Government - Hastings Journal

The City of Hastings is expected to pay $320,000 for the Highway 42 project which will work to reduce speeds through the area and make pedestrian crossings safer. The project is expected to begin in February 2027.

Details of Highway 42 project come into focus at City Council

The Hastings City Council met last Tuesday for a presentation on the upcoming Highway 42 project in 2027 and to vote on a special use permit for Spiral Food Co-op for low potency hemp edible … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/27/26

A mockup of the proposed Mississippi River Landing site which was officially renamed to “Bud’s Landing,” in honor of Bud Joseph, a hunter who lived and hunted in the area. The new construction includes a non-motorized boat launch, pavilion, and outdoor education area.

Bud’s Landing to continue to allow waterfowl hunting

The backlash to the proposed “Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access in Spring Lake Park Reserve,” a $4.6 million project which would add a pavilion, canoe and kayak launch and outdoor … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/14/26

Amrize has proposed a backwater mine for the area of Lower Grey Cloud Island, with alternate sites near Baldwin Lake and in Coates Township.

Dakota County files appeal for additional environmental review for proposed Nelson Mine Backwater project

When the Cottage Grove City Council unanimously passed the environmental impact study (EIS) for the Nelson Backwater Mine Project, a proposed riverbed mine off Lower Grey Cloud Island, Cottage Grove … more

By Joseph Back & Graham P. Johnson | 1/7/26

Council declares Jan. 10, 2026 Pastor Jim Bzoskie Day

The Hastings City Council Chambers were full of the family and those touched by Pastor Jim Bzoskie last Monday as the city council read a proclamation declaring Jan. 10, 2026 to be Jim Bzoskie Day … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/7/26

Local small business owner and lifelong Hastings resident Jen Fox today announced her candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives from District 41B.

Co-owner of the popular Spiral Brewery in downtown Hastings, Fox has served as commissioner on the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA), where she was appointed Treasurer … more

12/24/25

The city council heard from a number of residents at last the Monday, Nov. 1 Truth in Taxation meeting on the city's 2026 budget. Their comments were largely centered on the high cost of living and the increased taxes from the city.

“Lights on” budget draws residents' ire at truth in taxation meeting

The city council unanimously approved the city’s 2026 levy and budget at the Monday, December 1 meeting after hearing from a number of residents who expressed frustration with the high cost of … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/3/25

Police Chief Dave Wilske and Deputy Chief Brian Schowalter overviewed the last year for the Hastings Police Department, citing the current Hastings Police Department building as a hurdle to hiring new officers.

Police Workshop highlights ‘little wins’ for HPD

Last week the Hastings City Council’s workshop heard from Police Chief Dave Wilske and Deputy Chief Brian Schowalter about the state of the Hastings Police Department (HPD), a recap of 2024 … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 11/26/25

Residents gathered in city hall last week to hear from the developers of the upcoming 71-acre Walden Development, a 186-lot mainly single-family development located at Highway 316 and Michael Avenue. It is set to break ground next summer.

‘It’s going to happen:’ Walden Development to break ground next year

Residents got a renewed look at the upcoming 186-lot Walden development located at Highway 316 and Michael Avenue last week at the first public development discussion for the revamped design project. … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 11/26/25

City Council certifies outstanding utility balances, makes way for new church

The Monday, Nov. 17 Hastings City Council meeting had council members discussing how best to certify outstanding utility balances at the end of the year and clearing the way for a new church in the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 11/19/25

The nearly completed renovations of Hastings City Hall saw the scaffolding that has surrounded the former Dakota County Courthouse for most of the project come down last week.

City Hall renovations near completion

Last week, the scaffolding that has braced Hastings City Hall for the past two years came down as the project to restore masonry, replace roofing, and overhaul the building’s HVAC system … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 11/19/25

Council discuss legislative priorities, focusing on E-bikes and community TV

The Hastings City Council’s workshop on legislative priorities last week had councilors discussing what they as a body would like to officially recommend to legislators in the upcoming … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 11/11/25

The federal shutdown and Hastings

Last Tuesday at midnight the federal government shut down. In Minnesota, hundreds of thousands of employees are expected to be furloughed with other roles like TSA and air traffic controllers … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/8/25

Dakota County bins representing polling places stored in the basement of the administration building.

Dakota County elections opens absentee ballots

Absentee ballots for the ISD 200 School Board election are officially open. Ballots are available at the Dakota County Administration Building and Western Service Center with early voting beginning … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 9/30/25

HEDRA approves 2026 levy, appraisal for Block 16 parking lot

The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA) approved its 2026 levy at 0.0185%, the maximum amount allowed for the body which is expected to raise $550,000 for HEDRA at their … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 9/17/25

‘No surprises’ September PFAS update

This month’s PFAS update from Hastings City Administrator Dan Wietecha highlighted looking forward to future funding sources as the central water treatment plant moved toward construction. … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 9/10/25

The 2026 Neighborhood Street Project will repave Forth Street West between River Street and Pleasant Street, as well as Pleasant Street from Fourth Street West to Highway 55.

City adopts preliminary budget with 8.4% levy increase

The Hastings City Council unanimously approved the preliminary city budget of $44,499,029 and levy of $21,729,930 at the Tuesday, Sept. 3 city council meeting. The levy represents an 8.4% increase … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 9/9/25

Hastings upcoming e-bike ordinance poses greater scrutiny on electronic vehicles

Whizzing electronic bikes and scooters are an increasingly common sight for Hastings residents. On trails, sidewalks, bike paths and even roads, electronic bikes, or e-bikes, can generally speed up … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 8/13/25

Hastings City Council recognized August as International Overdose and Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month

City Council Proclaims August International Overdose and Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month

On Monday, the City Council proclaimed August International Overdose and Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month. The numbers of opioid deaths, though generally down from the spike during the COVID-19 … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 8/6/25

Senator Seeberger honored by League of Minnesota Cities, school board association.

The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 28 state lawmakers, including Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton), as 2025 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions … more

8/6/25

A conversation with new District 12 Metropolitan Council Member Mark Jenkins

In July, Mark Jenkins was appointed to represent District 12 of the Metropolitan Council, representing communities from Maplewood to Hastings to Randolf Township after former District 12 … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 8/6/25