There was a lot of this going on Sunday morning as folks like Ted Pidde Jr. moved snow after an ugly late-winter storm passed through the area starting Saturday afternoon and lasting into the night. There wasn't a lot of snow — just a few inches — but rain that fell prior to turning over to snow, coupled with stiff winds, made for tough conditions as people woke on Sunday.

In the same way the Region 5B final of last year sticks with the Freeman Academy/Marion basketball community, so will the Region 5B final of Friday night, March 4, 2022 — this one for an entirely different reason.

A third stop sign is now in place at the intersection of Fifth & Main in Freeman, impacting westbound traffic. The Freeman City Council chose to convert the intersection to a three-way stop to enhance safety due to limited visibility. Motorists coming from the east on Fifth Street will notice the stop sign and flag located near Mr. G’s.

When Freeman Academy/Marion takes the court against Irene-Wakonda at Freeman Public Friday night, March 4, they will be playing with both a chip on their shoulder and deep motivation in their heart.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER Terry Waterman is challenging Steve “Charly” Waltner for his seat in Ward 2 on the Freeman City Council. Both have filed petitions for election, according to the city finance office. Theirs will be the only local election on the April 12 ballot. Waterman lost his bid for mayor in an election with Michael Walter two years ago.

Those who would like a taste of Schmeckfest can now order a hot take-out meal or frozen sausage; both will be available for pickup during two walk-in events — on Saturday, March 26 and Saturday, April 2. Tickets for the meal are limited to 350 each day and can be ordered at schmeckfest.com. Sausage can be ordered by emailing schmecksausage@gmail.com or by calling Duane Ries at 605-360-0224 or 605-925-7952.

The abandoned building in Olivet that served as the Hutchinson County Courthouse from 1881 through most of 2019 is coming down next week. Barron Nankivel, emergency manager for the county, said county workers will begin demolition Monday, March 7; he did not know how long the process would take.

Thaniel Schroeder (jumping) and Connor Epp defend the court against Alcester-Hudson in the second round of the Region 5B Tournament Tuesday night in Marion. The Freeman Academy/Marion boys didn't play their best basketball of the season but still won handily, defeating the Cubs 70-34 to move to 19-2 on the season and into the final round of the regional tournament Friday night, March 4 against Irene-Wakonda. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Freeman Public. Also pictured here is Dylan Johansen. 

For the third year in a row, the Freeman Academy/Marion boys will be playing in the final round of the Region 5B Tournament. But this time they’re the favorite to win. The Bearcats are the region’s top seed and will square off against No. 4 Irene-Wakonda Friday night, March 4 in a game scheduled to tip at 6 p.m. at Freeman Public. Freeman Public is hosting both Region 5B finals on Friday; No. 2 Viborg-Hurley will face No. 3 Centerville in the second game. The winners of Friday’s games will play in the SoDak 16 next Tuesday.

REGION 5B BOYS BASKETBALL Cubs spoil Flyers’ bid for revenge The Freeman Public boys wanted payback against Alcester-Hudson for a 2-point loss during the regular season. Instead, they were dealt an excruciating defeat JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER