News - Hastings Journal

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton thanks community for help in raising $13,280 through raffle fundraiser

It took six weeks of hard work by the students and staff of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and the hard work paid off. Now, school leaders thank the local community for helping them raise $13,280 through … more

4/9/25

Superintendent Report

Board Member Appointment Process Thank you to all community members who expressed interest in serving in this important temporary role and to the 7 selected candidates for participating in the … more

By Dr. Tamara Champa | 4/9/25

Teen Job Fair set for April 12 at Western Service Center

Local teens and young adults can meet with employers and explore career opportunities at the upcoming Teen Job Fair on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Western … more

4/3/25

Dakota County Commissioners receive legislative update

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners received a legislative update from the county’s lobbyists at the state and federal level at the Tuesday, March 25 meeting of the General Government and … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/3/25

Extra distracted driving enforcement is on Minnesota roads in April

Got a social media post that’s tempting to check? Eager to see the latest trending video? Or feeling pressured to hold your phone and read that text from work? Whatever it is, drivers should be … more

4/3/25

Legislative Update with State Rep. Tom Dippel

It’s been a busy week with K-12 Education initiatives in the Minnesota House. As I serve on both the education policy and education finance committees, we’ve had numerous discussions on … more

4/3/25

MPCA seeks public input as it opens animal feedlot rule to better protect state waters

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is opening the rule that regulates about 17,000 animal feedlots. This rulemaking will: •consider changes to improve land application of manure to … more

4/3/25

Woman sets house ablaze after being told not to smoke

A 23-year-old Marshan Township woman was arrested and is being held in the Dakota County Jail with bail set at $50,000 after she allegedly tried to set fire to a house after becoming upset that she … more

Staff Report | 4/3/25

Hastings Public House: Best Overall and Best Entrée Award

Hastings Tastings Fights Hunger Through Community

The 28th annual Hastings Tastings event on Monday evening, March 24, brought together businesses, volunteers, donors, and community members to fight hunger in the Hastings area. Together, $28,555 was … more

4/3/25

ISD 200 Staff Spotlight Kailyn Gernes

At the heart of our school community are the paraprofessionals—dedicated individuals who play a crucial role in helping our students achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and reach their … more

4/2/25

Hastings Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa interviewing as a semifinalist for the superintendent role at the Owatonna School District on March 14.

Superintendent Champa selected for Owatonna

In a special meeting of the Owatonna School Board the morning of March 26, merely hours after Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa interviewed as a finalist, the Owatonna board unanimously selected Champa … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/1/25

Former school board member Lisa Hedin read a letter signed by 104 ISD 200 teachers asking the school board to “trust educators,” and not sunset Policy 100: Equity and Diversity.

ISD 200 sunsets DEI policy despite staff opposition

Teachers hissed, booed and shouted as the ISD 200 School Board voted 3-2 to sunset Policy 100 Equity and Diversity and replace it with the district’s new strategic plan at the Wednesday, March … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/1/25

City staff answered questions from community members and business owners after the meeting on the impact of the central water treatment plant.

Hastings hosts central water treatment plant project meeting

Residents and business owners filled city hall to hear about the upcoming construction of the central water treatment plant (WTP) to be located at 1292 North Frontage Road. At the Tuesday, March 25 … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/1/25

Aaron Wickboldt of Hastings Hoops Factory spoke to the Hastings Area Rotary Club about the Hoops Factory program last Thursday. The program has grown from 15 kids the first year to nearly 100 this year.

Hoops and heart

On any given Sunday evening in Hastings, while most families are winding down their weekends, Aaron Wickboldt and a handful of volunteer coaches are just getting started. Armed with a whistle, a … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/1/25

School Board moves forward with special election, superintendent search

The ISD 200 School Board met on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 to discuss filling the vacant board seat, the upcoming special election and beginning the search for the district’s next … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/1/25

This loom is currently being used at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for a special purpose, ‘Weaving a Community of Hope’. As the owner of the loom, Bronwyn Skov leads the assembly process, teaching would be weavers how the loom operates. It is much easier than it looks, which is great when a prayer requestor wishes to weave their own prayer into the project.

Weaving a Community of Hope at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Nestled in the heart of Hastings stands St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, a quiet but powerful beacon of love, faith, and acceptance. This historic congregation, incorporated in 1855 and meeting … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/1/25

Joint Finance Committee announces Public Hearings

As a member of the Joint Finance Committee, Senator Romaine Quinn (R-Birchwood) is pleased to announce that the committee has released its public hearing schedule to get the input of Wisconsin … more

3/29/25

Highway 316 resurfacing project between Tuttle Drive and the south junction with Highway 61 is scheduled to begin in May and end in October of 2025 at a cost of 11.8 million dollars. The project includes adding turn lanes at three key intersections and a full resurface to improve the road structure.

Highway 316 project from Hastings to Welch scheduled to start in May

The MN Department of Transportation (MNDOT) has scheduled a six-month project for Highway 316. The project is expected to run from May through October 2025. The project summary states that there will … more

By Bruce Karnick | 3/27/25

Sen. Judy Seeberger spoke before the Senate Education Policy Committee on Monday, March 24 on her bill S.F. 1687, which would allow high schoolers to carry opioid antagonists with parental permission.

Seeberger announces bill to allow high schoolers to possess opioid antagonists

Seeberger Sen. Judy Seeberger spoke before the Senate Education Policy Committee on Monday, March 24 on her bill S.F. 1687, which would allow high schoolers to carry opioid antagonists with parental … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 3/27/25

DAKOTA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS ANNUAL QUILT SHOW

SOUTH ST. PAUL – The theme of the 30th annual Dakota County Star Quilters exhibit is “The Threads That Bind Us.” Visitors to the exhibit will be treated to approximately 100 quilts … more

3/27/25