Local News

Raiders-Wolfpack Interrupted By Fire

If you were tuned in to the Hastings-Park Girls Basketball Opener on KDWA, Tuesday night, you may have noticed an extra long halftime break, and the fire alarm going off in the background. Only this wasn't just a "pulled fire alarm" or a sophomore prank, this was the real thing. As HHS Staff toiled to clear the gym,. custodians were hard at work knocking out an active fire in a trash can in the metals shop. Quick work by the custodians mitigated any spread of the fire, which was contained to the area of the trash can. The smell of smoke lingered through the building the rest of the game, but HFD worked meticulously to make sure the school was safe, before the Raiders closed out their season-opening win over the Wolfpack. Chris Paulson with the Hastings Fire Department joined KDWA with more on the fire. (Photo Submitted by Ashley Alitz)

Woodbury 10 Hosting Special Screening

The Woodbury 10 Theatre, one of our fine KDWA Radio Advertisers, will be hosting an exclusive screening of the Minnesota Film "40 Below: The Toughest Race in the World" on one night only, Saturday, December 2nd, at 7:00pm. Woodbury 10 Owner Nathan Block joined KDWA's Nick Tuckner to talk about the event, which is unprecedented since Block took over ownership, 20 years ago. Listen in to how you can be part of the screening, and a fun Q and A session with Director, Minnesotan Marius Anderson, and Arrowhead 135 race competitors!

Mayor Mary On Thanksgiving Weekend

Looking back at a Thanksgiving Weekend to remember in Hastings, Mayor Mary Fasbender joined KDWA on Tuesday to look back at all of the fun from the weekend, including Gobble Gait, and Holiday Hoopla, across the community. It was a weekend to give thanks for all we have in the Hastings area.

State Street Medical Update

In a follow-up to our Breaking News story from November 16th, Hastings Deputy Chief of Police Bryan Schowalter joined KDWA News to discuss the medical situation that led to HPD, the Hastings Fire Department, and even the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, finding a deceased male body near Lions Park, just off the intersection of 4th and State Street. There is no threat to the public, although the investigation is still ongoing.

Gobble Gait Successful Again!

Gobble Gait 2023 was a smashing turkey-filled success, as they raised nearly their 2 Millionth dollar for Hastings Family Service over the 26 years of the fundraiser. KDWA's Nick Tuckner was gobbling with the community on Thursday morning, and was joined by numerous special guestsm including Amy Sutton from Hastings Family Service, Hastings Police Chief Dave Wilske, and Regina Benedictine Rep Rob Halberg, among many others! Take a listen to what you may have missed, on Thanksgiving.

Harmon Peddling Free Pies

One of our KDWA Sports Boosters is stressing the "Giving" in Thanksgiving, this week, as Teran Harmon of our local State Farm Agency in Downtown Hastings will be giving away free pies to clients, and other potential clients, throughout the business day on Wednesday. The pies were already fling out of the office on Tuesday, and Harmon joined KDWA's Nick Tuckner to talk about the event, her mission, and local businesses giving back to those they serve.

Council Opts Out of PFAS Agreement

From the Hastings City Council meeting on Monday, the Council met to discuss normal business, along with more on Hastings' ongoing battle against PFAS in our drinking water, and how the community will raise funding to eradicate the chemical from local taps. The City Council voted unanimously to opt-out of the settlement from both 3M, and Dupont, giving them latitude to futher litigation against the companies in the future. The amount that would have been awarded, would be well short of the money needed to install, and maintain a plant to rid the water of PFAS. City Administrator Dan Wietecha talked about the reasons behind the opt out, the timing, and that opting out doesn't necessarily mean immediate litigation against 3M and Dupont. Also hear from Councilperson Tina Folch on the situation. The vote passed on a 6-0 margin.

Prevent Those Holiday Fires!

It's officially the Holiday Season, beginning on Thursday, with all of the Thanksgiving fun to be had by families across the Tri-County Area! But did you know that the Holidays also bring some fire hazards to our parties, and Chief John Townsend of the Hastings Fire Department joined KDWA to talk about how we halt those preventable fires, before they start. Also, we talk about the "Keep the Wreath White" Campaign, which also starts this week!

Gobble Gait 2023 Preview

We are now less than one week away from one of the best days of the year! Not only is it Thanksgiving, but it's also one of the biggest communnity events around, as Gobble Gait 2023 is set for Thanksgiving morning, in Downtown Hastings. Mayor Mary Fasbender, and Kelly Carter, both with the Gobble Gait board, joined KDWA to chat about the history, the course itself, and how to sign up before the event. Don't forget, our own "Turkey" Nick Tuckner will be hosting our first annual "Turkey Talk with Tuck" LIVE from Gobble Gait, Thanksgiving morning.

St. Phillips Plans Thanksgiving Service

If you are looking to give thanks this weekend, in Hastings, Saint Phillip's Lutheran Church of Hastings is hosting a Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service on Sunday, November 19th, at 3:30pm. The service will also act as a fundraiser for the less fortunate in the Hastings community. Pastor Greg Geier joined KDWA to talk about the purpose of the event, what will happen on Sunday, and how you can be part of the service!

Vets Park Projects Getting Close

Hastings Parks and Recreation continues with their work at several area parks, including a larger project at Vets' Park, with new ag lime being put on to all of the softball fields, and some topsoil mulch added to the soccer fields, to improve playability for both sports. Also at Vets', work will continue on the new dugouts that will be constructed on the new cement plots, that will include roofs on each. Other parks in the city will, or already have gotten the same treatment, including, Pioneer, Wallin, and Lions. Parks and Recreation Director Chris Jenkins joined KDWA to talk about the projects, and where they are at as we approach winter.

HFD Conducts Sewer Rescue

The City of Hastings Fire and Ambulance Services along with the Hastings Police Department responded to the 400th block of Hayes Drive, late last week, on the call of an 82-year old male stuck in the City storm sewer. When HFD and HPD arrived, they indeed found the Gentleman unable to get out of the murky, dark, damp sewer, as he dropped his keys and a flashlight down the grate, so he popped it off, and went on a little "mission". When he couldn't get out, the City officials were summoned. Though the man was retrieved unharmed, Hastings Fire Inspector Jamie Stevens spent some time on scene with KDWA's Nick Tuckner to talk about the situation, and the importance of staying OUT of the storm sewer system.

Prescott City Council Meeting Preview

The Prescott City Council meets Monday evening. City Administrator Matt Wolf provides a preview of the agenda.

Prescott City Council To Consider Land Purchase From PSD

On Monday, the Prescott City Council will hold a closed meeting to discuss the option of a purchase of land from the Prescott School District. When asked about the potential use of the land for housing development, City Administrator Matt Wolf had this response.

Stay tuned to KDWA for future updates on this issue.

Prescott Selects Tennis Sanitation For Waste Removal Services

The City of Prescott reports that, effective January 1, 2024, municipal trash and recycling services will be provided by Tennis Sanitation. The City has considered multiple options for trash and recycling, and believes this new partnership will provide excellent customer service, additional waste and recycling options, and very competitive costs. All current residents that have single-, two-, or three-family trash service will be receiving a letter in the mail along with a brochure from Tennis Sanitation detailing their services along with rates. Going forward, Tennis Sanitation will maintain customer accounts, and trash and recycling services will no longer be billed through quarterly utility statements from the City of Prescott. See the City website for more information.

Afton Museum Seeks Volunteers

The Afton Historical Museum, located in the historic Old Village of Afton, is seeking volunteers to help with history-related projects and assist with staffing the museum during open hours. Hours are per your availability and are very flexible. Volunteers will be interacting with the public and training will be provided. If you would like to learn about the history of Afton and the St. Croix River Valley and meet new friends, send an email to Info@AftonHistoricalMuseum.com or call 651-436-3500.

Afton City Council Actions

The Afton City Council recently adopted an ordinance restricting the use of shipping containers for exterior storage in all areas of Afton. The ordinance allows shipping containers to be used for temporary storage for up to 180 days, but they cannot be used for permanent storage. Other actions by the Council included approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a roadside stand in the 4400 block of Pateley Bridge Ave. S., approval of a Conditional Use Permit to replace an existing security fence at the Xcel property at 12511 Hudson Road S, approval of an Ordinance Amendment regarding the preservation and replacement of shoreland vegetation, and approval of a request for a pension benefit increase for the Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Relief Association.

FHR Commissions Solar Facility

Flint Hills Resources celebrated its newly-completed solar project at a commissioning ceremony Friday. The event took place onsite at the solar complex, located immediately adjacent to the Pine Bend refinery. Featuring more than 120,000 solar panels located on 350 acres of land, the solar installation is the largest of its kind in the United States. Energy generated from the $75 million installation will be used exclusively to help power Pine Bend refinery, which will become both the first refinery and the largest manufacturing facility in the country to be significantly powered by onsite solar. Under optimal conditions, the 45-megawatt installation will supply up to 30% of the refinery's power needs, lowering operational costs and improving efficiency as part of Flint Hills Resources' ongoing investment in one of the most energy efficient refineries in the U.S. For comparison, an installation of this size can generate enough energy to power 8,400 homes annually.

(Photo Courtesy Hastings Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.)

Knights Of Columbus Announce 61st Annual Auction

The Knights of Columbus are gearing up for their 61st Annual Charity Auction on November 24th, and Joe Kummer invites everyone to the event.

To donate, or if you have questions, call Dick Carlson at 651-437-3329, or Joe Kummer at 651-367-9223.

Senior Center Holiday Meals

Hastings area senior citizens are likely to face challenges of loneliness during the Holiday season and the Hastings Senior Center is there to help them have a happy and fulfilling Thanksgiving and Christmas. Laurie Thrush, the Hastings Senior Center Director, talked about meal events coming up.

Learn more on the Hastings Community Education website.

City Offices Closed For Veterans Day

City offices will be closed on Friday, November 10th, in observance of Veterans Day. There are a number of activities happening in Hastings during the Veterans Day weekend. Mayor Mary Fasbender will be at the new United Heroes League ice rink on Saturday, November 11th at 12:00 PM to celebrate a ribbon cutting and deliver a proclamation for Girls Hockey Day. Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210 will hold a Hastings Community Veterans Day Dinner on Saturday, November 11th at 5:00 PM at the 2nd Street Depot Bar and Grill. On Sunday, November 12th, the Mayor will attend and serve as emcee for the River Valley Band and 204th Army Band Veterans Day Concert set for 1:00 PM at the Hastings Middle School.

Planning Commission Meeting Preview

The Hastings Planning Commission will conduct two public hearings during a meeting on Monday, November 13th in City Council chambers at Hastings City Hall. The first Public Hearing will gather input on a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the Future Land Use Designation from Medium Density Residential to Low Density Residential for the South Oaks of Hastings 4th Addition. The second hearing will be for an Ordinance Amendment related to Cannabis and Hemp in Hastings. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. The meeting begins at 7 PM.

Nov. 16 Is Give To The Max Day

November 16th will be the date for this year's annual "Give to the Max" Day in Minnesota, and several charitable organizations in the KDWA listening area ask that the Community consider donations to help a wide range of programs and services continue. From food for hungry people and support for those battling addictions, to providing services for the homeless, and helping the next generation establish healthy webs of support, groups like United Way of Hastings, Hastings Family Service, DARTS, the Devin J. Norring Foundation, and Rise Up Recovery, among many others, depend on community financial support to do the work and provide the services they do. Visit the Give To The Max website to find and support the organizations of your choice.

Man Rescued From Storm Sewer

Hastings Fire and EMS Services, along with the Hastings Police Department, were called to the 400 block of Hayes Drive around 1:45 PM, on Thursday, for an 82-year old man stuck in a storm sewer. When authorities arrived, they began extraction of the victim from the sewer hole, and brought him back to the surface shaken, but unharmed. According to Hastings Fire Inspector Jamie Stevens, the man was trying to retrieve his keys, when he became stuck. Fire and police authorities encourage people to not try to retrieve items from storm sewer drains, but to call the City Public Works Department at 651-480-6185, or, if after hours, 911.

MFD Inaugurates New Truck

The Miesville Fire Department placed a new rescue truck into service on November 5th. The 2012 Ford F550 4X4 came to the MFD from a fire department in Alabama and replaced a 1992 Ford L8000. Within 45 minutes of going into service, the new truck was dispatched for a medical call. MFD officials are confident that this vehicle will serve the department and community well for many years to come.   

(Submitted photo.)

Homestead Status Applications Due

All new property owners or qualified relatives who changed residences during the past year and use the residence for homestead before December 31st of 2023 must apply for homestead status with the county assessor by December 31st. Once the homestead classification has been granted, no further applications are necessary, unless requested by the county assessor. Only new applicants must file if they have not already done so. Property owners who sell their home, move, or no longer qualify for the homestead classification, are required to notify the county assessor within 30 days of the homestead's change in status. For applications or more information, visit DakotaCounty.us and search "homestead application" or call Dakota County Assessing Services at 651-438-4200.

HPD Pink Patch Project Recap

The end of October saw the conclusion of this year's "Pink Patch Project" with the Hastings Police Department. Deputy Chief of the Hastings Police Department, Bryan Schowalter, commented that the numbers for the Pink Patch Project were not available yet, but by all accounts, the campaign went well.

The HPD was one of several police organizations in the region to participate in the annual project.

HPD Records Quiet Halloween

The City of Hastings recorded a very rare occasion on Halloween evening last week, and Deputy Chief of the Hastings Police Department, Bryan Schowalter, was happy to report the events of the evening.

The Hastings Police Department offered its thanks to the community for a great Halloween.

Give Thanks Concert Planned

The Annual "Give Thanks Concert" in Hastings is scheduled for Sunday, November 12th. Concert Organizer Pete Likes has the details.

Cornerstone Bible Church is located at 735 E 10th Street.

Adventures In Learning Site Plan In Prescott

A Site Plan for New Adventures Learning Center in the 1000 block of Orrin Road in Prescott came before the Prescott Planning Commission on Monday evening. City Planner Carter Hayes summarized the plan for the Commission.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Site Plan, and the City Council will consider the plan at a future meeting.

Dollar Tree Plans To Build In Prescott

The Prescott Plan Commission met for regular business on Monday, November 6th to deliberate a Site Plan for development in the 1400 block of North Acres Road for a planned Dollar Tree store. City Planner Carter Hayes presented the proposal to the Commission.

Upon approval of the City Council, foundation work would start later this month. The Commission recommended approval and the City Council will consider the Plan on November 13th.

Zach Parise To Sign Autographs At UHL

This weekend's Veterans Day Jamboree at United Heroes League will now include an autograph session with NHL Star Zach Parise. The autograph signing is part of the weekend-long celebration for US Veterans and the Scheel's Youth Hockey Rink on the grounds of UHL, on Ravenna Trail just south of Hastings. UHL President Shane Hudella, himself a veteran of the US Army, began United Heroes League to provide sporting equipment for children in military families locally, and wherever the Military is based. Learn more about UHL and the weekend's events at UnitedHeroesLeague.org.

Voters Approve ISD 833 Ballot Initiatives

Voters in the South Washington County School District approved both Bond Questions that were placed on the ballot for the November 7th School District election. Bond Question 1, at a cost of $160 million, will provide for safety and security enhancements and expansions and renovations at secondary schools. Bond Question 2, at $40 million, will provide funding to address elementary school space at schools projected to exceed capacity. Voters also approved SoWashCo Schools' request to revoke and replace the Technology Projects Levy. The approval of the request to revoke and renew the existing technology levy increases the annual funding from $2.8 million to $5 million for the next 10 years.

ISD 200 Election Results

With nine candidates on the ballot for election to the ISD 200 School Board, all five combined precints reported their balloting totals by 9:30 PM on Tuesday evening, and the four new School Board Directors for ISD 200 are Jenny Wiederholt-Pine with 3,340 votes, followed by Melissa Millner, with 3,324, Matt Bruns, with 3,097, and Philip Biermaier with 3,048 votes. Only ten votes separated Biermeir from the next candidate, Matt Seeger, at 3,038. Remaining candidates Nancy Blanchard received 2,480 votes, Brandy Wenlzler, 2,938, Mariah Ring, 2,923, Pamela Onnen, 1,107. Voters also approved the Capital Project Levy Authorization for Technology ballot initiative by a vote of 3,535 to 3,089. Election results are unofficial until canvassed by the Election Board.

(Clockwise From Upper Left: Jenny Wiederholt-Pine, Melissa Millner, Philip Biermaier, and Matt Bruns. Submitted Phtos.)

City Hall Dome Contract Awarded

The dome of Hastings City Hall is up for renovations but finding a cost-effective contractor for the job has been difficult. On Monday evening, Community Development Director John Hinzman updated the City Council on the process to date.

The Council approved awarding the contract for dome repairs to Renaissance Roofing, Inc. in the amount of $3,294,805.

Hastings Council Approves Ag Lease Renewal

On Monday evening, the Hastings City Council deliberated the renewal of a lease of City land in the Industrial Park for agricultural use. Community Development Director John Hinzman presented the item.

The request for bids stated that the award would be based on qualifications, bid price, and crop option. Hinzman reviewed the bids received for corn/soybeans (Option A) or a low nitrogen perennial crop (Option B). Staff recommended awarding the agricultural lease to Dave and Joe Birk for $233 per acre under Option A as it was the most competitive offer. A motion to award the contract to Strohfus Farms under Option B for $100.50 passed by unanimous vote.

School Board To Meet Wednesday

The ISD 200 School Board has scheduled a Special Meeting on Wednesday Nov. 8th at 6:00 PM in the Hastings Middle School Media Center to consider approval of the District's Food Service Agreement. The Special Session will be immediately followed by a work session to discuss a Student Behavior/Discipline report, the School Perceptions survey results, Initial Budget Assumptions/Guiding Principles discussion for the 2024-25 budget, an updated and or refreshed Joint Powers Agreement, and the Student Board member schedule/process. Both meetings are open to the public.

HFD Weekly Report

The Hastings Fire and EMS Department responded to 6 calls for service for the week ending November 7th. On November 3rd at 6:17 PM, crews were dispatched to the intersection of Glendale Road and Spiral Boulevard in response to a report of a grass fire. Crews arrived at 7:24, and were on the scene until 8:20 to extinguish the fire. 3 units of apparatus and 8 crew members responded. No structural or property damage, or injuries were reported. On November 6th at 2:24 PM, crews responded to the 800 block of 4th Street West to investigate a report of a gas leak. Crews arrived at 2:26 and were on the scene until 3:15 to investigate the report. No damage or injuries were reported.

PPD Blotter Report

The Prescott Police Department logged 109 entries to the Police Blotter for the week ending November 5th. On October 31st at 6:51 PM, an officer conducted a traffic traffic stop in the 200 block of Broad Street, after receiving a report of a box truck with no rear lights. The officer advised the driver of the issue and instructed that the hazard flashers be used until the truck reached its destination. On November 2nd at 4:41 PM, officers on patrol located a reported stolen vehicle unoccupied in the 100 block of South Broad Street. The registered owner of the vehicle was notified and authorized the vehicle to remain where found. And Prescott officers assisted the PCSO during a traffic stop at 10:52 AM on November 5th near the intersection of Dexter Street and Pine Ridge. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 39-year-old Springfield Louisiana resident Justin Wade Gaines for operating while under the influence. All persons listed on the blotter report are presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process of law.

Green Lights For Veterans

Dakota County is shining a light on its military veterans and the importance of veteran mental health during Green Light for Veterans Week that started on Monday. The green lighting symbolizes hope, renewal and well-being and shows support for the county's veteran community. Also, Dakota County Library locations will display veterans' mental health materials and the Public Health Department will share resources supporting veterans' well-being. Residents are encouraged to light their porches and front entrances green during the week.

$50K Lotto Ticket Sold In Hudson

The Wisconsin Lottery reports that a $50,000 Powerball winning ticket was sold in Hudson for the Saturday, November 4th drawing. The lucky ticket, which matched four of five winning numbers (1-28-30-34-52) plus the Powerball (6), was purchased at County Market, at 2310 Crest View Dr. Wisconsin Lottery retailers who sell winning tickets over $599 receive a two percent Retailer Performance Winning Ticket Incentive, up to $100,000. Players have 180 days from the draw date to claim their winnings. Information on how to claim a prize in Wisconsin is available at WILottery.com. Players can also check their tickets by using the Wisconsin Lottery mobile app.

Rise Up Recovery Hosts Successful Banquet

Rise Up Recovery held its 3rd Annual Banquet on Thursday, November 2nd at Almquist Farm, south of Hastings. Executive Director Tiffany Neuharth said that the evening was very successful.

Funds raised are used for the maintenance and upkeep of Hope House and Providence House, both in Hastings, along with several other outreach and education programs dealing with recovery from chemical addictions. Learn more at RiseUpRecoveryMN.com.

Hastings Senior Center In Full Swing

Hastings Community Education offers a great service for elder residents of Hastings in the Hastings Senior Center. Senior Center Director Laurie Thrush says that membership in the Center is finally recovering from the COVID Lockdown of a couple of years go.

Laurie also talked about what kind of offerings the Senior Center has.

Learn more on the Hastings Community Education website.

Trial Date Set In Kocurek Case

The case of the murder of Kelly Kocurek at a motel in Hastings in 2021 continues to move through the judicial system. Deanna Dahl recently visited with KDWA as part of October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and she said that the case is moving forward, but has had some snags.

According to Dakota County, Kyle Steven Williams is charged with 2nd degree intentional murder. The trial is set for Feb. 20th.

HPD Blotter Report

The Hastings Police Department logged 43 entries to the police blotter for the week ending October 30th. On October 26th at 6:45 AM, multiple callers advised of a vehicle with its hazard flashers on, near 36th Street West and Fredrick Circle, that was parked on the wrong side of the road. Officers located the vehicle and noted the vehicle had axle and tire damage and was inoperable. The rear portion of the vehicle was blocking west bound traffic on 36th Street West. The vehicle was towed by South East Towing. On October 26th at 11:45 PM, a hit-and-run collision brought officers to the intersection of Bahls Drive and Park Lane. Investigation of the accident resulted in the arrest of 55-year-old Hastings resident Thomas Kane for refusing to submit to DWI testing. And on October 29th at 6:16 PM, officers responded to a domestic assault in the 50 block of Meggan Drive. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 21-year-old Hastings resident Joseph Patrick Cisewski, on a misdemeanor charge of domestic assault. All persons listed on the blotter report are presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process of law.

Applications Open For Tracy Scholarship

The Minnesota FFA Foundation is excited to announce that the application period for the James W. Tracy scholarship for Minnesota FFA and 4-H members is now open. James W. Tracy was born in 1941. He grew up on a farm near Northfield, Minnesota. During his childhood, James was an active FFA and 4-H member. After graduating from high school, Jim served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He loved helping young people and wanted to see agriculture and rural America remain strong. For questions on the James W. Tracy Scholarship Program, contact Amanda Sommers at 507-461-2214 or visit MNFFAFoundation.org. Applications are due by February 1, 2024 with scholarship recipients being announced by May 1, 2024.

Lead Warning Issued For Fruit Puree Pouches

The Minnesota Department of Health is urging families to beware of the possibility of elevated levels of lead in WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising parents and caregivers not to buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to children. The pouches are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers, including Sam's Club, Amazon, and Dollar Tree. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have consumed these pouches should contact their child's health care provider about getting a blood-lead test. There is no safe level of lead and children are most at risk for negative health effects from exposure to lead, such as decreased IQ. This is why health officials are encouraging parents to check for this product and not consume it. The investigation into this product is ongoing. More information, including the product recall announcement, can be found on the FDA website.

City Council Meeting Preview

The Hastings City Council meets Monday evening. Mayor Mary Fasbender provides a preview of the agenda.

Gobblegait Registration Fees Increase

The Early Bird registration period for Gobblegait, on November 23rd in Hastings, closed on October 31st, and race organizer Mary Fasbender still encourages people to sign up before fees go up again the day before the race.

Fasbender says that nearly 1,000 participants have already signed up. Learn more and register at GobbleGait.com.

Sign Up For Holiday Lights

Hastings City staff encourage residents and visitors to take a self-guided tour of holiday lights in Hastings during the holiday season. For the past four years, the City of Hastings has published a map of homes and businesses that have outdoor holiday light displays. Residents are also encouraged to add your home or business address to be included in this year's holiday lights tour map, which will be available on the City website. Address entries are due December 4th. Learn more on the City website.

Dakota County Seeks Mobility Drivers

Dakota County continues to work to improve mobility in the County and seeks people who own wheelchair-accessible vehicles to provide transportation for individuals who use mobility devices to access work and the community. Dakota County has a partnership with Lyft, but still needs personnel to provide transportation services. Service providers are eligible for a $500 sign-on bonus and a $50 stipend for each ride provided. Contact SSLyft@co.dakota.mn.us, or 651-554-6956 for questions and to sign up.

Landfill Expansion Planned

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has released its environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) and draft air permit for the proposed vertical expansion of the Pine Bend Landfill in Dakota County. BFI Waste Systems of North America, LLC, is proposing to raise the height of the landfill by 85 feet, increasing its capacity by approximately 8,185,000 cubic yards, or almost 2,400,000 tons, and extending its life through 2045. The Pine Bend Landfill accepts mixed municipal waste from the seven-county metropolitan area, which generates 3.3 million tons of garbage annually, and sent 30% more waste to landfills last year than in previous years. This project is part of a short-term solution to expand four area landfills to help address the growing problem and ensure continued safe and proper management of waste materials. The EAW and air permit, in addition to the solid waste permit that will be released at a later date, all work together to assess the potential for significant environmental effects and put measures in place to protect the environment and nearby residents from pollution generated by the landfill.

Former Hastings Fire Chief Maher Passes

Former Hastings Fire Chief, James P. Maher, passed away on October 26th. Jim worked for the city of Hastings Fire Department, starting as a volunteer in 1968, he was hired as a full time fire fighter and EMT. He was the Assistant Fire Chief and active Fire Chief for six months. After that, he worked for Koch Refinery as a fire fighter, while remaining on the Hastings Fire Department where he was a Captain. He worked for 19.5 years before having to retire. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Matthew; parents, Paul & Dorothy; brothers, Paul & William; sisters, Margaret & Carol. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane Balitz Maher, 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, 4 brothers, 5 sisters, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, November 17th at 2:00 PM at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Hastings with a visitation from 12:30 - 2:00 PM. A private interment for immediate family only will be taking place at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Matthew Maher Memorial Scholarship.

(James P. Maher. Submitted Photo.)

Gettysburg Address Event Updated

A commemoration of the 160th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's famous address at Gettysburg is shaping up to be quite the event at Oakwood Cemetery in Hastings on November 19th. Event organizer Tim Figge explains the significance of MN troops at the Civil War Battle in Pennsylvania.

Figge also explained why Oakwood Cemetery was selected for this event.

The event runs from 2 to 3 PM. Oakwood Cemetery is located at Featherstone Road and General Sieben Drive, in Hastings.

UWH Encourages End-Of-Year Donations

November is the beginning of the wind-down of 2023, and United Way of Hastings is in the midst of their annual campaign to raise funds for 2024. Banners are up in town, and UWH Treasurer Steve Glienke states that the banners are reassuring to him that the community is behind UWH.

Individual donations make up about 40% of the gifts received by UWH, and donations are tax-deductible. Visit UnitedWayOfHastings.org for more information.

Hastings Halloween Party Huge Success

The Hastings Community Halloween Party, held at Hastings High School on Friday, October 27th was a big success. The weather was cold outside, but activities were heating up inside. There was a record attendance of over 2,100 people at the party this year, compared to 1,500 last year. Some of the highlights of this year's celebration include 57 volunteers, 14 activity stations, coordinated by local businesses and organizations, 20 activity stations, coordinated by the Youth Impact Council, Hastings High School Hockey, and Volleyball Teams, 778 pounds of food collected for Hastings Family Service, and over $440 collected for the Youth Impact Council Scholarship Fund. The City of Hastings thanks everyone who made this a great event for the community and helped those in need served through Hastings Family Service and Youth Impact Council.

DCSO Rises To Security Opportunity

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office was tasked on Wednesday with coordinating site security for President Biden's visit to a farm in Greenvale Township. According to Sheriff Joe Leko, this was a first for rural Dakota County. Sheriff Leko said that he couldn't be more proud of the professionalism and skill demonstrated by deputies and local law enforcement partners. The work behind-the-scenes coordinating and safely executing a presidential visit is immense and one that comes on short notice. Many of the federal security partners expressed their gratitude for the DCSO's work and commented that the County people are awesome.

(President Biden Prepares To Board Marine One. Submitted photo.)

Bison Herd Grows To 14

Dakota County Parks reports that the bison herd at Spring Lake Park Reserve has now grown to 14, with the arrival of a cow and her calf, transferred from Minneopa State Park. The bison herd is now in a less visible paddock area in the East Paddock while Parks staff allow the new bison to acclimate to their surroundings, and to each other. The herd may be moved to a more visible section of the prairie in the winter months.

Clocks Fall Back On Nov. 5

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 5th at 2 AM, pushing clocks back one hour. As you reset your clocks, be sure to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. By doing this, you could save your life and the lives of your family members and pets.

Beef Quality Assurance Training Offered

The University of Minnesota Extension, along with Minnesota Beef Council, continues to host online Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training opportunities with the next event on November 30th. Producers attending any of the free workshops will receive their three-year BQA certification. Over the past three years, cattlemen and women have been asked to complete the BQA program in order to market their cattle to certain processors. However, BQA certification is still voluntary. Specific companies have chosen to extend their own quality assurance protocol requirements to cattlemen who are a part of their supply chain. A BQA certification is being required by many major industry buyers and processors. When a producer does not have current BQA certification the result is that many packers and feedlots simply cannot purchase those cattle because their company cannot source cattle from a producer who does not meet their certification requirements. The two-hour training sessions are free to attend, but attendees must pre-register online.