News in Hastings
‘Wild for a Cure’
According to organizers of the 2026 Barry County Relay for Life, nearly 150 people rallied at Tyden Park in Hastings on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12 and 13, to help raise funds — and awareness — in the ongoing fight against cancer. Kim Domke, a team leader for “Give 4 Good,”…
Hastings school officials state need to pass bond request at community forum
Hastings Area School System officials hosted a community forum on Monday, Sept. 21, to make their case and educate voters on the need for a $24.8 million bond proposal that will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election. The forum was held at the Hastings Middle School…
Hastings man charged in ricin exposure
A 24-year-old Hastings resident is now facing a felony charge related to the recent ricin exposure at the Tyden Loft apartments in Hastings that could result in up to two decades in a state prison, according to a statement released by the Barry County Prosecutor’s office. Joseph…
Carisa Rosenberger of Hastings schools recently received the Travis Wenger 4-H Scholarship.
Hastings man facing charges for ricin incident
On Friday, Sept. 18, Joseph Jay Sheppard of Hastings was arraigned in Hastings District Court in connection with a ricin incident at the Tyden Lofts apartments on Sept. 10. Sheppard was charged with “Harmful Devices-Unlawful Possession or Use Causing Property Damage,” a felony…
‘People stepped up’
As residents of Tyden Lofts began returning home in phases following a reported ricin exposure, local health and emergency management officials told the Hastings City Council on Monday that response teams continue to evaluate the building and collect environmental samples.…
Hastings City Council picks new member
It might have taken a bit longer than expected, but the Hastings City Council appointed a new member at its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 14. Debra Hatfield was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the recent resignation of Jordan Brehm, who represented the city’s Fourth…
Hastings police show off newly renovated offices
Hastings Police Department officials got a chance to show off their recently renovated offices on the second floor of Hastings City Hall during an open house Monday, Sept. 14. The event, held before the Hastings City Council’s regular meeting, included a ribbon-cutting ceremony,…
Rutland Twp. supervisor: Still no news on property sale for proposed Meijer
While City of Hastings and Rutland Township officials have seemingly cleared the path for Meijer to build a new store in Barry County, officials are also waiting to hear whether the Grand Rapids-based retailer has yet purchased the property needed for construction. Brenda…
Barry County Ethnic Food Fest brings world flavors to Hastings
Food has a way of bringing people together, and organizers of the Barry County Ethnic Food Fest hope to do just that again this weekend with dishes and traditions from nearly a dozen countries. The Hastings Church of the Nazarene will host the second Barry County Ethnic Food…
2 TAEF Mom’s Scholarship recipients selected
The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation is pleased to announce Cloe Oliver of Hastings and Rebecca Pruess of Delton as the 2026 recipients of the Mom’s Scholarship. Developed in memory of Virginia Hoover Harrison Root, a well-respected Barry County mother and teacher who went…
Barry Community Foundation launches new community for young professionals
Membership is now open for the program’s founding year, with a public kickoff event set for Oct. 15 in downtown Hastings The Barry Community Foundation recently announced the launch of The Bridge, a new community program designed to connect young professionals in Barry County…