Local News

National Nurses Week was observed last week. Ecumen of Litchfield made efforts to recognize their nurses and show appreciation for what they do. Adult Day Supervisor Dawn Doty says they appreciate what their nurses do every day and their work does not go unnoticed.

Doty says the Adult Day program at Ecumen of Litchfield gives older adults a sense of purpose and it’s a lifeline for families and for caregivers who need a break. She says the staff at Adult Day has over 30 years of experience.

Jillian Miller says Home Care and Hospice at Ecumen of Litchfield takes referrals and the Hospice program is Medicare-certified. She says there are all kinds of services available through both the Home Care and Hospice programs.

Miller says the Hospice program is especially beneficial if you sign up sooner rather than later and for more information, call 877-311-4997. She says Ecumen of Litchfield is planning to have a senior expo on October 27th called “Falling Into Great Care” and the location and time will be announced as the date gets closer.

The Minnesota State Patrol responded to a 2-vehicle crash on Saturday afternoon at 3:59 on U.S. Highway 71 at County Road 148 in Lake Andrew Township in Kandiyohi County. All 3 people involved were taken to Rice Hospital in Willmar with non-life-threatening injuries.

A 2023 GMC Yukon, driven by 73-year-old Steven Scott Rambow of Spicer, was traveling northbound on US Highway 71. A 2019 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by 42-year-old Tara Rae Poluka of Spicer, was westbound on Kandiyohi County Road 148, when the two vehicles collided. There was also a passenger in Rambow’s vehicle – 68-year-old Cindy Lahr of Willmar. Also responding to the scene were the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, Paynesville Ambulance, Willmar Ambulance, and Spicer Fire Dept.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
 
Meeker County Sheriff Brian Cruze has announced that the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office will once again host an annual memorial service. The short prayer service will be held in front of the Meeker County Law Enforcement Center at 326 North Ramsey Avenue in Litchfield on Friday, May 15th, at 9 a.m. The prayer service will be officiated by Meeker County Sheriff’s Office Chaplin Jeff Garland. The public is welcome to attend this service.

The G.A.R. Hall and Meeker County Museum is gearing up for school tours. Four school districts will be sending students ranging from grade 3-through-8 to the museum over the next couple of weeks.

Museum Executive Director Danelle Erickson says they have a few items that they are able to pass around to the students during their tours, but many of the exhibits are pretty delicate and are “hands-off.” She says there will be a Civil War Roundtable meeting at the G.A.R. Hall on May 14th at 1:30 p.m. and Stephen Osman will be talking about the U.S./Dakota War of 1862.

Erickson says the annual Memorial Day Picnic will be coming up on May 25th at the Litchfield Opera House from 11-to-1:30 and they will be serving pulled pork sandwiches with side dishes, pie and ice cream, and the Museum will also be open that day. She says they are also getting ready to participate in a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8th.

Erickson says the museum at 308 North Marshall Avenue is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10-to-4 and Saturdays from noon-to-4, and you can find more details on their Facebook page or at meekercomuseum.org. She says donations are always welcome and checks may be mailed to 308 North Marshall Avenue in Litchfield.