By Bruce Karnick
A lot has been happening around town this week, each with its own little story, so let us take a look at the quick hitting events, big or small happening in our community.
Sirens run longer than normal during monthly test.
On Wednesday, April 7, two of the Hastings city sirens malfunctioned during the monthly afternoon siren test. The sirens stayed on longer than they were supposed to. There was no emergency or threat to the public. The city is looking into why the sirens sounded longer than normal. This is why they are tested monthly right? To find any issues and give the city time to fix them.
Car shows are back!
The Hastings Downtown Business Association along with the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau are extremely excited to announce the return of the Historic Hastings Car Shows this summer. Things will be a little different this year, namely, all shows this year will be on SUNDAYS from 11:00am until 4:00pm.
Also new this year…we have opened the field of qualified cars to 1995 and earlier. The first car show of the year will be Sunday, May 16, 2021.
Then June 20th, July 18th, August 15th, and September 19th.
Captain Chris Paulson promoted to Assistant Fire Chief.
Congratulations to Fire Captain Chris Paulson who is being promoted to Assistant Fire Chief, effective April 12. He has 23 years of experience in fire and EMS, including 11 years as a training officer, five years on the Dakota County Special Operations Team, and the past five years in a supervisory role as Captain. Thank you, Captain Paulson, for your leadership and dedication to the City of Hastings!
Dakota County Sheriff’s Office participates in delayed Polar Plunge.
The Polar Plunge in Minnesota is almost a rite of passage. There is something about walking out on to a frozen lake in the middle of the winter knowing you are about to jump into freezing water because you chose too. That choice is one that helps raise a lot of money for Special Olympics here in Minnesota and law enforcement agencies across the state are huge participants. This year, Sheriff Tim Leslie and many of the DSCO officers participated in a delayed Polar Plunge. The delay was because of COVID and while the ice may have been gone, the water is really not that warm. Want to test it yourself? See if you can tell the difference from 32-degree water and 40-degree water. It is still cold! Each of the participants raised at least $75 in pledges for Special Olympics Minnesota.
Volunteer Opportunities!
Spring cleaning presents a lot of different opportunities to help clean up around town.
Saturday April 24th, Vermillion Falls Park clean-up organized by Katy Lindberg. Bring your own gloves, bags will be provided, starting at 9 a.m.
Saturday April 24th, Mississippi River Plastics Pollution Initiative organized by Linden Pfeiffer. 10 a.m. start at Lock and Dam Eatery. Two hours of tracking trash along the river. This does require a newer mobile phone with internet service. An app will need to be installed to help track the plastics near the river.
Parks and Recreation Department is hiring softball umpires.
Remember all those times you gave an umpire a hard time? How you proclaimed you could do a better job. Well, now is the perfect time to prove that! Game officials are needed all over the place and that include right here in Hastings. The City of Hastings Parks & Recreation Department is looking for adult softball umpires for the adult leagues. Prior experience playing or umpiring softball/baseball is preferred. Games are played Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights starting at 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Park. Leagues run May – July. Referees can work nights that fit into their schedule. Pay is $26/game. If interested in the position email [email protected] Step right up and show everyone your stuff while earning some extra cash!
