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.

This Saturday, one and all are invited to join with a local congregation to take part in an annual autumn tradition 68 years in the making. That day, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denmark will host its annual Fall Festival & Car Show on the grounds surrounding their church with a chock-full slate of activities featuring something for anyone and everyone.

On Saturday, crowds will converge on the Eaton Community Ball Diamond in Poland, Wisconsin, for a yearly fall tradition aimed at raising funds for local community and youth sports programs. That day, the Eaton Beavers will be hosting their 14th Annual Eaton Pumpkin Ball Tournament featuring a jam-packed schedule of teams competing in an unconventional form of softball.

The most iconic and widely-known feature of the valley in Cooperstown, where the Devils River meets the West Twin, is the famous Maribel Caves. For the second article in our extended multi-part Cooperstown Valley series, we spoke with Wisconsin Speleological Society (WSS) Historian and Archivist Gary K.

As cooler air descends across the area denoting the start of fall, prize-seekers and fun-lovers from near and far are anxiously anticipating the start of another season of All Saints Bingo. This year, the acclaimed fundraiser will be commemorating its 20th season with extra celebratory fun in store for all players.

Next weekend, the congregants of St. John Lutheran Church in Maribel will gather to commemorate a notable milestone in their shared history. On Sunday, September 14, the parish will host a Celebration and Picnic to mark the 100th year of their current church building with a day filled with a variety of activities. Last week, we spoke with the event's organizers to learn more.

This Saturday, the small community of Tisch Mills will come alive for an annual celebration of the autumn season and their local first responders. On Saturday, the Tisch Mills Fire Department will be hosting their 14th Annual Fall Festival from their headquarters on County Highway B near downtown. The event is set to feature food, music and fun for all.

The Maribel Mighty Kids 4-H had an impressive showing at this year’s Manitowoc County Fair with a number of local youngsters showing and selling their animals! During the yearly Market Sale, the show animals were sold to representatives from various businesses. The 4-H members and their parents would like to express their sincere appreciation to this year’s purchasers.

Last week, it was reported that local biogas company NLC Energy Denmark LLC has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to documents filed on August 16 in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the New Denmark-based firm is hoping to restructure roughly $76 million dollars in secured debt against assets valued at $10.3 to $17.7 million.

This year, a dedicated religious sister with local roots is commemorating a significant and noteworthy milestone in a lifetime filled with many. On Sunday, the Diocese of Green Bay officially celebrated the jubilees of five members of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross. Among this year's jubilarians is Denmark's own Sister Joanne Goessl who is marking 70 years as a member of the religious order.

This summer, residents of the greater Denmark area have a new option for all their semi, pick up, RV and farm and construction equipment repair and maintenance needs. "BLF Service & Repair" officially opened for business last month and is the newest family business venture of Bradley Livestock Farms.