A 48-year-old Ohio man died Wednesday after being pulled unresponsive from Nicolet Bay at Peninsula State Park, according to a joint release from the Gibraltar Police Department and the Door County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the Door County Sheriff’s Office was notified at approximately 3:35 p.m. July 1 of an unresponsive male in the water in the Town of Gibraltar. Gibraltar police and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources were also notified.

Emergency responders from the Gibraltar Fire Department, Gibraltar Emergency Medical Responders, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Door County Emergency Services, Gibraltar Police Department and the Door County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Officials said that Bryan V. Stork, 48, of Columbus, Ohio, was recovered from the water and brought ashore, where life-saving measures were attempted. Stork was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Authorities thanked bystanders who assisted with recovery efforts.

Less percussion and more strings will take the stage inside the Dutton Concert Barn beginning this weekend in Egg Harbor.

Thursday marks the opening night of the symphony session at Birch Creek Music Performance Center. Works by Dvorak, Tchaikovsky and Ravel will be featured throughout the session, with the highlight being Saturday's traditional, nearly sold-out Independence Day Concert celebrating America's 250th birthday.

Executive Director Jenna Ferdon said it is a great way to kick off another season at Birch Creek.

The symphony session features concerts Thursday through Saturday through July 11.

The city of Algoma is reminding residents to stay away from Peterson Park until at least Monday following storms that ripped through the area earlier this week.

Wind speeds of approximately 90 mph swept through the area as part of a series of storms that also knocked out power for hundreds of customers in Door and Kewaunee counties. City Administrator Matt Murphy said the storm was responsible for the loss of 60 to 80 trees at Peterson Park, which is also used by the Algoma School District for softball games and cross-country meets.

He said crews began cleaning up the area Wednesday afternoon and urged people to stay away until at least Monday so they can complete the work.

Murphy said the wood chips produced during the cleanup process will likely be blown back into the woods. The city will also begin collecting brush from other property owners who suffered storm damage on Monday.

You'll want to keep a close eye on where you unfold your beach towel and dip your toes in the water this holiday weekend.

As of Wednesday evening, four Door County beaches were closed and another 22 were under advisories because of elevated bacteria levels, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Beach Monitoring website.

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

Because of this, Door County Public Health's Shauna Blackledge encourages beachgoers to monitor the website and the digital signs at 10 county beaches for real-time updates on whether conditions are safe for swimming.

Last year, Door County beaches recorded 80 advisories and 40 closures.

Door County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Thomas Lemke, Deputy Triston Beauchamp and passing motorist Gary Robert Rasheed Daughtery are being hailed as heroes after their quick actions saved the life of a 47-year-old Algoma man on Monday.

The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. on State Highway 42 near Maple Heights Circle. According to the accident report released Wednesday, the man was driving south on the highway when he began experiencing a medical emergency. He drove into a ditch and across a driveway while striking a utility pole. He then turned left across the roadway and into another yard before striking a tree.

The man was found unconscious with his foot still on the accelerator, causing the rear tires to spin until one was destroyed. Lemke, Beauchamp and Daughtery were able to shut off the engine, remove the man from the vehicle, perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator, or AED.

The man was taken to Door County Medical Center for treatment of possible injuries before being transferred to a Green Bay hospital.

The Door County Sheriff's Department recognized Lemke, Beauchamp and Daughtery for their actions in a social media post Tuesday.

"The quick actions, teamwork and professionalism displayed by everyone involved played a critical role in creating a positive outcome," the post read. "We are proud of Sgt. Lemke and Deputy Beauchamp for their dedication to serving our community, and we extend our sincere appreciation to Gary for his selfless assistance."

Residents of the Sturgeon Bay School District could have an extra incentive to head to the polls this November, but Superintendent Dan Tjernagel would like to hear from them first.

District officials mailed a survey last week outlining a possible operational referendum ahead of the expiration of the district's current five-year operational referendum. Voters last approved an operational referendum in 2022, which will provide the district with $3.8 million next year.

Higher costs for transportation, utilities, insurance and special education services, along with declining federal funding and state general school aid, have left the district facing a multimillion-dollar shortfall if nothing is done.

Tjernagel says the district is doing what it can to trim the budget, following a multiyear plan to reduce staffing by 15 positions, saving about $1 million annually.

In addition to a proposed referendum of $3.5 million annually for the next five years, which would keep the mill rate steady at $7.19, the Sturgeon Bay School Board is also exploring two other options. One would seek $3.75 million per year for five years to help address competitive employee wages, while the other would seek $4 million annually for five years to address both employee wages and building maintenance.

Under those two options, property taxes would increase by an estimated $12 to $24 annually for every $100,000 of assessed property value.

If you misplaced your survey or would like more information about the proposed referendum questions, you can access the information here and you will have to contact the Sturgeon Bay School District Office to receive your survey code.

The people who told you that video games would never lead anywhere good never met TJ Walker Middle School social studies teacher Stephen Jacobson.

He was recently named the 2026 K-12 Esports Director of the Year by the National Association of Esports Coaches & Directors. The organization presents the award to outstanding leaders who have built esports programs that set the standard for excellence, competitive integrity and student development.

It was seven years ago that Jacobson first explored bringing esports to the school as a way to get students involved in an activity during study hall. A gamer himself, he turned that passion into more than just an esports class. He also helped coach a team to a state championship.

Jacobson says the esports club is about more than just playing video games. For many students, it's about connecting with their classmates.

Jacobson says it was both surprising and humbling to receive the honor. During his time as esports director at TJ Walker Middle School, he has seen the club grow to more than 80 members.

With crops such as wheat, corn and soybeans in the ground, area farmers can now turn their attention to other tasks while they wait for them to grow and mature.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Crop Progress and Condition Report for June 29, Wisconsin farmers had five days suitable for fieldwork last week, up slightly from the previous week. The extra time meant conditions were favorable for oats and wheat to continue maturing and for soybeans to begin blooming.

Eight percent of the state's soybean crop is blooming, which is on par with the five-year average, though its condition dipped to 78% rated good to excellent. Corn moved in the opposite direction, improving to 82% rated good to excellent. Oats were about 2 percentage points behind the five-year average, while winter wheat was slightly ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, farmers continued making progress on the alfalfa hay harvest, with 97% of the first cutting complete and 29% of the second cutting finished.

Farmers will likely have to dodge raindrops for the rest of the week, with at least a 20% chance of rain through Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.

Hundreds of residents in Door and Kewaunee counties found themselves without power between storms that hit the area Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Heavy rain and strong winds arrived at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday. Shortly afterward, property owners were greeted by downed trees and other damage.

According to PowerOutage.us, 880 Door County customers and nearly 550 Kewaunee County customers were without power at the peak of the outages. Wisconsin Public Service restored power to many of them within hours.

A second round of storms hit the area at approximately 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, prompting a severe thunderstorm warning that remained in effect until 9:30 a.m. As of 10:10 a.m. on Wednesday, there were more than 2,500 customers in Door County and another 1,300-plus customers in Kewaunee County without power, with restoration times reaching into the late afternoon hours. WPS is reporting approximately 10,800 customers without power, with Suamico accounting for more than 3,300.

The storms will do little to knock out the heat, however. The area will remain under a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with temperatures expected to climb even higher on Thursday. The threat of storms will not disappear, either, with more than a 70% chance of rain in Friday's forecast and additional chances of rain through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

No matter where you're from or whether you're a member, the Door County YMCA would love to welcome you.

On this week's Y-Wednesday Podcast, Jackie & Steve Kane Branch Executive Holly Butenhoff shared the many ways people can enjoy the YMCA this summer. Thanks to the YMCA's Nationwide Membership program, members from across the country can use the Door County YMCA's facilities in Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek just as they would their home YMCA.

For those who are not members, both program centers offer day passes and Flex Plan options to use the facilities.

The Door County YMCA's facilities are open seven days a week, with one exception in July. Both program centers will be closed Saturday in observance of Independence Day. However, members with 24/7 access can still get a workout in before heading out to watch fireworks or attend a holiday cookout.

You can listen to this week's Y-Wednesday Podcast by clicking here.

If you notice some of the items you purchase in Sturgeon Bay cost a little more on Wednesday than they did earlier in the week, there's a reason for that.

July 1 marks the first day the city's Premier Area Resort Tax, or PRAT, goes into effect. The 2025-27 state budget allowed the city, along with the town of Minocqua, to join other tourism-oriented communities, including Ephraim and Sister Bay, in charging an additional 0.5% tax on items typically associated with tourism.

The tax does not apply to essentials such as gasoline and groceries.

Last year, Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward estimated the PRAT would cost the average Sturgeon Bay family about $30 a year, with most of the revenue generated by visitors. He said the tax would help spread the cost of repairing the city's roads, an area where the city has fallen behind.

You can learn more about the PRAT and which items are subject to the additional 0.5% tax by clicking this link.

Door County Administrator Ken Pabich is hoping for favorable numbers when bids begin to come in for the county's planned museum/archives project.

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

Pabich said the bids are out and are expected to come back next month. He is hopeful the numbers will be in the county's favor, saying officials have done what they can to make the project as efficient as possible.

The museum/archives project is not the only one the county is monitoring closely from a financial standpoint. During its meeting last week, the board authorized the county to use existing funds to cover expenses related to its estimated $28 million project to upgrade its emergency communications system.

While a farmer's focus may be on the fields, you can join them on July 7 as they look beyond them during an upcoming Peninsula Pride Farms Conservation Conversation.

According to Peninsula Pride Farms data analyzed by Houston Engineering and Farmers for Sustainable Food, conservation practices such as cover crops and planting green have helped reduce phosphorus runoff by more than 72,000 pounds. Phosphorus runoff is a major contributor to algae blooms that deplete oxygen and release toxins into bodies of water.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, several waterways, including the Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers, are on the state's impaired waters list, which is part of the reason the organization was formed a decade ago.

On July 7, attendees will join DNR representatives at Rio Creek off Highway 54 as they conduct stream water testing and a fish survey. Barry Bubolz of the Natural Resources Conservation Service said it is important for farmers to see how their activities in the field can affect life beyond it.

The Peninsula Pride Farms Conservation Conversation begins at 2 p.m.

Hosting a family-friendly event is nothing new for Lazy J Dairy owner Cody Jeanquart. It is a daily occurrence.

The fourth-generation farmer will welcome thousands to his Luxemburg operation on July 5 as the host of this year's Sevastopol FFA Dairy Breakfast. It marks the southernmost location ever for the event.

In addition to enjoying a breakfast featuring several Door County-produced products, visitors will be able to tour the farm, where approximately 150 dairy cows are milked every day and more than 200 additional animals are raised.

Lazy J Dairy puts the "family" in "family farm." Jeanquart said 95% of the labor on the farm is provided by family members, whether they are caring for the animals or working the fields. He is excited to show visitors how the farm's crossbreeding program has helped the operation achieve a favorable work-life balance.

Jeanquart hopes the event's regular attendees make the trip south not only to check out the farm but also to continue supporting the Sevastopol FFA and its programming. Sevastopol FFA Alum Tim Ash says the money raised at the organization's sole fundraiser goes a long way.

The Sevastopol FFA Dairy Breakfast runs from 6 to 11:30 a.m.

With an extreme heat warning lasting until Tuesday evening, expect your air conditioner to be working harder than it has so far this year. Heat indices are expected to top 100 in parts of northeast Wisconsin on Tuesday, with temperatures in the 80s expected to last into the holiday weekend.

Wisconsin Public Service announced Monday that it is preparing for higher energy use with its "all of the above" power generation approach, which includes natural gas, solar and wind generation, to make sure customers' air conditioners, fans and cooling equipment can run around the clock.

Keeping cool during this heat wave can still have a negative impact on your power bill. Ultimate Air owner Jeff Blemke says to be nice to your air conditioner by not making it work harder than it needs to make your home more comfortable.

WPS also recommends closing blinds, shades and drapes on the sunny side of your home during the day and delaying heat-producing chores, such as cooking, doing laundry and running the dishwasher, until the evening hours. You can also seal any air leaks and use fans to help control the temperature inside your home. If you cannot avoid the heat, Door and Kewaunee counties have opened cooling shelters for the community to use. You can find a listing of those locations below.

Local emergency personnel are encouraging everyone to take the proper precautions when celebrating Independence Day this year.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 13,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2025, including 15 deaths. Nearly 40% of those injuries were burns, with most affecting the hands and fingers.

Brussels-Union-Gardner Assistant Fire Chief Jim Wautier says you have to practice the proper safety precautions after you acquire a permit.

Professional fireworks displays are scheduled for Fish Creek on July 2, Kewaunee and Egg Harbor on July 3, and Baileys Harbor, Sturgeon Bay, Gills Rock and Washington Island on July 4.

A 21-year-old Ephraim woman was cited for failing to yield while making a left turn after she was hit by a car while riding her scooter Friday.

The crash occurred shortly after 4:30 p.m. on state highways 42 and 57 in Sister Bay.

According to the crash report, the woman was traveling north on her scooter and was being followed by a car driven by a 78-year-old Rockford, Illinois, man. As the man attempted to pass the scooter, the woman turned left in front of the car and was struck.

The woman suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization. The driver and his passenger, a 16-year-old Cherry Valley, Illinois, boy, were not injured.

Destination Door County Interim CEO Jon Jarosh is thankful for the patience businesses and visitors are showing as longer waits and shorter business hours have crept into the summer tourism season.

Door County has made headlines across the state because of work visa issues that have delayed many seasonal employees from arriving on time. Many of the delays involve the H-2B visa program, which allows businesses to fill nonagricultural jobs for a longer period than the J-1 student visa program.

According to Wisconsin Public Radio, 58% of businesses across the country expect their H-2B workers to arrive at least a month late, and nearly 30% believe the delay could stretch to two months or more.

Jarosh says local businesses struggle to find enough workers to fill seasonal positions during the summer, which is why they rely on the H-2B and J-1 visa programs. He adds that Destination Door County's relationship with the Social Security Administration office in Green Bay helps speed up the process for workers once they arrive.

Along with Director of Partner Services Phil Berndt, Jarosh says this year's challenges have provided valuable lessons that will help Destination Door County better advocate for local businesses with state and federal officials.

Jarosh reminds visitors and businesses that they can still expect great service — it just might look a little different this summer.

He adds that Door County is still expecting a near-record number of J-1 visa workers later this summer, and plans are underway to target specific industries with future workforce recruitment efforts.

The summer weather you've been waiting for all year is arriving this week, but it comes with a warning. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for much of the state, including Brown, Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties, from noon Monday through 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-80s and low 90s, with heat index values making it feel like more than 100 degrees. There will be little relief overnight, with heat index values expected to remain around 75 degrees.

Earlier this month, Kewaunee County Public Health Director Cindy Kinnard offered advice for staying safe in the heat, especially for those who have to work outdoors.

Even though the extreme heat warning expires Tuesday evening, temperatures are forecast to remain in the 80s through Friday, with chances for thunderstorms mixed into the forecast.

The next time you pick up items for your pantry at the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, you can also grab something for your medicine cabinet.

Thanks to grant funding, the United Way of Door County and the Door County Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition are distributing free lockboxes and lock pouches for prescription drugs and other medications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 13,000 people die each year from drug overdoses involving prescription opioids. That number reached a record high of 17,029 in 2017.

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle said even gummy multivitamins can lead to a trip to the emergency room if they fall into the wrong hands. She said the program gives people greater peace of mind when it comes to safely storing their medications.

The grant also covers pouches that help people safely dispose of expired medications if they cannot make it to one of the drug take-back events hosted by local law enforcement.

The lockboxes and pouches are available every Saturday at the Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market and periodically at other farmers markets throughout Door County.

Where there are improved roads on the peninsula this year, you can thank the Door County Highway Department.

While the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has taken the year off from major projects in Door County, the Door County Highway Department has not shied away from them. The department announced its latest project last week, which will reconstruct County Highway E from Elm Point Road to Logerquist Road. The project will begin July 13 and is expected to end by mid-August.

It has been a busy summer for the Highway Department, with work wrapping up on County Highway T from State Highway 42/57 to the Lily Bay Boat Launch and County Highway S from State Highway 42/57 to Emerald Drive in the coming days and weeks.

Door County Highway Commissioner Thad Ash said there are other projects going on across the area that motorists should pay close attention to while driving.

Ash encourages drivers to use caution and pay attention to signage while traveling to and through construction zones.

You can find many of the updates on the Door County Highway Department projects on their Facebook page.

Connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with established business owners is the goal of a new collaboration between the Door County Economic Development Corporation and Do Good Door County.

The Mentors x Mentees (M2) program pairs aspiring business owners with experienced entrepreneurs, giving tomorrow's business leaders valuable advice from those who have already walked the path and want to help the next generation succeed.

Door County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Michelle Lawrie said they talk with new business owners all the time who just need a little guidance in certain areas. She said the M2 program is a great way for those entrepreneurs to receive assistance while giving experienced business owners another opportunity to connect with the community.

Lawrie said the organizations have already generated significant interest in the program, especially among experienced business owners who believe their knowledge and advice can make a positive impact.

You can click the link below to apply for the program.

“Birds” is this week’s Summer at Crossroads theme, and this time of year, our skies, forests and shorelines are alive with activity as resident and migratory birds feed, nest and raise their young.

Door County sits along a major migratory flyway, making early summer an especially rich time to observe species that rely on a remarkable suite of adaptations, including lightweight hollow bones, powerful flight muscles and feathers uniquely designed for both lift and insulation.

The week starts with a Tale at 2 p.m. Monday, July 6, when Door County Librarian Beth Lokken will read the storybook “The Birdwatchers” by Simon James. For those who cannot make the story time, the pages of the book will be posted on the Trail Tales storybook walk, which starts at the West Trailhead.

Journeys with Joan, the weekly family program, will explore Fantastic Flyers at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7. Participants will learn how wing shape influences flight, including broad wings for soaring hawks and pointed wings for swift, agile swallows.

Hikers participating in Wandering Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, will observe birds and learn how each species fills its own ecological niche.

For the 2 p.m. Thursday Talk, presenter Paige Witek of the Door County Land Trust will introduce participants to a variety of local bird species and highlight the strategies they use to attract mates, build nests and help their chicks survive, from elaborate courtship displays to carefully constructed nests that regulate temperature and protect fragile eggs.

Throughout the week and the rest of summer, visitors can stop by during open hours, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, for Tinkers, self-led, hands-on activities designed for curious minds. Participants can take part in a bird scavenger hunt, explore how different beak shapes are adapted to specific diets and create their own binocular craft.

The week wraps up with an opportunity to contribute to real science. Join Crossroads’ bio-inventory efforts to document bird species at Ida Bay Preserve as part of ongoing restoration work. Participants will help conduct standardized point counts following Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas protocol, recording birds seen and heard within a fixed time and distance to help track species presence and abundance.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Crossroads trails are open all day, every day, free of charge.

Monday, July 6

2 p.m. Tale: “The Birdwatchers”

Join Door County Librarian Beth Lokken as she reads the weekly tale, “The Birdwatchers” by Simon James.

Jess and Grandad return in this follow-up to “The Wild Woods.” Free and open to the public. Meet in front of the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Tuesday, July 7

1 p.m. Journeys with Joan: Fantastic Flyers

Join naturalist Joan Wilkie for free family-oriented activities exploring nature. Experience the mysteries of migration in the fields and woodlands. Some creatures travel 10,000 miles or more to make it to the preserve. Suitable for all ages. Registration is not required. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

6 p.m. Door County Well Monitoring Program Results

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Environmental Research and Innovation Center, in collaboration with the Door County Department of Public Health, will share findings from the ongoing well monitoring program that started in 2019. Event organizers will discuss the latest results, comparisons to previous years and new initiatives. There will be time for questions and discussion. Free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Wednesday, July 8

1:30 p.m. Wandering Wednesday

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

Thursday, July 9

2 p.m. Talk: Bird Breeding Behaviors

Experience the wonders of the breeding season through the eyes and songs of Door County’s birds. Join Paige Witek of the Door County Land Trust for an insightful guided hike exploring the complex and captivating behaviors birds display as they court, nest, raise young and defend their territories.

Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.

Friday, July 10

5 a.m. Bird Survey

Join Crossroads’ bio-inventory efforts to document bird species at Ida Bay Preserve as part of ongoing restoration work. Participants will perform three point counts throughout the summer following Breeding Bird Atlas protocols.

Participants should dress for the weather and have the Merlin Bird ID app downloaded on their phones. Registration is not required. Meet in the parking lot at 1195 Canal Road. Participants will then be staged throughout Ida Bay Preserve to record birds they see and hear.

This week, it will finally be time to party like it's 1776 as communities across Door and Kewaunee counties celebrate Independence Day.

In Door County, the festivities get off to an early start on July 2 when Fish Creek holds its celebration with fireworks over the harbor and live music at Clark Park. The celebration is a two-day affair in Egg Harbor, with fireworks, music and food on July 3 and a 1:30 p.m. parade of July 4 featuring the University of Wisconsin-Madison Marching Band.

For those looking to double up on parades, Baileys Harbor will hold its parade at 10 a.m. July 4, between activities throughout the town and fireworks at dusk. Washington Island, Gills Rock and Sturgeon Bay also will have fireworks displays on July 4, with live music, food, drinks and more beforehand.

Destination Sturgeon Bay's Alexa Soto says that, with the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday, they are expecting big crowds for their biggest fireworks display in years.

Sister Bay will skip the holiday and instead host its annual Freedom Fest on July 11, featuring fireworks at Marina Park.

In Kewaunee County, the Kewaunee Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Independence Day celebration on July 3 with live music, food and activities in and around Lakehaven Hall before a fireworks display.

Click the links above for more information.

Photos taken by photographer Rachel Lukas