Last week, the carved bald eagle that perches over Neshota Park got a fresh new look thanks to the Friends of Neshota Park and Joe Badoleto of Chain o’ Lakes Painting! Pictured on the left is Badoleto applying the new coat, and the right shows the finished product. (Photos courtesy of Wendy Rowsam)

On April 16 of this year, it was announced All Saints Catholic School in Denmark would be shutting its doors after 67 years of serving the greater community. On May 30, the last school classes were held in the building and the final bell was rung. The loss of such an iconic community institution has brought great sadness to many who attended the school over the years, and their grief is wholly justifiable and understandable.

A school is made up of far more than hallways lined with lockers and classrooms filled with educational materials. Like any community, what really defines a school is the people who attend it and the experiences they share. Over the course of 67 years of operation, All Saints Catholic School was home to over 800 students each with countless cherished memories of their time there.

In 2003, All Saints Catholic School underwent its first and only significant expansion project in its 67-year history. That year, a new addition was built on the school's west side which would significantly serve both the school and parish as a whole for years to come with a state-of-the-art library and gymnasium.

For the first half of its existence, the task of educating students at All Saints Catholic School was entrusted to a dedicated group of religious sisters. These nuns were assigned to operate the school and left their own unique mark on the institution and the students who attended. It would be impossible to tell the school's story without taking time to reflect on the Sisters of St. Francis and their impact.

With the closing of All Saints Catholic School, many in the community were left wondering what lies in store for its building. When children head back to school next month, the structure will remain mostly vacant with many speculating what comes next. To learn more about the parish's plans for the former school, we spoke with All Saints Business Administrator Alex Sekora.

All Saints Graduates

(names printed as listed on photos obtained from All Saints)

This summer, a young woman from Denmark took part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the other side of the world aimed at growing educational skills and increasing cultural appreciation. From the end of May until the beginning of July, Denmark's own Isa Wagner embarked on a study-abroad trip to Japan where she had the opportunity to gain hands-on educational experience by teaching children English.

On July 20, hundreds upon hundreds of people joined together at Gatherings 43 to show their support for a local couple who are going through a difficult time. That day, a small group of dedicated and caring community members hosted a multi-faceted benefit for Eric and Beck Laundrie after Eric was injured in a work-related accident.

On Sunday, thousands of people flocked to a nearby church for an annual celebration of summer and community. That day, the parishioners of Prince of Peace Catholic Church hosted their yearly Picnic & Car Show on the church grounds which featured, as the picnic's slogan put it, "food, family and fun". The Denmark News ventured out to this year's festivities to learn more.

On Saturday, a powerful storm system ripped through Northeast Wisconsin leading to numerous severe weather alerts and warnings. The summer storms also were the source of much speculation from area residents with a number of differing accounts of what transpired arising.

Last Monday, the Town of Glenmore Board of Supervisors held their monthly meeting in their Community Center near Shirley. Prior to the regular meeting, the Board held a Public Hearing to consider a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Shirley to open an early childhood education center. After reading the proposal, Town Chairman Ron Nowak asked for public input from residents in attendance.

On Sunday, the northeastern corner of the Village of Denmark was filled with the sound of repetitive gunfire and the smell of powder as over 100 local sportsmen took part in an annual summer competition. That day, the Denmark Rod & Gun Club hosted the 46th Annual Les Johnson Memorial Shoot with 114 area competitors taking aim throughout a day of rapid-fire matchups.

This week, a longtime Denmark institution will be commemorating a major milestone. On August 12, the Village of Denmark's own Professional Fabrications Inc. (PFI) will celebrate 30 years in business with the vast majority of those years taking place from their current headquarters on Woodrow Street on the north side of the village.

Last week, residents of the greater Denmark-Luxemburg area gained a new option for a breakfast destination with the official opening of the new Silver Spoon Diner. The new eatery is located in the newly-renovated hall connected to CZ's Bushville Lanes and is now serving breakfast items from 6 until 11 a.m. daily.