Without any snow on the ground — and without anything substantial in the forecast anytime soon — folks will have to settle for decorative snowmen like this one at 316 Cedar Street near the North County Road. The weather, meanwhile, remains sunny and mild for this time of the year, with highs expected in the 50s mid-week. 

It was another sunny day in Freeman on Sunday, Dec. 6 as demonstrated by the scene at the Bethlehem Reformed Church OPC around 10 a.m. The dry and mild weather is expected to continue in the week to come, with Christmas now less than three weeks away.

It's December, and that means that Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their helper are making their rounds in communities big and small around the world. It was Freeman's turn on Friday night, Dec. 4 as the gift-givers spent a few hours greeting families in downtown Freeman. Because of safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, the greetings were done socially distanced and a number of children had lists that were handed to Santa for review. The visit was part of the Frost Fest holiday promotional event that included retail specials and other Christmas-themed activities for families. 

This space between Vintage Vault Floral and Fashions and Strasser Law Office, located on Freema's Main Street, was empty during the day but tonight will be home to Santa and Mrs. Claus, who are visiting the community as part of the "Frosty Fest" holiday event. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Clauses will greet families — socially distanced — while other activities take place around town. Freeman horse-drawn carriage rides will be available while family friendly events will be offered at both Doc's Mess Hall and Fensel's Greenhouse and Gift Shop.

The moon is pictured above a tree and beyond several of the flags at the Freeman Area Veteran's Memorial on a crisp but pleasant Thursday morning, Dec. 3.

A large threshing machine was the backdrop for a stimulating conversation about the agrarian roots – as well as the future – of a rural South Dakota community at Heritage Hall Museum & Archives in Freeman last week.

This photo of South Dakota's 1941 license plate may seem random, but there is some context behind it. You can find out what that context is in the Menno history section published in the Dec. 3 issue of The Courier — online later today and in print Thursday.

The pile of toys being donated for the Toy Box Toy Drive at The Courier office has been growing the past few days for delivery to the Bethany Food Pantry later this week. The public is invited to purchase and drop off their donation by Thursday, Dec. 3.

Doc’s Bar, which has operated as such from the 200 block of Freeman’s Main Street since the spring of 2019, has announced on Facebook it will be closing on Jan. 2, 2020, with a liquidation sale beginning today, Monday, Nov. 30.

The Sunday morning sun lights up a school bus parked in the Freeman Middle School/High School parking lot. Freeman Public announced on Friday its plan to gradually return to in-person instruction after a week of suspended learning. All students in grades K-5 will report to school next week while while students in grades 6-8 will attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday and students in grades 9-12 Tuesday and Thursday. Students are highly encouraged to attend school in person but may also choose remote learning if so desired.