In Hastings, you’ll find a built-to-scale replica of the original Dakota County courthouse made from about 5,000 perfectly placed toothpicks. The artist? 85-year-old Jerry Hackett. The ...

Back Page ‘Toothpick Boss’ Jerry Hackett, 85, painstakingly builds replicas of iconic structures By Mars King Pioneer Press (TNS) Mar 20, 2025 Updated Jun 26, 2025 ...

A model of the old Dakota County courthouse, created by toothpick artist Jerry Hackett, is on display at the new Dakota County courthouse in Hastings on Thursday, March 6, 2025.