JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER In one of his first big moves as the new chief of police in Freeman, Jay Slevin is helping spearhead an effort that he hopes will lead to the establishment of a Freeman Neighborhood Watch program. Slevin, who was named chief of police last month and replaces Scott Brewer — who took a job with county law enforcement — met with the Freeman City Council about the idea at its July 18 meeting. He also recorded a short video explaining the idea that was shared on the city’s Facebook page on July 26 and drew favorable response.

This shows the stage at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum Prairie Rose Amphitheater on the evening of the 2023 South Dakota Chislic Festival. This week's Courier includes coverage of the July 29 event, as well as news from the Freeman chief of police about his plans to start a Freeman Neighborhood Watch Program.

This shows the stage at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum Prairie Rose Amphitheater on the evening of the 2023 South Dakota Chislic Festival. This week's Courier includes coverage of the July 29 event, as well as news from the Freeman chief of police about his plans to start a Freeman Neighborhood Watch Program.

This club basketball team sponsored by Huber Motor Company of Freeman poses for a photo with the signature Ford emblem — the car company the Freeman dealership specialized in during its operation beginning in 1940 and continuing into the 20th century before closing in 2005. Pictured are, top from left: Harry Lee Smidt, Keith Ellwein, Harris Hofer, Reiny Mutchelknaus, Winnie Haar; front from left: Eddie Schmeichel, Ted Morgan, DuWayne Lippelt, Melvin Schmeichel and Ted Pidde.

With a partly-cloudy sky behind it, the Monday morning sun hits Freeman's water tower as a new work week began with a lovely summer morning. Another shot of overnight rain made the morning air feel crisp and fresh and a nice week of weather is expected.

A steady stream of people and a well-populated tent was evident on the grounds of the Freeman Prairie Arboretum — particularly early in the day — during Saturday's fifth annual South Dakota Chislic Festival. Starting around 11 a.m. and continuing well into the afternoon, hundreds mingled throughout the festival grounds for food and fellowship in a relaxed and enjoyable setting that has come to help define the event. Watch for a recap and photos in the upcoming edition of The Courier.

A steady stream of people and a well-populated tent was evident on the grounds of the Freeman Prairie Arboretum — particularly early in the day — during Saturday's fifth annual South Dakota Chislic Festival. Starting around 11 a.m. and continuing well into the afternoon, hundreds mingled throughout the festival grounds for food and fellowship in a relaxed and enjoyable setting that has come to help define the event. Watch for a recap and photos in the upcoming edition of The Courier.

Colleen Reilly, a volunteer from Sunnyvale, Calif. and friends with South Dakota Chislic Festival board member Joann Smith and her husband, KC, helps set up the merchandise tent in preparation for the festival Saturday morning, July 29. The fifth annual event that celebrates the South Dakota state nosh gets underway with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the day, with food, drink, music and fun and games on full display. All of it is taking place at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum located on the southwest corner of town.

Colleen Reilly, a volunteer from Sunnyvale, Calif. and friends with South Dakota Chislic Festival board member Joann Smith and her husband, KC, helps set up the merchandise tent in preparation for the festival Saturday morning, July 29. The fifth annual event that celebrates the South Dakota state nosh gets underway with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and will continue throughout the day, with food, drink, music and fun and games on full display. All of it is taking place at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum located on the southwest corner of town.

Bailey Sage (33) bumps fists with player/manager Jake Weier after being introduced as the starting left fielder prior to Freeman's District 6 elimination game against Lesterville Thursday night in Crofton. And the Blacksox saw their season come to an end with a 6-3 loss to the Broncs, who will be joined by Crofton, Wynot and Menno in representing the South Central League at the state tournament in Mitchell beginning Aug. 2. The bracket will be announced Sunday.