Litchfield Community Guide
FREE
2012
The inside source to Litchfield & surrounding area Published by the Litchfield Independent Review
Arts • Business • Entertainment • Events • Faith • Festivals • Government • Health Care • History • Recreation • Schools • Services
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
The Central Park bandstand was rebuilt to its historical grandeur in 2002. Just an example of how Litchfield attempts to honor its past as it looks to the future.
T O
L I T C H F I E L D
“Large Enough To Serve You... Small Enough To Know You.� Welcome to Litchfield: Litchfield is a community located in central Minnesota that has much to offer people who visit or live in this city. Litchfield has many small, medium, and large businesses and industries that offer a wide variety of employment to many of its residents. The city has a wonderful school system, both public and parochial, and along with their public education has an excellent community education program that provides recreation, art, theatre and education for young and old. Litchfield is a community that you can receive the best of health care from young to old. Our new state-of-the-art Meeker Memorial Hospital offers a full medical menu for inpatient and outpatient care along with two medicinal clinics. Our city has a large nursing home campus that is available to all levels of care for the elderly citizens in our area. Recreation is a plus in our community, providing a wide variety of sporting opportunities and relaxation activities you may desire. We have an abundance of lakes in our area along with Lake Ripley which is an esthetic attraction for our community. The city has many well groomed parks with shelters that individuals and families can use for any occasion. Litchfield has an 18-hole golf course with an adjoining clubhouse for dining both casual and formal. When you spend time in our city, you will notice the historic buildings downtown, our beautiful Central Park, Memorial Park and Anderson Gardens by Lake Ripley, and many beautiful homes, businesses, and churches. The residents of Litchfield are wonderful people and living in this community offers many opportunities for a good quality of life. When you visit our community, we hope you enjoy your time and someday consider building or owning a business. Another option would be to build, buy, or rent a home and become a part of us.
Keith Johnson Mayor, City of Litchfield
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As the newly elected Mayor of Litchfield, welcome to our community and for those who live here, thanks for making this community a great place to call home.
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Thank you for reading the Litchfield Community Guide The Litchfield Independent Review presents the 2012 Litchfield Community Guide. Our community has much to offer, and this guide focuses on some of the highlights. This publication was produced by the Independent Review newspaper staff. It is meant as a reference for new residents, visitors and those who have lived in the area for years.
On the cover The cover of the Community Guide features an American Lit Legion baseCommcuhnfield ity Guide ball player, a father and son at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Habitat Day, kids at the Meeker County Fair, a scene from Litchfield Community Theatre’s summer production of “Oklahoma!”, Litchfield High School choir members, and a hula-hoop contest during Watercade. ◆◆◆ Below: Litchfield Cub Scouts’ Raingutter Regatta, Litchfield High School marching band, and the Litchfield Open Chess Tournament. 2012
FRE E
The inside source to Published by the Litchf Litchfield ield Indep
& sur
Review rounding Arts area Governm • Business • Entertain ent • Hea ment • lth Care • History Events • Faith • Fest • Recreat ion • Scho ivals • ols • Serv ices endent
About the newspaper The Litchfield Independent Review, established in 1876, is the oldest, continuously operating business in Litchfield. The Independent Review, which has won numerous state and national newspaper awards, is published every Thursday. The office is at 217 Sibley Ave. N., Litchfield. For more information, call 320-693-3266, go online to www.independent review.net, or send an e-mail to editor@independentreview.net
LITCHFIELD
Independent Review www.independentreview.net
CONTENTS Arts & Entertainment Litchfield Community Theatre
42
Business Local business climate
44
Community City & county overview Lake Ripley Local services available
4 8 6
Education Litchfield Public Library Litchfield Schools Litchfield School Board
26 20 22
Faith Places to worship
30
Festivals & Events Local festivals, celebrations Watercade
34 32
Government Litchfield City Council Meeker County Board State and federal lawmakers
46 46 46
Health Care Meeker Memorial Hospital
38
History Dakota Conflict/Ness Church Downtown Historic District G.A.R. Hall Historic homes tour Litchfield brothers/railroad
54 53 55 48 56
Recreation City streets & bike trails map Litchfield parks Meeker County parks Sports
16 11 12 18
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Directory of advertisers We thank these businesses for supporting the 12th edition of the Litchfield Community Guide! Agricultural Service & Supplies Arnold’s Bobcat Haugo Veterinary Clinic Randy’s Repair & Machine Schlauderaff Implement Co. Sparboe Farms Towmaster Trailers Parts Store Watkins Kimball Veterinary Clinics
37 49 40 34 24 37 29 28
Automotive Sales, Parts & Service 3G’s The Outlet 43 Cenex - Consumer’s Co-op Association 18 Davis Motors 21 Doug’s Auto Repair/Decker Auto Sales 25 Litchfield Mobile Electronics Center 36 Mutt & Jeff’s Auto Repair 40 Northland Body & Paint 28 Parts City Auto Parts 14 R&R Auto and Metal Salvage 55 Tiremaxx Service Centers-Binsfeld Tire 37 Banking/Financial/Insurance Anderson Insurance Agency Center National Bank Christianson & Associates Conway Deuth & Schmiesing Farm Bureau Financial Services Home State Bank Investment Centers of America Insurance Solutions State Farm Insurance
32 3 47 41 19 35 18 27 *BC
Churches First Evangelical Lutheran Church Immanuel Lutheran Church St. Philip’s Church Trinity Episcopal Church Zion Lutheran Church
31 30 31 30 35
Community Events & Entertainment Darwin Community Club & Museum 50 Litchfield Watercade 53 Nelson Farm 40
Key: *IFC = Inside Front Cover *IBC = Inside Back Cover *BC = Back Cover
Dining & Banquet Cricket Meadow Tea Jimmy’s Pizza Peter’s Subway Education Community Education & Recreation Litchfield Public Schools St. Philip’s School Fitness & Recreation Litchfield Golf Club Snap Fitness Government & Civic Groups City of Litchfield Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Meeker Council on Aging Meeker County Development Corp. Meeker County EDA Meeker County Sheriff Meeker County Transfer Station Republican Party
32 49 50 52 5 7 31 13 47 *IFC 7 35 47 47 34 23 28
Health, Medical, Personal Care ACMC-Litchfield East and West 39 Ecumen of Litchfield 15 Family Eye Center 27 Haugo & Solbrack, DDS 42 Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home 9 Litchfield Eye Center 53 Meeker Memorial Hospital *IBC Meeker Public Transit 14 The Medicine Shoppe 41 Willmar Hearing Aid Center-Litchfield 43
Home & Garden Darwin Monument 41 Hendrickson Plumbing & Heating 42 Lectric Shop Co. 37 Rick Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning 36 Stockmen’s Greenhouse & Landscaping 21 Tom’s Carpet Kingdom 40 Turck’s Trees 43 Valley View Electric 51 Lodging AmericInn
25
Manufacturing & Industry Anderson Chemical Custom Products of Litchfield
29 33
Professional Services John W. Mueller Attorney At Law Northstar Surveying Peter’s Signs ProWorks Inc. Steffes Auctioneers
47 49 45 49 41
Real Estate All-Star Realty RE/MAX Today’s Properties
24 52
Retail, Gift, Grocery Stores 2 Chicks Upscale Resale Boutique Emmaus Gift Shop Litchfield Country Store-Fieldgate Litchfield Floral & Willow Woods Litchfield Liquor Mary’s Jewelry Mid Minnesota Music Natural Foods Co-op Partners Hardware Hank Rennie’s China Closet & Arts Very Vintage
45 35 23 45 43 44 51 45 55 44 28
Telecommunications, Printers Litchfield Independent Review NU-Telecom
56 33
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Welcome to the city of Litchfield L
itchfield is conveniently History located 65 miles west of Litchfield After the St. Paul and Pacific the Minneapolis/St. Paul Population: 6,725 (2010 Census Bureau) Railroad was constructed through metropolitan area. Main highCounty: Meeker Litchfield, the county seat was ways, rail service, a local municiCity Hall: 126 N. Marshall Ave. Call 320moved from Forest City to pal airport, remodeled medical 693-7201 for information. Litchfield in 1869. The town was facilities, swimming and fishing Web site: www.ci.litchfield.mn.us/ named after brothers E. Darwin at Lake Ripley, beautiful parks, a Litchfield, Egbert E. Litchfield strong business community, as and Edwin C. Litchfield, who well as excellent schools are some of the community’s helped finance the construction of the railroad through strong attributes. Minnesota. The city was incorporated in 1872. The city is home to Lake Ripley Cemetery on Minnesota Highway 22 South, several athletic fields Well-known residents near Litchfield High School, a golf course, and an indoor hockey rink at the Civic Arena. The city has its Litchfield is home to several well-known people. The own police department, as well as a volunteer fire late Bernie Bierman, who was captain of the 1911 department and rescue squad. Other city facilities Litchfield High School football team, was head coach include a municipal liquor store, municipal power of the Minnesota Gophers football team. The late Dr. plant, water department and wastewater treatment William Nolen was a surgeon in Litchfield and a facility. The city has several committees, including the nationally known author. The late Gale Sondergaard, Airport Commission, Golf Course Commission, Library born in Litchfield, won an Academy Award for best Board, Planning Commission, Police Civil Service supporting actress for her 1936 film debut in “Anthony Commission, Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Adverse.” John Carlson Jr., a LHS graduate, joined the and Historic Preservation Commission. Seattle Seahawks as a tight end in 2008.
Welcome to Meeker County M
Meeker County eeker County is Development Corp., a home to rolling Meeker County University of Minnesota farmland, dozens Population: 23,300 (2010 U.S. Census Bureau) Extension Service office, of swimming and fishing County seat: Litchfield Public Health, Soil and lakes, many historical sites, Communities: Acton, Cedar Mills, Collinwood, Cosmos, Water Conservation District, small town festivals, a popuDanielson, Darwin, Dassel, Eden Valley, Ellsworth, Forest and Veterans Services. lar county fair, and some of City, Forest Prairie, Greenleaf, Grove City, Harvey, Kingston, the state’s largest dairy and Litchfield, Manannah, Swede Grove, Union Grove and poultry operations. Main History Watkins. highways, rail service, The Seventh Territorial Land area: 610 square miles remodeled medical facilities, Legislature of Minnesota Courthouse: 325 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield. Call 320-693thriving businesses, as well ordered the creation of 5200 for information. as excellent schools in four Meeker County on Feb. 23, Web site: www.co.meeker.mn.us/ school districts are some of 1856. The county was the county’s strong attribnamed in honor of utes. Territorial Judge Bradley B. Government offices are housed in the courthouse, Meeker. Forest City was the first county seat. 325 N. Sibley Ave.; the Meeker County Family Service However, after the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad was Center, 114 N. Holcombe Ave.; Law Enforcement constructed through Litchfield, county residents voted Center and Detention Center, 326 N. Ramsey Ave.; in 1862 to change the county seat to Litchfield. and the County Highway and Minnesota Department The Dakota Conflict began 150 years ago in 1862. of Transportation Facility, 422 S. Johnson Drive. The Acton Massacre on Aug. 17, 1862, led to the Battle The county has several committees, including the of Acton, followed by the Manannah Massacre on Aug. Planning and Zoning Commission, and Housing and 26, 1862, and an attack Sept. 4, 1862, on the Forest Redevelopment Authority. Also in Meeker County is the City Stockade, where many pioneers took shelter.
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
What to know, who to call Basic information about services available in Litchfield Electricity, gas, water, sewer
Compost site
Litchfield Public Utilities provides light and power to the city of Litchfield. New customers should contact the Utilities business office to find out the requirements of establishing a new account. A deposit is required of new residents. Budget payment plans and automatic payment plans are available. A payment drop box is outside of City Hall, 126 N. Marshall Ave. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Utilities office also handles water and sewer billing for the city. Telephone number is 693-7201. Meeker Cooperative Light & Power also provides light and power to areas in the outskirts of the city. For information, call its Litchfield office at 693-3231. While residents can choose from different providers, CenterPoint Energy is the main supplier of natural gas to the area. CenterPoint Energy’s telephone number is at 800-245-2377.
The city compost site is at 23968 615th Ave., just past Lake Ripley campground on the left. The site is open seasonally from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays (closing earlier in late fall). The site is open until the first plowable snowfall and reopens April 1. The site is closed Sundays, holidays and during the winter, except for a few weeks in January to allow for people to drop off their Christmas trees. Items that can be dropped off include leaves, grass clippings, brush, tree branches, small amounts of dirt with no sod, or other natural vegetation. Wood chips and compost dirt are free for people to pick up. For more information, call 693-7201.
Public transportation
Three companies provide telephone, cable TV and Internet services in Litchfield: NU-Telecom, Mediacom and CenturyLink. Residents can apply for NU-Telecom services by stopping by the office, 421 County State Aid Highway 34 S. in Litchfield or calling 593-2323 or 800-303-7039. Mediacom’s customer service telephone number is 800-332-0245. CenturyLink ’s customer service telephone number is 800-244-1111. The area code for Litchfield and Meeker County is 320.
The purpose of Meeker Public Transit is to offer 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. Riders can purchase a one-way ticket, round-trip ticket or a bus pass. Buses are handicap accessible and equipped with a wheelchair lift. They are air-conditioned and have seat belts for passengers. The bus is available from 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, and from 7:45 a.m. to noon on Sundays for church attendees only. Riders must contact Meeker Public Transit by 5 p.m. Friday to reserve weekend rides. To make an appointment for a ride call 693-7794 or 800-513-7433.
Law enforcement
Garbage & recycling pickup
Telephone, cable, Internet
The Litchfield Police and Meeker County Sheriff’s departments are located at 326 Ramsey Ave. N. The Litchfield Police Department is headed by Police Chief Patrick Fank. The non-emergency telephone number for the Police Department is 320-693-5425. The Crime Tip Line for the Police Department is 320693-5430. The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office is headed by Sheriff Jeff Norlin. The non-emergency telephone number for the Sheriff’s Office is 693-5400. The Confidential Crime Tip Line is 320-693-5411. The emergency number for Police and Sheriff is 911.
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 singlesort recycling container. All recyclable items can be mixed in the container. Payment drop box for garbage bills is at 5 E. Second St. For more information, call 800-450-9378. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The mailing address is 490 Industrial Blvd., Winsted, MN 55395. West Central Sanitation of Willmar, Minn., provides commercial garbage and recyclable pickup in Litchfield and the surrounding area. For information, call 800246-7630.
COMMUNITY
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Post office The Litchfield post office is at 35 E. Second St. The window is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Residents can access their postal boxes from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The post office also offers passport services; call to make an appointment. The phone number is 693-6252.
Local newspaper and radio station
Generating new ideas
A lesson in safety
Students build mini wind turbines N 1B
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Litchfield Public Schools
Heavy hitters Area volleyball teams find featured front-row players N 9A
Firefighters visit with preschool children N 22A
Independent Review LITCHFIELD
OCTOBER 13, 2011
SINCE 1876
$1
Hospital will
update medical The Litchfield Independent records system Review is published every Thursday. It has won numerous state and national awards. To subscribe to the newspaper or to advertise in it, call 693-3266, visit its website at www.independent review.net, stop at the office at 217 N. Sibley Ave. or send an e-mail to editor@ independentreview.net. The local radio station, KLFD-AM 1410, offers local news, as well as state and national headlines. The office is at 234 N. Sibley Ave. For information, call 693-3281 or go online to www.klfd1410.com. and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has established incentives for hospitals to engage in “meaningful use” of electronic medical records systems by 2015. To help do so, the new software is supposed to be more intuitive, and “much more attractive than what we have currently,” said Troy Bruning, By Andrew Wig information technology STAFF WRITER director at the hospital. But the decision to stay Meeker Memorial Hospital with is taking a step in conforming Healthland comes after hospital leadership had concerns with a federal push for hospi- with their current Healthland tals to establish comprehensystem. sive electronic medical “Part of the reason we records systems by 2015. were After a lengthy review looking outside of Healthland process, the Meeker Memorial initially was because of some questions Hospital Board of Directors on port, and we had with supMonday authorized the we weren’t necessarimplementation of a new records ily happy with the product we currently platform, offered by the hospi- “Those have,” Bruning said. tal’s current electronic questions were anmedical records provider, Health- swered very well by Healthland Information Technology. land.” The American Recovery See HOSPITAL
Meeker Memorial stays with current provider, despite earlier concerns
Schoolmarm Jan Solomonson asks a class of St. Philip’s the piece of equipment School second- and- third-graders she is holding. Pondering last week if Shoutz, Riley Taber, Joey the question are, from Carlson and Madison Revering. left, Ava Atkinson, Claudia they can name vice common 100 years Toenjes, Abby The device is a fly protector ago. The St. Philip’s students that horses would wear, Hall) Oct. 5 to see what visited the Little Red Schoolhouse a deit was like to learn in a (formerly Greenleaf Town one-room school house in the early 20th century.
An old fashioned education
St. Philip’s School students received a lesson from the past when they visited the Little Red Schoolhouse last week in Greenleaf Township. They received spelling, math and science lessons, but also learned what it was like to go to school in a one-room school as a member of a rural farm community 100 years ago. Schoolmarm Jan Solomonson, The schoolhouse was built in is who was educated in a one-room STAFF PHOTOS BY ANDREW WIG now a historical re-enactment 1913 for District 59, and school in the area and professional at Old Cahill about life in the early 1900s. School in Edina, Minn., talks closed in 1968. It later bereverential manners expectedShe displays artifacts from the time, explains came a public meeting the highly from children back then, place, above a window, and points to a peg from which students would used as the Greenleaf Town hang by their collar when in the wall The peg is no longer used, Hall until 2007. Now, the out of but like the school, remains as a reminder of a bygone line. Little Red Schoolhouse era. District 59 Inc. has been formed to preserve the old school St. Philip’s and facilitate lessons on School stuits dents arrive history. The old schoolhouse at the Little is one of only two in Meeker Red SchoolCounty to preserve its origihouse Oct. 5, nal structure.
greeted by Schoolmarm Jan Solomonson, who shows them what a school day was like for rural students 100 years ago.
Students brought their lunch to school in teacherprovided tin pails.
Litchfield High School 901 N. Gilman, Litchfield • 320-693-2424
on Page 7A
Three young adults die in two separate rollovers
Macias was ejected from the An Eden Valley 2003 Chevy Impala, which woman, two Watkins was headed east-bound when it crossed over the median line men die Oct. 5, 6 and into a soybean field, rolling several times. Macias was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the By Andrew Wig crash. She was not wearing her STAFF WRITER seat belt, and alcohol is not beIn a tragic 12-hour period lieved to be a factor, Stearns last week, three Meeker County Chief Deputy Bruce Bechtold said. County residents died in two separate, single-vehicle, “We just believe she ran rollthe road,” Bechtold said. off over accidents. “She was traveling too fast and On the afternoon of Oct. was 5, ejected Eden Valley resident Anngelfrom her car.” ica Macias, 19, was Early the next morning, protwo rural nounced dead at the scene off other Watkins men died in anCounty Road 21 in Luxemsingle-vehicle rollover burg Township, in Stearns crash, this one north of Forest County. The Stearns County City on County State Aid Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at at 4:09 p.m. See ROLLOVERS on Page 5A
Teachers tap into Twitter
Some LHS teachers use social networking tool as way to inform kids of tests, homework By Andrew Wig STAFF WRITER
Someone left a black backpack in room N103 at Litchfield High School last Thursday.
to Tweet with students
From left, 12th grade collegelevel English students Kayla Rosenow, Jordan Goodejan, Lorien Rusch, Mitch Wollin, Briana Schrotberger and teacher Candace Boerema use Twitter as an education tool.
The backpack is now back with its rightful owner. A tweet from Learn more English teacher Candace Boereabout ma helped make it happen. Twitter on Boerema is part of a small Page 2A group of LHS teachers who for first time are giving Twitter the a try as a way to communicate with stu- found box. dents. Some teachers use Students can read tweets the online cial networking application so- at a computer or on their cell to mind students of homework re- phone, if it has Internet service. assignments and upcoming So far, teachers’ tweets tests, as are being heard, sometimes even well as to extend lessons better beyond than the classroom. It also their own voices. makes a good alternative to the lost-andSee TWITTER on Page 2A
STAFF PHOTO BY ANDREW WIG
WHAT’S INSIDE :
BACK THEN 6B BULLETIN BOARD 5B CLASSIFIEDS 19A COMMUNITY 1B
CO. FINANCIALS 16A CROSSWORD 6B FAITH 4B KIDS CORNER 6B
LOCAL OBITUARIES OPINION PEOPLE
3A 6A 4A 2B
PUBLIC NOTICES 12A RURAL LIVING 3B SPORTS 9A
HOW TO REACH US
Telephone: (320) 693-3266 E-mail: news@independentreview.net Fax: (320) 693-9177 advertising@independentreview .net
Litchfield Middle School 340 E. 10th St., Litchfield • 320-693-2441
Wagner Elementary School 307 E. 6th St., Litchfield • 320-693-2824
Lake Ripley Elementary School 100 W. Pleasure Dr., Litchfield • 320-693-2436
Alternative Learning Program 26 3rd St. W., Litchfield • 320-693-0633
79055
District Office, 114 N. Holcombe, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-2444 • www.litchfield.k12.mn.us
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Helping Students Build a Future Through Education
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COMMUNITY
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Cleaning Lake Ripley’s rippling waters Local residents work to improve the quality of Litchfield’s Lake Ripley for everyone to enjoy
L
ake Ripley has drawn people to its picturesque circular shore for more than 150 years. Litchfield was settled in 1856 and early entrepreneurs built Brightwood Beach resort in 1889 on the south shore, drawing visitors by train from states near and far. Early photos of people enjoying the lake reveal that Lake Ripley was a recreational draw for fishing, boating and swimming. Tides of enthusiasm among residents continued for years, resulting in several parks around the lake, a 33site recreational vehicle campground with lakeshore access for each site, golf course, botanical garden and restaurant. The tide of enthusiasm later ebbed. A lake association formed, but after a number years stopped meeting. By 2002, water clarity was only two feet and weed patches clogged and stalled boat motors. It seemed time for the tide to turn again. Dr. David Ross moved to Litchfield in 2002 and inquired about the lake association. Several phone calls later, meetings started again. The association learned about the negative effects of curled pondweed found in the lake. Ross and the other volunteers started a fundraising campaign, and hired a company to treat the weeds at a cost of $300 per acre. Thirty acres were treated initially. Water clarity improved from two-foot visibility to eight-foot visibility during the first year. Lake association members presented the results to the Litchfield City Council and asked for an annual budget of $10,000 to treat weeds and work on lake improvements. Council members agreed. Today, water clarity continues to improve. The association also has been active in building a swimming beach with buoys and wood platform outlook. The beach is groomed weekly. Also added to the beach is a new outdoor shower to help visitors avoid swimmer’s itch after spending time in the water. Lake Ripley was named to honor pioneer Dr. Frederick Noah Ripley, who froze to death near its
Dr. David Ross is the president of the Lake Ripley Improvement Association, which strives to improve the lake’s water quality and beach, among other tasks.
Lake Ripley Improvement Association Lake Ripley Improvement Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Sunday of each month at the Litchfield Public Library. Anyone interested can attend. Membership is $25 for a basic membership, with larger levels available. Donations to LRIA improvement fund can be mailed to City of Litchfield c/o Lake Ripley Improvement Association, 126 Marshall Ave. N., Litchfield, MN 55355. For more information, contact Dr. Dave Ross at 320-593-1872, or skiross@hutchtel.net.
Lake Ripley statistics Acres: 556 Depth: 18 feet The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2005 fish survey found: ◆ Fair number of northern pike, averaging 22.8 inches ◆ Moderate number of walleye, averaging 20 inches (these were last stocked in 1981, which indicates Lake Ripley naturally reproducing, sustaining walleye fishery) ◆ Moderate number of bluegill, averaging 5 inches ◆ Fair number of black crappie ◆ Fair number of largemouth bass (good numbers likely, survey was only near shore) ◆ Moderate number of yellow and black bullhead
shores during the winter of 1856-1857. Now, 155 years later, another doctor is among the lake association volunteers caring for the rippling waters of Lake Ripley.
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PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Explore the great outdoors Finnish Memorial Park, along the North Fork of the Crow River, is just west of Kingston on County Road 27.
Litchfield and Meeker County parks offer many opportunities to fish, swim, camp, play, picnic and enjoy nature. Venture outside and explore the beauty of the area.
M
innesotans sure love the outdoors. From our 10,000 lakes to prairie breezes, our gently flowing rivers to the Big Woods, outdoor recreation is a chance to stretch the legs and enjoy the beauty of our state. Litchfield and Meeker County have many opportunities for residents to enjoy the great outdoors. People seeking peace and quiet or outdoor enjoyment individually or as a group can visit the parks in Litchfield and Meeker County. Meeker County began developing county parks in the 1960s after the establishment of the Meeker County Park Board. Through aggressive efforts to acquire land and develop county parks, the county park system consisted of seven parks by the end of the 1970s. Today, Meeker County has 10 parks — all but one on a lake or river. Throughout the years, the Park Board has continued to invest in its
parks. In recent years, the focus was on building new, clean restroom facilities. The parks department also is working to install park identification signs and landscaping to enhance the beauty and unification of the system. In addition to its annual budget, the park system relies on grants and donations to improve the parks. A few years ago, acres were added to the county’s newest park, Woodland Park, with the help of a Department of Natural Resources grant. The DNR also has funded significant portions of a new playground at Koronis Regional Park and fixed river washout at Finnish Memorial Park. Donations from the Meeker Cooperative Electric Trust and Ellsworth Lakers 4-H club allowed the department to install a horse well at the Darwin-Dassel Park. Families and businesses also have funded boat docks at Koronis and Spring Lake Park.
Please turn to Page 11
Flowers bloom from spring through fall at Anderson Gardens in Litchfield.
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE Continued from Page 10
PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION
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Litchfield City Parks
The following is a look at area parks:
Litchfield parks Anderson Gardens (A) — Anderson Gardens is a miniarboretum park located on the northeastern corner of Lake Ripley with a picturesque gazebo. Becker Park (B) — Located on South Chandler Avenue, Becker Park is an open play area with a swing set and a small, winter sliding hill. Central Park (C) — The heart of Litchfield, Central Park and its bandshell are home to activities throughout the year, including outdoor music, Easter egg hunt, a farmers market and community meals. It is in downtown Litchfield along Sibley Avenue. Crescent Park (D) — This playground is located in the Crescent Lane development and has a swing set, and playground equipment. Dog Park (E) — The park is across from Memorial Park on Lake Ripley. It has eight acres for dogs to run free, as well as picnic tables and garbage cans. Jaycees Park (F) — Situated between Memorial Park and the Lake Ripley Campground along Lake Ripley, the park has a picnic shelter, playground equipment, dock, boat launch and ice fishing access. Lake Ripley Campground (G) — The municipal trailer campground has 33 sites, all with sewer and water, as well as permanent restrooms and showers. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lions Park (H) — 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 (I) — 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 area is also home to Litchfield Public Schools athletic facilities.
Litchfield City Parks A - Anderson Gardens B - Becker Park C - Central Park D - Crescent Park E - Dog Park F - Jaycees Park G - Lake Ripley Campground H - Lions Park I - Litchfield Sports Complex J - Memorial Park K - North Casey Park L - Ness Park M - Pleasant View Park N - Prairie Park O - South Park P - South Street Playground Q - Sunrise Terrace Park R - Thompson Park
Memorial Park (J) — The location for many Litchfield Watercade activities, Memorial Park lies along the east edge of Lake Ripley. The park has 175 feet of beach, swimming docks, lake overlook, bike/walking path, an Army tank and field cross memorial, sand volleyball court, lake access and a large picnic area. North Casey Park (K) — This park is an open play area with a swingset located on North Miller Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets, with Jewett Creek along the east edge. There is a small, winter sliding hill. Ness Park (L) — A large park located off North Miller Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, Ness Park has a swing set, picnic tables and volleyball court. Pleasant View Park (M) — Off Willmar Avenue in the northwest section of the city, Pleasant View has playground equipment and play area.
Please turn to Page 12 ◆ See Page 12 for a map of Meeker County parks
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Continued from Page 11 Prairie Park (N) — Along Butler Street, Prairie Park is a 40-acre nature park, featuring 2.5 miles of walking and cross country skiing trails, playground equipment and a picnic shelter provided by the Rotary Club. South Park (O) — This square block park on the 300 block of Miller Avenue South is home to two tennis courts, play equipment and a volleyball court. South Street Playground (P) — South Street Playground is an open lot at the corner of North Davis and East South Street with playground equipment. Sunrise Terrace Park (Q) — The park, located along Sunrise Drive in eastern Litchfield, has updated playground equipment and a small man-made sliding hill. Thompson Park (R) — An open play area and swing set mark Thompson Park, located on South Chandler between East Ripley and East St. Paul streets.
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Meeker County parks
Meeker County parks Clear Lake Park — Three miles south of Watkins on County Road 2, the park includes a picnic area and shelter, boat landing and a short hiking trail. The park is 34.4 acres. Darwin-Dassel Park — With 160 acres, the county’s largest park has 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. Finnish Memorial Park — Ideal for canoeing down the North Fork Crow River, Finnish Memorial Park is 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 — On the southwest shore of Lake Koronis, this 62-acre park offers overnight camping with electricity and water hookup, bathrooms
and showers. It also has a swimming beach, playground equipment, boat landing, lookout tower, picnic shelters with kitchen facilities and several recreational facilities. A walking/biking trail is currently being constructed to encircle the lake. To make shelter or camping reservations, call 320-276-8843. Lake Manuella Park — Known for its swimming beach, the park has picnic facilities, bathrooms and a changing house. It is located on CSAH 9 five miles south of U.S. Highway 12. Shaw Memorial Park — 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.
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Two is Better Than One! Litchfield Golf Club and Oakdale Golf Club are teaming up to offer you the ultimate golf membership package! By joining for the 2012 season, you will have the opportunity to play golf at both these great courses while being considered a “Member” at both courses. Members will have access to all member benefits at both clubs, including: • Beautiful 18-hole Championship Golf Course Open to the Public • Four Sets of Tees for Any Level • Professionally Stocked Pro Shop
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Pleasantview Park at 600 Willmar Ave. N. in Litchfield is a fun place for children to play. Continued from Page 12 Spring Lake Park — Situated between Spring Lake and Long Lake, one mile north of Dassel, the 13-acre park offers fishing opportunities with a boat landing and
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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 — Located on 525th Avenue, one mile west of Cosmos, Thompson Park has picnic shelters, playground equipment, ball field, volleyball court and fishing dock. It is 22 acres. West Ripley Park — Located just south of Litchfield on CSAH 1, the park has a boat landing, fishing pier, playground equipment, sand volleyball court, bike path and large picnic shelter. It contains 5.6 acres on the western shore of Lake Ripley. Woodland Park — Woodland Park has 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.
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
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Maplewood Ave
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St. Paul St.
Weisel St
Swift Ave
Austin Ave Donnelly Ave
Yale Ave
Lane
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Sibley Ave
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Austin Ave
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Miller Ave
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PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION
Bike trails Trail - on street Trail - off street
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
LAKE ANDREW NELSON
Meadow Ave
LITCHFIELD MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
Polydome Dr 628th Ave
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LITCHFIELD GOLF COURSE
Golf Ter
615th St
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Mixing fun with competition Litchfield has an amateur baseball team, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, horseshoes and ice arena
Golfers try their best at Litchfield Golf Club, a city-owned public championship course on the northern edge of Lake Ripley.
Litchfield Blues
T
he Litchfield Blues provide the community with top-caliber amateur baseball every spring and summer. The Blues qualified for the Class C state tournament from 1998 through 2002. The Blues call Optimist Park in Litchfield home. Optimist Park is one block east of the Litchfield Civic Arena on the northern edge of town. The ballpark has a grandstand and concession stand, with a restroom facility on the site. The schedule begins in mid-April and concludes with league and region playoffs in August. Most games are played Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Litchfield Golf Club The Litchfield Golf Club is a city-owned 18-hole public championship course on West Pleasure Drive, along the northern edge of Lake Ripley. The course plays just over 6,300 yards from the blue tees and 6,000 yards from the white tees. The course is host to several tournaments during the season. The women’s invitational is usually in early July, while the men’s invitational is in late July. Throughout the golf season, there is couples golf each Friday evening, with a different format each week. The golf club has a fully stocked pro shop. After the round, Peter’s on Lake Ripley is open six days a week and has a full-service bar and restaurant. For more information about the golf club, call 320-693-6059 or go online to www.litchfieldgolfclub.com.
For those wishing to brush up on their golf game, the Litchfield Driving Range is at the intersection of county roads 34 and 11 in the northeast part of town.
Skating, horseshoes, tennis Litchfield has several recreational venues. The city offers four softball fields, a horseshoe pit, two paddle tennis courts, 14 public tennis courts and an ice arena for hockey and ice skating. For bowlers, the Litchfield Bowling Center is on Minnesota Highway 22 south.
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Kevin Christoffers 112 N. Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN
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79143
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EDUCATION
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
An emphasis on education Litchfield schools provide strong academics, opportunities
Litchfield High School 901 N. Gilman Ave. • 320-693-2424 www.litchfield.k12.mn.us
Principal: Patrick Devine Enrollment: 560 (grades nine through 12) Average class size: 26 students Curriculum: Agribusiness, art, business, English, family and consumer science, industrial technology, math, music, physical education/ health, science, social studies, Spanish and German world languages. LHS offers AP and “concurrent” classes, collegelevel courses that offer credits for both high school and college. LHS currently offers 40 college credits through its concurrent program. College Concurrent Classes include pre-calculus, calculus, human biology, living biology, psychology, sociology, college writing, college literature, human geography, and German. AP classes that remain are statistics and music. Other courses also can help prepare students for future occupations are articulation or vocational classes, which include the schoolto-work program, art, business, FACS, industrial technology and house construction. Extracurricular activities: Varsity athletic sports, music, drama, First Robotics, YES! club, Student Council, National Honor Society, knowledge bowl, speech, language clubs, FCCLA, FFA, art club, cheerleading, danceline, Vision magazine, newspaper, and yearbook.
Litchfield Middle School 340 E. 10th St. • 320-693-2441 www.litchfield.k12.mn.us
Principal: Patrick Devine Enrollment: 375 (grades six through eight) Average class size: 25 students Curriculum: Structured in a “pod” format, same sections of students take their core classes — English, mathematics, science and social studies — from the same four core teachers for that grade level. Students also take classes in reading. computer use, art, industrial technology, family and consumer science, physical education, and health. Electives include band, choir, agriculture and introductory languages. Extracurricular activities: Athletics for seventh- and eighth-graders, instrumental and vocal music, speech, FFA, FCCLA, Student Council and yearbook staff. Philosophy: The middle school promotes teaming concepts, such as an advisory program, exploratory days, team planning and interdisciplinary lessons. LMS uses differentiated instruction in the classroom, in which teachers use a variety of instruction and assessment methods to better fit the needs of students. The school also fosters a safe school climate so that all students can reach their full potential.
Schools continued on Page 22
Litchfield is the home of the Dragons!
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
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Continued from Page 20
Wagner Elementary School 307 E. Sixth St. • 320-693-2824 www.litchfield.k12.mn.us
Litchfield Alternative Learning Program 26 W. Third St. • 320-693-0633 www.litchfield.k12.mn.us
Coordinator: Tim Mackey Enrollment: 16 students Curriculum: English, social studies, mathematics, science and physical education/health. Students have the opportunity to take electives or participate in the independent study program. Students work toward credit recovery and earning a Litchfield High School diploma. Students also participate in community service projects such as Second Harvest, The Salvation Army, and community improvement projects. The school operates under Litchfield High School. Mission: Established in 1996, the program serves students struggling in the typical high school environment by creating an environment that will help students reach their fullest academic and social potential, thereby enabling them to get their diploma and become productive members of society.
Principal: Gregg Zender Enrollment: 242 (grades four and five) Average class size: 24 students Curriculum: Classes expand on basic skills taught in earlier grades and branch off into more diverse subjects in science and social studies. Students also take art, music, physical education and computer classes. Services: Special education, Title I programs for struggling students. Academic activities: Students at Wagner also have opportunities to participate in activities outside the classroom, such as Dragon Lunch Bunch, D.A.R.E., Math Masters and Continental Math League.
Please turn to Page 24
Litchfield Public School Board The Litchfield School District is governed by a six-member board. Three board members are elected to four-year terms every two years during the general election in November. The board meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month in the library meeting room at the Meeker County Family Service Center, 114 N. Holcombe Ave. The district’s central office is in the Family Service Center. The telephone number is 320-693-2444, the website is www.litchfield.k12.mn.us.
Dan Dollerschell
Jim Ellingson
Stacey Helstrom
Donna McGraw
Brian Park
Karla Rick
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Litchfield Country Store Complete Line of: • • • • • • • • • •
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Home of Fieldgate Dairy Products: • • • • • • •
30+ Varieties of Fieldgate Cheese Fieldgate Butter Fieldgate Pizza Fieldgate Jams, Jellies, & Sauces Fresh Cheese Curds Gift Boxes 20+ Varieties of Specialty Cheese
Litchfield Country Store 79130
25 W. Depot Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-7223
Keep Meeker County Beautiful
Meeker County Transfer Station 635655 293rd St., Litchfield 320-693-2576 HOURS: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Saturday, 8am-12noon •Recyclables (no charge) •Electronics & Appliances (fees apply) •Tires and Garbage (fees apply) •Demolition Landfill adjacent
Oil Drop Station Cenex Parking Lot, Litchfield •This location is availalble 24/7/365 •Dispose of your waste oil/anti-freeze at no charge •Small fee for disposal of used oil filters Dassel & Collinwood Townships •Recyclables drop site behind Schmidty’s on Hwy. 12 Kingston Township •Recyclables drop site on Co. Rd. 27 by highway shed
Meeker residents may bring household hazardous waste to the Kandiyohi County Collection Center at no cost. Contact them at 320-231-3587
City residents, contact your city offices to inquire about recycling opportunities. Questions? Contact the Meeker County Solid Waste Office at 320-693-5200 or go to www.co.meeker.mn.us & click on “Solid Waste”
79173
Recycling & HHW Options
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EDUCATION
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Parochial school
Continued from Page 22
Lake Ripley Elementary School
School of St. Philip
100 W. Pleasure Drive W. • 320-693-2436 www.litchfield.k12.mn.us
225 E. Third St. • 320-693-6283 www.stphilipsschool.com
Principal: Gregg Zender Enrollment: 476 (kindergarten through third grade) Average class size: 20 students Curriculum: Classes focus on teaching children basic skills and foundations for learning. Emphasis is placed on building students’ abilities in reading, math and writing, as well as developing their speaking and comprehension skills. Other classes include art, music and physical education. Lake Ripley Elementary has every-other-day kindergarten, as well as an optional, fee-based, allday, every-day kindergarten program. Services: Early Childhood Education, special education, preschool, and Title I for struggling students.
Principal: Diana McCarney Enrollment: 85 (kindergarten through fifth grade) Class size: Ranges from nine to 20 students Curriculum: St. Philip’s emphasizes a strong academic curriculum in a faith-filled environment. In addition to core academic areas, such as math, reading, science and social studies, students take music, physical education, religion and computer classes year around. St. Philip’s also offers Spanish curriculum for all students. The school has all-day, every-day kindergarten. Faith-based education: Open to families from all parishes, it is an accredited Catholic school affiliated with St. Philip’s parish in Litchfield. School life revolves around following the way of Jesus and carrying the values learned into the larger community. There are many opportunities for prayer and liturgy, including attending Mass every Friday. Tuition: $1,750 for parishioners of St. Philip’s and $2,000 for non-parishioners for 2011-12.
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
e t e l p m e o v C i t o m o A ut v ice Ser The crew at Doug’s Auto Repair/Decker Auto Sales can take care of ALL your auto servicing!
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EDUCATION
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
The Litchfield Public Library, at 216 N. Marshall Ave., is one block off Sibley Avenue North. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call the library at 320-693-2483 or go online to litchlibrary.blogspot.com.
Library continues to expand services While the Litchfield Public Library offers books and educational resources, some visitors are drawn to the library for its modern-day amenities such as Internet availability, e-books and use of a Nintendo Wii
T
he Litchfield Public Library is a one-stop source for books, materials, research, and community programs. Since the completion of a new building in 2002, the library has been expanding the variety of services it offers to residents in Litchfield and the surrounding area. Beth Cronk, Litchfield Public Library head librarian, said “it’s surprising to people how constantly busy it is here.” The Litchfield library, which ranks fourth behind other Pioneerland libraries in terms of materials, is one of the largest of the 31 libraries in the Pioneerland Library System. Because it is part of the Pioneerland system, any registered borrower can check out books or other items from any other library in the system. The Litchfield Public Library is home to 46,500 books, 1,300 audios, and more than 2,000 videos, and it boasts eight staff members, 8,700 registered borrowers, 20,000 computer uses per year, and 77,500 visits per year. The library offers 16 public computers and four catalog computers, Wi-Fi Internet access, a copier,
printer, fax machine, microfilm reader, a Nintendo Wii system for public use, a large meeting room, and two study rooms. Regularly scheduled community programming for children, teenagers and adults also is offered. The Minnesota Library Legacy program is one example of community programming. This program has been running for the past year and a half, and it offers arts, cultural and historical activities to the adults and children of the community. Cronk said the library wasn’t able to offer these kinds of events to the public in the past, but now, funding through the state Legacy Amendment has made that possible. Serving the community is one of the main goals of the library. Jan Pease, children’s librarian, loves the fact that more people are visiting the library. “We have so many people using the library; it’s wonderful,” she said. “This is the best part of sharing in the community.” To better serve the community, the library has
Please turn to Page 28
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
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EDUCATION
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Continued from Page 26 been expanding and updating its collection. More books are available in the young adult section, and more popular music is being added to the music CD collection. In July, the library began offering more than 300 titles as downloadable e-books and audio books, with plans to expand the number of titles in the future. Registered borrowers will have the ability to access these titles from home and personal computers and mobile devices. The library’s website also has been updated — it is now a blog that updates every week. The blog has links to the library’s Facebook page, Twitter page, the library’s catalog, the library’s e-book site, and newspaper columns about the library. The new website is: litchlibrary.blogspot.com.
Library opportunities, resources ◆ Children’s Department The library has a wide assortment of books for children in preschool through high school and offers a variety of children’s programs throughout the year. Some of these programs include three children’s
story hours per week for infants and older and a summer reading program for children and teens. Fun with 4-H is offered monthly during the school year and twice every month in the summer. ◆ Book clubs/Clubs Book clubs are offered for adults, middle school students, and elementary students in grades three through five. There is a Winter Reading Program for adults from January to March. The library also hosts a knitting club, which meets once a month. ◆ Computer classes Free computer classes are offered occasionally throughout the school year to teach community members about the Internet, programs on the computer, and general computer maintenance. ◆ Volunteers The library welcomes volunteers. Those interested in volunteering should contact head librarian Beth Cronk. ◆ Book sales Book sales take place the third Saturday of every month, with a large book sale taking place during Watercade in July. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Litchfield Library. Donated books, movies, and music are always accepted, with the exception of encyclopedia sets.
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71826
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79080
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
1911-2011
79101
100 Years and 4 Generations
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FAITH
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Finding a place to worship People of faith can find denominational and non-denominational places of worship in Litchfield and the surrounding area A/G-LIGHTHOUSE 28164 Hwy. 22 N., Litchfield Pastor Chris Castilleja 320-593-2202
ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN 118 First St. N., Darwin Pastor Joe Midthun 320-693-5778
APOSTOLIC LUTHERAN Kingston Pastor Orval Wirkkala 320-398-2130
BECKVILLE LUTHERAN 20521 600th Ave., Litchfield Pastor Maggie Cumings 320-693-2519
BELIEVER’S FELLOWSHIP MENNONITE CHURCH 34419 520th Ave., Grove City Pastor Melvin Beiler 320-857-2800
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF OUR LADY 57382 CSAH 3, Manannah Monsignor Francis J. Garvey 320-693-8900
Founded in 1871, Trinity Episcopal Church, at the corner of North Sibley Avenue and East Fourth Street in Litchfield, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. GERTRUDE 31608 650th Ave., Forest City Mike McNeil, pastoral administrator 320-693-7801
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. JOHN
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. PHILIP
106 Fourth St. N., Darwin Father John Pearson 320-693-6878
821 Fifth St. E., Litchfield Father Joseph Steinbeisser 320-693-3313
(Non-denominational) 312 Marshall Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Mike Zylstra 320-593-3635
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Trinity Episcopal Church
Immanuel - "God with us" (Matthew 1:23)
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
(on the north side of Central Park)
3 4th St. E., Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-6035
Sunday Worship - 9:00 am Bible Hour (all ages) & Sunday School - 10:15 am Bringing all people into fellowship with God Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and with one another. 46996
Sunday Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. (coffee hour follows) Bible Study - Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Hospitality and Free Lunch every month on the last Friday, 11 am-1 pm
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
175 W. 11th St. (just west of Dairy Queen) in Litchfield Church 320-693-6155 Parsonage 320-693-7715 www.immanuellutheranlitchfield.net
FAITH
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
CHURCH OF GOD OF ABRAHAMIC FAITH
LAKE UNION EVANGELICAL COVENANT
501 Ramsey Ave. S., Litchfield Pastor Dale Swartz 320-693-6391
74246 CSAH 19, South Haven Pastor Lloyd Melvie
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
(ELCA) 32721 680th Ave., Watkins Pastor Joe E. Midthun 320-693-8450
205 CSAH 34, Litchfield Pastors Paul Jorgenson and Jeff Garland 320-593-7971
CORNERSTONE CHURCH Kingston Community Center 30840 722nd Ave., Kingston
EVANGELICAL COVENANT 301 Lake St., Dassel Pastor Keith Carlson 320-275-3315
FIRST BAPTIST Grove City Pastor Peter Lee 320-857-2495
FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
703 Sibley Ave. S., Litchfield Senior Paster Paul Lutter, Associate Pastor Christa Forsythe 320-693-2487
FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
OSTMARK LUTHERAN
PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
309 Church St. N., Eden Valley Pastor Jeanne Bringgold-Pro 320-693-3848
ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
227 Ramsey Ave. S., Litchfield Pastors Paul Lindhorst, Tim Redfield 320-593-6324
ST. PETER’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 20314 CSAH 9, Darwin Pastor Tim Redfield 320-275-2965
ST. MATTHEW’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 31415 CSAH 2, Forest City Pastor Jeanne Bringgold-Pro 320-693-3848
313 Miller Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Devin Locati 320-693-6910
STANDING WORD CHRISTIAN CENTER
Pastor Roosevelt C. Williams 320-693-1414
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
TRINITY EPISCOPAL
GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN 221 Atlantic Ave. E., Dassel Pastors Steven Olson and John Peterson 320-275-3852
HARVEST COMMUNITY (Evangelical Free Church) 303 S. Gorman Ave., Suite 400, Litchfield Pastor Mike Sechler 320-221-1817
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN 175 11th St. W., Litchfield Pastor Samuel Morsching 320-693-6155
KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES U.S. Highway 12 W., Litchfield 320-693-2998
Saturday evenings – 5:30 p.m. Sunday mornings – 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. Misa en Español – 12:00 p.m. Holy Days – Variable Weekdays – Variable Weekly Bulletin Available Online
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
54986 145th St., Cosmos Pastor Maggie Cumings 320-877-7663
225 Holcombe Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Gordon Pennertz 320-693-3548
Rev. Joseph Steinbeisser Parish office: (320) 693-3313 306 Holcombe Ave. N., Litchfield FAX: 1-888-404-1952 Website: www.thechurchofstphilip.org E-mail: stphilip@hutchtel.net Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm
79061
CORNERSTONE CHURCH
320-398-2992
First Evangelical Lutheran Church "A Place To Come Home To"
3 E. Fourth St., Litchfield 320-693-6035
TRINITY LUTHERAN Grove City Pastor Jean Smith 320-857-2001
UNITED METHODIST
1000 Sibley Ave. S., Litchfield Pastor Bill Kerr 320-693-3409
Senior Pastor Paul Lutter Associate Pastor Christa Forsythe
VICTORY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
703 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355-3341 (320) 693-2487
ZION LUTHERAN
Traditional Worship: 8:30 am Contemporary Praise: 10:45 am Education Hour (Sunday School): 9:30 am
206 Second St. S., Grove City Pastor Danny Puckett 320-857-2680 504 Gilman Ave. N., Litchfield Pastors Harvey Nelson and Christian Muellerleile 320-693-3207
Worship Times:
Summer Worship:
Sunday: 9:00 am, No Educational Hour; and Saturday: 5:00 pm
83142
422 Ramsey Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Gary Worthington 320-693-8108
31
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Watercade’s 4-mile run, which winds around Lake Ripley, attracts many participants.
Celebrating Watercade T
he weekend immediately following the Fourth of July is Litchfield’s biggest celebration each year. That’s when the entire city dives into Watercade, a weekend of fun, food and festivities. Litchfield will celebrate its 56th annual Watercade on July 5-8, 2012. As the name implies, Watercade celebrates Litchfield’s location in west central Minnesota’s lakes region, most notably Lake Ripley, which is on the city’s south end, and is the site for several Watercade events. Activities planned each year include a fireworks display, golf tournament, Grande 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 princess. The 2011-12 Miss Litchfield, Erika Gartner, will serve until the 2012 coronation.
Health/Life
Business
Enjoy changing seasons in the Meadow!
For For All All Your Your Insurance Insurance Needs, Needs, See us us Today! Today! See
71810
Anderson Insurance Agency 409 E. Hwy 12 Litchfield, MN 55355 1-866-693-2834 insagent@hutchtel.net
The sand sculpture contest takes place on the beach of Lake Ripley.
Soup & Sandwich Specials Daily Also serving homemade pastries, locally roasted coffee and over 30 flavors of tea.
...now stop in & enjoy Lattes, Mochas, Espressos & More! Open: Mon.-Fri., 7am-4pm; Sat., 8am-3pm JULIANNE JOHNSON Coffee House Mondays 320.593.0456 FOR N E W E R: ~ hours will vary ~ e-mail: cricket@hutchtel.net WINT
77475
Auto/Home
Watercade Princess Leah Randt, left, Queen Erika Gartner and Princess Justina Shaffer were crowned in July 2011 and will serve as ambassadors of Litchfield, appearing in parades and other regional events through July 2012.
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
100+ Jobs Strong Providing Employment in Litchfield Since 1959 ISO 9001:2008 Certified Custom Products has over 50 years in designing, testing and building cabs and rollover protective structures for off-highway equipment. Each year the company donates to over 20 local area organizations, institutions and events to help sponsor local activities and programs. Contact us for employment opportunities in: • Metal Fabricating - Set up and adjustment of machinery including CNC press brake, CNC milling, CNC tube bender, saws, drills and laser cutting equipment.
• Welding -
Set up and weld all gauges of sheet metal using welds such as wire feed, tig and robotics. AWS Certification.
• Finishing -
Painting and final assembly of the product; installing glass, rubber, insulation, hardware and accessories.
• Support Services -
in sales, engineering, warehousing and administration.
Applications available through Masterson Personnel in Litchfield • Equal Opportunity Employer
320-693-3221 • www.800cabline.com
79113
34
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Local festivals, celebrations Small towns throughout Meeker County offer festive events all year Meeker County Fair • Aug. 2-5
Memorial Day • May 28 Veterans organizations plan stirring tributes each Memorial Day in Litchfield and neighboring towns. Litchfield’s events start with a short, respectful parade through Litchfield, then move to Lake Ripley Cemetery for a memorial service.
Manannah Daze • June 1-2 The small village of Manannah puts together one big day of fun each June with a parade, an unusual “Miss” Manannah pageant and a variety of competitive activities.
It’s the 140th annual “Fairest Days of Summer” for county residents the first weekend in August. It features traditional county fair activities, such as exhibits and the showing of livestock, carnival rides, live music and demolition derbies.
Watkins’ Kraut and Wurst Day • Aug. 4 Area residents celebrate their German heritage in Watkins’ one-day celebration, which includes a parade, kids’ games and, of course, sauerkraut and bratwurst.
Eden Valley’s Valley Daze • June 21-24 Eden Valley celebrates every June. Events for the weekend-long celebration include a parade, carnival, live music, food stands and tournaments.
Cosmos Space Festival • July 20-22 The 44th annual Space Festival is expected to be an out-of-this-world event, including the crowning of Little Miss Universe and Man in the Moon, fireworks and a parade.
Antique Car Run • Aug. 11 The New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run with vehicles from 1908 and earlier covers 120 miles, including traveling through the heart of Meeker County, making stops in Grove City, Litchfield and Kingston.
Please turn to Page 36
Welcome to Meeker County! Randy Losleben Craig Brutger Andy Miller
Proud to be serving Litchfield and the surrounding communities
326 East Highway 12 320-693-7065 www.randysrepair.com
79204
Litchfield
Automotive Repair & Machine Shop
Jeff Norlin Meeker County Sheriff
71814
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Zion Lutheran Church
Meeker Council on Aging •Volunteer Drivers •Chore Corps •Information and Referral •Advocacy for Seniors
504 Gilman Ave. N., Litchfield ~ Ph. 320/693-3207 Fax: 320/693-3208 ~ E-mail: zion@zionchurch.net A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Pastors: Harvey Nelson & Christian Muellerleile Parish Ed: Mindy Czycalla Youth Director: Breanne Royer Visitation Pastor: J. David Nelson
218 North Holcombe Ave. - Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-2718
RSVP
Kids of the Kingdom Day Care Center
Lead With Experience
Georgia Borchardt, Director Ph.320/693-7806
Worship Services
Volunteer
8:30 a.m. Classic 10:45 a.m. Contemporary
Choirs For All Ages Sharing and Growing in God's Love
Emmaus Gift Shop Best Kept Secret in Litchfield
Featuring ever changing specialty merchandise pScandinavian Specialtiesp pBridal Registryp pGlasswarep pBooks For All Agesp pEthnic Foodsp pUnique Custom Jewelryp pCards & Napkinsp pCeramic Kitchenwarep pLinens
& Household Decorative Itemsp
Proceeds benefit Bethany, Emmanuel, Emmaus Place & Gloria Dei 200 Holcombe Ave. N., Litchfield Ph. 320/373-6625 Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 9 am-1 pm
72070
79048
Ecumen RSVP 218 North Holcombe Ave. - Litchfield, MN 55355 1-800-669-6714
83198
Education Hour: (For All Ages!) 9:45 a.m.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
and other farm equipment, along with potato digging, threshing and corn shredding demonstrations. A tractor parade also is a favorite annual event.
Continued from Page 34
Darwin Twine Ball Celebration • Aug. 11 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 parade, garden tractor pull, craft fair and pork chop dinner.
Dassel Red Rooster Days • Aug. 31-Sept. 3 Labor Day weekend is time to celebrate, with an ambassadors coronation, parade, Minnesota’s Largest Chicken Barbecue, and other activities. This year is the 52nd anniversary of Red Rooster Days.
Forest City Stockade Rendezvous • Aug. 18-19 Step back in time for the 28th annual Rendezvous. The Forest City Stockade, a replica of a fort built by Forest City residents during the 1862 Dakota Conflict, is home to a variety of old fashioned activities, demonstrations and food. Some of the reconstructed period buildings include a newspaper office, church, woodwright shop, gun shop, pottery and candle-making shop, land office, and a school.
Forest City Pioneer Christmas • Dec. 1
Forest City Thresher Days • Aug. 18-19 Thresher Days include displays of antique tractors
Rick
• Plumbing • Heating • Air Conditioning • Video Pipe Inspection
All Your Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning needs for 57 years by licensed plumbing professionals.
More than Car Stereo!
You can have the options you’ve always wanted, such as: • Remote Car Starts • Keyless Entry • Cruise Control • Car Audio & Video • Voice Guided Navigation • Ipod/MP3 Integration • Satellite Radio & much more If you’ve seen or heard about it, we can probably add it!
LITCHFIELD
320-693-3611
22 East Third Street, Litchfield • rickph@qwestoffice.net License #003513PM
The Forest City Stockade changes a bit from its summer Rendezvous to a winter holiday theme during its annual Pioneer Christmas. Activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, a visit with Santa, Christmas caroling and oldfashioned ornament making. There’s also plenty of food and other activities going on, as well as the opportunity to visit various buildings on site, such as the woodwright shop, blacksmith, and general store.
79207
Since 1997
Mobile Electronics Center Inc. 714 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield 693-5885/Toll Free 888-475-5885
71682
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Lectric Shop Co. 901 Ripley St. E., Litchfield
(320) 693-2843
Owner: Joe Tacheny, Electrical Contractor
Call for all of your electrical needs!
1.800.BEST EGG WWW.SPARBOE.COM Complete Automotive Repair
•Brakes •A/C Service •Alignment •Oil Change •Exhaust •Tires & More
Binsfeld Tire Inc. 2125 E. Hwy. 12, Litchfield
320-693-8632 www.tiremaxx.com 79144
79142
Great quality service
71859
Farm • Home • Commercial
79153
“At Sparboe Farms, we work hard to produce high quality, nutritious and affordable eggs for families across America.”
Proudly serving Meeker County for 40 years!
38
HEALTH CARE
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield is a general acute-care facility offering emergency, inpatient and outpatient services.
Committed to quality care Meeker Memorial Hospital embraces its motto, ‘Care as it should be’ Meeker Memorial Hospital is a general acute-care facility offering emergency and in-patient, outpatient services. In 2009, MMH took its mission statement, “To provide high-quality healthcare services responsive to the residents of the Meeker County area,” to heart by completing a $26.5 million expansion project. Not only did MMH update and expand its facility, it also expanded the number of specialized services offered. “We’re very focused on the patient and look to ways that we can enhance their care,” said Lori Rice, coordinator of education and marketing at MMH. The expansion of the hospital campus added several bonuses such as an in-house MRI, a third surgical suite, a cafe, a new gift shop, a new chapel, and new private patient rooms. These new private rooms allow staff members to provide patients with more individualized and personalized care. The emergency, radiology, and surgery departments are now located in the same vicinity, making it easier for staff members to care for patients and respond to emergencies with greater ease and expedience. Using a new simulation learning environment, emergency room and critical care staff are learning quicker problem-solving skills to better respond to a patient’s needs.
Meeker Memorial Hospital 612 S. Sibley Ave. • 320-693-3242 www.meekermemorial.org Meeker Memorial Hospital is a 38-bed, county-owned hospital. It is accountable to the Meeker County Board of Commissioners. MMH is governed by an eight-member Hospital Board that includes two county commissioners, the chief of the medical staff and five community representatives from its service area. Kyle Rasmussen is the chief executive officer.
According to Rice, the numerous specialized services that MMH offers are some of the most understated aspects of the hospital. The hospital’s goal, Rice said, is to “use the facility and its design to help us with more specialized service.”
Please turn to Page 40
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
71816
HEALTH CARE
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Continued from Page 38 Examples of MMH’s more specialized service include overnight evaluations in the new sleep center and Mist Therapy — a new treatment designed to heal wounds faster. MMH’s recent partnership with Suburban Radiological Consultants has allowed the hospital to offer a wider variety of specialized, convenient, onsite treatments. Diagnostic Imaging allows several care providers to work together to provide optimum care for the patient. The expertise of the team of specialists and the convenience of on-site procedures provides patients with care close to home. At MMH, patients have the opportunity to actively follow their health. Direct Access Diagnostic Testing gives patients the freedom to screen their own health at their own convenience. Meeker Memorial Hospital also offers: ◆ Wellness — MMH also places great emphasis on the wellness of their employees, volunteers, and the community. MMH offers regular community programming and classes, such as Litchfield Lite, that emphasize exercise and healthy living practices. Those interested can register for these classes online on the MMH website. ◆ Services — around-the-clock emergency care, cancer care, community education, Direct Access
Diagnostic testing, obstetrical care, rehabilitation services, senior behavioral health care, support groups, surgery, and technologically advanced diagnostic tools. ◆ Advanced medical services — allergy, audiology, colonoscopy, counseling, endoscopy, gastroenterology, oncology, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), pathology, podiatry, psychology, radiology, rheumatology, sleep center, stress testing, and urology. ◆ Medical staff — The MMH medical staff consists of 11 board-certified physicians. Nine are active in family practice, one in internal medicine, and one in general surgery. ◆ Volunteer opportunities — Volunteers donate hundreds of hours of service to the hospital, helping patients and visitors in a variety of ways.
Meeker Memorial Clinic Meeker Memorial Clinic in Dassel is another example of MMH’s commitment to enhancing patient care. The clinic is open five days a week and offers various services, which include X-rays, an on-site lab, and the ability to perform minor procedures. New this year, the Dassel clinic also offers physical therapy services all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Haugo Veterinary Clinic
WINDOW TREATMENTS CARPETING & AREA RUGS LAMINATE FLOORING CERAMIC TILE HARDWOOD FLOORS VINYL FLOORING
TOM’S CARPET KINGDOM
1101 Sibley Ave. S. Litchfield
Open Monday-Thursday — 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
From the Headlights to the Tailpipe, No Job is TOO LARGE . . . or too small!
79062
Eden Valley, MN — (320) 453-3673
320-693-6961
71941
Pumpkin Patch Festival Nelson Family Farm • Litchfield, MN 23rd Annual
Exhaust, Radiator Repair, Auto Electrical Repair, Brakes, Tune-ups, Major Engine Repairs Fred LaLonde
TM
Mutt & Jeff’s Auto Repair
Weekends and MEA! Lots of FUN Fall Activities for EVERYONE!
www.nelsonfarm.com
311 S. Chandler Ave., Litchfield • 320-693-2867 71792
320•693•7750
79191
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
82779
Call ERIC or ASHLEY or just stop in!
www.steffesauctioneers.com
DARWIN MONUMENT
Monuments and More!
Monuments
Fast Service & Free Delivery Free Health Care Screenings Generic Drug Savings Low Competitive Prices
Fountains
Rocks
693-9314
320-693-5902
www.medicineshoppe.com
East Hwy 12, Darwin, MN darwinmonument.com
329 E Hwy 12 • Litchfield
71971
1-800-524-7285
79193
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
A thriving arts community Litchfield supports the performing arts, from community theater to high school band, choir concerts
T
hrough the years, Litchfield has established a tradition of theater arts in the community. The people who have a passion for live theater have been the driving force behind the scenes of the wonderful productions performed on the Litchfield stage. It was the late Bernie Aaker, along with Charlie Blesener, the Litchfield Community Education director in 1977, who had the idea to form a community theater in Litchfield. The partnership between Litchfield Community Education and Litchfield Community Theatre has since thrived. As a result, Litchfield has one of the longest consecutive runs of community theater productions in the state of Minnesota, according to Al Anderson, who has directed and acted in many LCT shows. “For a community this size it’s spectacular.” In the summer of 2011, LCT performed “Oklahoma!” in Bernie Aaker Auditorium, named after the longtime director. Litchfield Community Theatre will present its 36th consecutive production in summer 2012. Another growing force is Litchfield Community Youth Theatre, which encour-
ages young, budding actors to learn more about and build an appreciation for theater. Children performed “Willy Wonka Jr.” in spring 2011. Other arts and entertainment events include: ◆ The annual Holiday Showcase the first weekend of December, featuring the musical talents of local residents. ◆ A fall musical put on by Litchfield High School’s drama department, which performed “Beauty and the Beast” in 2011. ◆ Litchfield High School choir and band concerts throughout the year. The school’s choirs and bands have received numerous state and national awards.
James D. Haugo, DDS Michael A. Solbrack, DDS
79131
• Furance, Water Softener, and Water • Don’t forget to call us to have your Heater change outs available furnace, or heat pump serviced. • Residential, commercial, or • We can service all your plumbing remodeling, or new construction & heating needs, big or small • Geothermal Systems available. FREE on-site evaluation of project available. Just call to set up an appointment. 65179
715 Sibley Ave. N. Litchfield 320-693-2228
In 2011, Litchfield Community Theatre performed “Oklahoma!,” while Litchfield Community Youth Theatre staged “Willy Wonka Jr.”
320-275-1246
Rebates available
29901 725th Avenue • Dassel, MN 55325 samhendrickson.com • shendrickson@embarqmail.com • Fax: 320-275-1247
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Service, Security and Satisfaction…Our Promise To Our Customers
The cost of not correcting your hearing is too high to ignore it!
THE OUTLET
•Loss of alertness •Fatigue •Anxiety •Depression •Anger •Missing out on precious moments •The connection we feel towards others •Looking forward to speaking to our loved ones; not avoiding it…
Where Saving Money Is Important 809 East Highway 12, Litchfield Art Gieseke Jeff Woods
338 U.S. Hwy. 12, Suite 103 Litchfield, MN
320-593-0885 or 1-800-447-7244
Hutchinson Branch of Willmar Hearing Aid Center Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm 100 Washington Ave. E., Hutchinson, MN 55350
320-693-3024 3gsoutlet.com
624 13th St., Suite 102, Glencoe, MN 55336
Quality - Selection - Competitive Prices
LITCHFIELD ———LIQUOR———
320-864-2055 or 1-800-732-3730
N-02641
320-234-6825 or 1-866-361-3036
Glencoe Branch of Willmar Hearing Aid Center 83150
MN Dealer #25696
Litchfield Branch of Willmar Hearing Aid Center
Trees For All Seasons! www.turckstrees.com
Steve & Joan Turck • 67304 MN Hwy. 24, Litchfield • 320-693-3944
Meeker County’s Largest Selection of Wine & Spirits
Spring Balled & Burlapped Shade and Evergreen Trees
Colorful Fall Shade Trees in the Field
~ Wine Club ~
Monthly Specials Quantity Discounts Requests for NEW Products Welcome! 79205
Small Town Friendly Service
320-693-8563 517 North Sibley Avenue, Litchfield, MN Regular Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Container Grown, Balled and Burlapped or Spaded Trees Summer Evergreens in the Field
83135
Join Angela & Kristi for our monthly Wine Club and save 15% on wine purchases!!
Winter Evergreens in the Field of Snow
Your Complete Christmas Stop with GREAT SERVICE!
Cut Your Own or Precut Trees
Balsam, Canaan & Fraser Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Scotch & White Pine
Opening Friday after Thanksgiving • Visit our Live Reindeer!
44
BUSINESS
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Litchfield features a diverse business base — from retail to manufacturing — and has a low tax base.
Supporting local businesses Small and large businesses in Litchfield like area’s work ethic
E
ven as the economy struggles, several businesses throughout the Litchfield area have opened or expanded, thanks in part to the Litchfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Dee Schutte, executive director of the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, credits people in the community for making the area so attractive to businesses. “The one thing that always comes up is the people and their great work ethic,” Schutte said. “They’re able to have the skills they need, and their loyalty to the company longevity is good. They really bring a lot to Litchfield.” Litchfield is attractive to businesses for many reasons — it has a diversified workforce, a low tax base, a strong school system, an acute-care hospital, an air-
port, and access to U.S. Highway 12. Also in Litchfield is Litchfield Industries, a group dedicated to helping new and established businesses succeed. Suzanne Hedtke, executive director of Meeker County Development Corp. and Meeker County Economic Development Authority, said the city of Litchfield also is dedicated to local businesses. “I think because of the commitment the city has to the business community, they realize the importance of business and sustaining and growing it,” Hedtke said. “They employ people who live in our community, people who eat here, purchase gas, purchase groceries, their children go to school here. They all work hand in hand to sustain our community and build our community throughout.”
Your one-stop for one-of-a-kind gifts by your local friends and artists
Open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sundays
79134
30 N. Sibley Downtown Litchfield 320-593-2960
Holiday Hours: Thursdays till 6 p.m. during December Closed on Holidays • Open Dec. 24 till 4 p.m.
Visa Discover Master Card
Jewelry and Watch Repair
593-8678 227 N. Sibley, Litchfield
79171
Diamond Jewelry • Bulova & Seiko Clocks Sterling by Elle & Hot Diamonds Citizen & Skagen Watches • Peggy Karr Glass
• Create a FOOD BASKET of jellies, etc. • Order early for special requests
45
Our friendly knowledgeable staff will help you with health questions and concerns.
•Herbal Supplements •Vitamins •Health & Beauty Aids •Teas •Natural Supplements •Aroma Therapy Products •Fresh Spices •Bulk Snacks •Gluten Free Department
Serving You Into A Healthy Future! Hormone Free Meat
Supplements
Burt's Bees
79172
230 Sibley Ave. N., Litchfield 320-693-7539 Store hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5:30pm Sat, 9am-3pm
71910
TRUCK LETTERING SIGNAGE OF ALL TYPES SCREEN PRINTING TEAM APPAREL & UNIFORMS EMBROIDERY SAND BLASTING
24132 S. MN HWY. 22 Litchfield, MN
320-693-2796 peterssigns.com agraphix@hutchtel.net
N02138 B2B
Frozen Foods Teas
Natural Foods Co-op
Recipes & Health Information
Hormone Free Dairy
Fresh Spices
Health & Beauty
Nuts
Gluten/Wheat Free
Dried Fruits
Organic Produce
Flax Products
Free Range Eggs
Bulk Snacks
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
79168
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GOVERNMENT LEADERS
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Litchfield City Council The city of Litchfield is governed by six council members and a mayor. The city administrator is responsible for day-to-day operations of the city. The mayor and council members serve four-year terms. Staggered elec-
tions take place every two years in November. Litchfield City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at City Hall, 126 N. Marshall Ave. For information, call 320-693-7201.
Keith Johnson
Ron Dingmann
Barb Altringer
Connie Lies
Dwight Lorensen
Vern Loch Jr.
Gary Walz
Mayor
At-large
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Meeker County Board Meeker County’s governing body consists of five commissioners, each representing a district within the county. Elections for these seats occur every two years in November. The Meeker County Administrator is responsible for day-to-day operations of the county. The County Board meets at 8:30 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Meeker County Courthouse, 325 N. Sibley Ave. For information, call 320-693-5200.
Jim Swenson
Dave Gabrielson
Tim Benoit
1st District Litchfield
2nd District Litchfield
3rd District Dassel
Wally Strand
Roney Kutzke
4th District Kimball
5th District Grove City
State and federal offices The city of Litchfield and Litchfield Township are within Minnesota Senate District 18 and House District 18B. State Sen. Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, and state Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Acton Township, serve the area. Meeker County is part of the 7th Congressional District, which is served by U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Detroit Lakes.
Sen. Scott Newman (R) District 18
Rep. Dean Urdahl (R) District 18B
State capitol: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Capitol Building, Room 301, St. Paul, MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651-2964131 E-mail: sen.scott. newman@senate.mn Elected: 2010
State capitol: 571 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: 651-2964344 or 800-9205861 E-mail: rep.dean. urdahl@house. mn Elected: 2002, re-elected in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010.
U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D) U.S. capitol: 2211 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-2252165 Elected: 1990present; served in Minnesota Senate 1977-1986. Web site: collinpeterson. house.gov
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Meeker County
The Perfect Setting Retaining 5 Expanding 5 Attracting businesses to Meeker County
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HISTORY
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Litchfield’s historic homes Take a walking or driving tour to see the many historic homes in Litchfield that reflect various architectural styles.
W
alk down a Litchfield street and you’re likely to find countless monuments to the city’s early history. Following is a driving — or, for those more ambitious souls, walking — tour featuring some of the town’s most impressive historic homes. The tour begins on Marshall Avenue, with the G.A.R. Hall on your right and Central Park on your left. Go north on Marshall Avenue two blocks, turn right onto Fifth Street. 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. The homes we will see 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. On the corner to your left is, 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.” Turn left here onto Holcombe Avenue North and go one block to Sixth Street East. Turn left, go one
block to Marshall Avenue North and turn right. On your left is, 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. Proceed north to Seventh Street and turn right. Go two blocks to Armstrong Avenue North and turn right. Proceed one block and on your left is,
518 Armstrong Ave. N. This home was built in the late 1800s by August 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. Four doors down also on the left side of the street, 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.
characteristics of this home. Through the years, this home has been extensively remodeled. Mr. Koerner, the original owner, also served as Minnesota state treasurer in the late 1800s. Proceed to the next block, three doors down on your right and pull curbside to see, 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 throughout 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. Next door on the corner is,
If you look to your right, 225 Fifth Street You see a large Tudor style home. August T. Koerner, a prominent business and political leader, built this home in 1894. The large round turret is one of the more striking
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 Please turn to Page 50
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
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HISTORY
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
served in the Minnesota Senate from 1895-1898 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. Across the street on the corner you will see, 406 Armstrong Ave. N. This home was built about 1888 and is where John T. Mullen, a well-known Litchfield merchant, lived. Proceed to the next block and immediately on your left at the corner is,
326 Armstrong Ave. N. Built about 1910, the architecture of this home is untouched
since construction. Continue on Third Street to the stop light and turn left onto Sibley Avenue North. Follow Sibley Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right at the end of this block onto Ripley Street West. Follow Ripley five blocks to Donnelly Avenue South. Turn left onto Donnelly and at the far end of this block on the right corner, you will see,
Next door,
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. Drive to the next corner and turn right onto Third Street and pull curbside just before the stop sign. Across the street on your right, you will see a large yellow brick home. 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 many people in Litchfield 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.
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
Please turn to Page 51
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HISTORY
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Continued from Page 50 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. Turn left here onto West Weisel Street and drive five blocks to Sibley Avenue. Turn right onto Sibley Avenue. Drive three blocks. Just past the hospital on the right corner pull curbside.
of what is known as Craftsman Architecture. We have several homes in our town of this style from the early 1920s era. Proceed to the far end of this block to, 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. Go to the next block and immediately on your right is, 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.
700 Sibley Ave. S. This lovely home was built in the late 1920s and is a perfect example
At the end of this block, just before the Methodist Church, and again on the right, you will see,
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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. Sweetman 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. Proceed several blocks down Sibley Avenue to Anderson Gardens, on your right, beside Lake Ripley. If you wish, you may take a walk through the gardens. In the park is a gazebo built where a ferry boat landing once stood in the late 1800s. The ferry boats would tour around the lake during summer months. Atop the gazebo you will see what was once the cap of a turret from a large, prominent home in Litchfield. When the home was demolished years ago, the turret cap was rescued, and now has a new home. To continue the tour, turn around and head north on Sibley Avenue, in the direction from which you came. As you proceed down Sibley Avenue about five blocks, you come to the corner of McQuat Street and Sibley Avenue. Pull to the right curbside just prior to McQuat Street.
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HISTORY Continued from Page 52
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. Continue down Sibley Avenue about four blocks to Weisel Street and turn right. Proceed east three blocks to Armstrong Avenue. The house in front of you:
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
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE 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. Turn around and head west on Weisel Street to Sibley Avenue, pull curbside before the stop sign. Across the street in front of you, you will see, 316 Sibley Ave. S. Currently Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home, this home was built by B.P. Nelson in 1903 as a family residence. There was 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. Turn right onto Sibley Avenue and next door on the left is, 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. Next door you will see, 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 a well-known, successful brewer who operated a large brewery on the north shore of our Lake Ripley. Not to be outdone, his brother founded St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Litchfield. On your right side you will see,
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. You’ve reached the end of the tour. To return to the G.A.R. Hall where you started, proceed on Sibley Avenue, across the railroad tracks to Third Street, turn right at the stop light, go one block and turn left onto Marshall Avenue. The G.A.R. Hall is on your right.
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HISTORY
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Litchfield’s Commercial Historic District
Preserving Litchfield’s historic district W
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alk the sidewalks of Litchfield’s downtown and the city’s history looms large. Many of the historic buildings that frame the city’s main street were built as early as the 1800s. More than 100 years later, the city’s downtown was designated a Historic Commercial District by the National Park Service and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. “The district is significant as a uniform collection of late 19th and 20th century commercial buildings...,” according to the National Register of Historic Places. “The buildings are strongly associated with Litchfield’s historic role as an agricultural trade center on the St. Paul and Pacific (later known as the Great Northern) railroad line.”
The Litchfield Commercial Historic District, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, encompasses most of the central business district. The district has 48 properties, including 36 “contributing” buildings. Most of the buildings in the district are two-story, brick commercial buildings constructed between 1882 and 1940. At least 15 were built of cream-colored brick manufactured in Litchfield. About 24 of the 46 buildings were built before 1900. About 14 of the buildings were built between 1900 and 1930. Four were built between 1930 and 1945, and four are post-World War II construction. The latter four are non-contributing because they postdate the period of significance.
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2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Remembering a tragic time Ness Church monument marks grave of Dakota Conflict victims, who were killed 150 years ago
N
ess Church, southwest of Litchfield on 580th Avenue, is one of the state’s oldest historical sites. The bodies of the first white victims of the Dakota Conflict (Sioux Uprising) are buried in the church’s cemetery. Ann Baker Jones, Vironus Webster, Howard Baker, Robinson Jones and Clara D. Wilson are buried in a single grave, which is marked by one of the state’s oldest monuments. The monument was dedicated on Sept. 13, 1878. The five settlers were killed after Robinson Jones and four Sioux Indians had been shooting at targets at the Baker cabin in Acton Township. Andreas Olson was killed a few days later after he left the stockade in Forest City to tend his farm. Olson also was buried at Ness Cemetery. The Acton Massacre touched off the Dakota Conflict of 1862, the bloodiest time in Minnesota history. About 750 white settlers were killed and 200 were taken prisoner during the uprising, which lasted about a month. The Sioux were driven from their homeland in south central Minnesota, and 38 Sioux were killed Dec. 26, 1862, in Mankato, Minn. It was the largest mass hanging the United States has ever seen. The final battle of the Dakota Conflict was fought Sept. 18, 1862, at Wood Lake when Henry Sibley, who also was a Minnesota governor, promised to kill all the Sioux or drive them out of the state. Ness Church was dedicated as a Minnesota Historical Site on Sept. 13, 1970. First named St. Johannes’ Lutheran Congregation, the church’s origi-
A monument marks a single grave where the first white victims of the Dakota Conflict were buried at Ness Church Cemetery. 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Dakota Conflict. nal 25 members, all men at the time, changed the congregation’s name to Ness Norwegian Lutheran Congregation in 1858. The congregation was named after the settlers’ home church in Ness, Hullingdahl, Norway. At the last Sunday service in 1968, the 110-year-old congregation disbanded, leaving the church and its contents to the Ness Memorial Cemetery Association. The church is still used for reunions, weddings and other celebrations. With information from “The Ness Lutheran Church” by Charles Ness.
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LITCHFIELD
Independent Review
320-693-3266 www.independentreview.net 217 Sibley Ave. N., Litchfield
HISTORY
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
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G.A.R. Hall honors history Litchfield’s Grand Army of the Republic Hall is the only one in Minnesota
T
he Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Hall, 308 Marshall Ave. N., is one of Litchfield’s most well-known historical and visitor sites. The Grand Army of the Republic was organized in 1866 in Illinois. Membership was limited to Union veterans of the Members of the Frank Daggett Post Civil War, and its and Drum Corps stand at attention purpose was to in front of the G.A.R. Hall on maintain fellowMemorial Day, May 31, 1886, one ship for the veteryear after it was built. ans, honor the dead and help orphans, widows and handicapped veterans of the war. Its motto was “Fraternity, Loyalty, and Charity.” By the 1880s, there were more than 400,000 members, and the Litchfield post had more than 300 members. It was eventually disbanded in 1949, but the Ladies of the G.A.R. still meet today. The Litchfield post was named after Frank Daggett, a local newspaper publisher who was actively associated with abolitionist John Brown. He commanded two African-American heavy artillery regiments and was active in establishing the G.A.R. in Minnesota.
Daggett also was one of the first grand commanders of the Minnesota G.A.R. He died in 1876 when he was 39. Post 35 is the only authentic G.A.R. Hall remaining in Minnesota. It was designed by a post member to look like a military fort. It was built in 1885 for about $5,000. The building is on the The Grand Army of the Republic National Register Hall has been preserved as nearly as possible to its original condition. of Historical Places and has The Meeker County Historical been preserved as Society is housed in the back. nearly as possible to its original condition. It was deeded to the city of Litchfield on the condition that it be kept as a memorial to Civil War veterans and be open to the public. The Meeker County Historical Society museum is housed in a two-story addition at the back of the G.A.R. Hall. The addition was built in 1960. The museum includes artifacts from pioneer days. Historical reference books and archives for the Litchfield Independent Review are stored there. Museum hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call 320-693-8911.
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HISTORY
2012 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE
Railroad helps define city, county Litchfield brothers, who were involved in the railroad business, saw potential in Minnesota
L
itchfield’s history dates back more than 150 years, as pioneers moving west settled in Meeker County. When the town was organized in 1858, it was named Ness, in honor of Ole Halvorson Ness who was one of the first Norwegian settlers in the area. The name stuck for 11 years, until the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Co. plotted a track through Ness on its way from Breckenridge to Minneapolis. In 1862, a contract was made with E. Darwin Litchfield, an English capitalist and stockholder in the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. Mr. Litchfield and his brothers, Electus B. Litchfield, Edwin C. Litchfield and Egbert S. Litchfield, prominently aided in the construction and financing of the railway. This was one of the first railroad companies in the country to construct its line ahead of settlement. The railroad endeavored to keep settlement progressing by laying out town sites. Business and residence lots were
platted. Sites for factories and mills were reserved. Wide streets were laid out. Parks were planned, and trees were planted. To honor the Litchfield brothers, the citizens of Ness Township petitioned in 1869 to have the village renamed Litchfield. Later that year, in an election Nov. 2, 1869, county residents also voted to move the county seat from Forest City to Litchfield.
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New royalty now reigns
queen, Steman is crowned 1B Hansen is princess
‘Li’l Abner’ lands on stage Historical A childhood connections adventure LITCHFIELD Favoring family farms Community Theatre 3A opens July 23
Johnson Cecil Leitch, Ken in compete together 26th Watercade tennis tournament 9A
play
One win away
endent Review IndepInde pendent Review Independent Revie w Family donates 1700s Bible to stockade 1B
Kids in Little Actors class perform ‘Peter Pan’ 2A
LITCHFIELD Four county farms
honored as
SINCE 1876
Century Farms
Watkins plays Kimball for state tournament berth 8A
Orthodontist office opens$1
1B
7A
16-year-old driver’s racing career is on track
LITCHFIELD
AUGUST 13, 2009
9A
SINCE 1876
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T 27, 2009 to fence in and federal grants ATV riding ly Progress as posed by the No and improve the club owns. Child Left Behind act. SINCE which the1876 area, ATV group wants much as But they will not be resting It is hoped that as in on their laurels. open up area for $250,000 can be obtained to earning Of 2,303 Minnesota schools an would cover “We did very well,” EV-W schoolswhich made AYP schools in 2008. There were 1,048 schoolsAYP usein 2009, 1,066 grants, compared tostatus to 984 publicthat road indid not make AYP in 2009, the Superintendent Larry Peterup from 931 Minnesota has 283 Title I schools in schools in 2008. costs of improving need of improvement, which trails, will be improve providing and services to students — this includes son said. “We’re pleased with area, additional options to the Litchfield and Dassel-Cokato school districts. tract and build a that. We’ve made it every fence in the School District By Amber Thompson EligibleBy Stan Roeser groups year, but it’s getting tougher Percent that met shelter. requirements STAFF WRITER AYP grants, theMet CONTRIBUTING WRITER ACGC every year, and we’ve got to To be eligible for 18 county 100% the Yes keep working at it.” Dassel-Cokato just it is necessary for Atwater-Cosmos-Grove appli40-acre tract of land in95% A20 AYP is a means of measuras sponsor for theNo Eden Valley-Watkins City and Eden Valley17 of Lake Erie 100%to act said Gregg Soupir, north ing, through standards and cation, Yes of Litchfield Watkins School Districts are Township has been 23 SCHACHERER Department BRENT Ellsworth BY assessments, the achieve91.3% STAFF PHOTO No and members of Minnesota celebrating this week as Min10A. a riding site for ment of the No Child Left Resources parks Be- on Page nesota Department of Educarun. Read results River Wheelers for Natural the area. hind 4-mile goal of 100 percent profi- dren have the opportunity the Croweight years, and it’s trails supervisor for the Lake Ripley forthat tion results of state morning both cient by 2014. AYP to proficiency on challenging the past who works out Soupir, is struc- obtain a high-quality assessments. starting line Saturday out of the the schools said made much leave Adequate office, educapretty YearRunners beenstate academic achievementthe DNR’s Spicer tured to ensure that all chil- tion Peterson credited and and reach, at a minimum,public’s eye. and state standards has a Trails parents DNR academic the the and in teachers with to- a creating works That could change Parks Division that areas for near future. before ward establishing Club members came Board the Meeker County county for Page 6A See COUNTY on Tuesday to ask state sponsorship in seeking
Litchfield, D-C school districts will need to improve scores
KLOBUCHAR Adequate Yearly Progress VISITS SPARB OE COS. IN LITCHF IELD
strong educational environment and stressing the importance of meeting AYP. As an example of the district’s desire to excel on statewide tests, the EV-W School Board approved its 2009-2010 district goals Monday. One was to work for continued improvement in reading, an area in which EV-W students have performed well on statewide tests. “(AYP) is a moving target; it’s always tough,” Peterson Roadside bomb said. “We’re satisfied kills we’ve
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Jonathon field).” his Yanney, 20, THOMPSON that pays those who may have family, when died STAFF PHOTO BY AMBER part of the budget known a roadside bombAug. 18 the him, and crowd with its pyrTHILL explodstaff salaries, forcingstaff arrangemen about funeral ed near Argahndab Team wowed a large on a STAFF PHOTO BY JULIANA on for reduce in KandaThe Crow River Ski barefoot skiing Sunday afternoon forcommittee’s the soldier. har province. would vote ontsthe contest durdistrict court to But Shannon Court Administrati participate in a twist amids, stunts and Board hours. members to do recommendation and funeral director Bartlett, at a special Children of all ages Friday evening at Lake Ripley. ideal for water skiing. closes early, at Johnson-Ha didn’t want office calm Lake Ripley, party really meeting “We beach Monday the morning. ing gto meet Sparboe See YANNEY the reallocation The new Farms but withMonday on Page 5A CEO would restaff hours reduced this,funds D-Minn., during vice president of operations the branch place to Mike Schramm, who left of selectwithin a tour of the candidate Ross Sharp that Litchfield complex explains and the slight reduction theMeeker Memorial Hospital for on U.S. Highway the packaging process STAFF PHOTOS budget, the BY in BRENT get a CEO position at Rice MemoSCHACHERER we did to U.S. Sen. 12. Amy Klobuchar, in hours saved a sig-rial Hospital in Willmar. reduction By Amber Thompson of employees Hospital By number Amber STAFF WRITER Thompson nificant Chief Financial laid off,” NelsonOfficer Gary Sogge beingWRITER from STAFF has served the at cuts as interim CEO since said. Due to budget Coun- Meeker Memorial budget, the Schramm’s resignation beTo meet the Hospital state level, the Meeker office Council might have a newJudicial chief execucame effective May 18. Minnesota ty Court Administration on Fritive officer byto reduce staff levelsTischer and Monday. has reduced its hours rather decided Rasmussen as the By Brent Schachere p.m. Jesse anddeemed Kyle Ras- have experience in health care what was to Tischer weekend worth remembering days, closing at 2 r in Minmussen EDITOR t was a Watercade were namedlevels wonefficient as final- and administration. most than 4:30 p.m. previously. a weightJudge with successful events, ists nesota week, and the to according t may have MeekTischer was the first to inAccording to Chief Judi- last for many reasons, sun. been a brief National Eighth er Memorial study by the meeting for stop plenty of fun and Board terview Wednesday morning. ed staff Hospital Paul Nelson, the U.S. Sen. Amy on the way re- conducting derful weather and to BRENT SCHACHERER a budget was events, boe Farms’ State Courts. STAFF PHOTO BY another for Tischer is the chief executive Center forinterviews cial District saw in sports-related managemen Klobuchar, but children, for fiscal the vacant CEO position, officer and forhis and SparHutchinson Whether it was participating and ahhing at the fire- Monday afternooncenter, tofteam, administrator for duction of $367,000 the senator’sSaturday at for this edition when Primus, was significant. “Legislation Page 6AWheaton Community onnewsLukebefore visit of the or oohing COURT year 2010 and $374,000 Hospiwork on a sand sculpture read the wentSee the Senate mom shopping for crafts, made topaper and Mason, on our Lily to press. do. To see andfect today tal and Medical Center in family, including business,” 2011. Cuts were will have Primus The plenty to see and said beach. a direct Ken Klippen, The search committeeJohn in the Lake Ripley ef-contest. works, there was place Wheaton, 1B, 4B and Minn., a licensed Sparboe’s Schenk, 58, took second STAFF PHOTO turn to Pages 10A, hopes to select one of the final- 25-bed director of St. Jenny, not pictured, Cloud, of governmentexecutive acute care donated blood facility relaxes while BY AMBER THOMPSON with more about Watercade, ntreview.net.Sparboe relations ists by the end of the week, and animal is drawn Aug. his 216th pint Dan and Diane Seeman Litchfield. In to www.independe Farms welfare. “The STAFF PHOTOS BY BRENT SCHACHERER of online El Cajon, go of Calif., and wave and 40 the Hospital Board then 5B, to anlegislation years, Schenk 20 at First Lutheran Church onlooker Saturday See FINALISTS North Marshall Avenue in Litchfield. as theykey is the cap-and-tra pull out of their parking space on on Page 2A has donated manager in The s try driving climate 27 gallons of a 1909 de Buick, were participating change Brighton Antique Car Run for the first Seemans, in the New London to New blood. time. Believing thatlegislation.” to give U.S. the best way Sen. illustrate just to Amy Klobucha extreme and-trade — how much capand other legislawatery. The most be falling r tion — might a better idea cases could actually Sparboe very rare,” of Cos. was to showaffect down, which is blue one of its egg- Sparboe Chief how andfacilities laying red legislatio said. the Flashing Executive Officer with Thoma to a member n Congress, the alSheriff’s DWI arrests in 2008, of complex manager The Meeker Beth Klippen people process slightly If alcohol is suspected, to Schnell, might Mark Kellen County Litchfield affect Different drivdriver frequency increasing months some invited Min- director of governmen arrests 69and the nesota’sWhile Klobuchar Kenfor2008, Officet made officer subjects the to Litchfield plain company St.including cohol differently. 18, right after executive relations andin Klippen, Cloud earlierfunctional during the summer Litchfield More people drive ing while intoxicated be this year. at high school,” animal field sobriety tests, standing man visits operations among welfare, people mightLate Schenk months around winter holidays. to and summer said. U.S. exwith last alcohol Sen. Amy Klobuchar. “Both of my of 0.08 Litchfield week, Klobuchar walking heel-to-toe, trend — in the legal limit company By Brent Schacherer ents gave while under the influence parcalled other “You can see the other similar ’s blood the busiest: to offered District wants say people Then he sheawould on one leg, toand people aren’tduring revoke historyaccept, was a lot different existing 7 up, and I thoughtI was growing the drive on scheduling the cold months, ‘Old’ than January: is aconcentration, to stay her Someof alcohol during EDITOR lesson. a tour visit aren’t Nodding it was a neat difficulties. tasks. Performanceability people there 6 would levy, replace to a nearby Monday. of Sparboe’s a better sense of this most to on track thing to do.” will have February: Litchfield as active and think. It gave it with as the industry.” larger one to erratic July 1903 leadfacility That’s exactly Oldsmobile test, can 4 Monday that meas well he al- afterover June, badge But For the first oftimes, this noon. diffiinstrucsummer months in ometimes what March:5 many.it’s It was stop. owns, a brief stop, is an in- driving so two years, a traffic follow the officer’s Shadduck April: was hoping and there packed saidabout couraged Klobuchar Klippen cult to Schenk said explain 45 minutes, August theagers and he asofmuch 4 especially for when hetions Amber that but cause honor the Meeker County historical probable May: It’s owners’s for Police Sparboe’s need Jon Thoma en- are judged.Bybreath manual man- he said, as the Senateto visit. information Thompson about sticking wasn’t serious Included Capt. test context crease,” important now, was a rare opportunity into theincluded willJune: Broken when it returns STAFF WRITER for the take8up the Sheriff’s A preliminary vehicle tour as possible. a vehicle. By Brent of the annualthe County inSchacherer blood donationto a schedule on NewMeeker to pull over for Londonbiohazard from its August antique suit to car Klobuchar is used if the driver July: 9 recess.cap-and-trade debate structions because of beThe House prevent forsuspended for alcohol the driver items EDITOR to New Brighton — dressed on in ing in the military, the introduction said. flock — to step of Representat tail lights, 7 OfficeAntique Giving field sobriety August: the isn’t inside one ofthe whatrear-view blood saves to do whenmirror, ive narrowly does not pass of encounhe Car Run. virus to the trade legislation in County owners, the egg-laying who from tered gave lives. that, he has been but after Foris Meeker “It Larry By Amber Thompson June. September: 4 approved a detected, me a better St. Cloudthe speedEden cap-andorareas. Cap-and-tra Valley-Watkins a horse on averaged consistent tests. If alcohol man, the idea School road. violations STAFF WRITER But Dave Shadduck said following Board belt drivwhat ask that de is a system October: 5 seat of ofalone is thewill fact about giving every Peterson Ifworth unique. Minnesota that district residents is arrested. traf“Youhappens don’t 184 the have tour. “I are reasons driver to approve mind anthis tohere,” and remember, fers a pretty good hour drive. a tax increase Klobuchar gas emissions. By “capping” designed eight November: weeks. how careful common arrests to4reduce illustrabreath ing was theyears Eden Valleytake 40 in 117,730 toAfter from Thoma thisimpressed by how is back theDecember: were with when er refuses giving, DWIsthey stopped, emissions6 forfall. greenhouse theyclean tion.rises of consistent were and the bill would cut overall processes. due totraveling would As the temperature all betheir is arrested Watkins “It’s an easy way each And tothe incars are fic deaths levels by 2020, emissions or she alsoJohn The industry, still of board voted people trying tohealth Schenk test, he decideand unanimously The Kildeer,2005 what chickens 2007, according to see the Ill.,toresisameto celebratsafety Meeker County, — and by 80 percent to 17 percent ed giving the said. and how superin-lives and just kind ofto save much Monday seekbelow was better, his 27th an excess charged get calls clean of Traffic do 2005levy the and during horse we dent spendthe general itorwas the was one of about 60 Office the below 2005 the gallon election slow “Sometimes, more active outside blood failed feeling,” Schenk a reof warding tendent during levels having said Nov. be a — it 3. The barbecuing, Minnesota by the a visit referendum way as if Shadduck There could will “And ask voters said. Aug. 20 More than 505,152 fromautomobile,” See KLOBUCHAR to citizens. reing more time antique car afficionados First it’s said. Safety. he at kind the School Lutheran start, on Page 10, voke the current host a said. “These celebrating one inof no- test. carsthe levy of Litchfield. are from $450 per Church in physical every of like a miniwhere student and 6A we will someone who they prize pos- aboutlane playing sports andwho drove theirMinnesotans, Board dis“A lot of times, replaceonit the eight weeks, very different on their get-together with a $700 per student levy. who had following time.” sessions through get someone at least one DWI with alcohol. of alcohol is impaired,” he said. “I started giving cussed traffic tried toFor sun, haveLitchThebe$250-per-student in the Shadduck, there, think alcohol tice the odor slurincrease would when I was the Saturday morning 8Araise Amid the fun field drinking to staythat difHowever, detecting a com- person. They might in record. as See DWI on Page pros and See BLOOD ar- beenferent about $220,000 of increase time wasBecause a wonderpart of the 23rd The effects from a DWI on Page 5A bloodshot or for the district, according to annual traffic stops is though, is also an they take off. while cons of askto ring, their eyes Superintendent driving with peo- andful time we foralso get driv- during Larry Peterson, who exautomobiles. a 120-mile be sobering, trek can re-creates arrests of people run, way for the situation phones, restthat the cellthe He enjoys ing voters plained that current projections the century-old people mon fees, court famous London to from vehicles are that the incurring intoxicated. pleBrighton carjail run in so much ing district will have a $200,000 budget for a tax inthat complaints he doesn’t limit himself to County Sherhigher insurance. shortfall The Meeker England. andACT said Minnesota next year. crease, but made 69 costs test the New London to Brighton students car are iff’s DepartmentAs Shadduck thoroughly checked his results ahead New US of the game run. REACH “We realize Area students NOTICES 12A decided it HOWtheTOtime 1904 Cadillac during a stop frame, we realize the .net show PUBLIC college preparationin terms of tested well. 6B 3A in Litchstudents’ news@independentreview “This car (1904) situation Litchfield’s was necesLOCALDan Amundsen Cadillac 7B . that in,” E-mail: Peterson LIVING field, a bystander asked what attract693-3266 “We actually said. “We (320)we’re RURAL treview.net watches have results as his Nationally, and father CROSSWORD 9A well... Telephone: 7B Oldsmobile) slightly5Abelow were (1903 our workdid OBITUARIES sary to cutreally out foradvertising@independen 4B toaverage THENone the going us More ed him to antique cars.readines in this environment s for be pours coolant SPORTS BACK Fax: (320) 693-9177 thethe Reading, 4A into compositeare college state radiator4Bof FAITH 8B than half of packed science and and economy. OPINION score sent avoid statuover 8A for theon stayed London WATERCADE aver- composite we “It’s a hoot to keep them running. BULLETIN BOARD up and theirage, the ACGC the ACT, RECORD 1911but 2B Maxwell.The THE class of 2009 national FOR to the na- of werefeeling 17A improving,” PEOPLEa tional averagecloseAmundsens college 7Badmission aboveofthe took the tory operatthe board state average.“The CLASSIFIEDS They’re just a kick,” Shadduck said. St. Anthony, Minn., have had exam, whichwas the state KIDS CORNER and 1B placement We were at said. “I’d like Peterson math the scores residing with owned See CARS on Page ing debt. COMMUNITY the great Broderius said was to since 2002. By Amber just 0.1 point state average in was 21.1 on 7A examinationcar for a small at 22 or higher.”see us Thompson a 36-point scale. , lower than the English, See LEVY on Page which we’re school. 2A national STAFF WRITER Eden Minnesota’s really happy aver- about,” Valley-Watk S average com- age. ins Su- the t a t e w i d e , Powers perintenden posite score Dassel-Coka t was 22.7. In Atwater-C said. As 2009 area to scores were was impressedLarry Peterson ACT average tion, addi- at or osmos-Gro high school BACK THEN scores above score City came graduates get 6B in English, ve point increase with the fullCROSSWORD math- with 6B LOCAL the state average, in slightly ready to BULLETINematics, 3A PUBLIC BOARD reading, math scores in the district’s rose 0.1 under average theNOTICES college, a 5B and FAITH state 10A 4B were OBITUARIES report from start 1.4 to 1.7 points science lower point, CLASSIFIEDS LIVING average, than the state0.65ApointRURAL 6B but Super- saidHOWcomposite intendent FOR THE higher ACT score, RECORD 6A TO REACH than the 15A OPINION USbut making Sherri the district average, 4A COMMUNITY SPORTS according national Broderius 1B 8A KIDS isn’t ready said the district CORNER averages. to D-C SuperintenTelephone:rest 6B (320)quite PEOPLE 693-3266 E-mail: to M i n news@independentreview.net 2B dent Jeff yet. performed Fax: (320) 693-9177 “about as well Powers. “I like the advertising@independentreview.net as we usually nesota do.” think we can improvement, I the top do better, overall I’m pleased that but BACK THEN we’re
Yanney on his tour in Afghanis tan
See SCHOOLS on Page 6Afirst
CLASSIC CARS ROLL THROUGH COUNTY FOR ANNUAL NEW LONDON TO NEW BRIGHTON ANTIQUE CAR RUN
Hospital Board es hours s two Court reducinterview t cuts due to budge CEO finalists
A Watercade Ha tching a messa wrap-up ge I I
newspaper and stay up-to-date with local news that matters close to home
drink
the Man’s blood donation: EV-W to ask 27 gallo district ns and residents for larger levy counting
of longer than enjoyment Effects of DWI last DWI arrests
Relishing the relics
A need for speed
Johnson opens satellite office in Litchfield
County backs group seeking State report card shows ts for trails granACGC, EV-W get an A
JULY 16, 2009
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