The ground was wet at daybreak following an overnight rain that brought another inch-plus of moisture to the community. It was the second substantial rainfall for a moisture-starved region in recent days, and there are additional chances for rain in the days to come.

Howling Saturday morning winds took down this stop sign at the corner of Sixth Street and Wynken Drive. Warmer temperatures, but gusty conditions, are the reality of today.

This group of Freeman Public eighth graders performs at the 2022 Freeman Music Contest hosted by Freeman Public Friday morning, May 6. Schools from across the region are participating in the 5-8 vocal and instrumental competition at Freeman Elementary throughout the day; watch for results in the May 12 edition of The Courier.

The Main Street business district has remained open to traffic this week despite an earlier announcement from the city that it would be closed starting Monday, May 2. An official with Sayre Associates said the delay has come because project officials are waiting for workers to complete another job. The plan is to close Main Street at Railway (picture here) Monday, May 9, although the road closure will be block by block as progress is made going south.

Michael Walter is administers the oath of office Tuesday night, May 3, signifying his second consecutive two-year term as mayor of Freeman. Walter, who was also the city's mayor 30 years ago, was unopposed in his bid for re-election earlier this year. Also taking the oath of office Tuesday night were city councilors Charles Gering, Tabitha Schoenwald, Lonnie Tjaden and Charly Waltner who are all beginning new terms. Tuesday's reorganizational meeting included the appointment of Blaine Saarie as council president and Schoenwald as vice president.

One day after hosting the junior high Wizard Relays, Freeman Public Schools is gearing up for its second varsity track meet of the season — the Don Diede Relays. Field events are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and running events at 3 p.m. Thirteen teams are scheduled to compete.

A praise band consisting of Noah Hofer, Jacob Swensen, Lois and Craig Wollman, Samuela Ndongosieme, Maria Cortes, Lily Wipf and Olivia Lemme offers music at the 2022 baccalaureate service at the Freeman Community Center Sunday afternoon, May 1. The 60-minute service included music, scripture, a message by Shane VanMeveren, pastor of the Bethany Mennonite Church, and a prayer for the graduates. About 100 attended the traditional worship service specifically for graduates and their families. Watch for a full report in the week's Courier.

Below is a direct link to the Freeman Ministerial Association's 2022 baccalaureate, which was held Sunday, May 1. Click here for the baccalaureate live-stream

Graduating seniors from Freeman Academy and Freeman Public who choose to attend will gather at the Freeman Community Center Sunday afternoon, May 1 for the traditional baccalaureate hosted by the Freeman Ministerial Association. The service starts at 4 p.m. and can by live-streamed by clicking here.  

Water pools at the corner of College and Walnut streets in Freeman — a welcome site for a moisture-starved region. More than an inch of rain had fallen across the community as of 9 a.m. Saturday with more expected throughout the day.