News - Hastings Journal

State Rep. Shane Hudella (left) and Hastings Public Works Director/Engineer Ryan Stempski testified before the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee about Hastings’ needs for a $20.6 million investment from the state to build its first water treatment plant to fight PFAS and nitrate contamination in the city drinking water.

Hastings asks for $20.6 million to build first treatment plant to eradicate PFAS in water

The City of Hastings took its fight against PFAS forever chemicals in its drinking water wells to the Capitol last week. Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender and Public Works Director/Engineer Ryan Stempski … more

By John McLoone | 4/24/24

Renderings of a marijuana grow operation planned for land owned by the Prairie Island Indian Community at the southeast intersection of Hwy. 316 and 200th Street.

Prairie Island plans cannabis grow operation on land it owns in Ravenna Township

Prairie Island Indian Community is putting a cannabis growing operation on 13 acres of land it owns at Hwy. 316 and 200th Street in Ravenna Township. A Treasure Island Casino sign now sits on the … more

By John McLoone | 4/24/24

Hastings River Valley Band Concludes its Season

Spring has finally sprung, and music is in the air as the River Valley Band concludes its 12th season. The band invites you to a FREE concert on Sunday, May 5t at 1 p.m. at Hastings Middle School … more

4/24/24

The following property sales were reported to the Minnesota Department of Revenue

The following property sales were reported to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. (Buyer listed first, seller second) Michele Yvonne Hoffman, Thousands Oaks, CA, from Renovation Group Inc., … more

4/18/24

Joint agency statement on new federal limits on PFAS in drinking water

From Minnesota Pollution Control Following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Primary Drinking Water Regulation announcement of new Maximum Contaminant Levels on certain … more

4/18/24

Vermillion Street crash

A driver swerved off northbound Vermillion Street before 15th Street early Wednesday afternoon, hitting a tree and a light pole. No injuries were reported. Hastings Fire Department and Public Works … more

Photo by Bruce Karnick | 4/18/24

Hastings YMCA Open House Sunday

The Hastings YMCA will hold a Community Open House on Sunday, April 21 from 1-3 p.m. The event is free and for all ages. For the younger visitors, there will be a gaga pit, bounce house, face … more

4/18/24

A Dakota County Sheriff’s Office drone was fixed to provide a visual outside a window at an apartment in South St. Paul. The department was assisting South Metro SWAT.

Drone use a ‘game changer’ in helping deescalate situation

Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko said Dakota County Sheriff’s Office drones played a critical role in a South St. Paul incident on Sunday, April 7 where South Metro SWAT responded to an armed … more

Staff Report | 4/18/24

ISD #200 Staff Spotlight

While there is never a dull moment in middle school, building relationships with students and getting them excited to learn is the favorite part of Ms. Kasel’s job. Shayla started with ISD 200 … more

4/18/24

2024 MN NASP 3D State Tournament Roster – (Front row, from left): Chas Scheel, Benjamin Weber, Logan Luskey, Lillie Shaleen, Gabriella Seefeld, Natalie Seefeld, Esme Renneke; (back row Alice Scheel, Jacqueline Seefeld, John Rother, Josie Rondeau, Maggie Sullivan, Claire Reinhardt and William "Buddy" Noonan.

SEAS Patriots Archery Teams qualify for Nationals

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) School’s NASP Archery Team, the Patriots, started and finished the regular season as the top Middle School Bullseye Team the school has ever fielded. Smashing … more

By Ryan Renneke | 4/18/24

Ballin' in Dakota County 12th Annual Charity Basketball Tournament is Saturday

Ballin' in Dakota County 12th Annual Charity Basketball Tournament is Saturday Law enforcement officers from throughout Minnesota will participate in the 12th Annual Ballin’ in Dakota County … more

4/18/24

The Week in Sports

Baseball All games at 4:30 p.m. unless noted April 17 – At Simley April 19 – Home vs. Tartan April 22 – At Mahtomedi April 24 – Home vs. St. Thomas … more

4/18/24

Track teams off to fast start, win first three meets

The Hastings Track & Field teams are off to a great start. Three meets into the season, the Raiders have each placed first in the meets in team score. Head coach Jason Koch likes what he sees … more

By John McLoone | 4/18/24

Jack Seleski pitched three superb innings for Hastings.

Raider baseball drops to 1-2

The Raiders entered the week at 0-1 with a trip to North St. Paul on Wed. and then Two Rivers on Fri. After a 13-3 thumping at the bats of Park of Cottage Grove, Hastings took the chip on their … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/18/24

Emily Dembrowski dives headfirst into third base with excellent base running. The throw from the first baseman was wide, allowing Dembroski to score on an error giving Hastings their second run of the game in a four-run fifth inning.

Softball sweeps the week and moves 2-1

The Hastings Raiders Softball team opened the season with a close loss at Tartan, falling 8-7. That meant the return home for their home opener had the ladies ready to right the ship. The Tuesday … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/18/24

Record support from community to help Hastings Family Service fight local hunger

Hastings Family Service (HFS) is excited to share this year’s Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign raised a record-high overall total of food and funds to fight local hunger. Just over $185,000 … more

4/17/24

A sign honoring former Dakota County sheriff’s deputy Luther Klug, who was killed by a drunken driver 28 years ago, was unveiled by friends and former colleagues during a ceremony April 12 on County Road 68 in Ravenna Township.

Luther Klug Memorial Highway a tribute to dedicated, fondly remembered deputy

A ceremony Thursday morning at the start of Dakota County Road 68 south of Hastings was a tribute to a fallen Dakota County Sheriff’s Deputy, who lost his life in service 28 years ago. County, … more

By John McLoone | 4/17/24

The Hastings Wastewater Treatment Plant is moving to a new location, meaning this site will be prime for redevelopment in the next several years.

Planning underway for a downtown without a wastewater treatment plant

With a new wastewater treatment plant serving the Hastings area planned to be open in 2027, City of Hastings officials are planning for a future in the downtown area without it. The current … more

By John McLoone | 4/17/24

Natasha Spagl was honored as the Hastings Rotary Club Student of the Month for Hastings High School on Thursday, April 11. She is pictured with her parents on either side of her, Mark and Kelly, and (from left) Superintendent Dr. Tamara Champa, Hastings School Board Director Melissa Millner, Hastings High School Guidance Counselor Steve Peterson and Hastings High School Principal Scott Doran. Photo

Spagl has overcome adversity to become a leader, mentor at Hastings High

There are few Hastings High School students who have overcome adversity and achieved like senior Natasha Spagl has. Spagl was honored as the Hastings Rotary Club Student of the Month for March at its … more

By John McLoone | 4/17/24

Free entrance to Minnesota state parks on April 27

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 74 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 27. This “Free Park Day” is one of four days … more

4/17/24