These flowers are among those that help color the Freeman Prairie Arboretum located in the southwestern corner of the community, which is continuing to be developed since plans for the 40-acre site were first announced 30 years ago.

This was the scene on the Nusz Insurance float that was among the 84 entries in Tuesday's Fourth of July parade in Menno. The traditional event once again drew hundreds of people to the community as the 45-minute processional made its way down Fifth Street and finished past the Menno-Olivet Care Center. The weather was cooler than normal but cooperated nonetheless; the storms that moved through the region were done in time for the 11 a.m. start. The evening baseball game and fireworks, however, were postponed until Thursday, July 6.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER On the occasion he is asked by a visitor to his office at the Salem Reformed Church on the south side of Menno the best way to get to Scotland — a 15-minute drive to the southwest — Rev. Michael Hecht says there are three ways to do so in order to avoid gravel. One way is to continue south for three miles to Maxwell Road, go through the colony and pick up Highway 25. Another way, the pastor said, is to go down to the Stone Church, continue across the river and take the oil road into Scotland.

Because of poor field conditions and the threat of more severe weather, the Menno July 4 baseball game against Freeman — and the fireworks to follow — have been postponed. Both have been rescheduled for Thursday, July 6.

The flag at City Hall is pictured in front of an unsettled sky Monday evening as storms make their way across the region. Severe weather is expected throughout the July 4 holiday. 

Jake Weier, right, and Austin Smidt tend the grills at the chislic stand during Sunday's Independence Day celebration in Freeman, which was once again sponsored by Merchants State Bank and staffed by volunteers with the Freeman Baseball Association. Sunday's celebration was a hot one and featured youth baseball and softball games, as well as teener and a amateur baseball. The 14U Sticks defeated Scotland/Menno 12-2 while the 16U Sticks beat the Trappers 5-4 in extra innings. In the evening game, the Freeman Blacksox lost to Tabor 7-0. The night ended with fireworks. 

Lindell Jay Jensen, 58, of Freeman, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023 at Avera Sacred Hospital in Yankton, after a hard fought battle with cancer.  Lindell was born February 23, 1965 into the family of Eldon and Elsie Jensen.  He was the fifth child in a family of seven; Kevin Jensen, Vernell Jensen, Brenda Jensen, Joette (Jensen) Peterson, Keith Jensen, and Roxanne (Jensen) Hancock.  

Those attending the Patriotic Worship Service in Menno Sunday morning, July 2 joined together in singing the national anthem at the onset of the 10 a.m. service. The traditional acknowledgement of God and country once again took place at the city park and this year included a sermon from Rev. Michael Hecht titled “Holding Forth the Word of Life.” 

With classmate and teammate Penny Schultz looking on, Holly Becker practices her pitching with Becca Schultz at the Freeman softball field Saturday morning. Penny and Holly will both be sixth graders in fall and play with the Rebels 10U softball team, which will play at the state tournament in Sioux Falls July 14-16. A number of local softball and baseball teams will take the field Sunday for Freeman's Independence Day celebration:

Twila Kaye (Schaeffer) Kribell, age 62 of Freeman, S.D., passed away on June 22, 2023 after a brief illness. A celebration of life will take place at the Senior Citizens Center in Freeman on July 9 at 2 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to attend. A lunch will be provided after the service.