As the Wednesday morning light hits Freeman’s most historic building, Olan Schrag and Ezekiel Unruh smile for a picture before walking in to start their first day of kindergarten at Freeman Academy. All students like Olan and Ezekiel — the 5-year-old sons of Nick and Sonja Schrag and Austin and Lindsey Unruh — from across the area are now back at school for another year.

As the Wednesday morning light hits Freeman’s most historic building, Olan Schrag and Ezekiel Unruh smile for a picture before walking in to start their first day of kindergarten at Freeman Academy. All students like Olan and Ezekiel — the 5-year-old sons of Nick and Sonja Schrag and Austin and Lindsey Unruh — from across the area are now back at school for another year.

Menno School Board members Joel Rempfer, left, and Tim Freier help serve a light supper to students, parents and staff during an open house in advance of the new school year Monday evening, Aug. 21. As is per traditional, the school board prepared and served the meal in conjunction with an open house that included a number of activities, as well as a chance for families to meet teachers and ask questions. School is set to start at both Menno and Freeman Academy on Wednesday. Freeman Public started with a half day on Tuesday while Marion began its 2023-24 term on Monday.

Menno School Board members Joel Rempfer, left, and Tim Freier help serve a light supper to students, parents and staff during an open house in advance of the new school year Monday evening, Aug. 21. As is per traditional, the school board prepared and served the meal in conjunction with an open house that included a number of activities, as well as a chance for families to meet teachers and ask questions. School is set to start at both Menno and Freeman Academy on Wednesday. Freeman Public started with a half day on Tuesday while Marion began its 2023-24 term on Monday.

Because of the excessive heat in the forecast for Tuesday, Freeman Academy's scheduled soccer match at West Central has been postponed to Thursday, Aug. 24. Highs are Tuesday are expected to reach 104 degrees, with a heat index even higher.

Bernard (Bernie) Weber, 85, of Bridgewater, S.D., passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 19 at his residence. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen's Catholic Church of Bridgewater. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24 at the church with a prayer service at 7 p.m.    

Bernard (Bernie) Fred Weber was born on May 3, 1938 on the Weber Homestead near Stanley Corner. Bernie was the “7th son of the 7th son” born to Bernard and Sue (Yontz) Weber. He attended St. Stephen’s grade school and graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1957. He served six years in the National Guard, and during that time married his “childhood and lifelong sweetheart” Rosalie Schwans and to the union added eight children.  

Marilyn Dewald, 85, of Freeman, S.D., passed away Thursday, Aug. 17 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman. Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at St Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman. A committal service will be Monday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Freeman Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at St Paul Lutheran Church.

Marilyn Adell Johnson Dewald, 85, was born April 30, 1938 at Lake Preston, S.D., the daughter of Erling and Wilma (Nelson) Johnson, and passed away on Aug. 17, 2023 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman, S.D.

This is today's "Monday on Main" photo posted to Facebook by Heritage Hall Museum & Archives. It appears with the accompanying text: