As was in the forecast, the Freeman area is getting hammered with a winter storm today as snow and wind is making for tough weather conditions. Area schools are closed and it's quiet around the community — with the exception of people clearing sidewalks and driveways. The system is expected to move out by tomorrow, which will be followed by bitter cold temperatures. 

This is the way that it was Wednesday morning as snow enveloped the Freeman community as part of a much larger system that is hijacking most of South Dakota. The snow is expected to continue through Thursday, with wind eventually becoming a factor.

This photo is all you need to know about what Tuesday morning looked like across the greater Freeman Area, as ice was everywhere. That prompted local schools to start 2 hours late and made traffic slow and sparse as the morning got rolling. But the ice is expected to melt as rain beings and temperatures rise throughout the day. And plenty more moisture is expected in the days ahead — including snow.

Freeman's Main Street was hopping Monday morning, which could be due to errands being run ahead of the incoming weather system. While it appears southeastern South Dakota will escape the brunt of the snow, there are still big questions as to what the moisture that is coming in will look like. Rain is likely early this week but there's a reasonable chance of ice in the days to come.

This classic photo of Freeman's Main Street from 1918 was taken from the now-gone Shanard Elevator, when the white landscape bore a smilier look to that of today.

A squirrel munches in something it found in the snow Tuesday morning. The area continues to blanketed in white following the most recent winter weather event, making it look like the season it is. 

Slade Ammann pushes snow in front of Freeman Lumber Company early Friday morning, Dec. 9, following an overnight snowfall that amounted to about 3 inches locally. As a result of the second snowfall event of the season, Freeman Public moved its Christmas concerts to Friday afternoon starting with the elementary program at 1 p.m.

Flags like these at the Freeman Post Office were flying at half staff on Dec. 7 and are again today in commemoration of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan took place on Dec. 7, 1941 and killed 2,403 Americans, which led the United States to declare war on Japan the next day and enter World War II.  

Players from Freeman Public (left) and Platte-Geddes stand at attention for the playing of the national anthem just prior to the season-opener Tuesday night, Dec. 6. The Flyers shot just 13-for-70 from the field in a 39-49 loss to the Black Panthers. Freeman takes the court against Viborg-Hurley in a doubleheader with the boys Friday night in Freeman. Freeman Academy/Marion and Menno both play in doubleheaders Thursday, Dec. 8, with the Bearcats traveling to Mitchell Christian and the Wolves hitting the road for Armour.

This photo tells the story of Freeman Public this week as a number of extra-curricular activities are planned. The Freeman High School girls open up their 2022-23 basketball season at home tonight against Platte-Geddes; the JV game is set to tip at 6:15 p.m., followed by the varsity girls. Freeman Public is also making plans for its Christmas concerts on Thursday night, with the K-6 program starting at 6 p.m., followed by the 7-12 concert at approximately 7:30 p.m. Watch this week's Courier for more information on upcoming concerts and athletic events.