MARCH

In March, Rookies in Denmark welcomed a new owner. That month, we sat down with the former and the new owner to learn more about the tavern’s legacy and what’s next for the longtime institution.

FEBRUARY

On a frigid day this February, ground was broken on the new pumping facility next to the Denmark water tower. The ceremony marked the official beginning of a partnership between the Village of Denmark and the CBCWA.

JANUARY

In January, The Village of Denmark officially announced plans to relocate their municipal offices to the former BMO Harris Bank Building on the corner of Wisconsin and North Avenue. After a lengthy retrofitting process delayed the initial move, the offices were finally relocated last week just before the new year.

Although I am not a fan of celebrating "too early", I have always truly loved the Christmas season. From a young age through adulthood, I have always enjoyed so much of what makes Christmas special and look forward to it year after year.

Late this summer, we reported on the growing debate in the Village of Denmark regarding the right for residents to raise chickens on their property. Since then, advocates for the right to raise have coalesced to form the new "Denmark Hen Alliance" with the goal of spreading awareness and ultimately changing the village's ordinance banning the practice.

In October, we reported on the Denmark School Board's decision to grant the current Early Childhood Center (ECC) to OneDenmark once the district is done using it if the organization meets financial requirements set by the board. Since then, many readers have been wondering what OneDenmark's next steps will be.

In spring, we reported on longtime Denmark institution Rookies Bar & Grill changing hands from John Goral to new owner Jack St. Peter. For this month's "Local Eats" entry, we thought we would check back in with Jack and company and see how things have been going since April.

The 1st and 2nd graders put on wonderful Christmas programs for their family and friends on Tuesday, December 19th at the Denmark High School Performing Arts Center.  

Students in 1st grade sang their hearts out and made beautiful snowflakes that they worked on in Art class. They also shared their talents on the handbells.

Last Saturday was a busy day for two area Lions Clubs who each took time from their busy holiday schedules to spread joy and cheer to those in need. That morning, both the Denmark and Maribel Lions completed their own annual Christmas Care Package traditions providing much-needed items to area families who are experiencing difficult times.

Last Thursday, December 21, the Denmark Early Childhood Center (ECC) welcomed a very special guest from very far away. That morning, the school hosted their annual Breakfast with Santa in the gymnasium featuring a tasty breakfast, holiday activities and, most importantly, a final chance for youngsters to plead their cases with the big guy himself.

Last Wednesday, OneDenmark hosted a fun and free event for one and all to enjoy. That night, the organization partnered up with Denmark High School Students to host the first ever "Holiday Family Fun" in the school's athletic atrium. The event featured holiday activities, food and fun for all and was the perfect way to pack in some last-minute community Christmas spirit.

This year, The Denmark News decided to facilitate the first ever "Best Lights in Town" Christmas light contest to judge who has the best holiday display in the area and to share their hard work with our readers. First, we asked the public who they thought deserved the crown and then compiled a list of the must-sees.

Christmas wishes come in all shapes and sizes. With so few days remaining until the holiday arrives, folks are hustling to get their shopping lists fulfilled.

Now, imagine a request that’s so monumental, it would take the gift of another to make a dream come true.

Last Thursday, all were welcome to join in the first ever Sheepshead Tournament held at Gatherings 43 in Denmark. That night, dozens of players from across the area and beyond gathered and faced off in the event hall in the first of a series of tournaments scheduled there.

On Tuesday, December 12, the Cooperstown Town Board held their monthly board meeting at their Town Hall in Rosecrans. Agenda items included reports from various town officials, continued discussion of potential hauling ordinances and a clarification of the fines involved for not taking out a building permit in the municipality.