On Thursday, just a week before Christmas Day, crowds filled the Denmark Performing Arts Center (PAC) for two back-to-back performances that showcased the musical talent of some of the community’s youngest students. That night, the Denmark Elementary School (DES) first and second grade classes presented their annual Christmas concerts under the direction of DES music teacher Tammy Carley.

This year, we partnered with Denmark Elementary School first grade teachers and their students to share their biggest gift requests for Christmas morning. This year, first grade boys seem to be hoping for video games and legos, while first grade girls are more interested in Labubus, UGGs and makeup.

Over the past two weeks, a number of local groups of caring volunteers have found ways to spread a little love--and Christmas cheer--to those less fortunate. In the lead up to the big holiday, parishioners from All Saints, Faith Formation students and staff from St. James, and Lions from both the Maribel and Denmark Clubs undertook their own care package initiatives, each with their own unique touches.

While The Denmark News is no stranger to big interviews, last week, we secured a sit-down conversation with the most famous figure to ever grace our pages. Besides Jesus himself, no figure is as symbolic to the Christmas season than the one and only Santa Claus. Thanks to some Christmas magic, we were able to meet with Santa in person to share his thoughts on the Denmark area and the Christmas season in general.

This holiday season, The Denmark News organized our 3rd Annual "Best Lights in Town" Christmas light decorating contest to determine who has the biggest and brightest display in the greater Denmark area. We began our quest by compiling a list of must-see displays before photographing each display to compare and determine a winner. 

The Mishicot Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) put together a smoothie bowl fundraiser for the week of December 8-12 . Each smoothie bowl was five dollars and came with three toppings with an additional fifty cents per topping chosen after the three. There were options of granola, honey, peanut butter, strawberries, bananas, and blueberries.

Blended Scoops and Eats, located in the heart of Mishicot at 219 East Main Street, has recently been the popular go-to spot for ice cream, drinks, and food! After months of preparation to make their business a fun, exciting experience for all, Blended Scoops and Eats first had a soft opening with invites only on March 2, 2025, and a grand opening on March 8, 2025. 

The holiday season is sounding a little brighter thanks to Mishicot High School’s auditioned choir, Soundwave. This talented, high-energy performance group is using their voices to spread Christmas cheer throughout the surrounding areas.

Last Monday afternoon, the Village of Denmark Board of Trustees hosted their last monthly meeting of 2025. In a short meeting that lasted just under 20 minutes, the board discussed recurring topics including a disputed mowing ordinance violation and the criteria to own an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in the Village.

As last Tuesday night's snowstorm started to set in, the Town of Cooperstown Board of Supervisors convened their final monthly meeting of 2025. Yet again, the recent conflicts surrounding the cul-de-sac at the end of Radtke Road came to the forefront of the night's proceedings.

On Friday, the Maribel Lions Club welcomed its newest member with Riley Norman being sworn in during the organization’s annual Christmas Party at Gatherings 43! Pictured: (from left to right) Maribel Lions President Pat Hickey, Former Lions District Governor Shirley Dahlke, Lion Riley Norman and sponsor Lion Greg Charney. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Kralovetz)

On Saturday, the Denmark American Legion Johnson-Hershman Post 363 hosted this year's district level of the Legion's High School Oratorical Scholarship Competition at Denmark High School (DHS). That morning, two DHS students competed by each presenting two timed speeches on subjects relating to the United States Constitution. The Denmark News stopped by to learn more.

During the week of December 1-5, the Denmark High School Student Council rallied their peers to give back to their community this holiday season. The Student Council hosted its annual Toy Drive in which any donations would be distributed around the community. The four classes competed rigorously to donate the most toys. In the end, the seniors won with 86 toys. Overall, the Student Council received 174 donations.

Last Monday, the Denmark Performing Arts Center was filled with people and the holiday spirit as the Denmark Middle School (DMS) and Denmark High School (DHS) presented back-to-back winter concerts. Over two musical hours, hundreds of talented students delighted audiences with a number of Christmas classics as well as a variety of other holiday tunes.

On Saturday morning, the acclaimed Kris Kringle braved the bitter cold to make his annual appearance with the Denmark FFA. Claus, who is of course accustomed to the frigid temperatures, joined the FFA and a number of his young fans for this year’s Movie with Santa in the Denmark High School (DHS) cafeteria and Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Next month, the Denmark Community Cupboard will be one of six organizations to receive much-needed funds through a one-of-a-kind event that fuses healthcare, the arts and community. This year's Doctors in Recital performance will take the stage at the Weidner Center on January 24 with an array of local physicians lending their musical talents to raise funds for deserving organizations and programs.

Recently, downtown Denmark gained a brand new business aimed at offering patrons a range of professional beauty services as well as a "customized beauty experience". Founded and operated by cosmetologist Stella Schley, the Stella Siren Beauty Bar opened its doors in the former home of Dave's Hometown Haircare in October promising to bring "big-city beauty to small-town charm".