News - Hastings Journal

The Hastings Hurricanes, the newest team in the Federal League for players 35 years old and older, teamed up with the Hastings Hawks for a Veterans Park Double Header on Friday for Rivertown Days. Nick Tuckner is the manager for the Hurricanes and his son Dallas often takes on the bat boy role. Dallas is pictured with Hurricane and Hawk, Jordy Horsch. The games were broadcast on HCTV’s YouTube channel. Both teams fell in their games, the Canes fell to the Mammoth 13-6 and the Hawks fell to Lyons Pub 12-2.

7/26/24

The results of the 2024 Hastings Community Survey have recently been released with residents grading the city on metrics like safety, transportation, affordability and confidence in governance. The … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/25/24

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 | 7/25/24

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 | 7/25/24

Joining our Community Band: A Melody of Connection and Joy

In Hastings, our local River Valley Band (RVB) is about more than just making music; it's a chance to connect with neighbors, make new friends, and be part of something special. A Welcoming Ensemble … more

7/25/24

A missing summertime guest: Where are the mayflies?

In the midst of high waters over the 4th of July along with near record-breaking amounts of rain, one might be forgiven for not missing a usual summertime visitor. Normally early in July the city of … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/25/24

LeDuc Estate hosting Concerts in the Orchard series

The Dakota County Historical Society will host their weekly Concerts in the Orchard at the LeDuc Historic Estate, sponsored by Merchants Bank. The concerts take place each Sunday during August at … more

7/25/24

The first 3 women who would be president

Amidst the rapidly changing landscape of the presidential election with President Joe Biden dropping from the race on Sunday, July 21 and Vice President Kamala Harris the assumed Democratic nominee, … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/25/24

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Wine Soirée IV

Wine Soirée IV is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 8 at 5:30 pm at the Hastings Public House. This year’s theme is ‘A Taste of Tuscany’ Get ready for an amazing evening! Plan to … more

7/25/24

Mary Hamann-Roland – NACo: Dakota County Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland (left) was reappointed chair of the National Association of Counties Arts and Culture Commission. She is pictured with Mobile County, Alabama Commissioner Merceria Ludgood and Jay Dick of Americans for the Arts.

Dakota County services receive seven national awards

Dakota County works hard to provide quality programs to residents, and those services get noticed. The county received seven achievement awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) … more

7/25/24

Blake Beissel will wrestle for the Golden Gophers this year after winning two MSHSL State Titles with his second in 2023.

Five Hastings Wrestlers participate in National tournament

Over 7,000 wrestlers from all fifty states plus Guam and Puerto Rico descended upon the Fargo Dome for the 2024 U.S. Marine Corps Junior and 16U National Wrestling Tournament from July 12-20. This … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/25/24

Ben Teigland has spent the 2024 season as the 1-2 punch on the pitcher’s mound with Jordan Jeske. Teigland was very efficient against the Aces in Red Wing until the bottom of the sixth inning when Red Wing logged four runs on seven hits.

Hawks finish the 2024 regular season in second place

The Hastings Hawks regular season has come to a close with two losses against two very good teams. First, they took on the Red Wing Aces in Red Wing on Wednesday the 17th, a 5-0 loss, and then they … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/25/24

It is clear that Shannon Tarr has a personal connection with each and every rescue on her property.

Shannon Tarr’s Emotional Rescue Life

Many people have goals or visions of what their future may look like. And many people do reach their goals. But Shannon Tarr talks about reaching dreams. Hastings native Shannon Tarr had a dream … more

By Nicole DePalma | 7/17/24

Crowds from the 2023 Rivertown Days gather downtown.

Spin Doctors headline Rivertown Days 2024

Rivertown Days has long been the biggest event on the Hastings calendar. Live music, a craft fair, carnival rides, and events from the medallion hunt to the car show draw residents from across the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/17/24

City Hall renovation includes work on the masonry as well as the dome roof and HFAC systems.

City Hall renovation: Helping history stand the test of time

Hastings City Hall began renovation in 2023 for the dome roof, masonry repair, replacing the annex roof and updating the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). The $5 … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/17/24

Free at last! The beautiful kitten had no issues being rescued by Public Works employee Jake Gartzke after a long and hot weekend of being trapped in the bowels of the Hastings Bridge.

It takes a village

Animal lovers, rejoice! A local concerned citizen posted on local social media about a kitten that was trapped somewhere on the Highway 61 bridge over the Mississippi River. The original post had the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/17/24

The Dakota County Jail Integrative Health Unit is expected to open in February 2025.

Dakota County Jail to hire 12 full-time positions to staff new Integrative Health Unit

On Tuesday, July 9 the Dakota County Board of Commissioners approved the creation of 12 full-time positions to staff the Jail Integrative Health Unit, a new addition to the Dakota County Jail meant … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/17/24

Heidi Welsch to be next Dakota County Manager

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has elected Heidi Welsch to be the next county manager. Welsch, who previously worked as the County Administrator for Olmstead County since 2017, will be the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/17/24

Fr. Michael Anderson is new Regina Campus chaplain

United Hospital – Hastings Regina Campus has a new resident chaplain. As part of this unique role, Father (Fr.) Michael Anderson will support the hospital and the Benedictine Living Community … more

7/17/24

Sheriff’s office investigates Randolph woman’s disappearance

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the disappearance of 56-year-old Nicole Anderson who left on foot from her Randolph Township home on July 6th at approximately 10 a.m. and … more

7/17/24