Ah, the heart of the Midwest. A place where the Mississippi River dances around the shorelines, a gentle invitation for anyone seeking solace or inspiration. We are, of course, talking about none other than the idyllic community of Hastings, Minnesota. If you take a stroll through this town, We guarantee you'll find the very essence of America reflected in the faces of its people and the spirits of its businesses. Yes, indeed, today we share with you an account, not just a list, of the LOCAL 10—stories that epitomize the pulse of this gem of a town.

1) An Accounting of Bright Futures

Ah, Brian Schmitz, a name now synonymous with opportunity in Hastings Public Schools. Just think of it: a high school accounting class that fills not only ledgers but also the coffers of higher education. Young minds get to go to school and earn a paycheck of knowledge worth thousands of dollars in college credits. This is a town where the balance sheet always tallies up to a brighter future.

2) An Ode to Safety and Rubber

And as those young minds venture off to college, Evolution Auto Service ensures that the journey is as smooth as a lullaby. What's more Midwestern than a company whose very slogan speaks of timely tire checks and well-oiled engines? They do more than just keep your cars running; they keep dreams in motion.

3) The Art of the Lawn

At K-Cuts Mowing and Snow, the lawn is more than a patch of green—it's a canvas. With Ferris mowers as their brushes, they transform everyday backyards into masterpieces that even Bob Ross would envy. Here, "happy little trees" have never been happier.

4) Communal Healing

In a city where the council takes to heart the needs of its citizens, Thursday, August 31, Overdose Awareness Day, 6 pm offers a sanctuary for remembrance and resources. The Confluence Hotel Ballroom will house not just tables and chairs, but souls and tears. It’s a testament that Hastings stands united, even in the face of life's harshest trials.

5) Harvest of Delight

It's time for a toast! Cannon River Winery kicks off a harvest that promises juice as uplifting as the community spirit. Ah, the luscious notes of edelweiss grapes, embodying the zest for life that Cannon Falls thrives on.

6) Spirals of Empowerment

Spiral Brewery, where glasses are half full with the ambition of Morgan, Jen, and Amy. Women-led and Minnesota proud, they raise a toast to inclusivity and excellence at the State Fair, offering pints of progress with every serving.

7) The Joyful Stride

If you're looking for muscle and mettle, look no further than Hastings Moms on the Run. They offer you not just a workout but a work-in, a community where stamina is built alongside friendships. It's a gym, it's a sisterhood, it's a sanctuary. Join them for their upcoming 8-week Strength and Cardio Boot Camp! Strength and Cardio Boot Camp runs September 10, 2023 - November 4, 2023.

8) Stones of History

In Red Wing, the cliffs tell tales as ancient as the sky, and Visit Red Wing invites you to listen. The He Mni Can-Barn Bluff, monumental by the hands of time and history, offers a scenic vantage point to ponder the chapters of your own life story.

9) Risks and Rewards

Bauertech knows a thing or two about taking risks and turning them into opportunities. Ah, the thrill of entrepreneurship, where each decision is a stepping stone toward creating the small-town American Dream.

10) Hallways of Hope

At Pine Harbor Christian Academy, the corridors echo with the sounds of futures being forged. As doors of the Kehn Connection swing open and lockers clang shut, the investment here is not just academic, it's personal and transformative.

Ah, there you have it, my friends—the LOCAL 10, ten stories from Hastings that are as much about the minutiae of daily life as they are about the grand vibe of community. As the seasons turn and the river keeps flowing, so will the tales from this remarkable place. Stay tuned, stay engaged, and above all, stay neighborly. For this is not just a town, it's a home for all who find themselves here.

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