Last Tuesday, the former Denmark Early Childhood Center (ECC) was filled with excitement and dreams for the future. That night, OneDenmark hosted a special "Fill the Bucket" fundraiser featuring tours, refreshments and visions of what will soon be the Denmark Community Center. The Denmark News stopped by to learn more.

Last Monday, Americans across the nation gathered to remember, honor and pay their respects to all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. In Denmark, Memorial Day brought with it the annual tour of area cemeteries by members of the Denmark VFW Post 6705 and American Legion Post 363 before their traditional joint ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park.

On Friday, May 23, the hardscape play area behind Denmark Elementary School (DES) was echoing with the sounds of music and excitement for this year's iteration of an annual end-of-the-school-year tradition. That morning, the members of the Denmark High School (DHS) Band and their Director Vicky Wilda made their way over to the neighboring school for this year's Pep Band Concert featuring rocking music and lots of fun for all.

On Friday, prior to Sunday's Denmark High School Graduation in the school's Gold Gymnasium, the space was host to a similar ceremony celebrating the achievements of younger students in the district. That morning Denmark Middle School (DMS) hosted this year's 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony featuring awards, recognition and parting wishes from the school's staff. The Denmark News was in attendance to learn more.

On Wednesday, May 21, the Village of Denmark's Parks & Recreation Committee hosted a special informational meeting at Village Hall regarding upcoming plans for redesigning and expanding the municipal park system. The meeting was overseen by the committee with representatives from Parkitecture and McMahon Engineering in attendance via zoom.

Last Tuesday, the Maribel Lions Club hosted their annual Spring Fryout in the Maribel Community Center. Following dinner, former Wisconsin Lions Club District Governor and Denmark Lion Shirley Dahlke rose to install the new officers for this year and to induct a new member to their midst.

On Thursday, over two dozen Denmark Middle School (DMS) students had the opportunity to get a taste of an important real-life situation to better prepare them for their futures. That day, 28 seventh grade Academic and Career Planning students took part in a series of mock job interviews with local employers representing a variety of fields.

Last Monday, the Denmark High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) featured a special end-of-the-school-year program featuring the district's youngest students. That night the Denmark Elementary School 4K programs combined to present an evening of music, stories and fun. The Denmark News stopped by to listen in.

Calling all spatially-restricted green thumbs and wannabe gardeners without gardens. This year, the Denmark Community Garden, located behind Our Savior's Lutheran Church, is refocusing their approach and now offering raised garden beds for community members to rent and raise their own produce.

This week, one local business will be commemorating their first full year in business. On June 1, Eric and Beck Laundrie, aka Denmark's Hardware Hank and Hannah, will mark their one-year anniversary of opening their store at 116 Broadway. Through the ups and downs of starting a new business, Hardware Hank Denmark has established itself as a community resource in multiple ways.

Last Wednesday, Denmark High School (DHS) staff, students and their families gathered in Gatherings 43 for an annual celebration of artistic achievement. That night, the district's high school band, choir, theater and visual arts departments came together for this year's Fine Arts Banquet featuring a litany of awards, medals, trophies and certificates being presented to deserving students.

Editor’s note: This is Part II of a two-part series on Maribel resident Bill Jartz. The longtime television anchorman at WBAY is retiring after nearly 40 years working at the station he grew up watching. Jartz’s last day on air is May 23. Part I appeared in last week’s Denmark News.

Last Monday, the Denmark School Board held their monthly meeting in the Denmark High School (DHS) Media Center. Following the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and roll call showing all members in attendance, the board opened the floor to comments from the public. After seeing none, they moved on to the appointment of officers for the new term.

Last Tuesday, the Town of Cooperstown Board of Supervisors hosted their monthly meeting in the Town Hall in Rosecrans. This was the first meeting for newly-elected Chairman Joe Havlovitz and Supervisor Nick Propson and was attended by roughly a dozen other town residents.

Last Monday, the Denmark Village Board held their monthly meeting in Village Hall. Following the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and roll call showing all members in attendance, the board opened the floor for any pre-registered citizens to be heard. This month, a Village business owner was in attendance to express their concerns about the new food truck that was recently approved to operate in town.

Last Monday night, the Denmark High School Bands hosted a special end-of-year concert in the school’s Performing Arts Center. The event served as a close to the Denmark School District Spring concert season as well as the last time seniors would perform with their fellow students on stage.

On Wednesday, May 14, Denmark High School (DHS) staff, students, their families and business and organizational representatives from across the community and beyond gathered in the school’s Performing Arts Center for an annual celebration of academic achievement and excellence.