The Hastings City Council met Monday night, June 15, and recognized a major community event and
two police officers’ promotions and swearing-in and welcomed several new city employees.
The meeting began with a proclamation declaring June 21st as Make Music Day in Hastings.
The council read the proclamation, noting that 2026 marks the tenth-year Hastings has participated in the worldwide celebration of music.
Mayor Mary Fasbender said, “Whereas local and metro area bands and soloists will donate their performances, and volunteers will donate their time to help provide sound support in the MCV event. We want to specially thank Chuck Spavin for ongoing support and the role as lead volunteer for the event. The city of Hastings is appreciative of these civic-minded performers and volunteers who help make this event possible. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Mayor Mary Fasbender, and the Hastings City Council do hereby declare June 21, 2026, as Make Music Day in Hastings, Minnesota.”
Make Music Day events will be held Sunday, June 21st, from noon until 6 p.m. at Levee Park, with additional performances at Pleasant Hill Library and the YMCA.
The council then turned its attention to the Hastings Police Department, where Police Chief Kyle
Linscheid introduced newly promoted Commander Sam Beuch and Sergeant Paul Young.
Linscheid told council members the promotions represent continued leadership development within the department.
Chief Linscheid said, “Mayor Fasbender, council members, and city leaders, tonight I have the honor of introducing to you and administering the oath of office to Sam Beuch, who accepted the role of commander, and Paul Young, who accepted the role of sergeant. Tonight’s bringing in of these two gentlemen gives you great pride and excitement for the future of our department, and we’re continuing with your support to develop strong leaders to ensure the safety and security of our great city, now and in the future.”
The chief outlined the backgrounds and accomplishments of both officers before administering the oath of office.
Following the oath, Linscheid spoke about the significance of the police badge and the responsibility carried by those who wear it.
Chief Linscheid said, “So, one of the most well-known symbols of policing is the badge. It’s a modern-day representation of shields that protectors throughout history use while watching over their respective communities. Although the weight of our badge, the actual weight of our badge, is minimal, the responsibilities that come with it are enormous. Those that carry it, or those that wear it, carry the responsibility to do what is right and just for the people and visitors of Hastings, and it’s one that every officer in Hastings wears with great pride.”
Commander Beuch’s badge was pinned by his wife Megan, while Sergeant Young’s badge was pinned by his wife Felicia.
The council also recognized several new city employees, including Communications Coordinator Isabella Lugowski, Park Keeper Matt Meier, City Engineer Brent Thompson, Engineering Intern Elsie Jacobs, and Community Development Intern Natalie Rogus.
KDWA will have more from Monday night’s Hastings City Council meeting in future broadcasts.
[Click the soundbite to listen to the report.]