JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER In the week leading up to the 2021 State B Track Meet, Menno girls coach Ryan Liebl was quietly thinking that his team could crack the top three in the team standings and even told that to the girls before action began in Rapid City last Friday. But Jesse Munkvold questioned her coach’s optimism. “We were lined up and ready to go and Ryan was telling us how things could pan out,” says Munkvold.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER Titus Roesler can pinpoint the day when the fire that fuels his drive to run was lit. It was May 16, 2019, and the Freeman Academy/Marion Bearcats were running in Gayville at the Region 5B Track Meet. One year earlier, in 2018 as a freshman, Roesler had run the 3200 at the State Track Meet, but on that day two years ago, he fell short of a return-trip when he finished third in the region competition.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER Students presented roses to family members in an always-emotional moment, those receiving scholarships were acknowledged in the program and over the public address system, and class valedictorian Madeline Hofer reminded those attending Saturday afternoon’s graduation at Freeman Public Schools that this was a class that always — always — had each other’s backs.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER One of the most academically accomplished classes in recent memory said goodbye to Menno Public School Saturday afternoon, May 15 at a commencement that revealed the work ethic, accomplishments and wide-ranging personalities of 19 graduating seniors. But much of the focus was on the high-level of achievement exhibited by Menno’s Class of 2021. Five graduated with 4.0 GPAs or higher.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER The city of Freeman last week held its first reading of a revised parking ordinance that aims to place stricter regulations on residents of Freeman who park their vehicles on the yards of their homes. Meeting in regular session Wednesday night, May 5, the Freeman City Council discussed Ordinance No. 2021-05, which if approved would be included in the city’s zoning guidelines and limits where on private property residents can park.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER No formal action was taken, but the Freeman School Board consented Monday night to move one step closer to what would be two major developments on school grounds. 1. Construction of a new wrestling facility east of the Freeman Elementary gym and west of the bus lane, and, 2. Support for new youth ball fields to be built on the east/northeast portion of school grounds, south of College Street and west of Stadium Drive.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER The Freeman School Board early this week made a number of notable staff moves, including hiring a new head boys basketball coach/social studies teacher and accepting the resignation of a longtime teacher and coach, and also the school counselor.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER Seniors from Freeman Academy and Freeman Public were reminded on Sunday that, because of their relationship with God, they can be “more than conquerors” and surpass the accomplishments of some of the world’s most revered explorers, including Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER An enchantment story that has mesmerized millions of children and delighted families around the world is coming to the Freeman High School stage this weekend. “Frozen Jr.,” an adaptation of Disney’s hit animated film of 2013, will be presented in the high school gym Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission will be at the door.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER Despite hearing from a majority who spoke in favor of it, a five-sports, three-school cooperative between Freeman’s two schools and Marion failed to gain approval from the Freeman Public School Board last week.