There are three good reasons why the Freeman Public School Board should vote to approve the purchase and installation of new bleachers for the not-so-new-anymore Freeman Junior-Senior High School gym, which was discussed at the school board’s Feb. 10 meeting: 1. The money is there. 2. No other major improvement to the physical plant is anywhere on the horizon. 3. 28 years and counting. So, let’s break it down. THE MONEY IS THERE

Our opinion: Criminalizing medical treatment a misguided approach to ‘protecting children’ in South Dakota; state senate should strike down bill.   Last week, the Courier editorial raised concerns about Senate Bill 54, which would take local control away from citizens of cities and counties by banning their ability to ban use of plastic bags and plastic straws.

Our opinion: South Dakota lawmakers should vote against a bill that would allow the state to prohibit town and county agencies from setting their own rules about plastic.   If you and your family decide to stop using plastic bags and plastic straws, should the state tell you that you can’t do that? Most people would say, “no, it’s my choice.”

Elrod Kaufman, 79, of Freeman, S.D., passed away on Jan. 9 at Oakview Terrace. A Celebration of Life will be held Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. at the Salem Mennonite Church, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at the church. Elrod is survived by his wife, Harriet (Mueller); daughters Jill Whittington, Caldwell, Idaho and Sue (Jeff) Higgins, Boise, Idaho; son, Don, Freeman; two granddaughters and three great-grandchildren.