The Litchfield High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on November 7th with a reception at 6 p.m. and a program at 7 p.m. in the Litchfield High School Commons. One of this year’s inductees is the late Mark Wood from the class of 1971.
Mark’s wife, Lynn, says Mark was surrounded by women his whole life – growing up with 3 sisters and then having 3 daughters and they will all be at the ceremony with her on November 7th. She says Mark was dedicated to public service with his role as city attorney for Litchfield and memberships in numerous organizations over the years including the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce and that’s a trait he inherited from his parents.
Lynn says Mark was proud to move back and settle in Litchfield as he truly appreciated the community where he had grown up and attended school. She says he so enjoyed visiting with people in the community when they were out and about, and he was very excited about the Litchfield Area Community Foundation popcorn stand coming to Central Park, but didn’t get to see it as he passed away last year.
Mark’s daughter, Emily, who worked with him in his law practice for 5 years before he passed away and is now in the role he had as city attorney, says that Mark attended Willmar Junior College for 2 years – where he played baseball, and then transferred to Mankato State, and received his law degree at William Mitchell College of Law in the Twin Cities. She says one of his passions was history.
Emily says Mark was very involved in the Litchfield community and remembers him as a founding member of Litchfield Industries, but he was also involved in numerous other organizations and served on several boards of directors.
Meeker County has announced that the Justice and Government Centers will be illuminated green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties, and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. From November 4th through the 11th, the Meeker County Justice and Government Centers will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Now in its fifth year, Operation Green Light is expected to draw hundreds of counties to participate. The
county role in administering services for veterans includes County Veterans Service Officers helping
fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year, as well as other services supporting the approximately 200,000 service members who transition into civilian communities annually.
In addition to lighting the Justice and Government Centers, residents, businesses and other
organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green
bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a
conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen,
appreciated, and supported.
The Meeker County Veterans Service Office is dedicated to advocating for the county’s Veterans and
their families by providing guidance and assistance in applying for benefits from the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. They provide information regarding
numerous programs and expert assistance in the development and follow-through of all claims for
entitlement. Residents who are veterans or who know veterans who have not connected with the
Meeker County Veterans Service Office are encouraged to do so and can schedule an appointment by
calling the office at 320-693-5445.
The Litchfield High School Hall of Fame ceremony is coming up on November 7th in the Litchfield High School commons with a reception at 6 p.m. and a program at 7 p.m. Four Litchfield High School graduates are being honored this year.
Litchfield High School Hall of Fame committee member Marcia Provencher, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, says they used to have the ceremony prior to the Indoor Marching Band concert, but this year, they are having their program on a separate night – November 7th. She says this year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Andrew Revering and Donald “Pokey” Schreifels – both from the class of 1961, the late Mark Wood from the class of 1971 and Debra Freitag Baker from the class of 1981.
Provencher says they started inducting LHS graduates into the Hall of Fame in 2013, and Ann Olson Montgomery from that first group in 2013 will be speaking during the program on November 7th, along with David O’Fallon who was inducted in 2018. She says they recognize people for the great things they’ve done with their lives, and when she calls the inductees to tell them that they’ve been selected, they are so thrilled.
Provencher says each of this year’s inductees will have a chance to speak during the induction program and Lynn Wood will be speaking on behalf of her husband, Mark; and there will also be a pinning ceremony for some of the past local inductees. She says anyone can nominate a Litchfield High School graduate for the Hall of Fame and forms are available at Litchfield High School or from any committee member. The Litchfield High School Hall of Fame committee members include Leanne Kess, Karen Brink, Julie Rick, Barry Anderson, Lois Konietzko, Jim Haugo, Ron Johnson, Dean Urdahl, Greg Mathews and Marcia Provencher.
A major renovation project was completed in the Justice Center and Meeker County Law Enforcement Center by August of this year, and the public had an opportunity to tour the facilities yesterday. The Justice Center – formerly known as the Court House – has a secure entrance on the west – and no public access at the Sibley Avenue entrance.
The Justice Center includes offices for the County Attorney, Court Administration, Dept. of Corrections, Dispatch Center – which faces Central Park, Emergency Management, Information Systems, Jail Administration and Maintenance. Tours were also conducted yesterday at the offices of the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office and Litchfield Police Dept. at the Law Enforcement Center with demonstrations in the parking lot of the drone system and mobile unit.