The daughter of Ross and Amy Glanzer, Kadyn is actively involved in a variety of school activities, including athletics, FFA, Student Council, and the Mentor/Mentee Program.

When asked for recommendations, Kadyn was described as passionate, confident, driven, and hard-working. One reference noted she is a “shining star” among her peers, consistently demonstrating dedication to both her goals and those around her.

Kadyn will attend South Dakota State University this fall, where she plans to pursue a degree in nursing. Her long-term goal is to continue her education and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

This scholarship reflects Freeman Regional’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our goal is to empower students like Kadyn to achieve their educational aspirations and make a positive impact in the field of medicine. We congratulate Kadyn on this achievement and are honored to support her journey toward making a difference in healthcare.

For our Attitude Award, some of the things we look for are: demonstrating a welcoming & cheerful presence, being courteous and understanding, and considering each encounter a privilege to make a positive impact. Congratulations, Wendy, this is a well-deserved honor for all you do!

For our Respect Award, some of the things we look for are: listening attentively without interrupting, interacts with honesty and sincerity to build trust and is accountable to others in work and actions. Congratulations, Tim, you’re commitment to FRHS, our patients and residents is impressive and we thank you!

For our Excellence Award, some of the things we look for are: goes above and beyond in duties and interactions, and represents FRHS positively. Congratulations, Carmen, you check off all these items and more! Thanks for getting it all done!

Angie successfully completed her CNL examination on February 6, 2026, achieving an advanced credential that recognizes clinical expertise, leadership in patient care, and a commitment to quality improvement in healthcare settings.

A dedicated member of the Freeman Regional team for more than 20 years, Angie has consistently demonstrated a passion for professional development and organizational excellence. Her leadership plays an important role in strengthening patient outcomes and supporting staff.

“Angie’s commitment to advancing her education and leadership skills reflects the dedication she brings to Freeman Regional every day,” said Michelle Neuharth, Systems Director of Nursing. “Her achievement as a Clinical Nurse Leader strengthens our team and enhances the level of care we provide to our patients and community.”

Freeman Regional congratulates Angie on this outstanding milestone and thanks her for two decades of dedicated service.

For more information about Freeman Regional, visit freemanregional.com

Dementia Dialogues® is a five-module, evidence-informed, nationally registered training program designed to educate and support community members and caregivers for individuals who exhibit signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The course provides practical tools, effective communication strategies, and creative problem-solving techniques to help participants better understand and care for those living with dementia.

The training will be held at Dewald Street Village (Commons Area), 600 S. Dewald St., Freeman, SD 57029, and will take place over three evenings:

Part 1 – March 23 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Module 1 – The Basic Facts: An Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

Part 2 – March 24 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Module 2 – Keep the Dialogue Going: Strategies for Effective Communication
Module 3 – It’s a Different World: Understanding the Impact of the Environment & Ways to Promote Independence

Part 3 – March 25 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Module 4 – It’s Nothing Personal: Addressing Challenging Behaviors
Module 5 – Now What Do We Do? Creative Problem Solving

Dinner will be provided each evening.

This free training opportunity is open to the Freeman community, including family caregivers, healthcare workers, and anyone interested in learning more about dementia care.

Participants can register online by visiting: https://osa.cventevents.com/02zrAZ

Freeman Regional Health Services is proud to host this important educational event and support caregivers and families in our community.

Continuing education approved for EMS, Dental, Long Term Care Administrators, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractor and CHW/CHR professionals.

For more information, please contact Amanda Mettler at Amanda.Mettler@freemanregional.com or 605-925-2108

For our Attitude Award, some of the things we look for are: demonstrating a welcoming & cheerful presence, being courteous and understanding, and considering each encounter a privilege to make a positive impact. Congratulations, Phyllis, this is a well-deserved honor for all you do!

For our Respect Award, some of the things we look for are: listening attentively without interrupting, interacts with honesty and sincerity to build trust and is accountable to others in work and actions. Congratulations, Kelli, you’re commitment to FRHS, our patients and residents is impressive and we thank you!

For our Excellence Award, some of the things we look for are: goes above and beyond in duties and interactions, and represents FRHS positively. Congratulations, Brenda, you check off all these items and more! Thanks for getting it all done!

“We want to honor the people, the stories, and the moments that shaped healthcare in our community,” said Tabitha Schoenwald, FRHS Foundation Director. “The community played an essential role in establishing both the hospital and the Salem Mennonite Home, and their photos will help us bring this history to life.”

The 2026 gala will highlight the nearly 75-year history of the Freeman Community Hospital, founded through extraordinary community support, volunteerism, and generosity. The event will also honor the longstanding legacy of Freeman Regional Assisted Living (formerly Salem Mennonite Home), which has provided compassionate care in the region for more than 77 years.

To help showcase and preserve this shared history, FRHS is requesting historic photos, documents, and memorabilia from current and former employees, families, and community members. These items will be featured in a special video and event display during the gala.

“Healthcare in Freeman has always been a community effort,” said Courtney Unruh, FRHS CEO. “As we honor nearly 75 years of our hospital and the decades of service provided through the Salem Mennonite Home, we invite everyone to help us preserve this history.”

Freeman Regional is seeking items that may include:

• Early hospital or Salem Home photos
• Employee portraits or department photos
• Construction or renovation images
• Community fundraising or volunteer events
• Long-term care memories
• Any historical snapshots connected to local healthcare

How to Submit Items

Community members may email digital photos or drop off printed photos to be scanned. All originals will be handled with care and promptly returned.

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Items may be submitted to:
Tabitha Schoenwald
510 E 8^th Street, Freeman
605-925-4000
tabitha.schoenwald@freemanregional.com

This award honors top quartile performance (75th percentile or above) in quality, outcomes, and patient perspective among rural hospitals.

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a framework for evaluating rural hospital performance.

The INDEX benchmarks help rural hospitals, health systems, hospital associations, and state offices measure performance in areas that impact hospital operations and finance.

Avera hospitals receiving awards include:

• Avera Creighton Hospital, Creighton, NE
  • Quality
• Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital, De Smet, SD
  • Quality
• Avera Dells Area Hospital, Dell Rapids, SD
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Avera Gregory Hospital, Gregory, SD
  • Patient Perspective
• Avera Granite Falls Health Center, Granite Falls, MN
  • Quality
• Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller, SD
  • Quality, Outcomes, and Patient Perspective
• Avera Holy Family Hospital, Estherville, IA
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Marshall, MN
  • Quality and Outcomes
• Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital, Rock Rapids, IA
  • Quality
• Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital, O’Neill, NE
  • Quality
• Avera St. Benedict Hospital, Parkston, SD
  • Quality, Outcomes, and Patient Perspective
• Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD
  • Outcomes
• Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, Pierre, SD
  • Outcomes
• Avera Tyler Hospital, Tyler, MN
  • Quality
• Community Memorial Hospital Avera, Redfield, SD
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Floyd Valley Hospital, Le Mars, IA
  • Outcomes
• Freeman Regional Health Services, Freeman, SD
  • Patient Perspective
• Hegg Health Center, Rock Valley, IA
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital, Avera, Scotland, SD
  • Quality
• Marshall County Healthcare Center Avera, Britton, SD
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Pipestone County Medical Center, Pipestone, MN
  • Patient Perspective
• Platte Health Center Avera, Platte, SD
  • Patient Perspective
• Regional Health Services of Howard County, Cresco, IA
  • Quality
• St. Michael’s Hospital Avera, Tyndall, SD
  • Quality
• Sioux Center Health, Sioux Center, IA
  • Quality
• Wagner Community Memorial Hospital Avera, Wagner, SD
  • Quality

“Avera excels at rural health care, and this long list of awards is wonderful validation of the high-quality care that’s provided in communities across the Upper Midwest. We’re proud of the hardworking teams at these hospitals and their dedication and commitment each and every day,” said Kevin Post, DO, Chief Medical Officer of Avera Health.

“The areas of quality, outcomes, and patient perspective are cornerstones of health care delivery across rural America, and this year’s Performance Leadership Award recipients are establishing a standard of excellence for their rural peers to follow,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, Chartis Center for Rural Health.

“We are delighted to shine a spotlight on such strong performance and honor the achievement of these hospitals on National Rural Health Day.”

For our Compassion Award, some of the things we look for are: someone who is aware of how others are feeling, adapts to meet others in the moment and offers assistance without being asked. Congratulations, Kim, you do all these things and so much more!

For our Attitude Award, some of the things we look for are: demonstrating a welcoming & cheerful presence, being courteous and understanding, and considering each encounter a privilege to make a positive impact. Congratulations, Malitha, this is a well-deserved honor for all you do!

For our Respect Award, some of the things we look for are: listening attentively without interrupting, interacts with honesty and sincerity to build trust and is accountable to others in work and actions. Congratulations, Kris, you’re commitment to FRHS, our patients and residents is impressive and we thank you!

For our Excellence Award, some of the things we look for are: goes above and beyond in duties and interactions, and represents FRHS positively. Congratulations, Charly, you check off all these items and more! Thanks for getting it all done!

Freeman
Marion
Menno
Bridgewater

Stay healthy, stay protected!