Articles

Dancing 2k planned in Hastings June 22

Get ready to get your dance on – for a mile and a half. Black Dirt Theater is holding a “Dancing 2K,” a unique event to raise funds for the community theater’s upcoming production of “Annie.”

Artspace visits Hastings, conducts feasibility study

The door has been opened for a new art-centered development in Hastings. Last week, representatives from Artspace, a non-profit arts development organization, came to Hastings to look at several properties that could potentially be renovated into usable art and artists’ space.

United Way changes leadership

For the past 11 years, Tara Donohue Weiss has led the United Way of Hastings as its executive director, guiding it through years of changes and helping it become an organization that’s truly focused on the community.

• Tara Donohue Weiss

Two structure fires reported over the weekend

Hastings firefighters kept busy over the weekend, responding to numerous medical situations and two structure fires within 24 hours.

Lending support at prom: Hastings student helps classmates enjoy high school tradition

Every day at lunch, Carolyn Bentson sits with a special group of students. They are making their way through high school with special educational needs. Some have physical challenges; others face cognitive difficulty.

• Bentson and Chamberlain

New non-profit focuses on kids’ health

This summer, kids ages 4 to 12 in Hastings and Cottage Grove have a new opportunity to be active. Mojo Kids Exercise Company is a non-profit organization just launched by Jenny Wilcox, a Cottage Grove resident and Hastings native.

Bridge preview: United Way gets first look at new bridge

At midday Friday, May 31, a few dozen people gathered downtown to take advantage of a special opportunity. The United Way of Hastings coordinated a bridge walk event, giving the Hastings business community a first-hand look at the city’s new landmark.

• Walking onto the new bridge
• Previewing the new bridge
• Southbound lanes
• Live United group photo

Wildside Graphix opens bait shop in Hastings

Lance Klapak, owner of Wildside Graphix in Hastings, is starting a new business venture. He recently opened a new bait shop in the lower level of his building.

Work begins on Las Margaritas expansion

Work is officially under way for the new addition to Las Margaritas. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday morning to commemorate the event. The addition will more than double the restaurant’s existing space, bringing its total capacity to 186.

• Photo

Mesko Lee takes the helm as new city administrator

Melanie Mesko Lee is officially Hastings’ new city administrator. She was voted into the position at the council meeting Monday evening.

• Melanie Mesko Lee

Columns

Former Hastings pitcher Dan Carey battling brain tumor

We’re hoping for successful treatment for Dan Carey, who was recently hospitalized. Carey, a 1967 graduate of Hastings High School, was in a car accident Feb. 27. He blacked out while driving and rolled his car.