Dustin Randall removes snow from the roof of his Freeman home Monday afternoon, Jan. 25 — a reminder that cleanup from the recent snowfalls continues. And while new snow isn't a reality today, high winds have created difficult road conditions that have prompted Freeman schools to let out early. And — yes — more snow is in the forecast for Friday and Saturday.

This week, students from Menno High School were scheduled to take part in the Region 1B One-Act competition with their play, “Dark Road.” The cast and crew of 19 includes junior Kaelie Derby, who plays the leading character in the show that offers a hard look at life in Auschwitz in the 1940s. The story revolves around Derby’s character, Greta, who is sympathetic to the Hitler-led effort to torment and execute the Jewish population despite pleas from her sister, Lise, who ends up a victim. Here’s Kaelie’s reflection in her own words.

=Gerald Michael Wollmann was born on Feb. 11, 1938, in Freeman, S.D., to Michael S. and Clara (Hofer) Wollmann. He had a younger sister, Lila Clara. The family moved to Bridgewater, S.D. in 1944 where Gerald attended school and graduated in 1956. Gerald met Vauneta Decker through mutual friends. They were married on Nov. 4, 1960, at Plum Creek Baptist Church near Emery, S.D. Gerald and Vauneta were blessed with three children: Sheila Rae, Gail Lynn and Merlin Wayne.

David Rolf Olson died peacefully at home on Jan. 3, 2023, at the age of 88. He was born at Moe Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. on June 7, 1934, to Clifford and Berna (Holland) Olson. He attended Lowell Elementary School and Washington High School in Sioux Falls and graduated from Augustana College in 1956. After graduation from Augustana, he taught a year of English and music at Humboldt High School.  He then worked at the Sioux Falls Public Library for several years. 

This photo was taken in Dead Man's Alley — which connects the south end of Cherry Street with Poplar Street — over the weekend following an overnight fog that turned the landscape into a spectacular winter wonderland. It's been that kind of a winter thus far — a snowy inconvenience and beautiful all at the same time.

Calvin R. Hofer, 83, passed away unexpectedly at his farm in rural Marion. A private family committal service will be held at the Hutterthal Mennonite Church Cemetery. A memorial service at the Hutterthal Mennonite Church will be held at a later date.  

This is this week's "Mondays on Main" Facebook post made by Heritage Hall Museum & Archives. Here's the accompanying information: 

Tabitha Schoenwald, who is the marketing and foundation director at Freeman Regional Health Services, assists auctioneer Ken Wintersteen during the live auction at Saturday night's FRHS Foundation Gala — a major fundraiser for the organization that provides financial support to the local health care service. Saturday's formal event also included a meal, silent auction and keynote address from inspirational speaker V.J. Smith, who spoke of the importance of gratitude and appreciation.

Freeman sophomore Sawyer Wipf battles Menno senior Cody Munkvold in Cornbelt Conference basketball action in Freeman Friday night, Jan. 20. It was part of a doubleheader with the girls that the Flyers swept; the varsity boys won 60-34 to pick up their second win of the season (2-8) while the varsity girls won 62-36 to move above .500 (6-5). There's more basketball action today locally; the Freeman boys will host Kimball-White Lake with the JV game to start at 1 p.m., while the Freeman girls travel to Irene to face Freeman Academy/Marion in the Irene-Wakonda Classic.

It was a late start, but school is back in session following an off-day yesterday due to the latest round of winter weather. And Freeman Public will be the location for a basketball doubleheader tonight between the Flyers and Menno; the boys C game will begin at 4 p.m. followed by both junior varsity games, the girls varsity at 6:15 p.m. and then the boys varsity after that.