On this day in music, July 13, 1985, the world’s biggest music stars gathered at London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s John F. Kennedy Stadium for Live Aid. One of the most memorable moments in 80s pop culture, Live Aid was the brainchild of Bob Geldof and Midge Ure (the organizers behind “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”), who sought to raise additional funds to bring relief to Ethiopia, amid a years-long famine. An ambitious satellite feed broadcast the show across the globe, as performances by Queen, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Elton John, George Michael, and U2 (among many others) kicked off the concert in London. Across the Atlantic, Madonna, Run-D.M.C., and Tom Petty took to the stage, while acts like Led Zeppelin, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Black Sabbath reunited. In one particularly epic moment, Phil Collins performed on both continents, thanks to well-coordinated helicopter and Concorde flights. Approximately £150 million was raised from the day-long event.
In 1991, Bryan Adams began a record-breaking 16-week consecutive run at the top of the UK pop chart with “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You.” The power ballad, which was featured on the soundtrack to the blockbuster film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, also enjoyed a seven-week run at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 18 consecutive weeks at the top of the European-wide chart. The song, which remains the Canadian singer-songwriter’s most successful hit, went on to win a Grammy and earned an Academy Award nomination.
In 1974, George McCrae hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Rock Your Baby.” The song, which also topped pop charts in the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany (among many other territories), is widely considered to be the first breakthrough disco hit.
In 1966, Ike & Tina Turner scored their first major hit in the UK with “River Deep – Mountain High.” The song, which peaked at No.3 on the British pop charts, caught the attention of the Rolling Stones, who invited the couple to open for them. In 1970, the tune was covered famously by Motown giants The Supremes and the Four Tops.
BORN ON JULY 13
1938: Al Rex (Bill Haley & His Comets)
1942: Roger McGuinn (The Byrds)
1942: Stephen Bladd (The J. Geils Band)
1955: Mark “The Animal” Mendoza (Twisted Sister)
1966: Gerald Levert (LeVert, LSG)
1969: Barney Greenway (Napalm Death)
1974: Deborah Cox
1988: Tulisa (N-Dubz)
The Ecumen of Litchfield property has been purchased by Eden Vista and the change in ownership becomes official on August 1st. Ecumen of Litchfield will still provide services to residents such as Home Care, Hospice and Adult Day services.
Nicole Larson says Eden Vista officials met with staff and residents last Tuesday to answer questions. She says the only thing that is expected to change is the name.
Larson says units at Emmaus Place and Bethany are full, but she has openings in memory care. She says she keeps a waiting list and people may call her for more housing information at 320-373-6370.
Care Consultant Jillian Miller from Ecumen of Litchfield Home Care and Hospice says they will still provide services to residents of Eden Vista and they will team up on some activities, along with the Meeker-McLeod service provider group at the Meeker County Fair on July 31st for Senior Day.
Miller says they will also be at the McLeod County Fair for senior and veteran’s day on August 20th. She says there’s a senior expo planned in Hutchinson on September 22nd, and a senior expo in Litchfield – at St. Philip’s Church – on October 27th. For more details, call 877-311-4997.
The Meeker County Master Gardeners have their Garden Tour tomorrow (July 14) from 5-to-8:30 p.m. There are 5 gardens on this year’s tour and they are clustered in the Highway 15 area – south of Dassel.
Master Gardener Connie Johnson says the gardens include those of Bev & Dave Pearson, Andrea Patterson, Lori & Jeff Dahlberg, Butch Peterson and Tammy & Roger Field. She says signs will be posted that evening directing people to the gardens and you may learn something new or get ideas for your own garden.
Johnson says tickets are $10 and you can get them in advance at KLFD, Stockman’s Garden Center, the Extension Office or get them that evening at any of the gardens on the tour. She says if you have any questions, call the Extension office at 320-693-5275.
A new Miss Litchfield was crowned at the conclusion of the 70th annual Litchfield Watercade celebration yesterday. Emma Wuotila – sponsored by Wuotila Lawn Care – is Miss Litchfield for 2026-27. Emma also received the formal gown and Miss Congeniality awards.
The new princesses include Ellivia Woods – sponsored by Farm Bureau Financial Services, and Bianca Forsberg – sponsored by First District Association. The junior royalty crowned yesterday include Jewel – sponsored by Basement Water Solutions and Gabbi – sponsored by Herradura Food Truck.
The winning Watercade button numbers are 593 and 1038 – for $250 each and #233 for $500. Contact any Watercade Board member to claim your prize. London Barrick designed the 2026 Watercade button and received a $50 prize. Ellivia Woods sold the most buttons – 230.
Carol Dragt was asked to stop playing the piano for a few minutes yesterday and was then presented with the honorary Minneapolis Aquatennial Commodore volunteer award.
Gary Smith was this year’s Litchfield Watercade Grand Marshal. The Watercade Medallion was found by the Wright-Turnbough Family at Sunrise Terrace Park under the tree by the mini-biff.
The coronation yesterday was emceed by 1976 Miss Litchfield Janelle Urdahl-Kirsch and 1996 Miss Litchfield Pauline (Boop) Collins. They had any former royalty from the audience come up on stage and introduce themselves. Litchfield Mayor Ron Dingmann presented scholarships to 2025 Miss Litchfield Brooke Caron and Princesses Raigan Miller and Katelyn Guggemos and presented Community Education scholarships to junior princesses Hazel Menken and Brooks Nelson.
CLUE 1 – I can be found within an unsung gem often overlooked.
CLUE 2 – A taunter of celebrities finds me close.
CLUE 3 – By a ray easily missed by slumber.
CLUE 4– Not first but not last either, along this I am near.
CLUE 5 – I sit near where many dogs deliver voicemails each day.