Along with the Maribel Caves themselves, one of the most notable and legendary features of the Cooperstown Valley is the remnant of a once-grand hotel perched on top the steep bluff. For 125 years, the Maribel Caves Hotel has drawn the eyes and curiosities of travelers and area residents alike and has been the source of many local legends.

On Saturday, hundreds flocked to the southeasternmost corner of the Village of Denmark for a yearly celebration of fall, faith and fellowship. For over six decades, early autumn in Denmark has brought with it the Annual Fall Festival at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, and this year was no exception with a day filled with activities and prize opportunities encompassing every inch of the parish grounds on Wisconsin Avenue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 school year, the students and staff of Denmark High School (DHS) will be led by a new face in the school's top position. There is a new Principal in town this year as Matt Parish assumes the role last held by Jacob Beschta. Parish is now tasked with leading the school and has already spent a good deal of time getting to know the institution and the community.

On Tuesday, September 2, the buses were rolling and the bells were ringing as local students kicked off another new school year. That morning, students, teachers and staff returned from their summer vacations to begin another nine months of schooling with all the associated hectic excitement. The Denmark News stopped by the Denmark campus on Tuesday morning to see the spectacle for ourselves.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.