The Menno/Marion football team is pictured at halftime of its Monday, Oct. 12 game against Colman-Egan. The Razorbacks are in action again tonight against Irene Wakonda in Menno's homecoming game. An afternoon pep rally and parade is also on tap for today.

Freeman Academy senior Titus Roesler crosses the finish line in first place at the Region 3B Cross Country Meet in Platte Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 14. Roesler crossed the 5,000-meter winding course well ahead of the rest of the field, finishing in 17:33.00; Bon Homme's Nate Hill was second in 18:16.91.

The morning sunlight hits leaves on a tree extenuating the beautiful colors of the fall season.

Menno/Marion head football coach Austin Unruh sets up a play with quarterback Payton Arbach during the Razorbacks' Oct. 12 game against Colman-Egan. The game was scheduled after Menno/Marion had its Oct. 9 game against Parkston canceled because of a COVID-19 issue there; kickoff was at 4 p.m. in Menno. The Razorbacks ended up on the short end of a 24-6 score and dropped to 1-6 on the season. The C-Hawks, who play in Class 9B, improved to 4-2.

While most Americans observe the second Monday in October as “Columbus Day,” South Dakota became the first state to officially celebrate Native Americans’ Day in 1990 at the urging of Gov. George S. Mickelson. We celebrate Native Americans’ Day to recognize and honor the Lakota, Dakota, and Dakota people who called this place home long before European settlers arrived.

The Sunday morning sun lights up the Bethany Mennonite Church on a windy but mild fall day.

Elizabeth Anderson and her daughter Katelyn serve up a container of chili at the Friends of the Freeman Public Library Chilifest Friday, Oct. 9. Instead of its traditional Homecoming Friday Chili-Cook Off, the library chose to host its annual fundraiser via a drive-thru behind its Main Street building. Serving took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members of the Castlewood Warrior Marching Band march down Fifth Street during Menno Band Day Friday morning, Oct. 9. Menno led the way followed by eight area bands competing in three classes. The day concluded with a drumline battle at the football field.

Freeman resident Dr. Dennis Epp sets rocks at the foot of the newest bridge at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum connecting the area east of the interpretive center to the southeast portion of the grounds, near the amphitheater stage. Epp has volunteered his time to complete stonework elsewhere at the arboretum, a trade he learned as a Boy Scout 75 years ago. Watch for more on Epp's contributions to the arboretum in upcoming issues of The Courier.

Students and staff at Menno Public School and the larger Menno community will get their chance to celebrate homecoming this week under the slogan, “The Wolves will stun in 2021.” The traditional coronation will formally get things started Monday night, Oct. 12 and a parade on Friday, Oct. 16 will highlight the week. Coronation begins in the old city/school gym at 7 p.m., with the parade starting at 1:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Roadtrip” — landmarks and destinations. A 1 p.m. pep rally will precede the parade.