I loved being a dad the day I became one, and I’ve loved being a dad ever since. I was reminded of that pleasure thanks to an emotional weekend marked by Ella’s 17th birthday on Sunday. We celebrated with both sets of grandparents for a noon meal and then she was off enjoying downtown Sioux Falls wi...

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER There’s a good chance of rain, but Daniel Harnisch is hopeful the Pioneer Power Show will go on mostly as planned when it returns to Pioneer Acres on the north edge of Menno this weekend. The 37th annual throwback to steam and all that goes with it is scheduled for Saturda...

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER “This has been in our veins for a long time.” That comment from Ethan Schmeichel comes amidst exponential growth of the Schmeichel family business, S&S Ag Supply LLC, and is in reference to his dad and grandfather, Steve and Melvin, selling seed as far back as the 1950s. “...

Those who have driven on Highway 81 a mile south of Freeman in the last few weeks have no doubt seen the impact of a construction project near the corner of 280th Street, and this photo offers a good view of what's going on. The South Dakota Department of Transportation is building turn lanes on eit...

The Freeman Public School Board will meet in special session Wednesday night, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. to accept the resignation of business manager Debbie Gossen, according to the agenda posted on the school’s website. Goossen turned in her resignation Monday night and told the Courier her last day will ...

A worker with NorthWestern Energy, who would not provide his name, moves on after installing one of the historic light fixtures that are now lining Freeman's Main Street. The installation of 22 new lights along the 400, 300 and 200 block of downtown began Monday and was continuing on Tuesday — more ...

The Freeman Volunteer Fire Department was called to a control burn shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Monday — a fire that was making its way toward some structures, according to Freeman Fire Chief Josh Andersen. Watch for more information when it becomes available. 

A hymn sing led by Deb and Carry Carden of Yankton was part of Sunday evening's special program at the Johannesthal Reformed Church at Heritage Hall Museum & Archives. This historical look back at the church included both an afternoon and evening lecture by Steve Auch, who has interest in and ties t...

Team captains from Menno (left: Ashton Massey, Kaelie Derby and Maggie Miller) and Freeman (Cami Fransen and Ava Andersen) meet with the head official prior to their match at the Bridgewater-Emery Tournament on Saturday. Freeman defeated Menno 2-0 and finished the tournament 3-1 while the Wolves wen...

Ava Andersen, homecoming queen at Freeman High School, hands the game ball to referee Rich Erickson of Yankton prior to Friday night's gridiron matchup between Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy and Howard. It was a beautiful evening and spirited environment despite the Phoenix's 45-18 loss to the No. 3...