News

It’s hard to believe, but the school year is already one-third completed, and it’s been a busy fall in the Litchfield School District. The students have had great success in sports and arts activities.

Lake Ripley Elementary School Principal Chris Olson says there are many well-rounded students who keep up with their academics and are also in sports, music, drama or other activities. He says his students have had their annual fundraiser which raises money for field trips, playground equipment, etc. and they always have an incentive which will be his participation in a dunk tank next spring.

Olson says the teachers at Lake Ripley Elementary School have been going through professional development training in literacy which will be a great thing for the students. He says Litchfield has so many opportunities for its students and hopefully, they are producing successful adults.

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The Meeker County Museum and G.A.R. Hall will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend – today through Saturday. The museum is normally open Tuesday through Fridays from 10-to-4 and Saturdays from noon-to-4.

The annual meeting of the Meeker County Historical Society will be on Thursday, December 5th at the G.A.R. Hall with dinner at 6 p.m., a business meeting at 6:30, and holiday and Civil War music by David Stottrup at 7 o’clock. Reservations need to be made by December 3rd. Call the museum at 693-8911. The meal and program are free, but donations will be accepted.

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Meeker Area Ministries has its annual Christmas Carols and Holiday Cheer event on Sunday, December 1st at 2 p.m. at the Litchfield Opera House. Sara Dollerschell will lead the singing of carols, and treats will be served.

Rochelle Brummond says Meeker Area Ministries helps homeless people transition into permanent housing and one of their clients will be giving a testimony during the event on Sunday to tell how the program helped their family. She says they mentor their clients and give them the support they need to move on to stability in their lives.

Brummond says when children are involved in a homeless situation, they especially need stability. She says they work with their clients to teach budgeting and other life skills.

Paul White says it’s especially difficult for someone who’s been homeless to get references to try to rent an apartment. He says MAM teaches people the skills needed to be a good renter.

White says they like their clients to get involved in a church for further support and to feel a sense of belonging to a community and to build trust. He says UCAP will be moving its office to 409 North Sibley Avenue at the beginning of the year, and that building will also have two transitional units for people who are making the step from homelessness to permanent housing.

Donations to MAM are welcome at P.O. Box 192 in Litchfield. Freewill donations will also be accepted at Sunday’s Carols & Cheer event at the Litchfield Opera House.

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