Email us your news tip or pictures at: news@kdwa.com
Week in Review for September 20-26
News Weekly Recap
State of the County: September 22nd, leaders throughout Dakota County, State Representatives, and City Council members gained an update on the state of the county. Updates included Dakota 911, new changes in the absentee voting process, Mississippi River Greenway, and more.
In the State of the County meeting, Mike Slavik, District 1 Commissioner, highlighted the new changes in the absentee voting process. "(Dakota County) was able to streamline our absentee process. I'm very proud to say all 45 cities, schools and townships, all committed on a joint of powers agreement where now absentee balloting is centralized. (Once the ballots are in) we're able to have elections judges go verify and do everything at that point." Slavik says the changes create a more transparent and efficient process. Slavik pointed out that in some elections half the ballots come from absentee or early voting. Prior to elections, the county trains the city and township clerks, school deputies, and election judges so that the voting process is consistent and follows the state law all the way. Slavik notes, "We have the highest level of accuracy, accessibility, security and reliability in each and every one of our elections."
Heidi Hieserich, Executive Director Dakota 911 at Dakota County, highlighted the work of Dakota 911. Originating back in 2005, Dakota 911 began with a join commerce agreement between eleven major cities in Dakota county to form a consolidated 911 emergency response system. "Today, Dakota 911 is one of the busiest and most advanced public safety dispatch centers in the State—processing 800 call per day on average. 70-100 calls per hour during peak call times," says Hieserich. "What differentiates Dakota 911 with other call centers in this area, every single on of Dakota 911 telecommunications is trained and certified to provide emergency medical and fire dispatch instructions. They are able to intervene and provide immediate lifesaving care that truly does save lives before responders can arrive on scene."
School Board Meeting: In Wednesday night's meeting, two new Student School Representatives took the Oath of Office—Shyla Henson, and Avery Durfee. Henson and Durfee were appointed to the roles in May. Both Henson and Durfee partake in many school programs and activities, but attribute their motivation to be a Student School Representative to their time in YIG (Youth In Government).
November 4th:
Hastings has a Special School Board Election with two candidates running for election; Elaine Mikel-Mulder and Simone Rendon. Voters can vote in person on November 4th, or cast absentee ballots for school elections. Absentee voting for school district elections is available at the Dakota County Administration Center and at the school district. Election Day voting will take place from 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Find your polling place at www.pollfinder.sos.mn.gov
September 26: Hastings Homecoming football game will kick off at Todd Field at 6:30p.m. Wear your blue and gold!
September 27: Hastings Homecoming Dance—the theme this year is "A Night Under the Stars." The high school dance begins at 8p.m. Tickets for the dance can be purchased in advance by scanning a QR code. Cellphones are need to show your ticket.
September 24 School Board Meeting Recap
The school board meeting was filled with recognition and celebration.
In Raider Spotlight, Marissa Welch, the 2025 Boys Tennis Assistant Coach,was named Coach of the Year!
September is School Board Appreciation Month. Superintendant Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp-Herman shared a few words, "I want to extend my heart felt thank you to all the school board members, including our student members," Superintendant Wehrkamp-Herman acknowledges that serving on a school board can be a 'thankless' job, and sees the time and effort that each school board member puts forth to serve students and staff members."For myself and our entire team, we are very thankful. This is a high-functioning board and this is a really good place to be."
ISD 200 has two new Student School Board Representative. Avery Durfee and Shyla Henson gained their new roles in May, but took the Oath of Office during Wednesday's meeting. Durfee expressed the main reason she wanted to be come a student representative was due to her time in YIG (Youth In Government). "It was super interesting to me. I wanted to get more involved beyond the YMCA program, and see who was behind making decisions at my school, because my education is really important to me."
Henson also attributed her time in YIG to her reason for wanting to be a school representative, "I wanted to get more involved civically with my school. I feel that being involved as a (youth) with your school and government is really important because you will be an adult one day that needs to be involved. So, getting started young really helps."
Henson will represent Tilden and Kennedy elementary, and Durfee will represent Pinecrest and McAuliffe elementary schools.
Last year, ISD 200 began having student school board representatives from the high school. School Board member, Mark Zuzek says,"(It's important) to get a flavor of what was going on around the district from a student's prespective. What that does for us as school board members is keep the most important thing about a public school in mind," explains Zuzek. "We get an update every month. We find out whats going on in the schools from the student perspective."
When asked why student representatives are important in ISD 200, Chairperson Carrie Tate replied, "It was an absolutely fantastic opprotunity to hear whats really going on from within our schools--to hear it from the students perspective--and also to get their input. They've provided valuable input on policy decisions that we've made and other decisions as well."
KDWA spoke with the two new Student Representatives and with School Board members Carrie Tate and Mark Zuzek.
Click here for audio
KDWA September 23rd Newscasts
KDWA filed the following newscasts for September 23rd. Click below to listen:
Click here for audio
Click here for audio
One Killed In Highway 316 Crash
One person was killed in a crash just outside Hastings on Thursday.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, just before 4:20 p.m. a motorcycle traveling northbound on Highway 316 entered the curve just near Otero Avenue when it crossed into the southbound lanes and collided with a Toyota sedan head-on. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Their name has not been released, but the State Patrol reports they are 45 years old from Cottage Grove. The other motorist was a 30-year-old from Hastings, they were not injured. The road was closed for several hours while the State Patrol reconstructed the accident, and reopened on Thursday evening. More information to come. Shortly after this crash, Hastings Fire responded to a rollover accident at Highway 55 and River Street, one person was transported to Regina Hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Hastings Police Chief Dave Wilske To Retire
On Thursday, Hastings Police Chief David Wilske announced his intentions to retire after 29 years in law enforcement.
Wilske will step away on March 31 after a nearly decade long tenure in Hastings, including five years as police chief. Accoridng to the city's release, During his tenure, Chief Wilske focused on fostering strong community partnerships, enhancing
public safety through strategic initiatives, and securing grant funding for essential equipment and department improvements. His leadership helped bolster public trust and revitalize critical departmental programs such as the Police Reserve Unit.Wilske also played a role in
Board service and support for local nonprofits, including Hastings Family Services and
Special Olympics Minnesota.
Expanded collaboration with key community organizations such as the Hastings Area
Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, Downtown Business Association, ISD 200
and private schools, YMCA, Ministerial Association, IDEA of Hastings, 360 Communities,
Dakota County Social Services and law enforcement agencies in Dakota and Washington
counties.
Strengthened school safety by increasing the presence of School Resource Officers in
local schools.
Secured grant funding for a variety of critical resources, including special event barriers,
ballistic helmets for officers and a mobile camera trailer.
Upgraded department facilities, including enhancements to the workout room and the
creation of an on-site kitchen to support officer health and wellness.
Expanded the Records Division with a part-time position to support data request
management.
Assisted in launching a part-time Embedded Social Worker position to better support
community needs and mental health response.
In a statement, Wilske said "I've said this many times before-I wish I had started my law enforcement career with the Hastings Police Department. The community support, the professionalism of our officers and the partnerships we’ve built have made this an incredibly rewarding experience. I have truly enjoyed coming to work each day and am deeply grateful to police department officers and staff, City Council, city administration and the community for their unwavering support over the years."
City Administrator Dan Wietecha said: "Chief Wilske has served the City of Hastings with distinction, provided steady leadership for the department, boosted morale and engagement and helped bolster the Police Reserve Unit. I have been particularly impressed and pleased by the partnerships and collaboration he has strengthened with key community organizations."
The City of Hastings will begin preparations for a leadership transition in the coming months. Further details will be shared at a later date.
HEDRA Discusses Block 28
The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA) plans to redevelop Block 28, also referred to as the Hastings Gateway site. It acquired 400 Vermillion St. in late 2024. HEDRA approached the City and requested an inter-fund loan.
"HEDRA will receive the $400,000 inter-fund loan and will be paying that back to the City General Fund at a low interest rate," explains Alex Menke, the City of Hastings Economic Development Coordinator.
With the purchase of 400 Vermillion St. HEDRA has an estimated 80% ownership of Block 28. HEDRA has approached the owners of Spiral Pizza to inquire about their building site and the empty lot next to Spiral Pizza, both which are owned by owners of Spiral Pizza. Spiral Pizza would like to be a main stay in the location and HEDRA would be willing to work with the business owners.
Current plans are to redevelop the block as a mixed-use development with commercial property and housing units. HEDRA recently hired an environmental consultant to perform environmental and geotechnical analysis on the area to identify any issues that might need fixing before selling to a developer.
Our full interview with Menke is below:
Click here for audio
New Business To Hold Grand Opening
A new business is opening in Hastings and will hold their grand opening in early October. The Integrated Body Center will hold the festivities on October 3 at 2 p.m. in the Olde Armory Building. According to the release, he public is invited to tour the facility and experience IBC’s comprehensive approach to health, aesthetics, and performance. IBC is an 8000 square foot integrative health and wellness clinic that offers a range of services that include medical and performance care, aesthetics and recovery, and personalized and evidence based care. More information will come at a later date.
Hastings Fire Report September 16
The Hastings Fire Department released its incident report for date ending September 15. On September 10 at 5:46 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a traffic crash at Northfield Boulevard and Joan Avenue. Units arrived at 5:53 and cleared at 6:44.
On September 9 at 8:53 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a gas leak in the 100 block of 3rd Street East. Units arrived at 8:56, controlled the leak at 9:02 and cleared at 9:02.
On September 9 at 6:01 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle fire in the 400 block of 12th Street West. Units arrived at 6:04, controlled the fire at 6:08 and cleared at 6:16 p.m.
On September 9 at 3:38 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to a home struck by lightning in the 700 block of Bohlken Drive. Units arrived at 3:53, deemed the situation controlled at 3:58 and cleared at 4:03.
On September 9 at 9:23 a.m. firefighters responded to a motor vehicle crash at Coates Boulevard and 190th Street East near Vermillion. Units arrived at 9:34 and cleared at 10:47. At least one person was transported to the hospital.
All other calls for Hastings Fire were routine in nature or false alarm calls.
Hastings Police Blotter September 9
The Hastings Police Department filed this week's police blotter
Click here for audio
2026 Election Taking Shape, Candidates Speak
In recent weeks, Tom Dippel announced a run for Senate, while Judy Seeberger announced a reelection campaign for the same race. As a result, William Beck will run for House District 41B in Dippel's place, with the opponent to be determined. All three sat down with KDWA to discuss their decisions to run, what keeps bringing them back, and what they are looking for in their campaigns.
Click here for audio
Click here for audio
Hastings Police Blotter August 19
The Hastings Police Department released its incident report for this week:
Click here for audio
Hastings Police Blotter August 19
The Hastings Police Department released its incident report for this week:
Click here for audio
Severe Storm Leaves Many Without Power, Damage Reported Across Area
A massive thunderstorm roared through Hastings on Friday evening, leaving signifcant damage in its wake, with many trees down, power outages across town, and even some flooding:
Click here for audio
More photos are on our KDWA Facebook page.
There was a severe thunderstorm warning issued, and preliminary indications point to a possible straight line wind event along with the heavy rain and lightning. In some cases, the National Weather Service will come and review to make a determination of what exactly occurred, but it was not immediately clear if that would occur and if this case applied to that criteria.
No major storm related injuries have been reported to KDWA.
Three Individuals File For School Board Vacancy
Three individuals have filed affidavits of candidacy for the vacant Hastings School Board position.
Marty Weber, Simone Rendon and Elaine Mikel-Mulder filed to run for the special election in November that would fill the seat permanently afer Jenny Wiederholdt-Pine's passing earlier this year. Mikel-Mulder currently holds the seat in an interim capactiy. The special election will be held on November 4 with the term beginning on the first Monday of January and continuing until January 2029. The period to file for candidacy closed on August 12 at 5 p.m.
