The temperatures have dropped but the sunshine lights up the leaves on this row of trees along College Street.

A group of students from Menno reacts after thinking they won a game during Menno's pep rally Friday afternoon, Oct. 16. It was part of a fun Friday that include a homecoming parade and an evening football game, although it didn't end the way Menno/Marion had hoped. Instead, Irene-Wakonda emerged victorious 30-26 to end the Razorbacks' season and that franchise; 2020 was the final year for the Menno/Marion football cooperative.

The Menno/Marion football team is pictured at halftime of its Monday, Oct. 12 game against Colman-Egan. The Razorbacks are in action again tonight against Irene Wakonda in Menno's homecoming game. An afternoon pep rally and parade is also on tap for today.

Freeman Academy senior Titus Roesler crosses the finish line in first place at the Region 3B Cross Country Meet in Platte Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 14. Roesler crossed the 5,000-meter winding course well ahead of the rest of the field, finishing in 17:33.00; Bon Homme's Nate Hill was second in 18:16.91.

The morning sunlight hits leaves on a tree extenuating the beautiful colors of the fall season.

Menno/Marion head football coach Austin Unruh sets up a play with quarterback Payton Arbach during the Razorbacks' Oct. 12 game against Colman-Egan. The game was scheduled after Menno/Marion had its Oct. 9 game against Parkston canceled because of a COVID-19 issue there; kickoff was at 4 p.m. in Menno. The Razorbacks ended up on the short end of a 24-6 score and dropped to 1-6 on the season. The C-Hawks, who play in Class 9B, improved to 4-2.

While most Americans observe the second Monday in October as “Columbus Day,” South Dakota became the first state to officially celebrate Native Americans’ Day in 1990 at the urging of Gov. George S. Mickelson. We celebrate Native Americans’ Day to recognize and honor the Lakota, Dakota, and Dakota people who called this place home long before European settlers arrived.

The Sunday morning sun lights up the Bethany Mennonite Church on a windy but mild fall day.

Elizabeth Anderson and her daughter Katelyn serve up a container of chili at the Friends of the Freeman Public Library Chilifest Friday, Oct. 9. Instead of its traditional Homecoming Friday Chili-Cook Off, the library chose to host its annual fundraiser via a drive-thru behind its Main Street building. Serving took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members of the Castlewood Warrior Marching Band march down Fifth Street during Menno Band Day Friday morning, Oct. 9. Menno led the way followed by eight area bands competing in three classes. The day concluded with a drumline battle at the football field.