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Driving school in Hastings closes unexpectedly

A popular driving school in Hastings has closed because of the owner's health problems.

HASTINGS - A popular driving school in Hastings closed its doors this month due to the owner's health problems, according to posts made on the school's Facebook page.

RiverTown Driving School started canceling classes this fall before announcing in early November it would have to close for good.

"We are very sorry for this as we loved serving the community for the last 6 years for all driving needs," the school said on Facebook, "and would like to thank all who have done business with us."

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety sent a letter to parents on Nov. 15 to officially inform them of Rivertown's closure. In that letter, the state told parents they could claim reimbursement through Rivertown's insurance fund, if they had paid for classes their children did not take yet.

The owner told KARE 11 Thursday night that he felt very bad about having to close, but he said he simply could not continue the program due to his health.

Brian McCabe, whose daughter Anna had been taking classes at Rivertown ahead of her 16th birthday this spring, said she should still be able to get her license in March after enrolling in another program in Cottage Grove.

"I'm not worried about getting any money back. I feel bad for (the owner)," McCabe said. "I don't know where he is with the recovery. I hope he's doing well."

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