To the editor: I have known Matt Bruns for more than a decade and he is not only a wonderful father and husband, but he is an accomplished and caring educator. As an elected official … more

To the editor: Across the nation, and unfortunately even locally, attacks on public education are occurring. If the public thinks that our public education system is “broken,” or cannot … more

To the editor: One of the many reasons Hastings Public Schools has a history of excellence is because there has been a history of electing excellent school board members. The three primary duties of … more

Hastings financial practices have led to an increase in the city’s bond rating. The city was awarded a plaque at its city council meeting Monday, Sept. 18 from Jessica Green of Northland Public Finance marking the increase in the city’s bond rating from AA to AA+, a move that opens the city to lower interest rates for borrowing. “We’re very pleased to get our bond rating improved,” said Finance Manager Chris Eitemiller. “It’s the first time since that 2009 the city’s bond rating has increased, so we’re happy for that. It will help us out with interest rates on future debt.” Green said the city was given the news this summer when it was preparing for a bond issuance. With the higher bond rating, the city will pay $40,000 less on that particular issuance alone. “It all adds up over time. There was some nice savings there as a result of that rating increase,” said Green. She said the city scores well across the board. “What we saw that really moved the needle this time was the implementation of that long-range planning,” said Green. “They just look so favorably on that long-term planning aspect, rather than just sort of going through the budget process each year. We really do feel like that sort of moved the city across the finish line to get that rating upgrade.” She also noted that now the city is just “one notch” below the highest rating of AAA. more

  Do you have your tickets yet?  Tickets for what you are asking.  Well, that depends on what ticketed event you are hoping to get out and about to see.  In our world, … more

Excitement is in the air as we countdown to the start of the 2023-2024 school year. There’s always a flurry of activity at this time of year as we work to put all the finishing touches in place … more

“It's good to touch the green, green grass of home” -Tom Jones     The summer of 2023 just may become known as “The Summer with Green Grass”. Our rains have … more

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you”. Anne Lamott   The gardening stores  are starting sales on their products. It … more

“What falls but never gets hurt?”   ….........The rain!   The green color of our surroundings is really kicking my hormones to get outside and DO THINGS. I … more

Did I speak too soon?  It has been known to happen on more than one occasion, so it could be my fault.  It could also be some of you got too comfortable and lost your focus on THINKING … more

This Sunday is Easter Sunday and no matter which way you celebrate, secular, religious, or both, many are going to be “out and about” this weekend attending some form of gathering that … more

Have you ever felt like asking the question; am I going to make it, with all the challenges I face in this life?  The Bible gives us insight that can help us gain hope, faith and confidence in … more

My son was born the other day and my life changed forever. As I look at that little baby I see a man in process. He will look to me to learn how to be a man, a dad and a husband. I don’t know … more

“Did dinosaurs celebrate Easter? No, silly, they were egg-stinct”. One liner fun! I think we all recognize that Easter has its serious religious side and the fun, food and gift … more

The robins are starting to appear everywhere. I spied with my little eye a total of eight of them in one tree alone in the Eagle Bluff area of Hastings. This alone is a sure sign that spring has made … more

“Spring is nature's way of saying 'Let's Party”. Robin Williams We are heating up on happenings! The April Fool's Day storm really did an act that will be remembered for a long time. A … more