News - Hastings Journal

The Hastings Area Rotary Club Student of the Month is Audrey McNamara, she is pictured here with: (L to R) Dr. Tammy Champa, Glen McNamara, Linda McNamara, John McNamara, Audrey McNamara, Joyce Weeks, Anne McNamara, Douglas Weeks, Melissa Millner, Scott Doran.

Audrey McNamara named Rotary Student of the Month

At a recent breakfast hosted by the Hastings Area Rotary Club, senior Audrey McNamara was honored as the Rotary Student of the Month. The morning served as both recognition and celebration, as … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/24/25

Chuck and Don’s Pet Food and Supplies recently acquired the space at 1100 Vermillion St., between Yuan’s Buffet and The Bierstube. No known opening date is available.

Three new businesses create a buzz on social media

Three new businesses had Hastings Social Media Groups buzzing with excitement over the last week. The sign at the former Hastings Dairy Store at 1700 Vermillion Street was changed to Hometown Dairy. … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/24/25

Ceremonies, March for Them mark Memorial Day

Several local ceremonies and events will mark the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 26. Members of the Hastings VFW Post 1210 and American Legion Post 47 will mark the solemn day of remembrance by … more

Staff Report | 5/23/25

Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman to be next ISD 200 Superintendent

On a 6-1 vote the Hastings School Board selected Royalton Superintendent Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman as its next superintendent, last Tuesday, May 13. Vice Chair Jessica Dressely was the dissenting … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/23/25

Hastings Police held an open house on Tuesday, May 13 on Sibley Street.

Hastings PD hosts public open house

Hastings Police blocked off Sibley Street and opened their doors on Tuesday, May 13 for their open house as part of Police Week in Hastings. The event showcased the equipment across Hastings Fire … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/23/25

The newly redesigned bar area inside Broadway Bar and Pizza in Hastings features a clean, open layout with the removal of the old overhead cabinetry and the addition of eight 65-inch TVs, creating a more inviting atmosphere for families and sports fans alike.

Broadway Pizza opens

After much anticipation, Broadway Pizza has officially opened its newest location in Hastings at 909 Vermillion Street, filling a void left behind by the long-running Green Mill. The new restaurant … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/23/25

ISD 200 schools see rise in behavioral issues in April

The ISD 200 School Board discussed the increase in behavioral issues across the district in April, and reviewed the elementary science curriculum proposal, the long-term facility maintenance plan and … more

5/22/25

HEDRA examines other options for industrial park shovel-ready site

The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA) met on Thursday, May 8 to discuss the Industrial Park Shovel Ready Site and the Dakota County housing report on Hastings … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/14/25

Director of Public Works Ryan Stempski outlined how the city would go about transferring its hydrokinetic power plant at the May 5 City Council Workshop.

Council moves to turn over Hastings Hydroelectric plant to Army Corps of Engineers

Transferring ownership of a hydrokinetic power station is not like selling a house. In fact, it’s not like selling anything because a transfer of a similar power station hasn’t happened … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/14/25

10th Annual March For Them is gearing up for May 26 event

We are excited to have our 10th Annual Memorial Day March For Them on May 26th right here in Hastings. This event was started back in 2016 to provide Veterans a way to honor our fallen comrades. … more

By Tom Wright | 5/14/25

HHS hosts 2nd annual Native Graduate Honoring Ceremony

For the second year, Hastings High School celebrated the graduation of its Native students with an honoring ceremony held in the high school commons on Tuesday, May 6. “This ceremony is the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/14/25

HCTV seeks public outreach to secure future funding

Hastings Community TV (HCTV) joined a statewide effort to preserve community TV across Minnesota, seeking residents to contact their representatives in support of several bills that would change how … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/14/25

Black Dirt Theater sets sail with a local star-studded cast for "Anything Goes"

This summer, the local stage will light up with toe-tapping tunes, comedic chaos, and classic Broadway flair as Black Dirt Theater announces the cast for its 2025 summer production of Anything Goes. … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/14/25

Celebration of Trees set for May 31

Since 1996, Hastings has been recognized as a Tree City, USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. To commemorate that honor, the Hastings Environmental Protectors (HEP) and Hastings Area Historical Society … more

5/14/25

Mayor Mary Fasbender and Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik cut the ribbon on the Vermillion River Greenway, Tuesday, May 6.

Dakota County hosts Vermillion River Greenway Ribbon Cutting

HASTINGS – Dakota County celebrated the completion of the Vermillion River Greenway on Tuesday, May 6 with a ribbon cutting at Vermillion Falls Park. The 2.1-mile section of the Vermillion … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/14/25

Ann Bailey is pictured with Dakota County Board Chair Mike Slavik after Bailey received the county’s Public Health Achievement Award for an individual on Tuesday, May 6 at the Dakota County Administration Center. Dakota County photo

Residents awarded for working to create healthier communities

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners presented the 2025 Public Health Achievement Awards to three recipients Tuesday, May 6 in celebration of National Public Health Week. The winners are the … more

5/14/25

Legislative update with State Rep. Tom Dippel

Budget bills continued to arrive for debate on the House floor this week, and I am hopeful those few that remain outstanding will receive approval early next week. The Senate is going through a … more

By State Representative Tom Dippel | 5/14/25

Burnsville man charged with murder for fatally stabbing mother of his children

Jason Philip Filas, 48 of Burnsville, was charged today with one count of second-degree intentional murder in connection with the death of Danielle Grace Warren, 32, Dakota County Attorney Kathy … more

5/14/25

Prescott man arrested after Minnesota chase

A 19-year-old Prescott man was booked into the Dakota County (MN) jail May 2 on charges of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, a felony, and misdemeanor 4th degree driving while impaired. … more

Staff Report | 5/14/25

Rob Halberg of the Hastings Alumni Association discussed the successes and challenges of running the longest standing alumni association in Minnesota with the Hastings Area Rotary Club.

Hastings Alumni Association highlights history, scholarships, and hope for the future

At a recent Hastings Area Rotary Club meeting, Rob Halberg, president of the Hastings Alumni Association, offered a wide-ranging and heartfelt look into the past, present, and future of one of the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/14/25