JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER “The question is not, ‘What should be happening in my life?’ but, ‘What is happening in my life?’ The present moment, the present set of circumstances, the present relationships in our lives — this is where God meets us and gives us life.”

As was the case last spring, Schmeckfest as it has been traditionally held since it debuted in 1959 will not take place in 2021 because of ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. That includes the demonstrations, traditional meal and stage production of “Matilda The Musical” as a carryover from 2020 if circumstances had allowed.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER The Freeman School Board last week reversed a long-standing policy that states that students who use the district gym must be accompanied by an adult. Meeting in regular session Monday night, Jan. 11, the board voted 5-0 to allow students in grades 7-12 to use the elementary gymnasium without supervision, with access to the facility via the district-issued student badge through the north door.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER A serious discussion about possibly rebuilding Main Street has returned to the Freeman City Council’s table.

JEREMY WALTNER  - PUBLISHER The Freeman Public School Board wants more information about what consolidation with Marion would mean for the local district — particularly as it relates to finances — and also agreed to an informal conversation about what a sports cooperative would look like, not only with Marion, but also Freeman Academy. No action was taken on either matter, but the board agreed to take a closer look at all options during its regular monthly meeting Monday night, Jan. 11. Here’s a breakdown of what’s on the table.

Freeman Regional Health Services (FRHS) and Salem Mennonite Home (SMH) have entered into a cooperative arrangement to plan for the construction and development of new healthcare facilities in Freeman, SD. Both FRHS and SMH provide affiliated senior care services. SMH delivers assisted living care and independent living. FRHS serves individuals who require skilled nursing, long-term care and congregate independent living.

This is Part 3 of a 3-Part series about the medical journey of one rural Freeman family. Click on the links below to read the first two parts. CLICK HERE FOR PART 1 CLICK HERE FOR PART 2   PART 3 “I, Sonja, am writing a summary of your accident so that you know why you are at Madonna and QLI, and why you have to work so hard before coming back home.”

All five board members who represent the Freeman School District, along with Superintendent Kevin Kunz, spoke in favor of at least continuing the conversation about a possible partnership with Marion in terms of both sports cooperation and, later, consolidation.

The Freeman Regional Health Services (FRHS) Board of Directors announced in a press release Monday, Jan. 4 that Courtney Unruh has been named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the health care facility. “After reviewing 52 applications and four rounds of interviews, Courtney was selected as our top candidate,” said Lori Uecker, who chairs the FRHS board.

If you haven't read Part 1, click here to do so.   The family of six stood in the living room where they had spent many holiday seasons before, arms wrapped around each other, all dressed up for Christmas Day. There were no forced smiles here, only genuine happiness, love and no doubt thankfulness for the moment they were in.