Students are St. Philip’s Catholic School in Litchfield had a beautiful day for their marathon on October 2nd. The students attended mass that morning, then walked around Litchfield, returned to St. Philip’s Church for a prayer service and had lunch.
St. Philip’s School Principal Andrea Dietrich says they have raised about $60,000 during their annual marathon, but the goal is $70,000 so they are still accepting donations. She says they had an inspection from the fire marshal and realized that they need to update their smoke detectors so they are needing funds for that project.
Dietrich says they are at their enrollment limit and can’t make their class sizes any larger until the smoke detector project is completed. She says people are welcome to tour the school at any time and get their children on a waiting list for enrollment.
The 5th graders at St. Philip’s School will be helping with a chili lunch at the Church of St. Philip on Wednesday, October 21st from 11-to-1. It’s a Catholic United Financial fundraiser.
The Litchfield School District is still looking for a Middle School activities director. The superintendent brought a proposal to the School Board last night for trying to recruit someone to fill the position. Susan Burris says the position has been open since August with no applicants and the administration is handling the duties.
Burris says she would recommend increasing the stipend for the Middle School activities director and prorating the annual amount for the remainder of this school year. The School Board authorized the administration to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the Litchfield Education Association, and bring a proposal back to the School Board.
The Litchfield School Board has approved of an annual resolution supporting the Form-A application to the Minnesota State High School League to offset participation fees for certain students; and approved of the paid family leave insurance renewal with Madison National Life Insurance Company.
Also last night, the Litchfield School Board heard a report from the Student Council representatives. Paisley Johnson says they are coordinating the 1st annual Halloween Bash at the Litchfield Area Recreation Center – along with the National Honor Society – on October 31st from 9-to-11 a.m. for children 6th grade and younger, and they’ve received 100 RSVPs already. Cole Palmer told the Board says they are also planning a volleyball tournament to raise money for the food shelf and they have a blood drive scheduled for November 12th.
Ecumen of Litchfield is bringing back the Meeker County Senior Expo. “Fallin’ Into Great Care” will be held on October 27th from 9-to-11:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Philip in Litchfield.
Jillian Miller says the free event is being coordinated by the Meeker-McLeod Service Provider Group. She says there will be a light continental breakfast, speakers, entertainment and vendors. She says there will be information about scams from the Sheriff’s Office, Medicare change information, and more, and there are several sponsors helping to make the event possible.
Miller says Ecumen Home Care and Hospice is available for people who needs those services and the intake line is 877-311-4997. She says every situation is unique, but they can consult with people and help them as they safely transition through various phases of life.
The expansion project at Meeker Memorial Hospital has begun, and the detour on South Sibley Avenue in Litchfield is expected to end early this week. A ground-breaking ceremony took place 12 days ago as several dignitaries scooped dirt with golden shovels.
Dr. Deb Peterson says it was a meaningful event because it was not just hospital board members, county commissioners and other high profile officials grabbing the shovels, but the hospital employees also had a chance to scoop dirt and have their photos taken. Dr. Deb reminds everyone to get their flu shots – either at the Meeker Memorial Clinic or at your pharmacy. She says it’s especially important for people with underlying health risks and getting the shot does not mean that you are completely protected from the flu, but it’s meant to make it less severe.
Infection control registered nurse Anno Johnson says there is a blood drive coming up at Meeker Memorial Hospital on October 20th from 10-to-4, and one donation can save up to 3 lives. She says types O and B are especially in demand, but any blood type is needed, and you can give if you are in good health, at least 17-years-old – or 16 with parental consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds. To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org.