Last week, we ventured out to the area's newest yoga and gymnastics studio in downtown Maribel. Since last September, Katie and Kody Hansen have been operating Born Again Yoga and Gymnastics from a former bar building they renovated to fit their needs. Last Monday, we sat down with the Hansens to learn more about their new venture.

This Saturday, Veteran's Memorial Park in the heart of Denmark will be filled with smoke and noise as competitors and spectators take part in a beloved local tradition. The 3rd Annual Denmark Pulls, presented by Denmark Fundraising Inc. (DFI), is set for this Saturday with a full slate of fun for everyone to enjoy.

Last week, two dozen people from the Denmark area made a long journey across the country to help others and grow in their faith. From July 12 through July 20, 17 high school students and young adults as well as seven adult chaperones traveled from Denmark to Lake Charles, Louisiana, as they took part in this year's annual One Degree Youth Ministry Mission Trip.

Last week, we ventured out to Cooperstown for a visit to the area's premier camping destination. Devils River Campground, located roughly four miles southeast of the Village of Denmark, has been a favorite stop for campers for nearly fifty years. Although it is right in our own backyard, many readers probably do not know how much the local campground has to offer to visitors from near or far.

Last Tuesday, St. John Lutheran Church and School in Maribel was buzzing with activity and excitement. That day, the congregation hosted its first-ever Day Camp for local youth featuring demonstrations, projects, games, prayer and fun. The Denmark News stopped by that afternoon to see the faithful fun for ourselves.

Last week, the Parish Hall at St. James Catholic Church in Cooperstown was transformed into a rugged wilderness filled with adventure, learning and faith. During the morning on Monday through Friday, the parish presented their annual Fun & Faith Vacation Bible School program with tons of opportunities for fun and just as many for spiritual growth.

On Thursday afternoon, a line of cars could be seen stretching halfway across the Village of Denmark from Denmark High School (DHS) all the way to the Post Office, patiently waiting. The hopeful motorists were not cued up for a big event or the release of a new product but were instead waiting for this year's Neighborhood Dairy Distribution brought to you by the Denmark FFA.

The Denmark Community Summer Reading Program took to social media last week to announce their upcoming “Movie in the Park” event on July 31 will be taking place at an alternate location. Due to "unforeseen circumstances”, the upcoming movie night has been moved to the playground behind Denmark Elementary School.

Over the course of the last month, readers have probably observed the sudden uptick in work being done on a longtime vacant lot at the southeast corner of the Village of Denmark. For weeks now, crews have been seen moving dirt, removing trees and crushing large rocks to apparently make way for some kind of construction.

Editor's note: This summer, we have partnered with OneDenmark to bring you a series of articles about their organization and their ongoing project to renovate the former Early Childhood Center into a state-of-the-art Community Center. For our first article in this series, we decided to update readers on the first phase demolition that kicked off at the end of June.

Last week, a local sports legend was recognized and honored for their years of commitment to all things softball. On Friday night, during this year's 25th annual Boys of Summer Softball Tournament, Darren Derricks was inducted into the Circle Tap Softball Hall of Fame in recognition of his decades of dedication to both Circle Tap and the game of softball.

Last Wednesday, 141 Speedway was host to a vehicular exhibition not typical for the storied race track. While the venue usually features a variety of cars rocketing around its track at high speeds, last week saw almost 30 antique tractors driven by local farmers and enthusiasts descend on the raceway for a couple of laps. The drivers were part of the Titletown Threshing Club who traveled from Langes Corners that morning with their tractors to take part.

Last Tuesday, members and supporters of the Denmark Knights of Columbus Father Platta Council 4735 gathered in the All Saints Parish Hall for an annual celebration of the organization's accomplishments. That night, the council hosted its yearly Appreciation Night featuring food, prizes, reflection and commemoration of all the efforts undertaken by the organization and its members over the last 12 months.

Next Sunday, one and all are invited to join together in the Village of Denmark for a yearly celebration of summer and community. That day, the Denmark Lions Club will be hosting their annual Parade and Picnic featuring a day filled with activities for all ages to enjoy.

This week, parishioners from St. James Catholic Church in Cooperstown are busy putting the finishing touches on a celebration that is nearly two centuries in the making. Next weekend, the parish will commemorate its 175th Anniversary with a range of festivities honoring the congregation's history, heritage and faith. We spoke with some of the parishioners involved with the celebration to get the full story.