Elliott Graber, playing the part of Rochester, and Kelsey Pidde, portraying the title role of Jane Eyre, sing together the Act I finale, “Oh How You Look in the Light” during the Wednesday night dress rehearsal of the 2025 Schmeckfest musical, “Jane Eyre.” The two lead characters and their relations...

This classic Schmeckfest photo by Willard Waltner, whose negatives and prints are part of the Heritage Hall Museum & Archives' collection, shows two sisters enjoying soup during the Schmeckfest meal sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The girls are identified only as the daughters of William ...

Surprise (or maybe not)! The Freeman community and larger region woke to the first day of April, not to the springlike weather that is anticipated around this time of year, but a smattering of wet snow the fell in the early-morning hours of Tuesday. The precipitation was expected, and more may come ...

This undated photo, taken earlier on in Schmeckfest's long history that dates back to March of 1959, shows festival workers socializing before the meal is served the dining hall at Pioneer Hall — a tradition that remains at the center of Freeman's "festival of tasting." This week's Photo of the Day ...

It's a wet Sunday morning across the area following a Saturday night rain that produced about a half-inch of moisture in rural Freeman and closer to 0.70 in town. More precipitation is expected this coming week with moderate temperatures.

This photo is included in March 27 edition of The Courier along with an engaging historical account written by Carol J. Eisenbeis, a monthly columnist for the newspaper. Here'a description of the picture, as well as Eisenbeis' column below. Displayed by Carol J. Eisenbeis are several of the photos t...

Brett Pidde, a third-generation grocer and owner of Jamboree Foods across the street, delivers hamburger buns to the Freeman Public Library Friday morning in advance of the Friends of the Freeman Public Library Sloppy Joes on the Go fundraiser. Serving will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; walk-in...

The following story is featured on the front page of this week's Courier. First-year director Jill Hofer partners with cast & production team in bringing ‘Jane Eyre’ to the Schmeckfest stage, with an emphasis on collaboration, team ownership and the themes of a provocative musical drama.  Growing up...

The Freeman water tower is bathed in the warm glow of Wednesday's morning light, suggesting a comfortable day set of days lie ahead. Highs were expected to reach the 60s today, upwards of 70 tomorrow and into the 80s by Friday.

Cast members taking the stage in "Jane Eyre" rehearse a scene Monday night, March 24, less than two weeks before the musical drama is presented as part of the 2025 Schmeckfest April 5 and 5. The production will also be presented Thursday, April 4. Watch this week's Courier for an extensive inside lo...