News - Hastings Journal

Attendees sang “This Little Light of Mine” and other hymns at the Hops and Hymns event.

10 Years of music and art: Hastings Arts Center celebrates 10 years

The Hastings Arts Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary with events ranging from open mic nights to concerts to masses in the old Guardian Angels Church. Founded in 2014 to better house the piano … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/16/25

Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa addresses the April 8 Community Collaboration Committee meeting in order to discuss changes to the district’s draft of the strategic plan.

Community Collaboration Committee discusses district’s strategic plan

On Tuesday, April 8, the ISD 200 School Board hosted a Community Collaboration Committee meeting to discuss the latest draft of the district’s strategic plan. Built from data collected in the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/16/25

School board selects Elaine Mikel-Mulder as new member

The Hastings School Board held a special meeting to elect Elaine Mikel-Mulder as the new school board member. With a vote of 4-1, with Director Matt Bruns the nay vote and Director Philip Biermaier … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/16/25

River Valley Band gears up for a spectacular ‘Pops Concert’

Hastings is buzzing with anticipation as the River Valley Band prepares to take the stage for its "Pops Concert". The concert, set to take place on Sunday April 27 at 1 p.m. at the Hastings Middle … more

4/16/25

ISD #200 Staff Spotlight

In Hastings Public Schools, our educators wear many hats, but few have a collection as impressive as Ms. Temira Butler’s. Since joining ISD 200 in 2007, Ms. Butler has been a cornerstone of our … more

4/16/25

At the First Responder Fundraiser held at Hastings Public House, a poster was made to help donors quantify the sheer volume of work that Hastings First Responders take yearly. Hastings Fire responded to 563 calls, EMS - 3,214, Hastings Police – 20,000, Dakota County 22,598.

Fundraiser for Hastings First Responders held at Hastings Public House

Sunday, April 6, was more than just a sunny spring afternoon at Hastings Public House, it was a day dedicated to showing real appreciation for Hastings’ first responders. The event was … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/16/25

Following federal funding cuts, MDH announces layoffs and reduced public health services

On April 1, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sent layoff and separation notices to 170 employees whose positions were funded by recently terminated federal grants. Additionally, “at … more

4/9/25

Boat wrap collection available through June 30

Dakota County is offering boat shrink wrap recycling at no charge through June 30 at Lighthouse Motorsports and Marine, 3316 151st St. W., in Rosemount during regular business hours. The large blue … more

4/9/25

‘Steamboats, Towboats, and River History Exhibition’ Will Open at the Prescott History Center on Saturday, May 3

"Steamboats, Towboats, and River History Exhibition" will be opening the weekend of May 3, 2025 at The Prescott History Center. It will bring Prescott’s river history to life through river … more

4/9/25

Lower St. Croix River has several regulation updates ahead of 2025 fishing opener

As anglers prepare for the St. Croix River fishing opener on Saturday, May 3, they should be aware of several updates for the fishing season. The following regulations have changed for the Lower St. … more

4/9/25

The Side-by-Side Ride began in Vermillion with this unit leading the way. The first stop was Miesville Ravine Park and then the group split off between Welch to the Cannon River Inn and Miesville to Kings Bar before reuniting at Dans Bar to then finish back in Vermillion at the Stein Haus.

Hastings area residents Rally side-by-side riders to raise funds for Fire Department

The sound of engines revving wasn’t just for show last weekend in Hastings. Over 100 side-by-side, off-road vehicles built for both recreation and utility, took to the trails and roads just … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/9/25

VFW donates to local groups

Receiving donations from the Hastings VFW are Hastings Alumni, Hastings High School Trap Team, and Hastings Senior Health and Living. Front Row L-R: Mark Gelhar, Doug Franzen, Valerie Youngren, Keela … more

Photo by David Youngren | 4/9/25

School boards set up timeline for superintendent search

In a special meeting of the school board, members heard from Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search Barb Dorn to develop a timeline for the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/9/25

Georgia woman charged for scamming Hastings man out of $9,000

Felony charges of theft by swindle (over $5,000) and receiving stolen property (over $5,000) were filed in Dakota County Court against a Georgia woman who allegedly scammed a Hastings man out of … more

Staff Report | 4/9/25

The SKB Rosemount Landfill contracts with Gem-Ash Processing to “mine” ash received from the Hennepin County Energy Recovery (HERC) for various metals to be sold and recycled.

Dakota County commissioners tour Rosemount landfill

Dakota County commissioners tour Rosemount landfill By Graham P. Johnson Designing a landfill is “basically building a bathtub,” said Government Affairs Manager at SKB Environmental … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/9/25

City of Hastings Public Works Engineer Cody Matheson was the guest speaker at the Hastings Area Rotary Club’s meeting on April 3. Matheson gave a presentation on how Public Works rates city streets for repair and replacement, and he spoke on the various processes of the work they do including using the city’s new asphalt repair equipment.

A look into pavement Management

At their April 3 morning meeting, members of the Hastings Area Rotary Club were treated to an inside look at how the City of Hastings makes decisions about the roads we all drive, walk, and bike on … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/9/25

ISD #200 Staff Spotlight Mary Shrader

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Mary Shrader to the ISD200 family this year as a Parent Educator! Mary is joining the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program in Hastings, where her work is … more

4/9/25

Dippel Town Hall Rep. Tom Dippel held a town hall at the HERO center in Cottage Grove on Saturday March 5 speaking to various bills in the state legislature.

Rep. Tom Dippel hosts town hall

On Saturday, April 5, Rep. Tom Dippel (R-Cottage Grove) held a town hall at the HERO Center in Cottage Grove and spoke to issues ranging from the budget deficit to PFAS to federal changes appearing … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/9/25

For National Safe Digging Month, CenterPoint Energy urges customers, contractors and community members to contact 811 to avoid striking underground utilities

In observance of National Safe Digging Month, CenterPoint Energy is reiterating the importance of contacting 811 before starting any outdoor home improvement projects as well as following safe … more

4/9/25

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