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Hastings City Council Meeting Recap
October 6th, City Council Recap
Mary Fasbender declares October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
Approximately 1 in 640 babies in the United States are born with Down Syndrome, representing and estimated 5,700 people a year. Down Syndrome is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder and is the leading cause of intellectual and developmental delay in the United States, and in the world. Possessing a wide range of abilities, people with Down Syndrome are active participants in educational, occupational, social, and recreational circles of our communities. Individuals with Down Syndrome should have equal opportunities to achieve the universally desired goals of self-fulfillment, quality education, and to reach their fullest potential. Positive support from family, friends and the community to enable people with Down Syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives. The City of Hastings encourages all citizens to work together to promote respect and inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome and to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions. Therefore, The City of Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender declares the month of October 2025, Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
PFAS Update
City Council Member Dan Wietecha presented an update to the PFAS and construction of the water treatment plant. Construction began late September.
A1 is doing work on 7th Street putting in raw water lines. The construction of the water treatment plant had a delay in progress due to asbestos containing materials found in the glue of the subfloor of the existing building that is scheduled for demolition. The plan to continue the demo is expected in the next few days. The anticipated completion date of the water treatment plant is end of 2026.
"Round 2"
The City Council had discussion in September about the preliminary budget in order to pay for the next water treatment plant. "Round two," as City Council Member Dan Wietecha put it. Residents can expect another bump in their water rates. Council Member Wietecha pointed out, "We do continue to seek grants and other funding, but incase those don't pan out, we need to make sure we do have the money."
The present proposed plan is a phased increase in water rates: 10% in January of 2026, and additional 10% increase in July of 2026, and the final 10% increase in January of 2027.
Council Member Wietecha said, "The phasing allows us time in seeking grants rather than doing a big increase all at once and hopefully lessen increases later on."
Eyes on Hastings Water Treatment Plants
With the Water Treatment Plant Project, The City has been in conversation with Senator Seeberger and State Representative Dippel. City Council Member Dan Wietecha says, "They've been very supportive of our project and wanting to see funding from multiple options coming forward."
On November 6th, The House Capital Investment Committee is planning a visit to Hastings during their planned State Bonding Tour. This is an opportunity to State lawmakers to review infrastructure projects throughout Minnesota to see how investment of taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
Council Member Wietecha says, "Details are pending, but it is good that we have their interest."
Donated AED Saves Life At Hastings Restaurant
On Thursday, September 25th, a medical emergency took place at Dugarel's Bar and Grill when a patron collapsed. The quick action of first responders, who were present at the establishment, and the actions of staff members to collect Dugarel's AED were able to assist in saving a life.
The automated external defibrillator (AED) was on site because of the Chase Allen-Lloyd Passauer Foundation Inc.
Chase Passauer was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him, but in 2016 Chase's life tragically ended.
To honor Chase, his family and friends created two scholarship funds through the University of Minnesota Foundation. Both scholarship funds support students who embody the goals and aspirations of Chase-such as leadership, volunteerism, and community service.
"Early on we were trying to figure out more we could do for the community," says Mike Bohlken, a board member of the Chase Foundation. Another board member approached the Hastings Fire Department. Through a trail of conversations, a partnership was formed between the Chase Allen-Lloyd Passauer Foundation, Hastings Fire Relief Association, and Allina Heart Health in a lifesaving initiative to place AEDs in local establishments.
After hearing about what happened on Thursday, Bohlken said that he and the board members were filled with a lot of emotion. "Chase's life was lost, but another life was saved."
Dugarel's Bar and Grill was one of the first of three recipients to receive an AED from the Chase Foundation.
Jessica Ritter, owner of Dugarel's Bar and Grill, said, "Three years ago, Chase Allen-Lloyd Passauer Foundation generously donated an AED to Duggie's. At the time, we hoped we would never need to use it-but we also knew it could one day make the difference between life and death."
Over the past three years, the Chase Foundation has donated a total of nine AEDs to local Hastings establishments, such as Lock & Dam, Almquist Farms, Carbone's, Hastings Child Development Center, Spiral Brewery, and 2nd St. Depot. The Chase Foundation has plans to donate two additional AEDs to the VFW and the United Heroes League.
Assistant Chief Chris Paulson spoke to the importance of having AEDs in public establishments. In case of a medical emergency, Paulson says, "Besides CPR, having access to an AED in a public space is crucial to people having a successful outcome." Paulson added, "After calling 911, a police officer with an AED is sometimes minutes away. Every minute between cardiac arrest and defibrillation is a decrease in a positive outcome."
With the partnerships between the Chase Foundation, Hastings Fire Relief Association, and Allina Heart Health, Paulson had to say, "The technology is not cheap. Having a foundation to purchase (AEDs) and even provide the training is super important."
In gratitude, Ritter says, "Duggie's extends our heartfelt appreciation to Chase Allen-Lloyd Passauer Foundation for their foresight, generosity, and commitment to community safety. This remarkable outcome is a powerful reminder that investments in preparedness truly matter-and that a gift given years ago can have an impact that lasts a lifetime."
If you would like to support the life-saving work of the Chase Allen-Lloyd Passauer Foundation, go to: www.cap34.org/aed
The full interview with Assistant Chief Chris Paulson can be heard here:
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Hastings Police Blotter September 30
The Hastings Police Department filed its incident report for dates of September 15 thru September 22
On September 15 the Hastings Police Department was dispatched to a theft from a business on 33rd Street West. After investigation, 41-year-old Matthew Davidson was issued a citation for misdemeanor shoplifting
On September 15 at 7:29 a.m. officers received an after the fact theft report from the 1000 block of Ramsey Street. This case is reported as inactive.
On September 16 at 3:21 a.m. Hastings Police had an officer dispatched to assist the Lakeville Police Department in the 20000 block of Dodd Boulevard.
On September 17 at 2:59 a.m. officers responded to the 3500 block of Vermillion Street for a disturbance. 52-year-old Carl Litschke of Hastings was arrested for trespassing, fleeing a police officer and obstruction.
On September 17 at 10:54 a.m. officers responded to the 3400 block of Vermillion Street for a suspicion call. 32-year-old Zachary James Prebe was arrested on Goodhue and Kanabec County warrants.
On September 17 at 6:21 p.m. officers were dispatched to an accident with injuries on the bridge.
On September 17 at 8:11 p.m. officers made a traffic stop on the 100 block of 17th Street East. 32-year-old Winter Rose Smith was arrested for multiple warrants.
On September 17 at 11:49 p.m., officers located a subject with warrants in the 200 block of 2nd Street East. 53-year-old Jack Yanka of Hastings was arrested for a misdemeanor theft warrant.
On September 18 at 11:44 a.m. officers responded to the 100 block of 3rd Street East for a past action theft, where a little over $2000 was taken. On September 18 at 5:08 p.m. Hastings officers assisted on a rollover crash at Highway 55 and River Street. A 50-year-old from Hastings was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device.
On September 18 at 8:22 p.m. officers responded to the 1700 block of North Frontage Road for a report of a theft in progress. 24-year-old Kavale Alsup of Minneapolis was cited for misdemeanor theft.
On September 20 at 10:21 p.m. officers responded to a crash at Ashland and 15th Street. A 38-year-old Hastings native was cited for misdemeanor failure to maintain a lane.
On September 20 at 10:25 p.m. officers were dispatched to an assault on 7th Street West. Both parties agreed not to press charges.
All subjects who appear in the Hastings Police Blotter are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hastings Police Blotter September 30
The Hastings Police Department filed its incident report for dates of September 15 thru September 22
On September 15 the Hastings Police Department was dispatched to a theft from a business on 33rd Street West. After investigation, 41-year-old Matthew Davidson was issued a citation for misdemeanor shoplifting
On September 15 at 7:29 a.m. officers received an after the fact theft report from the 1000 block of Ramsey Street. This case is reported as inactive.
On September 16 at 3:21 a.m. Hastings Police had an officer dispatched to assist the Lakeville Police Department in the 20000 block of Dodd Boulevard.
On September 17 at 2:59 a.m. officers responded to the 3500 block of Vermillion Street for a disturbance. 52-year-old Carl Litschke of Hastings was arrested for trespassing, fleeing a police officer and obstruction.
On September 17 at 10:54 a.m. officers responded to the 3400 block of Vermillion Street for a suspicion call. 32-year-old Zachary James Prebe was arrested on Goodhue and Kanabec County warrants.
On September 17 at 6:21 p.m. officers were dispatched to an accident with injuries on the bridge.
On September 17 at 8:11 p.m. officers made a traffic stop on the 100 block of 17th Street East. 32-year-old Winter Rose Smith was arrested for multiple warrants.
On September 17 at 11:49 p.m., officers located a subject with warrants in the 200 block of 2nd Street East. 53-year-old Jack Yanka of Hastings was arrested for a misdemeanor theft warrant.
On September 18 at 11:44 a.m. officers responded to the 100 block of 3rd Street East for a past action theft, where a little over $2000 was taken. On September 18 at 5:08 p.m. Hastings officers assisted on a rollover crash at Highway 55 and River Street. A 50-year-old from Hastings was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device.
On September 18 at 8:22 p.m. officers responded to the 1700 block of North Frontage Road for a report of a theft in progress. 24-year-old Kavale Alsup of Minneapolis was cited for misdemeanor theft.
On September 20 at 10:21 p.m. officers responded to a crash at Ashland and 15th Street. A 38-year-old Hastings native was cited for misdemeanor failure to maintain a lane.
On September 20 at 10:25 p.m. officers were dispatched to an assault on 7th Street West. Both parties agreed not to press charges.
All subjects who appear in the Hastings Police Blotter are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
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KDWA September 23rd Newscasts
KDWA filed the following newscasts for September 23rd. Click below to listen:
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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:
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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
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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.
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Hastings Police Blotter August 19
The Hastings Police Department released its incident report for this week:
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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:
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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.
