Local News

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    HASTINGS CITY COUNCIL MEETING PREVIEW

    The Hastings City Council has a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 18th. Mayor Mary Fasbender with a preview of the agenda.

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    HAMPTON WOMAN INVOLVED IN SINGLE-VEHICLE ACCIDENT

    On Tuesday March 12th, at approximately 2:53pm, the Pierce County Sheriff's Office was notified of a single-vehicle motor vehicle accident with injury on US Highway 63 near 825th St. in Trenton Township. It was determined that a 2020 Ford Edge being operated by 46-year-old Miche'le Huybers of Hampton had been traveling southbound when she lost control and struck a guardrail. Huybers was transported from the scene by the Red Wing Fire Ambulance Service to Mayo Red Wing Hospital with undetermined injuries. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office was also assisted on scene by the Red Wing Police Department.

       

    LEGISLATIVE UPDATE WITH SENATOR JUDY SEEBERGER

    KDWA spoke with Minnesota State Senator Judy Seeberger on Wednesday to get an update on the legislative session. One bill she's been working on addresses Emergency Medical Services in the state.

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    Senator Seeberger goes on to describe the issues EMS workers are facing, along with proposed solutions.

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    Another bill Senator Seeberger is working on aims to provide greater rent protection for seniors.

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    Senator Seeberger also talked about the bonding request from the City of Hastings regarding PFAS.

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    One other bill Senator Seeberger is promoting involves Ticketmaster.

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    PRESCOTT CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAP

    The Prescott City Council had a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 11th. Prescott City Administrator Matt Wolf provided KDWA with a recap.

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    Accidents Increase, HPD Helps Burnsville

    Every other week, Hastings Deputy Chief of Police Bryan Schowalter joins us to walk through the police landscape over the past two weeks, and this week, the focus is on the increase in traffic accidents in the community, and the crazy part about it, is that there has been no winter weather to cause all of these crashes. What is driving the situation? Slowing down, and obeying signs is the first item of business, especially with yield signs, and roundabouts. We also talked about a tough subject, the Burnsville shooting incident in which our county lost three first responders. Schowalter talked about the situation, how the Hastings First Responders helped Burnsville, and also how our own department is holding up mentally, after a tough three weeks.

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    Grass Fire Ignites Off Highway 61

    If you were dialed in to Social Media on Wednesday afternoon, especially the KDWA Radio Facebook Page, you saw our LIVE coverage from an afternoon grass fire that spread from a 20x20 space, all the way across a pond and field just off of Highway 61 South, across from the Point gas station. You can watch the whole LIVE broadcast at our KDWA Facebook page, to see the smoke and flames for yourself. Hats off to the Hastings, Cottage Grove, and Miesville Fire Departments for their quick response in getting the fire, which was out of control at the page, to stopping the flames from spreading across Highway 61. The scene began to show signs of control around the top of the 2pm hour. According to scanner reports, the fire was started by the 911 caller, and erupted out of control in the 35 mile per hour wind gusts. KDWA will have more on the story, as a cause is determined, and damage has been tabulated. No injuries were reported as of 3:30pm, Wednesday.

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    Hastings Parks Ready For Spring

    After the warmerst Winter on record in the Tri-County Area now (hopefully) in the rear-view mirror, the focus is shifting to Spring, and especially in our parks and trails across the City of Hastings. Hastings Parks and Recreation Director Chris Jenkins talked with KDWA News about the end of this wacky "Winter", new park amenity highlights, an Isabel Park construction update, and what to look forward through Hastings Park and Rec Spring and Summer Programs!

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    Hastings Council Meeting Recap

    The Hastings City Council met for regular business on Monday night, at Hastings City Hall. On the agenda, included recognizing next week as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness week, with a local resident leading the charge. Plus, the Council also said good-bye to longtime City Council Person Tina Folch, who will be moving to Hudson, after seven years on the council. Dr. Tammy Champa also stopped by the meeting to say a big public thank you to the community for passing the last technology levy.

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    Two Dead In Afton Plane Crash

    Two people are dead after a small plane crashed near a home in Afton Saturday morning. Just before 9:45am, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received several 911 calls from neighbors near the 15000 block of Afton Hills Blvd S. reporting what sounded like a small explosion. Emergency crews arrived and located a small, fully engulfed aircraft that had crashed in the yard of a residence near the attached garage. Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department extinguished the flames and located the bodies of an 85-year-old man from White Bear Lake and 68-year-old man from Baytown Township. The families of the deceased have been notified. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the deceased men from Saturday's plane crash as William Patrick Moore, 85 of White Bear Lake and Mitchell Jay Zahler, 68 of Baytown Township. This incident, including the cause of the crash and any contributing factors, remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Washington County Sheriff's Office Public Information Manager Laura Perkins joined KDWA with more.

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    St. Joseph's Corned Beef Dinner

    Saint Joseph's Catholic Church of Miesville will be hosting their annual "Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner" on Saint Patrick's Day, Sunday, March 17th! Harry Roberts with St. Joseph's Catholic Church joined KDWA's Nick Tuckner for a preview of the menu, which will feature super-tasty corned beef, cabbage, irish soda bread, hot dogs for the kids, and much more! Also, learn more on how you can purchase a ticket before the dinner on the 17th!

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    River Blades Wows Saturday Crowd

    In front of a packed house, at the Hastings Civic Arena's McGree Rink, River Blades Skating School of Hastings took to the ice for their "TV Glide on Ice" Show, memorializing some of the best television shows of the past four decades, with over 35 unique routines featured. Closing out her 18th year as the Director of River Blades Skating School, Amanda Truax joined KDWA for a recap of all of Saturday's fun, and to say goodbye to her two Seniors! (Photo Courtesy of Tague Patrick Photography)

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    Mayor Minute: City Council and More

    The Hastings City Council will meet for regular business on Monday night, at Hastings City Hall, at 7:00pm, and though the agenda is short, Mayor Mary Fasbender joined us for a preview of the meeting. Also, Mayor Fasbender introduced KDWA listeners to our new Ward 1 City Councilperson, DawnMarie Vihrachoff, and thanked all of the High School Athletes and Fine Arts students that have kept us all occupied during the Winter season, while looking ahead to spring.

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    Prescott City Council Recap

    The City of Prescott's City Council met for regular business this past Monday, at Prescott City Hall, and City Administrator Matt Wolf took some time out of his busy week, to recap the meeting from start to finish. KDWA's Nick Tuckner has more with Wolf on the meeting, and what is coming up for meetings in March, for the City of Prescott.

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    Jersey Mike's Giving Back In March

    Jersey Mike's Subs of both Hastings and Albert Lea is one of our Radio Sponsors for the 2024 Team State Wrestling Meet, featuring the Hastings Raiders on Thursday, and both restaurants will also be participating in their "Month of Giving" which includes Wednesday, March 27th, when Jersey Mike's Subs will donate 100% of their profits on that day to the Special Olympics of Minnesota. Jersey Mike's Owner Kavrin McGuire joined KDWA to talk about the program, and the importance of giving back to the community.

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    Hastings City Hall Construction

    As many may have noticed over the past week or so, that work is being down at Hastings City Hall, and as you walk or drive down Highway 61, you will notice work being done on the beautiful dome and annex, on the 100+ year old historic building. Hastings City Planner Justin Fortney joined KDWA News to talk about the work that is being done, the importance in keeping our old buildings to code or better, and how residents can follow along with the progress.

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    New MN Bills Protect Officials

    In nearly 20 years of Sports Broadcasting in the Tri-County Area, KDWA's Nick Tuckner has met, and even befriended some of our local officials in numerous sports, and has heard horror stories about the way they are treated, leading to what has become an officials shortage, that started just before the pandemic hit. One of those officials is Minnesota District 56B State Representative John Huot, of Dakota County. Huot, and other Representatives are putting forth two bills, with one looking to fine unruly fans that interrupt play, and the other would give anybody who assaults an official steep penalties, including fines and or jail time. Huot joined Tuckner on Monday, to break down the importance of both bills.

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    My Current Obsessions Cuts Ribbon

    My Current Obsessions Unique Gifts has been open since Black Friday, and business has been booming ever since in their new Westview Center location, and KDWA was there for all of the fun of their Chamber Ribbon Cutting! KDWA's Nick Tuckner talked with Owner Meenu Howland at the event, about business so far, her favorite items, and how you can shop with them! Be sure to also keep your eyes on the KDWA Super Saver Radio Shopping shows, for deals and certificates from My Current Obsessions!

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    Hastings School Board Meeting Recap

    The School District 200 Board met for regular business on Wednesday night at 6pm, and the meeting lasted just over two hours. To break it down in to a quick, efficient, 3-minute recap, Board Chair Carrie Tate takes us through the meeting from start to finish, including looking forward to the next meeting towards the end of March.

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    Prescott Comedy Cabaret April 4th

    The Prescott Football "Flying P Club" will be hosting an evening of food, drinks, and laughs, to go along with a wonderful catered dinner from Ptacek's IGA, as Nationally Known Stand Up Comedian Steve Gillespie will perform at the Old Ptacek's Event Center, on Thursday, April 4th, at 7:00pm. The doors will open at 5:00pm, and tickets can be purchased via TEXT at 952-994-2161. Representative Trisha Packard of the Flying P Club joined KDWA's Nick Tuckner to preview this huge event!

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    Hastings City Council Recap

    The Hastings City Council met for regular business on Tuesday, due to the President's Day Holiday on Monday, and KDWA has some of the highlights from the meeting. The entire Council collaborated on a group proclamation recognizing March as National Food Share Month, Amy Sutton from Hastings Family Service accepted the honor on the community's behalf, and City Administrator Dan Wietecha recommended that the Council pass the latest "parklet" applications, which did, on a 6-0 vote, with Councilperson Jen Fox abstaining due to her ownership in Spiral Brewery.

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    Workman Family Galvanizing Burnsville

    The Dakota County Community is very close, and it doesn't get much closer than the Workman Family of Burnsville, with Mom Liz Workman working as a Dakota County Commissioner, serving the Burnsville area, while Son Vince Workman serving as a Burnsville City Councilman. When it comes to a situation as Burnsville faced on Sunday morning, you need those closest to you, to get through the pain, and emotion of such a tragic day. Liz and Vince both are trying to cope with the losses of three Public Servants, while still getting work done for Burnsville, and surrounding area. The Mother-Son Burnsville Government duo joined KDWA News together, to talk about the incident, putting the pieces back together, and how you can help the families involved. (Photo Courtesy of City of Burnsville Facebook Page)

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    Mayor Fasbender Grieves For Burnsville

    The City of Hastings mourns with our brothers and sisters to our West, in Burnsville, following Sunday morning's tragedy that took two police officers and a firefighters from our Dakota County community. Mayor Mary Fasbender shared some time with KDWA, to send our love and support, from one Dakota County family to another.

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    Sheriffs Department Reeling After Sunday

    KDWA Radio's continuing coverage from Sunday's Burnsville Police Shooting tragedy, Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko joined KDWA to talk about coping with the situation from a department perspective, the fact that everybody in Dakota County is hurting right now, and the importance of everybody banding together in the County, to support the City of Burnsville through this tragic, and horribly difficult time. We also mentioned the response from all over the area, from other law enforcement, and EMS agencies, and how when tragedy strikes, everybody steps up to help. We send our prayers and thoughts with our first responders, as Dakota County grieves together.

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    Burnsville Shooting Press Conference

    The City of Burnsville held a press conference on Sunday afternoon, at Burnsville City Hall, following Sunday's tragedy that took the lives of three first responders, as officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, along with firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth were killed in a Sunday morning shootout, that also injured another police officer, as Park High School Graduate, and Cottage Grove Native Adam Medlicott was shot, and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The shooter is also deceased. Here is Sunday's Press Conference, in its entirety, with City Staff, and Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota BCA all speaking on a very emotional Sunday, in Dakota County.

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    BREAKING: Burnsville Shooting Kills 3 Responders

    The Burnsville community is mourning the loss of Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Finseth. At 1:50 a.m. Sunday, February 18, Burnsville Police were called to the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South on a report of a domestic situation where a man reported to be armed was barricaded with family members. After arriving, the situation escalated into gunfire with responders. Elmstrand, Ruge and Finseth were killed by the gunman during the response. One other Police Officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was injured and transported to a hospital where he is believed to have non-life-threatening injuries. At approximately 8 a.m., the suspect was reported to be dead. Later in the morning, the other family members left the home and are safe. There is no ongoing threat. Residents are asked to allow public safety personnel to perform their duties and stay away from the area until further notice. Elmstrand, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in August 2017 as a Community Service Officer. He was promoted to Officer in July 2019. He was part of the department’s mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard and field training unit. Ruge, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in April 2020. He was part of the department’s crisis negotiations team and was a physical evidence officer. Finseth, 40, has been a Burnsville Firefighter-Paramedic since February 2019. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating the incident. Additional information will be posted online at BurnsvilleMN.gov/communityupdates as it becomes available. KDWA's Nick Tuckner has a recap from the Press Release sent out on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy of City of Burnsville Facebook)

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    SWAT Warrant Finds Murder Suspects

    In our Hastings Police Update with Deputy Chief of Police, Bryan Schowalter, we first broke down the warrant search that was executed on Malcolm Avenue in Hastings on Wednesday, as Saint Paul Police along with the South Metro SWAT Team executed the warrant, which provided the arrests of Morris Robert Ryan, 27, residence unknown, for two counts of murder, and one count of felony assault. Meanwhile, 29-year old Kelcie Marie Meyers was arrested at the same address on Malcolm Avenue, on one count of murder, one count of dangerous discharge of a firearm, and felony assault. Both are now in custody in Ramsey County, awaiting trials. There is no threat to the Hastings public. Also, some good news out of the department, as the "Coffee with a Cop" visits will be coming back soon! (Photo Courtesy of Erik Larsen)

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    Local Youth Raising Funds For EF

    A local family is making the most out of a difficult situation, after a young 10-year old Hastings Girl was diagnosed with epilepsy, she then wanted to make sure that other families having to battle the same disorder, to have the same quality treatment that she has been receiving from the Epilepsy Foundation. Last year, instead of presents for her birthday, young Ava raised over $400 in short order, to benefit the foundation. This year, she wants to make it even bigger, with the help of her wonderful Mother, Ali Morland. Morland and a group of friends and EF faithful, will be hosting a Birthay Bash Fundraiser for Ava, raising money for EF, on Saturday, February 24th, at the American Legion, beginning at Noon, and joined KDWA with more information.

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    River Blades Hosting "TV Glide"

    The River Blade Skating school will be hosting "TV Glide" a skating show that brings some of your favorite old television shows to life, on the ice of the Hastings Civic Arena, coming up on Saturday, March 2nd. River Blades Skating School Director Amanda Truax joined KDWA, to preview the event, coming up to start the month of March.

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    Prescott City Council Recap

    The Prescott City Council met for regular business on Monday at Prescott City Hall, and City Administrator Matt Wolf joined KDWA to talk about the agenda, and what took place. Wolf mentioned a new road project, along with the assessments that go along with it, plus an update on the Prescott Food Pantry building sale, back to the pantry. Also, a hot topic has been parking downtown, and Prescott is looking to install some more public spaces. Plus, many Prescott Residents have noticed low-flying helicopters near the confluence of the Saint Croix and Mississippi Rivers over the last week. What are they? Wolf has more, right here!

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    Wietecha On Charitable Gambling

    The City of Hastings is looking to monitor charitable gambling just a little bit closer, following last week's Hastings City Council meeting, installing a few more "checks and balances" on not only who is providing charitable gambling, but also making sure that the money raised by said gambling, stays right here in the City of Hastings. Hastings City Administrator Dan Wietecha joined KDWA News to explain the changes, that give the City a bit more of an idea as to who is doing what, where, and why.

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    Hastings Show Choirs Still Rockin'

    The Hastings Show Choir Season continued over the past two weeks, since our last update with Hastings Show Choir Director Luke Warren, and the performances continued to shine both in Nebraska, and then back in the Twin Cities this past weekend, with dazzling performaces from both Dynamic and Riverside, electrifying the crowd from start to finish. Warren joined us on Tuesday to look back at the last two events, and the excitement of hosting their home "Swingin' on the River" on February 24th, at HHS. (Photo Courtesy of Hastings Show Choirs Facebook)

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    Planning Underway For Rivertown Days

    Even though we are just about halfway through the month of February, planning for Rivertown Days 2024 is in full bloom, and Hastings Chamber of Commerce President Kristy Barse was eager to chat about how everything is going, thus far. Barse tells listeners that planning is in full swing, as much of everything from last year will be back, and on the same weekend as usual. There was some discussion about moving the date potentially, due to another music festival coming to Minneapolis, the very same weekend. For 2024, everything will remain the same as 2023, with the music, craft fair, carnival, food, and FUN!

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    911 Service Knocked Out Thursday

    In breaking news overnight, you may have received an alert on your mobile device at about 7pm Thursday night regarding a Dakota 911 service disruption. Dakota 911 was one of four counties who experienced issues Thursday, with call handling equipment shared by 45 counties statewide. Calls were rerouted to a neighboring PSAP, or Public Safety Answering Point, until Dakota 911 was back taking calls by 9:44pm. Hats off to leadership from both PSAPs for partnering to ensure emergency coverage. Work is already underway to address the cause and prevent further disruptions. And the cause could be...tornadoes in February? Dakota County 911 Director Heidi Hieserich explained more to our listeners.

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    Thorwood, Creamery Clean-Up Updates

    Following up on a couple of spots in Hastings, that have been getting attention for the wrong reasons, KDWA News was able to catch up with Hastings Community Development Director John Hinzman about hopeful progress at the old Thorwood Mansion on 4th and Pine Streets, but a much slower process with getting the owners of the old Hastings Creamery to clean up their heaping fire mess, where it has sat since the fire. Let's find out more about what is happening, or not happening, at both locations!

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    2024 State of the Community Address

    The "State of the Community " address was held on Wednesday, at the Hastings Public House, the KDWA's Mo was there for the event, taking in the sights, sounds, and moments from the afternoon, looking back at 2023, and then gazing forward in to the future of our great community. Take a listen to the entire address, right here at kdwa.com!

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    Wine and Beer Tasting Event

    Ability 2 Believe- The Brayden and Brooks Foundation will be hosting a Wine and Beer Tasting Event, on Thursday, February 22nd, at the Hastings Golf Club, from 6:30-9pm, inside the Hastings Public House. There will be Wine and Beer tastings, appetizers, silent auction, and raffles for your $45 advance ticket, or $55 at the door. Purchase tickets at the Hastings Public House, The Busted Nut, or online at www.ability2believe.org. Check out an interview with Founder Ashley Bettis-Carl, in full, right here!

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    Community Investment Fund Apps Open

    Applications for 2024 Community Investment Fund project proposals are open, with a first review of applications set for March 5, 2024. The City created a Community Investment Fund (CIF) three years ago to encourage and support community partnerships and community-driven projects and has provided $100,000 in funding each year. After March 5, applications will be reviewed on a first-come basis to the extent funds remain available. There is not a maximum grant award; however, the City may limit grants in order to fund multiple project applications. Matching dollars are not required by the CIF program but will help demonstrate community support, as well as help the CIF funds go further to partner with multiple projects. Hastings Parks and Recreation Director Chris Jenkins joined KDWA News with more on the program.

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    Walden Development, Land Deals

    In an action-packed Monday night City Council Meeting, at Hastings City Hall, Planning Firector John Hinzman made numerous presentations on growth within Hastings, especially the Walden Development, in South Hastings, that is in its infancy stages of planning. Also, Hastings is transferring ownership of a plot of land near Westview Center, on Pleasant Drive, to HEDRA, and is also looking for somebody to purchase the shovel-ready land on the east end of Spiral Boulevard, in the Industrial Park. Hinzman tackles it all in our KDWA News Update!

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    Local Accountants Open New Building

    Local Accounting Firm Radke and Mohrhauser opened their brand new building to the public, this past Friday, at 1945 31st Street West, and KDWA's Nick Tuckner was there for all of the fun! Co-Owner Brian Radke joined KDWA News to talk about the new building, that is now ready for tax season to begin, and also shared a couple tax tips to make sure your family is ready for Uncle Sam!

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    Scully Sentenced In Sexual Conduct Case

    A two-years long criminal sexual conduct case in Dakota County has finally come to an end, as Thomas Scully, age 81, of Hastings, was convicted of second degree criminal sexual conduct with a youth under thirteen, following an incident in Vermillion Township in 2022. According to the criminal complaint, which most is too graphic for local radio, Scully approached a 10 year old female in her yard on a hammock, and proceeded to commit sexual acts both to the girl, and himself. After a school community resource officer was notified of the conduct, the Dakota County Sheriff's Office began their investigation. Through a rigorous, and sometimes tough investigation, charges were brought, and Scully was convicted, and sentenced in early January 2024. Scully is currently being held in the Dakota County Jail. Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko joined KDWA's Nick Tuckner to break down the conviction, after a senior citizen took advantage of an innocent pre-teen youth. Scully was also convicted in 1987 in Cobb County Georgia of Criminal Sexual Conduct, however the Georgia Predator registry was not instituted until 1996.

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    Mellick Moving On From United Way

    Big news came out of the United Way of Hastings this week, as longtime Executive Director Mari Mellick (left) had her position removed withing the organization, and will be moving on in her career, after nearly 15 years as one of the champions for giving in our community. Mellick joined KDWA News to talk about her situation, leaving the United Way, great memories from her time there, and what's next for her and her family. Also, United Way Of Hastings Board Member Sue Schlomka talked with KDWA about the need for removing Mellick's position, and what they are looking to do in the future.

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    Show Choir Competition Begins

    Show Choir Season is finally underway, after an opening-weekend cancellation in South Dakota, as Riverside Company was able to travel to Bloomington Kennedy for their first competitions of the 2024 campaign. Riverside Director Luke Warren took some time to join KDWA's Nick Tuckner, to talk about opening weekend, the results, and what is coming up over a busy next six weeks. Don't forget, "Swingin' on the River" is also coming up in Hastings, soon! Warren has plenty on everything in our first recap of the season! (Photo Courtesy of Hastings Show Choir Facebook Page)

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    Former Councilman, Current Council Disagree

    After the Hastings City Council unanimously passed a resolution to ask President Joe Biden and Leaders to stop the fighting between Israel and Gaza, in the last meeting, many in the community have asked KDWA Radio, what the resolution has to do with City Government, and why the Hastings City Council is dipping their collective feet in to National Politics. Former City Councilman Joe Balsanek joined KDWA for some perspective on the Council not being well-versed in National and World issues, that have very little impact on the Hastings community as a whole, especially being a non-partisan group. Meanwhile, City Councilperson Jen Fox joined us on behalf of the Council, who passed the resolution unanimously, letting residents know why the group felt the need to jump in the ring. Councilperson Angie Haus, who brought the idea to the council had no comment on the council meeting, or the resolution.

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    District 200 School Board Recap

    KDWA News caught up with Board Chair of the School District 200 Board, Carrie Tate, to chat about the last meeting this past Wednesday, including some news on Little Raiders and Middle School Football, more on Public Comment returning to board meetings, huge donations that came in to the district the last two months, and honoring some special student through the Rotary at monthly board meetings. The next meeting of the School District Board will be on February 21st.

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    Former Raider Comes Home, Gives Back

    McAuliffe Elementary School in Hastings has a new physical education teacher in 2023-24, and a former Raider Multi-Sport Athlete has come back to the community to teach, and coach in the district. Erika McDonald was a multi-sport athlete at Hastings High School, and brought that athleticism to College, but has now come back to the district that served her so well, on and off the field of play. KDWA's Nick Tuckner filed this interview with McDonald on Thursday!

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    Fox Declares State Candidacy

    According to a press released obtained by KDWA on Wednesday evening, Local business owner and lifelong Hastings resident Jen Fox recently announced her candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 41B. District 41B includes Hastings and portions of Cottage Grove, as well as Denmark and Nininger townships. Fox currently serves on the Hastings City Council representing Ward 2 and is the city’s Acting Mayor. She has served on the council’s Finance Committee, Planning Committee, and Public Safety Committee. In addition to these responsibilities, Fox represents Hastings on the Dakota County 911 Board and the Hastings Chamber Tourism Board. KDWA's Nick Tuckner has more on the release, and we will also have more with Fox in future newscasts.

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    HFD Update: Appliance Fires and More

    Every other week, KDWA News conducts our Hastings Fire Department Update, with Hastings Fire Chief John Townsend, and today, we were able to tackle a couple of topics including dryer fires, like the one in the photo from Tuesday evening, in Hastings. We also learned more about the difficulty of figting appliance fires, especially in the basement. Plus, Hastings Fire has been dispatched to numerous gas leak, or gas-smell related calls, early in 2024. How do homeowners know the difference between a gas leak, or something else in the home. All of that, and much more, in our update with Chief Townsend.

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    Golf + Food + Service = Award Winner!

    KDWA Radio was able to catch up with Nicole Sindelar, owner of our 2023 Hastings Chamber of Commerce "Business of the Year", which is the Hastings Golf Club and Hastings Public House, right in the middle of town, on Westview Drive. They aren't just known for their golf, and beautiful course, either. It's also about the food, and service you get at the Hastings Public House, Bar and Restaurant, thanks to the wonderful team Sindelar has working there, every day. Sindelar shared her excitement on the award, some pieces of her business that she finds "award winning", and how you too, can experience the Hastings Golf Club, and Hastings Public House!

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    "Diamonds In The Rio" This September

    The excitement has now risen to a fever pitch here in Hastings, after Friday's announcement by the Hastings Rotaty Club at Hastings Chrysler Center, that the 2024 Rivertown LIVE Bands playing the show, will be none other than DIAMOND RIO, LITTLE TEXAS, and SLAMABAMA, on September 14th, at Levee Park. Brian Schommer with the Hastings Rotary joined KDWA's Nick Tuckner from Friday's announcement event. You can get tickets beginning Monday at rivertownlive.com!

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    Pinecrest Wins Free Custard Day!

    For many years, Merchants Bank has coordinated a 10 Days of Giving program from Dec 1st to Dec 10th in several communities where Merchants have bank locations. In Hastings, Merchants supports Hastings Family Service. Merchants then coordinates a food and personal care item drive through Kennedy, Pinecrest and McAuliffe Elementary Schools. Again, all benefiting HFS. The students and staff at those schools collect the items over the 10 days, Merchants provided barrels and signage to promote, and then Merchants delivers the items to HFS. Over the past several years, Culver’s has generously donated a free custard day for the school that collects the most items (we use a scale to convert to total pounds to judge the winner). Culver’s raised the bar again a few years ago and added a lunch for all the staff at the school too. This year, the WINNER is Pinecrest! Jeff Carter with Merchants Bank of Hastings has more!

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    Mid-Month Hastings Police Update

    This week's Hastings Police Department Update on KDWA features Deputy Chief Bryan Schowalter looking back at January 10th's Hastings Police Reserves Banquet, the role they serve in the department, and much more on our volunteer unit. We were also able to tackle a burning topic for some parents of school-aged kids in Hastings, and that is the stress than can be pick-up and drop-off time. It's all about slowing down, being courteous, and realizing that every car in line has something else going on in their lives too. (Banquet Photo Provided by the City of Hastings)

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    SEAS Preschool Open House

    Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton School (SEAS) will be hosting their Preschool Open House on Sunday, January 28th, after 10am mass, from 11:00am-12:15pm, at 2035 W 15th Street, in Hastings. Explore preschool classrooms, check out the Scholastic Book Fair, tour the school, meet the teachers, take part in fun activities, and even have a chance to win $200 off your tuition! Scan the QR Code in the photo to register! KDWA's Nick Tuckner has more.

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    Mayor(s) Of The Day Join Us

    Tuesday was so much fun at City Hall and beyond for our two "Mayors For a Day", as both Harrison Haltvick and Summer Tusberg joined Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender at City Hall, around town, and back to the Council Chamber for a little pizza party, followed by taking in the hour-long City Council meeting. Haltvick, a 4th grader at Pinecrest Elementary, and Tusberg, a 5th grader at Hastings Middle School, had their essays (on what they would do as Mayor) chosen by Mayor Fasbender, and they were so good, she couldn't pick just one. It's the first time that Hastings has given this a shot, and it was a wonderful success. KDWA's Nick Tuckner had some fun with all THREE Mayors, at City Hall on Tuesday, and you can hear it here!

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    Councilmember Folch Resigns

    A semi-surprise announcement took place at Tuesday's Hastings City Council Meeting, as longtime Councilperson Tina Folch will be resigning from her seat, coming up on March 11th, as Folch and her Fiance will be making their new home in Hudson, Wisconsin, as they start their new life as a couple. KDWA News has Folch's announcement from Tuesday night's meeting, right here.

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    UHL's Hudella Honored By US Army

    Late last week, The Minnesota Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) presented United Heroes League Founder and President Shane Hudella the Award for Distinguished Service in honor of his contributions to the health and wellbeing of the children of Army families nationwide, as well as his advocacy for Veterans in the Minnesota State Legislature. KDWA's Nick Tuckner was there for the event, and shares these words from Hudella, accepting his award.

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    New Board Chair Joins KDWA

    There is lots of "new" when it comes to School District 200 business, especially on the school board, as new Board Chair Carrie Tate joined KDWA, to look back at the last meeting, which includes swearing in the new board members, going over some legal representation changes, and news on public comment coming back to meetings. We also flash forward to the next meetings, and the scheduling.

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    Carter Volunteers Way To Award

    Jeff Carter has been selected as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year by the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, for his dedication to multiple community organizations and leadership roles in Black Dirt Theatre, Hastings Downtown Business Association and Hastings Chamber of Commerce. Jeff is heavily involved in Hope Lutheran Church taking time off of work in the summer to help with Vacation Bible School and chaperone youth trips. If you attend community events, you'll likely see Jeff Carter working hard in a volunteer t-shirt. He is an active volunteer for Hastings Historic Car Shows, Rivertown Days, The Candy Crawl, Holiday Hoopla & Gobble Gait. Chamber members and guests will celebrate these deserving award winners at the Chamber's Annual Meeting & Awards dinner on January 25th. Event details and tickets can be found on the Chamber

    website www.hastingsmn.org. Carter joined KDWA to talk more about the honor!

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    Outdoor Rink Flooding Underway

    Next to "when does the new KFC open?", the million dollar question to the KDWA Radio Studio over the winter, has been "when will the area skating rinks be flooded?". The answer to the first question was answered two weeks ago, while the skating query is finally ready to be answered. KDWA News caught up with Cory Likes from the Hastings Parks and Recreation Department, as flooding has now kicked in to high gear across town. The one change to this shortened season, will be the absence of a hockey rink in the boards, at Pioneer Park. The late start, and inability to freeze the sand volleyball court underneath the ice, will prevent the hockey rink from opening, however, the skating rink right in front of the warming house will indeed be ready for skaters. Wallin Park and Lions Park should be status quo as past years, with the skating and hockey rinks available. Once the rinks are open, the warning shacks will also be open, and ready for use. The City of Hastings begs skaters to please stay off of the ice until the rinks are open for the season. You can call our hotline at 651-480-2392 for weather-related closures or text CITYRINKS to 888777 to receive text updates. Get the entire interview right here!

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    Edina Realty's Hearts For Hastings

    KDWA is thrilled to share the exciting news that Edina Realty of Hastings is once again sponsoring the highly anticipated "Hearts for Hastings" event for its third consecutive year! "Hearts for Hastings" is an extraordinary event that aims to spread love, kindness, and compassion throughout our beautiful town. The upcoming event will be held on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, from 10:00am-12:00 Noon, at the Edina Realty Office in Hastings. Those who bring food, handmade Valentine's cards or money to the office will be given tickets to participate in the prize basket giveaway. Amazing prizes include both children and adult filled baskets. This is a unique opportunity for the community to stock the shelves of both Hastings Family Services and the United Way of Hastings “Food 4 Kids”. Most people in the area are aware of HFS and all it does for our community. However, most people do not realize United Way of Hastings sponsors a food program that provides weekend meals to students in need. These meals are provided by donations from our local community and packed by volunteers who generously give their time. A list of preferred items for the Food 4 Kids program will be listed on Edina Realty Hastings Facebook page: Facebook.com/EdinaRealtyHastings. You can designate where you would like your donation directed at the time of drop-off. Valentine’s will be donated to local Assisted Living, Nursing Homes and to the Hastings Veterans Home. Find out more with Theresa Chatelle, in our interview!

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    Educator of the Year: Kyle Kreuser

    Over the next week in our KDWA Newscasts, we will be talking with all of the 2023 Hastings Chamber of Commerce Award Winners, and we first talked with Hastings "Educator of the Year", Hastings Middle School Teacher and Coach, Kyle Kreuser. Kreuser told KDWA News about the moment he was honored by friends, family, and Hastings dignitaries alike, along with some of his favorite parts of being a teacher at HMS. We also noted Kreuser's involvement in kids' lives outside of the classroom as a Wrestling and Soccer Coach in the community. (Photo Courtesy of Hastings Chamber of Commerce)

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