The newest vessel docked behind the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay carries special meaning for those who have sailed aboard it.

Last month, the schooner Utopia was officially gifted to the Patriot Racing Project, a veterans peer-support charity that brings veterans together as a team through sailing and hands-on craftsmanship. The vessel made an appearance during last year's Tall Ships festival hosted by Destination Door County.

Utopia toured the Door Peninsula before docking behind the museum Friday afternoon. Door County Maritime Museum President and CEO Kevin Osgood said he is excited for the community to have a tall ship call Sturgeon Bay home and serve as a symbol of support for veterans.

Patriot Racing Project Executive Director Jack Gage said the museum has been a tremendous partner for the organization and hopes the relationship continues to evolve.

While plans include deck tours, Utopia and another Patriot Racing Project vessel will come and go as they fulfill the organization's mission, in addition to offering charter and sailaway opportunities to help raise funds for the program.

For this week’s article, I am going to broach a subject that is at the very core of every human being’s existence, yet one that seems to have become more elusive: happiness. If you were to survey any demographic group, there would be one consistent theme regarding what they strive for: happiness. If you were to inquire as to what has greater value, money or happiness, you would begin to see where we go astray, as some people place monetary or material accumulation above happiness. The logic behind such an answer is that with enough “stuff,” happiness can somehow be acquired or obtained. They couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, study after study over many decades has brought us to an irrefutable truth: the state of happiness never was, and never will be, a product of wealth, but rather a product of purpose.

Don’t get me wrong. The basic essentials of life require us to engage in the exchange of money for the products and services we rely on for our very existence. The wise and frugal use of those resources provides us with the ability to transcend beyond our physical and safety needs to the next levels in the hierarchy of human needs, ultimately arriving at self-actualization. This is where purpose, personal growth, self-love, and morality all culminate in a state of happiness. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, the road to happiness is wrought with distractions, detours, and roadblocks, most of which are self-inflicted.

Of the many things I get to do as Sheriff, engaging with the children of our community is one of my greatest joys. I find myself in awe of their consistent state of happiness. It has allowed me to arrive at a conclusion after many years of observation: we are, by nature, happy, and it is only through the slow and insidious infusion of negative influences that we transform into the cynical existence in which so many find themselves years later. The interesting part is that the primary goal—being happy—never left. It simply got hijacked by messaging and influences in our popular culture that misdirected our efforts away from that ultimate goal. This is the basic premise of a book I am currently working my way through titled Resisting Happiness, written by Matthew Kelly.

The title itself provides the premise for what many of us struggle with in our daily lives. By pursuing that which is easy, profitable, glamorous, or popular, we are, in fact, resisting the very happiness we seek. This fixation on rushing toward an illusion of happiness is often the foundation of our many vices and addictions. So how do we reset our compass toward true happiness? I don’t know that I have arrived at the absolute path to happiness, but I can say with some certainty that anchoring our journey to a purpose founded on our personal values is a great first step.

This concept circles back to a theory I have spoken of before: our “Why.” If you know your why, you are much better suited to weather life’s inevitable storms. When we adhere to our purpose, any and all material gain or comfort becomes secondary. However, if we become distracted by material gain and base our journey on such superficial rewards, we will always come up empty, struggling to discern how to fill that void deep within our souls. Happiness is not just a choice, but rather the outcome of the choices we make. Of all the things we should resist in our lives, don’t let happiness be one of them.

For Deer Run Dairy owner Duane Ducat, he hopes grass takes root in part of his field just as much as he wants corn and soybeans to grow in other areas. Ducat is in the process of constructing an agricultural waterway that runs the full length of his 80-acre field on Town Hall Road in Kewaunee. Designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the grassy channel will help carry excess surface runoff across farmland without causing soil erosion while improving water quality.

Ducat used cost-share funding to help pay for part of the project, which includes planting specific grasses to help keep topsoil in place. He said the heavy rains in early April showed where the water naturally flows during storms.

Ducat will show off the progress made on the project when he hosts the next Peninsula Pride Farms Conservation Conversation on June 11 at 6 p.m.

A multi-year effort to transform Sugar Creek County Park in southern Door County will reach a major milestone next week with the opening of a new playground and the completion of a comprehensive park improvement project.

Door County officials will celebrate the completion of the multi-year project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Monday, June 8, at Sugar Creek County Park. Refreshments will be available from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

The project, nearly eight years in the making, grew out of discussions among Southern Door residents, county board members and Door County Parks staff about ways to improve the park while balancing recreation, environmental stewardship and community needs.

The improvements include a new playground, an accessible pavilion, an ADA-accessible grilling station, parking lot and driveway upgrades, boat launch repairs, a new entrance sign, native prairie restoration and wildlife habitat enhancements. The project also included improvements to the park's water fill site used by emergency responders and the establishment of a research partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for stream monitoring and environmental studies.

A memorial red oak tree donated by Door County Memorial Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic also was planted as part of the park's enhancements.

The park's new handcrafted pavilion marked the first phase of the project and was funded through a $150,000 grant from the Door County Community Foundation's Park Initiative, awarded to the Friends of Door County Parks System. Additional funding support came from the Friends of Door County Parks, the Town of Gardner and Destination Door County.

The public is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and playground opening Monday at Sugar Creek County Park. With more information available at the Destination Door County website.

A 29-year-old Manitowoc woman and a 16-year-old Kewaunee boy were among six people transported to Green Bay hospitals Friday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash in the Town of Montpelier.

The crash occurred just before 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 29 and County Road AB.

According to the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department, the Manitowoc woman was stopped at the intersection and attempted to cross Highway 29 while traveling north on County Road AB. She then collided with a vehicle driven by the Kewaunee boy, which was carrying four additional passengers.

Authorities said the injuries sustained by the six people ranged from minor to suspected serious.

The Luxemburg and Kewaunee police, fire and rescue departments, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and County Rescue assisted the Kewaunee County Sheriff's Department at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

While the rain in the forecast could dampen some of your summer weekend plans, area farmers will be celebrating its arrival.

According to the most recent USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, farmers across the state had 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork, more than a day above the previous week's total. The dry weather allowed farmers to make good progress on their first cutting of hay, which is 38% complete, three percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

It has also given corn and soybeans a boost, with planting nearing 90% completion and approximately 60% of crops emerged.

While the progress is encouraging, farmers are looking to the skies for a little help. Jason Staats of CVF Dairy in Sturgeon Bay said about a half-inch of rain would help ensure crops remain healthy. That is especially true for some of his fields, where topsoil is scarce. He said some of his fields are already showing signs of moisture stress.

Farmers could get some relief from Mother Nature over the next seven days. According to the National Weather Service, there is a 50% to 70% chance of rain Friday and at least a 30% chance of rain early next week.

While the races for Wisconsin governor, Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District and Wisconsin's 1st State Senate District have garnered the most attention and the most candidates, voters in Door and Kewaunee counties have plenty of candidates to choose from in their own backyards.

In Kewaunee County, the only contested race is in the Republican primary for sheriff, with three candidates vying to replace retiring Sheriff Matt Joski. Scott Szydel, Eric Zellner and Kevin Schmidt will all be on the ballot, while Dustin Smidle took out nomination papers but never returned them with the required signatures. With no Democratic contenders, the primary likely will determine the county's next sheriff.

For clerk of courts, Jennie Ledvina will face no opposition in either the Republican primary or the general election as the only candidate to return nomination papers. She is in line to replace Rebecca Deterville, who is retiring from the position at the end of her term. Incumbent Coroner Rory Groessl also is running unopposed.

Door County also will see a crowded field in the race for sheriff. Incumbent Tammy Sternard is running unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Carl Waterstreet and Curt Vandertie are seeking the Republican nomination. A fourth candidate, Randy Wagner, is running as an independent.

For Door County clerk of circuit court, Rebecca Rericha is running unopposed in the Republican primary, while Shannon Lauder and Pamela Parks will face each other in the Democratic primary. The winner in November will replace current Door County Clerk of Circuit Court Connie DeFere, who is retiring at the end of her term.

The fall primary is set for Aug. 11, while the general election will take place Nov. 3.

Motorists traveling through Door and Kewaunee counties this summer should plan for delays as road construction and resurfacing projects get underway on local, county and state highways ahead of the peak tourism season.

In northern Door County, the Door County Highway Department and the Village of Ephraim are preparing to begin pulverizing and paving several local roads later in June, including Holand Road, Spruce Lane off Norway Street, and a section of North Orchard Street between State Highway 42 and Bella Vista Lane.

Several residential streets elsewhere in the county already operate under road closure restrictions with access limited to local traffic as crews replace curb sections and prepare for milling, grading and paving work.

One of Door County's largest projects is taking place on County Road T east of Sturgeon Bay. The reconstruction project stretches from Highway 42/57 to the Lily Bay Boat Launch and includes pulverizing existing pavement, grading, repaving, driveway improvements and shoulder work. Construction began earlier this month, with paving scheduled through late June and completion expected by early July.

Meanwhile, a major reconstruction project continues on County Road S in Sturgeon Bay between Emerald Drive and Highway 42/57. The roadway remains closed to through traffic. Detours are posted, and the project is expected to continue through much of the summer.

Door County drivers may also encounter temporary traffic disruptions along Highway 57, where crews are replacing roadway signs at various locations throughout the county.

In Kewaunee County, work continues on a nearly $4 million resurfacing and safety improvement project along WIS 29 from the Brown-Kewaunee county line east to County C. The project includes pavement resurfacing and other roadway improvements designed to extend the highway's service life and improve safety.

The construction activity comes as Door County enters the busiest time of its summer tourism season, with major events expected to bring thousands of additional visitors to the peninsula in the coming weeks.

Depending on the day of the week, you can visit a different part of Door County while meeting and supporting local farmers and vendors.

Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, Jacksonport and Washington Island all kicked off their farmers markets last month, with Sister Bay, Egg Harbor and Ephraim joining the scene in the coming weeks.

This marks the fifth year Destination Sturgeon Bay has organized the city's farmers market as it continues to line up approximately 80 vendors along Third Avenue and Nebraska Street after years of operating in the parking lot of Sturgeon Bay City Hall.

For Destination Sturgeon Bay's Andrea Buboltz and Alexa Soto, that means early mornings marking the streets to ensure all of those vendors have enough room to operate before the market opens at 8 a.m. Buboltz and Soto say it is exciting to have the market back for another season and to watch people's routines take shape as the summer progresses.

You can hear more about this year's Sturgeon Bay Farmers Market, which runs Saturdays through Oct. 10, during Season 4 of the "Face of the Farmers Market" podcast, available here.

While Egg Harbor and Ephraim wrap up their farmers markets in August, the others across the county continue through mid-October.

You will find familiar faces in different roles next year in the Sturgeon Bay School District.

The resignation of Sturgeon Bay High School Principal Keith Nerby at the end of the school year prompted the reassignment of several administrators into expanded roles for the 2026-27 school year.

Jon Dupuis will serve as Sturgeon Bay High School dean of students and athletic director, while Mark Smullen will become principal for grades 6-10. Superintendent Dan Tjernagel will add principal responsibilities for grades 11-12 to his duties.

Tjernagel said the school board discussed various options and timelines for posting the high school principal position from this spring through the 2026-27 school year but ultimately decided to take a shared-responsibility approach, leaving the district with one fewer administrator. He added that the decision will allow for staff, student and community involvement in the hiring process.

With this approach, the district expects to hire a new principal in late winter or early spring, allowing that person to transition into the role ahead of the 2027-28 school year.

Sturgeon Bay School District Superintendent Dan Tjernagel cannot wait to see the new athletics facility come to life, but he understands that good things come to those who wait.

In recent weeks, the school district and the city of Sturgeon Bay approved the master plan for the Sturgeon Bay Athletic Complex, which would overhaul the site’s baseball, softball, football, soccer and other facilities.

Rather than relying on a capital referendum or operating funds from the Sturgeon Bay School District for the estimated $14.7 million project, Sturgeon Bay City Administrator Josh Van Lieshout said last week that a combination of tax increment district revenues, grants and private donations will support the project. Tjernagel said that piece was important to the district and the taxpayers it serves.

The city and school district will work together to formalize an intergovernmental agreement in the coming months so engineering work can begin later this year. Construction could start in 2027 or 2028.

Community members will have an opportunity to help shape the future of the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport during a public open house scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 as planners seek feedback on the airport's long-term development.

The open house will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Gibraltar Town Center, in Fish Creek. The event is part of the ongoing Airport Master Plan process for the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport, also known as 3D2.

Project planners are inviting residents, airport users and other stakeholders to review proposed plans, learn about future development opportunities and share their ideas for the airport's future.

Airport master plans guide airport improvements and operations over the coming years while addressing the needs of pilots, businesses, visitors and the surrounding community. Public input is an important component of the planning process.

Those attending the open house can review project materials, speak directly with members of the planning team and provide feedback on priorities for the airport's future growth and infrastructure needs.

Residents unable to attend the meeting in person will still have an opportunity to participate. Project information and an online feedback portal are available through the airport master plan website.

The Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport serves northern Door County and provides access for general aviation pilots, visitors and local businesses.

The Door County YMCA will once again help ensure local children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months through its annual Summer Foods Program.

Beginning June 8, the YMCA will offer free meals to all children and teens age 18 and younger at multiple locations throughout Door and Kewaunee counties while schools are on summer break. The program is designed to provide healthy, balanced meals to young people who may otherwise have limited access to food during the summer months.

Meal sites will be available in Sturgeon Bay, Northern Door, Southern Door and Algoma communities, with breakfast and lunch options offered at several locations. The program will run through late August at most sites, with meals available on designated weekdays and times.

Sarah Gavin, healthy living director at the Sturgeon Bay Program Center, said the initiative aligns closely with the YMCA's mission of supporting youth and strengthening the community.

“Summer should be a time when children can focus on learning, growing and enjoying their break from school, not worrying about where their next meal will come from,” Gavin said. “This program helps ensure kids have access to healthy food while providing families with additional support during the summer months.”

The YMCA's Summer Foods Program has become an important resource for families across the region, serving hundreds of meals each year through partnerships with local schools, community organizations and municipalities.

“Providing nutritious meals is one of the most direct ways we can support the health and well-being of local children,” Gavin said. “We are proud to continue offering this program and helping fuel both bodies and minds throughout the summer.”

A complete list of meal locations, serving times and menus is available through the Door County YMCA website, or listen to this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast here.

Door County residents will soon have a new option for appliance sales and service as Mathu's Appliance opens its newest store Monday in Sturgeon Bay.

The family-owned business, which has served customers throughout northeast Wisconsin for decades, is expanding its footprint with a new showroom on Green Bay Road, the former West Marine location.

Mathu's Appliance specializes in major household appliances and offers sales, delivery, installation and repair services. The company currently operates locations in Green Bay and Appleton.

Owner Nick Spude said the decision to expand into Door County was driven by a desire to better serve customers who have long traveled outside the county for appliance purchases and service.

"We've worked with many customers from Door County over the years, and opening a store in Sturgeon Bay allows us to provide a more convenient experience close to home," Spude said. "We wanted to establish a local presence where customers can see products firsthand and receive the personalized service we're known for."

The new location will provide Door County residents with easier access to a variety of kitchen and laundry appliances from nationally recognized manufacturers, along with local delivery, installation and repair support.

Spude said the company views the Sturgeon Bay store as an investment in the community and an opportunity to build lasting relationships with local homeowners, contractors and businesses.

"Being family-owned, customer service has always been at the center of what we do," Spude said. "We're excited to become part of the Door County community and look forward to helping residents with their appliance needs for years to come."

The store is scheduled to open Monday, with a grand opening celebration in July.

Over the past dozen years or so, when giving my kayak fishing talks, I have mentioned how a “too heavy” paddle can make your outing more challenging. I’ll touch on this more in an upcoming paddle article, but transporting your kayak can also be a challenge.

As I’m driving around Door County heading out to chase smallmouth bass, I see many vehicles with kayaks on top. Most of these kayaks are the smaller recreational type, which are easier to put on top of a vehicle with a good kayak rack. When buying a kayak, take into consideration whether you will be loading and unloading it alone or have someone with you.

It is even more challenging if you have a heavier sit-on-top fishing or recreational kayak, which is noticeably heavier than a sit-in recreational kayak. My fishing kayaks, whether paddle or pedal, weigh between 85 and over 100 pounds. I’m also out by myself most of the time, so putting one of these on top of my Subaru Outback is tough. Fortunately, I have been using a Malone MicroSport kayak trailer for over a dozen years and love how easy it makes loading and unloading. Many launches in Door County allow kayak trailers. It’s so nice to back right up to the water! Also, for storage between outings, I leave the kayak on the trailer.

Whether you use a roof rack or trailer, there are going to be times when you can’t get right up to the water, so you may want to get a kayak transport cart. Do your research and ask the outfitter you buy from for suggestions on how to best transport the kayak or kayaks you purchase.

Smallmouth bass fishing has been somewhat off and on this season, but no matter how they’re biting, it’s always great to be on the beautiful waters of Door County in a kayak. Also, this time of year, bass are spawning, and the male smallmouths will be guarding their nests. Please don’t target the males on nests, as this can really hurt the fishery. Even if a male is only off the nest for a short period of time, gobies will inundate that nest, eating whatever they find. With the fishery receiving a great deal of pressure and numbers being down for several years, our Wisconsin DNR has made Door County 100% catch-and-release until July 1. This is a great move!

As always, if you have any questions related to kayak transport or other kayak fishing topics, please email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com. Also, my 2026 Canoecopia talk, Kayaking & Kayak Fishing Door County, Wisconsin, covers most of the great launches in the county. Let me know if you’d like a PDF of this presentation.

Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward is hopeful the trend of filling housing as quickly as it is built will continue.

Last week, city officials and the owners of Cherry Lanes Arcade Bar cut the ribbon on a new apartment project that added eight affordable housing units to the area. Ward said more than 90 applications were received for the eight units, which were built with assistance from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.

Another example of the growing demand for housing is the Geneva Ridge development, where 20 of the 24 lots designated for affordable housing have been spoken for in less than three years. Ward said that when the city approved the project, officials expected it would take five to six years to fully develop.

With such a high housing absorption rate and a change in investors, Ward said the Sturgeon Bay Common Council took the opportunity to approve a new development agreement that moves the construction of affordable housing units into the first phase, with the expectation they will be filled quickly.

Ward added that the residential vacancy rate in Sturgeon Bay is about 3%, a couple of percentage points below the 5% to 8% range generally considered healthy for a community.

The Sturgeon Bay Common Council also approved the second reading of an ordinance for the Colorado Heights housing development and the change of polling place for Districts 6 and 7 from the P.A.T.H. of Door County building to the ADRC of Door County Center in Sturgeon Bay during Tuesday's meeting.

Strawberries, live music and family activities will take center stage later this month as the Sister Bay Historical Society hosts its third annual Strawberry Festival at the Corner of the Past.

The festival will take place Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historical site in Sister Bay. Admission is free, and organizers say the event will be held rain or shine.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of strawberry-themed treats, including old-fashioned strawberry shortcake, strawberry sundaes, strawberry lemonade and the festival's signature Sister Bay-sil Berry Spritz. Brats, hot dogs and other refreshments will also be available throughout the day.

In addition to food and music, the festival will offer children's crafts, games for all ages, a bake sale and a variety of local vendors.

"We're excited to welcome residents and visitors alike to celebrate summer in Sister Bay while supporting local history," said Lisa O'Hearn, co-chair of the Strawberry Festival. "The festival has become a wonderful community tradition that brings people together for great food, entertainment and family fun, all while helping preserve the history of our village."

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Sister Bay Historical Society and its mission to preserve and promote the history of Sister Bay.

For more information, please visit the Sister Bay Historical Society website.

Calumet County Republican Party Chair Barb Bittner is used to knocking on doors, but this fall, for the first time, she will do so for herself.

Bittner (shown on the left in picture) rounds out the crowded Republican primary field to replace outgoing state Sen. Andre Jacque in District 1. The field also includes Katie Baney, Nic Cravillion and Jacob VandenPlas.

Bittner joined the Calumet County Republican Party in 2021, quickly rising through the ranks to become chair last year. She helped lead the organization to become one of the top county party groups in the state.

With a background growing up on a dairy farm in Calumet County and 20 years of experience running assisted living centers across Wisconsin, Bittner believes she has the experience needed to succeed in the role.

As she has gone door to door promoting her values and qualifications, Bittner said she has learned that many constituents believe Madison is leaving them behind.

Bittner, Baney, Cravillion and VandenPlas will all appear on the Republican primary ballot Aug. 11.

Waiting in the wings for the Nov. 3 general election is Mark Becker, who is running as an independent. Becker has received support from area Democrats, who are not fielding their own candidate in the race.

Picture courtesy of Barb Bittner for State Senate Facebook page

If you have time to spare, a Door County nonprofit organization would love to put it to good use.

Volunteer Connections of Door County is hosting its Volunteer Fair on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Door County Fire Company in Sturgeon Bay. Approximately 20 organizations will be on hand to showcase how they impact the community and how you can help them accomplish their missions.

Whether it's helping build houses, tear ticket stubs or care for animals, there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle says the Volunteer Fair is a nice reminder of how the area's nonprofits power many of the aspects of Door County that residents and visitors have come to enjoy.

If you can't make the Volunteer Fair, you can research available opportunities on the Volunteer Connections of Door County website.

Anglers throughout Door and Kewaunee counties will be able to cast a line without purchasing a fishing license during Wisconsin's annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 6-7.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is once again waiving fishing license requirements, along with trout and salmon stamp fees, for both residents and visitors during the two-day event. The annual promotion is designed to introduce more people to the sport of fishing while encouraging families to spend time outdoors.

DNR Fisheries Biologist Jacob Steckmesser said the event provides an opportunity for anyone interested in fishing to get out on the water.

"Anyone that wants to fish anywhere in the state can get out this weekend," Steckmesser said.

The weekend also coincides with several other state-sponsored outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition to free fishing, admission fees will be waived at Wisconsin state parks and forests.

"The weekend includes free entry to state parks and forests," Steckmesser said.

Local anglers will find no shortage of options, with fishing opportunities available throughout Green Bay and Lake Michigan waters, along the Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers, and on numerous inland lakes and streams across the peninsula.

Steckmesser said the event is especially beneficial for those who have never tried fishing or have been hesitant because of licensing requirements.

"People that haven't fished before, that barriers are taken away and you can just go out this particular weekend and do it," he said.

Although fishing licenses and stamps are not required during the event, all other Wisconsin fishing regulations remain in effect, including daily bag limits, size restrictions and species-specific regulations.

For those who do not own fishing equipment, nearly 60 tackle loaner locations are available statewide, including several at Wisconsin state parks. Anglers are encouraged to contact individual locations regarding equipment availability and hours of operation.

Wisconsin hosts Free Fishing Weekends twice each year, during the first full weekend in June and the third full weekend in January.

The Door County YMCA is preparing for a busy summer season with several facility improvements, program offerings and volunteer opportunities planned over the coming months.

One of the most visible projects will be the final phase of resurfacing the parking lot at the YMCA's Sturgeon Bay Program Center. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, June 8. YMCA officials are asking members and visitors to follow posted directional signs and instructions from construction crews while work is underway.

"If you're taking morning classes, get here early," said Sarah Gavin, Healthy Living Director at the Sturgeon Bay Program Center YMCA. "Try to carpool, ride your bike or walk over as parking will be at a premium, but it'll be woth it."

Gavin also highlighted the YMCA's upcoming summer program session, which begins June 15. Registration opens for YMCA members at 5 a.m. Monday, June 8 and for community non-members on Wednesday, June 10. The summer session will feature a wide range of youth, family and adult programs aimed at promoting healthy living, personal growth and community engagement throughout the season.

In preparation for the busy season, the Sturgeon Bay Program Center swimming pool will be closed from June 6 through June 14 for annual maintenance. The temporary closure will allow staff to complete routine upkeep and ensure the facility remains safe and operational for swimmers.

Meanwhile, organizers of the upcoming Door County Triathlon are seeking additional volunteers to assist with race-day operations. Gavin is encouraging community members to sign up for course volunteer positions to help support one of Door County's premier athletic events.

Additional information about construction updates, summer programming and volunteer opportunities is available through the Door County YMCA website or you can listen to this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast here.

One of Door County’s most cherished summer traditions returns Saturday, June 20 as the Village of Ephraim celebrates the 61st annual Fyr Bal Festival along the shores of Eagle Harbor.

The daylong festival, rooted in Scandinavian customs dating back centuries, marks the transition from spring to summer and draws thousands of residents and visitors to the village waterfront each year. The Norwegian phrase “Fyr Bal,” meaning “bonfire,” reflects the event’s signature evening ceremony that symbolizes burning away winter and welcoming the long days of summer.

Festival activities begin in the morning and continue throughout the day with live music, traditional dancing, artisan and craft vendors, food stands and family-friendly activities spread across Ephraim’s waterfront. Visitors can also enjoy historic walking tours, trolley tours and a boat regatta on Eagle Harbor. Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor is expected to once again host its popular Firecracker Frenzy ice cream-eating competition.

“Fyr Bal is one of the most meaningful traditions in Ephraim because it brings together our community, celebrates our Scandinavian heritage and provides a memorable experience for residents and visitors,” said Kelsey Stone, Marketing and Events Coordinator of the Ephraim Business Council. “The festival showcases everything that makes Ephraim special, from our beautiful waterfront to our strong sense of community.”

As sunset approaches, anticipation builds for the festival’s signature event. A ceremonial bonfire is lit on the shoreline of Eagle Harbor, symbolizing the arrival of summer, followed by multiple harbor bonfires that illuminate the waterfront. A fireworks display over Eagle Harbor provides a dramatic conclusion to the celebration.

The festival is free to attend and is organized by the Ephraim Business Council. Stone encourages visitors to arrive early because the waterfront becomes crowded throughout the day, especially during the evening bonfire and fireworks ceremonies.

Additional information and event updates are available through the Ephraim Business Councils website.

Door County baseball fans will have an opportunity to cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers in person this summer as the Sturgeon Bay Program Center hosts a day trip to American Family Field on Thursday, Aug. 20.

The excursion, organized through the YMCA’s ForeverWell program for adults age 55 and older, includes round-trip motor coach transportation, game admission, snacks and a bagged dinner for the ride home. Participants will depart from the Sturgeon Bay Program Center at 8:30 a.m. and are expected to return around 7 p.m.

The trip also includes a special opportunity for attendees to walk around the field following the game.

Abby Baker, specialty wellness director for the Sturgeon Bay Program Center, said the event is designed to provide more than just a day at the ballpark.

"Our ForeverWell trips are about creating opportunities for people to stay active, connect with others and experience something new together," Baker said. "A Brewers game is a fun way to bring people together while enjoying one of Wisconsin’s favorite teams."

Baker said organized outings like the Brewers trip continue to be popular among older adults looking for social and recreational opportunities throughout the year.

"We know many community members enjoy the convenience of traveling as a group and not having to worry about driving or parking," she said.

The cost of the trip is $97 for YMCA members and $117 for community participants. Lunch will be on participants’ own at the stadium.

Registration is available online or at the Sturgeon Bay Program Center welcome center.

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is kicking off a series of adoption promotions throughout June aimed at helping more dogs and cats find permanent homes across northeast Wisconsin, including residents in Door and Kewaunee counties who may be looking to add a pet to their family.

The effort comes as animal shelters prepare for what is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year.

"During the summer months there are just more animals on the move. Both stray and surrender numbers go up this time of year," said Viars. "We hope these promotions encourage more people to open their homes to the amazing animals in our care. We’re being much more proactive this year by offering these incentives to the community"

According to Corey Viars, media specialist for the WHS, “the veterinary care, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, food and other services provided before adoption can exceed $1,000 in value.” By comparison, the average adoption fee for an adult dog is $249.

In June, the WHS will allow you to name-your-own adoption fee for its "Benchwarmer" dogs, a designation given to dogs that have spent more time waiting for adoption than the average shelter resident. The promotion is designed to draw attention to pets that may be overlooked despite being ready for loving homes.

The adoption incentives also extend to cats. Through June 30, all cats six months of age and older will be available through a name-your-own adoption fee program. “In addition, the shelter's Kitten Buddy Pricing promotion remains in effect, allowing adopters to receive 50% off the adoption fee for a second kitten when two kittens are adopted together,” said Viars.

Residents interested in adopting can browse available pets through the WHS website.

If you think the latest push to celebrate all things dairy in Wisconsin has a Kewaunee County flavor to it, you would be correct.

For the past year, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has highlighted the different personalities of the dairy industry through its marketing campaign. It kicked off last fall when comedian Charlie Berens shared more than a Manitowoc Minute with Luxemburg's Salentine Homestead Dairy.

It continued this spring when two of the personalities featured in the organization's "Born to Dairy" campaign had Kewaunee County ties. Television personality, Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Famer and Luxemburg farmer Millaine Stodola was highlighted as the "momager," tasked not only with farm-related duties but also with keeping her family's activities under control. In another piece, Pagel Family Businesses' Kiley Pagel was featured showcasing the technology involved in a modern dairy operation.

Pagel said it is important for her family and other farmers to explain the many different roles that help make the dairy industry what it is today.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin is home to approximately 1.3 million dairy cows and more than 5,000 dairy farms — more than any other state. The dairy industry contributes $52.8 billion annually to Wisconsin's economy.

Counties across the state will host their own June Dairy Month activities in the coming weeks, including the Kewaunee County Breakfast on the Farm at El-Na Farms in Algoma on June 21 and the Sevastopol FFA Dairy Breakfast at Lazy J Farms in Luxemburg on July 5.