When “Shrek the Musical” was announced as this year’s Schmeckfest production late last year, I know there were doubters who were skeptical at best and dismissive at worst, and even some who stubbornly said they would not be attending. I don’t know if those folks ever came around, but if not — well, ...

South Dakota News Media Day at the Capitol in Pierre serves as a solid reminder of the importance of access to — and relationships with — our elected officials. For many years — decades, in fact — a day has been set aside during the general session of the South Dakota Legislature for South Dakota ne...

The Freeman community once again finds itself processing the news of a tragic death and standing in solidarity with those most impacted by unimaginable loss. In this case it is the passing of Megan Rollag, a senior at Freeman High School and daughter of a friend and former employee, Tabitha Schoenwa...

There’s a short clip from a conversation between talk show hosts Anderson Cooper and Stephen Colbert that has been making the rounds on social media as of late. It’s not new — it’s from an interview that aired on CNN in August of 2019 that focused on grief — but for one reason or another it’s really...

Every year since 2016, The Courier has been collecting toys for distribution through the Bethany Food Patry in December. That effort is officially underway again and the public is encouraged to help spread a little holiday cheer. Sixty years ago, singer Andy Williams called it “the most wonderful ti...

The following letter appears on the front page of the Nov. 9, 2023 edition of The Courier.

Fall has always been my favorite of the four seasons. Crisp mornings, rain-soaked leaves and a time to slow down prompted by fewer daylight hours has great appeal to me. No, I don’t love that come Sunday, Nov. 5 it will get dark an hour earlier, but it’s a rhythm that brings with it some comfort and...

Bond issues can be contentious and are often difficult to pass. That’s because they include a tax increase, an unpopular prospect particularly when agricultural land is involved. Voters in the Freeman School District famously shot down six bond issues for a new school in the late 1960s and early 197...

Back in June I had the privilege of joining the Freeman High School Music Department on its every-four-years trip to Florida as both a chaperone and a community journalist eager to tell the story of the experience through a first-hand account. It was a seven-day journey that ended with a long, 26-ho...

I loved being a dad the day I became one, and I’ve loved being a dad ever since. I was reminded of that pleasure thanks to an emotional weekend marked by Ella’s 17th birthday on Sunday. We celebrated with both sets of grandparents for a noon meal and then she was off enjoying downtown Sioux Falls wi...