JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER Von Vangenderen, a radio personality with WNAX and 104.1 The Wolf, has been to the Freeman Volunteer Fire Department Firehouse Rib Cook-Off before, so he knew what he was getting into when he stepped foot onto the grounds of the Swimming Pool Park Saturday afternoon to be a judge for the rib competition. He still had his socks knocked off.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER Von Vangenderen, a radio personality with WNAX and 104.1 The Wolf, has been to the Freeman Volunteer Fire Department Firehouse Rib Cook-Off before, so he knew what he was getting into when he stepped foot onto the grounds of the Swimming Pool Park Saturday afternoon to be a judge for the rib competition. He still had his socks knocked off.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER It’s that time again — time for school. Classes will begin at both Freeman schools, in Marion and in Menno next week. Students from Marion will report first on Monday, Aug. 21 and will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. that day. Freeman Public will hold its first day of classes on Tuesday, Aug. 22 with a noon dismissal; lunch will be served. Freeman Academy and Menno will both start with a full day of classes Wednesday Aug. 23.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER It’s that time again — time for school. Classes will begin at both Freeman schools, in Marion and in Menno next week. Students from Marion will report first on Monday, Aug. 21 and will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. that day. Freeman Public will hold its first day of classes on Tuesday, Aug. 22 with a noon dismissal; lunch will be served. Freeman Academy and Menno will both start with a full day of classes Wednesday Aug. 23.

Donovan Friesen, a board member at Heritage Hall Museum & Archives, cuts the grass in front of the main building on the historical campus Tuesday morning. With regular rains these days, grass and other plant life remain flush and fresh as August wears on — unlike the past few years, when dry conditions had the opposite effect. 

This photo was posted on Facebook as Heritage Hall Museum & Archives' weekly "Monday on Main" feature, along with the following text:

Firefighters who are currently on the roster of the Freeman Volunteer Fire Department — and several who previously served — were recognized Saturday night at the 10th annual FVFD Firehouse Rib Cook-Off. Hundreds gathered once again at the Freeman Swimming Pool Park for what was the biggest fundraiser of its kind yet. Twenty-eight departments competed in the competition that included both ribs and brisket before serving hungry guests starting at 5 p.m.

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.