More local news

Governor Walz Signs State’s Largest-Ever Infrastructure Bill Into Law

Governor Tim Walz signed a $2.6 billion infrastructure bill, the largest in state history, into law alongside Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, legislators, labor leaders, and advocates on June 1. …

City bond rating among top 15% in state

Standard & Poor’s, one of the nation’s bond-rating agencies, recently upgraded the City of Hastings general obligation bonds to AA+ and assigned an AA+ rating to the city’s …

Planning for expanded improvements at Civic Ice Arena, Veterans Athletic Complex have council support

The Hastings City Council on Monday night approved for planning to get underway for expansion and redevelopment of the Hastings Civic Ice Arena and the Veterans Athletic Complex. Consulting firm …

Eight Fire/EMS personnel recognized at Badge Pinning Ceremony

The City of Hastings Fire/EMS Department held a badge-pinning ceremony on May 30. Congratulations to the following personnel, who were promoted, took an oath of office and received a badge: …

“Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration”

The Hastings organization Building Remembrance for Reconciliation (BR4R) is hosting “Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration” Saturday, June 17 at the Art Space River Lofts, 121 Tyler …
On the calendar
Most read stories
Business

Airsoft Armory opens in Hastings

We all grew up with some form of fun toys that were modeled off of the idea of play fighting with our siblings or friends. Squirt guns, cap guns, nerf guns, laser tag, these all provide kids and …

Government

Can pets roam free in Hastings?

Social media randomly proves to be useful now and then, especially for story ideas. This particular idea came from a person upset that there are cats roaming free in their neighborhood. Not contained …

Crime

Hastings police department prepares for National Police Week

The Hastings Police Department (HPD) in conjunction with the Hastings Fire Department and Dakota County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) will hold their annual Police Week open house this year on May …

Community

Swingin’ on the River: Hastings holds another top-notch show choir contest

Luke Warren, Hastings Senior High Choir Director set the tone of what to expect at Swingin’ on the River, the regional contest that has been held at Hastings High School for 23 years and is the program’s largest fundraiser.

Spelling Bea Time June 4, 2023 Good Things In June! Writing Number 158

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you”. Anne Lamott   The gardening stores  are starting sales on their products. It …

Record crowd at prayer breakfast inspires and entertains but most of all lifts Hastings up

The Hastings Prayer Breakfast Thursday, May 4 drew a record crowd of 175 for the event, held by the Hastings Ministerial Association and hosted by the Starkson Celebration of Life Chapel. The …

Weekly Teacher Feature

Students and families who have Arinn Wenzel as their Kindergarten teacher at Kennedy Elementary School are some of the luckiest in the Hastings district.  “I want the parents of my …

OUT AND ABOUT

If you have been down by the mighty Mississippi River in Hastings lately, you know he is rambling fast, and Old Man River is at a very high level.  The old saying of “inquiring minds want …
Obituaries
George Garcia Jr.
George Garcia Jr., passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 25, 2023. George was born April 25, 1943 in St. Paul. Services for George were held on April 1, 2023.
Russell Moore
Russell D. Moore, age 84, of Hastings, passed away at United Hospital in St. Paul on May 9, 2023. Russell was born in Canby, MN on July 28, 1938 to Louie and Helen (Groven) Moore. He had many …
Robert Solberg
Robert P. Solberg, 83, of Cottage Grove, died peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Roma; parents, C.O. and Emily; sister, Corrine Flascher; in-laws, Olaf and …
Mary Koblauch
Mary Ellen Knoblauch, age 89, lifelong resident of Prescott, Wis., passed peacefully on May 6, 2023. Mary Ellen Knoblauch, daughter of Blanche and Clarence Knoblauch, was born on April 17, 1934 in …
Ronald King
Ronald King, passed away peacefully and pain-free on Saturday, May 13, 2023, surrounded by loving family members. He was born on Dec. 11, 1947, in Hastings, MN. Ron was a loving husband, father, and …
Local sports

Hawk’s bats quieted in season opening loss

After their home opener was cancelled on Friday night, the Hastings Hawks opened their season on Sunday afternoon with a CCVL conference game against the Northfield Knights, falling 6-0.  After …
The Raiders golf teams each had a busy week with the boys playing five different events and the girls competing in three. The boys had the Saazter Open on May first in the morning, then a tri against …
The Raiders boys tennis team had a difficult week dropping five of the six matches scheduled for the week and the sixth match was cancelled due to weather. The Raiders are challenging some of their …
The Raider baseballers had a busy week scheduled with four games in four days. Unfortunately, the rain on Saturday cancelled the game at Veterans Park, but that still gave the Raiders three other …
The Raiders had a busy schedule last week. Monday saw a 3-2 win over Tartan, Tuesday a tough 5-1 loss to North St. Paul, Wednesday a hard fought 6-0 win over Simley on their annual ‘Strike out …
Education

School board approves contract with new superintendent

The Hastings School Board made it official Wednesday night, March 31, welcoming new Superintendent Dr. Tamara “Tammy” Champa to the district. Champa will start July 1, after a …

Features

Boat shrink wrap collection begins April 1

Dakota County is offering boat shrink wrap recycling at no charge through June 30 at Lighthouse Motorsports and Marine, 3316 151st St. W., in Rosemount during regular business hours. The large …

Opinion
Columns

Radiant and resilient: Nourish your skin this summer with top dermatologist tips

(BPT) - As the sun’s warm embrace calls people outdoors, the beauty of summer weather is undeniable. While there are near endless possibilities for outdoor activities, this season can also have …

How technology could help restaurants streamline amid continuing staffing crisis

Next Insurance dug into the continuing food service staffing shortage and explored the ways restaurants are using technology to fill in the gaps.

Jun 1, 2023

Spelling Bea Time

“What falls but never gets hurt?”   ….........The rain!   The green color of our surroundings is really kicking my hormones to get outside and DO THINGS. I …

You got to roll with it

Did I speak too soon?  It has been known to happen on more than one occasion, so it could be my fault.  It could also be some of you got too comfortable and lost your focus on THINKING …

Out and About

This Sunday is Easter Sunday and no matter which way you celebrate, secular, religious, or both, many are going to be “out and about” this weekend attending some form of gathering that …
Web Extras
15 major cities where homebuyers can have the upper hand
Homebuyers have an advantage in some cities. Rocket Homes used internal listing data to see where homes are selling below asking price.
How technology could help restaurants streamline amid continuing staffing crisis
Next Insurance dug into the continuing food service staffing shortage and explored the ways restaurants are using technology to fill in the gaps.
Homebuyers are leaving big cities for affordability—here's where they're going and how much they're saving
Homes are expensive. People are finding better deals in the suburbs. American Home Shield looked at data from Freddie Mac to see how much they save.  
Sports betting fuels US gambling's record-breaking growth. Here are the numbers behind it
Using data from ATS.io, we break down seven key factors that explain the state of the sports betting industry right now.  
10 side hustles you can launch yourself
Looking to make a little extra cash? Vending Mavericks highlighted 10 side hustles people can start up on their own.