Freeman Academy scored a win in its opening match of the 2023 soccer season, taking down Groton Area 6-0 Saturday afternoon, Aug. 12 at Freeman Academy. The Bobcats got four goals from eighth grader Lesther Rocha and one each from seniors Liam Ortman and Yonathan Lopez in the shutout victory.

Joey Baer, a senior at Freeman Public, is introduced as the center fullback and defensive captain during a new jersey reveal inside the Sterling Hall auditorium Friday evening. The Freeman Academy soccer team — the only sport at the school that still plays by the name, Bearcats — starts its season at home Saturday afternoon against Groton Area; kickoff is at 1 p.m. This year's varsity roster includes 18 players from FA, Freeman Public, Marion and Parker — all of which attach to the Bobcats' soccer program.

The sky turned brilliant late Thursday evening as severe weather moved across the larger region. The Freeman community didn't receive much of it — it rained briefly — but the storm system was powerful enough to light up the community with warm summer colors.

Jessie Ahlers, head volleyball coach at Freeman Public, goes over the instructions for a serving drill during the first day of practice Thursday, Aug. 10. While football and soccer practices have been underway for a while, today is the first allowable practice for volleyball teams across the state. Ahlers, who was an assistant last year, replaces Kendra Peterson as head coach. She is assisted by Angele Letcher. Twenty-two girls in grades 9-12 reported to the first day of practice for the Flyers.

Work is being done by Koerner Construction in front of the Freeman Junior-Senior High School to build a wheelchair accessible ramp leading from the parking lot to the main entrance. 

As a way to drum up excitement for the upcoming season, head coach Scott Dent and the Freeman Academy soccer program is hosting a pep rally and new jersey reveal this Friday, Aug. 11. Events will begin inside the Sterling Hall gym at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a light meal and activities outdoors. Dent, who is in his third year as head soccer coach at Freeman Academy, said the program is also introducing a Bobcat Booster Club and Little Bobcat Club aimed at youth who play in various area clubs “so we can keep the sport growing.”

With Freeman Police Chief Jay Slevin standing by, Freeman resident Max Alderson explains the idea behind the Freeman Neighborhood Watch Program at an informational meeting held inside the meeting room of the Freeman Community Center Monday evening, Aug. 7. A better-than-expected crowd of close to 40 attended the 50-minute meeting, which highlighted the value of Freeman residents taking part in looking out for the safety of the community — not as vigilantes, but as eyes and ears when suspicious activity is observed. Watch for more on this start-up program in this week's Courier.

The public is invited to come to the Freeman High School practice football field west of the main complex Thursday evening, Aug. 10 to watch a Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy scrimmage. Phoenix head coach Dustin Tschetter said it will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. F/M/FA opens its second season as football cooperative at home against Burke Friday, Aug. 18.

Charles Duerksen died at 1:05 p .m. on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Charles Duerksen died at 1:05 p .m. on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Walter Funeral Home, 553 S Juniper St., in Freeman. A memorial service will take place on Friday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren (EMB) Church, 27196 442nd Ave, 5 miles west and 1 mile north of Marion.