News - Hastings Journal

Same-day license pilot program discontinued at Lakeville License Center

A state pilot program offering same-day issuance of standard driver’s licenses at Dakota County’s Lakeville License Center will end Oct. 31, 2025. The Minnesota Department of Public … more

10/22/25

Some of the Raider girl’s hockey team came to support the 100-day countdown to Hockey Day Minnesota event at Dugarel’s. The Wild Mascot “Nordy” was also on hand to help celebrate, posing for several pictures with hockey fans.

The countdown begins: 100 days to Hockey Day MN

With just 100 days to go, excitement is building in Hastings as the city prepares to host Hockey Day Minnesota. Local sponsors, residents, and city leaders gathered Friday night at Dugarel’s to … more

By Bruce Karnick | 10/21/25

School board candidates (left) Simone Rendon, (right) Elaine Mikel-Mulder

ISD 200 School Board candidates sound off ahead of election

Two candidates continue to campaign for the title of ISD 200 School Board Director: Elaine Mikel-Mulder and Simone Rendon. We caught up with both candidates for a brief discussion on the role, the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/21/25

Dakota County extends SNAP application processing date to Oct. 29

Last week Dakota County extended the timeline for approving applications for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps, through to Oct. 29. This extension is … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/21/25

While Pertussis, or Whooping Cough tends to be on a 3-5-year cycle in Dakota County, those numbers plummeted during the COVID-19 Pandemic because “people were home, masked and distanced,” said Gina Pistulka, Interim Public Health Director at Dakota County.

Dakota County sees majority of Measles cases statewide

When talking about the vaccination rates in Dakota County, Interim Public Health Director Gina Pistulka starts with Germ Theory. Pistulka spoke of Louis Pasteur, the inventor of pasteurization, and … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/21/25

The First Presbyterian Church of Hastings is located at 602 Vermillion St.

First Presbyterian Church celebrates milestones

The First Presbyterian Church of Hastings will celebrate a couple huge milestones on Sunday Nov. 2. The community is invited to the celebrations of the 170th anniversary of the congregation and the … more

10/21/25

Hastings firefighters handed over fire hoses to local kids during their 2025 open house.

Hastings Fire Department Open House showcases community outreach

Smoke alarms and the sounds of fire hoses spraying down Eddy Street could be heard on Tuesday, Oct. 7 for the Hastings Fire Department’s annual open house. The longstanding tradition overlaps … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/15/25

A majority of ISD 200 School Board sign letter seeking Minnesota to comply with Title IX

A majority of ISD 200 School Board members have signed a letter to the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota State High School League, and the Attorney General’s office calling for … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/15/25

Branson Country Christmas features the Ozark Jubilee. A special lunch show will be held Thursday, Nov. 7 at noon.

Branson Country Christmas special show set for Nov. 6 at Treasure Island

Christmas is coming early to Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The Branson Country Christmas show, with a special tribute to veterans, will have a special performance Thursday, November 6 at noon … more

10/15/25

Fields of Faith

Fields of Faith Faith 1 Hastings High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes celebrated Fields of Faith last Tuesday at Todd Field. The event brought together community members, … more

10/15/25

Each year the Medical Examiner’s Office compiles an annual report of deaths including a breakdown of causes of death into broad categories. It’s the “single most important chart I show the public,” said Dr. Andrew M. Baker, Chief Medical Examiner for the Hennepin/Scott/Dakota County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Dakota County Medical Examiner discusses misconceptions of office

When one hears from a medical examiner, it is often in a courtroom or when reading about determining a cause of death. While those are roles of the medical examiner’s office, it’s … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/15/25

Senator Judy Seeberger announces re-election campaign, kickoff event

On Tuesday, October 7th, Minnesota Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL- Afton) announced that she will run for re-election to the Minnesota Senate in 2026. Seeberger released the following statement: … more

10/15/25

Dakota County Court Reports

The following criminal complaint was filed last week in Dakota County Court: Christian Ronald Glasby, 21, was charged with 5th degree possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and gross … more

10/15/25

Wills Nelson serves during her opening-round singles match against Park of Cottage Grove’s Camilla Brooks. Nelson dropped the first set 6-0 but rallied in the second before falling 7-5.

Kellers earn fourth trip to state tennis tournament

The Hastings Raiders girls tennis team wrapped up an impressive week on the courts, capped by Brooklyn and Reese Keller punching their ticket to the state tournament for the fourth straight year. The … more

By Bruce Karnick | 10/15/25

Football dominates Burnsville, looks towards Mankato East regular season finale

The Hastings Raiders found their stride again in Week 7, delivering a commanding 49-7 win over Burnsville at Todd Field. The Raiders entered the night sitting at 3-3 and looking to rebound from the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 10/15/25

For more than three hours, Kingsley Fifi Bimpong was held in Dakota County Jail the morning of Nov. 17, 2024 before being taken to Regina Hospital and later declared dead due to intracerebral hemorrhage.

‘Callous indifference:’ Dakota County sued for alleged wrongful death after stay in Dakota County Jail

Last week a case was filed against Dakota County, three Eagan police officers, and eight Dakota County correctional officers seeking $120 million in money damages for an alleged wrongful death of a … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/14/25

Cell phone offenses down in schools

The ISD 200 School Board heard from district building principals for the first time in the 2025-2026 school year on initial behavioral and test score reports as well as on new protocols for distance … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/14/25

Community Collaboration Committee meeting attendees were able to manipulate cadaver scans on the district’s new Anatomage table.

ISD 200 hosts first Community Collaboration Committee of 25-26 school year

The ISD 200 School Board hosted its first Community Collaboration Committee meeting of the 2025-2026 school year Thursday, Oct. 2 to introduce Superintendent Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman and showcase … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/8/25

Dakota County is seeking public input through Oct. 14 for the Schaar’s Bluff River Landing area in Spring Lake Park Reserve.

Dakota County seeks public input for new Schaar’s Bluff River Landing

Dakota County is seeking public input through Oct. 14 for the proposed plans for the new Schaar’s Bluff River Landing in Hastings. The proposed plan features a kayak and canoe launch, an ADA … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/8/25

House Capital Investment Committee to visit Hastings – October PFAS update

At the Oct. 6 Hastings City Council meeting, City Administrator Dan Wietecha shared updates on the central water treatment plant and possible future sources of funding. Construction Mobilization … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 10/8/25