Leah joins McBride family (photo) Leah Marie McBride was born on Jan. 6, 2016 at Regina Hospital’s Family birthing center to Kevin and Katie McBride of Hastings…She has one sibling, Brooklynn, 2 ½ years old. Grandparents are Dick and Pam Andrews of Hastings and Lynn McBride of Fargo, North Dakota. Great-grandparents are Jim McBride of Pelican Rapids and Margaret Rostad of Fargo.

Tanner joins Jorgensen family (photo) Tanner Daniel Jorgensen was born on Dec. 19, 2015 to Dan and Kelly Jorgensen of Hastings…He has one sibling, Brayden Jorgensen.

WEDDING (photo) Sallie Collins and Ben Doty Sallie Collins and Ben Doty were married on July 10, 2015 in Custer State Park in the Black Hills near Custer, South Dakota. The lakeside ceremony on Sylvan Lake was officiated by Hastings Pastor John Strohschein.

The reception including dinner and dancing was held at Sylvan Lake Lodge and attended by family and friends of the newlyweds.

Normandale Community College announces dean’s list Todd Anderson of Hastings has been named on the Normandale Community College fall 2015 semester dean’s list. Moorhead announces dean’s list Mitchell Small of Hastings has been named to the Minnesota State University Moorhead fall semester dean’s list. His major is criminal justice.

Macalester announces dean’s list Steven Roach has been named to the dean’s list at Macalester College for academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2015-2016 school year. He is the son of Mona and Kevin Roach of Hastings.

Rochester Community and Technical college announce dean’s list Stuart Mattison of Hastings has been named to the dean’s list at Rochester Community and Technical College during the 2015 fall semester.

Patrick King graduates from St. Scholastica The College of St. Scholastica held its fall 2015 commencement ceremony Dec. 19 in the Reif Gymnasium on campus.

Patrick King of Hastings graduated with a Master of Science in exercise physiology.

DAKOTA COUNTY Longtime county administrator to retire in May Brandt Richardson, Dakota County manager/administrator since 1992, announced last week that he will retire in May.

Richardson’s retirement will bring to a close a career of nearly 40 years in public service. Richardson is responsible for managing the county’s operations, a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees, carrying out all decisions, policies, ordinances and resolutions of the board of commissioners, preparing the recommended annual budget and long-range planning.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with our dedicated employees and governing board in service to the residents of Dakota County,” said Richardson. “I have been very fortunate to work with such passionate people who are deeply committed to the success and stewardship of Dakota County. I look forward in these next few months to preparing for a seamless transition to my successor.”

“Brandt is an outstanding and highly respected leader who we will miss greatly,” said Nancy Schouweiler, chair, Dakota County Board of Commissioners. “His thoughtful collaborative style has been so beneficial to the county, and his commitment to hiring quality staff and mentorship has helped draw many people to pursue a career in public service. He and his team are tremendous stewards of public dollars. The residents of Dakota County and our board of commissioners have been very fortunate to have Brandt as our manager.”

In 2014, the Minnesota City and County Management Association (MCMA) recognized Richardson for management excellence with the organization’s Robert Barrett Award… The Dakota County Board of Commissioners will likely commence a national search for Richardson’s successor.

20 Years Ago

HASTINGS STAR-GAZETTE October 12, 2000 Headlines: Down Under: A lot goes on in government center basement/ 1B.

New program: Raider Reading enjoying success at HMS/8A.

People Thomas Fritz (photo) Airman Thomas P. Fritz has graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training in human relations.

Diane Drewry Diane Drewery, formerly of Hampton, was sworn in Oct. 26, as a member of the Minnesota Bar. She is now a nurse-lawyer, practicing with the firm of Cousineau McGuire & Anderson, St. Louis Park in the field of workmen’s compensation.

Melissa Schaffer Melissa Schaffer of Hastings will be among those performing when the Minnesota Youth Symphonies open their 19th season with a performance at Highland Senior High School in St. Paul, Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m.

40 Years Ago HASTINGS STAR GAZETTE January 8, 1981 Who pays for library buildings? Funding arrangements vary in county (photo) Sandy Faulkner read a book from a stock she selected at the Hastings Public Library. Photo by Paul Stafford.

Ice Fishing (photos) Once in a while you get a few.

Luck wasn’t running too high recently at North Lake east of Etter. Small ice fishing communities developed at various areas on the lake and most of the fishermen mumbled the same words. “I guess late in the day or early in the morning would be best,” Gerald Huffman said. But it was midafternoon and an uncommon Minnesota winter day when Huffman added, “nice to be able to come out two or three times a week.”

5 Years Ago HASTINGS STAR_GAZETTE January 21, 2016 30 Years Ago HASTINGS STAR-GAZETTE November 8, 1990