News - Hastings Journal

Jonah Conway played in the crowded Busted Nut during Saturday’s Hootenanny in downtown Hastings.

The 16th annual Hootenanny raises $21,000

From Country Road to Don’t Stop Believing to Learn to Fly, Second Street echoed with music for the 16th annual Hootenanny. The event provides live music across various bars, breweries and … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/30/25

Sen. Judy Seeberger (D-Afton) spoke with members of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce at the April 16 Access and Issues meeting.

Sen. Seeberger discusses ESST, PFAS with Chamber of Commerce

At the April 16, Access and Issues meeting, Sen. Judy Seeberger (D-Afton) met with Hastings Chamber of Commerce members to discuss the legislative session, earned sick and safe time (ESST) and a … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/25/25

March’s Rotary Student of the Month, left to right: Principal Scott Doran, School Board Director Melissa Millner, dad Linden Pfeiffer, Student of the Month Ollie Pfeiffer, mom Julie Pfeiffer and Nominator Ms. Steen.

March Rotary Student of the Month: Ollie Pfeiffer

The Hastings Area Rotary Club shined a spotlight on exceptional youth at their April 17 meeting, held bright and early at the 2nd Street Depot. This week’s focus was the club’s cherished … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/25/25

Michele Bartkey, Patricia Kleis, Amy Mares, Lori Marsh, Lynette Muench, Tammie Sieben, James Sill, and Kurt Zabel were recognized for 30 years of service.

District hosts 39th Annual Employee Retirement and Recognition

On Monday, April 21, the tables in the Hastings High School Commons were not filled with under- and upperclassmen, but were instead populated with teachers from across the district who were … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/25/25

Work on Hwy 316 in Hastings, Ravenna Township and Welch Township begins April 28

Crews will begin work on the Highway 316 improvement project between the south junction of Highway 61 in Welch Township and Tuttle Drive in Hastings on April 28, according to the Minnesota Department … more

4/25/25

The United Way of Hastings recently made a move from a more prominent store front on Second Street to a more flexible space located inside Branchline Church at 518 East Second Street. The move is helping the nonprofit save $20,000 a year, funds now being redirected to community programs like school-based basic needs closets and the Food for Kids initiative.

United Way of Hastings settling in at Branchline Church

The United Way of Hastings has found a new home inside Branchline Church at 518 East Second Street, a move Executive Director Theresa Chatelle says is saving the nonprofit $20,000 a year. The … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/25/25

Mississippi River named ‘most endangered’ amid potential federal cuts and rising flood risks

The Mississippi River has been named “America’s Most Endangered River of 2025” by nonprofit American Rivers, highlighting increasing environmental and policy threats that could … more

By Jill Sanchez | 4/25/25

Farmington man charged with two counts of attempted murder

Mehdi Badaoui, 52 of Farmington, was charged today with one count of attempted murder in the first degree (premeditated) and one count of attempted murder in the second degree (with intent, not … more

4/25/25

Inside the move from Carbone’s Pizzeria and Stacy’s Stars

When the city pivoted in late 2024 to building the central water treatment plant (WTP) first, zeroing in on the lot at 1292 N. Frontage Road for the location of the future PFAS WTP, none were more … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/24/25

Current designs for the Gateway Project showcase a mixed-use building with retail at street level and residential units above.

City Council Planning Committee discusses city project overview

On Monday, April 14, the Hastings City Council Planning Committee met to discuss a rundown of ongoing city projects ranging from the zoning ordinance update, the Gateway Project, cannabis special use … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/24/25

Spiral Brewery owners (from left) Nick Fox, Jen Fox, and Amy Fox toast to the seven-year anniversary of Spiral Brewery.

Spiral Brewery celebrates 7 years

Spiral Brewery celebrates 7 years By Graham P. Johnson When staff, community members and residents raised their glasses to celebrate Spiral Brewery’s seven-year anniversary on Tuesday, … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/24/25

Meet new ISD 200 School Board member Elaine Mikel-Mulder

The ISD 200 School Board elected Elaine Mikel-Mulder as the newest school board member. She is currently expected to be sworn into the school board in May. Mikel-Mulder was selected to fill the empty … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/24/25

Regina Auxiliary Spring Luncheon set for May 5

The Regina Auxiliary will hold its annual spring membership luncheon on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Hastings Public House. Attendees may arrive early at 10:30 am to shop the new spring items from the … more

4/19/25

Dakota County Board recognizes Public Health Week and Child Abuse Prevention Month

At the Tuesday, April 8 county board meeting, the Dakota County Commissioners declared the week of April 7-13 to be National Public Health Week and the month of April as a whole to be Child Abuse … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/17/25

Community rallies to fight local hunger

Hastings Family Service (HFS) is excited to share this year’s Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which ran March 1 through April 6, raised $181,102 and 34,181 pounds of food to help HFS carry … more

4/17/25

Regina Auxiliary Spring Luncheon set for May 5

The Regina Auxiliary will hold its annual spring membership luncheon on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Hastings Public House. Attendees may arrive early at 10:30 am to shop the new spring items from the … more

4/17/25

Quilts made by members of the Dakota County Star Quilters took over the Lawshe Memorial Museum for the thirtieth annual The Threads That Bind Us Quilt Show.

Star Quilters celebrates 30 years

Dakota County Star Quilters celebrated 30 years with the 30th annual quilt show at the Lawshe Memorial Museum. Quilts made by members of the group were showcased in the museum from March 19 to April … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/17/25

A single Variegated Fritillary lands on a flower and spreads its wings wide. The Variegated Fritillary is found in North America, often in open and disturbed habitats, such as clover and alfalfa fields and mountain meadows.

U.S. butterfly population declined 22% in two decades

Nathan Brockman has been researching butterflies for years in Iowa. “Insects have the ability to bounce back. They're really resilient creatures for the most part,” said Brockman, Reiman … more

By Olivia Cohen, The Gazette | 4/17/25

Senator Judy Seeberger presents bill to promote mental health in the construction industry

The Senate Labor Committee held a hearing on a bill authored by Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton) on Tuesday, April 8. The bill, Senate File 2744, would appropriate $1 million to the Minnesota … more

4/17/25

Hudson man charged with murder of South St. Paul man

Jacob John Audie, 36, was charged* today with one count of second-degree intentional murder in connection with the death of Michael Maurice Schille, 72 of South St. Paul, announced Dakota County … more

4/17/25