Happy weekend, Door County! In today’s happening-today edition: County data center moratorium, free books for little readers, and Fyr Bal Festival + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Door County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Key county updates: County leaders heard a flooding review, discussed mental health concerns, and approved grants. They imposed a one-year moratorium on data centers and battery storage, with fire sign work 42% complete -- see the county decisions.
Housing prices rise again: Sturgeon Bay’s Finance/Purchasing and Building Committee backed a $5,000 price hike for Geneva Ridge workforce homes, the third increase in three years, citing rising costs. Four vacant lots remain -- read the full story.
Free books for little readers: The Door County Bookmobile will give away free books for ages 0 to 5, June 23 to 25, stopping at libraries and Sturgeon Bay YMCA, thanks to an anonymous donor -- see the book giveaway stops.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Tune up that swing: Whether your irons are behaving or your driver is plotting chaos, Peninsula Driving Range is the low-stress fix for a midweek reset. Grab a bucket, aim at something far away, and leave feeling like tomorrow’s round in Door County might actually listen to you.
Trailhead therapy, anyone?: Skip the long drive and hit Potawatomi State Park for bluff-top views, rugged limestone cliffs, quiet shoreline miles, and the literal start of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Sneak in a lunchtime loop, cast a line, or launch the kayak, then head home smugly because your backyard just outclassed 90% of weekend plans.
Skip cooking tonight: The Hitching Post Bar & Grill nails that local comfort groove with Renard’s cheese curds, crispy wings, and burgers from smash to half-pound flame-grilled. When the week gets long, the friendly bar and classic fish fry make it the kind of “see-you-there” spot you’ll actually return to.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🥞 Aaron R Moore Fyr Bal Pancake Breakfast @ Ephraim Village Hall | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Fuel up for Fyr Bal with a proper pancake breakfast at Ephraim Village Hall, courtesy of EYC. Think fluffy stacks, strong coffee, and neighborly chatter that’s warmer than the bonfires. Show up hungry, linger for seconds, pretend it counts as cardio.
🚜 5th Annual Valmy Thresheree Spring Pull @ Valmy Thresheree Grounds (Sturgeon Bay) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Valmy’s 5th Annual Thresheree Spring Pull is back, louder than your neighbor’s leaf blower, and a lot more fun. Expect tractors flexing, early weigh-ins, and bragging rights, plus free admission, food, and beverages. New weekend this year, same small town horsepower therapy.
🤠 Cowboys and Craft Festival @ Door County Horsemanship (Sturgeon Bay) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Door County Horsemanship is throwing a craft fair with actual horsepower. Browse over 80 vendors, graze, then hop on a wagon, pony, or trail ride while the pros show off in the arena, all with free admission. Real horses, real fun, minimal glitter.
🇺 Flag Day Hike @ Crossroads At Big Creek (Sturgeon Bay) | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Trade desk chairs for trail dust on a guided wander to spot the elusive Blue Flag iris, the prettiest flag you will salute this week. No sign-up required, no fuss, just wildflowers, good conversation, and that smug I earned my lunch feeling.
🔥 Fyr Bal Festival @ Village of Ephraim | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Door County finally flips the switch from sweater over flannel to flannel over T-shirt at the 61st Fyr Bal on Eagle Harbor. Think shoreline gathering, bonfires, and neighbors you actually know. A little smoke, a lot of tradition, and zero pretense.
🔧 Sturgeon Bay Repair Cafe @ Hope United Church of Christ | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – If you've been waiting for a sign to fix that wobbly lamp, here it is, glowing slightly off center. At the Repair Cafe, meet neighbors who mend clothes, sharpen knives, revive appliances, even a bike or book, all free, plus a food pantry donation appreciated.
🎨 Door County Inspired Beach Watercolor Workshops @ ARTicipation Studio & Gallery (Sturgeon Bay) | Saturday (6/20) at 2:00 PM – Trade the to-do list for a brush and spend an afternoon channeling Door County beaches with certified art teacher Nicole Herbst. Relaxing watercolor workshops, all levels welcome, where the waves behave, the colors pop, and your inner critic takes a coffee break. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Door County report Weather forecastToday — High: 75°F — Low: 51°F — Precip: 31%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny. High near 75, with temperatures falling to around 73 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 75. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. North northeast wind 1 to 6 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 71°F — Low: 51°F — Precip: 2%
Partly sunny, with a high near 71. East wind 2 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. This house is wildThis 2-bed, 1.5-bath ranch brings charm with cathedral ceilings, wood floors, and two fireplaces, all set on 8.5 rolling acres of meadow and woods. A paved driveway and stone fence set the scene, while walking paths and a rustic private 9-hole golf course add fun. The two-story “Toy Box” offers a studio apt, heated workshop, train room, and extra garage space.
Take a peek inside → |
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