A group of golfers gets ready to tee off from the fifth hole at Valley View Golf Course north of Freeman on Wednesday. The Cornbelt Conference junior high meet it is town and is expected to continue through much of the afternoon. Freeman Public is along the teams taking part.

The “in like a lion” phrase typically applies to early March, but it is certainly fitting in this, the third week of April, as cool and blustery conditions continue to make the weather conditions feel anything like “a lamb.” Winds are expected to be sustained for much of the week, with highs reaching only into the 50s through the weekend. The statue pictured here stands at Freeman’s Lions Park.

Freeman Public Superintendent Jake Tietje sets the pitching rubber at Freeman's softball field Monday morning, April 17 in advance of this evening's home softball game between the Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy Phoenix and Bon Homme. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. This will be the only Phoenix softball game in Freeman, although a quadrangular is scheduled to be held in Marion April 22.

This building was located where Casey’s is today and was part of a small settlement known as “Freedom” just east of Freeman. The building served as a service station and small cafe through the 1950s, before Freeman grew toward the highway. 

The cast of Freeman High School's "The Lion King, Jr." assembles for a photo prior to their matinee presented to the student body Friday afternoon. The popular story was presented again to the public Friday night and will be a second time Saturday night, April 20 starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door.

Freeman Lions Club members Shirley and Delmar Hofer and Alan Ries assemble sandwiches for Soup Day being held at the Freeman Senior Citizens Center today, Friday, April 14. The trio was among a larger group of volunteers preparing to serve the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to ham and cheese and tuna sandwiches, the menu includes chili, noodle soup, hot dogs and chili dogs, as well as pie and a drink — all for a free-will donation that will go toward Freeman Lions Club projects. 

Martin Sieverding goes over a start list at the Menno Relays Thursday morning, April 13. Two dozen varsity teams and 11 middle school teams are taking part in what is, for many, their first track meet of the season. With more teams than usual, the meet is expected to last into the evening.

These four candidates are vying for two spots in today's Menno School Board Election. Registered voters are hitting the polling place located inside the Menno Fire Hall from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jon Schempp is an incumbent and Jackie Vaith, Joel Rempfer and Molly Huber are challengers. Results will be posted when they are tallied and made available later tonight.

For those waiting for that perfect spring day to arrive, the wait is over. Monday, April 10 is producing ideal weather on the backside of an Easter weekend that — while nice — was somewhat marred by wind and overcast skies. Not today. The sun is shining, the winds are calm and highs are expected to reach the low- to mid-70s. While the weather stays warm the next couple of days, winds are expected to increase Tuesday and Wednesday, and there's a chance of moisture heading into the weekend. In other words, enjoy this picture perfect Monday!

Blue sky over Valley View Golf Course late last week and a significant reduction in the amount of snow on the ground suggest a corner has been turned when it comes to the weather. Indeed, weekend highs have been in the 60s and the temperatures are only expected to warm in the days to come.