Tom Rice will not return to his position of superintendent/high school principal at Menno next school year, and it’s not by his own choice.

This photo shows the Jim Woehl Athletic Complex in Menno during the Menno Relays Monday afternoon, May 9. The track and field meet included both a junior high and varsity competition. Twelve teams, including Freeman Academy/Marion and Freeman Public, took part. The FAM boys finished second in the team standings and Menno was third for both the boys and the girls. Click here for the full results.

While Railway Street has been torn up and closed to traffic for more than a week, a "Road Closed" sign first appeared on Main Street Monday morning, May 9 in anticipation of work beginning on the 200 block of Freeman's downtown business district. Additional blocks will close to vehicle traffic as work continues to the south in the weeks ahead.

The ground was wet at daybreak following an overnight rain that brought another inch-plus of moisture to the community. It was the second substantial rainfall for a moisture-starved region in recent days, and there are additional chances for rain in the days to come.

Howling Saturday morning winds took down this stop sign at the corner of Sixth Street and Wynken Drive. Warmer temperatures, but gusty conditions, are the reality of today.

This group of Freeman Public eighth graders performs at the 2022 Freeman Music Contest hosted by Freeman Public Friday morning, May 6. Schools from across the region are participating in the 5-8 vocal and instrumental competition at Freeman Elementary throughout the day; watch for results in the May 12 edition of The Courier.

TIM L. WALTNER - Publisher Emeritus I really like the Phoenix as the mascot selected by students for the Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy coop football team. I liked it immediately when I first heard it was in the running. It’s unique. I like the alliteration (despite the spelling – F-Ph). And I appreciate the symbolism (excellence/rebirth/transformation) and the thought that went into bringing Phoenix to the table.

Michael Walter is administers the oath of office Tuesday night, May 3, signifying his second consecutive two-year term as mayor of Freeman. Walter, who was also the city's mayor 30 years ago, was unopposed in his bid for re-election earlier this year. Also taking the oath of office Tuesday night were city councilors Charles Gering, Tabitha Schoenwald, Lonnie Tjaden and Charly Waltner who are all beginning new terms. Tuesday's reorganizational meeting included the appointment of Blaine Saarie as council president and Schoenwald as vice president.

A familiar name is returning to the city of Freeman’s finance office. Meeting in regular session Tuesday night, May 3, the Freeman City Council unanimously approved the hiring of Lisa Edelman as city finance officer. Edelman served the city of Freeman for seven years before resigning in 2016 to take the finance officer position in her hometown of Menno, where she has been since.

One day after hosting the junior high Wizard Relays, Freeman Public Schools is gearing up for its second varsity track meet of the season — the Don Diede Relays. Field events are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and running events at 3 p.m. Thirteen teams are scheduled to compete.