The past year was filled with ups and downs as we all continued to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. This page features some of the memorable photographs and their newsworthiness. See Pages 5-8 for a recap of the news that touched our lives in 2021.
The Year in Pictures
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The sign above the locker room door at Litchfield Civic Arena includes an inspirational message, which Dylan Falling wrote for a school assignment. Dustin Falling, Dylan’s father, encouraged players to tap the sign in memory of their teammate, who died in a car crash, as they enter and leave the locker room.
Former Augustana Auxiliary president Judy Hulterstrum, and current co-presidents Ruth Massingham and Connie Meyer talked about the history of Augustana Auxiliary and Emmaus Gift Shop while looking through mementos of the organization. Emmaus Gift Shop officially closed at the end of last year, but $18,000 in proceeds from its final sales were donated to area nonprofit organizations in January.
Ian Santiago, 4, and Juan Becerra, 8, pose with the Easter Bunny while Bladimir Becerra takes a picture at the Community Easter Party. The party was organized by Litchfield United Methodist Church, Litchfield Downtown Council and Greater Litchfield Opera House Association.
Music teacher Abby Molitor played guitar for accompaniment for kindergarten students while parents and other family looked on during an COVID-altered concert at Lake Ripley Elementary School. “The initial plan was to keep it virtual, but it was obvious the parents were craving the opportunity to watch and support their child,” Molitor said. “The outdoor venue provided a situation for the parents to attend and for the students to step out of their comfort zone and sing in front of a live audience.”
City and First District Association representatives, along with Darlene Kotelnicki of the Litchfield Downtown Council, watched as one of the fiberglass cows that were part of Downtown Cowtown was installed in a parking lot at Holcombe Avenue and U.S. Highway 12 East.
Chris Woelfel, Ellie Wood, 13, and Gia Woelfel, 11, worked on their sand sculpture masterpiece — a boat adorned with a Dragon’s head — during the Watercade sand sculpture contest at Lake Ripley, The Woelfel-Wood team captured first place in their division.
Sisters Ivy, 4, and Ella, 6, brushed Ivy’s sheep Star Night while their father, Jared Nickel, of rural Litchfield watched during the Meeker County Fair.
Anna Euerle posed with her butter sculpture likeness in the cooler at the Dairy Barn on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Euerle was crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way and will spend the year as Minnesota’s top dairy ambassador.
Josie Jansen reacted with surprise after having the queen’s crown placed on her head by Ryanna Steinhaus as candidates Britney Prahl and Shamra Saenz looked on during Litchfield High School’s homecoming coronation in the LHS gym.
Orphea Mattsfield talked with 1-year-old Avry West and his dad, Abel, who joined her 110th birthday celebration at Ecumen of Litchfield. Mattsfield was celebrated as an “amazing” woman during the party. She died two weeks later.
Matt Stone and Rebekah Orsatti of Litchfield captured their 6-month-old daughter Daphne’s first visit with Santa Claus.
