MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING OFFICER:
18-year-old Benjamin Simon Chapman of Hastings has been charged with assault. On November 21st, Hastings Police responded to the report of a suicide attempt. Police located Chapman, who was injured, however he would not allow them to assist him. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, Chapman became combative with Officers, and punched one of them in the chest. Chapman was placed in handcuffs for safer transport to the hospital, and when he got there, agreed to cooperate. Within several minutes of having them removed, Chapman became agitated and began yelling obscenities; he also kicked over some medical equipment. Chapman had to have his arms and legs restrained at the hospital, and then he attempted to spit at officers and medical personnel. After being released from the hospital, Chapman was taken to the Dakota County Jail, where he continued not to comply with Officers. At one point he told the Officer that he had previously punched, that he would punch him again, in the face. If convicted for assault, Chapman faces up to four years in jail.
KING’S PLACE TOY DRIVE:
King’s Place, in Miesville Minnesota will host its third annual Toys for Tots Drive on Tuesday December 8th. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys. It will from 11 till 8. Meet Santa and the U.S. Marine corps. Bring in a new unwrapped toy and receive a coupon for a free hamburger, chips, beverage and treat. For more information call Tammy Clemens at 651-528-2200.
POLICE CHASE ENDS IN GUNFIRE:
On Wednesday evening at about 8:00, members of the Minnesota Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit, Dakota County Sheriff's Deputies and Hastings Police Officers were led on a 20 minute chase through Hastings that resulted in gunfire. Law enforcement Officers were originally trying to stop Roman Urevich Tokarev because they received a report that he was driving a stolen vehicle, and was in possession of a firearm. Law enforcement officers fired shots at Tokarev in two locations both near 12th Street, and near 4th Street on Highway 61 after he rammed the squad cars that were attempting to block him in. Tokarev was taken to Regions Hospital after sustaining numerous gunshot wounds, and is currently in critical condition.
STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY:
Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to attend one of several story times this week hosted by the Pleasant Hill Library. At 10:15 am on December 7th babies up to age 24 months are invited to a baby lap sit story time featuring choo choo trains. Babies will have a chance to sing songs, listen to rhymes and stories, and have a special playtime with friends.
FARMINGTON BLOOD DRIVE:
The American Red Cross is asking everyone to roll up their sleeves this week and give from the heart, The American way, when the bloodmobile is in Farmington on Monday, December 7th from 1pm to 7pm at the St. Micheal’s Catholic Church 22120 Denmark Avenue Farmington. Everyday patients depend upon the generosity of American Volunteers to donate life-saving blood. This blood is used to help people survive an accident, surgery or disease. However, everyone has to do their part and donate on December 7th to keep enough blood on hand to meet all the needs. Call Marlene at 651-460-6083 today for an appointment.
BOOZE AND BELTS:
The Prescott Police Department will join many other Wisconsin law enforcement agencies in the statewide 2009 “Booze and belts” alcohol enforcement campaign from December 7th – 15th. The penalties for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated are severe. First offense in Prescott is a forfeiture action in municipal court. Fines start at $726 with a six-month license revocation, and can be as much as $789 and with a nine-month revocation. Second offenses are criminal cases that are prosecuted in circuit court and include mandatory jail time.
PRESCOTT HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS:
The Prescott Chamber of Commerce is Sponsoring Hometown Holidays on Saturday December 5th from 12 to 3 and enjoy the Family Fun Events. Meet Santa and receive a free photo. The third annual pet parade will be at 1:30 along Broad Street, to take part meet behind Prescott hardware shortly before 1:30. For more information call the Prescott chamber at 715-262-5943.
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST:
There will be an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast on Sunday, December 6th, from 8:00 a.m. – noon. The breakfast will take place at the Hastings Masonic Lodge, located at 2103 Vermillion Street. The menu includes: pancakes, French toast, sausage, coffee, orange juice, and milk. There will also be a bake sale, and pictures with Santa. Donate a non-perishable food item, and have your picture taken with Santa for free. The cost is $6.00 for adults, and $4.00 for children 12 and under.
CITY OF HASTINGS EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED:
Three City of Hastings employees have recently been recognized by various state organizations for their continued excellence. First, Heavy Equipment Operator Joe Birk has been named the 2009 Minnesota Public Works Association’s Maintenance Operator of the Year. Secondly, Public Works Superintendent John Zgoda has been named the 2009 Minnesota Public Works Association’s Superintendent of the Year. Finally, Parks and Recreation Superintendent, Kevin Smith was recognized by Tree Trust.
TASTE OF CHRISTMAS BAZAAR:
On Saturday December 5th St. Mary’s-Basswood Grove Church will be hosting a taste of Christmas Bazaar in their newly renovated guildhall. Shop for special Christmas gifts like knit scarves, Christmas baskets, jewelry, Christmas delicacies like krumkake and more. The event starts at 10 a.m. and runs till 2. For more information call Cheryl Crockett at 651-247-7071.
HASTINGS PLANNING COMMISSION:
The Hastings Planning Commission had a regular meeting on Monday, November 23rd, at 7:00 p.m., in the council chambers at Hastings City Hall. Tim McInniss was absent. The Planning Commission unanimously denied a request by Apparently Graphic Ltd for a variance to exceed 5% limit on wall signage for the newly rebuilt McDonald’s. The commission also reviewed the Accessory Structure Ordinance. The next regularly scheduled Hastings Planning Commission meeting will be on Monday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m.
PRESCOTT NURSING AND REHAB FUNDRAISER:
Auxiliaries Annual White Elephant Silent Auction and Bake sale is Saturday, December 5th 2009 from 10am-3pm. They will be featuring the resident’s crafts from Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation Community. It will be held at 1505 Orrin Road Prescott, WI 54021. For more information call 715-262-5661.
GIRL SCOUT MINI MALL:
Girl Scout’s annual mini mall will be held on Saturday, December 5th from 9 till 2 at Knights of Columbus Hall on Highway 61 South Hastings. You can find gifts that range from $.25 to $10. There will also be a bake sale and food will be available to purchase for lunch and snacking. Santa will also be there from 9 till2 so get your picture taken.


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