News - Hastings Journal

Senator Seeberger presents legislation supporting law enforcement in Minnesota

Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton) presented legislation in a meeting of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Friday recognizing and supporting the important work of law enforcement in … more

4/22/26

Emotional Rescue’s Pet Story of the Week: How Does the Media Affect Rescue?

It seems as though social media is a double-edged sword. It serves as a wonderful way to connect with family and friends, to learn about events, to discover new people, places, and things, on and on. … more

4/22/26

Hastings High School names Cayla Chun as new head girls volleyball coach

Hastings High School has named a new leader for its girls volleyball program, welcoming a young coach with strong academic credentials, collegiate playing experience, and a focus on developing … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/22/26

Police capture fleeing suspect after Lake Rebecca search in Hastings

A midmorning arrest attempt near downtown Hastings turned into a brief but highly visible search Wednesday, as officers from several agencies worked together to locate a man who ran from police and … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/15/26

Dozens of Ravenna Township Residents showed up to voice concerns over the proposed Ravenna Trail reconstruction project slated for 2030. The primary concern was adding an unwanted trail along the road which cuts into resident’s properties more than some are comfortable with.

Neighbors question safety, property impacts in Ravenna Trail project discussion

Residents who live along Ravenna Trail in Hastings continue to raise concerns about a proposed Dakota County reconstruction project for County Road 54, even as county officials say the project itself … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/15/26

The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau held its State of the Community event Wednesday at the Hastings Golf Club.

Partnerships, progress highlighted at Hastings State of the Community luncheon

The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau brought together civic, business and community leaders Wednesday, April 8, for its annual State of the Community luncheon at the Hastings … more

By John McLoone | 4/15/26

HEDRA weighs downtown Block 16 redevelopment, future of industrial park

The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority spent much of its Thursday, April 9 meeting looking ahead at two major city-owned properties - downtown’s Block 16 parking lot and the … more

By John McLoone | 4/14/26

An Easter Egg Hunt is not complete without the Easter Bunny. As the event began to wind down, the line for a picture with the Easter Bunny became longer.

Edina Realty Easter egg hunt brings families together for a spring tradition in Hastings

Families gathered at Roadside Park on April 4 for a familiar sign of spring in Hastings, the annual Edina Realty Easter Egg Hunt, a long running community tradition that continues to draw children, … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/12/26

New fish consumption guidelines aim to limit exposure to mercury and PFAS

PFAS found in fish in Vermillion River After analyzing data showing the presence of mercury and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the tissue of some fish from certain Minnesota … more

4/12/26

Hastings man charged with multiple felony drug offenses after December Inver Grove Heights traffic stop

A 23-year-old Hastings man is facing multiple felony drug charges following a late-night traffic stop in Inver Grove Heights that investigators say uncovered methamphetamine, hallucinogenic … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/12/26

Hastings presses forward on PFAS treatment as construction advances, legal battle with 3M looms

Construction is moving ahead on the City of Hastings’ first water treatment plant to address PFAS contamination, even as city officials prepare for a potential legal fight with 3M over … more

By John McLoone | 4/9/26

Hastings Cooperative Creamery faces a June 15 deadline for site cleanup after a fire in 2023.

Hastings Cooperative clean-up underway

Cleanup and demolition work is ready to get underway at the site of the former Hastings Cooperative Creamery, marking a significant step forward in addressing one of the city’s most visible … more

By John McLoone | 4/9/26

Record-Breaking MN Foodshare fights local hunger

Hastings Family Service (HFS) is excited to share the results of this year’s record-breaking Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign which ran March 1 through April 6. The community rallied to raise … more

4/8/26

Just a few minutes after the meeting started there were over 50 people in the lecture hall at Hastings High School, that number quickly expanded to around 70 people looking to improve communication between the school board and the broader community.

Trust, communication, and student success lead priorities at Hastings School Board collaboration meeting

About 70 residents, students, staff members, and community leaders gathered April 1 at Hastings High School for a community collaboration event hosted by the Hastings School Board, an effort district … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/8/26

In his final act, retiring Police Chief David Wilske (L) had the honor of swearing in new Police Chief Kyle Linscheid (R) in front of a packed crowd at the Hastings City Council meeting with over 100 people in attendance.

New police chief sworn in, two officers join Hastings department

The Hastings Police Department marked a moment of transition and welcome this week as Kyle Linscheid took the oath as the city’s new police chief and two officers, Aaron Musburger and Isaac … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/8/26

Two Seeds Popcorn, a new father and daughter owned shop at 2137 Vermillion St. in Hastings, will celebrate its grand opening April 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store offers more than 40 flavors of small batch gourmet popcorn along with hard ice cream and malts and is open Sundays and Mondays from noon to 5 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours planned until 8 p.m. beginning Memorial Day weekend.

Two Seeds Popcorn opens this week

A new family-run popcorn shop will open its doors in Hastings on April 2 at 11 a.m. bringing more than 40 flavors of small batch treats, old fashioned hard ice cream, and a father and daughter team … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/2/26

Country Financial moves to Hastings

A new Country Financial office has opened its doors in downtown Hastings, bringing a family run insurance and financial planning business closer to the community its owner has long called home. Mandy … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/2/26

Hastings School District plans to use fund balance to cover projected deficit

The Hastings School Board covered a wide range of district business during its regular meeting Wednesday, March 25, including a detailed financial forecast, updates on student programming and a … more

By John McLoone | 4/1/26

360 Communities outlines services, calls for community support at Rotary visit

Members of the Hastings Area Rotary Club recently welcomed representatives from 360 Communities for a visit that blended updates, encouragement, and a clear invitation for local residents to stay … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/1/26

The Hastings Knights of Columbus (KoC) donated 2,800 dollars to Hastings Family Service (HFS) to help feed area residents. The donation was a welcome surprise during the Hastings Tastings event. (L to R) KoC member Gary Wynia, HFS Director Amy Sutton, KoC member and HFS Board Member Tony Jurgens.

29th Hastings Tastings another success

The 29th annual Hastings Tastings event brought hundreds of residents together for an evening of food, conversation, and community support, continuing a long running tradition that helps Hastings … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/1/26