Editor's note: This year, we have partnered with OneDenmark to bring you a series of articles about their organization and their ongoing project to renovate the former Early Childhood Center into a state-of-the-art community center. For our fourth article in this series, we turned our focus to the spaces in the community center that will be dedicated to children and teenagers.

Saturday's pristine weather had the perfect conditions for a yearly sporting tradition in the small community of Poland, Wisconsin. That day, the Eaton Community Ball Diamond was host to the 14th Annual Eaton Beavers Pumpkin Ball Tournament with six local teams facing off in a double-elimination bracket throughout a day of oversized softball and fun.

Last Saturday, area veterans joined together outside the Denmark American Legion Clubhouse for an annual rite that respectfully honors and disposes of a symbol of our nation. That morning, members of the  Denmark VFW Post 6705 and American Legion Post 363 hosted their yearly Retirement Ceremony to properly destroy worn and damaged American flags collected throughout the year.

Last Wednesday, The Denmark News was out and about bright and early for a special new event at a great local park. That morning, the Friends of Neshota Park hosted the Bay Area Bird Club for an early-morning Bird Walk through the scenic park. We joined the birdwatchers to learn more.

Last Thursday, a steady line of tractors could be seen making their way throughout the towns of Eaton and Humboldt as a local club took part in an annual patriotic display. That afternoon, the Titletown Threshing Club hosted their yearly 9/11 Tractor Ride with nearly 30 riders taking part. The Denmark News stopped by CZ's Bushville Lanes to send the procession off and learn more.

During last week's monthly Village of Denmark Board of Trustees meeting, the subject of crosswalks during before and after school was once again raised with another lengthy discussion being held. Recently, there has been some debate over replacing the crossing guards at two intersections in the Village with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) due to a recent inability to find candidates.

At the end of last Monday's Village of Denmark Board of Trustees monthly meeting, a rather unconventional discussion was held which centered around mental health, proper animal care and a goat by the name of Lucy.

Last Tuesday night, the Town of Cooperstown Board of Supervisors convened their regular monthly meeting in their Town Hall in Rosecrans. Among a variety of topics addressed was how much to budget for 2026 road projects and which roadways to prioritize.

On Tuesday, September 2, the buses were rolling and the bells were ringing as local students kicked off another new school year. That morning, students, teachers and staff returned from their summer vacations to begin another nine months of schooling with all the associated hectic excitement. The Denmark News stopped by the Denmark campus on Tuesday morning to see the spectacle for ourselves.

This school year, the students and staff of Denmark High School (DHS) will be led by a new face in the school's top position. There is a new Principal in town this year as Matt Parish assumes the role last held by Jacob Beschta. Parish is now tasked with leading the school and has already spent a good deal of time getting to know the institution and the community.

One of the least exciting and fun parts of the back-to-school season for parents is the multitude of expenses associated with sending a student to school. Between school supplies, clothing and a number of other necessary items, the end of summer can be a very pricey time for families. Last week, we studied the price of education and sought out some local options for families to save their hard-earned money.

This year, the members of the Denmark High School (DHS) Band will be following the lead of a new Director as they make their music. Andrew Pagel has been handed the conductor's baton and is now wielding it to shape local young musicians' appreciation and skill. Last Thursday, we met with Pagel in his office to learn more about how he got here and what he has planned for his new band.

This fall, along with the new Principal, Matt Parish, the Denmark High School front office will be featuring another new face as classes resume. Josh Rankin has assumed the responsibilities of the school's Assistant Principal and Activities Director, filling the position previously held by Kyle Kapinos.

As Denmark students return to school, they will now have even more options to expand their knowledge and skills surrounding agriculture. This year, the Denmark ag department is expanding with a new full-time educator--Ben McMeeken--starting at the high school where they will be joining current ag teacher--Mary Handrich--who is transitioning into a new part-time position.

For the third installment in our Cooperstown Valley series, we have turned our attention ahead in time and across the road from the natural wonders of the Maribel Caves to focus on the human history of the area through the story of a legendary mill. For 178 years, the Old Rock Mill has stood near the banks of the Devils River as a lasting remnant of the area's pioneer past.