Government - Hastings Journal

Hastings School District Superintendent Dr. Tamara Champa addressed the Hastings City Council at its meeting March 4.

Champa grateful for city partnership, neighborhood improvement plan goes to bid

During the March 4, Hastings City Council meeting, Dr. Tammy Champa, Hastings School District Superintendent, expressed gratitude for the partnership with the city. She highlighted school … more

By Nicole Rogers | 3/13/24

The Hastings City Council presented outgoing Ward 1 Councilmember Tina Folch with the gift of a commemorative picture of Hastings City Hall at her final meeting on Monday, March 4. From left are Councilmembers Dave Pemble and Trevor Lawrence, Mayor Mary Fasbender, Folch and Councilmembers Lisa Leifeld, Angie Haus and Jen Fox.

Folch’s dedication, fight for constituents will leave lasting impact on Hastings

During her two terms serving Ward 1 on the Hastings City Council, Tina Folch’s voice always was heard. Folch chimed in on every agenda item and fought hard for projects near and dear to her and … more

By John McLoone | 3/13/24

Vihrachoff selected to fill council seat

DawnMarie Vihrachoff was selected by the Hastings City Council to fill the Ward 1 council seat vacated by the resignation of Tina Folch. Folch’s last meeting on the council was Monday night. … more

By John McLoone | 3/6/24

A map of roads that will be part of the 2024 Hastings Neighborhood Infrastructure Project.

Hastings approves bonding for roads, Civic Arena, city hall

The Hastings City Council approved issuance of $10 million in Charter Bonds to pay for three major upcoming projects at its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20. The bond issuance date of March 18 was also … more

By John McLoone | 2/28/24

Jen Fox of Hastings, who is running as the DFL candidate Minnesota House District 41B seat.

DFL chair, Fox talk about the importance of participating in elections

Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin visited the Hastings Journal office Tuesday, Feb. 20 to talk about the need for political participation to bridge the growing divide. Martin … more

By John McLoone | 2/28/24

Three apply to fill Ward 1 seat on city council

With Hastings Ward 1 City Councilmember Tina Folch attending her final meeting on Monday, March 11, the Hastings City Council met Monday to interview three applicants for the vacancy. The council is … more

By John McLoone | 2/28/24

Township Day is March 12

Tuesday, March 12 is an important date for the one in every six Minnesota residents who reside in a township. Township Day is when 1,780 townships across the state and area hold their annual … more

Staff Report | 2/21/24

DFL candidates Lucia Wroblewski (left) and Jen Fox are running for the Minnesota House of Representative seats in Senate District 41. Wroblewski, an Afton City Councilmember, is running for the Minnesota House 41A seat in the northern part of the district. Fox, co-owner of Spiral Brewery and a Hastings City councilmember, is running for the 41B seat on the south end of the district.

Senate District 41 DFL Announces February 27 Precinct Caucuses

The Senate District 41 Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Party will hold caucuses for its 30 precincts on Tuesday, Feb/ 27, starting at 7 p.m. at locations throughout the 13 communities in the district. … more

2/21/24

GOP Dist. 41 caucuses are Feb. 27

The Minnesota State Senate District 41 Republican Party will hold precinct caucuses Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. District 41 GOP Chair William Beck said delegates and alternates to the for … more

2/21/24

Walden plan should hit planning commission in March

The Hastings City Council agreed unanimously last Tuesday night that no further environmental study is needed for the proposed Walden at Hastings development. Community Development Director John … more

By John McLoone | 2/14/24

Applications being accepted to fill Folch term

Residents of Ward 1 in the City of Hastings interested in serving on the Hastings City Council take note! The Hastings City Council on Monday night approved the resignation of Councilmember Tina … more

Staff Report | 2/7/24

Absentee voting to start for Presidential Nominating Primary

Absentee voting is underway for Minnesota’s Presidential Nomination Primary on March 5. During absentee voting, voters may request an absentee ballot, complete it according to the enclosed … more

2/7/24

City council will review environmental report comments on Walden of Hastings 450-unit development could go before city planning commission this month

The Hastings City Council will review comments received during the public input period on the environmental assessment conducted on the proposed Walden of Hastings project at its meeting Monday, Feb. … more

By John McLoone | 1/31/24

Fox announces run for Minnesota House District 41B

Local business owner and lifelong Hastings resident Jen Fox recently announced her candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 41B. District 41B includes Hastings and … more

1/31/24

Residents talk to Dakota County officials at a public information meeting held Tuesday, Jan. 23 at the Hastings YMCA seeking feedback on improvements residents would like to see on Second Street/Nininger Road (County Road 42).

Residents want speed lowered, safer pedestrian crosswalks on County Road 42

Dakota County officials and project engineers heard concerns about traffic speed and safe crossings on Second Street West/Nininger Road, which is also County Road 42 at a public information meeting … more

By John McLoone | 1/31/24

DNR releases Invasive Carp Action Plan update

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released the updated Invasive Carp Action Plan for the next 10 years of prevention and management efforts in Minnesota. The plan includes a … more

1/24/24

Jen Fox will run for House 41-B seat

HASTINGS, Minn.— Local business owner and lifelong Hastings resident Jen Fox recently announced her candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 41B. District 41B … more

1/24/24

Ward 1 Hastings City Councilmember Tina Folch

Love over politics!

It’s love over politics for Hastings City Councilmember Tina Folch. She announced at the Hastings City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 16 that she’s stepping down from her Ward 1 … more

By John McLoone | 1/24/24

Summer Tusberg and Harrison Haltvick sit on either side of Mayor Mary Fasbender on the Hastings City Council dais at the Tuesday, Jan. 16 council meeting. They were the winners of the Mayor for the Day essay contest.

Mayors for the Day preside over council meeting

Mayor Mary Fasbender was flanked by two junior assistants at the Tuesday, Jan. 16 meeting of the Hastings City Council. Hastings students Summer Tusberg and Harrison Haltvic were chosen as winners of … more

By John McLoone | 1/24/24

Tom Bullington addressed the Hastings City Council at its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 16, asking them to approve a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Council unanimously approves resolution seeking Gaza ceasefire, aid

The Hastings City Council at its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 16 unanimously passed a resolution urging President Joe Biden to “immediately call for and facilitate de-escalation and a ceasefire” … more

By John McLoone | 1/24/24