On Saturday, the Denmark Johnson-Hershman American Legion Post 363 hosted their first-ever speaking competition as part of the Legion's High School Oratorical Scholarship Competition. That afternoon, one Denmark High School student recited one prepared and one impromptu speech to be assessed by a team of judges and earned themselves a monetary prize as well as a place at the upcoming district competition.

Since reopening under new ownership in June of 2024, Denmark's Hardware Hank has made themselves a staple in the community and has found ways to give back through several events and initiatives. This past week, the local hardware destination took part in two very different opportunities that emphasized their commitment to the community in both good times and bad.

On Friday, before and during the Denmark High School Varsity Girls Basketball game against the Waupaca Comets, players, coaches and fans took the opportunity to recognize the future of the program. That night, Denmark’s elementary school basketball girls were celebrated and featured during this year’s Youth Basketball Night.

A big congratulations to Hayden Hurst, Denmark Middle School 8th grader, who is the 2025 Wisconsin Badger Spelling Bee School Champion, with the winning word “grotesque” in the 15th round of the competition. It was an exciting contest with the best spellers from each grade competing for the title.

Last week, legendary Denmark beautician BJ Goral made her television premiere on WBAY's "Small Towns" segment. The piece, which aired Thursday evening, focused on the acclaimed stylist's close relationship with her longest standing client, Delores "Dodo" Nesvacil. To learn more, we stopped by BJ's Boutique on Friday morning to speak with Goral and Nesvacil about their newfound fame.

It seems 2025 is off to a big start for the Denmark Community Cupboard with the nonprofit being selected for two upcoming countywide, nonprofit events. In February, they will take part in this year's Give BIG Green Bay fundraising initiative, and in April, the Cupboard will be a featured contestant in the first-ever Green Bay Booyah Battle during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Last month, a Denmark native made the noble and generous decision to undergo surgery to help a total stranger. On December 17, Mike Graczyk donated a kidney to someone in need, joining the elite list of living donors. Last week, we spoke with Mike to learn more about his decision and the donation process.

Last Monday, the Denmark Village Board held their monthly meeting in Village Hall. Following the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and roll call showing all members in attendance, the board unanimously approved the night's agenda before moving on to pre-registered citizens to be heard.

On Tuesday, the Town of Cooperstown convened their first monthly meeting of the new year in their Town Hall in Rosecrans. Following the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and roll call showing all three members in attendance, the board unanimously approved the night's agenda as well as the minutes of the prior month's meetings before moving on to reports from the board.

Last Monday, the Maribel Village Board held their first monthly meeting of 2025 in the village's Community Center. Following the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and roll call showing President Fels and Trustee Hansen in attendance, the board unanimously approved the night's agenda, their December meeting minutes and the month's treasurer's report before opening the floor to comments from the public.

At the beginning of the 1993 school year, the Denmark School District underwent some large changes. The school year was marked by the opening of the new Denmark Middle School, which centrally located the middle school students on the same campus with the elementary and high school students.

This week will mark the end of an era for downtown Denmark. On Friday, Bank First employees and customers will complete the final transactions in the former Denmark State Bank building before moving into an on-site mobile banking unit on Monday allowing for the demolition of the current building and construction of a new state-of-the-art banking branch.

This year, Denmark area residents have a new destination right here in the village to check out for their automotive needs. A new dealership and service garage has opened on the corner of County Highway R and Green Bay Road aptly named "Brown County Motors". Last week, we sat down with BC Motors’ owner, Kevin Harris, to learn more about the village's newest business.

Last Tuesday morning, area first responders were called to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of County Highway R and Langes Corners Road. According to witnesses, shortly before 10 a.m., a large Konop Vending - Nicolet Water truck heading east on Langes Corners Road failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a Toyota Crossover traveling northbound on County Highway R.

This year, the Denmark Johnson-Hershman American Legion Post 363 will be taking part in a national program aimed at spreading knowledge and awareness of the U.S. Constitution. On Saturday, January 26, they will host the local post level of the 2025 American Legion Oratorical Contest at Denmark High School. Last week, we sat down with Mark Cherney of the Denmark American Legion to learn more about this program.