Features - Hastings Journal

Attendees sang “This Little Light of Mine” and other hymns at the Hops and Hymns event.

10 Years of music and art: Hastings Arts Center celebrates 10 years

The Hastings Arts Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary with events ranging from open mic nights to concerts to masses in the old Guardian Angels Church. Founded in 2014 to better house the piano … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/16/25

At the First Responder Fundraiser held at Hastings Public House, a poster was made to help donors quantify the sheer volume of work that Hastings First Responders take yearly. Hastings Fire responded to 563 calls, EMS - 3,214, Hastings Police – 20,000, Dakota County 22,598.

Fundraiser for Hastings First Responders held at Hastings Public House

Sunday, April 6, was more than just a sunny spring afternoon at Hastings Public House, it was a day dedicated to showing real appreciation for Hastings’ first responders. The event was … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/16/25

Aaron Wickboldt of Hastings Hoops Factory spoke to the Hastings Area Rotary Club about the Hoops Factory program last Thursday. The program has grown from 15 kids the first year to nearly 100 this year.

Hoops and heart

On any given Sunday evening in Hastings, while most families are winding down their weekends, Aaron Wickboldt and a handful of volunteer coaches are just getting started. Armed with a whistle, a … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/1/25

This loom is currently being used at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for a special purpose, ‘Weaving a Community of Hope’. As the owner of the loom, Bronwyn Skov leads the assembly process, teaching would be weavers how the loom operates. It is much easier than it looks, which is great when a prayer requestor wishes to weave their own prayer into the project.

Weaving a Community of Hope at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Nestled in the heart of Hastings stands St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, a quiet but powerful beacon of love, faith, and acceptance. This historic congregation, incorporated in 1855 and meeting … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/1/25

College Lit seniors Sienna McCoy, Lauren Meyer, and Delania Kurtz pose with Kao Kalia Yang alongside her book The Song Poet.

Hastings Reads hosts Kao Kalia Yang

“Everything I write is a love letter to someone somewhere,” said Kao Kalia Yang at the Hastings Reads author visit on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Hastings Arts Center. Despite the frigid cold … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 2/25/25

Hastings Bierstube Celebrates 62 years

The Hastings Bierstube is kicking off its 62nd anniversary celebration with a week-long party, packed with exciting prizes, food specials and entertainment. The festivities begin Tuesday and run … more

By Bruce Karnick | 12/12/24

Jan Rossing has all three of her books available at their store front at 405 Vermillion Street, the home of Rossing’s Art and Frame and Glass Etching Fever.

Local Author’s Journey from Childcare to Glass Etching and Children’s Books

Jan Rossing, a first-time author and former childcare provider, is quickly making a name for herself in the world of children's literature. Since beginning her book writing journey just this year, … more

By Bruce Karnick | 12/11/24

Hastings Flower Co., located at 3500 Cannon St. opened its doors several weeks ago and recently held their ribbon cutting ceremony with a packed house of Chamber Ambassadors, family and friends.

Hastings Welcomes New Flower Shop: Hastings Flower Co. Opens Its Doors

HASTINGS, MN — The floral scene in Hastings just got a little brighter. After 14 years of running a flower business from her farm south of town, Vickie Schweich has officially brought her … more

By Bruce Karnick | 12/11/24

This photo of my dad Rollie (R) and one of his best friends, Jerry Eastman (L), is one of those memories from the story that means a lot to me and the family. A picture like this reminds us of the shenanigans they used to create in the garage when they were working on my dad’s 54 Chevy. The memory behind the picture is an important piece to share as part of the pre-planning process. I do not remember who took the photo, but I remember all the times I heard these two laughing and goofing around in the garage.

Making difficult family discussions easier over the holidays

This is part two of a series of articles to help families have positive and constructive discussions around a difficult topic. Part 2: November 28, 2024 Part 1 can be found in our November 21, 2024, … more

By Bruce Karnick | 11/26/24

Hastings Arts Center opens new exhibition

The Hastings Arts Center opened a new showing in its gallery featuring the works of artists Mandy Madsen and Susan Solomon on Nov. 1. The showing will host a reception on Nov. 13 at the gallery and … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 11/5/24

The folks at Barks & Rec did a great job laying out their new space in Hastings. The setup inside both sets of garages is very similar. There are several fenced in play spaces inside and out with the indoor space being climate controlled when needed. The space outside has turf and inside has heated rubber flooring that covers the play space and the kennels.

Doggy Daycare comes to Hastings, introducing Barks & Rec

Barks & Rec is a doggy daycare and boarding service located just north of Hastings at 12260 Margo Ave. S., the same building as Rio Grooming School and Salon. Barks & Rec owners Kirk and … more

By Bruce Karnick | 10/16/24

Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and City of Hastings staff joined Chad Smurawa of Simply Secure Storage for their ribbon cutting at their new MEGA storage facility at 2489 Spiral Blvd. The storage facility features large storage spaces that will fit even some of the largest RVs. Pictured (from left) are Abby Meyers, Jessica Dodge, Todd Seeman, Chad Smurawa, Jeff Carter, Alex Menke and Kelly Carter.

Simply Secure Storage opens second location on Spiral Blvd

Storage centers have been popping up all around the area, but none quite like the second location for Simply Secure Storage at 2489 Spiral Blvd. The newest location of storage in Hastings boasts a … more

By Bruce Karnick | 9/25/24

ISD 200 Staff Spotlight- Serina Stokke

From a young age, Serina Stokke discovered a deep passion for working with individuals with disabilities, a passion that has only grown stronger over the years. This year marks Ms. Stokke’s … more

Staff Report | 9/11/24

Hastings Band Director honored with a lifetime achievement award

Hastings Marching Band Director Emily Chandler was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Youth in Music group. Here is the press release. Congratulations to Emily Chandler, the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 9/3/24

Pub 55 re-opens under new ownership

Pub 55 has a new owner, new menu and a new look at the corner of Bahls Drive and South Frontage Road. Photo by Bruce Karnick Randy Cooper of Eagan is not new to restaurant ownership, having … more

By Bruce Karnick | 8/28/24

The view from above as the Spin Doctors were finishing their portion of the Rivertown Days concerts in downtown Hastings. The riverfront provides the perfect backdrop for the carnival rides and midway games.

Days to remember!

The 45th annual Hastings Rivertown Days took place last weekend featuring carnival rides, craft fairs, events across the community and live music with Saturday headliner the Spin Doctors. While the … more

By Graham P. Johnson and Bruce Karnick | 7/24/24

Eva Opseth playing Ella and Zach Opseth playing Topher star in Black Dirt's “Cinderella.” The pair are married in real life.

Black Dirt Theater to present ‘Cinderella’ at HMS

HASTINGS – Black Dirt Theater opens its summer musical Cinderella at Hastings Middle School with performances on July 26, 27, and 31 and Aug. 1-3. When watching the play however, viewers, … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/24/24

Hastings Veteran - ‘Concertinaguy’ - chosen to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival

Hastings Air Force Veteran Gary Erickson has been selected as a first-place winner in the 2023 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. Erickson will be playing the Concertina at the 43rd … more

By John McLoone | 5/15/24

Hampton, Vermillion and New Trier Catholic churches will host national pilgrimage

The Catholic Church of the United States is hosting a National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis this summer, and pilgrims from across America will converge on Indianapolis for the event. Four … more

By John McLoone | 5/8/24

Superintendent Report

This week's Raider Update is a celebration of our outstanding staff, highlighting those who were recognized at our recent staff appreciation event. Additionally, the usual calendar reminders are … more

By Dr. Tamara Champa | 4/25/24