This month, students and staff at Denmark High School are facilitating a unique donation collection aimed at helping people through one of the most difficult experiences. Throughout December, Denmark Sting Cancer will be collecting items and assembling them into "chemo-bag" care packages for patients receiving chemotherapy cancer treatments.

Last month, the small community of Maribel gained a new exciting business in the heart of its downtown. The tavern, located next to Maribel Grain, has a new proprietor and is open for business. The new bar, Annsanity & Son, is now serving drinks with a full menu to soon follow.

This week, we are reintroducing our monthly "Local Eats'' column highlighting the top dining establishments in the Denmark area and sharing with readers what they offer and what makes them special. This month, for the feature’s return, we selected DD's Saloon in the heart of downtown Denmark.

Last Saturday, the normally quiet and serene community of Tisch Mills was transformed into a hustling and bustling holiday wonderland for all to take in and enjoy. That day, hundreds upon hundreds of holiday shoppers descended on the small town for the third annual "Jingle & Mingle" event which featured an endless tidal wave of Christmas goods spread across eight venues.

Last Sunday, at the same time the Denmark Lions Club Poinsettia Sale was taking place in the new gymnasium at Denmark High School, another exciting sale was taking place across the school in the original gym. There, the Denmark FFA was hosting their first ever Farm Toy, Railroad and Vendor Show featuring a vast array of toys and collectables for shoppers of all ages to enjoy.

If last Sunday's Denmark Lions Club Poinsettia Sale and FFA Toy Show at Denmark High School were not enough to put the whole community in the Christmas spirit, a number of local businesses had even more in store for holiday seekers.

On Sunday, November 26, the Denmark Lions Club hosted an annual event that, for many, has become the traditional holiday kick-off year after year. That day, the organization hosted their 49th Annual Poinsettia Sale in the large gymnasium and atrium at Denmark High School. The yearly sale is both a great fundraiser for the club as well as a way to spread some Christmas cheer throughout the community.

This Thanksgiving saw the much-anticipated return of a beloved and thoughtful event to the Denmark community. Last Thursday morning, one and all were invited to the cafeteria at Denmark High School for a free holiday feast for everyone to enjoy.

One of the few positive effects of the weather getting steadily colder is the end of most road construction projects throughout the reading area. All over, the dreaded barricades and orange barrels are disappearing and newly repaired or rebuilt roads are opening for motorists.

On Monday, November 13, the Maribel Village Board held their monthly meeting in their Community Center in the Village park. After the call to order by President Dan Fels, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call that showed all members in attendance, the board unanimously approved the evening's agenda as well as last month's minutes, the Treasurer's Report and the vouchers for November.

Last Tuesday, the Town of Cooperstown held their monthly board meeting at their Town Hall in Rosecrans. Prior to the regular monthly meeting, the board hosted a series of procedural hearings and special meetings. First, at 6:30 p.m., they convened a Public Hearing relating to their proposed hauling and weight limit permits.

On Monday, November 13, the School District of Denmark held their monthly board meeting in the Media Center of the High School.

Last Monday afternoon, the Village of Denmark held their monthly board meeting at their new Village Hall in the former BMO Harris Bank building. Following the call to order by Village President Susan Selner, the Pledge of Allegiance and the roll call that showed all members and staff in attendance, the board opened the floor to pre-registered citizens to be heard.

It has often been said that one of the things that makes small communities like Denmark stand out is the ability for its people to come together and help one another. Whenever one of our own falls on hard times or experiences tragedy, kind and dedicated individuals and groups rise to the occasion and find ways to help to the best of their abilities.

The third and final observance of this year's Veterans Day in the Denmark School District came mid-Monday morning at Denmark High School. Immediately following the fantastic program at the elementary school, visiting veterans and their families were invited to make their way to the high school for their annual observance of Veterans Day.