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Feb. 5, 2025
HARTINGTON — Concerns over the future of Hillcrest Care Center in Laurel moved into the public spotlight as city officials approved additional borrowing to cover payroll while staff and residents raised alarms about the facility’s financial stability and management.
Nursing home employees organized meetings, petitions and public appeals, arguing the city was downplaying serious problems and failing to provide transparency.
The controversy underscored the growing strain facing rural healthcare facilities and became one of the most closely watched local government issues of the year.
Feb. 5, 2025
HARTINGTON —The dirt work is complete and footings have been poured for the new Hartington city shop and maintenance building on east Main Street.
On Tuesday morning a crane was brought in to lift the exterior wall beams and put them into place. It is hoped the project will be completed this spring.
Once the shop is built, the city plans to consolidate the equipment now being stored in several different buildings around the community.
Feb. 12, 2025 HARTINGTON — The Hartington-Newcastle School Board approved the 2025-26 school calendar, setting Aug. 14 as the first day of classes and May 19 as the last day of the school year.
The calendar also outlined key breaks and milestones, including Christmas vacation beginning Dec. 22, spring break on March 13, graduation on May 16 and homecoming scheduled for Sept. 19.
The board action provided families and staff with an early framework for planning the upcoming school year while also addressing staffing and administrative matters during its annual reorganization.
Feb. 12, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington City Council approved new transfer station and recycling center fees as part of a broader effort to generate additional revenue and keep city services financially sustainable.
The changes included adoption of a master fee schedule and adjustments aimed at better aligning user fees with actual operating costs.
City officials said the updates were necessary to address rising expenses while maintaining services for residents and non-residents who regularly use the facility.
Feb. 19, 2025
HARTINGTON — Steffen Drug Store marked a major milestone in 2024, celebrating 25 years of business in downtown Hartington.
Owners Matt and Brenda Steffen were recognized at the annual Hartington Chamber of Commerce banquet after purchasing the store from Joe Schulte in 1999 and steadily growing it into a key local healthcare provider.
What began as a small operation filling about 40 prescriptions a day has expanded into a full-service pharmacy employing multiple pharmacists and technicians, reflecting both the Steffens’ long-term commitment to the community and the role locally owned businesses continue to play in sustaining rural main streets.
Feb. 19, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington Chamber of Commerce highlighted a busy and successful 2024 during its annual banquet, citing numerous ribbon cuttings for new businesses, new ownerships and new buildings, along with a full slate of community events.
Chamber leaders pointed to longtime staples such as the Easter egg hunt, Hartington Dayz and Candlelight Christmas, as well as the addition of a new career fair for local students, as examples of sustained volunteer energy and community engagement.
The report underscored the Chamber’s ongoing role in promoting economic vitality and quality of life in Hartington.
Feb. 26, 2025
HARTINGTON — The Hartington City Council approved 13 building permits in a single meeting, marking the largest number of permits approved at one time in at least 35 years.
Twelve of the permits were tied to new homes planned for the Nordby Addition on the city’s east side, with the remaining permit for a new Hartelco storage building.
City officials said the surge signaled strong residential development momentum and reflected ongoing efforts to expand housing options and support growth in Hartington.
Feb. 26, 2025
HARTINGTON — A house fire destroyed a Nelson family home, leaving the residence a total loss and drawing a coordinated response from area fire departments. Fire crews battled the blaze, but were unable to save the structure. No serious injuries were reported. In the aftermath, the fire highlighted both the risks faced by rural households and the importance of mutual aid among volunteer fire departments, as community members stepped forward to support the family affected by the loss.
