May 2024

1846: The founder and owner of Litchfield’s famous Ames Brickyard, Henry Ames, was born in Oswego, New York, on May 4, 1846. Builders chose his cream-colored bricks to build business blocks, schools, churches and residences throughout Meeker County and in at least three surrounding counties. Of course, Litchfield itself was Ames’ best customer. The Meeker County Courthouse (1885), G.A.R. Memorial Hall (1885), Litchfield Woolen Mill (1885), Masonic Temple building (1889) and Litchfield Opera House (1900) are a just few of the more prominent buildings constructed with Ames’ bricks. In the neighboring city of Willmar, Merchants Hotel and Kandiyohi County Bank used “Litchfield” brick, as did many home builders.

Litchfield High School teachers selected Jasmine Solorio and Kaley Idso as Students of the Week for May 6-10. Band teacher Bailey Benoit nominated Solorio, saying that, “Jasmine is always very willing to help out whenever there is a need.

Wow! That’s the best I can do to describe the whirlwind of the past three weeks. The closing of two newspapers and the start-up of two new papers hasn’t exactly taken my breath away — though at times it has seemed a bit overwhelming.

Track and field meet brings opportunity for special needs, general education students Broad smiles and excited shouts were the order of the day as a group of Litchfield students competed in an invitational track meet May 8 at Hutchinson High School. Like similar events, winning was important to the competitors — really important to the most passionate among them.

Local companies Dock Rite in Hutchinson and Porta Dock in Dassel provide everything residents need for outdoor leisure at the lake Living on the lake requires an indispensable component for enjoying the water — the dock. Not only does this area have dealers who sell them, but there are two companies who build them — Dock Rite in Hutchinson and Porta Dock in Dassel.