Merchants State Bank in Freeman is pictured beneath cloudy skies on Tuesday — part of an overcast week that may produce rain and thunderstorms. There's a chance for both each of the coming days, with the best chance of severe weather Thursday and Friday.

Randall Koehler, pastor at the Hutterthal Mennonite Church northwest of Freeman, offers the message Sunday afternoon, May 7 at the Freeman Ministerial Association's community baccalaureate held at the Freeman Community Center. Many of the graduating seniors from Freeman Academy and Freeman Public attended the religious worship service that included music, scripture, prayer and the keynote from Pastor Koehler. Watch for a recap from Sunday's baccalaureate in this week's Courier.

The front of the Freeman Academy campus boulevard is pictured on an overcast Saturday morning. The countdown to the end of the school year is on at school's like Freeman Academy with corresponding events planned. The Freeman community baccalaureate will begin at 4 p.m. today at the Freeman Community Center, and the upcoming weeks will be the final ones for area students. Graduation at Freeman Public and Menno is scheduled for next Saturday afternoon, May 13 with Freeman Academy and Marion holding their respective commencements Saturday afternoon, May 20.

The warden of the town (played by Kolter Schmidt) takes a selfie with a a motorcycle-riding hotshot named Chad (played by Jackson Donlan) in Marion Public School's presentation of "All Shook Up," a musical that uses the tunes of Elvis Presley presented Thursday and Friday night. The story centers around Chad's arrival in 1950s America and his influence on the people of the town, specifically their relationship with love and music.

Donna Ries, instrumental instructor at Freeman Academy, warms up one of her students inside the gymnasium at Freeman Elementary at the Freeman Music Contest Friday morning, May 5. The vocal, ensemble and instrumental competition for students in grades 5-8 will continue all day with seven schools, including Freeman Public, taking part. The Freeman Music Contest debuted in 2010 the year after the new elementary school was built after being held in Tripp for decades prior.

Dusty Johnson, a United States Representative from Mitchell, visits with the junior U.S. Government class at Freeman Public Thursday morning, May 4. Johnson is spending the morning at the local school district meeting with several classes and the student council. 

Zenovia Butler, at junior at Freeman Public, runs the anchor carry of the 4x100 relay at the Don Diede Relays Tuesday. Butler and the team of Makenzie Scharberg, Rylee Peters and Kate Miller finished second in the event on what was a nice day for a track meet in Freeman. For results, click here.  

The Tuesday morning sun hits these tulips — a reminder that spring is here despite the cool and windy weather conditions.

The track and field complex at Freeman Public Schools will be a busy place Monday and Tuesday as the junior high Wizard Relays and the Don Diede Relays return to town. The Wizard Relays will begin with field events today at 2:30 p.m. followed by running events starting at 3:30. The Don Diede Relays will start on Tuesday with field events at 1 p.m. followed by running events at 3 p.m.

A bunny takes comfort in a pile of sticks and grass on a Saturday afternoon in Freeman.