News - Hastings Journal

Hastings Pubic Schools to Host All-District Band Concert

The Hastings Public School is excited to present its All-District Band Concert on Tuesday, February 10th, at 7:00 pm in the high school gymnasium. This special event will feature all their … more

2/4/26

Hastings Catholic Education Foundation opens 2026 scholarship applications

The Hastings Catholic Education Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Annual Scholarship Program, which will award two $1,000 scholarships to local high school graduates pursuing … more

Staff Report | 2/4/26

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted 5-0 to send a letter calling for “improved communication and coordination” from the federal government. The letter went out to President Donald Trump, Gov. Tim Walz, and members of Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation.

Dakota County Board unanimously votes to send ICE impact letter

In a special session last Tuesday, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted 5-0 to send a letter detailing the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within Dakota … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 2/4/26

Rep. Tom Dippel spoke with the ISD 200 School Board last week and offered to author a bill to mandate fiscal notes for financial changes to school districts and set deadlines on when those bills come into effect in order to provide districts with more time to plan their budgets.

Overhauled high school registration showcases pathway progress

As students pick out classes for the fall semester, the revamped course guide and registration process highlights the current state of Pathways within ISD 200. It was discussed at last week’s … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 2/4/26

The City of Hastings released the following statement Monday on immigration enforcement activities:

“Recent federal immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities and in Hastings has created fear and uncertainty for many residents. The City of Hastings wants to provide clear information, … more

2/4/26

Lions 5th Annual Super Breakfast to benefit Hastings Fire Department and First Responders

On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Hastings Rivertown Lions Club will again host its 5th Annual “Super Breakfast” benefitting the Hastings Fire Department and First Responders. Since this weekend is … more

2/4/26

Educator of the Year Christy Baum; Joby Nolan, co-owner of Precision Landscaping; Volunteer of the Year Karin Grossman and Josh Fox, co-owner of Precision Landscaping, were all recognized at the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner Jan. 29.

Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner celebrates educators, volunteers and businesses

Despite freezing weather last week, for one night it was Derby Night for the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Jan. 29. The annual dinner celebrates “those who make a … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 2/3/26

Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko and Attorney Kathy Keena spoke before the Dakota County General Government and Policy Committee of the Whole detailing the impacts of federal immigration officers in Dakota County. The Dakota County Board called a special session to discuss sending a letter to Minnesota’s congressional delegation detailing the impacts of ICE in Dakota County last Tuesday.

Dakota County to send ICE impact letter in special session

In a special session earlier this week, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners gathered to discuss sending a letter detailing the impacts of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/28/26

Hastings sophomore Nolan St. Sauver dropped the ceremonial puck for the Hastings/Park game on Saturday.

Hockey Day Minnesota

When Hockey Day Minnesota was publicly announced to be coming to Hastings during January 2024, the event required a huge amount of preparation, a challenge that didn’t faze Mayor Mary Fasbender: … more

By Graham P. Johnson and Bruce Karnick | 1/28/26

Senior Myles Johnson finds the back of the net with slapshot in the Cognitively Impaired division of Adapted Floor Hockey last week.

Dakota Hawks face tough competition during Hockey Day Minnesota

While blizzard-like conditions raged outside last Wednesday night, the Dakota Hawks fought on home turf against rivals Brainerd Warriors and the Lakeville/Farmington/Burnsville Blazing Cats. The … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/28/26

Bobby Wargo was the December Rotary Student of the Month. Wargo was soft spoken and clearly the kind of student that leads by actions not words as echoed by several teachers during the hour-long meeting.

Rotary Student of the Month for December: Bobby Wargo

Bobby Wargo does not spend much time seeking attention. Most days, he is more comfortable behind the scenes, helping a classmate finish a project, lending a hand to a teacher, or quietly solving a … more

By Bruce Karnick | 1/28/26

Transit Link on-call bus pilot to start in Hastings next week

A new on-call bus program is coming to town next week which will allow residents to travel within the city for $3.50. The pilot program is called Transit Link On-Demand and will provide on-demand … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/28/26

Nordic Ski: Boys win Metro East meet again, girls place third

The Hastings Raiders Nordic ski team turned in a strong showing on Jan. 20, 2026, competing in the MEC Classic at Hyland Park Reserve, with the boys team earning a first place finish and the girls … more

By Bruce Karnick | 1/28/26

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

Addison Addison Lanning has been a key piece of the Raiders defense this year facing 701 shots for the season with a .873 save percentage. Addison Addison Lanning has been a key piece of the Raiders defense this year facing 701 shots for the season with a .873 save percentage.

Girls Hockey approaches end of season, playing well heading into section tournament

The Hastings Raiders girls hockey team entered last week with a 4-15-1 record and stayed home at Hastings Civic Arena for two games that showed both the grind of a close loss and the reward of a … more

By Bruce Karnick | 1/23/26

Residents encouraged to test homes for radon

2 in 5 Dakota County homes have dangerous levels of radon Dakota County residents are encouraged to test their homes for radon during National Radon Action Month in January. Radon is a radioactive … more

1/22/26

Real estate transactions offer opportunity to reduce risk of lung cancer

During January, Radon Action Month, health officials urge existing and prospective homeowners to test for radon, a cancer-causing gas found in about 40% of Minnesota homes Radon testing during home … more

1/22/26

The entrance to Hockey Day MN brings you to the north side of the village near both the Treasure Island Entertainment Tent and Rinkside Grill.

The 20th anniversary of Hockey Day MN is underway at United Heroes League

Hockey Day MN has turned into a full week spectacle of hockey, music, food, and fun. The week kicked off on Jan. 17 with the MN Warriors team scrimmage before a Saturday full of great varsity hockey … more

By Bruce Karnick | 1/21/26

Author Anton Treuer will speak at this year’s Hastings Reads author visit. The theme for 2026 is Water, Wilderness, and Wisdom: Coming together through Native American Teachings.

20th Hastings Reads features author Anton Treuer

For 20 years, Hastings Reads has highlighted books, hosted events and brought authors to Hastings to speak to students and community members about their work. This year, the program will highlight … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/21/26

Dakota County Commissioners were briefed on fraud within medical assistance and childcare programming within the county. Currently 15 Dakota County providers have been identified as having credible threats of fraud and had payments withheld, according to Emily Schug, director of social services at Dakota County.

Dakota County staff address questions about fraud

Dakota County Commissioners were briefed last week on how fraud and the investigations surrounding it has affected county services, especially relating to medical assistance and childcare. Part of … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/21/26