Skip to main content

Year in Review 2023 - November - Hotel breaks ground

NOVEMBER

In November, the long anticipated Cobblestone Hotel & Suites began construction in the Village of Denmark with a groundbreaking ceremony. Following the proceedings, contractors quickly began working on the site, which is expected to open sometime next year.

Year in Review 2023 - December - End of a remarkable run

DECEMBER

Hall of Fame coach Bill Miller resigned after 31 seasons, 516 victories and three straight state titles. Miller’s win total is ninth-best in state history, third among active coaches. Along the way during his final 30-2 season last spring, Miller picked up his 500th victory. 

The Best Lights in Town

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.

OneDenmark presents "Holiday Family Fun"

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.

ECC Breakfast with Santa

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.

Lions Care Packages

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.

1st and 2nd Grade Christmas Concert

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.

LOCAL EATS - Rookies Bar & Grill

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.

OneDenmark Monthly Update: December

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.

Denmark Hen Alliance takes shape

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.

EDITORIAL - Let's keep the Christmas spirit alive

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.

Denmark resident seeks living donor with plea on social media

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.

Kris Kringle Festival

On Wednesday, December 13, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denmark hosted a one-of-a-kind holiday event for all to enjoy! That night, the parish hosted their first ever "Kris Kringle Festival" in their parish hall featuring holiday treats, activities and fun for all!

150 years and counting

Throughout 2023, an area farm has been celebrating an incredible milestone. This year, the Larsen family farm, located in New Denmark, commemorated 150 years of continuous farming. This impressive feat was accomplished through the hard work and determination of generations of Larsens who have continued the agricultural tradition decade after decade. Like every family farm, the Larsens have a unique and interesting history.

All Saints Christmas Program

Last Thursday, all were welcome to enjoy a fun and thoughtful Christmas program at All Saints. That night, All Saints students and staff presented their annual Christmas Program featuring a traditional telling of the story of Christmas along with songs of praise and worship.

Our Savior's Christmas Program

On Sunday, December 10, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Denmark presented their annual Sunday School Christmas Program in the sanctuary of their church. The event featured all grade levels taking part in a celebration of Christmas’s true meaning.

Village of Denmark December Meeting

Last Monday afternoon, the Village of Denmark held their monthly board meeting at the new Village Hall in the former BMO Harris Bank building. Topics discussed and acted on at this month's meeting included potential park planning, setting a final moving date for village offices, and how to handle the continued issue of "fugitive dust" from United Cooperative.

December School Board Meeting

Last Monday, the Denmark School Board held their monthly meeting in the high school Media Center. Major topics of this meeting included the district's recent evaluation and potential changes to the schedule at DHS.

--- Online Subscribers: Please click here to log in to read this story and access all content.

Not an Online Subscriber? Click here to subscribe.