February 2025
The fragile line between democracy and dictatorship
In 1964, a dictatorship was established in Brazil. I arrived in Brazil as a Peace Corps volunteer just as that dictatorship began. It wasn’t until 21 years later, in 1985, when Brazil would again be transitioning towards democracy.
Her life served as a lesson for us all
To see the over-capacity crowd packed into Cornerstone Church in Litchfield on Feb. 15, you’d think a memorial service was being held for a prominent politician or celebrity of some sort.
Blood donations critical to community health
Someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion about every two seconds. Blood donations play a critical role in maintaining the health of our communities, particularly in the winter when the blood supply tends to be at its lowest.
BACK THEN
20 YEARS AGO: NEWS FROM THE ISSUE OF FEB. 24, 2005 Five downtown Litchfield buildings were damaged by fire Friday afternoon that started in an apartment above the former Papa Sluigee’s pizza place at 225 Sibley Ave. N. The fire was most likely caused by an overloaded circuit, according to Litchfield Fire Chief Tagg Magnuson. Larry Ackerman, who said he is involved in ownership of the building, did not know what would happen to it. He said he was waiting for insurance and other information. The two apartments on the second floor of the building share a stairway and hallway with an apartment above the Heartland Community Action Agency building at 223 Sibley Ave. N. Though the fire was contained in one apartment, significant smoke damage made all three apartments uninhabitable, Magnuson said.
Budget outlook indicates challenges
Litchfield School Board looks for ways to improve future financial picture
County Board considers housing trust fund
EDA director says fund could help address housing shortage
JUDITH “JUDY” A. PEARSON
Judith “Judy” A. Pearson, 85, of Golden Valley passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Global Point Memory Care in Golden Valley. Private Family Service was held. Judith “Judy” Ann Pearson was born on May 8, 1939, in Storm Lake, Iowa. She was the daughter of Charles “Jack” and Leota (Sanders) Porath. Judy was baptized as an infant on March 24, 1940, and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on April 13, 1952, both at Varina Methodist Church in Varina, Iowa. She was a graduate of the first Cosmos High School class of 1957, in Cosmos. On June 29, 1958, Judy was united in marriage to Robert Alfred Pearson at Cosmos Methodist Church in Cosmos. This marriage was blessed with two children, Michael and Brenda. Judy and Robert previously resided in St. Louis Park for 37 years and Waconia for 18 years. They shared 62 years of marriage prior to the passing of Robert on October 24, 2020. Judy was employed as a secretary at Cargill Leasing until her retirement. Judy was a member of Waconia Moravian Church in Waconia. She was also part of a quilting group and Meals on Wheels. Judy was devoted to her faith. She enjoyed gardening, playing piano, and doing jigsaw puzzles. Judy especially cherished time spent with her family and friends. Blessed be her memory. Judy is survived by her son, Michael Pearson of St. Louis Park; daughter, Brenda Pearson of Golden Valley; brother, Robert Porath and his wife Diane of Olivia; sister, Nancy Lundstrom and her husband Chuck of Hutchinson; many nieces and other relatives and friends. Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Charles “Jack” and Leota Porath; husband, Robert Pearson; infant sister, Rebecca Ann Porath. Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guestbook available www.hantge.com.