Local News

TLC Banquet Set

Total Life Care of Hastings announces their annual fundraising dinner for 2023 in support of their mission of service to pregnant women. Executive Director Andrea Kullmann recently commented that the banquet is an event that does not cost to attend.

Online registration is now closed but there are still seats available.

TLC is a ministry that serves the community by providing life-affirming pregnancy and parenting education and support, by equipping teens and young adults with the tools they need to gain control over their future and make wise lifestyle choices. This is provided by counseling, multi-media resources and referrals. Visit TLCHastings.com for more information.

Emergency System Test Set For Oct. 4

The City of Hastings reports that FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) on Wednesday, October 4 at approximately 1:20 PM. The test will reach millions of mobile phones across the country via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), radio and television, via the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and other communication pathways. The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level.

Dravis Named To Prescott Fire Association

The Prescott Area Fire and EMS Association welcomes new member Bill Dravis, who will replace Connie Gray, who is retiring from her position. Prescott Mayor Rob Daugherty forwarded Dravis' nomination. Dravis has previously served on the Fire Department and was a City Councilmember. The City Council approved his nomination on Monday by unanimous vote.

Prescott Riverfront Project Phase 2 Meeting

The Prescott City Council will continue deliberations of Phase 2 of the Downtown Riverfront Project at an upcoming session. City Administrator Matt Wolf proposed a date at the last City Council meeting.

Proposed elements of Phase 2 include an 8-slip public boat dock, measuring 900 feet, restrooms, and possible plans for the Old Bridge Gear House, currently under management of the Prescott Historical Society.

Cottage Grove Announces Mayor For A Day Contest

Cottage Grove future leaders ages 8-12 interested in being Mayor are invited to enter the "Mayor For A Day" contest. As honorary Mayor, you'll get the chance to be picked up from school by the Chief of Police in his squad car, have pizza, ask questions with the current Mayor, tour city offices, ride on a Zamboni and more! You'll even get to meet the City Council and be presented with an official certificate that's yours to keep. Entrants will write an essay of 250 words or less, explaining why you would like to be mayor for a day and what your vision is for the future of Cottage Grove. Send handwritten essays either by picture, scan, or PDF attachment and include your name, age, grade, and what school you go to. Essays must be sent to Communications@CottageGroveMN.gov by Oct. 16th.

Red Wing Honoring Dakota Mural Unveiling

More than 200 people are expected to attend the unveiling of a new large-scale outdoor "Honoring Dakota" Project Mural in downtown Red Wing, on Monday, October 9th, in honor of the Dakota People and Chief Red Wing. The event also includes "Wopida" (a connection of all beings including the Great Spirit through the giving of thanks) gift-giving. Following the ceremony, the community will walk together to the Red Wing Public Library for a celebratory meal. The Honoring Dakota Project is a process of community conversations, in partnership with the Prairie Island Indian Community, the City of Red Wing, and Goodhue County, with events that provide education to discover shared stories, bridge the communities, and create a space for healing. The project was developed out of the ongoing need to search out the wisdom and stories of the Dakota People and to acknowledge the Dakota as vital members of the Red Wing Community.

Great River Greening Receives Grant

Mississippi River advocacy group, Great River Greening, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $10 million grant from the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Grants, made possible through funding from the federal Inflation Reduction Act. This significant investment will support their groundbreaking program, "Cooling Minnesota Communities (CMC)", which aims to combat extreme heat, enhance climate change resilience, and increase equitable access to tree canopies across the state. The USDA Forest Service awarded more than $1 Billion to 385 entities across the entire United States. Great River Greening's award for CMC stands out as one of the highest funded programs that brings together 15 partners including five cities, three school districts, and seven nonprofit partners to plant nearly 14,000 trees over the next five years.

South Oaks 4th Addition Deliberated

On Monday, the Hastings Planning Commission resumed deliberations and a Public Hearing for the Preliminary and Final Plat of the South Oaks 4th Addition in Hastings. Community Development Director John Hinzman introduced the measure.

Two residents shared concerns and the developer also addressed some concerns. The Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the proposal. The Hastings City Council will review the plat at a future meeting.

HHS Marching Band Field Show On Saturday

The Hastings High School Marching Band will strut their stuff at a Home Field Show on Saturday, Sept 30th at 6:00 PM. Band Director Emily Chandler talked about what a Field Show is.

Drum Major Julia Ronning talked about the role of a Drum Major.

The Field Show is scheduled at Todd Field in Hastings.

HHS Grad Aces AP Exam

ISD 200 reports that 2023 HHS graduate Ryan Lindner recently received a perfect score on his AP Computer Science Principles exam. Ryan is one of only 459 students worldwide to have earned every point possible on this exam. AP courses and exams are college-level, requiring great focus and persistence among participating students. Lindner is currently enrolled at Drake University, in Des Moines, IA, studying actuarial sciences.

HFD Weekly Report

The Hastings Fire and EMS Department responded to 16 calls for service for the week ending September 26th. On September 22nd at 6:52 AM, crews responded to Amelia Avenue for a reported building fire. 9 units of apparatus and 14 crew members arrived on the scene at 6:57 to put out the fire and investigate. Estimated damages were $32,000 for property and $15,000 for contents. No injuries or deaths were reported, and the HFD received aid from Cottage Grove and Miesville. The cause of the fire was not determined. Crews cleared the scene at 11:30 AM. Crews also responded to vehicle accidents in the 17600 block of Ravenna Trail on the 24th, 190th Street and Lillehei Avenue and Point Douglas Drive South on the 23rd, and Vermillion Street and Highway 55 on the 22nd.

Louis Named To Cannon Falls School Board

The Cannon Falls School Board is once again completely staffed, with the selection of Brian Louis to the Board to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Bill Thompson. There were three applicants, Louis, Danielle Jones, and Mark Sjoquist, but Sjoquist subsequently withdrew his application. Board member JoLyn Williams nominated Louis and his appointment was approved unanimously. Louis must now undergo a mandatory 30-day waiting period before he can be seated, which will most likely be at the Oct. 23 meeting. Louis has taught social studies for the last 14 years in Farmington.

Dakota County Sets Preliminary Levy

The Dakota County Board voted 4-3 on Tuesday to approve a preliminary property tax levy of $154,582,010 for 2024. If it stays the same when the levy comes up for final vote in December, this would result in about a $14 annual increase in county property taxes on a $372,000 home, which is the median home value in Dakota County. By law, the figure can only go down, not up, at the final levy vote in December. The current plans for the 2024 budget have Dakota County remaining debt-free in 2024. The remaining steps for the 2024 County budget are November 14, the County Manager presents the recommended budget, November 13, 14 and 16 will be County Board Budget Workshops, November 28 is the Truth in Taxation Public Hearing, and December 19 will be the Adoption of the 2024 Budget and Property Tax Levy.

Workforce Awards Nomination Period Open

The Dakota-Scott WorkForce Development Board is accepting nominations to recognize individuals, programs, companies, and organizations that improve workplaces in Dakota and Scott counties. The awards will be presented at the board's annual Legislative and Employer Awards event in December. Categories include the Mark McAfee Friend of Workforce Award, the Business Champion Award, the Bob Killeen Award, the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award, the Bob Klas Sr. Entrepreneur Award, and the Employer of the Year for People with Disabilities. The nomination deadline is Nov. 1. For more information or to submit a nomination, call the Workforce Development Board at 651-554-5633.

Ardent Mills Permit Draft On Public Notice

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has put a draft air quality permit on public notice through October 23 for Ardent Mills Flour Mill in Hastings. Ardent Mills Flour Mill produces wheat flour. The mill's main processes are the transfer, handling, milling, and storage of grain. The facility also has a boiler and an emergency generator. The draft permit is an amendment to the facility's air quality permit and authorizes the construction of several new emissions units. The draft air permit includes limits for particulate matter emissions and testing for particulate matter, as well as a requirement to install an air quality monitor for particulate matter less than ten microns. An air quality operating permit is required for certain existing facilities or the construction of new facilities that have the potential to emit a significant level of any regulated pollutant. The permit includes all requirements for operation and procedures, applicable rules, emission standards, monitoring, record-keeping, and reporting. If additional conditions change and modifications are necessary, the MPCA may review and amend the permit.

Fairy Wonderland Parking Concept Plan Approved

The City of Prescott and Healing Play, Inc. continue to develop the Fairy Wonderland Park in St. Croix Bluffs Park, in Prescott, and on Monday evening, the City Council was asked to consider approval of a Concept Plan for the parking lot at Fairy Wonderland. City Administrator Matt Wolf presented the item.

The Council approved the Concept Plan by unanimous vote.

Orange Street Paving Project Considered

The City of Prescott is considering a proposal to repave a portion of Orange Street. The section would have a 3" asphalt layer, an increase of 1" from what currently exists, which would be a $29,000 increase in cost. Alderperson Bailey Ruona presented an update to the City Council from the Committee on Monday evening.

Both Public Works Director Mike Kinneman and City Engineer Greg Adams recommended the increase in pavement thickness. The Council will consider the proposal at an upcoming meeting.

Prescott Budget Meeting Scheduled

The budget process for 2024 in Prescott moves to the next stage with a meeting of the Finance Committee at 4:30 PM, on Wednesday, October 4th. The Committee will deliberate the various budget categories in approximate 15-minute segments, starting with Freedom Park at 4:30. The order of the other categories will be Water, Sewer, Storm, Public Works/Parks, Fire & EMS, Police Department, Library, Debt Service, Court, Administration, General Fund Revenues, Capital Projects, and TIFs 3, 4, and 5. The meeting will conclude with a review of entire budget, levy, mill rate, and unfunded needs after the other categories have been considered. The meeting is open to the public.

PPD Blotter Report

The Prescott Police Department logged 105 entries to the Police Blotter for the week ending September 24th. A traffic stop at 11:28 PM on September 18th in the 200 block of Broad Street resulted in citations issued to 18-year-old St. Paul resident Kian Patrick Ducey for speeding, and possession of THC and drug paraphernalia. On September 22nd at 10:43 AM, officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Pine Street for a report of a possible sentence violation situation. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 62-year-old St. Paul Park resident Alys Lynn Sue Dearborn on a probation violation charge. And on September 23rd at 3:45 AM, officers responded to the 200 block of Flora Street for a suspicious person or persons. The investigation resulted in a citation issued to a 17-year-old for violation of curfew. Another individual was brought to the Holiday Station at Highways 10 and 61. All persons listed on the blotter report are presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process of law.

Property Tax Payments Due

Property taxes on Dakota County real estate for the second half of 2023 are due Monday, Oct. 16. Property taxes can be paid online, by phone or by mail. Mailed payments must be postmarked by midnight on Oct. 16 to be considered timely. Payments can also be made in person at the Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, the Dakota County Western Service Center service desk, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley, or the Dakota County Northern Service Center service desk, 1 Mendota Road W., West St. Paul from Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. According to state law, the county will assess a penalty for late payments. The penalty depends on the tax amount, property classification, and when the payment is made. Penalties are listed on the back of property tax statements that were sent to residents earlier this year.

Dakota County Resource Fair Planned

An upcoming community resource fair will offer information about services for Dakota County families with children who have disabilities. The South of the River Resource Fair will be Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 AM to 2 PM, at the Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway, in Burnsville. It will highlight local services and resources for children and young adults with physical, intellectual and learning disabilities. Services for those with autism spectrum disorder or mental health struggles also will be featured among more than 20 community resources. The fair will include presentations on helping young adults cope during transition times by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Parents, guardians and caregivers who are seeking resources to help plan for their child's transition from school to adult life are encouraged to attend and learn more about supportive services and resources. The fair is free.

Zoo ZOOMS Stem Challenge Returns

The Minnesota Zoo is celebrating 10 years of its award-winning "ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge", presented by Flint Hills Resources. Beginning in 2014 with 25 teachers, this program now attracts thousands of students from multiple states and nations each year. Teachers of students grades three through 12 are encouraged to apply to the program by Nov. 17 to take part in the competition. The ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge is a yearlong project challenging elementary, middle, and high school students to develop solutions to real zoo-based problems. Using STEM concepts, students work in groups to design and present solutions at the Zoo. In March, select groups will be invited to showcase their design solutions to Zoo staff and professional engineers from Flint Hills Resources. Top student teams will win prizes for conservation, innovation, teamwork and other zookeeper categories. Get all of the details on the MN Zoo website.

Confluence Opens

The long transition from manufacturing facility to event space and hotel is now complete for the former Hudson Manufacturing Building on 2nd Street West, in Hastings. Local entrepreneur and Confluence Developer Pat Regan and Vice President of IDM Hospitality Becky Roberts recently met up with KDWA's Mo to discuss the long process of rehabilitation of the building and grounds. Regan commented on obtaining the property to turn it into a go-to place.

Becky talked about how IDM seeks out these "hidden gems" for rehabilitation.

Learn more on the Confluence website.

ISD 200 School Board Meeting Preview

The ISD 200 School Board meets for regular business at 6 PM on Wednesday, September 27th, in the Middle School Media Center. Agenda items include a building construction fund update, a Policy Committee update, first and second readings of numerous Policies, the Consent Agenda, and deliberations of Maximum Levy Limitations, a School Perceptions Contract, and a resolution approving Election Judges. The meeting is open to the public.

Attorneys Recognized

MN law firm SiebenCarey has announced that 12 of the firm's attorneys, including Hastings natives Harry and Jeffrey Sieben have received 2023 Best Lawyer in America honors. In addition to the Siebens, recognized attorneys are Robert Brabbit, James Carey, Paul Downes, Susan Holden, Arthur Kosieradzki, Jeffrey Montpetit, Mark Olive, Michael Scully, Matthew Steinbrink, and Cory Whalen. Earlier this year, Harry and Jeffrey were also named to the annual list of 2023 Minnesota SuperLawyers.

HPD Blotter Report

The Hastings Police Department logged 58 entries to the Police Blotter for the week ending September 18th. On September 11th at 11:58 PM, officers were dispatched to a suspicious activity call in the 300 block of 33rd Street West. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 30-year-old Duluth resident Jamie Coleman for active felony warrants issued by Anoka and Hennepin Counties. A warrant service call on September 15th at 4:11 PM in the 400 block of 3rd Street East resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Red Lake resident Fabian Wayne English for an active Hennepin County warrant for 5th degree arson. And a theft in progress call brought officers to the 1600 block of Vermillion Street at 8:38 PM on September 15th. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 26-year-old Chaska resident Samuel Jonathon Lamson for active warrants issued by Ramsey County. Lamson was also cited for trespassing and theft. All persons listed on the blotter report are presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process of law.

Prescott Kiwanis Student Of The Week

The Prescott High School Counseling Office reports that the Prescott Kiwanis Student of the Week is Junior Madison Royal. According to a nomination submitted by Computer Science Teacher Miranda Moore, Moore is continuously impressed with Royal's dedication to her studies and the persistent aspiration she puts toward class tasks and assignments. Madison is an intelligent and delightful student who has shown improvement on getting to class after lunch in a timely manner.

(Madison Royal. Submitted photo)

Kwik Trip Plans Location In CG

Kwik Trip is planning to come to Cottage Grove. At the September 20th City Council meeting the city council approved an escrow agreement with Kwik Trip. If their planning application, required public hearings, and other development details are approved by the City Council at a future meeting, they would build at a site located at 95th Street and Jamaica Avenue. Lisa Wadsen, Real Estate Manager for Kwik Trip, addressed the City Council stating that they were excited to finally be on the path to opening a location in the City. Lisa stated that it will be their newest, Gen 3 building, with expanded services including seating, both indoors and outdoors for guests to stay awhile and enjoy dining at the location. The store will also include fuel stations in the back for semis and large recreational vehicles and a double bay carwash.

(Proposed CG Kwik Trip. Artist rendering.)

Petryk Comments On WI Workforce Development

Each September, Wisconsin joins other states to commemorate National Workforce Development Month. During this month the state takes the opportunity to showcase the array of different workforce programs that are available to assist people beginning or changing careers. It's also a good moment to draw attention to the tools available to connect those who are looking with employers who are hiring the right people and to see how to make the system better. WI State Representative Warren Petryk commented on the process.

He also said he will continue to work to bolster Wisconsin's talent pipeline by attracting veterans to the state, increasing funding for programs that assist students with disabilities in finding employment in Wisconsin, and repurposing state programs to focus on work readiness.

Prescott City Council Meeting Preview

The Prescott City Council meets for regular business at 6 PM on Monday, September 25th, at the Prescott Municipal Building, 800 Borner Street. After the call to order, roll call, Pledge of Allegiance, public comments and the Consent Agenda, the Council will hear reports of Standing Committees. The Council will then move to Communication and New Business, other business, and adjournment, if there is not a closed session called. Agenda details are available on the Prescott City website.

Fire On Amelia Avenue

At 6:52 AM on Friday morning, Hastings Fire and EMS was paged to Amelia Avenue on the call of a structure fire. When crews arrived, they found a mobile home unit on fire, and rushed to put out the flames. Though the outside of the building didn't seem to suffer much damage, the interior has major smoke, fire, and water damage. As of 9 AM, Friday, Hastings Fire Inspectors were still on scene assessing the damage. Nobody was injured in the fire.

Workers Seen At Thorwood Estate

In late 2017, the historic Thorwood Estate in Hastings was lost to a fire that gutted and almost completely destroyed the structure. Since then, the building sat as a burned-out hulk, and efforts to reclaim the property have been very slow. Mayor Mary Fasbender recently reported that there will be an effort to protect what remains of the inside of the building from another winter.

The future of the estate is still unclear.

Investigation Continues At Creamery

In continuing coverage of the recent fires at the Hastings Co-op Creamery, Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender commented on the ongoing investigation into the cause of the blaze.

KDWA will provide updates as they become available.

Sue Karnick Retires

Laurie Thrush of the Hastings Senior Center reports that longtime staff member Sue Karnick, the water exercise instructor, has announced her retirement. Sue started teaching swim lessons for Community Education 50 years ago. She started the Senior water exercise class 48 years ago. Patrons of the Tilden Community Center are invited to join Center Staff in honoring Sue for her dedication to the program on Thursday, September 28th, at 10:30 AM, at Tilden to thank her for all she has done for the program.   

Hastings Planning Commission Meeting Preview

The Hastings Planning Commission meets for regular business on Monday, September 25th, at 7 PM in City Council Chambers. The Agenda includes a Public Hearing continuing deliberations of a Preliminary and Final Plat for the South Oaks 4th Addition.    

County Waste Collection Event

Dakota County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste, electronics, and more at a one-day drop-off event Saturday, October 7th from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Burnsville Maintenance Facility, 13713 Frontier Court. Items that will be accepted at no cost from Dakota County residents include paint, fluorescent bulbs, fertilizers, pesticides, batteries, solvents, gasoline and oil. TVs and monitors have a $10 fee, but all other electronics including printers, laptops, hard drives and vacuums will be collected for free. Confidential paper such as tax documents, financial statements, and medical records will be collected for free onsite shredding. Only bring items to be shredded that contain personal information. No medicine, sharps, yard waste, or business or farm waste will be accepted. If you can't make this collection, go to the Recycling Zone in Eagan for convenient and year-round household hazardous waste and electronics recycling. For more information or to see a complete list of accepted items, visit DakotaCounty.us.   

CGFD Holds Extrication Exercise

Last Wednesday evening, members of the Cottage Grove Fire Department practiced their extrication and stabilization skills at the HERO Training Center in Cottage Grove. Their objective was to respond to a simulated motor vehicle accident with one vehicle rolled over which had victim(s) trapped inside. Crews had to make sure the scene was safe, stabilize vehicles, assess the patients, and extricate them quickly and safely. This practice is vital to make sure teams know who is doing what on a scene and it happens quickly but safely for the team and patient(s).

(CGFD Photo)

Creamery Fire Update

The fires at the Hastings Coop Creamery continue to be a source of public speculation and Hastings Fire Chief John Townsend recently spoke with KDWA about the re-ignition of the fire at the Creamery over the weekend.

He also said that the investigation involves several outside agencies, including the ATF, as a matter of course.

No crew injuries were reported during either event.

HFD BOOYA Recap

The Hastings Fire and EMS Department held its annual Booya earlier this month at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church in Hastings, and Fire Chief John Townsend said that the event was a great success.

Fire Inspector Jamie Stevens commented that funds raised go back into the community.

Follow the Hastings Fire Department Relief Association on Facebook.

OSEL Offers New Recovery Program

Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church is offering a new program, called "12 Steps For Everyone", designed to help people deal with and break the cycle of addiction, no matter what one might find themselves addicted to. Pastor Dorothy Sandahl has the details.

People are invited to the 12-week course.

Learn more on the OSEL website.

Glancey Promoted To Officer

Congratulations to Hastings Police Department member Sean Glancey, who was recently promoted to the rank of Police Officer. He has been serving as a community service officer with the department. Sean has worked very hard to achieve his goal as a police officer and was being sought by a number of agencies. HPD is thankful and proud that he chose Hastings PD as his home. Sean will begin his new duties on Monday, September 25th.

Cysiewski Promoted To Captain

Congratulations to Hastings Fire Fighter Joe Cysiewski, who has been promoted to the position of Fire Captain with the Hastings Fire and EMS Department. Joe has been with the department since 2016 and in his current role as Firefighter/Paramedic since 2018. Joe has been part of the EMS training committee and has served as a field training officer for new staff. The Department looks forward to Joe's contributions in his new role beginning in early October.   

Prescribed Burns Set For County Parks

Be on the lookout for prescribed burns over the coming weeks in Dakota County Parks. The burns will be at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Spring Lake Park Reserve, Miesville Ravine Park Reserve, and Whitetail Woods Regional Park, between now and November, as conditions allow. The time and date are determined about a day in advance because successful burns are weather-dependent. All burning will take place under permit from local authorities and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, as required. For more information, call 952-891-7000.

Ag Trucking Handbook Updated

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation, in partnership with the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, and Compeer Financial, has updated the Agriculture Transportation Handbook with state and federal statutes, rules, and exemptions for transporting agricultural goods on highways. Copies of the handbook are available free of charge through the Foundation. Call 651-768-2100 or email Info@FBMN.org to receive your copy, or stop by the Farm Bureau office at 3080 Eagandale Pl, Eagan. For a downloadable PDF version, visit FBMN.org.

St. Paul Man Sentenced

A St. Paul man convicted of aiding and abetting second-degree assault during an encounter with Oakdale Police last June has been sentenced to over five years in prison, Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson announced. On Monday, 30-year-old Robert Paul Braun pled guilty to one count of aiding and abetting second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon after he attempted to drive a vehicle from the passenger seat with an Oakdale police officer in the door frame. Following his petition to enter a plea of guilty in Washington County District Court, Braun was sentenced to 63 months in prison. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,929.50. The female suspect in this case continues to face several charges of first-degree and second degree assault, first-degree criminal damage to property, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and theft.

HPD Gears Up For Pink Patch Project

The City of Hastings Police Department is getting ready for its 6th annual participation in the Pink Patch Project during the month of October. The goal of the Hastings Pink Patch Project is to raise money and bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer. Two different versions of the pink shoulder patches are $10/patch, Pint glasses with pink patch logos are $10/pint glass, and pink plastic color changing glasses are $5 each. In person purchases can be made at the Hastings Police Department and Hastings City Hall, October 2-31, Mondays-Fridays, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The Hastings Pink Patch Project accepts cash and checks made out to the Hastings Pink Patch Project. If an online payment through PayPal needs to be made, please pre-arrange that transaction with Community Engagement Officer Whitney Rinowski. You can also find Officer Rinowski at the Hastings Fire Department Open House on October 10, from 7-9 PM; the 2nd Annual Pink Patch Collector's Show at the Rosemount Community Center on October 21, from 9 AM to 3 PM, or the Making Strides Event at the Mall of America on October 28. At the end of the month, proceeds will be given to the American Cancer Society.

Officials Gather For Rail Safety Week

Hastings and CPKC Rail officials gathered at the 2nd Street railroad crossing in Hastings on Tuesday, and used spray chalk and stencils to put warnings at the pedestrian crossings, as part of Rail Safety Week. CP Rail Police Sergeant Michelle Mair commented on the importance of rail crossing safety.

Sgt. Mair says that awareness is improving but accidents are still happening.

Learn more about railroad safety at OLI.org.

(KDWA photo)

UHL To Participate in Christmas Bike Giveaway

Military parents in the greater Minnesota area! Does your child need a new bike? Register for a chance to join United Heroes League for the Bikes for Kids Christmas Party, where every child in attendance will be surprised with a free bike and helmet at the end of the event! Bikes for Kids is a non-profit organization established by the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation in 2004. They have given away bikes to many children and UHL is fortunate enough to be involved with this year's December give away, scheduled for December 15th. For more information and to register for a chance to attend the event, please visit UnitedHeroesLeague.org.

Prescott Kiwanis Student Of The Week

The Prescott High School Counseling Office reports that the Prescott Kiwanis Student of the Week is Senior Anika Fredericks. According to a nomination submitted by Art Teacher Ann Kressly, Anika is a very hardworking and dedicated student. Her creative vision and points of view are unique and stunning. Congratulations, Anika.

DCSO Celebrates Crime Analyst Appreciation Day

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office wishes everyone a happy Crime Analyst Appreciation Day. On Wednesday, the DCSO honored the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep Dakota County communities safe and sound. Crime analysts are the sharp minds that make sense of data, uncover patterns, and provide invaluable insights to law enforcement agencies. The DCSO would especially like to thank its own Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Cassie Fisher, who adds so much value to the DCSO team. To all the crime analysts out there, your commitment to making the world a safer place is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your diligence, expertise, and unwavering dedication.

RHS Seniors Nominated For Scholarship

Rosemount High School students Brayden B. Herzberg and Vanessa Huang are among over 16,000 semifinalists who were nominated on Wednesday for the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The semifinalists entered the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) in 2022 when they were juniors. The PSAT serves as an initial screening program, and only one percent of U.S. high school seniors were selected as semifinalists, according to a news release. To become a finalist, the semifinalists and a high school official must submit information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. The finalists will then have a chance to earn one of the 7,250 scholarships offered in the spring of 2024.

Lake Byllesby Drawdown Begins Oct. 1

The annual drawdown of the Lake Byllesby reservoir to its winter elevation will begin Oct. 1. The reservoir is gradually lowered 3 feet from the summer elevation to 853.7 feet above sea level. The winter drawdown lowers nearby groundwater levels to accommodate local agricultural needs based on research from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The DNR requires the drawdown as part of the county's operating permit for the Byllesby Dam. To lower the water level in the reservoir without causing an abrupt change, about 1 inch of water is released daily. The reservoir will remain at its winter level until May 15, when refilling 3 feet to the summer elevation of 856.7 feet above sea level is permitted. For more information, visit DakotaCounty.us.

Hastings Council Set Preliminary Levy for 2024

At its September 18th meeting, the Hastings City Council approved a preliminary 2024 Budget of $38.8 million (38,898,627) and set a preliminary property tax levy not to exceed $18.6 million ($18,649,930) to invest in public safety, street and trail improvements, and personnel costs. City Administrator Dan Wietecha briefed the Council on some of the basic numbers.

A 7.3% increase equates to a $106 increase for a median-value residence. Wietecha indicated that the key changes in expenses are due to inflationary pressures, prior year commitments, and asset preservation. The Truth-In-Taxation Meeting is set for Monday, December 4th.

2024 HEDRA Levy Approved

Approval of the Proposed 2024 HEDRA- HRA Special Tax Levy for Hastings came before the Hastings City Council on Monday evening. City Administrator Dan Wietecha introduced the measure.

The Council unanimously approved the levy with little discussion.

Council Receives Bond Rating Report

On Monday evening, the Hastings City Council officially received notification that the City's Bond Rating, assigned by Standard and Poor's, had been raised from "AA" to "AA+". Jessica Green of Northland Securities presented the news to the Council.

Chris Eitemiller, the City Finance Manager, commented on the improved rating.

The news comes as the City is preparing to finalize the 2024 City Budget.

Hwy 55 Trail Project Approved

The Hwy 55 trail, running east and west from Spring Street to the Hastings Middle School, is in very poor shape and was identified in the 2023 budget for a reconstruction project. The City of Hastings engaged WSB for the design and engineering services for this trail, and recently received four (4) competitive bids ranging between $278,247 and $445,100 to complete this project. City Administrator Dan Wietecha updated the Council on the bids received.

The City Council approved the project by unanimous vote.

HFD Weekly Report

The Hastings Fire and EMS Department responded to 15 calls for service for the week ending September 19th. In addition to the initial call to the Creamery, and the weekend callback, the Department responded to a grass fire on September 13th, at 7:52 PM in the 7500 block of Manning Avenue. Crews arrived at 8:02 with 11 pieces of apparatus and 14 members to investigate the situation. Crews received aid from Cottage Grove, Prescott, and the Lower St. Croix Valley, and determined that the fire was intentional in nature, for debris disposal. Crews cleared the scene at 8:23. And, on September 16th at 11:57 PM, crews were dispatched to the 200 block of General Sieben Drive. Crews arrived at 12:04 AM to extinguish an outdoor fire that caused an estimated $1,000 in property damage. Crews cleared the scene at 12:19. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

HPD Blotter Report

The Hastings Police Department logged 31 entries to the police blotter for the week ending September 11th. On September 4th at 11:57 PM, officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 11th St E & Ramsey Street. Upon investigation, 31-year-old Prescott resident Brandon Haase was arrested for felony possession of stolen property. On September 5th at 8:34 PM, officers responded to a suspicious circumstance in the 300 block of 2nd Street East. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Hastings resident Melissa May Hoikka for an active gross misdemeanor warrant issued by Washington County. And on September 9th at 3:08 AM, an officer initiated a traffic stop in the area of Ravenna Trail near Glendale Road. During the course of the traffic stop, 40-year-old Rochester resident Tony Nguyen was taken into custody for providing a name of another person to police, driving after suspension, and for a felony Department of Corrections warrant. All persons listed on the blotter report are presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process of law.

PPD Blotter Report

The Prescott Police Department logged 128 entries to the Police Blotter for the week ending September 17th. On September 11th at 6:28 AM, an officer located a vehicle in the parking lot of a closed business. The officer investigated and determined that the driver of the vehicle needed directions to get to Plum City. The officer assisted the driver. A traffic stop in the 500 block of Jefferson Street at 7:33 PM on September 13th resulted in citations issued to 19-year-old Burnsville resident Alison Jade Montgomery for speeding, and possession of THC and drug paraphernalia. All persons listed on the blotter report are presumed innocent until proven guilty by due process of law.

Farmington PD Pink Patch Project

During the month of October, the Farmington Police Department will, again, be participating in the Pink Patch Project. This initiative is a public awareness campaign designed to raise awareness and money for cancer. This is accomplished by creating a pink version of the police department's patch, coin, or other memorabilia. A pink version of the Farmington Police Department's patch can be purchased by the public until Oct. 31. Each patch is $10 and they can be bought at the Farmington Police Department, 19500 Municipal Drive. The patches will be sold at the front lobby window during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The purchases can be made with either cash or check. Checks should be made out to the "Farmington Police Pink Patch Project". Additional donations will be collected for the American Cancer Society at this time as well.