More local news

Oral history memories of a vanished world…

THE HASTINGS GAZETTE April 2, 1921 Pioneers in the Township of Nininger Louis Belanger, the first white settler at Bluff Landing, now Nininger Township, 1847 or 1848. Also short accounts of persons …

Send a smile, support the community with the annual Rotary rose sale

The Hastings Area Rotary Club is once again bringing a little color to the community with its annual rose sale, a fundraiser that has been part of the local Rotary tradition for decades. The 2026 …

Paws in the Park draws strong turnout despite the rain

Rain may have been in the forecast, but it was not enough to keep dogs and their owners away from Hastings’ Paws in the Park event Sept. 24 at Rivertown Dog Park. The event went on as scheduled …
Chris Falteisek’s ancestral farm Fokstugu in Dovre, Norway.

‘Norway & Sweden 2026: Through the Eyes of a Musician and Photographer’

WOODBURY – Join Chris Falteisek, local musician and photographer, for a special evening of music and storytelling titled “Norway & Sweden 2026: A Concert Through the Eyes of a Photographer …
Crime

Hugo woman sentenced for threatening House Speaker Lisa Demuth

Stillwater, Minn. — A Hugo woman who left a series of threatening voicemails for Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth was sentenced today in Washington County District Court to three years of …
Business

City welcomes Caliber Collision with ribbon cutting

Caliber Collision was welcomed to the city with a ribbon cutting Thursday, Sept. 24. Above, Caliber Collision General Manager Kyle Raine cuts the ribbon as city, chamber and other attendees look on.

The City and Chamber of Commerce welcomed Caliber Collision to Cottage Grove with a ribbon cutting Thursday, Sept. 24 at the business’s location at 7515 95th Street South. Council Member Monique …

Government

South Washington County Schools proposes $135.7 million tax levy for 2027

South Washington County Schools Director of Business Services Kris Blackburn presented on the proposed levy increase, set at 1.4 percent Sept. 24. The levy awaits finalization in December.

By Joseph Back South Washington County Schools set its preliminary property tax levy at $135.7 million for taxes payable in 2027 at its Sept. 24 board meeting. The proposed levy represents an …

Community News
Obituaries
Arlan 'Gil' Gilmeister
Arlan ‘Gil’ Gilmeister, age 86 of Hastings went to be with the Lord on July 31, 2026. He is survived by his son Michael (Ann) Walker, daughter Jodi (Tom) Reimers, daughter Jill Roy, and six …
Gary Spooner
Gary Spooner age 87of Cottage Grove, MN passed away on March 23, 2026 from leukemia surrounded by his family. Gary Spooner has been a real-bearded Santa for 57 years and is truly a cornerstone of …
Mark Haesly
Mark Warren Haesly, 70, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, after a nearly 7 year battle with lymphoma, leaving behind a life defined not by any single role, but by all of them at once: husband, dad, …
Douglas 'Bill' Farone Sr.
Farone Sr., Douglas “Bill” Age, 90, of St. Paul Park Passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Preceded in death by his wife, Beverly of 54 years; parents, Louis and Mary; …
James 'Jim' Haugen
James “Jim” Oliver Haugen, 84, of Maiden Rock, Wis., passed away at his home on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 23, 1941 in Newport, Minn., to Oliver Haugen …
Local sports
Senior quarterback Esten Erickson (9) completed 9 of 14 passes for 165 yards with a 75-yard touchdown play.

Park wins a wild one in the fourth

Park wins a wild one in the fourth Just another Friday night game between Park and Hopkins. All routine. Good plays, bad plays, controversial plays, dramatic swings of emotions and the …
Under defensive pressure, Park’s Myles Colbeth (25) can’t quite haul in this pass in the first quarter.

Wayzata passes Park in 43-6 win

Playing before a jam-packed Homecoming crowd of more than 2,500, 12th-ranked Wayzata overpowered the visiting Park Wolfpack Friday night, winning 43-6. A surprising 1-8 last season, the Wayzata …
Park’s Shyanne Brooks scored in the second half off an assist by Lauren Tait as the host Wolfpack took a 1-0 non-conference decision from visiting Hastings Saturday in girls soccer. “It’s …
Park’s boys team, which has struggled mightily this season to score goals, has suddenly found its offense. After a 4-2 win at Mounds View Thursday, the Wolfpack exploded for eight goals in an …
Park dopped a hard-fought Suburban East Conference volleyball game at Mounds View Thursday, falling in five games to the hosts, 25-13, 23-25, 2517, 25-23 and 15-13. The Wolfpack remained winless …
The host East Ridge Raptors took a 6-1 win from visiting Park Monday afternoon in a section quarterfinals girls tennis match. Park’s Alaina Post had the lone win for the Wolfpack, scoring a …
Education

SoWashCo Schools outlines financial pressures

South Washington County Schools is preparing for a significant financial adjustment as district leaders work to address deficit spending, declining enrollment and a state funding system they say has …

Features

The Story of the American Flag

The Washington County Historical Society is excited to continue our USA 250 programs with Rocky Bliss about the history of the US Flag at the Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 S. Greeley …

Opinion

Legislative Update

On Friday May 15, the Senate passed an e-bike and motorized bicycle safety bill to update state law in response to the rising use of these vehicles and to help protect Minnesotans from injuries. …

Winter After Everything

Wayne Schlicht has shared another update in his cancer treatment journey. Readers can follow Schlicht’s journey and assist with treatment costs at his Go Fund Me entitled “Stage 4 Cancer Took …

Update from Wayne Schlicht

I made it. Thank God — I made it. This year, I will be sitting at the table with a heart that’s fuller than any plate in front of me. 2025 has been a year of highs and lows, hope and …
Web Extras
What are typical mistakes homeowners make when refinishing hardwood floors?
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Homeowners value hardwood floors because of their warmth, beauty and endurance.It's important to protect the appearance, value and lifespan of hardwood floors by …
17 therapist-approved tips for dealing with seasonal depression
Talkspace reports on 17 therapist-approved tips to cope with seasonal depression, including therapy, hydration, sunlight, and exercise, aiding in symptom relief.
5 common mistakes homeowners make refinishing hardwood floors
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Hardwood floors are valued for their beauty, warmth and endurance.Refinishing protects the lifespan, appearance and value of hardwood floors.Zack Clavin, Bona's "Floor Doctor," …
Rediscover the lost secrets of history, one mystery at a time
(BPT) - Where is Alexander the Great really buried? What led to the disappearance of the dodo? And how much do we truly know about the Neolithic cultures that shaped the earliest chapters of human …
5 Meaningful Holiday Gifts That Give Back All Year
(BPT) - The holidays are approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about what you'll give your loved ones. This year, go beyond traditional presents and give your friends and family a …