InfoSoup is a shared online catalog and digital library network that serves libraries across northeast Wisconsin, allowing users to place holds, renew physical books, and access digital collections through apps like OverDrive, Libby and TumbleBooks.

 

Due to an upcoming system upgrade, some features will become unavailable beginning July 26, which is the last day to place holds and have a good chance of receiving them before Aug. 8. You can still request items after July 26, but it could take up to two additional weeks to receive them.

 

Online account access will be unavailable beginning Aug. 7 for approximately two weeks, though librarians will still be able to assist with holds, renewals, lists and fee payments. You will be able to access your InfoSoup account again after Aug. 19.

 

You can click this link for more details from the Door County Library.

 

Photo credit: Pixabay and Door County

Performing arts venues throughout the county had to ditch the scripts and scores last week and rely on improvisation after the area filled with smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

 

At times, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached levels between 400 and 700 — more than 100 points above the 300 AQI threshold for hazardous air conditions and far from the 0-50 range considered healthy for everyday outdoor activity.

 

It forced many venues to either cancel performances or make alternate plans. Peninsula Players Theatre was forced to cancel three performances because of poor AQI levels, while Northern Sky Theater moved its performances from Peninsula State Park indoors and presented concert-style versions of its shows. At Birch Creek Music Performance Center, outdoor performances were moved inside the Dutton Concert Barn, while people who were more sensitive to the smoke could watch via simulcast in Juniper Hall.

 

Birch Creek Music Performance Center Executive Director Jenna Ferdon says it was a frantic time as staff worked to determine the best way to keep everyone safe.

 

 

With the AQI trending downward, Ferdon expects performances will return to normal for the second week of the first Big Band Jazz session, including ambassador performances in Ellison Bay, Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Ephraim, as well as concerts on Birch Creek's Egg Harbor campus.

 

You can listen to our full interview with Ferdon here.

Cherries and helping others achieve affordable housing were just two of the common threads celebrated by Habitat for Humanity officials on Monday.

 

Door County Habitat for Humanity leaders welcomed their peers from Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Honduras and Costa Rica for a day of touring the peninsula and highlighting the work being done locally.

 

A portion of the money raised by Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country supports international efforts in more than 70 countries through the organization's tithe program, which encourages affiliates to contribute 10% of their unrestricted, undesignated donations to the Global Impact Fund.

 

It was a day of learning for everyone on the tour, which included not only stops to pick up some cherries but also visits with families whose lives have been impacted by Door County Habitat for Humanity. What stood out to Habitat for Humanity Honduras Resource Development and Communications Manager Stanzi Perez was the connection Executive Director Lori Allen has with the families they serve.

 

 

For Allen, it was learning how Habitat for Humanity Honduras partners with its business community to make an even bigger impact in the areas it serves.

 

 

Habitat for Humanity Wisconsin Executive Director Peter Lewandowski says the day was important because it demonstrated the international impact that can be made in our own backyard.

 

 

Perz and Eugenia Salazar Trejos from Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica will be touring Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the state this week as part of the delegation's visit to Wisconsin.

A late-night encounter with a deer led to a single-vehicle crash in the Town of Sturgeon Bay on Sunday.

 

The crash occurred on County T near Ridge Road just before 11:45 p.m. when a 16-year-old Sturgeon Bay boy was traveling east and encountered a deer crossing the road. He swerved to avoid the deer but drove off the roadway, through a ditch and into a tree.

 

The responding deputy noted in his report that there were more deer in the area following the crash.

 

The teen suffered a possible minor injury but did not need to be transported to a hospital.

 

The scene was cleared shortly after 12:30 a.m. Monday after a tow truck arrived to remove the vehicle.

You will have an opportunity to hear from the three candidates vying to replace Rep. Tony Wied when the Democratic Party of Brown County hosts a candidate forum next month in Green Bay.

Rick Crosson, Katrina DeVille and Mark Scheffler will answer questions from former congressional candidate Dr. Kristin Lyerly and Democratic Party of Brown County Chair Wanda Sieber during the forum, which is scheduled for Aug. 3.

The forum will begin at 6 p.m. in the Christie Theatre at the University Union on the UW-Green Bay campus.

The event takes place eight days before Democrats head to the polls to cast their ballots in the Aug. 11 primary. The winner will face Wied, who completed former Rep. Mike Gallagher's term in 2024 before beginning his own term last year.

Republicans have held the seat since Reid Ribble defeated then-Rep. Steve Kagen, a Democrat, in 2010, a streak that has now spanned eight elections.

Wednesday marks the final day eligible voters can register online or by mail before Election Day. Voters may also register at their clerk's office by August 7th and at their polling place when they vote on Election Day, provided they meet Wisconsin's registration requirements.

All four Door County sheriff candidates will be under one roof later this month when the League of Women Voters of Door County hosts its candidate forum on July 30. The forum will feature incumbent and Democratic candidate Sheriff Tammy Sternard, Republican candidates Curt Vandertie and Carl Waterstreet, and independent candidate Randy Wagner.

 

The public can submit questions for the forum, but representatives from the League of Women Voters of Door County will ask them between opening and closing statements from each candidate.

 

The forum will take place at the Sturgeon Bay High School auditorium from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It can be attended in person or watched on the Sturgeon Bay High School YouTube channel. It also will be recorded for later viewing on the League of Women Voters of Door County's website.

 

The forum comes just weeks before the Aug. 11 primary, when the Republican field will be narrowed from two candidates to one, setting up a three-person race ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Some of the first people you meet at Door County Medical Center are receiving recognition from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey.

 

Door County Medical Center is one of 44 Wisconsin hospitals to earn a five-star rating for nurse communication, according to a list compiled by Becker's Hospital Review. The rating reflects how well patients felt their nurses explained things clearly, listened carefully, and treated them with courtesy and respect.

 

Director of Inpatient Services Melody Hargis says nurses often spend the most one-on-one time with patients, administering medications and tests while relaying information from doctors, radiologists, and other medical professionals. She credits the culture they have built at Door County Medical Center for their nurses being able to build strong relationships during what can be a traumatic time for the patients they serve.

 

 

Hargis adds that the ranking means a lot to them because it comes directly from patient feedback. Wisconsin had the most hospitals receiving five-star nurse communication ratings, followed by Pennsylvania with 42, Texas with 33 and Ohio with 32.

For emergency management directors like Kewaunee County's Tracy Nollenberg, it has been the weather that has kept them on their toes this year. After a snowstorm dumped 25 to 30 inches of snow on the area in March, the region was hit with torrential rainstorms that dropped several inches of rain. In recent weeks, more heavy rain and straight-line winds have caused flash flooding and other storm damage.

 

Nollenberg says they have stayed active, trying to keep residents informed as best they can using tools like the county's mass notification system and social media.

 

 

Nollenberg recommends always having an emergency plan and emergency supplies ready.

 

You can click the links to sign up for emergency notifications in Door and Kewaunee counties.

 

The reminder comes as the National Weather Service warns of hazardous weather on the way, with severe storms expected to hit the area from late Monday afternoon into the evening. Damaging winds, large hail, locally heavy rainfall, and even tornadoes are all possible, according to the latest storm projections.

 

 

The Southern Door Fire Department is turning Main Street in Forestville into Santa Claus Lane on Saturday as it hosts its annual Firefighters Picnic and Parade. With the event taking place exactly five months before elves and reindeer make their annual midnight ride, the Southern Door Fire Department will host a "Christmas in July"-themed parade ahead of an afternoon of fire safety demonstrations, music from Highway 10 DJ Service and The Presidents, food, beverages and more.

 

The money raised from the event will support the department's recent purchase of its Jaws of Life extrication equipment, which will also be demonstrated during the event at 1 p.m. Southern Door Fire Chief Rich Olson says a lot of thank-yous are exchanged throughout the day.

 

 

If you would like to participate in the parade, lineup begins on Mill Road at 10:30 a.m. before the parade steps off at 11 a.m. You can find more details about the event at this link.

All three candidates for Kewaunee County sheriff agree that if an immigrant is arrested, Immigration and Customs Enforcement should be notified. In June 2025, Kewaunee County signed an agreement with ICE under its 287(g) program. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, the agreement authorizes participating sheriff's departments to have local deputies enforce certain federal immigration laws within the county jail and serve administrative warrants for undocumented individuals. Approximately 20 Wisconsin counties, including Brown and Manitowoc, have active agreements with ICE.

 

Scott Szydel says that if people are committing felony crimes, they should not be in the country.

 

 

Kevin Schmidt said he would like to know why the department signed the agreement but agreed that ICE should be contacted if someone commits a crime after they have served their sentence.

 

 

Eric Zellner cited his experience responding to calls involving suspected Venezuelan gang members in the middle of the night as one reason he would keep Kewaunee County in the program if elected.

 

 

All three candidates said immigrants living in the community should be better documented but stopped short of saying they should be granted driver's licenses. You can hear the complete interviews with all three candidates at this link.

Former Bayfield County Board member and current Director of Strategic Policy Partnerships at the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project Mary Dougherty knows a thing or two about the intersection of progress and process in agriculture.

 

On July 22, the Door County Environmental Council will feature Dougherty as its speaker for a presentation titled "Good Neighbors Pay Their Own Way: Bigger Operations, Bigger Risks, Local Solutions."

 

Dougherty was on the front lines when a proposed 26,000-head hog operation sought to locate in her town of 400 residents. That experience helped her create the Operations Ordinance, which requires large-scale agricultural operators to submit their plans for an independent review to ensure impacts on roads, mass mortality, biosecurity, fire protection, and emergency preparedness have been considered before construction begins and additional animals are brought to the site.

 

Dougherty says it comes down to neighbors being respectful of one another, whether they have one dog or thousands of farm animals in their backyard.

 

 

The free program will take place at the Kress Pavilion beginning at 7 p.m. If you cannot attend in person, a Zoom link will be available on the Door County Environmental Council's website.

Looking at the rock formations along the walls of the Old Stone Quarry in Sturgeon Bay, Mike Parent knew his property was destined for something bigger and brighter. After a year of planning, Parent's vision for the quarry will become a reality when it hosts the Rock on the Rock event benefiting Sunshine Resources of Door County on Aug. 1.

 

Parent's expertise is in construction, not event planning, but conversations with an LED lighting professional and a member of Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns made him realize his idea was possible.

 

 

The day will feature more than just an LED light show and performances by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns, Conscious Pilot and Bacchus Lotus. The event begins with presentations from the Open Door Bird Sanctuary, the Door County Museum and Geological Tours of Door County, which will share the story behind the quarry. Parent hopes people will experience what makes the Old Stone Quarry such a special place.

 

 

Tickets for Rock on the Rock are on sale now at this link.

Door County’s landscape is written in stone. From the towering bluffs along the bay of Green Bay to the smooth rocks scattered across Lake Michigan beaches, the peninsula’s unique character was shaped hundreds of millions of years ago. Ancient tropical seas deposited layers of limestone and dolomite; glaciers sculpted the land, and wind and water continue to shape it today. This week’s Summer at Crossroads theme, Rocks, invites visitors to discover the fascinating geological story beneath their feet and explore how Door County’s rocky foundation influences everything from its caves and cliffs to its forests and wetlands.

 

The week begins with a Tale. At 2 pm on Monday, July 27, Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read “When You Find the Right Rock,” written by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Felicita Sala. Through vibrant illustrations and thoughtful, evocative text, this story encourages readers to discover beauty and meaning in something as simple as a stone. From mountain paths to lakeshore beaches, each rock carries a story and invites us to slow down, make connections with the natural world, and appreciate small discoveries. For those unable to attend Story Time, the pages of the book will be featured on our Trail Tales storybook walk all week long beginning at the West Trailhead.

 

On Tuesday, July 28, at 1 pm, Journeys with Joan will explore Rocks & Caves of Door County. Naturalist Joan Wilkie will guide participants through the geological history hidden just below the surface. From the dolomite bedrock of the Niagara Escarpment—the very feature that helped create Door County’s distinctive shoreline—to caves, crevices, and cliffs shaped by water and ice, participants will discover how sedimentary rocks form over time and how erosion continues to shape the peninsula today.

 

At 1:30 pm on Wednesday, July 29, hikers joining Wandering Wednesday will hit the trails with a naturalist for a guided hike on the trails. Explore the beauty of Crossroads at Big Creek while learning about the plants, animals, and natural communities that make this landscape unique. Along the way, hikers will discover seasonal highlights and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural environment that surrounds them.

 

Thursday’s 2 pm Talk on July 30 features Brian Forest of the Door County Land Trust presenting Geology 101 – Learning Rocks. This hands-on program will introduce participants to the three major rock types—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic—and explain how they form and what they tell us about Earth’s history.

 

Focusing on Door County’s geology, Brian will explore how limestone and dolomite bedrock, along with glacial deposits, influence the peninsula’s landforms, soils, groundwater, and ecosystems. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these ancient geological processes continue to shape the places we love to explore today. Whether you're new to geology or simply curious about the rocks beneath your boots, this program offers a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes.

 

Throughout the week—and all summer long—visitors can also enjoy Tinkers, our self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Guests can sort and examine different types of rocks, compare textures and shapes, and participate in simple challenges that encourage observation, classification, and discovery.

 

As visitors explore Door County’s landscapes this summer, they may also want to mark their calendars for Crossroads’ annual Trails & Ales event on September 12, combining great beer, local food, live music, and the natural beauty of Crossroads’ trails. Early Bird tickets are available now through July 31, offering a chance to save while supporting Crossroads’ mission of connecting people with nature. Learn more and purchase tickets at: https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/TrailsandAles.

 

Rocks may appear still and unchanging, but they are part of a dynamic Earth system. Formed through heat, pressure, time, and the movement of water and ice, they provide the foundation for every ecosystem. In Door County, that foundation is especially visible—etched into beaches, bluffs, caves, and shorelines that tell a story far older than human history. By learning about rocks, we gain a deeper appreciation for the landscapes that shape our community and the life that depends on them.

 

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, July 27

2:00 pm Tale: “When You Find the Right Rock”

Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, When You Find the Right Rock written by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Felicita Sala.

 

Somewhere, a rock is waiting for you. One just the right color for your windowsill, or just the right shape for drawing a face.

 

Maybe it is a rock from the heart of a mountain that will remind you of how big YOU are inside, too. Maybe it is a rock washed by the sea that knows all about the backs and forths and ups and downs of things. Maybe it is a small rock, just the right size to close your hand around and know that the rock is with you and it is just right.

 

Through vibrant illustration and evocative text, When You Find the Right Rock carries readers along on a journey of discovery, from the mountains to the sea, that’s all about learning the beauty of being in the moment, connecting with nature, and the thrill of finding a precious keepsake to call your own. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay. 

 

Tuesday, July 28

1:00 pm Journeys with Joan – Rocks & Caves of Door County

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

Explore the Door County geology just below our feet. 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 Street, Sturgeon Bay. 

 

Wednesday, July 29

1:30 pm Wandering Wednesday

Join a naturalist-led hike. Easy walking. About an hour. Well-behaved dogs allowed on leash. Registration is not required. Open to the public and free. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

 

Thursday, July 30

2:00 pm Talk: Geology 101 – Learning Rocks

Join Brian Forest of Door County Land Trust for an engaging introduction to Door County’s geology, where you’ll learn to identify different types of rocks and understand how they formed. Discover how limestone, dolomite, and glacial features shape the region’s landscapes, ecosystems, and history while gaining a new perspective on the ground beneath your feet. Free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay.

One day after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exited the Wisconsin governor's race due to financial problems within her campaign, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley threw his hat back into the race. Crowley had dropped out less than two weeks ago and endorsed Rodriguez. He now rejoins Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, Joel Brennan and Kelda Roys, who are all vying for the Democratic nomination to face likely Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. Andy Manske is also seeking the Republican nomination. The primary is Aug. 11.

If you pay your property taxes in installments, an important deadline is approaching.

 

The second installment of 2025 real estate property taxes is due on or before July 31. Whether you mail, drop off or pay your property tax installment online, Door County Treasurer Ryan Schley asks that you include your tax bill stub or tax parcel number with all payments. He also asks that you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a receipt.

 

Missing the July 31 deadline could cost you even more money. Under Wisconsin law and Door County ordinance, unpaid property taxes become delinquent after the due date, and interest and penalties are applied retroactively to February. That means you will be charged 7% interest and an additional 3.5% penalty in August, with another 1.5% interest added each month until the taxes are paid in full.

 

You can find more information about paying your Door County property taxes below.

 

All postponed and delinquent real estate property tax payments should be made payable to the Door County Treasurer.

 

BY MAIL

Payments by mail should be sent to:

Door County Treasurer
421 Nebraska Street
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

 

IN-PERSON

Those paying in person can visit the Treasurer's Office on the lobby level of the Door County Government Center, 421 Nebraska Street. Office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday. Office hours remain the same, even if the due date falls on a Friday or over the weekend. Please keep in mind that there is a drop box for payments located on the 5th Ave. side of the building for those being dropped off outside of the normal business hours.

 

ON-LINE

Property taxes may also be paid online using a credit card, debit card, or e-check through the Door County website. Online payment instructions are available under Our County → Treasurer → Property Tax Payment Information. A $1.50 fee applies to e-check payments, while credit and debit card transactions incur a 2.39% convenience fee.

Part of being on the water in Door County is being out in the sun.  Most of us have probably had far too much sun exposure and don’t need any more.  I’m on the beautiful waters of Door County many days a year and see the barely dressed to people like me who take protection from the sun to an extreme.  And, coming off a week with several days with temps in the mid-90’s this is a good time for the sun protection reminder! 

 

For me, whether out in my Yar-Craft fishing boat or one of my Jackson Kayaks chasing smallmouth bass, or, just enjoying a pleasant paddle on the lake, I’m protected from the sun.  Starting from top to bottom, I always wear a hat with brim, polarized sunglasses, a gaiter to protect my ears, neck and part of my face.  I wear good sunscreen of at least 50 SPF on any exposed areas, including areas of my face not covered by the gaiter.  I wear sun gloves, long sleeve fishing shirts and pants that have UPF protection built in.  Even with the pants and water shoes, don’t forget to put sunscreen on your ankles and the tops of your feet not covered.  When I’m out chasing smallies, if they aren’t biting, I’m usually off the water as I’m not out for a suntan!

 

Speaking of smallmouth bass, with the hot weather we’ve had this summer the water temps on both Lake Michigan and Green Bay are very high in the upper 70- degree range.  Catching and releasing those smallies is extremely important and doing it fast to stress these beautiful bronzebacks as little as possible.  I get those smallies I catch in and back in the water as fast as anyone, but with high water temperatures have still seen some sluggish fish, especially bigger ones.  If you want a picture, have the camera or phone ready, so that smallie is back in the water as fast as possibly, ideally in under a minute.

 

And another important reminder.  Always wear your PFD (lifejacket) at all times while kayaking, even when the water is warm!  Recently, at Cave Point I was with a friend who is an experienced kayaker.  She dropped her sunglasses into the water and tipped her Sit-In kayak reaching too quickly and shifting her weight to get those sunglasses.  Kudos to Leah, Door County Kayak Adventures as I was 50 yards away when it happened.  She was leading a group of six kayakers and jumped in helping my friend, who was wearing her PFD.  Leah pulled the kayak out of the water, emptied it and helped my friend back in!

 

As always, if you have any questions about kayaking or kayak fishing Door County you can email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com

Even as they earned a second win in court this week, community members behind Potawatomi Advocates for Trees, Conservation and Heritage (PATCH) are continuing to ask questions.

 

On Tuesday, Door County Circuit Judge Jennifer Moeller kept in place an injunction that temporarily blocks additional tree-cutting inside Potawatomi State Park. The litigation dates back to last month, when PATCH announced it was suing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and DNR Secretary Karen Hyun over a road construction project that resulted in hundreds of trees being cut down to widen Shoreline Road and South Norway Road by up to 10 feet for new bike lanes.

 

PATCH Executive Director Dave Allen argues that the project violates the park's 2018 master plan, which states that road projects should maintain the park's current level of development. Allen says the injunction stopped short of putting a halt to the work altogether, adding that crews are hard at work trying to get the job done before corrective measures can be taken.

 

 

Allen believes the DNR would never have tried to ignore the master plan at more popular state parks like Peninsula or Devil's Lake, where wider roads for increased traffic might be warranted. He and others want to know why Potawatomi was treated differently and hope they are on the path to finding that answer.

 

 

According to court records, a third hearing has not been been scheduled as lawyers for both sides work to agree on a stipulated schedule to submit to the court.

A conversation about kickball with his son not only gave Ryan Shaw an idea for a fun day with his family, but also a way to give back to those in need.

 

Shaw is a member of Door County Mutual Aid, an inclusive network of friends and neighbors who work together to fill needs in the community. One of those needs is stocking the shelves at area food pantries, which are serving more people as families struggle to make ends meet. Shaw had been looking for a way to not only help people, but also have fun doing it. While walking home with his son from the Door County YMCA, the idea for the Door County Mutual Aid Kickball Can Drive on Sunday, July 26, was born.

 

 

The game will start at 2 p.m., and Shaw says people of all abilities are invited to play or simply watch. Free food and beverages will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item. While the food donated at the event will support Lakeshore CAP, Shaw hopes it inspires those who cannot attend to donate to their local food pantries.

Area Democrats will have one less choice on their primary ballot for Wisconsin governor after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the race on Friday.

 

In the past week, Rodriguez fired campaign manager Kara Spencer over the mismanagement of campaign funds. Rodriguez said it became clear that her campaign's financial issues would continue to be a distraction, and she could not allow them to affect such an important election for Democrats.

 

Democrats will still have several candidates to choose from when they head to the polls Aug. 11. Rodriguez, David Crowley and Missy Hughes have all suspended their campaigns in recent days. Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, Joel Brennan and Kelda Roys are vying for the Democratic nomination to face likely Republican nominee Tom Tiffany. Andy Manske is also seeking the Republican nomination.

As thousands of planes prepare to head to Wisconsin for next week's EAA AirVenture, the Washington Island Lions Club hopes many of them make a detour north for a great meal and an even better cause.

 

The club is hosting its 73rd annual Fly-in Fish Boil on Saturday, one of its biggest summer fundraisers. Hungry visitors head to the Washington Island Airport not only to enjoy whitefish, hot dogs and more, but also to support the efforts of the Washington Island Lions Club. Member Joel Gunnlaugsson says the club appreciates the support it receives from community members and visitors alike and, in turn, donates that money back to support local projects, as well as programs through Lions Clubs International.

 

 

With sky conditions likely compromised due to the ongoing wildfire smoke, Gunnlaugsson is banking on less air traffic, but hopes more people take the ferry across or walk, bike, or drive to the airport to participate. The 73rd annual Fly-in Fish Boil takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event serves as a precursor to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which begins Monday and is expected to attract more than 10,000 aircraft and 600,000 visitors.

The wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota are doing a lot more harm than just ruining your view. The Air Quality Index reached the hazardous level for much of the day Thursday, forcing the cancellation of athletic events and outdoor performances. As of 7:30 a.m. Friday, the AQI was still above 400 in Sturgeon Bay and Ellison Bay and above 350 in Luxemburg and Kewaunee. By comparison, AQI levels below 100 are acceptable for most people, while levels between 151 and 200 are unhealthy. Kewaunee County Public Health Director Cindy Kinnard says people need to monitor themselves closely when air quality is this poor.

 

 

An air quality alert and dense smoke advisory remain in effect until noon Friday. The National Weather Service says the region should get a break Friday afternoon before winds shift again and push the smoke back over the area Saturday. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says air quality is expected to remain at unhealthy levels through much of Friday and Saturday.

 

 

Farmers across northeast Wisconsin are hoping for a break in the weather after starting the week with two days under a heat advisory.

 

A mostly dry week gave farmers nearly six days suitable for fieldwork, allowing them to cut hay and apply fertilizer and herbicide with few interruptions. Some farmers are even harvesting wheat, with the USDA estimating that 5% of this year's crop has already been harvested.

 

Kevin Wilke of Wilke R Organic Farm in Sturgeon Bay said he would not mind a little rain for his fields, adding that his corn and other crops are beginning to feel the effects of the dry conditions. According to the USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, 13% of the state's topsoil moisture is rated short to very short, while 15% of subsoil moisture falls into those categories.

 

The heat is not ideal for cows either, as they can begin to experience heat stress when temperatures rise above 70 degrees. Unlike many dairy cows that are kept in temperature-controlled barns, Wilke's herd is required under organic standards to spend time grazing outdoors regardless of the temperature. He said the pastures are often cooler than people might expect, and strategically placing hay bales beneath trees provides additional shade. The cows also tend to eat lighter meals on warmer days, much like people do.

 

 

Wilke added that, so far, his cows are bucking the typical trend of producing less milk during hot weather. In fact, he said they are producing more.

Kids of all abilities are getting closer to playing together at Bruemmer Park in Kewaunee. The Bruemmer Park Inclusive Playground (BPIP) group has been raising money for nearly five years to bring accessible playground equipment to the popular Kewaunee County park in Kewaunee so children of all abilities can play together. Construction costs have climbed to $500,000, with the investment split evenly between the playground equipment and the rubberized play surface.

 

Volunteer Rhonda Detempel said during Sunday's Pre-Kewaunee County Fair Parade Community Chat that the group is working hard to secure grants so construction can begin next spring in Kewaunee.

 

 

BPIP is in the middle of a matching donation campaign that will match every contribution dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. You can watch the full interview below.