September 2024

Cannabis ordinance on track

The Minnesota Legislature made adult cannabis use legal within the state of Minnesota in 2023. However, sale of non-medicinal cannabis is not yet legal in most parts of the state, because it has taken time for cities and counties to establish regulations about sales and use of the controlled substance within their jurisdictions.

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KURT R. BIRKEMEYER

 Kurt R. Birkemeyer, 69, of Litchfield died on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 –…

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Taking a ride toward healing

Brandon Sell had no idea that cycling could be a lifeline — not just for his physical health but for his mental well-being as well. The revelation came after he started riding to raise funds for cystic fibrosis, a disease his son was diagnosed with at birth.

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Crafting a winning project

For the past 16 years, eighth-graders have learned woodworking skills by creating their own storage benches in the wood shop at Hutchinson Middle School. While a single woodworking project might not seem a remarkable accomplishment on its own, the combined output of the semester-long project — which was initiated and continues under the guidance oftechnical education instructor Richard Buchholz — was impressive enough to draw the attention of a national manufacturer earlier this year.

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PHYLLIS J. BIRKHOLZ

Mark was born on October 25, 1953, in Litchfield to Willard and Marjorie Wood. He attended Litchfield High School, class of 1971, where he was involved in several activities and sports, which included football, baseball, and audio/visual club. He went on to attend Willmar Junior College where he played two years of baseball and proceeded to finish his undergraduate degree at Mankato State University in 1975. In 1980, Mark graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul with his Juris Doctor. Mark had an extensive legal and professional career, including being admitted to Minnesota Courts and United States District Court, District of Minnesota, serving two terms as an Eighth Judicial District Board of Professional Responsibility Investigator, Meeker County Examiner of Titles, Meeker County Law Library Board Member, Litchfield City Attorney, Trustee of the Louis Roberg Endowment Trust, and Owner/Partner of Private Law Practice Wood & Rue PLLP where he was overjoyed to have his daughter, Emily, join the firm. As an active member of the Litchfield community some of his services include Litchfield Kiwanis member, founding board member of Litchfield Public Schools Foundation, founding member of Litchfield Industries, founding member of Litchfield Development Corporation, Litchfield Chamber of Commerce, Ecumen of Litchfield Advisory Board, lifelong member of Litchfield Church of God and serving as longtime treasurer, Meeker Memorial Hospital Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and Lake Washington Lake Improvement Association. While he had many professional and service accomplishments his true joy and priority in life was his family. Mark loved to say he was always surrounded by women, starting with growing up alongside three sisters. After practicing law in St. Paul he returned to his beloved hometown of Litchfield. He then met Lynn Olson and together they built their family on Lake Washington. This is where they raised their three daughters, Emily,

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