The Hastings compost site will be open for the season on Mondays 3pm-6pm, and Saturdays 9am-2pm beginning Monday, March 30, 2026

 

Those eligible to use the site include:
City of Hastings residents (State issued ID as proof of residency within the city limits is required)
Non-Residents in the Algonquin Lake Area (Paid Compost Pass required, available for purchase at City Hall)

Not eligible to use the site:
• Non-residents
• Commercial contractors
• Any business or group charging for services

 

Materials accepted: Compostable waste generated within the City limits
• Grass clippings
• Leaves and sticks
• Paper compostable bags
• Branches less than 3” in diameter and shorter than 4’ in length

 

Ineligible materials:
• Materials generated by commercial contractors
• Materials generated by a business or group charging for services
• Food waste
• Compostable products or recyclable goods
• Plastic bags or other non-paper compostable bags
• Building materials, lumber, and rubber mulch
• Branches larger than 3” in diameter and longer than 4’ in length
• Large sections of wood or stumps
 

The City of Hastings Compost Drop Site is operated only during the warm weather months in spring, summer and fall seasons. Opening and closing dates are weather dependent and are subject to change without notice.

Independent Bank Corporation and HCB Financial Corp. announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement under which HCB will merge with Independent in a cash and stock transaction.  The partnership combines Michigan's  most people focused and community oriented franchises, strategically bolstering Independent's footprint in the high-growth corridor between Grand Rapids and Lansing.  Based on financial data as of December, 31 2025 the combined organization will have approximately $6.1 billion in total assets.  $5.3 billion in total deposits and $4.7 billion in total loans.

 

"We are thrilled to welcome the Highpoint Community Bank team and customers to Independent Bank", said Brad Kessel, President and CEO of Independent Bank Corporation. "This partnership is a perfect fit both geographically and culturally. By combining Highpoint's strong core deposit base and deep community roots with our expanded product set, we are better positioned to serve the families and businesses of Michigan while delivering meaningful value to our shareholders.

 

Mark Kolanowski, President and CEO of HCB Financial Corp. added, "Joining forces with Independent Bank, represents an exciting new chapter for our organization.  We have long respected Independents committment to community banking.  This merger strengthens our ability to serve customers with greater lending capacity and enhanced digital capabilities, while keeping our employees part of a Michigan-headquartered team rooted in and committed to our local communities.

 

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the respective Boards of each organization and is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals, the approval of HCB shareholders, and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions.

MDOT and the city of Hastings will hold an open house Thursday, March 19th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at  Flexfab Conference Center, 1150 W. M-43 Hwy. in Hastings.  They invite you to share your ideas and identify your preferred Design for the Corridor on West State Street between Broadway and Cook Road, which is slated for reconstruction during 2028.

Hastings Mayor David Tossava is retiring from his elected position at the end of 2026.  He made the announcement public at the end of the Hastings City Council meeting on Monday.

 

Tossava stopped in at WBCH this week, saying that after thoughtful consideration he feels that the time is right for him to step down from the mayor’s post which he has proudly held since 2016. Prior to that, he served on the City Council for eight years. He was re-elected in 2024 and has two years remaining in his current term.

 

The mayor said that by announcing his decision now to step down early, the city can take advantage of the upcoming midterm elections, giving persons interested in running to be the next mayor time to complete nominating petitions and file by the deadline in April to be on the ballot.

 

Among the very long list of things Mayor Dave loves about Hastings, the Saint Patrick’s Day parade sponsored by WBCH is one of his many favorite events.  He is looking forward to greeting everyone at this year’s 20 th annnual parade on Tuesday, March 17th at 4:00pm in downtown Hastings for his last time as mayor.

The Barry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a two vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred on M-37 Highway near E. Bristol Road in Johnstown Township around 12:37pm Thursday.

Officers said their preliminary investigation revealed a 54 year old male from Battle Creek was traveling south on M-37 Hwy in a Kia Soul when he lost control on the wet roadway and went into the northbound lane, striking a Honda Civic driven by a 64 year old female from Battle Creek.  The male driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene. The female driver of the Honda was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the crash.

 

The Barry County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Barry Township Police Department, Johnstown Township Fire, Life Care EMS, Barry
County Central Dispatch, Goldsworthy’s Towing, and the Michigan Department of
Transportation.

With the arrival of warmer temperatures,  seasonal weight restrictions are already being enforced on Barry County roads and in surrounding counties. With the frost exiting the roadbeds and rain in the forecast,  the Road Commission says gravel roads are hurting.  Road crews will be out as soon as conditions allow to make safe and effective improvements.

 

Meanwhile, MDOT says it expects to begin lifting annual spring weight restrictions on state highways south of I-94, on Monday, March 9^th.  All weight restrictions on state highways and trunklines north of I-94 remain in effect until further notice.

The City of Hastings is completing a road and utility improvement project on Green Street and Market Street.  The limits of the project include Green Street from Fish Hatchery Park to Broadway Street and Market Street from Green to W. State Street.

The project will include replacing the aging sanitary sewer system, storm water system, and water system (on Market Street only).  With water system improvements, water service lines classified as lead will be replaced from the road right of way into the home on both streets.  New concrete curb and gutter, new concrete drive approaches and a new asphalt road surface will be placed.  The roads will be striped with pavement markings to include bike lanes along the shoulders.  As part of the project, a mini-roundabout will be constructed at the Green and Market intersection to improve traffic flow.

The City of Hastings will hold an open-house Wednesday, March 4th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Barry Community Enrichment Center at 231 S. Broadway, Hastings.  Representatives from the City & Moore & Bruggink will be present to review this project and respond to any questions.