News - Hastings Journal

Country star Dustin Lynch, left, and Cottage Grove native Hailey James perform “Thinking ’Bout You” Friday at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch. The duet recreated the spontaneous 2021 Country Fest performance that helped introduce James to millions of viewers online.

Five years later, Hailey James reunites with Dustin Lynch on stage at Treasure Island Amphitheater

Five years after a spontaneous duet helped introduce Hailey James to millions of country music fans, the Cottage Grove native found herself standing beside Dustin Lynch again Friday night, singing … more

By Bruce Karnick and the Treasure Island Communications Department | 7/31/26

The Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, located along the Mississippi River near Red Wing, is shown in a 2024 aerial photograph. Federal officials issued an emergency order covering portions of Minnesota and 16 other states as extreme heat increased electricity demand and placed additional pressure on the regional power grid.

Energy Department acts to reduce blackout risk during heat wave, issued order includes Minnesota

The U.S. Department of Energy has issued an emergency order covering Minnesota and 16 other states as extreme heat increases electricity demand and raises concerns about the reliability of the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/31/26

The new 56-acre Hastings Public Schools Nature Preserve was made possible by the work of the donors, district staff and members of Hastings Environmental Protectors pictured here, along with the generosity of the late Tecla R. Karpen, whose estate provided funding to purchase the land.

Hastings Public Schools celebrates new 56-acre nature preserve

A piece of land once challenged by flooding and difficult farming conditions has been given a new purpose, one that Hastings Public Schools officials hope will benefit students, wildlife and the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/24/26

Three Hastings School Board seats will be decided in November election

Hastings voters will select three members of the Hastings School Board during the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with all three current officeholders filing to seek another four-year term. As … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/24/26

Axtman and Chester join workforce development board

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has appointed Hannah Axtman and Kyle Chester to the Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board. They will represent the private sector. Axtman is director of … more

7/24/26

Cooper Pagel is pictured at first base during Hastings’ 13-inning victory over Prescott. Pagel led off the bottom of the 13th with a double and later scored the winning run on Kane Sheahan’s walk-off single.

Hawks look to fine tune in final three games of the regular season

Photo Cutlines Gavin Gavin Odman delivers a pitch against the Prescott Pirates during the annual River Rumble Saturday, July 18, at Veterans Park. Odman started for Hastings, striking out seven … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/24/26

Wildfire smoke pushes Hastings air quality into hazardous territory forcing outdoor events to be cancelled July 16

A thick layer of wildfire smoke recently turned the Hastings sky hazy, reduced visibility and pushed the city’s Air Quality Index reading to 444, a level considered hazardous for everyone. On July … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/24/26

Hastings School Board renews operating referendum, approves gymnastics lease

Hastings School Board members took a major step toward securing the district's financial stability Wednesday night, unanimously approving a resolution renewing the district's expiring operating … more

By John McLoone | 7/23/26

Some beautiful ‘Days”! The focus of Rivertown days has always been the downtown area. That is where most of the family fun takes place. This year’s musical lineup and other family friendly events did not disappoint. New this year was the sand volleyball court in the middle of second street. See the rest of the Rivertown Days coverage on the back page of this edition!

Rivertown Days offers a weekend of family fun across Hastings

For more than four decades, Rivertown Days has brought Hastings residents, businesses and visitors together for a summer celebration, and the 2026 festival continued that tradition with music, … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/22/26

Hastings residents fill most of the City Council chambers during a public meeting on the proposed Well No. 9 project in Wallin Park. Those attending raised questions about the location and size of the well house, the loss of open green space, construction impacts, noise, communication from the city and whether other locations should be studied.

Well No. 9 proposal draws sharp questions from Wallin Park neighbors

Water infrastructure is rarely a neighborhood conversation, at least until a city proposes placing a new well house in the middle of a neighborhood park. That was the collision at Hastings City Hall, … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/22/26

Short-snouted breeds, including pugs and French bulldogs, face a greater risk of overheating because they have more difficulty cooling themselves through panting. With heat index values near 100 degrees across the region, owners should limit outdoor activity, provide fresh water and watch closely for signs of heat stress.

Emotional Rescue urges precautions for pets during prolonged heat warning

Hastings, Cottage Grove and the surrounding communities are under an Extreme Heat Warning through 9 p.m. Thursday, July 16. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the lower and middle 90s, … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/17/26

Hastings woman charged in three alleged Walmart theft incidents

Photo Cutlines Dawn Marie Anderson. Dakota County Jail Roster A Hastings woman faces a felony theft charge after police alleged she was involved in three incidents at Walmart, where merchandise … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/17/26

New LED fixtures illuminate the baseball field at Veterans Park during a night game. All eight light poles were upgraded in 2026, replacing the original lighting system installed when the park opened in 1982.

Veterans Park sees major renovations finalized

Veterans Park is truly one of Hastings’ hidden gems. During the summer, the complex sees a variety of visitors, from the few early morning dog walkers and employees getting some exercise on their … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/17/26

Red Cross asks for help!

The American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage Monday, July 13, after the national blood supply fell nearly 25% during June. The organization is asking eligible donors to schedule … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/16/26

Passing the Peace Torch in States Across the US

The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, an international torch relay, will be coming through Hastings early Sunday afternoon, July 18. Runners will be on Hwy. 61 en route to Red Wing, passing the … more

7/16/26

A new U.S. Postal Service Next Generation Delivery Vehicle is parked in Hastings. The larger truck includes air conditioning, more cargo space and updated safety features designed to replace older delivery vehicles that have been in service for decades.

Duck-billed postal vehicles begin appearing across the country and in Hastings

The familiar white postal truck has never been known for luxury, speed or graceful styling. For decades, the small, box-shaped vehicles have moved from mailbox to mailbox, becoming nearly as … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/15/26

Area residents cool off during the recent heat wave at the Hastings Family Aquatic Center.

Too much sun?

A prolonged stretch of dangerously hot and humid weather is settling over Minnesota, bringing heat index values near 100 degrees and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. An extreme heat … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/15/26

Two vintage military vehicles were showcased during the July Fourth Parade. Seeing the reaction of younger people witnessing historic vehicles is always fun for the older crowd.

Warm weather greets Hastings parade before rain arrives

The Hastings Fourth of July parade had sunshine, warm weather and just about the right amount of parade. Before rain moved into the area later in the evening, the parade enjoyed the best part of the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/10/26

The Pollinator Report

I recently participated in a training session on how to survey an area for pollinators. The survey is coordinated by great River Greening. Funding for the project is provided by the Minnesota … more

Hastings Environmental Protectors | 7/10/26

Hastings secures key PFAS funding milestone, allowing city to avoid another water rate increase in 2026

Hastings residents will not face another water rate increase in 2026, thanks to a major funding breakthrough in the city's ongoing effort to remove PFAS contaminants from its drinking water. That was … more

By John McLoone | 7/10/26