Local News

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.

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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.

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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.

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The Litchfield Rotary Club members were selling roses and fall bouquets earlier this month, and it is now time to pick them up. The flowers will be available to be picked up at certain times today, Friday and Saturday at Davis Auto Body on East Highway 12 in Litchfield.

The pick-up times include today and tomorrow from 11:30-to-1 or from 4-to-6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, and if you bring your sales stub and hand it in when you pick up your flowers, it’s very helpful.

Litchfield Rotary Club member Andrew Letson says the rose and fall bouquet sale is their biggest fundraiser of the year and it helps to support the many projects coordinated by the Litchfield Rotary Club. He says some of the recent projects include the audio enhancement project at Lake Ripley Elementary School; the placement of outdoor AEDs at various locations around Litchfield; and the on-going beds-for-kids project.

Letson says the Litchfield Rotary Club meets each Tuesday morning at 7 o’clock at the Litchfield Fire/Rescue Hall for breakfast and a speaker and new members are welcome to join. He says for more information about joining the organization, call any Litchfield Rotary Club member.

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