Track meet embodies Litchfield's volunteer spirit

by Pete Cunningham

Litchfield High School will host the 25th annual N. B. Purdy Invitational Saturday. For many Division 4 teams the meet is circled in red on the calendar due to its reputation as one of the premier meets in the area. For many current and former athletes and residents alike, the date is circled for reasons that reach beyond the competition itself.

In the winter of 1983, (Nelson) Bill Purdy, former Simpson Industries (now Metaldyne) CEO was ap-proached by community members about building a six-lane track around the school’s football field. A 1928 graduate of Litchfield and the first ever Terrier to garner 16 varsity letters, Purdy was for all for the idea. He agreed to have the Simpson Fund match whatever the athletic boosters could raise up to $150,000.

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Homer Shell to carry fresh meat and produce in new IGA Express

by Mike Warner

A local convenience store chain is stepping up to try and fill the void left in Homer with the closing of JMS, the village’s lone grocery store.

Homer Shell, owned by Walters-Dimmick Petroleum, is expanding to become an IGA Express. The store will not increase in size, but the broaster chicken will be discontinued, freeing up space for new food items such as meat, fresh produce, a cheese case and a greater selection of grocery items. Work is expected to begin in June and take several weeks.

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