JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER When Ashley and David Downs moved their family to Freeman from Washington State in December of 2021, they did so because they wanted to experience a different way — and pace — of life. They had always loved South Dakota and, after taking a look at the Experience Freeman Welcome Guide that included a page featuring a quick glance at the community and some of what it has to offer, they settled on Freeman.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER When Ashley and David Downs moved their family to Freeman from Washington State in December of 2021, they did so because they wanted to experience a different way — and pace — of life. They had always loved South Dakota and, after taking a look at the Experience Freeman Welcome Guide that included a page featuring a quick glance at the community and some of what it has to offer, they settled on Freeman.

Donovan Friesen, a board member at Heritage Hall Museum & Archives, cuts the grass in front of the main building on the historical campus Tuesday morning. With regular rains these days, grass and other plant life remain flush and fresh as August wears on — unlike the past few years, when dry conditions had the opposite effect. 

This photo was posted on Facebook as Heritage Hall Museum & Archives' weekly "Monday on Main" feature, along with the following text:

Firefighters who are currently on the roster of the Freeman Volunteer Fire Department — and several who previously served — were recognized Saturday night at the 10th annual FVFD Firehouse Rib Cook-Off. Hundreds gathered once again at the Freeman Swimming Pool Park for what was the biggest fundraiser of its kind yet. Twenty-eight departments competed in the competition that included both ribs and brisket before serving hungry guests starting at 5 p.m.

Joey Baer, a senior at Freeman Public, is introduced as the center fullback and defensive captain during a new jersey reveal inside the Sterling Hall auditorium Friday evening. The Freeman Academy soccer team — the only sport at the school that still plays by the name, Bearcats — starts its season at home Saturday afternoon against Groton Area; kickoff is at 1 p.m. This year's varsity roster includes 18 players from FA, Freeman Public, Marion and Parker — all of which attach to the Bobcats' soccer program.

The sky turned brilliant late Thursday evening as severe weather moved across the larger region. The Freeman community didn't receive much of it — it rained briefly — but the storm system was powerful enough to light up the community with warm summer colors.

Jessie Ahlers, head volleyball coach at Freeman Public, goes over the instructions for a serving drill during the first day of practice Thursday, Aug. 10. While football and soccer practices have been underway for a while, today is the first allowable practice for volleyball teams across the state. Ahlers, who was an assistant last year, replaces Kendra Peterson as head coach. She is assisted by Angele Letcher. Twenty-two girls in grades 9-12 reported to the first day of practice for the Flyers.

Work is being done by Koerner Construction in front of the Freeman Junior-Senior High School to build a wheelchair accessible ramp leading from the parking lot to the main entrance. 

With Freeman Police Chief Jay Slevin standing by, Freeman resident Max Alderson explains the idea behind the Freeman Neighborhood Watch Program at an informational meeting held inside the meeting room of the Freeman Community Center Monday evening, Aug. 7. A better-than-expected crowd of close to 40 attended the 50-minute meeting, which highlighted the value of Freeman residents taking part in looking out for the safety of the community — not as vigilantes, but as eyes and ears when suspicious activity is observed. Watch for more on this start-up program in this week's Courier.