EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the speech that Jeremy Waltner prepeared and presented for the Freeman Regional Health Services Gala as a way to look back on the history of health care in the town and the remarkable vision by both leadership and community residents that continues today. A number of years ago...

For the second time in three years, Marion students will compete at the State One-Act Play Festival. Competing at the Region 3B competition in Madison on Tuesday, Jan. 23, Marion and Canistota advanced from the field of seven and earned a spot at the state festival at Brandon Valley Feb. 1-3. This y...

A general obligation bond that would have infused $6.5 million in new tax revenue into the Marion School District for a major school renovation failed to gain approval in a special election held Tuesday, Jan. 16. While a majority of voters cast their ballot in favor of the measure, it failed to meet...

When the Freeman Academy Chamber Choir sings for the S.D. American Choral Directors Association on Friday, they will be sharing a love and appreciation for music that is culturaly rich in the community. Even before he married into the community through his courtship with Anne Waltner, Dr. Rolf Olson...

Jason Kaufman clears snow in front of his place of employment, Jamboree Foods, as another round of winter weather hits the region on Thursday. Several more inches of snow only added to the ongoing accumulation and high winds and sub-zero temperates expected late in the day/early Friday morning will ...

60% majority required to approve $6.5 million for building project  School leadership in Marion will know by this time next week whether they will be proceeding with the first two phases of a three-phase plan that would dramatically improve the aged and cobbled-together campus, part of which has bee...

Katie Junke taking over for Voss as elementary principal after this year With Freeman Elementary Principal Shane Voss retiring at the end of the 2023-24 school year and 7-12 Principal Katie Junke set to move to the other side of the building and take his place, the Freeman Public School District is ...

Assuming one is needed, and pending formal approval from the local boards, a joint city/school election will be held Tuesday, April 9. Those interested in seeking office may take out nominating petitions beginning Friday, Jan. 26 and have through the end of the day Friday, Feb. 23 to turn them in. A...

Director Iwona Lewter has announced the cast of “Shrek the Musical,” which will be presented for Schmeckfest 2024. The show will be staged both nights of Schmeckfest — Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16 — as well as Thursday night, March 14. Curtain will be at 7:30 p.m. all three nights. Tickets a...

Steam from milk production at AMPI rises on what was a quiet Friday morning in downtown Freeman. Action is sure to pick up as the day wears on, however, as there is just one day left of the workweek (plus Saturday for those that are open) before Christmas.