In a rare day game, scheduled after Menno/Marion had its Oct. 9 meeting with Parkston canceled because of COVID-19 issues there, Colman-Egan controlled the time of possession to build a 16-0 lead at halftime and ended up winning 24-6 over the Razorbacks in Menno late Monday afternoon, Oct. 12. The C-Hawks, who play in Class 9B, improved to 4-2 while Menno/Marion dropped to 1-6.

While most Americans observe the second Monday in October as “Columbus Day,” South Dakota became the first state to officially celebrate Native Americans’ Day in 1990 at the urging of Gov. George S. Mickelson. We celebrate Native Americans’ Day to recognize and honor the Lakota, Dakota, and Dakota people who called this place home long before European settlers arrived.

The Sunday morning sun lights up the Bethany Mennonite Church on a windy but mild fall day.

Elizabeth Anderson and her daughter Katelyn serve up a container of chili at the Friends of the Freeman Public Library Chilifest Friday, Oct. 9. Instead of its traditional Homecoming Friday Chili-Cook Off, the library chose to host its annual fundraiser via a drive-thru behind its Main Street building. Serving took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tyce Ortman scored on runs of 82, 6 and 21 yards and returned a punt for a 52-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and Isiah Robertson intercepted a pass for a touchdown as Canistota/Freeman Pride build a 36-0 lead over Bon Homme after 12 minutes. The Pride ended up winning 48-8 in the Oct. 9 game played in Freeman to improve to 7-1; the Cavaliers dropped to 2-5.

Members of the Castlewood Warrior Marching Band march down Fifth Street during Menno Band Day Friday morning, Oct. 9. Menno led the way followed by eight area bands competing in three classes. The day concluded with a drumline battle at the football field.

Freeman resident Dr. Dennis Epp sets rocks at the foot of the newest bridge at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum connecting the area east of the interpretive center to the southeast portion of the grounds, near the amphitheater stage. Epp has volunteered his time to complete stonework elsewhere at the arboretum, a trade he learned as a Boy Scout 75 years ago. Watch for more on Epp's contributions to the arboretum in upcoming issues of The Courier.

Students and staff at Menno Public School and the larger Menno community will get their chance to celebrate homecoming this week under the slogan, “The Wolves will stun in 2021.” The traditional coronation will formally get things started Monday night, Oct. 12 and a parade on Friday, Oct. 16 will highlight the week. Coronation begins in the old city/school gym at 7 p.m., with the parade starting at 1:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Roadtrip” — landmarks and destinations. A 1 p.m. pep rally will precede the parade.

This week Friday, Oct. 9, nine area bands will take to the streets of Menno for the 12th Menno Band Day. Many precautions for COVID-19 are being taken as bands participate in this street-marching competition and the drumline battle at the football field. There will be three classes based on band size. The bands in Class C are: Gayville-Volin, Elkton-Lake Benton and Avon. The bands in Class B are Scotland and Centerville. The bands in Class A are: Sioux Falls Christian, Platte-Geddes and Castlewood.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER The Tienda CentroAmerica grocery store that has been operating on the north side of the former Chislic House since late August will soon become the CentroAmerica grocery store and restaurant.