Discover Litchfield - 2023

WelcometoLitchfield

Amessagefromyourmayor

OnbehalfofourCityCouncil,Administration,staff,andcitizens, Iwouldliketoextendourwarmestwelcomeandinviteyouto visitLitchfield,locatedontheshoresofLakeRipley.Wehopeyou spendtimeexploringandenjoyingourwonderfulCity.Viewour VisitorsBureauwebsite,litchfieldmn.comtoseeallthatwehave tooffer.

YouwillfindLitchfieldtobeafriendly,dynamic,andengaging placetovisit.Weencourageyoutoalsocheckoutourgreat employmentopportunitiesforyouandyourfamily.

Weareavibrantcommunity,committedtomaintaininga small-townatmosphere,strivingtokeepthetraditionsand heritageofLitchfieldalive.Weprideourselvesonbeinga family-orientedcommunity.

Weofferawidevarietyofsportingandrecreationalevents, ranginginactivitiesforallseasonsandforallages.

Ourculturalopportunitiesincludeourhistoricbuildings downtown,ourOperaHouse,GrandArmyoftheRepublicbuilding alongwithtouringAndersonGardensandenjoyingnumerous CommunityTheaterplayproductionsheldthroughouttheyear.

Weinviteyoutovisitusand enjoyagreatplacetolive, workandraiseafamily.

RonDingmann MayorCityofLitchfield

2023 Litchfield Discover Guide

Cover photo by: Brent Schacherer

The beach at Lake Ripley draws big crowds

sunny summer days, but especially during the annual Watercade celebration, when a sand sculpture contest brings teams of families and friends together to create sand masterpieces.

D I S C OV E R L I TC H F I E L D DISCOVER LITCHFIELD

Welcome to Discover Litchfield 2023, a special annual publication of the Litchfield Independent Review. This publication offers a directory of information and resources for use by Litchfield area residents and businesses, as well

as visitors to our city. Discover Litchfield is a compilation of important information — intended as a single source for lists of services, names, telephone numbers and email addresses. Keep it handy; use it often.

And please support the businesses whose advertisements you find inside this guide. Without their support, Discover Litchfield would

not be possible. We appreciate them for supporting us, as well as for making Litchfield the wonderful community that it is.

Our apologies for any omissions or for changes that occur after publication. Please notify us of information that needs to be updated so we can ensure accuracy of future editions of the guide.

If you would like additional copies of this publication, call the Independent Review office at 320-6933266, or email news@independentreview.net.

WELCOME

Photos, clockwise from above left, show the sun setting on a peaceful Lake Ripley near the end of summer, the sun setting on a partially frozen Lake Ripley, a statue of a Civil War soldier honors the fallen at Lake Ripley Cemetery, and 50 American flags line the Avenue of Flags at the entrance to Lake Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield.

Railroad altered Litchfield’s trajectory as a city

Litchfield has seen its share of changes during the past 150 years, from its founding fathers staking claims along new railroad tracks to a flourishing city that is home to more than 6,000 residents and prospering businesses.

The city, which early on was named Ripley and later was known as Ness, was eventually surveyed, platted and recorded as Litchfield in July 1869.

The city’s name and prosperity is tied in part to one monumental event that was influenced by three brothers from England.

These men – Electus Darwin Litchfield, Egbert E. Litchfield and Edwin Clark Litchfield – helped finance the construction of the railroad across Minnesota, through Meeker County and, of course, the town that now bears their name, Litchfield.

This new form of transportation changed the dynamics of Meeker County, which was still in its infancy at the time.

ESTABLISHING MEEKER COUNTY

The seventh Territorial Legislature of Minnesota ordered the organization of Meeker County on Feb. 23, 1856. In March 1856, John Huy and Thomas Skinner had Forest City surveyed and platted.

The area, while inhabited by the Dakota, was still new to white settlers, and it would be two more years before Minnesota would even become a state.

The county was named in honor of Judge Bradley Meeker of St. Anthony, who was one of the first associate justices of the Territory of Minnesota. He served on the Minnesota Territorial Supreme Court, was a charter member of the Minnesota Historical Society, and was one of the first members of the board of regents of the University of Minnesota.

Gov. Willis Gorman appointed Huy, Skinner, D.M. Hanson and Dr. Frederick Ripley as commissioners of Meeker County to complete its organization, with

Forest City named as the county seat.

The first county commissioner meeting was set for May 5, 1856, at Skinner’s home in Forest City. However, Ripley died before the first meeting. He froze to death in a blizzard in March 1856 near a lake that now bears his name on the south end of Litchfield, Lake Ripley.

For 13 years, Forest City was one of several thriving villages in Meeker County.

It was an exciting time in the county, as pioneers embraced the area as home, established businesses and made plans for their new homeland.

From 1856 to 1869, the trading centers of the county in order of importance were Forest City, Kingston, Greenleaf, Manannah, and Collinwood. They were home to flour and feed mills that not only served local settlers but a considerable area outside the county, as well, according to “Condensed History Meeker County, “ by Frank B. Lamson.

RIPLEY, NESS, THEN LITCHFIELD

Meanwhile, south of Forest City, a group of men — Ole Halverson Ness, Henry Halverson, Ole Halverson Thoen, Amos Nelson Fosen, Nels Hanson, and Colberg and Gunder Olson — settled in Ripley Township in 1856.

Two or three years later, the township’s name was changed from Ripley to Ness, in honor of Ole H. Ness.

Ness Township was beginning to prosper, with John Blackwell teaching the first school in 1858. Also that year, the first religious service was held at the Ole H. Ness home by the Rev. William Frederickson, and Heindrick Halverson built the first house, a log cabin.

In 1861, the first school district was organized, and a school house was built. In addition, Ness Church was organized. By 1862, construction of the first school house began in the summer on the farm of Ole H. Ness. However, it was not completed until after

The William Crooks steam engine brought the first ladies to Litchfield in 1869. It was restored to operating condition in 1908 for James J. Hill’s 70th birthday and can be seen at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth.

Photo courtesy Ken Buehler/ Lake Superior Railroad Museum

the U.S.-Dakota Conflict ended. The small town of Ness was growing.

SUMMER OF ‘69

By the late 1860s, the St. Paul and Pacific Railway (Great Northern) established its right-of-way through Minnesota, including Meeker County. The railway decided to lay tracks south of Forest City and through the town of Ness.

A railroad station was erected and named in honor Electus, Egbert and Edwin Litchfield. They were contractors and heavy stockholders in the railway company at the time. The three men helped finance the construction of the railroad through Minnesota, with Electus Darwin being the main contributor.

George B. Waller was the owner of what became the original townsite. He deeded a one-half interest of the selected tract to the railway company and joined the company in platting the portion as the first unit of the county’s present city. The plat was filed July 16, 1869,

establishing the town of Litchfield.

The coming of the railroad brought new opportunities for some and changed the course of history for many.

Thus, the paramount issue on the Nov. 2 election ballot in 1869 was which city should be the county seat. Forest City had served the role for 13 years. Yet, now people were debating whether to keep it in Forest City, or change the county seat to Litchfield or Darwin.

The three cities competed for the right, and left the decision to the voters. The total vote of the county was about 900, and Litchfield won by a majority of about 80 votes.

The change of Meeker’s county seat from Forest City to Litchfield caused a rapid influx of residents and businesses to Litchfield. Many Forest City residents put their businesses and homes on skids and had horses haul them to Litchfield.

Among the enterprising busi-

nesses that contributed to the early growth and development of the village during 1869, included a general merchandise store, hardware store, photo studio, livery, hotel, railway land office, physician, lawyers, flour mill, newspaper, and the U.S. Post Office.

Litchfield was eventually incorporated in 1872, and through the years, the population has grown from 353 residents in 1870 to more than 6,500 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Litchfield has changed a great deal from its early years. Yet, a common thread that was woven in the fabric of this city remains today — a strong sense of community. The residents, businesses and government are appreciative of their past, are committed to the present day, and — like the city’s founding fathers — are looking ahead and making plans for the future.

Sources: “Meeker County Memories,” Independent Review May 1976

--- Sources: “Meeker County Memories,” Independent Review May 1976

Photo courtesy Meeker County Historical Society

Men pose with a railroad handcart in Litchfield in 1910.

ADVERTISERS

A CITY WITH MUCH TO OFFER RESIDENTS AND VISITORS

Litchfield’s parks and other activity areas offer a variety of adventures and learning opportunities

In Litchfield, residents and visitors don’t have to look far to find an opportunity for fun. The city has 20 parks as well as facilities such as an archery range, basketball and tennis courts, hockey rinks and a golf course. And amenities are being added all the time, like pickleball courts added to South Park in 2020.

Memorial Park and Lake Ripley in Litchfield are the site of many events during Watercade, the city’s summer celebration, including a fishing contest, beach party, sand-castle building contest, a 4-mile run around the lake and a fireworks display.

The south shore of Lake Ripley is also the site of a popular RV campground, which is operated by the city and lures both residents and non-residents to enjoy life on the lake. A private

Did you know?

Litchfield has 20 parks of all different shapes and sizes, as well as facilities such as an archery range, basketball, pickleball and tennis courts, hockey rinks and a golf course.

campground, Spirit of Ripley, sits just west of the lake, across Meeker County State Aid Highway 1.

Through a partnership between the City of Litchfield and the Litchfield Rotary Club, Lake Ripley obtained a city-owned splash pad, the newest addition to the shores of Lake Ripley, which opened July 2018. The concrete pad, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer through the fall, features tropical-themed jets that spray water. The Rotary Club, in cooperation with the city, added a shade canopy near the splash pad and community built playground during the summer of 2021.

Litchfield is also home to many historic houses that reflect various architectural styles.

ATTRACTIONS

Above — Players of various ages participate in a pond hockey game on the outdoor rink east of Litchfield Civic Arena.

Inset — A sign welcomes visitors to the beauty and tranquility of Anderson Gardens.

PARKS

Anderson Gardens

North of Memorial Park on Lake Ripley, just off Highway 22

Anderson Gardens is a mini-arboretum park located on the northeastern corner of Lake Ripley with a picturesque gazebo.

Archery Range and Pie Shape/ Dog Park

Across Lake Ripley Drive from Memorial Park

Litchfield’s Archery Range and Pie Shape/Dog Park located across from Memorial Park on Lake Ripley — has eight acres for dogs to run free as well as picnic tables and garbage cans. Next to the dog park is an archery range, which features targets at 10-yard intervals up to 80 yards.

Becker Park

One block south of East St. Paul Street, between Gilman and Chandler Avenues

Located on South Chandler Avenue, Becker Park is an open-play area with a swing set and a small hill perfect for sliding and sledding in the winter.

Central Park

Off Sibley Avenue, between Third and Fourth streets

The heart of Litchfield, Central Park and its bandshell are home to activities throughout the year, including outdoor music, a farmers market and community meals. It is in downtown Litchfield along Sibley Avenue.

Crescent Park

Off North Crescent Lane, near Litchfield Sports Complex

This playground is located in the Crescent Lane development and has a swing set and playground equipment.

Disc Golf

The disc golf course at Litchfield High School has eight holes.

Jaycee’s Park

Between Memorial Park and Lake Ripley Campground on Lake Ripley

Situated between Memorial Park and the Lake Ripley Campground

along Lake Ripley, this park is ideal for a day on the lake or packing a picnic: Jaycees Park has a picnic shelter, playground equipment, dock, boat launch and ice fishing access.

Lake Ripley Campground

Off Lake Ripley Drive between Lake Ripley and East Lake Ripley

The municipal trailer campground has 32 sites, 12 with sewer, water and electric, 20 with water and electric, as well as permanent restrooms and showers. All sites are available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Legion Memorial Park

Near 551-593 Lake Ripley Drive

Built in 1994 this park is dedicated in memory of all veterans of all wars.

Lion’s Park

Off West Pleasure Drive west of Highway 22

Located on the north shore of Lake Ripley, Lions Park has a playground, fishing docks, walking/bike path and large picnic shelter that may be reserved through Litchfield Community Education.

Litchfield Sports Complex

Between the armory and the high school on Gilman Avenue

Located near Litchfield High School on Gilman Avenue, the Litchfield Sports Complex features a variety of athletic facilities, including four softball fields, four tennis courts, a horseshoe court, two outdoor hockey rinks, basketball court, soccer area, skateboard park, two Little League fields and Optimist Park – home of the Litchfield Blues amateur baseball team. The complex is also home to Litchfield Public Schools’ athletic facilities.

Memorial Park

East edge of Lake Ripley, just off South Sibley Avenue

The location for many Litchfield Watercade activities, Memorial Park lies along the east edge of Lake Ripley. A community-built playground and a splash pad are popular attractions at this park, which also includes 175 feet of beach, swimming docks, lake overlook, bike/walking path, an Army tank and field cross memorial, sand volleyball court, lake access, large picnic area and restrooms.

Ness Park

On North Miller Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets

A large park located off North Miller Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, Ness Park has a swing set, picnic tables and volleyball court.

North Casey Park

Near Shell and Davis Motors off North Sibley Avenue

This park is an open play area with a swing set located on N. Miller Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets, with Jewett Creek along the east edge. In the winter there is a small hill for sledding.

Optimist Baseball Park

East 10th Street

At the east end of 10th Street, this ballpark has a full-sized baseball field with seating and two smaller fields.

Pleasant View Park

Off Willmar Avenue, near West 5th Street

Off Willmar Avenue in the northwest section of the city, Pleasant View has playground equipment and play area.

PHOTO BY KRISTIE FLACHMEYER

Anderson Gardens in bloom and its gazebo offer a peaceful retreat.

Prairie Park

Between East Butler Street and East Quail Drive, northwest of the cemetery

Along Butler Street, Prairie Park is a 40-acre nature park, featuring 2.5 miles of walking and crosscountry skiing trails, playground equipment and a picnic shelter provided by the Rotary Club.

South Park

West Ripley Street and South Swift Avenue

This square-block park on the 300 block of Miller Avenue S. is home to two tennis courts and a volleyball court. Pickleball courts were added in late summer of 2020, and new playground equipment has been proposed for construction in summer of 2021.

South Street Playground

North Davis and East South Street

South Street Playground is an open lot at the corner of North Davis and East South Street with playground equipment.

Sunrise Terrace Park

Off East Second Street, near North Gorman Avenue

The park, located along Sunrise

Drive in eastern Litchfield, has updated playground equipment and a small, man-made sliding hill.

Thompson Park

South Chandler between East Ripley and East St. Paul streets

An open play area and swing set mark Thompson Park, located on South Chandler between East Ripley and East St. Paul streets.

Meeker County Parks

Clear Lake Park

Off Clear Lake, south of Watkins on County Road 2

Located three miles south of Watkins on County Road 2, the 34.4acre park includes a picnic area and shelter, boat landing and a short hiking trail.

Darwin-Dassel Park

Between Darwin and Dassel on Highway 12

Meeker county’s largest park features 160 acres of activities. There are 6.5 miles of hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding trails. Shelters and picnic tables are on the lookout hill – a popular sliding hill in the winter. The park extends south of U.S. Highway 12 with additional trails and picnic area.

Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area

17980 640th Ave., Litchfield

This new, 365-acre recreation area has water access to two lakes, a fishing pier, trails for hiking and cross-country skiing and special season archery hunting. Visitors can see portions of Greenleaf and Sioux lakes, along with several wetlands. For more information call 320-796-2161 or visit www. mndnr.gov/greenleaf.

Finnish Memorial Park

Just west of Kingston on Highway 27

Ideal for canoeing down the North Fork Crow River, Finnish Memorial Park sits just west of Kingston on County Road 27. The 17-acre park has a canoe landing, tennis court, shelter and playground equipment.

Koronis Regional Park

14076 Bluefield Road, Paynesville

On the southwest shore of Lake Koronis, this 62-acre park, which is jointly owned by Meeker and Stearns counties, offers overnight camping with electricity and water hookup, bathrooms and showers. It also has a swimming beach, playground equipment, boat land-

ing, lookout tower, picnic shelters with kitchen facilities and several recreational facilities. A walking/ biking trail encircles the lake. To make shelter or camping reservations, call 320- 276-8843.

Lake Manuella Park

21239 County Highway 9, Darwin

Known for its swimming beach, the park has picnic facilities, bathrooms and a changing house.

It is located on County Highway 9, five miles south of U.S. Highway 12

Shaw Memorial Park

31577 County Highway 1, Litchfield

Located in Forest City along Crow River, the 10-acre park has picnic shelters, playground equipment, a softball field, basketball court and ice skating rink in the winter.

Spring Lake Park

72599 240th St., Dassel

Situated between Spring Lake and Long Lake one mile north of Dassel, the 13-acre park offers fishing opportunities with a boat landing and fishing dock, as well as picnic shelters, playground equipment and a popular Little League field. A new trail connects the park to Dassel.

Thompson Park

13099 525th Ave., Cosmos

Located on 525th Avenue one mile west of Cosmos, 22-acre Thompson Park has picnic shelters, playground equipment, ball field, volleyball court and fishing dock.

West Ripley Park

25288 County Highway 1, Litchfield

Located just south of Litchfield on County Highway 1, West Ripley Park has a boat landing, fishing pier, playground equipment, sand volleyball court, bike path and large picnic shelter. The 5.6-acre park lies is located on the western shore of Lake Ripley.

Woodland Park

27299 Minnesota Highway 15, Dassel

Woodland Park boasts a total of 80 acres for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and bird watching. It is located between Kingston and Dassel on Minnesota Highway 22.

The fishing pier at Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area was moved in recent years to improve fishing and accessibility.

RECREATION

Grand Army of the Republic Hall & Meeker County Museum

304 N. Marshall Ave., Litchfield

Built in 1885, the Litchfield Grand Army of the Republic Hall is one of very few left in the nation and is the only authentic one remaining in Minnesota. Designed by one of the members to look like a military fort, the G.A.R. Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The brick is local from the Henry Ames brick yard which was just north of Litchfield. The G.A.R. Hall was almost immediately given to the city of Litchfield with the understanding that it would be kept in its original condition. This hall also served as the first public library in Meeker County and was one of the main gathering places for community events.

Civil War roundtables, featuring speakers who have expertise in war history, have been a regular feature, though these events were cancelled throughout much of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Meeker County Historical Museum is attached to the rear of the GAR Hall. Several photos and information about Civil War veterans can be found here.

This historical attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $3. For additional information, call 320693-8911.

Litchfield Civic Arena

900 N. Gilman Ave., Litchfield

The Litchfield Civic Arena hosts Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato boys and girls hockey games and also offers open skating every Sunday throughout the winter from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $3. The arena also features skate sharpening, community room rental, meeting rooms, table and chair rental and dry floor activities — business expos, auctions, banquets, family reunions, physical-education and dance classes — through March until the end of September. For more info, call 320-693-2679.

Litchfield Golf Club

405 W. Pleasure Drive, Litchfield

The Litchfield Golf Course is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Ri-

pley. With four sets of tee boxes, ranging from 6,400 yards to 5,000 yards, Litchfield Golf Club has 18 uniquely challenging holes. The Par 70, Championship layout will be sure to give the most accomplished golfers a true test of golf, yet allow for the novice to enjoy their round and have fun. For more info, call 320-693-6059.

Litchfield Bowling Center

1227 S. Sibley Ave., Litchfield

The Litchfield Bowling Center offers numerous leagues for all ages and open bowling on Friday from 4 p.m. to close, Saturday from 1 p.m. to close and Sunday from 1-5:30 p.m. Lanes at the bowling center are available to rent for events. The kitchen offers a variety of food, including fresh-made pizza, chicken dinners, appetizers and nachos, and a full bar is also available. For more information, call 320-693-9077.

Meeker County Off-Highway

Vehicle Park

South of Darwin, north of Hutchinson, at 18738 County Road 9 Meeker County’s only OHV Park

opened to the public in 2015 and welcomes OHV riders of all ages. The 40-acre Meeker County OHV Park features fives miles of ATV trails, six miles of off-highway motorcycle trails, a picnic shelter and a youth ATV training area. The park is open seven days a week from dusk ‘til dawn, depending on weather conditions. For information about the condition of the park, visit www. mndr.gov and click “Current Conditions.” Driving from Darwin the park can be found by going west on U.S. Highway 12, turning south on to Co. Rd. 9 and continuing for approximately six miles; the entrance is on the east side of the road. For

more information, visit www.dnr. state.mn.us/ohv/trail or call Alvin Bertram at 320-587-9505.

Darwin Rod and Gun Club 27902 668th Avenue, Darwin

The Darwin Rod and Gun Club is a sportsmen’s club that offers year-round range shooting to members (membership is $20) and trap shooting on Wednesdays between late May and August. The club’s clubhouse — complete with full commercial kitchen and beer on tap — is also available for rental for weddings, birthday parties or other events. For more information, call Ken Porth at 320-693-8722.

Darwin Hill is a popular winter attraction, offering the area’s highest peak for intrepid sledders to race down in the winter.

Litchfield Golf Club offers four sets of tee boxes, with distances ranging from 6,400 to 5,000 yards on the 18hole course.

ATTRACTIONS FESTIVALS

Manannah Daze

To be announced

The small village of Manannah kicks off their annual summer celebration with a variety of activities, including volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, tractor pulls and a street dance. The parade Saturday is followed by a pageant, where Manannah men dress in drag to compete for the title of Miss Manannah.

Litchfield Parade of Bands

June 13

Established in 2019 by the Litchfield Visitors Bureau, the Parade of Bands brings high school marching bands from around the state to Litchfield for a competitive band festival.

Eden Valley’s Valley Daze

June 24-25

Valley Daze 2022 will celebrate the community’s “Past, Present & Future” with a full lineup of events, entertainment, and food on tap including a mix of traditional favorites along with some new additions.

Litchfield Watercade

July 7-10

Litchfield hosts a weekend of fun, food and festivities. Activities planned each year include a fireworks display, golf tournament, Grand Day parade, Art in the Park, medallion hunt, 4-mile run, fishing contest, kiddie parade and a Little Crow water ski show. Watercade’s finale is the annual queen coronation and includes the crowning of the new Miss Litchfield and princesses.

Cosmos Space Festival

July 14-17

The annual get-together features a variety of activities, from an antique tractor pull to disc golf tournament, along with a softball tournament, meals in the park, a Space Festival parade, fireworks, pancake breakfast, pork chop dinner, church in the park, music entertainment and more.

Meeker County Fair

Aug. 2-6

It’s the annual “Fairest Days of Summer” for Meeker County resi-

dents. It features traditional county fair activities, such as exhibits and the showing of livestock, carnival rides, live music and demolition derbies.

Watkins’ Kraut ‘N’ Wurst Day

Aug. 5-6

The highlight of summer in Watkins is the Kraut N’ Wurst Days, which features a parade, Little Miss Watkins Pageant, Cow Drop Raffle, an evening street dance and beverage/food stands located in McCarthy Park. Some events begin on Friday evening with other events run throughout Saturday.

Songs of Summer Festival

Aug. 12

A day of music, food and fun, the Songs of Summer Festival brings the community together for family entertainment, with proceeds supporting local nonprofit organizations.

Darwin Twine Ball Celebration

Aug. 12

It’s one of Minnesota’s unique landmarks — Darwin’s big ball of twine. Dubbed the World’s Largest Twine Ball Collected by One Person, the spherical collection is celebrated with a parade, minirod races, craft fair and pork chop dinner.

Grove City Windmill Days

June 3-4

Grove City celebrates summer with a tractor pull, mud vol-

leyball, horseshoe, trap shooting and softball tournaments, a kiddie parade, talent show and parade. Contact Grove City Windmill Days Committee at 320-857-2322.

Forest City Thresher Days

Aug. 19-20

Thresher Days include displays of antique tractors and other farm equipment, along with threshing and corn shredding demonstrations. A tractor parade also is a favorite annual event.

Forest City Stockade Rendezvous

Aug. 19-20

Step back in time for the annual Rendezvous. The Forest City Stockade, a replica of a fort built by Forest City residents during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, is home to a variety of old fashioned activities, demonstrations and food. No date had been established for the 2021 Rendezvous at press time. Check www.forestcitystockade. org for the most current information.

Dassel Red Rooster Days

Sept. 2-4

Labor Day weekend is time to celebrate, with an ambassadors coronation, parade, Minnesota’s Largest Chicken Barbecue, and other activities.

Forest City Pioneer Christmas

Dec. 2

Litchfield Marching Band attracts the attention of young and old at parades throughout the summer.

Youngsters try their hand at shucking corn during the Forest City Threshers Show in August.

The Forest City Stockade switches gears after its Summer Rendezvous to a winter holiday theme during its annual Pioneer Christmas. Activities include horsedrawn sleigh rides, a visit with Santa, Christmas caroling and oldfashioned ornaments.

Wintercade

Second Saturday in February

The fun of this festival revolves around an ice fishing contest on Lake Ripley. More than a thousand people fill the ice and drop a line in hopes of landing a big fish and big prizes in this tournament, which the Litchfield VFW post uses as a fundraiser to benefit kids and veterans programs in the Litchfield area.

HOMES TO HISTORY

Walk down a Litchfield street and you’re likely to find countless monuments to the city’s early history.

From the Grand Army of the Republic Hall, to buildings in the city’s historic downtown, to the Litchfield Opera House, public buildings and areas tell of the city’s history. But some of the most interesting buildings — and stories they carry — are private homes.

Following is a list featuring some of the town’s historic homes. Most are located along four avenues: Armstrong, Holcombe, Marshall and Sibley. The first section includes homes on the city’s north side, and the second section highlights the south side.

Litchfield was founded in 1869. It was established as the county seat of Meeker County due to the railroad built by E. Darwin Litchfield and his brothers in the 1860s. Prior to that time, Forest City, a town about five miles north, had been designated the county seat, but citizens decided a city next to the railroad would be more convenient and have a better economic base. Most of the homes on this tour are from the 1869-1920 Victorian Era. This was a time of great change and growth out here on the Northern Plains.

NORTH SIDE

518 Armstrong Ave. N.

This home was built in the late 1800s by Erhardt Lenhardt. This family built the Litchfield Brewery and owned Lenhardt Hotel and many of the first lots surveyed in Litchfield after the town was laid out.

506 Armstrong Ave. N.

A two-story house with a large porch, this home was built in 1908. It is an excellent example of Victorian architecture featuring a dignified home with a wrap-around veranda porch, artistic windows and a large, quiet yard.

413 Armstrong Ave. N.

This large red brick house was built by Peter Hanson as a wedding gift to his daughter, Nellie, when she married Mr. March in 1905. It has a ballroom on the third floor and the light oak woodwork through-

out remains in impeccable condition. There is a servants’ staircase, a fireplace in the master bedroom and a large beautiful dining room with 10-foot ceilings.

405 Armstrong Ave. N.

Completed in 1904, local folks call this home “the Red Castle.” Peter E. Hanson, the original owner, had the home built while he served in the Minnesota Senate from 18951898 and as secretary of state from 1901-1907. It is interesting that the state Capitol in St. Paul was being built at the same time as

this home. The original tile roof of this home (some of which you can see on the turret) was the same color and design as the tile used on the roof of the Capitol building. The house has five fireplaces, a grand stairway, an oak dining room, and cherry woodwork throughout. The outside walls are quadruple-brick for insulation. It was the original owner of this home, Mr. Hanson, who built the home we just saw next door for his daughter, Nellie.

406 Armstrong Ave. N.

This home was built about 1888 and is where John T. Mullen, a well-known Litchfield merchant, lived.

326 Armstrong Ave. N.

Built about 1910, the architecture of this home is untouched since construction.

320 Armstrong Ave. N.

This home was constructed between 1910-1915. Its turret is an example of the Victorian Era. The home was once owned by Fred Richter, a former Litchfield mayor.

307 Holcombe Ave. N.

Built about 1895 by a prominent banker named O.H. Campbell, this house was once known as the “Raven’s Nest.” From 1920 to the late 1940s, it was used as a nuns’ conservatory, and some residents still remember taking piano lessons there. It remains unchanged and a stark example of the fortress style of Victorian homes of the 1890s. It is built of yellow brick produced in Litchfield during that time.

503 Holcombe Ave. N.

A distinctly Victorian home, originally the Morrison House, this home is an excellent example of a style referred to as the “Painted Lady,” or Queen Anne.

421 Marshall Ave. N.

Built about 1915, this modest house has strong connections to a

Take a walking or driving tour to see homes in Litchfield that have historic or architectural significance

413 Armstrong Ave. N.

518 Armstrong Ave. N.

remarkable person and the origins of a locally significant industry. Creamery operator Alfred Anderson used the basement to begin his business, Anderson Chemical. The firm produced a bacterial flavor enhancer to the dairy industry, and eventually moved into cleaning and sanitizing products. The Anderson Chemical Company grew into a major corporation with a national market and business in international locations. Alfred Anderson himself has an intriguing Swedish immigrant story and made important civic contributions to Litchfield, including a term as mayor.

425 Marshall Ave. N.

This house is a rare example of the Art Moderne style in Litchfield. Art Moderne and other related modernistic styles, such as Art Deco, were commonly used for public and commercial buildings between 1920 and 1940. Art Moderne emerged as the most prevalent form in the 1930s. Never a commonly used residen-

tial style, scattered examples can be found throughout the country. Constructed after 1941, this house is a particularly late example of the style.

611 Marshall Ave. N.

Mary Jo Smith has turned this early 1920s Tudor-style home into a beautiful bed and breakfast called The Marshall Estate. It features four bedrooms, hardwood

floors, built-in china cabinets with leaded/beveled glass, a charming fireplace, and indoor and outdoor porches.

705 Miller Ave. N.

The house is one of the few houses in Litchfield that displays the character-defining features of the Italianate style. The Italianate style was a popular domestic style in the United States from about 1840 to

MOREHHWDISPOSAL OPTIONSFORMEEKER

1885, and it was particularly common in the towns of the Midwest experiencing large growth during this period. The house was also the home of Ole Ness, an early pioneer and a founding father of Litchfield.

SOUTH SIDE

215 Sibley Ave. S.

“Guide to the Architecture of Minnesota” (1977) describes this home as an “Eastlake style frame clapboard house with extensive turned work on the Queen Anne porch.” It was built in 1890 by Mr. McClure, a Litchfield banker. It remains close to its original condition with the original oil cloth wallpaper still on the dining room walls and tin ceilings in the kitchen and bath.

700 Sibley Ave. S.

This lovely home was built in the late 1920s and is a perfect example of what is known as Craftsman Architecture. We have several homes in our town of this style from the early 1920s era.

MeekerCountyresidentshavetwooptionsfordisposingof HouseholdHazardousWaste: McLeodCountyHHWDropoff&ReuseCenter inHutchinson, AND KandiyohiCountyHHWFacility inWillmar.Thisisa FREE servicetoMeekerCountyresidents.Contactthefacilitynearest youforcompletelistofservices,orcalltheMeekerCounty PlanningandZoningoffice320-693-5292withanyquestions.

MeekerCountyresidentshavetwooptionsfordisposingof HouseholdHazardousWaste: McLeodCountyHHWDropoff&ReuseCenter inHutchinson, AND KandiyohiCountyHHWFacility inWillmar.Thisisa FREE servicetoMeekerCountyresidents.Contactthefacilitynearest youforcompletelistofservices,orcalltheMeekerCounty AdministratorOfficeat320-693-5200withanyquestions.

406 Armstrong Ave. N

304 Sibley Ave. S.

This two-story red brick office building was once a lovely home built in the late 1880s. It was the home of Erhardt Lenhardt, a wellknown, successful brewer who operated a brewery on the north shore of our Lake Ripley. Not to be outdone, his brother founded St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Litchfield.

310 Sibley Ave. S.

This lovely Victorian home was built in 1899. This house cost $2,000 to build. There have been few changes to the original floor plan. In the dining room of this home is one of the most beautiful fireplaces. It is artistic from floor to ceiling with several different types of woodwork combined with copper inlay for a spectacular mantle. The house has five original ornate windows, and a maplewood mosaic on the entryway floor.

316 Sibley Ave. S.

Built by B.P. Nelson in 1903 as a family residence, the residence

had a tennis court on the south side of the home and a three-stall carriage house on the north. The third floor was a ballroom with dance parties still being held there in the 1930s and ’40s.

724 Sibley Ave. S.

The Rosemary Home. This was the home of Dorothea Kopplin and her family. Mrs. Kopplin lived from 1898-1970. She was a mother, teacher, homemaker

and author. She was Minnesota Mother of the Year in 1949. In accordance with her will, her home became a home for nursing students, nurses and business women. This was done in memory of her daughter who died of leukemia at age 6. Her daughter’s bedroom is a small room at the front of the second floor and is still furnished as it was when the child lived there. Mrs. Kopplin’s daughter’s name was, of course,

Rosemary. Mrs. Kopplin wrote “Something to Live By” in 1945 with all royalties being donated to the Minnesota Federation of Women’s Clubs for nursing scholarships. The home was built in the late 1890s and has a permanent caretaker living on the grounds.

805 Sibley Ave. S.

This large English Tudor style home was built in 1910 and was once the home of Dr. Karl Danielson. Dr. Danielson is remembered for swimming in Lake Ripley nearly every day of his life, even in winter. He lived to be 90 years old.

806 Sibley Ave. S.

This lovely home was built in 1906. The garage replaces what was once a livery barn which had room for two horses and one carriage.

910 Sibley Ave. S.

This Victorian home was built in the late 1800s, and was the first house in Litchfield to have running water. It was built by Mr. Sweet-

405 Armstrong Ave. N.

man who had an oil business. The property includes a windmill, which was used to pump water into a storage tank in the attic and provided running water to the house. The interesting garage behind this house was built in 1940 to replace the large, old barn which had to be torn down. This property once extended back five blocks to Swift Avenue. The house retains its distinctive Victorian appearance.

403 Armstrong Ave. S.

Built in 1889 by C.W. Wagner, then owner of the Litchfield newspaper and the man for whom Wagner Elementary School is named, his wife Emma Chandler Wagner, and their only daughter, Harriet. Following the deaths of her parents, Harriet lived in the house for part of each year, spending the rest of her time traveling abroad. The house remains close to its original state. Some of the changes are the addition of a fireplace in the front parlor, partial enclosing of the front porch, and an upstairs

enclosed back porch. The interior has been restored to much of its Victorian glory.

326 Donnelly Ave. S.

This house has been the home of two famous Meeker County residents. It was built in 1893 and stood on the corners of Swift and Ripley avenues. Many years later it was moved here to Donnelly Avenue. One well-known resident was Gale Sondergaard.

Sondergaard was an Academy Award winning actress and starred in many movies including:

“Maid of Salem,” “The Letter,” “The Cat and The Canary,” “Anna and The King of Siam,” and “Anthony Adverse,” for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1936. She also starred on Broadway. She lived in this home with her family during early childhood. Later, this was the home of Bernie Bierman,

famous football coach of the University of Minnesota Gophers. He played football for the Litchfield High School team and went on to play left end for Minnesota. He coached at Tulane University and in 1932 took his team to the Rose Bowl. He returned to Minnesota to coach the Gophers and brought on what was to be known as the “Golden Era” of Minnesota football. This home is an example of the Victorian design.

326 Donnelly Ave. S.

215 Sibley Ave. S.

FOOD

MENUS TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS

ribs and salads. Meanwhile, Herradura and Sonora’s both offer family dining with a Mexican flare.

Shady’s No. 7 at the Litchfield Golf Course opened in 2021. It is the seventh bar and restaurant of partners who own establishments throughout the region.

Litchfield has a variety of local cuisine, everything from Chinese and Mexican to classic American comfort food with a couple of new eateries opening in the past year. Area residents also enjoy eating at special events in Central Park throughout the summer months, whether it is brat feeds, pancake breakfasts or ice cream socials.

Downtown features Parkview Grille, which boasts a bar, breakfast, soups and salad and paninis, sandwiches and burgers, as well as special dinner fare. Sweet Escape, opened in 2021 in the former Tavern on Main location downtown. Sweet Escape features ice cream, chocolate, special gifts, and bath and body items. And Mimi’s Cafe offers coffee and baked goods, in addition to a breakfast and lunch menu.

The newest addition to the downtown dining — and drinking — scene is Half Bushel Brewery, which opened in March 2023. The micro brewery offers limited menu of made-fromscratch pizzas and garlic bread, but the real draw is a broad selection of beers. Owner and brewer Brennan Rosenow will have 10 taps open at a time, but he expects to brew 30 to 40 different styles of beers, depending on the season and popularity with patrons.

The Muddy Cow combines a sports bar and family environment, with a wide and sometimes eclectic variety of burgers,

While not a restaurant, another new food option began operation in 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church. Parishioners and other donors financed construction of a new kitchen at the church. Along with serving church needs, the kitchen became home to a food preparation site for Lutheran Social Service’s senior nutrition program, LSS MEALS. The meals are designed by a licensed, registered dietician to provide nutritious meals for older adults and are available through community dining sites and home-delivered options. LSS Meals serves 163 communities in 39 Minnesota counties.

And then, of course, there are the food-related events. A Litchfield favorite, Pie In The Park, features many types of delicious homemade pies — and all proceeds go toward supporting local nonprofit organizations. Another popular attraction is the ice cream social during the Watercade festival.

Farmers markets are also popular from May through October. Litchfield has an outdoor farmers market featuring local produce and baked goods that operates on the north side of Central Park, along West Fourth Street.

And don’t forget about the Meeker County Fair at the fairgrounds on North Armstrong Avenue in Litchfield in early August. There are all sorts of treats, such as cotton candy, and deepfried foods to enjoy, along with beer at the fair’s beer

garden.

From restaurants to special events to nutritional meals for the homebound, Litchfield offers a diverse option of menus

Above — Brennan and Jessica Rosenow say they’re excited to see their long-time goal of opening a brew pub become reality.

Inset — A new commercial kitchen at Zion Lutheran, which opened in August of 2021, serves as a preparation site for the LSS Meals program.

LITCHFIELD PUBLICSCHOOLS

LitchfieldPublicSchoolsserve1575studentsongradesE-12.Wehavefourbuildingsincluding:

Wagner-EarlyChildhoodprograms,CommunityEducationandourDistrictOffices.

LakeRipleyElementarySchool -servesKindergartenthroughgrade4students.

LitchfieldMiddleSchool -servesstudentsingrades5-8.

LitchfieldHighSchool -servesstudentsongrades9-12aswellasourALP (AreaLearningProgram).

LitchfieldPublicSchoolsisa1:1districtprovidingstudentsingradesK-4iPadsandstudentsin grades6-12macbookairs.

WeareanA.L.I.C.E.certifieddistrict.ALICEisaresearchedbasedapproachtoreactingtoanactiveintrudersituation.

LPShasover27differentathleticandactivitiesforourstudentsincludingRobotics,FFA,FCCLA,Band,Choirandahostofathletic opportunities.

WehaveafulltimeSRO(SchoolResourceOfficer)whoteachesDAREandservesasaproactiveresourceforstudents,staffandparents.

LHShas10collegeintheschoolsclassesthatprovidestudentstheopportunitytoearn34collegecreditswhileattendingHighSchool. Weprovide31C.T.E.(careerandtechnologyeducation)classesforourHighSchoolsstudentstopreparethemforcareersin manufacturingandtechnicalfields.

OurMiddleSchoolhasacomprehensiveSTEMlabforstudents.

LakeRipleyElementarySchooloffersaLEOProgram(LitchfieldEnhancedOpportunities).

LakeRipleyElementarySchooloffersTitle1servicetostudentsintheareaofReading,hasaMinnesotaReadingCorpinstructorand offersaCribbageClubandChessClubafterschoolduringtheschoolyear

AlternativeLearningProgram 340E.10thSt.,Litchfield•320-693-2424

DistrictOffices 307E.6thSt.,Litchfield•320-693-2444

“ImprovingourDistrict,ImprovingourCommunity”

GOVERNMENT

MEETING THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS

City provides state-ofthe-art facilities, in addition to preserving its past

Litchfield serves as the hub for Meeker County government. Home to both the Meeker County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center, Litchfield is the place to go for many licensing and motor vehicle needs, building permits and birth, death and marriage certificates.

Litchfield’s approximately 6,700 residents can bring city-related questions to City Hall at 126 N. Marshall Ave. City government includes elected positions for mayor and city council, which are responsible for adopting and enforcing ordinances, establishing public and administrative policies, appointing staff positions, boards and commissions.

The city provides numerous services to residents, such as ensuring a secure, clean water supply. The city has invested in state-of-the-art facilities, including a fire and rescue station, up-

graded electric generation plant and a wastewater treatment plant, which is slated for significant upgrades in the next few years.

Litchfield’s historic downtown was designated as a Commercial Historic District by the National Park Service and placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1996. The district encompasses 48 properties, including 36 “contributing” buildings. The Historic Preservation Commission assists in overseeing development within the district to ensure exterior construction meets historical guidelines.

City Council members John Carlson, Darlene Kotelnicki and Betty Allen discuss issues during an open house in the council chambers at City Hall.

Litchfield’s downtown is considered historic and was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1996.

A rotating set of season banners adorn 18 of the acorn light posts that line both sides of North Sibley Avenue in downtown Litchfield. The banners, funded by the city and nonprofit groups, were introduced in the summer of 2022.

CITY OF Litchfield city hall

126 N. Marshall Ave., Litchfield, Minnesota 55355 www.co.meeker.mn.us

320-693-5200

LITCHFIELD CITY COUNCIL

The city of Litchfield is governed by six council members and a mayor. City Administrator David Cziok oversees the administrative staff that is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. The mayor and city council members serve four-year terms. Staggered elections take place every two years. The city saw a change in leadership in November when At-Large Councilman Ron Dingmann was elected mayor, replacing the retiring Mayor Keith Johnson, who had served two terms. In February, the City Council appointed Malinda Larson to serve the remaining two years of the at-large seat left vacant by Dingmann’s elevation to mayor.

RON DINGMANN

Mayor

Term ends

Dec., 31, 2026

MALINDA LARSON

At-large Term ends

Dec. 31, 2024

ERIC MATHWIG

Ward 1 Term ends

Dec. 31, 2026

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS

DARLENE KOTELNICKI Ward 2 Term ends

Dec. 31, 2024

MEETINGS

Litchfield City Council and other municipal commissions meet in Council Chambers at City Hall, 126 N. Marshall Ave.

City Council positions are elected, while membership in other city commissions and boards is appointed by the City Council. Each commission or board also includes representation by at least one Council member.

For information, call 320-693-7201.

LITCHFIELD CITY COUNCIL

5:30 p.m. first and third Mondays of month

Council meetings are open to the public unless it is in a closed session. Meetings are televised Mondays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. on Cable Channels 8 or 13.

LITCHFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION

5:30 p.m. first Tuesday of month

HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION

6:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of month

LIBRARY BOARD

5:30 p.m. last Tuesday of each quarter

BETTY ALLEN Ward 3 Term ends

Dec. 31, 2024

UTILITIES

ELECTRICITY

City of Litchfield

320-693-7201

Report an outage after hours

866-639-6108

Energy Star rebates

www.saveenergyinlitchfield.com

Meeker Cooperative Light & Power

320-693-3231

NATURAL GAS

CenterPoint Energy

800-245-2377

Report a leak 800-296-9815

WATER AND SEWER

City of Litchfield

320-693-7201

TELEPHONE, CABLE, INTERNET

CenturyLink

800-244-1111

Mediacom

800-332-0245

Nuvera

320-593-2323 or 844-354-4111

Vibrant Broadband

JOHN CARLSON Ward 4 Term ends

Dec. 31, 2024

320-693-3231

SARA MILLER Ward 5 Term ends

Dec. 31, 2026

www.vibrantbroadband.com

BEFORE YOU DIG

Gopher State One Call 800-252-1166

www.gopherstateonecall.org

WASTE DISPOSAL Waste Management-Twin Cities West

Provides residential garbage pick-up in Litchfield. Garbage is collected once a week. Recyclables are collected every other week, and Waste Management uses a single-sort recycling container. All recyclable items — paper, plastic and aluminum — can be mixed in the container. Payment drop box for garbage bills is at 5 E. Second St. For more information, call 800-4509378. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The mailing address is 490 Industrial Blvd., Winsted, MN 55395. West Central Sanitation

The Willmar-based business provides commercial garbage and recyclable pick-up in Litchfield and the surrounding area. For information, call 800-246-7630.

GOVERNMENT

MEEKER COUNTY

320-693-5200

MEEKER COUNTY BOARD

MEEKER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

325N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield, Minnesota 55355

BETH OBERG

District 1

Administrator

320-693-5200

Auditor

320-693-5212

Attorney

320-693-5220

Assessor

320-693-5205

Detention Center

320-693-5415

STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS

Redistricting moved Litchfield and Litchfield Township into new state legislative districts in 2022. The city of Litchfield and Litchfield Township are within Minnesota Senate District 16 and House District 16A.

Sen. Andrew Lang (District 16), 95 University Ave. W., Minnesota Senate Building, Room 2205, St. Paul, MN 55155; phone: 651-296-4918; email: sen.andrew.lang@senate.mn.

Rep. Dean Urdahl (District 16A), 279 State Of fice Building, St. Paul, MN 55155; phone: 651-296-4344 or toll-free 800-920-5861; email: rep. dean.urdahl@house.mn.

Meeker County is part of the 7th Congressional District, which is served by U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach, 1004 Longworth House Of fice Building, Washington, DC 20515-2307; phone: 202-225-2165; Regional of fice: 221 1st St. S., Willmar, MN 56201; phone: 320-403-6100.

24 independentreview.net | 2023

Elections

320-693-5212

Planning and Zoning

320-693-5290

Probation

320-693-5260

Recorder

320-693-5440

Treasurer (property tax payments)

320-693-5345

DragonSpitfireSpecialOlympics

FortheParentAwareProgram

EarlyChildhoodFamilyEducation

SchoolReadiness

EarlyChildhoodSpecialEducation

EarlyChildhoodScreening

KindergartenRound-Up•KindergartenReadiness

LitchfieldPublicSchoolsEarlyChildhoodProgramsforchildrenbirthtopre-kindergarten

EarlyChildhoodFamilyEducation-ECFE(Sept.-July)

EarlyChildhoodSpecialEducation-ECSE(Sept.-May)

SchoolReadiness(Sept.-May)•LitchfieldPreschool

EarlyChildhoodScreening(Offeredthroughouttheyear)

KindergartenRound-Up(April)•KindergartenReadiness(August)

Parents: Registeryourchild(ren)ontheschoolcensusuponbirthand/ormovingintotheLitchfieldSchoolDistrictandyouwill automaticallybeincludedinearlychildhoodmailings,scheduledforEarlyChildhoodScreeningandKindergartenRound-up whenthechildisageappropriate.ToregisterontheschooldistrictcensuscallCommunityEducationat320-693-2354.

ECFEclassesareofferedthroughouttheschoolyearandyoucanregisterthroughLitchfieldCommunityEducation. SpecialeventsareplannedsuchasComeandPlayDates,HolidayHappeningsandmanyothers.Youcanfindinformationon classesandspecialeventsintheCommunityEducationprogramguidesthatarepublishedand distributedinearlyAugust,December,andmid-May.

Theseprogramguidesareavailableonthewebsitewww.litchfieldcommunityed.com

CalloremailLPSEarlyChildhoodProgramatlitchcommed@isd465.orgorcall320-693-2354 forfurtherinformation,questionsorconcernsaboutearlyeducationopportunitiesforyourchild!

CalloremailEarlyChildhoodProgramsCoordinator,RebeccaWarpulaat320-693-2354,rwarpula@isd465.org forfurtherinformation,questionsorconcernsaboutearlyeducationopportunitiesforyourchild!

Programmingforadultsandyouthwithdevelopmentaland physicaldisabilities

Avarietyofrecreationalandenrichment activities.Opportunitytomeetotherpeoplethat shareyourinterestsorlearnanewhobby!

GOVERNMENT

Information and assistance regarding the list of programs below can be obtained by calling Meeker County Public Health at 320-693-5370. Public Health is located at Family Services Building, 114 North Holcombe Ave., Suite 250, Litchfield.

Adult/Disabled/Senior Health

Adult Health nurses assist individuals over 65 to live safely and independently within the community. Adult Health works with other departments and providers to help meet goal of independence, safety and overall well-being.

Assessments completed for waiver programs to help individuals pay for services so they can continue to live independently in their community.

Breastfeeding/Lactation

Consultation

Any mom encountering problems at any time while she is breastfeeding can get help from an Internationally

PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES

Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Family Planning

Family Planning Services are for anyone who wishes to plan, postpone or prevent pregnancy. Services include counseling, referral to resources, physical exam, provision of contraceptive methods, testing and treatment for curative sexually transmitted diseases. Eligibility for services is income based.

Pregnancy Testing

Meeker County Public Health offers free pregnancy testing services on a walk-in basis during of fice hours, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Child and Teen Checkups

Child and Teen Checkups is the name for Minnesota’s Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment Program. The program assists children and teens from newborn through the age 20 who

are enrolled in Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care.

Family Home Visiting

A nurse will visit to help support the family by providing information on topics such as growth and development, discipline, nutrition, safety and community resources.

Maternal Child Health

Visits from a nurse to help a mom reach her goal of having a healthy pregnancy, a safe delivery and a happy baby.

Follow Along Program

A free program to determine if a baby or child is playing, talking, growing, moving and acting like other children the same age.

Project Harmony

This program serves pregnant women and women parenting a child under 8 years of age who have been

struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Using a case management model, women and their families are assisted to find a path of recovery to be able to live a life free of chemicals to become self-sufficient and to reach their highest potential.

Lead Program

Meeker County Public Health collaborates with Minnesota Department of Health for follow-up of elevated blood lead levels in children. Families receive information about sources of lead, assessment of homes to find lead source problems and education on how to remove lead sources

Radon

Meeker County Public Health offers information on radon testing, along with radon test kits for a small fee. Access radon information online at www.radon.com or www.radon.org.

Public health to 28 ➤

GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC HEALTH

➤ continued from 26

Water Quality

Meeker County Public Health offers water test kits and instructions for well water testing. Free well water tests are available to pregnant women and families with children one year of age or younger. Contact Public Health at 320-693-5370 for more information.

Vaccinations/Immunizations

Immunizations/vaccinations for individuals that need to start or complete their vaccine schedule to provide protection against diseases. Contact Public Health at 320-693-5370 with any questions. Who is eligible for immunizations?

Infants, children and students if they have no insurance or their health insurance does not cover the vaccine

Infants, children and students under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by parent or guardian or have proper written consent.

Post-secondary and adults if they have no insurance or their health insurance does not cover the vaccine

No appointment needed Shots are provided at a reduced fee and no one is turned away due to inability to pay.

WIC (Women, Infants and Children)

Supplemental nutrition program to provide families with nutrition education and food vouchers. Eligible individuals include pregnant, postpartum or breast feeding moms, and children from newborns to age 5. Call 320-693-5370 to apply. Of fice hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays of the first and third week of the month.

Litchfield Area Rural Partners in Prevention

Group focuses on preventing alcohol use among youth through community partnerships. The group meets the third Tuesday monthly from noon until 1:15 pm.

TRANSPORTATION

CENTRAL COMMUNITY TRANSIT

Central Community Transit offers affordable transportation to the citizens of Meeker County.

The bus transports people of all ages and abilities — from young children going to preschool, to senior citizens going to doctor and hair appointments.

A U.S. Highway 12 route carries passengers between Litchfield and Willmar. Riders can purchase oneway or round-trip tickets or a bus pass. Buses are handicap accessi-

ble and equipped with a wheelchair lift. They are air-conditioned and have seat belts for passengers.

The bus will pick up riders up to 15 minutes before the pick-up time and up to 15 minutes after the designated pick-up time.

The bus is available from 6:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 6:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays; and from 8 a.m. to noon Sundays.

To make an appointment for a ride call 320-693-7794 or 800513-7433.

AIRPORT

Open to the public, the Litchfield Municipal Airport is located 2 miles south of Litchfield on Minnesota Highway 22.

The runway is 4,002 feet long and 100 feet wide asphalt construction. The elevation of the airport is 1,140 feet.

Fuel is available 24 hours a day by self service.

A courtesy car is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Airport lounge has internet access, food vending and bathroom facilities. Call 320-693-6832 for more information.

HEALTH CARE RESOURCES ABOUND

Community’s commitment to medical care dates back more than 125 years

Small town living includes big-time health care in Litchfield, which is served by a wide variety of care options for young and old, ranging from assisted living and elder care, to dental and eye care, to chiropractic and pharmacies, and beyond.

Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics provides Litchfield and the region with a full range of physical and mental health services.

The county-owned health provider operates the hospital and two clinics in Litchfield, as well as a clinic in Dassel. Its services include pediatric and well childcare, obstetrics and gynecology, adult and geriatric well-care, onsite physical therapy, sports medicine/of fice orthopedics, fracture care, EKG/X-ray, podiatry, psychology, cardiology, urology, audiology, dermatology, diabetes education and care for chronic conditions.

Meeker Memorial Hospital’s origins date to 1897 with the

HOSPITAL

Meeker Memorial Hospital

612 S. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-693-4500

Website: www.meekermemorial.org

MEDICAL CLINICS

Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics East Clinic

611 South Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-693-3233

West Clinic

520 S. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-693-3233

opening of a privately operated hospital. Litch fi eld Hospital opened in 1910, and was replaced by a new facility — Meeker County Memorial Hospital — in 1952. It was a 70-bed hospital originally, expanding to 91 beds in 1970.

Many other changes came throughout the years as hospital leadership responded to changing health care delivery models. In 2007, the hospital broke ground on a 75,000 square foot expansion which added a new inpatient rooms, surgical suites, radiology and emergency department and obstetrics rooms. MMH is a 25-bed facility today, in addition to its clinics in Litchfield and Dassel.

Litchfield has been ranked in recent years as one of the 10 best places to retire in Minnesota by SmartAsset, due in part to its strong health-care, especially for older adults. The SmartAsset survey found the city’s senior-based health care services and recreation and the total seniors in the population to be a strong indicator of good retirement living.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Meeker Memorial Clinic

740 Parker Ave., Dassel 320-275-4330

Website: www.meekermemorial.org/ meeker-clinics/

ADULT DAY SERVICES

Ecumen of Litchfield

200 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2430

Website: www.ecumenoflitchfield.org

ASSISTED LIVING/SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES

Ecumen of Litchfield

200 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2430

Website: www.ecumenoflitchfield.org

Bethany Assisted Living

203 N. Armstrong Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2430

Website: www.ecumenoflitchfield.org

Bethany Memory Care

203 N. Armstrong Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2430

Website: www.ecumenoflitchfield.org

Above - Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield is a critical access facility offering emergency, inpatient and outpatient services.

Meeker Manor Long Term Care / Rehabilitation

600 S. Davis Ave., Litchfield

320-693-2472

Website: https://monarchmn.com/ meeker-manor-rehabilitation-center

CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS

Kinsella Chiropractic Clinic

407 S. Sibley Ave., Litchfield

320-593-4494

Website: kinsellachiropractic.com

Litchfield Chiropractic Center

126 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield

320-693-3655

Website: www.litch fi eldchiropracticcenter.com

Patten Chiropractic Center

1455 E. U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield 320-693-3612

Website: pattenchiropracticcenter. com

DENTISTS

Litchfield Dental

329 U.S. Highway 12 E. Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-8939

Website: https://www.litchfield-

dentalmn.com/

Litchfield Family Dental

715 N. Sibley Ave. No. 101, Litchfield

320-693-2228

Website: litchfieldfamilydental.com

Lorenz Richard G. DDS

329 E. U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield

320-693-8939

Sibley Dental Suite

623 S. Sibley Ave., Litchfield

320-693-8131

Website: www.sibleydentalmn.com

EYE CARE

Fischer Laser Eye Center

517 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield

320-593-2020

www.fischerlaser.com

Litchfield Eye Center

135 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-593-3100

Website: www.litch fieldeyecenter. com

Primary Eye Care

520 E. Highway 12, Suite 106 320-693-9333

Website: primaryeyecare2020.com

HEARING CARE

Litchfield Hearing Aid Center

517 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-593-0333

www.hutchhearing.com

HOME CARE AND HOSPICE

Divine Home Care

201 S. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2580

Website: www.divinehomecare. com

Ecumen of Litchfield Hospice

218 N. Holmcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-7367

Website: EcumenHospice.org

Ecumen of Litchfield Home Care

218 N. Holmcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-7367

Website: EcumenHomeCare.org

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Litchfield Family & Psychological Services

236 N. Sibley Ave. Litchfield 320-693-7708

Woodland Centers

114 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-7221

Website: www.woodlandcenters.com

A Meeker Memorial Hospital technologist positions a silicon test block on the 3D mammography machine. The test block has deposits that mimic tumors or irregular tissue so patients can see how the 3D technology works. technician-3d-mammography

PHARMACIES

Family Fare Pharmacy

951 E. Frontage Rd., Litchfield 320-693-3261

Website: www.econofoods.com/ departments/pharmacy

Walmart Pharmacy

2301 E. Frontage Rd., Litchfield 320-693-2004

www.walmart.com

LEISURE

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

Lake Ripley is an obvious highlight, but there’s much more, including the 2023 state amateur baseball tournament

Litchfield — the city “On Lake Ripley” as the water tower proclaims — lures residents and visitors to area lakes for fishing, swimming and boating. Whether it’s paddleboarding or simply soaking up the sun, the beach is just one of several places available to residents to enjoy recreation activities.

Newest to Lake Ripley is the addition of a splash pad for summer fun, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during summer until fall. In addition to active recreational opportunities, Litchfield has a bustling library, a revamped opera house that hosts plays and live music events, and the only authentic Grand Army of the Republic Hall still standing in Minnesota. The G.A.R. Hall, built in 1885, is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and has been preserved as near as possible to its original condition and now houses the Meeker County Historical Society. And in the summer of 2023, the base-

ball will be in the forefront of residents’ minds, as the Minnesota Baseball Association’s state tournament comes to Litchfield. The city will co-host, along with Dassel and Delano, the 2023 state tournament, which runs three weekends beginning in late August and concluding with title games on Labor Day weekend. The state amateur tournament is

special no matter what, but this year being the 100th anniversary makes it all that much more special. It’s expected to bring thousands to see games played at Optimist Park.

Residents can also take part in numer-

organizations,

associations

organizations.

ous

including many civic groups, lake

and athletic

Litchfield’s idyllic Optimist Park will be co-host, along with fields in Dassel and Delano, to the Minnesota Baseball Association’s state tournament in 2023. The park had a “dress rehearsal” as host to last year’s Region 12C amateur baseball tournament which saw 2,600 tickets sold for the 14 games. In preparation for the state tournament, Litchfield Baseball Association and city of Litchfield have teamed up to fund thousands of dollars of improvements to the park.

The splash pad at Memorial Park is always a popular summertime spot for young people to hang out and cool off.

American Legion Post 104 Baseball

222 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield

320-693-9074

www.litchfieldblues.com

Darwin Drifters

Snowmobile Club

Ryan Rathbun

320-444-0592

www.facebook.com/darwindrifters

Litchfield Baseball Association Inc.

320-593-8654

www.litchfieldblues.com

Litch fi eld/Dassel-Cokato Youth

ATHLETIC ORGANIZATIONS

Hockey Association www.ldchockey.org

Manannah Sno-Blazers Snowmobile Club

Dan Kelm 320-250-4873

Jeff Roos 320-250-1245

Minnesota Gopher State Horseshoe Pitchers Association, Litchfield

www.minnesotahorseshoes.com

VFW Post 2818 Baseball

915 E. U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield 320-593-9064

www.litchfieldblues.com

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

American Legion

222 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield

320-693-9074

Boy Scouts

www.trailblazer.nsbsa.org

Eastern Star

18 E. Third St., Litchfield 320-693-8213

Eagles Club 3424

389 S. County Highway 34, Litchfield 320-693-9008

www.facebook.com/eagles3424

Friends of the Litchfield Public Library

216 N. Marshall Ave., Litchfield 320-693-7201

Girl Scouts

www.girlscoutslp.org

Golden Fleece No. 89 Masonic Lodge

18 E. Third St., Litchfield

www.mastermason.com/goldenfleece89

GFWC Women’s Study Club of Litchfield

www.gfwcofmn.org

Greater Litchfield Opera House Association Inc.

N. Marshall Ave., Litchfield

320-535-0829

Email: litchopera@yahoo.com

Website: www.litchfieldoperahouse. com

Kiwanis

420 N. Gorman Ave., Litchfield Facebook: Kiwanis Club of Litchfield

Knights of Columbus PJ Casey Council 2029

Website: www.thechurchofstphilip. org/kc

Litchfield Area Community Foundation

P.O. Box 123, Litchfield

Litchfield Area Mentorship Program

1000 S. Sibley Ave., P.O. Box 82, Litchfield 320-699-1616

www.lampkinship.org

Litchfield Community Theatre

320-693-2354

www.litchfieldcommunitytheatre.org

Litchfield Christian Women’s Club

Barb Werner 320-693-2504

Litchfield Lions Club

426 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-693-8735

Litchfield Public School Foundation

P.O. Box 71, Litchfield www.litchfieldschoolfoundation.org

Litchfield Watercade Board PO Box 217, Litchfield watercadewebsite@hotmail.com www.watercade.com

Litchfield Women’s CommUnity Club

Teresa Hankins 320-593-8284

Meeker County Chapter of MN Citizens Concerned for Life Teri Buschette 320-593-2982

Meeker County Dairy Association

33266 700th Ave., Kimball 320-398-6091

Website: www.meekercountyada. yolasite.com

Meeker County Fair Board P.O. Box 214, Litchfield meekerfairinfo@gmail.com www.meekerfair.com

Meeker County 4-H

Meeker County Fairgrounds, 1230 N. Armstrong Ave., Litchfield Cassidy Martin, Extension educator,

4-H Youth Development ctmartin@umn.edu 320-693-5275

Meeker County Historical Society

G.A.R. Hall

308 N. Marshall Ave., Litchfield 320-693-8911

mchsgar@hutchtel.net

www.garminnesota.org

Meeker County Master Gardeners

114 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-5275

Ness Church Preservation Foundation

60079 230th St., Litchfield

Peanut Butter and Milk Festival

P.O. Box 277, Litchfield 320-693-8184

Relay for Life of Meeker County American Cancer Society www.relayforlife.org

Rotary Club

P.O. Box 341, Litchfield www.litchfieldrotary.com

VFW Post 2818

915 E. U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield 320-593-9064

The Litchfield Sports Complex, located between the Armory and the high school on Gilman Avenue, features a variety of athletic facilities to play softball, tennis, hockey, basketball, soccer or throw a few horseshoes.

LIVING

QUALITY OF LIFE

A focus on lifelong learning

Litchfield offers many educational opportunities that promote lifelong learning. In fact, part of Litchfield School Board’s motto is “to promote a passion for lifelong learning in an open and safe environment.”

Litchfield School District, along with School of St. Philip, Early Childhood Family Education and Litch fi eld Community Education and Recreation, provide students of all ages with a strong academic environment and a variety of opportunities for growth.

The Litchfield community shows strong support for school programs and events, such as band and choir concerts, local plays and musicals and athletic events. A source of local pride is the Litchfield High School marching band, which performs a sneak peek of its summer show each

spring and a Pie in the Park event every June in Litchfield Central Park.

Litch fi eld also has strong support sys-

tems for senior citizens and community members, including senior dining services and other support groups.

Above - Actors in the Litchfield Community Youth Theatre production of “Madagascar Jr.” rehearse a scene.

Inset - Miss Litchfield Raina Kaping and princesses Kaylee Sundve, Britney Prahl and Claire Loch wave to the crowd.

Litchfield HIgh School’s marching band has earned a reputation as one of the best in the state.

Throughout this guide there are many programs and activities open to all area residents, including senior citizens. This list, however, is a reminder of some specific programs senior citizens may need or use.

AARP

1-800-OUR-AARP (667-2277)

Website: www.aarp.org

ACC Midwest Transportation — service in Midwestern Minnesota

409 California St. N.W., Hutchinson 320-455-9200

Website: www.accmidwest.com

Ecumen of Litchfield

200-218 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2430

Website: www.EcumenOfLitchfield.org

Emmaus Place

Senior Community

200 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield

SENIOR CITIZENS

320-693-2430

Website: www.EcumenOfLitchfield.org

Gloria Dei Senior Community

218 N. Holcome Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2430

Website: www.EcumenOfLitchfield.org

Central Community Transit

812 East Ripley, Litchfield 320-693-7794

Website: http://www.cctbus.org/

Lincoln Apartments for seniors

122 W. Fourth St., Litchfield 320-693-2104

Lutheran Social Services Mid-Minnesota

Senior Dining

11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday

Litchfield Civic Arena, 900 N. Gilman Ave., Litchfield 320-693-6318

Website: www.lssmn.org

Meeker County Council on Aging

218 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2718

Senior LinkAge Line

1-800-333-2433

SUPPORT SERVICES

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Meets 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mondays

Zion Lutheran Church

504 N. Gilman Ave., Litchfield Contact: Deb D 320-894-5599

ARC

Arlene Groskreutz 320-693-6967

Gamblers Anonymous

Meets 7 p.m. Sundays

Meeker Memorial Hospital

612 Sibley Ave., Litchfield

Minnesota WorkForce Center — Litchfield

114 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-593-1056

Narcotics Anonymous

Meets at 7:30 Wednesdays at First Lutheran Church, Litchfield; Meets 7:30 p.m. Fridays at Litchfield Christian Church, Litchfield; Meets 7 p.m. Sundays at First Presbyterian Church, Litchfield

United Community Action Partnership 120 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-693-7911

Litchfield Area Rural Partners in Prevention 114 N. Holcome Ave., Suite 250, Litchfield 320-693-5380

Care Cab 2600 7th St., St. Cloud, 56303 320-253-7729

Website: www.caretransportation.com

Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213

Lutheran Social Services 930 Capwood Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2677

Meeker County Community Homes 504 S. Marshall Ave., Litchfield 320-693-8836

Meeker County Public Health 114 N. Holcombe Ave., Suite 250, Litchfield 320-693-5370

Meeker County Social Services 114 N. Holcombe Ave., Suite 180, Litchfield 320-693-5300

Meeker County Emergency Food Shelf 118 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 320-693-7661

New Beginnings 114 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2461

Meeker Area Food Shelf provides fresh produce as well as nonperishable food and personal care items to people in need.

SCHOOL OF ST. PHILIP

School of St. Philip, a parochial school for students in preschool through fifth-grade, serves the Litch fi eld area. St. Philip’s School emphasizes a strong academic curriculum in a faith-filled environment and is open to families from all faith traditions.

Principal Percy Lingen can be contacted by phone at 320-693-6283 or email at plingen@schoolofstphilip.org.

For more information visit www. schoolofstphilip.org.

LITCHFIELD ISD 465

Litch fi eld residents are served by Independent School District 465. Litchfield School District is comprised of three schools and a community education program that includes early childhood programs. Litchfield also offers an alternative

EDUCATION

learning program for students who struggle in the typical high school environment.

The district serves about 1,680 students at Lake Ripley Elementary (grades K-4), Litchfield Middle School (grades 5-8), and Litch field High School (grades 9-12).

After serving as interim superintendent as well as principal for Litchfield Middle School, Beckie Simenson was named permanent superintendent halfway through the 2017-18 school year.

For more information, visit www. litchfield.k12.mn.us.

DISTRICT OFFICE

307 E. Sixth St., Litchfield 320-693-2444

Superintendent Beckie Simenson bsimenson@isd465.org

LITCHFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

Litchfield School District is governed by a six-member board. Three board members are elected to four-year terms every two years during the November general election. The board meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month in room 200 of Wagner Education Building, 114 N. Holcombe Ave., Litchfield.

SCHOOLS

Litchfield High School

Principal Jason Michels

901 N. Gilman Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2424

Litchfield Alternative Learning Program

26 West 3rd St. 320-693-0633

Early Childhood Family Education

307 East 6th Street, Litchfield 320-693-2354

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Litchfield Community Education and Recreation

Director Rebecca Pratt

307 E. Sixth St., Litchfield 320-693-2354

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS

Adult Basic Education Instructor Jen Carl 320-535-0395

Business Manager

Jesse Johnson

320-693-2444, ext. 8105

Dragons Kids Club

320-699-0041

Special Education Coordinator

Jean Wirz

320-693-2441, ext. 3229

Technology Director

Jennifer Ridgeway

320-693-2441, ext. 3164

ALEX CARLSON

Board Chairman acarlson@isd465.org

JULIE

PENNERTZ

Board Vice Chairwoman jpennertz@isd465.org

MICHELLE FALLING

Board Treasurer mfalling@isd465.org

MARCIA PROVENCHER

Board Clerk mprovencher@isd465.org

320-693-3949

DARRIN ANDERSON

Board member danderson@isd465.org

320-221-3479

GREG MATHEWS

Board member gregjudy50@gmail.com

320-693-8642

SUPERINTENDENT BECKIE SIMENSON

bsimenson@isd465.org

320-693-2444 ext. 8109

PRINCIPAL JASON

MICHELS

Litchfield High School jmichels@isd465.org

320-693-2424 ext. 4316

ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

JUSTIN BROWN

Litchfield High School jbrown@isd465.org

320-693-2424, ext. 4115

PRINCIPAL

CHELSEA BROWN

Litchfield Middle School cbrown@Isd465.org

320-693-2441, ext. 3129

PRINCIPAL CHRIS OLSON

Lake Ripley Elementary colson@Isd465.org

320-693-2436, ext. 1309

Litchfield Public Library

216 N. Marshall Ave., Litchfield 320-693-2483

www.litchfield.lib.mn.us

Litchfield Public Library is home to approximately 45,000 books, 1,200 audios and 2,300 videos, plus 30 magazine and 7 newspaper subscriptions. Eleven staff members serve more than 5,600 registered borrowers. In an average year, library users checked out almost 52,000 items, not including downloadable e-books or audios.

Litchfield Library is a member of Pioneerland Library System. It is one of the largest of the 32 libraries in the regional library system. Any borrower can order books and other items from any library in the system and even from libraries throughout the state. Deliveries of requested

materials arrive three times per week. The library catalog is available at iii.pioneerland.lib.mn.us.

Pioneerland offers downloadable e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines for loan through its Overdrive service at pioneerland. lib.overdrive.com and through the Libby and Overdrive apps. The library has a collection of almost 10,000 e-books, over 2,000 downloadable audiobooks, and over 1,200 e-magazine issues available to Pioneerland cardholders, with new books added all the time. The library system also offers Brainfuse, an online homework help service for all ages, free to everyone with a Pioneerland library card.

The Litchfield Library offers access to public desktop computers as well as a computer-based microfilm reader to use with historical newspaper microfilm. The library has wi-fi available 24/7 that’s accessible from inside

and outside the building, a copier/ printer, a wireless printer, and a scanner available for public use. Mobile hotspots are available to check out, providing a source of free wi-fi at home. The library has a large public meeting room and two study rooms.

A summer reading program for children and teens and a winter reading program for adults are offered every year. The library offers a variety of other programs for all ages; check the library’s website for current information.

The Litchfield Public Library hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Some book collections have been moved to new locations at the Litchfield Library.Litchfield library

LITCHFIELD

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

AGRICULTURAL SERVICE & SUPPLIES

Schlauderaff Implement Co.

60240 Hwy 12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320- 693-7277

schlauderaffimplement.com

AUTOMOTIVE SALES, PARTS & SERVICE

Davis Auto Body Shop & Towing

1325 HWY 12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-593-0404

autobodyrepairslitchfield.com

Davis Motors

1005 N Sibley Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

877-693-3224

davismotorsgm.com

Felling Trailers

225 N Gorman Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

800-245-2809

felling.com

320-693-3216

Parts City Auto Parts

725 E Hwy 12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-7299

partscityauto.com

Quality Autowerx Sales and Service Inc.

809 E St Paul St

Litchfield, MN 55355 320-593-1630

Towmaster

61381 Hwy 12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-593-4595

towmaster.com

Scott’s Auto

420 Gilman Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-244-7526

ScottsAutoLitchfield.com

BANKING/FINANCIAL

Center Bank

301 N Ramsey Ave Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3255

centernationalbank.com

Conway, Deuth, Schmeising

820 Sibley Ave N Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-7975

MidCountry Bank

501 N Sibley Ave Litchfield, MN 55355 midcountry.bank

CHURCHES/WORSHIP

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

703 S Sibley Ave Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-2487

firstlitchfield.org

Immanuel Lutheran Church

175 W 11th St Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-6155

Zion Lutheran Church

504 Gilman Ave N Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3207

DINING/ENTERTAINMENT

A maze’n Farmyard

57645 Hwy 55

Eden Valley, MN 320-453-6901

amazenfarmyard.com

Litchfield Eagles #3424

389 CSAH 34 S Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-9008

EDUCATION

Litchfield Community Education & Recreation

Office Located in the Wagner Building

307 E 6th St Suite 110

320-693-2354

320-593-6528 FAX

litchfieldcommunityed.com

FUEL/ PROPANE

Dooley’s Litchfield Oil & Propane

61448 US-12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-2411

GOVERNMENT & CIVIC GROUPS

City of Litchfield

126 Marshall Ave N

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-7201

ci.litchfield.mn.us

Litchfield Chamber of Commerce

219 N Sibley Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-8184

litch.com

Litchfield Licensing

702 N Sibley Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-593-5932

litchfieldlicensing.com

Litchfield Visitors Bureau

219 N Sibley Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-8184

Meeker County Administrator Office

325 N Sibley Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-5200

co.meeker.mn.us

Meeker Soil & Water Conservation District

522 South Johnson Dr

Litchfield, MN 55355

www.meekerswcd.com

320-693-7287 x 3

MARKETPLACE

HEALTH, MEDICAL, DENTAL

Litchfield Dental

329 Hwy 12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-8939

litchflelddentalmn.com

Meeker County Council on Aging

306 N Ramsey Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-0194

Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics

612 South Sibley Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-4500

www.meekermemorial.org

HOME & GARDEN

Stockmen’s Greenhouse & Garden Center

60973 US-12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-7787

stockmensgreehouse.com

1150 MN-7 E Hutchinson, MN 55350

320-234-7673

HOME SERVICES

AEM Mechanical

1115 Hwy 7 W Hutchinson, MN 55350 320-587-0991

aemhutch.com

Finken Water

107 E Depot St

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-593-1507

finken.com

SafeBasements

60335 US-12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-593-8729

safebasements.com

INSURANCE

Anderson Insurance Agency

409 Hwy 12 Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-2834

Center Insurance Solutions

301 N Ramsey Ave, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3257

Farm Bureau- Kevin Christoffers

112 North Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 320-593-0601

kevinchristoffers.com

Insurance Solutions

304 N Marshall Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-593-0591

insurancesolutionslitchfield.com

LODGING

Americinn SureStay Plus

1525 Hwy 12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-1600

PRINTING SERVICES

Litchfield Independent Review

214 Sibley Ave N Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-3266

independentreview.net

REAL ESTATE

Natural Food Co-Op

230 North Sibley Avenue

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-7539

naturalfood-coop.com

SJP Designs

823 N Sibley Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-593-3031

Walmart Supercenter

2301 East Frontage Road

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-1022

walmart.com

TRANSPORTATION

Central Community Transit

812 E Ripley St

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-7794

800-513-7433

cctbus.org

SPECIALTY SERVICES

Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc

Dassel 888-679-4857

Long Prairie 866-514-0982

Willmar 877-484-3211

St. Cloud 844-262-2281

farmriteequip.com

LITCHFIELD Independent Review Independent Review

RE/MAX Today’s Properties

309 N Sibley Ave

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-8007

MaxTodaysProperties.com

RETAIL STORES

Darwin Gas & Grocery Bottle Shop

130 E Hwy 12

Darwin, MN 55324

320-693-2586

UTILITIES

ower

1725 Hwy 12

Litchfield, MN 55355

320-693-3231

meeker.coop

A COMMUNITY APPRECIATION FOR VETERANS

During annual Veterans Day observances at Litch

Thank you.

Two words, eight letters.

Acknowledging the sacrifices made by members of the United States military is as simple as that. Two words. Eight letters.

That was the message Don Dufner shared with Litchfield Public Schools students during a series of Veterans Day presentations in November 2022. Programs at the city’s schools have become tradition.

Litchfield and Meeker County veterans made stops at Litchfield Middle School and High School, then School of St. Philip and Lake Ripley Elementary School before concluding their day at Meeker Manor and Gloria Dei.

Dufner, who served as Meeker County Veterans Service officer for nine years before retiring in 2021, was the featured speaker throughout the day. He spent 30 years in the Air Force, retiring as a chief master sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. He is a member and past commander of Watkins American Legion Post 543, a life member of the WatKim-Valley VFW Post 5460 and of Hutchinson DAV Post 37.

Dufner told students that Veterans Day is an obvious time to express appreciation to servicemen, but he asked that it not be the only time.

U.S. military members have served and sacrificed in many conflicts during the past century. As time goes on, some of those sacri fi ces are forgotten, Dufner said.

“Each day, we move further away from these ways, the years pass, time pushes ahead, headlines change, life gets in our way,” Dufner said. “…(H) onor these men and women by living well. These men and women rose to meet the seemingly impossible odds, did extraordinary things … and left the safety of their homes to defeat tyranny, ensure justice, fulfill the promise of safety, security … in our global community.”

As he stood at the speaker’s podium in the middle school gym, Dufner turned to salute his fellow veterans seated to his left and right, saying he represented grateful Americans who wished they could reach out and thank each of the veterans. Then he returned to the microphone and looked to the students seated in the bleachers in front of him.

“Two words. Eight letters. Thank you,” he said. “Remember to say that to our veterans as we pass them every day, and not just on day of Veterans Day.”

field schools, students learn importance of saying ‘thank you’

Litchfield veterans from various branches of service stand in front of students during a Veterans Day program Friday at Lake Ripley Elementary School.

Veterans Daniel Lease and Don Dufner smile as they accept thanks and hand slaps from students. Watching in the background is Lake Ripley Elementary Principal Chris Olson and veteran Gary Smith.

Lake Ripley Elementary students slap hands with veterans as they leave the school gym following the Veterans Day program.