Litchfield Community Guide

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Litchfield COMMUNITY GUIDE 2013

Published by the Litchfield Independent Review

A resource for Litchfield & the surrounding area Arts • Business • Entertainment • Faith • Government • Health • History • Recreation • Schools • Services

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

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.

As the Mayor of Litchfield, welcome to our community and for those who live here, thanks for making this community a great place to call home.

Keith Johnson Mayor, City of Litchfield

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.

79195

“Large Enough To Serve You...

Small Enough To Know You.�

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

About this guide The Litchfield Independent Review presents the 2013 Litchfield Community Guide. Our community has much to offer, and this guide will familiarize you with some of the many amenities. This publication was produced by the Independent Review newspaper staff. It is meant as a source of reference for new residents and visitors, as well as for people who have lived in the area for years.

CONTENTS Arts & Entertainment Litchfield Community Theatre

60

Business Local business climate

36

Community Basic services available City & county overview

6 4

Faith Places to worship

30

Festivals & Events

On the cover

Area celebrations Litchfield Watercade

58 56

FREE

ld LitchfieITY COMMUN GUIDE

2013

Independent Review Published by the Litchfield

nding area ield & the surrou • Services • Recreation • Schools A resource for Litchf

ent • Health • History ent • Faith • Governm Arts • Business • Entertainm

The Community Guide cover features people walking up the avenue of flags to attend a Memorial Day program at Lake Ripley Cemetery, a golfer playing on Litchfield Golf Course, Litchfield High School marching band’s color guard performing in Central Park, and Wintercade participants ice fishing on Lake Ripley. ◆◆◆ Below: A farmer checks his field, and area veterans march in the Memorial Day parade.

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

Government Litchfield City Council Litchfield School Board Meeker County Board State and federal lawmakers

55 54 54 54

Health Care Meeker Memorial Hospital

32

History Downtown Historic District G.A.R. Hall Historic homes U.S.-Dakota War

38 40 46 42

Learning resources Litchfield Community Education 24 Litchfield Public Library 26

Recreation City and bike trail map City and county parks Lake Ripley Sports

16 10 8 14

Schools Alternative Learning Program High School, Middle School Lake Ripley Elementary School School of St. Philip Wagner Elementary School

20 18 22 22 20

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Directory of advertisers We thank these businesses for supporting the 13th edition of the Litchfield Community Guide!

Agricultural Service & Supplies Arnold’s First District Association Litchfield Country Store Schlauderaff Implement Co.

53 45 39 52

Animal Health Haugo Veterinary Clinic Watkins Kimball Veterinary Clinics

50 52

Automotive Sales, Parts & Service 3G’s The Outlet Al’s Auto Repair & Accessories Davis Motors Doug’s Auto Repair/Decker Auto Sales Gary’s Towing & Tire Holt Motors Hug-It Machine Werks Litchfield Recycling & Auto Salvage Mutt & Jeff’s Auto Repair Northland Body & Paint Parts City Auto Parts Randy’s Repair & Machine R&R Auto and Metal Salvage Towmaster Trailers Parts Store

52 44 11 37 52 47 48 21 50 34 53 14 24 43

Banking/Financial/Insurance Anderson Insurance Agency Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing Center Investments Center National Bank Farm Bureau Financial Services Farmers Insurance Group Home State Bank Insurance Solutions of Litchfield State Farm Insurance Thrivent Financial For Lutherans

40 27 50 3 19 9 15 29 *BC 45

Churches First Evangelical Lutheran Church Immanuel Lutheran Church St. Philip Church Trinity Episcopal Church Zion Lutheran Church

31 30 49 30 31

Community Events & Entertainment Litchfield Watercade 53 Nelson Family Farm 58

Key: *IFC = Inside Front Cover *IBC = Inside Back Cover *BC = Back Cover Dining & Banquet Cricket Meadow Tea Eagles Aerie Jimmy’s Pizza Litchfield American Legion Peter’s on Lake Ripley Subway Education Litchfield Early Childhood Programs Litchfield Community Education & Recreation Litchfield Public Schools St. Philip School Government & Civic Groups City of Litchfield Ecumen RSVP Litchfield Chamber of Commerce Meeker Council on Aging Meeker County Development Corp. & Meeker County EDA Meeker County Republican Party Meeker County Sheriff Jeff Norlin Meeker County Transfer Station

34 57 41 28 48 22 23 5 7 49 *IFC 57 7 57 55 52 55 39

Health, Medical, Personal Care ACMC-Litchfield East and West 33 Ecumen of Litchfield 27 Family Eye Center 25 Fantastic Sams 59 Grand Concepts Hair Salon 50 Harmony Center for Hearing 35 Haugo and Solbrack, DDS 58 Litchfield Area Rural Partners in Prevention 59 Litchfield Eye Center 56 Meeker Memorial Hospital *IBC Meeker Public Transit 24 Serenity Hair and Nail Salon 56 Snap Fitness 51 The Medicine Shoppe 44

Home, Commercial & Garden Hendrickson Plumbing & Heating 34 Ideal Steel Structures 48 Litchfield Building Center 51 Litchfield Flooring 52 ProBuild 41 Stockmen’s Greenhouse & Landscaping 25 Tom’s Carpet Kingdom 28 Turck’s Trees 55 Valley View Electric 14 Lodging AmericInn 23 The Marshall Estate Bed & Breakfast 48 Manufacturing & Industry Anderson Chemical Co. Felling Trailers Sparboe Farms

29 40 45

Professional Services Brodin Studios Darwin Monument Northstar Surveying Peter’s Signs

37 53 41 22

Real Estate All-Star Realty Menken Real Estate & Insurance Premier Real Estate Services RE/MAX Today’s Properties

51 49 28 20

Retail Stores Emmaus Gift Shop Litchfield Country Store Litchfield Floral & Willow Woods Litchfield Liquor Litchfield Mobile Electronics Center Mary’s Jewelry Mid Minnesota Music Natural Foods Co-op Partners Hardware Hank Rennie’s China Clost & Arts Very Vintage Walmart

47 39 38 47 57 59 57 51 20 38 34 28

Telecommunications, News, Printers KLFD AM 1410 57 Litchfield Independent Review 60 NU-Telecom 43

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

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COMMUNITY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

City of Litchfield

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High School football team. He itchfield is conveniently Litchfield later was head coach of the located 65 miles west of Minnesota Gophers football the Minneapolis/St. Population: 6,715 (2011 estimate Census Bureau) team from 1932-1941 and 1945Paul metropolitan area. Main County: Meeker 1950, winning five national highways, rail service, a municCity Hall: 126 N. Marshall Ave. Call 320-693-7201 championships during his ipal airport, medical facilities, City Administrator: Bruce Miller tenure. The late Dr. William swimming and fishing at Lake Web site: www.ci.litchfield.mn.us Nolen was a surgeon in Ripley, beautiful parks, a strong Litchfield and a nationally business community, as well as known author. The late Gale Sondergaard won an excellent schools are some of the community’s strong Academy Award for best supporting actress for her attributes.

1936 film debut in “Anthony Adverse.” John Carlson The city, which is the county seat of Meeker County, Jr., a LHS graduate, started his professional football is home to Lake Ripley Cemetery on Minnesota career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2008 and joined Highway 22 South, several athletic fields near the Minnesota Vikings prior to the start of the 2012 Litchfield High School, a golf course, and an indoor season. hockey rink at the Civic Arena.

The city has its own police department, as well as a History volunteer fire department and rescue squad. Other After the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad was concity facilities include a municipal liquor store, municistructed through Litchfield, the county seat was pal power plant, water department and wastewater moved from Forest City to Litchfield in 1869. The treatment facility. town was named after brothers E. Darwin Litchfield, Egbert E. Litchfield and Edwin C. Litchfield, who Well-known residents Litchfield is home to several well-known people. The helped finance the construction of the railroad through late Bernie Bierman was captain of the 1911 Litchfield Minnesota. The city was incorporated in 1872.

Meeker County

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the Meeker County eeker County is Development Corp., a home to rolling Meeker County University of Minnesota farmland, Population: 23,265 (2011 estimate U.S. Census Bureau) Extension Service office, dozens of swimming and County seat: Litchfield Public Health, Soil and fishing lakes, many historiCommunities: Acton, Cedar Mills, Collinwood, Cosmos, Water Conservation cal sites, small town festiDanielson, Darwin, Dassel, Eden Valley, Ellsworth, Forest City, District, and Veterans vals, a popular county fair, Forest Prairie, Greenleaf, Grove City, Harvey, Kingston, Services. and some of the state’s Litchfield, Manannah, Swede Grove, Union Grove and Watkins. largest dairy and poultry Land area: 610 square miles History operations. Main highCourthouse: 325 N. Sibley Ave., Litchfield. Call 320-693-5200 The Seventh Territorial ways, rail service, remodCounty Administrator: Paul Virnig Legislature of Minnesota eled medical facilities, Web site: www.co.meeker.mn.us ordered the creation of thriving businesses, as well Meeker County on Feb. 23, as excellent schools in four 1856. The county was school districts are some of named in honor of Territorial Judge Bradley B. the county’s strong attributes.

Meeker. Forest City was the first county seat.

Government offices are housed in the courthouse, However, after the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad was 325 N. Sibley Ave.; the Meeker County Family Service constructed through Litchfield, county residents voted Center, 114 N. Holcombe Ave.; Law Enforcement in 1862 to change the county seat to Litchfield.

Center and Detention Center, 326 N. Ramsey Ave.; The Dakota Conflict began 150 years ago in 1862. and the County Highway and Minnesota Department The Acton Massacre on Aug. 17, 1862, led to the Battle of Transportation Facility, 422 S. Johnson Drive. of Acton, followed by the Manannah Massacre on Aug. The county has several committees, including the 26, 1862, and an attack Sept. 4, 1862, on the Forest Planning and Zoning Commission, and Housing and City Stockade, where many pioneers took shelter.

Redevelopment Authority. Also in Meeker County is

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

320-693-2354 • FAX 320-593-6528 Office located in the Meeker County Family Services Center 114 North Holcombe Ave., Suite 110

www.litchfieldcommunityed.com District 465 Litchfield Community Education and Recreation offers opportunities for all age groups...from early childhood to senior citizens. Registrations for classes and activities are taken first come-first served with some classes having limited enrollment. Program guides are printed three times each year including Fall, Winter/Spring and Summer and are mailed to district residents and available on our website.

Youth Activities

Adult Activities

Enrichment and recreational activities offered year-round.

We offer a variety of recreational and enrichment activities.

• Sports Programs • Bus Trips • Special Events • Early Childhood Education • School Age Childcare

Adult Basic Ed • ESL/ELL • High School Equivalency • Life Skills • Citizenship • Driver’s License • Work Readiness • Keyboarding Skills • Basic Computer Classes

Meet other people that share your interests and learn a new hobby!

Special Olympics Community Theatre Opportunities on stage and behind the scenes.

• Summer Musical • Holiday Showcase • Youth Theatre • Theatre Classes

Aquatics

Offered year-round in the High School Pool.

• Red Cross Swim Lessons • Open Swim • Lap Swim • Aqua Aerobics • Hwy 12 Waves Swim Club

Use of School Facilities Litchfield Public Schools encourages the use of school facilities.

Find information online: www.litchfieldcommunityed.com or contact Kaloni Park kaloni_park@litchfield.k12.mn.us 320-693-2354

Lifelong Learning ~ Citizen Involvement 92551

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COMMUNITY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Basic city services Information about who to call, where to go for Litchfield services 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. The telephone number is 320-693-7201.

Meeker Cooperative Light & Power also provides light and power to areas in the outskirts of the city. For information, call its Litchfield office at 320693-3231.

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 information, call 320-693-7201.

Telephone, cable, Internet Three companies provide telephone, cable TV and Internet services in Litchfield: NU-Telecom, Mediacom and CenturyLink. Residents can apply for NUTelecom services by stopping by the office, 421 County State Aid Highway 34 S. in Litchfield or calling 320593-2323 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.

Law enforcement Litchfield Police and Meeker County Sheriff’s departments are located at 326 Ramsey Ave. N. The emergency number for the police and sheriff is 911.

Litchfield Police Department is headed by Chief Patrick Fank. The non-emergency telephone number for the Police Department is 320-693-5425. The Crime Tip Line is 320-693-5430.

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.

Public transportation 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 320-693-7794 or 800-513-7433.

Garbage & recycling pickup 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 800-4509378. 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 800-246-7630.

COMMUNITY

2013 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 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The post office also offers passport services; call to make an appointment. The phone number is 320-693-6252.

Local newspaper and radio station

Staying sharp

Helping families

Bad Romance sees success on stage N 1B

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Litchfield Public Schools

Sending a statement

Jamboree to raise funds for Schumanns, Drivers N

LHS defeats LPGE for Section 6AA championship N

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Independent Review LITCHFIELD

MARCH 22, 2012

SINCE 1876

BACK ON HIS HOME TURF

‘

Having the opportunity to for the Vikings ... and return play to my home state to be closer to family and friends is very exciting.

$1

Veteran tight end John Carlson, a Litchfield native, leaves the Seattle Seahawks after four seasons and returns to Minnesota to play for the Vikings.

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The Litchfield Independent Carlson signs with Vikin gs Review is published every Thursday. It has won numerous City to share in cost of building state and national awards. To archery range subscribe to the newspaper or advertise in it, call 320-693Girl Scouts 3266, visit its website at celebrate 100 years www.independent review.net, stop at the office at 217 N. Sibley Ave. or send an e-mail to S 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 320693-3281 or go online to http://klfd1410.com.

Minnesota offers the veteran tight end a 5-year, $25 million contract

By Lyle Diekmann SPORTS EDITOR

At the start of NFL free agency, John Carlson understood the possibility he could play for any of the 32 teams in the

JOHN CARLSON

league.

When the Minnesota Vikings mitted a five-year, $25-million subcontract, the veteran tight end had the offer he could not refuse.

very exciting,” he said.

“We are humbled by the contract, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play for the Vikings.

“It’s been crazy,” Carlson Carlson, 27, signed with added. “I the Vikings probably March 14, providing the had 80 or 90 text messages Litchfield na- (March 14) tive an opportunity to play for his ed to get and more e-mails. I’m excit“hometown team.” back to Minnesota and be around my family and “Having the opportunity friends.” to play for Carlson was in Kansas the Vikings — a team City on I watched grow- March 13 and planned to meet ing up — and return to with the my home state and be closer to family and friends is See CARLSON on Page

STAFF FILE PHOTO

Litchfield High School 901 N. Gilman, Litchfield • 320-693-2424

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AREA GIRL SCOUTS SPEND AFTERNOON CELEBRATING ORGANIZA TION’S 100TH ANNIVERSA RY

Kingston Archery Club will help construct range in Dog Park near Lake Ripley

By Brent Schacherer EDITOR

Kingston Archery Club hit a bull’s-eye Monday quest for city participation with in an archery range at what a reis known as Dog Park just south of Lake Ripley.

Litchfield City Council unanimously approved request, agreeing to share the in ing the archery range and half the cost of establishto maintain the grounds on an ongoing basis.

“I think it’s a great idea for our community,” Mayor Keith Johnson said “It’s another way for people following the vote. to enjoy the outdoors.”

Craig Mackedanz, president of the Kingston Archery Club, made the pitch for the archery range by Kingston touting the explosion of interest in Archery the sport

Girl Scouts Emma Wettstein, 8, of Litchfield, Hallie STAFF for stickers, buttons and pom poms to decorate Sieben, 8, of Eden Valley, and Lila Brutter, 8, of PHOTOS BY JULIANA THILL their picture frames Sunday Eden at Litchfield High School. Valley search

See CITY on Page 2A

Club has about 60 members.

Peterson bemoans partisanship in Congress

trepreneurship and instead happy just to play games, do crafts, swim and de- Girl Scouts vour a frosted cupcake in cele- fluencing and who now is in- Belle Swendra, bration of the 100th a new group of girls. anniver- She is the community coordina- 10, of Dassel, left, sary of Girls Scouts, which Low tor for Litchfield and Angela founded 100 years Girl Scouts, ago on overseeing March 12, 1912. all the girls and Gabrelcik, 10, of

By Juliana Thill Cokato, dress in leaders in town.

Starting with 18 girls in STAFF WRITER old Girl Scout uniWhile she vannah, Ga., Girl Scouting Sahas Brownie and herself was a forms during grown to 3.2 million members. an eventually a Girl omewhere among the Scout, she has area-wide Girl Girl Scouts is the largest 60 girls from Litchfield educa- any children no daughter — or Scout celebration tional organization for — with whom to and the surrounding girls in share her love of the organiza- Sunday at Litchthe world and has influenced area who gathered Sunday tion. field High School. an afternoon of fun, might for the more than 50 million girls, “I do this out of the goodness Angela said she be women and men the next Juliette Gordon who have beof Low. my heart,” has been in Girl longed she said. to it.

Yet, for the day, these girls The late Dona Brown, Sue Mertesdorf of Litchfield were less concerned about a Scouts since she en- is one of those was in kinderinfluenced by See SCOUTS on Page 20A garten.

Girls still work at helping make world a better place for all

a lawmaker seen by many as a prototypical middle-ofthe-roader moderate.

“I was considering retirBy Terry Davis ing,” he acFOR THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW knowledged, Collin “but It’s not difficult to listen when Peterson U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, to word leaked Represents D- out, Minn., and get the impression everyone the 7th Disin agriculture trict which that the 2012 election might called a meet- includes be his last.

Meeker ing.”

Though he didn’t say so durThey told County ing a recent visit to the area, the Peterson sounded tired long-time with supporter what he called the “mess” of agriculture, and in former Washington, D.C. chairman of the House Rampant partisanship appeared to be taking its toll on See PETERSON on Page

Democrat says he’ll run again to get Farm Bill passed

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WHAT’S INSIDE :

BACK THEN 6B BULLETIN BOARD 5B CLASSIFIEDS 17A COMMUNITY 1B

CROSSWORD 6B FAITH 4B FOR THE RECORD 8A KIDS CORNER 6B

LOCAL OBITUARIES OPINION PEOPLE

3A 6A 4A 2B

PUBLIC NOTICES 13A SCHOOL 3B SPORTS 10A

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

92544

District Office, 114 N. Holcombe, Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-2444 • www.litchfield.k12.mn.us

94384

Helping Students Build a Future Through Education

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PARKS, SPORTS, RECREATION

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Revitalizing Lake Ripley Lake Ripley offers public boat landings and parks, as well as a beach, outdoor shower and deck on the southeast shore. It is considered a good fishing lake for northern pike, bass, sunfish, crappie and walleye. The lake covers 556 acres and is 18 feet deep. Lake Ripley honors Dr. Frederick Noah Ripley, who froze to death near its shores during the winter of 1856-1857.

Three Litchfield men have played key roles in the past 10 years with renewing the work of Lake Ripley Improvement Association, keeping the lake a community asset

P

eople are drawn to Lake Ripley in Litchfield for different reasons — whether it’s to swim, boat, fish or water ski, or to use it for peripheral activities such as to walk, run, bike, camp, picnic, or just to take in the scenery.

Lake Ripley Improvement Association wanted to get a better feel for what people saw as the most important aspects of the lake, and conducted a community visioning meeting in mid-2012 to gather input.

“The stakeholders in the lake are community members,” said Dr. Dave Ross, president of the lake association, explaining why the meeting wasn’t geared just toward lakefront property owners.

Only 40 percent of the shoreline is privately owned, he noted. The city, county and civic organizations also operate public parks and picnic shelters used by many.

“As a community resource, this lake is more important than others in the area. It’s used for Watercade (Litchfield’s annual summer celebration), for its parks, beach, walking, running, biking. It’s a tourist attraction,” Ross said.

During the meeting, community members, with the

Dave Ross, Dave Huhner and Mike Solbrack of Litchfield have devoted countless hours toward improving Lake Ripley. They are developing a lake management plan with an emphasis on water quality and public access. help of a facilitator, reviewed a list of eight focus areas: water quality, fisheries management, aquatic vegetation, wildlife, exotic species, land use and zoning, managing water surface use, and public access.

The participants selected water quality — aimed at protecting the current desired uses or improving the lake — and public access providing opportunities for recreation at the lake — as the two most important aspects that should be addressed first.

“Lake Ripley is used by so many people,” said Mike Solbrack, a member of the lake association. “That’s what’s so unique about Lake Ripley, is it’s so associated with the city. You don’t see that in a lot of places.”

Dave Huhner, who lives on the lake and is a member

of the lake association, said he was pleased participants shared their concerns, so that the lake management plan reflects community concerns and Lake Ripley not just lake association concerns.

Improvement “It (Lake Ripley) is a Association community asset, not just a lakeshore owner’s Lake Ripley Improvement asset,” Huhner said.

Association is an organization “More people walk the dedicated to improving the lake and use the beach, quality of Lake Ripley’s water and its recreational use for all. than use the lake.”

Membership in the association The community input is open to the public. Donations will be incorporated into to LRIA improvement fund can a lake improvement be mailed to City of Litchfield plan that the association c/o Lake Ripley Improvement is creating.

Association, 126 Marshall Ave. “Part of our goal is to N., Litchfield, MN 55355.

For more information: come up with a lake email Dave Ross at skiross@ improvement plan that hutchtel.net or Mike Solbrack at we will put into place — mmsol@hutchtel.net. The Lake create a living, breathRipley Improvement Association ing plan handed down is also on Facebook. from generation to generation,” Huhner said.

Having a completed management plan will boost the association’s credibility and eligibility when it applies for grants to make improvements to the lake and come up with specific projects, Solbrack said.

Seeking help from the community Ten years ago, when Ross helped restart the Lake Ripley Improvement Association one of the goals was to make Lake Ripley a better community asset. To do that, the association set out and was successful in limiting runoff into the lake, treating excessive weed growth, reducing by half the level of phosphorus in the lake, and limiting the spread of exotic, non-native plants and animal species.

“The lake is as good as I’ve seen it, and I’ve been here 20 years,” Solbrack said.

Now that some water quality issues have been addressed, it’s time to look at what the community wants for the lake, Ross said. “We hope that the community adopts Lake Ripley and claims credit for its improvement, not just the city and lake association.”

While the community, Litchfield City Council, Meeker County Board of Commissioners, and businesses have supported Lake Ripley Improvement Association’s efforts, Huhner, Ross and Solbrack have shouldered most of the work in the past 10 years.

From Solbrack monitoring the lake five months of the year for clarity, phosphorus and chlorophyll, to Huhner dragging the beach weekly, to Ross addressing weeds and septic system concerns, the three men have devoted countless hours toward improving the lake for others to enjoy. They welcome more participation by the community.

“We’d love to have people helping out and involved,” Solbrack said.

PARKS, SPORTS, RECREATION

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PARKS, SPORTS, RECREATION

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Craig Mackedanz prepares to draw his bow at the new archery range in Litchfield near Lake Ripley. The range opened in spring of 2012 and includes targets at distances up to 80 yards. Next to Mackedanz is Duane Watt.

Explore outdoor opportunities Visitors to Litchfield and Meeker County parks can fish, swim, camp, play, picnic and enjoy nature.

Venture outside and explore the opportunities that await.

A

n archery range has opened in Litchfield that is attracting experienced archers, as well as novices.

The Litchfield City Council approved a request in March 2012, proposed by the Kingston Archery Club, to build an archery range near an area known as Dog Park just south of Lake Ripley. The location was selected, in part, because a wetland next to the range provided an ideal safety barrier in case

an arrow goes astray.

Along with the range serving as a place for archers to practice, Kingston Archery Club President Craig Mackedanz said his hope is to draw more children into the sport. One of the club’s goals, he said, is to obtain equipment for children to use while taking archery lessons at the site. “We didn’t want it to be ours,” Mackedanz said about the range. “We wanted it to be opened to the public so we could get more people involved.”

Several groups and businesses were involved in providing their time and labor to prepare the site, which includes targets at 10-yard intervals up to 80 yards. The site needed to be leveled, concrete poured to create a shooting line, targets purchased and installed, a fence erected around the site, and new grass planted.

The city of Litchfield agreed to split some of the cost for building the range. Other groups and individuals also donated funds to the

cause, Mackedanz said.

Those who use the archery range should take time to learn the rules posted at the site before drawing their bows, Mackedanz said.

“If you follow the rules, it is very safe. There are very few archery accidents where somebody isn’t doing something wrong,” he said.

Area parks Litchfield and Meeker County have many opportunities for residents to enjoy the great outdoors.

People seeking peace and quiet or outdoor enjoyment can visit the parks in Litchfield and Meeker County.

Meeker County began developing its parks in the 1960s after the establishment of the Meeker County Park Board. Meeker County has 10 parks — all but one on a lake or river.

◆ See Page 12 for a map of Litchfield city parks and Page 13 for a map of Meeker County parks

11

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

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PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION

The following is a list of city and county parks:

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Litchfield city 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 and Archery Range (E) — The park is across from Memorial Park on Lake Ripley. It has several acres for dogs to run free, as well as picnic tables and garbage cans. Next to Dog Park is an archery range with targets.

Jaycees Park (F) — Situated between Memorial Park andLake 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, firstserved 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 can 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, basket-

and Archery Range

ball court, soccer area, skateboard park, two Little League fields and Optimist Park, home of the Litchfield Blues amateur baseball team. The area also is home to Litchfield Public Schools athletic facilities.

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.

Prairie Park (N) — Along Butler Street, Prairie Park is a 40acre nature park, featuring 2.5 miles of walking and cross country

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE 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.

PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION

13

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 reserva-

tions, 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.

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 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.

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PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Keeping a competitive edge Litchfield has an amateur baseball team, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, ice arena and horseshoes Litchfield Blues The 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 play their home games at Optimist Park, which 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.

For a schedule of games go online to www.litchfieldblues.com.

Litchfield Golf Club, driving range The Litchfield Golf Club is a cityowned 18-hole public championship course on West Pleasure Drive,

The Litchfield Blues, a top-caliber amateur baseball team, play their home games at Optimist Park, which is one block east of the Litchfield Civic Arena on the northern edge of town. Litchfield’s 18-hole golf course is on the south end of the city. 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. Adjoining the club house, 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 320693-6059 or go online to www.litch-

fieldgolfclub.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.

Ice skating, horseshoes tennis and bowling Litchfield has several recreational venues. The city offers four softball fields, a horseshoe pit, two paddle tennis courts, 14 public tennis courts and an indoor ice arena for hockey and ice skating. For bowlers, the Litchfield Bowling Center is on Minnesota Highway 22 south.

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

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PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Maplewood Ave

Precision Ave

Piefer Dr

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nrise D r

Capwood Ave

Park Ave.

Morningside Ave Hubbard Ave

Hubbard Ave

Brown Ave

Hubbard Ave

Cresent LLan W. WCrescent ne

E. South St

Verndale

S. Crescent Lane

tL esen L n S Cr

10th St.

N. Crescent Lane

N Cresent Ln

Gorman Ave

Davis Ave Gilman Ave

Davis Ave Gilman Ave Ripley St

Chandler Ave Litchfield Ave Armstrong Ave

Fuller Ave

Golf Ter

McQuat St

Lockerbie St

22 Pacific St.

St. Paul St.

Weisel St

Swift Ave

Austin Ave Donnelly Ave

Yale Ave

Lane

Donnelly Ave

Sibley Ave

Ripley St

Park Village

Austin Ave

Marshall Ave

Miller Ave

Darwin St.

Swift Ave

Holcombe Ave

Ramsey Ave.

Dep ot

Miller Ave

Austin Ave

St Evergreen Par k Bl vd.

12 Ramsey Ave Miller Ave

Com

Marshall Ave Sibley Ave

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mer cial

Holcombe Ave

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7th St

8th St

9th St

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12

1st St

2nd St

3rd St

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5th St

6th St

Litchfield Ave

Armstrong Ave

Lockerbie St

Ames Ave

St. Paul St

Ames Ave

4th St.

Terrace View Dr

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Cottonwood Av e

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260 St

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ry Turnb er LITCHFIELD GOLF COURSE

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Willmar Ave

Estate Ave Swift Ave

PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

City of Litchfield

Meadow Ave

LAKE ANDREW NELSON

Bike trails Trail - on street Trail - off street

LITCHFIELD MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

Polydome Dr 628th Ave

253rd St

Aspen Dr

Gorman Ave

Butler St

Chandler Ave 620 Ave

Nelson St

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Holcombel Ave

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Gilman Ave

245th St

EAST LAKE RIPLEY

Quail Rd

Davis Ave

245th St

Hubbard Ave

250th St

Geinitz Ave

Swift Ave

LAKE RIPLEY

Pleasure Dr

LITCHFIELD GOLF COURSE

Golf Ter

615th St

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SCHOOLS

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

An emphasis on education Litchfield schools provide strong academics, opportunities

Litchfield High School

Litchfield Middle School

901 N. Gilman Ave. • 320-693-2424 www.litchfield.k12.mn.us

340 E. 10th St. • 320-693-2441

Principal: Adam Holm Enrollment: 558 (grades nine through 12) Average class size: 20 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 39+ AP 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! Team, Student Council, National Honor Society, knowledge bowl, speech, language clubs, FCCLA, FFA, art club, cheerleading, danceline, Vision magazine, newspaper, and yearbook.

Principal: Patrick Devine Enrollment: 380 (grades six through eight) Average class size: 27 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.

www.litchfield.k12.mn.us

Schools continued on Page 20

Litchfield School District 465 District office is in the Meeker County Family Service Center, 114 Holcombe Ave. N. • 320-693-2444 Superintendent: Dan Frazier • Business Manager: Bill Menozzi

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Kevin Christoffers 112 N. Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN

320-593-0601

KevinChristoffers.com Kevin.Christoffers@fbfs.com

79143

20

SCHOOLS

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Continued from Page 18

Wagner Elementary School 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.

307 E. Sixth St. • 320-693-2824 www.litchfield.k12.mn.us

Principal: Gregg Zender Enrollment: 245 (grades four and five) Average class size: 25 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.

Continued on Page 22

Litchfield is the home of the Dragons!

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

PARKS, SPORTS & RECREATION

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SCHOOLS Continued from Page 20

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Parochial school

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.thechurchofstphilip.org/school

Principal: Gregg Zender Enrollment: 497 (kindergarten through third grade) Average class size: 21 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 all-day, every-day kindergarten.

Services: Early Childhood Education, special education, preschool, and Title I for struggling students.

Principal: Diana McCarney Enrollment: 66 (kindergarten through fifth grade) Class size: Ranges from 11 to 15 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 the Rosetta Stone Spanish curriculum for all students.

The school has had all-day, every-day kindergarten for 12 years.

Faith-based education: Open to families from all faith traditions, 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 opportunities for prayer and liturgy, including attending Mass every Friday.

Tuition: $2,100 with a $250 grant for members of the St. Philip parish and the Catholic parishes of the Area Faith Community.

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Early Childhood Family Education School Readiness Early Childhood Special Education Early Childhood Screening Kindergarten Round-Up Kindergarten Readiness Litchfield Public Schools’ Early Childhood Programs for children birth to pre-kindergarten Early Childhood Family Education - ECFE (Sept. - May) Early Childhood Special Education - ECSE (Sept. - May) School Readiness (Sept. - May) • Hand-in-Hand Preschool Early Childhood Screening (Offered throughout the year) Kindergarten Round-Up (March) • Kindergarten Readiness (July & August)

65169

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Parents: Register your child(ren) upon birth and/or moving into the Litchfield School District on the school census and you will automatically be included in early childhood mailings, scheduled for Early Childhood Screening and Kindergarten Round-up when the child is age appropriate. To register on the school district census call the Early Childhood Center at 320-593-0072.

ECFE classes are offered two times a year and you can register through Litchfield Community Education. Many special events are also planned for your participation such as Run and Romps, Holiday Happenings and many others.

You can find information on classes and special events in the Community Education program guides that are published and distributed in early August, December, and mid-May. These program guides are also available on the school website www.litchfield.k12.mn.us Call Early Childhood Programs Coordinator, Wendy Walz, at 320-593-0072 for further information, questions or concerns about early education opportunities for your child!

24

LEARNING RESOURCES

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Offering life-long learning Litchfield Community Education & Recreation provides enrichment, recreation opportunities for people young and old

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Litchfield Community Education and Recreation offices are inside the Meeker Family Service Center, 114 Holcombe Ave. N., Suite 110. sports and compete in area and state competition.

Sports offered this year will include bowling, basketball, aquatics, and track and field.

Early Childhood program: ECFE in Litchfield employs four certified teachers and three support staff, and offers programs for families with children from birth to pre-kindergarten. Programs provide a variety of experiences to promote the growth and development of young children, as well as offer time for parents to develop relationships, gain support and learn new parenting skills. For more information about Early Childhood programs, contact Early Childhood Programs Coordinator Wendy Walz at 320-593-0072, ext. 8114 or email wendy_walz@litchfield.k12.mn.us.

Meeker Public Transit For information, call

320-693-7794 or 800-513-7433

"This Bus Is For Everyone" Monday-Friday, 6:15 am-6 pm Saturday, 8 am-1 pm (Jan-Mar/Oct-Dec)

92529

itchfield Community Education and Recreation offers a wide array of classes and enrichment activities for all members of the community, including pre-kindergarten children, students, adults and people with disabilities.

Enrichment classes include art, drama, music, CPR and first-aid certification, AARP driver safety courses, and firearms safety, as well as recreational programs, including archery, basketball, baseball, tennis, softball, football, dance, tae kwon do, swim lessons, Zumba, aqua aerobics and yoga.

Community Education offers free adult basic education classes, including citizenship, English as a second language, work readiness, life skills and keyboarding, as well as a high school equivalency program.

Community Education began working with Learning Resources Network in fall 2012 to offer 14 certificate programs with 55 online courses available, provided by colleges and associations with expert instructors.

Community Education director is Bob Lawrence.

For more information, call 320-693-2354 or go online to www.litchfieldcommunityed.com. People can view the current program guide and register online.

Dragon Kids Club: The Dragon Kids Club is a new child care program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade that started in fall 2012. The program offers an enriched and fun environment, professional staff, and a variety of programs.

The Litchfield Area Special Olympics team: SPITFIRE is another new initiative offered through Community Education. Individuals with intellectual disabilities, age 8 through adult, have the opportunity to train with local volunteer coaches in various

An affordable transportation service for all Meeker residents

25

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Stockmen's Greenhouse & Landscaping

60973 W. U.S. Hwy. 12, Litchfield, MN 55355

(320) 693-7787 www.stockmensgreenhouse.com

94234

Your year around source for all your lawn and garden needs.

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• Perennials • Garden Ware • Bedding Plants • Roses • Christmas Trees • Mulch • Growing Supplies • Fertilizer • Landscape Design & Installation

26

LEARNING RESOURCES

2013 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 information, call the library at 320-693-2483 or go online to litchlibrary.blogspot.com.

Library services evolve Litchfield Public Library offers books and educational resources, as well as new types of materials and services to meet patrons’ 21st century needs, such as Internet access, e-books, downloadable audio books, videos and Nintendo Wii

T

he Litchfield Public Library is celebrating 10 years in the building at 216 Marshall Ave. N. The library has been in existence in various locations in Litchfield since 1875. Print books are still the library’s main business, but new types of materials and new services continue to be offered as the community moves through the 21st century.

Litchfield Public Library is home to 43,000 books, 1,200 audios and 2,200 videos. Eight staff members serve more than 9,300 registered borrowers, with 2,500 reference questions, 18,000 computer uses, and more than 62,000 visits per year. Total circulation in 2011 was 88,000 physical items, not including downloadable e-books or audios.

The Litchfield library is a member of Pioneerland Library System. It is one of the largest of the 31 libraries in the regional library system. Any borrower can order and check out books and other items from any other library in the system and even from libraries throughout the state. The Litchfield library receives deliveries of requested materials three times a week.

Pioneerland offers e-books and downloadable

audiobooks for loan through its Overdrive service at pioneerland.lib.overdrive.com. The library system began offering this popular service in July 2011 and now has a collection of more than 1,400 downloadable books available to Pioneerland cardholders, with new titles added all the time.

The library offers 17 public computers and three catalog computers, Wi-Fi Internet access, a copier/printer, a computer-based microfilm reader, a Nintendo Wii, a large meeting room, and two study rooms.

The Litchfield library offers regularly scheduled programs for people of all ages. In 2011, more than 3,500 people attended programs at the library.

Children’s librarian Jan Pease leads a story time for toddlers at 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays, a bedtime story time at 7 p.m. Thursdays, and a preschool story hour at 10 a.m. Fridays. The Meeker County Extension Service runs a free 4-H program from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at the library for kindergartners through

Continued on Page 28

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Senior Housing

Transportation

Independent Living & Housing with Services • Gloria Dei • Emmaus Place • Bethany Assisted Living • Memory Care

• Meeker Public Transit • Meeker Council on Aging Volunteer Drivers

Care Center Long Term Care & Rehabilitation Services • Emmanuel

Community Services • Adult Day Services • Care Coordination • Home Care • Hospice Care • Foot Care Clinics • Lifeline® • Meals on Wheels • RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) • Support Groups

Our Mission: We create home for older adults, wherever they choose to live.

Fore more information: Call 320-693-2472 _________________________________ Visit our website: www.ecumenoflitchfield.org

LEARNING RESOURCES

NELSAN-HORTON POST 104

Litchfield American Legion Downtown Litchfield • 320-693-9074

• Daily Happy Hour • Nightly Specials • Breakfast Buffet 1st Sunday of every month • 8am-1pm

92585

LOUNGE HOURS: Monday - Tuesday • Open @ 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday - Saturday Open @ 11:00 a.m.

Sunday • Open @ Noon

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE fifth-graders.

Five book clubs meet monthly at the library. Afterschool book club for third- through fifth-graders meets at 3:15 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Middle school book club meets after school on the third Tuesday, and high school book club meets on the fourth Tuesday after school. The mystery book club for adults meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, while a new general interest adult book club meets at noon on the second Tuesday of the month.

Rounding out the clubs are two hobby groups. The knitting club meets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month. The new gaming club, for ages 10 and older, meets from 6 to 8 p.m. every Monday, with an occasional Saturday afternoon event.

A used book sale benefitting the Friends of the Litchfield Public Library takes place on the third Saturday of every month, except in July when it is on the Saturday during Watercade. The Friends group is seeking new members; interested people can talk to Beth Cronk, head librarian, for more information.

Information about the library and links to its catalog, Facebook page, Twitter account, and online resources can be found on the website, litchlibrary.blogspot.com.

www.litchfieldamericanlegionpost104.com

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Tim Cook

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134 Sibley Ave. N.

Specializing in Commercial Real Estate: Sales, Leasing and Management

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Providing You a Combined 54 Years of Peace of Mind For Your Insurance Needs.

92662

We Have a Solution For You. 304 N. Marshall Ave. Litchfield, MN

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92471

Ron Dingmann

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FAITH

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Finding a place to worship Denominational and non-denominational places of worship are available 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 72039 CSAH 27, 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 ST. GERTRUDE 31608 650th Ave., Forest City Father Joseph Steinbeisser Fr. James Devorak, associate pastor 320-693-7801

Trinity Episcopal Church, founded in 1871, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is on the corner of North Sibley Avenue and East Fourth Street in Litchfield.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. JOHN 106 Fourth St. N., Darwin Father Joseph Steinbeisser Fr. James Devorak, associate pastor 320-693-6878

Immanuel Lutheran Church Immanuel - "God with us" (Matthew 1:23)

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 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.

175 W. 11th St. (just west of Dairy Queen) in Litchfield Church 320-693-6155 Parsonage 320-693-7715 On Facebook at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Litchfield, MN

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. PHILIP 821 Fifth St. E., Litchfield Father Joseph Steinbeisser Fr. James Devorak, associate pastor 320-693-3313

CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Non-denominational) 312 Marshall Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Mike Zylstra 320-593-3635

Trinity Episcopal Church (on the north side of Central Park)

3 4th St. E., Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-6035 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

46996

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF OUR LADY 57382 CSAH 3, Manannah Monsignor Francis J. Garvey 320-693-8900

FAITH

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE LAKE UNION EVANGELICAL COVENANT 74246 CSAH 19, South Haven Pastor Lloyd Melvie 320-398-2992

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 422 Ramsey Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Jason Young Worship Pastor Rebecca Young Hispanic Pastor Alex Martinez 320-693-8108

OSTMARK LUTHERAN (ELCA) 32721 680th Ave., Watkins Pastor Joe E. Midthun 320-693-8450

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 54986 145th St., Cosmos Pastor Maggie Cumings 320-877-7663 FIRST LUTHERAN 703 Sibley Ave. S., Litchfield Senior Paster Paul Lutter, Associate Pastor Christa Forsythe 320-693-2487 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 225 Holcombe Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Gordon Pennertz 320-693-3548 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

ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 227 Ramsey Ave. S., Litchfield Pastors Paul Lindhorst and 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 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST 313 Miller Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Devin Locati 320-693-6910 STANDING WORD CHRISTIAN CENTER Pastor Roosevelt C. Williams 320-693-1414

504 Gilman Ave. N., Litchfield ~ Ph. 320/693-3207 Fax: 320/693-3208 ~ E-mail: zion@zionchurch.net www.zionchurch.net A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Pastors: Christian Muellerleile & Denny Wright Parish Ed: Mindy Czycalla Youth Director: Breanne Royer Visitation Pastor: J. David Nelson

Kids of the Kingdom Day Care Center Georgia Borchardt, Director Ph.320/693-7806

Worship Services 8:30 a.m. Classic 10:45 a.m. Contemporary

Education Hour: (For All Ages!) 9:45 a.m.

Choirs For All Ages Sharing and Growing in God's Love Like us on Facebook, Zion Lutheran Church ELCA

First Evangelical Lutheran Church "A Place To Come Home To"

TRINITY EPISCOPAL 3 E. Fourth St., Litchfield 320-693-6035 TRINITY LUTHERAN 54384 U.S. Highway 12, Grove City Pastor Jean Ohman 320-857-2001

Senior Pastor Paul Lutter Associate Pastor Christa Forsythe

UNITED METHODIST 1000 Sibley Ave. S., Litchfield Pastor Bill Kerr 320-693-3409

703 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355-3341 (320) 693-2487

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN 175 11th St. W., Litchfield Pastor Samuel Morsching 320-693-6155

VICTORY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 206 Second St. S., Grove City Pastor Danny Puckett 320-857-2680

KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES U.S. Highway 12 W., Litchfield 320-693-2998

ZION LUTHERAN 504 Gilman Ave. N., Litchfield Pastor Christian Muellerleile 320-693-3207

Worship Times:

Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Summer Worship:

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Worship Sunday - 9:00 a.m. Worship

92669

CORNERSTONE CHURCH 205 CSAH 34, Litchfield Pastors Paul Jorgenson and Jeff Garland 320-593-7971

PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 309 Church St. N., Eden Valley Pastor Jeanne Bringgold-Pro 320-693-3848

Zion Lutheran Church

92671

CHURCH OF GOD OF ABRAHAMIC FAITH 501 Ramsey Ave. S., Litchfield Pastor Dale Swartz 320-693-6391

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HEALTH CARE

2013 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’

M

eeker Memorial Hospital is a general acute-care facility offering emergency, inpatient, out-patient and senior behavioral health services.

MMH’s mission, “To provide high-quality healthcare services responsive to the residents of the Meeker County area” has helped the hospital grow and complete a $26.5 million expansion project in 2009 and several remodeling projects since to update the facility. Not only did MMH update and expand its facility, it also expanded the number of specialized services offered.

The expansion of the hospital campus added several bonuses such as a new in-house MRI, a second surgical suite, a cafe, a new gift shop, a new chapel and conference center.

The inpatient services include new private patient rooms and OB suites. 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.

In the past year, tele-health services were added in

Meeker Memorial Hospital 612 S. Sibley Ave. • 320-693-3242 www.meekermemorial.org Meeker Memorial Hospital is a 35-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.

the emergency department, giving area residents 24hour access to metro area stroke care experts.

MMH’s partnership with Suburban Radiological Consultants has allowed the hospital to offer a wider variety of specialized, convenient, on-site diagnostic imaging services giving access to diagnostic specialists and the convenience of on-site procedures.

Continued on Page 34

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

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HEALTH CARE

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

MMH’s specialty clinics offer specialized services including cancer care, overnight evaluations in the new sleep suites, and wound, ostomy and continence nursing services offering specialized treatments for wound healing. Specialty clinic physicians and providers specialize in allergy, colonoscopy/endoscopy, counseling, nuclear medicine, stress testing, OB/GYN, oncology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, pathology, podiatry and urology. Specialty clinics provide access to surgery and procedures so area residents do not have to travel far to get specialized care.

At MMH, patients have the opportunity to actively follow their health. Direct access diagnostic lab testing gives patients the freedom to screen their own health at their own convenience.

Meeker Memorial Hospital also places emphasis on the wellness of their employees, volunteers and the community. MMH offers regular community programming and classes, supporting healthier communities to emphasize exercise and healthy living practices. Those interested can register for these classes online on the MMH website.

Medical staff The MMH medical staff consists of 11 board-certified physicians. Nine are active in family practice, one OB/GYN, and one in general surgery. In addition, the affiliate and medical providers and specialists comprise a team of active and affiliate providers to care for in-patient and out-patient needs.

At Meeker Memorial, hospital staff provide personalized care, and 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. The clinic also offers physical therapy services all day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Harmony

Center for Hearing At Harmony Center for Hearing you can trust you are in good hands.

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36

BUSINESS

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

New businesses fill formerly empty storefronts along Sibley Avenue North, Litchfield’s main street.

Local businesses thrive Litchfield’s main street becomes busier with new stores opening and existing businesses relocating to historic downtown

A

Tim Cook, who owns fter months and many buildings downeven years of dark town, said the force buildings speck◆ Litchfield Chamber of Commerce behind the revitalization ling downtown Litchfield, 219 Sibley Ave. N. • 320-693-8184 • www.litch.com of downtown Litchfield five storefronts reopened Executive Director Dee Schutte started more than three their doors in 2012. years ago with a focus Fresh downtown busi◆ Meeker County Economic Development Authority group of downtown buildnesses include $20someand Meeker County Development Corp. ing owners. thing, ArtSpace237 and 325 Sibley Ave. N. • 320-693-5272 “The idea was, we’ve got www.meekercodevcorp.com Treasures on Main. Two Executive Director Suzanne Hedtke to do something,” Cook businesses, Sweet said of the consensus Promotions and Minnesota between owners.

Coffee Roasting Co., moved “The downtown was at a tipping point. Either we from Grove City and share a storefront with their get the 20 to 30 people who own buildings on board own shops inside. Brodin Studios, a Litchfield bronze-casting company, also relocated to downtown. or keep going down the same path,” Cook said.

“Generally speaking, we said we need to do some“I think it’s fortunate that people are taking a thing, or it will get worse.” chance to open businesses downtown, and I hope Litchfield City Council member Connie Lies said people in the community will embrace them,” said the Litchfield Heritage Preservation Commission, Litchfield Mayor Keith Johnson. which began in 2008, has acted as the regulatory He noted the abundance of new businesses downbody for restoring downtown. Lies noted the commistown could be a reflection of the recovering economy, sion has set guidelines for renovations and, more but it is also a reflection of the spirit of entrepreimportantly, worked to educate downtown building neurship in the community. and business owners.

“It is really important that downtown gets “We do know from a long history that the more revived,” Johnson said. “A lot of the buildings are old historic a town looks, the more people are attracted and need repair, but hopefully someone can get in to it,” Lies said. there and make it work.”

Local business contacts

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

92689

BRODIN STUDIOS, INC.

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71684

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HISTORY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Preserving Litchfield’s historic district

Litchfield’s Commercial Historic District

W

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. In 2011, Litchfield was designated as a Preserve America Community.

“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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Holiday Hours: Thursdays till 6 p.m. during December Closed on Holidays • Open Dec. 24 till 4 p.m.

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Complete Line of: • • • • • • • • • •

Custom Feeds Mineral Mixes Commodities Pet Food Horse Feed Wild Bird Feed & Supplies Milking Supplies Gates & Fencing Supplies General Farm Equipment Work Clothing

Home of Fieldgate Dairy Products: • • • • • •

30+ Varieties of Fieldgate Cheese Fieldgate Butter Fieldgate Pizza Fresh Cheese Curds Gift Boxes 20+ Varieties of Specialty Cheese

FAF Ag Services 92538

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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

40

HISTORY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

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 wellknown historical and visitor sites.

The Grand Army of the Republic was organized in 1866 in Illinois.

Membership was limited to Union veterans of the Civil War, and its Members of the Frank Daggett Post purpose was to and Drum Corps stand at attention maintain fellowin front of the G.A.R. Hall on ship for the veterMemorial Day, May 31, 1886, one ans, honor the year after it was built. 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.

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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 The Grand Army of the Republic building is on the Hall has been preserved as nearly National Register as possible to its original condiof Historical tion. The Meeker County Historical Places and has Society is housed in the back. been preserved as nearly as possible to its original condition. It was deeded to the city of Litchfield on the condition 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 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 information, call 320693-8911.

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

320-593-0809

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Menu Items Include: Pizzas, Calzones, Pastas, Appetizers, Salads, Desserts & More!

94239

Dine In, Delivery, Take Out

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1-888-699-3710 320-693-3710 310 Depot St. E. Litchfield

•Land Surveying •Topography Surveys •Subdivision Design

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HISTORY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Dakota sundancers participate in the Four Direction Song, while Dakota representatives play the drum during a healing ceremony in August 2012 at Ness Church. The 150th anniversary of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 was honored in 2012.

Remembering a tragic time Meeker County citizens remember U.S.-Dakota War on 150th anniversary

T

o commemorate the sesquicentennial of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, many Meeker County residents attended a 150th anniversary observance ceremony in August 2012 at Ness Church.

The gathering included a wiping of the tears ceremony, where Dakota sundancers symbolically wiped the tears from community members’ eyes to represent grieving and signify the start of the healing process.

Ness Church, southwest of Litchfield on 580th Avenue, was the site of the anniversary ceremony for several reasons.

The bodies of the first white victims of the U.S.Dakota War of 1862 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 Sept. 13, 1878.

The five settlers were killed after Robinson Jones and four Dakota 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 U.S.-Dakota

Continued on Page 44

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

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HISTORY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

War 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 Dakota were driven from their homeland in south central Minnesota, and 38 Dakota were executed Dec. 26, 1862, in Mankato, Minn., the largest mass hanging ever in the United States.

The final battle of the war was fought Sept. 18, 1862, at Wood Lake when Henry Sibley, who also served as Minnesota governor, promised to kill all the Dakota or drive them out of the state.

The Acton Battle monument, located off County State Aid Highway 23 in Acton Township, also was dedicated in August 2012 after a drawing of the Battle of Acton was discovered in the archives of the Brooklyn Historical Society in Brooklyn Park, Minn.

The map reveals the exact location of the battle, which was previously unknown, leaving the storied land without a proper historical marker.

“An important part of history in Meeker County is going to be more recognizable, and it’s important to remember what happened here on Sept. 3, 1862,” said state Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Acton Township, of the monument. “It was a part of a tragic event in Minnesota history. We need to recognize and remember how and why things happen, in order to look toward the future.”

Brian Pease, Meeker County Historical Society president, speaks during the dedication of the Acton Battle monument in August 2012. At left is state Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Acton Township, one of the advocates behind the marker being built.

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

FIRST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION First District Association is proud to be an employer to area residents and a manufacturer of dairy products from Minnesota dairy farms.

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46

HISTORY

413 Armstrong Ave. N.

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

518 Armstrong Ave. N.

307 Holcombe Ave. N.

Litchfield’s historic homes Take a walking or driving tour to see the many historic homes in Litchfield that reflect various architectural styles Walk down a Litchfield street and you’re likely to find countless monuments to the city’s early history.

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

North side 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.

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.

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

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.

326 Armstrong Ave. N. Built about 1910, the architecture of this home is untouched since construction.

405 Armstrong Ave. N. Completed in 1904, local folks call this home “the Red Castle.”

Peter E. Hanson, the original owner, had the home built while he served in the Minnesota Senate from 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.

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

307 Holcombe Ave. N. Built about 1895 by a prominent banker named O.H. Campbell, this house was once known as the “Raven’s Nest.” From 1920 to the late 1940s, it was used as a nuns’ conservatory, and 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.

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

Continued on Page 48

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2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

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48

HISTORY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE himself has an intriguing Swedish immigrant story and made important civic contributions to Litchfield, including a term as mayor.

421 Marshall Ave. N. Built about 1915, this modest house has strong connections to a remarkable person and the origins of a locally significant industry.

Creamery operator Alfred Anderson used the basement to begin his business, Anderson Chemical. The firm produced a bacterial flavor enhancer to the dairy industry, and eventually moved into cleaning and sanitizing products. The Anderson Chemical Company grew into a major corporation with a national market and business in international locations. Alfred Anderson

611 Marshall Ave. N. This early 1920s Tudor-style home was converted into a beautiful bed and breakfast called The Marshall Estate. It features four bedrooms, hardwood floors, built-in

705 Miller Ave. N. china cabinets with leaded/beveled glass, a charming fireplace, and indoor and outdoor porches.

705 Miller Ave. N. The house is one of the few houses in Litchfield that displays the character-defining features of the Italianate style. The Italianate style was a popular domestic style in the United States from about 1840 to 1885, and it was particularly common in the towns of the Midwest experiencing large growth during this period. The house was also the home of Ole Ness, an early

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92577

425 Marshall Ave. N.

425 Marshall Ave. N. This house is a rare example of the Art Moderne style in Litchfield.

Art Moderne and other related modernistic styles, such as Art Deco, were commonly used for public and commercial buildings between 1920 and 1940. Art Moderne emerged as the most prevalent form in the 1930s. Never a commonly used residential style, scattered examples can be found throughout the country.

Constructed after 1941, this house is a particularly late example of the style.

HISTORY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE pioneer and a founding father of Litchfield. ◆◆◆

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.

South side 215 Sibley Ave. S. “Guide to the Architecture of Minnesota” (1977) describes this home as an “Eastlake style frame clapboard house with extensive turned work on the Queen Anne porch.” It was built in 1890 by Mr. McClure, a Litchfield banker. It remains close to its original condition with the original oil cloth wallpaper still on the dining room walls and tin ceilings in the kitchen and bath.

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

304 Sibley Ave. S. This two-story red brick office

49

215 Sibley Ave. S. 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.

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

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.

724 Sibley Ave. S. This is known as 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

Continued on Page 50

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50

HISTORY

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, Rosemary, who died of leukemia at age 6.

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

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

806 Sibley Ave. S. This lovely home was built in

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE vided running water to the house.

The interesting garage behind this house was built in 1940 to replace the large, old barn which had to be torn down. This property once extended back five blocks to Swift Avenue. The house retains its distinctive Victorian appearance.

403 Armstrong Ave. S. 1906. The garage replaces what was once a livery barn which had room for two horses and one carriage.

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

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

Continued on Page 52

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52

HISTORY

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

of its Victorian glory.

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

Sondergaard was an Academy

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

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

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THE OUTLET

53

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

DARWIN MONUMENT

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54

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Litchfield Public School Board The Litchfield School District is governed by a sixmember board. Three board members are elected to four-year terms every two years during the November general election. The board meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month in room 200 at

Dan Dollerschell

Jim Ellingson

Stacey Helstrom

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.

the Meeker County Family Service Center, 114 N. Holcombe Ave. The district’s central office is in the Meeker County Family Service Center. Telephone is 320-693-2444, website is www.litchfield.k12.mn.us.

Dave Huhner

Donna McGraw

Marcia Provencher

State and federal offices The city of Litchfield and Litchfield Township are within Minnesota Senate District 18 and House District 18A. 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.

State Rep. Dean Urdahl (R) District 18A State Capitol: 571 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: 651-296-4344 or 800-920-5861 E-mail: rep.dean.urdahl@house.mn Elected: 2002; re-elected in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012.

Beth Oberg

Dale Fenrich

Bryan Larson

1st District Litchfield

2nd District Litchfield

3rd District Grove City

State Sen. Scott Newman (R) District 18 State Capitol: 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Capitol Building, Room 301, St. Paul, MN 55155-1606 Phone: 651-296-4131 E-mail: sen.scott.newman@senate.mn Elected: 2010; re-elected in 2012.

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D)

Mike Housman

Mike Huberty

4th District Dassel

5th District Eden Valley

U.S. capitol: 2211 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2165 Web site: collinpeterson.house.gov Elected: 1990-present; served in Minnesota Senate 1977-1986.

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

2013 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 elections 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.

55

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Meeker County

The Perfect Setting Retaining 5 Expanding 5 Attracting businesses to Meeker County

Welcome to Meeker County!

2 & 3-bedroom rental town homes Cosmos 5 Dassel 5 Eden Valley Grove City 5 Litchfield 5 Watkins

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71716

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Meeker County Development Corporation Meeker County Economic Development Authority 71814

325 N Sibley Ave ~ Litchfield MN 55355 320•693•5272 or 888•346•5272 www.meekercodevcorp.com

56

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Many people take part in the sand sculpture contest on the beach of Lake Ripley.

Litchfield dives into Watercade

Watercade Princess Brittany Hull, left, Queen Kaytlin Bemis and Princess Kaitlyn Johnson were crowned in July 2012 and will serve as ambassadors of Litchfield, appearing in parades and other regional events through mid-July 2013.

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 57th annual Watercade on July 11-14, 2013.

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, Grand Day parade, Art in the Park, medallion hunt, 4-mile run, fishing contest, kiddie parade and a Little Crow water ski show.

Watercade’s finale is the annual queen coronation and includes the crowning of the new Miss Litchfield and princess. The 2012-13 Miss Litchfield, Kaytlin Bemis, will serve until the 2013 coronation.

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57

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Meeker Council on Aging

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58

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Celebrating hometown pride Festive events take place all year in towns across Meeker County Memorial Day: May 27 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 7-8 The small village of Manannah kicks off the summer celebration season with a variety of activities, including volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, tractor pulls and a street dance. The parade Saturday is followed by a pageant, where Manannah men dress in drag to compete for the title of “Miss” Manannah.

Meeker County Fair: Aug. 1-4 It’s the 141st annual “Fairest Days of Summer” for county residents the first weekend in August. It features traditional fair activities, such as exhibits and showing livestock, carnival rides, live music and demolition derbies.

Watkins’ Kraut and Wurst Day: Aug. 3 Area residents celebrate their German heritage in Watkins’ one-day celebration, which includes a parade, cow drop raffle and, of course, a feast of sauerkraut and bratwurst.

Eden Valley’s Valley Daze: June 20-23

Darwin Twine Ball Celebration: Aug. 10

Eden Valley celebrates every June with a parade, carnival, live music, food stands, a tug-a-war tournament and an annual youth fishing contest.

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, mini-rod races, craft fair and pork chop dinner.

Cosmos Space Festival: July 19-21 The 45th 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, parade and a cow pie bingo.

Antique Car Run: Aug. 10 The New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run

Pumpkin Patch Festival

James D. Haugo, DDS Michael A. Solbrack, DDS

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE with vehicles from 1908 and earlier covers 120 miles, including traveling through Meeker County, making stops in Grove City, Litchfield and Kingston.

Grove City AugustFest: Aug. 15-18 Grove City is planning to celebrate summer with the a tractor pull, mud volleyball, horseshoe, trap shooting and softball tournaments, a kiddie parade, talent show and parade.

59

Forest City Pioneer Christmas: Dec. 7 The Forest City Stockade changes a bit from its summer Rendezvous to a winter holiday theme during its annual Pioneer Christmas. Activities include horsedrawn sleigh rides, a visit with Santa, Christmas caroling and old-fashioned 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.

Step back in time for the 29th 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 Thresher Days: Aug. 17-18 Thresher Days include displays of antique tractors and other farm equipment, along with threshing and corn shredding demonstrations. A tractor parade also is a favorite annual event.

Dassel Red Rooster Days: Aug. 30-Sept. 2 Labor Day weekend is time to celebrate, with an ambassadors coronation, parade, Minnesota’s Largest Chicken Barbecue, and other activities.

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60

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Litchfield Community Theatre performed “Fiddler on the Roof” in July 2012.

Litchfield supports the performing arts, from community theater to local school bands, choirs

Local arts community thrives T

hrough the years, Litchfield has established a tradition of theater arts in the community.

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. As a result, Litchfield has one of the longest

Get the news the way you want it We offer a weekly newspaper subscription, an electronic subscription that is e-mailed and a website so you can keep up with local news!

320-693-3266 www.independentreview.net 217 Sibley Ave. N., Litchfield LITCHFIELD

Independent Review

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,” he said.

In the summer of 2012, LCT performed “Fiddler on the Roof” in Bernie Aaker Auditorium, named after the late director who helped establish community theater with Charlie Blesener, who was Litchfield Community Education director in 1977.

LCT will present “Shrek the Musical,” its 37th consecutive production, in July 2013.

Another growing force is Litchfield Community Youth Theatre, which encourages budding actors to learn more about and build an appreciation for theater. Each year, children perform a musical, staging “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” in spring 2012. LCYT will perform “Honk! Jr.” in April 2013.

The renovated Litchfield Opera House also is a growing attraction, and members of the Greater Litchfield Opera House Association Inc. have been working since 2008 to restore the building to its original grandeur, adding curved staircases reminiscent of the original entrance and 32 new stage lights. The opera house now frequently stages shows, such as open mic nights, old-time radio shows and readers theater plays.

Other arts and entertainment events in Litchfield 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 “The Sound of Music” in 2012. ◆ Litchfield High School choir and band concerts throughout the year. The school’s choirs and bands have received numerous state and national awards.

92568

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

2013 LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY GUIDE

Tibbits Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Jason Tibbits, Agent 105 N Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 320-693-3404 jason@jtibbits.com

www.jasontibbits.com

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