Canistota/Freeman’s 14U Teener team used an 11-run fifth inning to seize the momentum and win the biggest game in Sticks program history, claiming the 2021 Class B VFW state championship Sunday night, July 24 in Freeman.

Doug Uecker has always been interested in how city government works — something he really learned to appreciate as the city’s first-ever development coordinator in 1994-95. “I enjoyed it then and have followed it and enjoyed it since,” said Uecker, who became even more involved last summer when he was appointed by Mayor Michael Walter to a one-year term as a Ward 2 city councilor. “I like looking at the big picture.”

Following the success of the first two years of the South Dakota Chislic Festival, the areas fastest-growing event is coming back — and it is better than ever.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER The city of Freeman won’t fully agree to move forward with a proposed rebuild of Main Street — or decide against it — until the bids come in early next year, but the council made its biggest move yet in favor of the estimated $3.2 million project earlier this month.

Charges are pending against Menno residents Christine Jackvony, 56, and William Jackvony, 65, in an accident involving two vehicles near Meridian Corner eight miles south of Freeman Thursday afternoon, July 16.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER Emily Andersen didn’t just take the oath of office as a new member of Freeman Public School Board earlier this week, she was also elected board president. Andersen was elected on a 4-1 vote at the board’s reorganizational meeting Monday night, July 12. Slade Ammann, Doug McCune, Kyle Weier and Andersen all voted in her favor while Cody Fransen nominated and voted for former board chair Kyle Weier, who was ultimately elected vice president.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER Organizers faced multiple questions heading into last Saturday’s South Dakota Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale. Would the weather allow for the outdoor event as planned or would they be forced indoors? How many would show up? Would people be eager to be out and about or were some still operating out of an abundance of caution on the backside of the pandemic? And just how much money would be raised? That is, after all, at the heart of this benefit for all that MCC stands for — worldwide relief. Well, now they know.

In an effort to avoid the need to raise water rates, the Freeman City Council has placed additional restrictions on outdoor watering within city limits. Those with odd-numbered houses or businesses may water only on odd-numbered days, while those with even-numbered houses or businesses may water only on even-numbered days. Watering continues to be limited to the hours of 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. The city of Freeman thanks you for your cooperation. 

A Fordson tractor and Oliver plow on display at Heritage Hall Museum & Archives are of particular interest this week. They represent an essential element in the story of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC); an event at the Prairie Arboretum Saturday, July 10, which will be raising funds for the international nonprofit, charitable relief, service, and peace organization. The South Dakota MCC Relief Sale begins at 5:30 p.m.

JEREMY WALTNER  -  PUBLISHER Given concerns about the spread of COVID-19, Edie Tschetter said it was a no-brainer to cancel the South Dakota Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale last summer. “It wasn’t even a question,” said Tschetter, a relief sale committee member and key organizer who has worked with the fundraiser since it debuted in Sioux Falls in 1987. The real question was what to do in 2021, and Tschetter admits she was a little surprised earlier this year when the committee met and appeared eager to revisit the sale.