Jerome Waltner, 82, passed away peacefully on May 13 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital due to complications from Influenza B. He was born Dec. 3, 1937 in rural Hurley, S.D. to Harry and Amanda (Kaufman) Waltner.  His early years were spent at the farm working with his brother, sister and parents. He attended Norse District 38 Country School one mile from the family farm until eighth grade. He graduated from Freeman Academy in 1956. He graduated with honors from South Dakota State College (SDSU) in 1960 and was crowned Hobo (Homecoming) King in 1958 and 1959.

Martin "Marty" Preheim was born February 21, 1965 to Neal and Bernita (Graber) Preheim in Freeman, S.D. He was born with Cerebral Palsey, which was caused by lack of oxygen during childbirth. It led to lifelong physical and mental challenges for Marty. He spent the first 15 years at home and spent time at childrens' hospital to help him manage his disabilities. From the age of 16 until his passing he lived in Sioux Falls at Lifescape, which was formerly Achieve, and Sioux Vocational Services, an agency that helps people with disabilities.

Leora Ann Ortman, age 95, of Freeman, SD, died April 30, 2020 at Oakview Terrace.  Due to current health care precautions, there will be private grave side services at the Salem Zion Mennonite Church.  A public service and celebration of her life will be held once gathering concerns have ceased. Born to Joseph J. and Marie (Albrecht) Graber on June 22, 1924, Leora grew up on a farm a few miles northeast of Freeman SD with her two sisters, Elta and Bernita, and two brothers, Hilbert and Johnny.

Milton Handel, 93, of Menno/Freeman, S.D., died Monday, April 13, 2020, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell, S.D. A private, family funeral service was held Friday, April 17 at Hills of Rest Mausoleum in Sioux Falls. 

An American Flag and Freeman Public Library banner are reflecrted in a puddle of water on Main Street Monday morning, June 22 following an overnight/early morning shower. A nice week is expected across the area.

The sun sets over Freeman on a beautiful spring evening.

Hayes Sorensen, the 7-year-old son of Amy and Ryan Sorensen, does a trick off the diving board at the Freeman Swimming Pool earlier this week. Like dozens of other kids, Hayes had a ball at the pool earlier this week cooling off amidst the 90-plus degree heat.

The public is invited to the Menno Junior Senior Prom Grand March on June 19 starting at 6 p.m. The grand march will be held outside around the Menno school. Students will exit the old gym doors and head south around the school grounds. They will walk all the way around and end back at the old gym doors.

Paisly Sammler and her younger brother, Shay, play in the sprinklers set up by their grandmother in Freeman on a hot Wednesday, June 17. The children were joined by brother Laiken; they are Hartford residents.

Glenn Wollman, who sells kettle korn and other varieties through his business, Kettle King Kettle Korn, cooks up a batch across the street to the north of Merchants State Bank Tuesday afternoon, June 16. Wollman, who is regular vendor at events like the State Track Meet and various community festivals, was in Freeman selling from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and reported good sales. “We’ve been busy,” he said around 4 p.m. “I can’t keep up.”