opinion

Last week, we heard a handful of new goals set by the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA). The authority, which has been at the forefront of redevelopment efforts for the former Hudson building, is looking for new projects and old sites with lots of potential...

To the editor, We’d like to say a few things to the Project Share adopters this year. Thank you so much for your generosity this Holiday season. With your amazing support Hastings Family Service was able to adopt 228 families through Project Share. We also were able to serve...

We applaud the local school district for cancelling classes here on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Windchills were forecast to approach 40 degrees below zero, and the district decided Tuesday night to pull the plug on the school day. First, the decision to cancel schools for the day was the...

As the New Year begins, some new faces are poised to make their mark on our city and our county. We’re excited about what the future holds for these people, but we’d like to start by paying tribute to the great work done by the people whose jobs in public service are ending this...

Just a month ago, countless people were up in arms about the fact that retail stores were opening as early as 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. We agree with their sentiment. It is something to be up in arms about. Thankfully, there’s been no real rush lately to open those same stores on...

Over the years in this space, we’ve often praised the work done by Gobble Gait organizers and volunteers. We’ve done what we can to shine some light on them. As we thought about the 2014 Gobble Gait, though, it became apparent that if it weren’t for the generous sponsors and...

To the editor, It was a nice sporting occasion for the Hastings Civic Arena to support the Defending the Blue Line organization by hosting the Goals and Dreams anniversary tour. What an amazing opportunity for your hockey player to meet, participate, and receive treasured autographs...

To the editor, Here we go again — another near accident on Interstate 42. Oops — I mean County Road 42. Walkers, joggers and bikers continue to use the city trails to the Mississippi River and out to Spring Lake Park. One would think a bit of snow would slow down the vehicles,...

To the Editor: I would like to thank the residents of Dakota County District 1 for your support in the recent election. It is an honor and privilege to serve as your County Commissioner, and I look forward to working hard for you for another 4 years. If you ever have a concern,...

To the editor, I want to acknowledge the generosity of the community once again in their support of our work. We live in a community where we are able to see time and time again, what it means to help and love your neighbors. These people reach out in love and compassion to help...

To the editor, Despite the record-setting cold temperatures and high winds, eighth graders from Hastings Middle School enjoyed an amazing adventure at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center near Lanesboro, Minnesota. This is the sixteenth year the trip has been generously funded...

The beginning of what could turn out to be a fun new tradition in Hastings is this weekend. For the past several years, downtown Hastings businesses have banded together to put on some fun new holiday-themed events. In year’s past, events were spread out over the course of several...

We’re guessing that when this week’s newspaper made its way into your hands, you were a little surprised to see the headline, “Homeless in Hastings” on the front page. For many, it’s likely inconceivable that Hastings has homeless residents. Certainly, when compared to...

To the editor, With Election Day now behind us, I’d like to thank everyone for their support. It is an honor to continue serving as your state representative, and I look forward to working on your behalf over the next two years. As session moves forward, I am hopeful you will...

To the editor, With the election season over and campaign signs abruptly giving way to snowbanks and political TV ads being replaced by commercials for Christmas shopping sales, I wanted to thank you – the constituents I humbly serve – for the opportunity to work with you and...