In October, we reported on the Denmark School Board's decision to grant the current Early Childhood Center (ECC) to OneDenmark once the district is done using it if the organization meets financial requirements set by the board. Since then, many readers have been wondering what OneDenmark's next steps will be.

Late this summer, we reported on the growing debate in the Village of Denmark regarding the right for residents to raise chickens on their property. Since then, advocates for the right to raise have coalesced to form the new "Denmark Hen Alliance" with the goal of spreading awareness and ultimately changing the village's ordinance banning the practice.

Although I am not a fan of celebrating "too early", I have always truly loved the Christmas season. From a young age through adulthood, I have always enjoyed so much of what makes Christmas special and look forward to it year after year.

Christmas wishes come in all shapes and sizes. With so few days remaining until the holiday arrives, folks are hustling to get their shopping lists fulfilled.

Now, imagine a request that’s so monumental, it would take the gift of another to make a dream come true.

On Wednesday, December 13, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denmark hosted a one-of-a-kind holiday event for all to enjoy! That night, the parish hosted their first ever "Kris Kringle Festival" in their parish hall featuring holiday treats, activities and fun for all!

Throughout 2023, an area farm has been celebrating an incredible milestone. This year, the Larsen family farm, located in New Denmark, commemorated 150 years of continuous farming. This impressive feat was accomplished through the hard work and determination of generations of Larsens who have continued the agricultural tradition decade after decade. Like every family farm, the Larsens have a unique and interesting history.

Last Thursday, all were welcome to enjoy a fun and thoughtful Christmas program at All Saints. That night, All Saints students and staff presented their annual Christmas Program featuring a traditional telling of the story of Christmas along with songs of praise and worship.

On Sunday, December 10, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Denmark presented their annual Sunday School Christmas Program in the sanctuary of their church. The event featured all grade levels taking part in a celebration of Christmas’s true meaning.

Last Monday afternoon, the Village of Denmark held their monthly board meeting at the new Village Hall in the former BMO Harris Bank building. Topics discussed and acted on at this month's meeting included potential park planning, setting a final moving date for village offices, and how to handle the continued issue of "fugitive dust" from United Cooperative.

Last Monday, the Denmark School Board held their monthly meeting in the high school Media Center. Major topics of this meeting included the district's recent evaluation and potential changes to the schedule at DHS.

On Tuesday, December 12, the Cooperstown Town Board held their monthly board meeting at their Town Hall in Rosecrans. Agenda items included reports from various town officials, continued discussion of potential hauling ordinances and a clarification of the fines involved for not taking out a building permit in the municipality.

Last Thursday, all were welcome to join in the first ever Sheepshead Tournament held at Gatherings 43 in Denmark. That night, dozens of players from across the area and beyond gathered and faced off in the event hall in the first of a series of tournaments scheduled there.

For the last twenty-one years, James Grasee has been providing top-notch financial planning from his Edward Jones Financial offices in Bellevue. Now, he will be continuing the same great service from a brand new office, also in Bellevue. At the end of last month, James and his Office Administrator, Kristine O'Connell, made the short move from their old offices at 3257 Main Street to their brand new location just around the corner at 3210 Kewaunee Road.

Last week, students and staff at All Saints Catholic School in Denmark were getting in the Christmas spirit with a number of fun and thoughtful activities for all to enjoy. 

Next Wednesday, OneDenmark will be hosting a festive event for all to enjoy. That night, they will host the first ever "Holiday Family Fun" in the atrium of Denmark High School featuring Christmas-themed activities, music and treats for all.

This holiday season, CZ’s Bushville Lanes is facilitating a kind-hearted initiative for a worthy cause. This year, the acclaimed tavern is sponsoring a “Christmas Food & Good Drive” benefiting Denmark Helping Denmark.

When it comes to Christmas trees in the Denmark area, one name has become synonymous with top-notch product and service--Calewarts. For decades, Mike and Kathy Calewarts have been providing quality trees from their farm in New Denmark on the corner of Highway T and Park Road. Over the years, they have provided countless trees to thousands of families as well as an endless supply of Christmas cheer.