What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Front Page Edition ▲ July 22, 2025)
A local cow grazing peacefully south of Hastings, Minnesota pauses briefly for a photo under the wide, beautiful blue summer sky. The scene captures a tranquil moment in the countryside, highlighting the natural charm of the area. Image by Local Pigeon.
It might be raining on the Mississippi, but Hastings keeps shining. From brain‑health awareness and bighearted food drives to backyard baseball and new friends at the brewery, here’s what our neighbors are buzzing about this week.
Wellness & Compassion
World Brain Day shines a spotlight on mental health
RiseUpMN’s World Brain Day post urged Hastings to pause and celebrate the most powerful organ we own. The nonprofit emphasized that learning new things, practicing mindfulness or simply appreciating your own brain are vital acts of self‑care. Their message called on neighbors to support each other’s mental health journeys, underscoring that every action counts.
👉 Link: Rise Up Recover MN
Donations matched for families in need
Hastings Family Service issued a heartfelt reminder that monetary gifts made by July 31 will be proportionately matched by the Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless fund. With 1,908 families already served in 2025 and demand growing, the organization hopes the match will boost support for local children and families. Donations can be made online, by mail or through their secure drop box.
👉 Link: Hastings Family Service
Sports & Youth
Girls wrestling camp empowers middle‑school athletes
Hastings Wrestling gave a shout‑out to incoming middle‑school wrestlers Hazel and Scarlett, praising their technique at the recent girls’ summer camp. The program continues with three more practices at Hastings High School on June 22 (7–8 p.m.), June 28 (5–6 p.m.) and June 29 (7–8 p.m.). Organizers hope the camp fosters confidence, camaraderie and future champions.
👉 Link: Girl’s Wrestling
Raiders softball finishes strong
Hastings’ 18U softball team earned runners‑up honors at the Tri‑County High School state qualifier last weekend. Coaches commended the squad’s determination and teamwork, noting that the experience will fuel their drive for future tournaments. Fans across Hastings celebrated the young athletes’ accomplishment online.
👉 Link: Hastings Softball Boosters
Wiffle Ball tournament brings out community spirit
The third annual Rivertown WIFFLE Ball Tournament saw twelve teams taking swings for fun, bragging rights and a chance to support local causes. Organizers thanked City staff for co‑hosting the weekend event and hinted that next year’s tournament will be even bigger. The casual yet competitive atmosphere showcased the joy of backyard sports and Hastings’ love of quirky games.
👉 Link: Hastings Community Education
Family & Faith
Pray & Play invites moms and little ones
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Preschool’s “Pray & Play at the Park” encourages moms with kindergarten‑age children and younger to gather for faith, fellowship and playground fun. The event provides a chance to connect with other parents while kids make new friends. In case of rain, activities move to Mother Seton Hall.
👉 Link: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Preschool
Arts & Culture
Black Dirt Theater needs volunteers for ‘Anything Goes’
Hastings’ beloved Black Dirt Theater is calling for help at box office, concessions and ushering positions for six performances of Cole Porter’s classic musical Anything Goes. Volunteers receive free entry once their duties are complete, making this a perfect way to support local arts and enjoy a night of song and dance. Performances run July 25–26 and July 30–August 2 at Hastings High School.
👉 Link: Black Dirt Theater
Community Events
Machinery Hill draws crowds at Rivertown Days
Hastings’ Public Works, Parks and Recreation and Recycling departments entertained more than 350 visitors at the Rivertown Days Machinery Hill exhibit. Families climbed on equipment, played games, learned about recycling and even donned tiny safety vests and hard hats. Organizers thanked attendees and promised to return with more hands‑on fun next year.
👉 Link: City of Hastings
Pets & Animals
Help reunite a lost pup with its family
Animal Ark issued an urgent appeal to help reunite a found dog with its owners. The shelter asked residents who recognize the sweet canine—or know anyone missing a pet—to contact them via email or phone. Sharing the post could be the key to bringing this furry friend back home.
👉 Link: Animal Ark
Social Scene
Speed Friending at Spiral Brewery
Spiral Brewery’s creative social group is hosting its second “Speed Friending” event on Tuesday, July 22. A casual happy hour runs from 5–6 p.m., followed by sit‑down chats designed to spark new friendships. Organizers admit the name may change next month, but the spirit of welcoming strangers will remain.
👉 Link: Spiral Brewery
Wrap‑up
From mindfulness messages and youth wrestling camps to artsy volunteers and found‑pup alerts, Hastings is alive with stories that warm the heart and spark community pride. Remember: every neighbor can make a difference—whether you volunteer, donate, play or simply share a smile. Check back with HastingsNow.com throughout the day for the full LOCAL 10 roundup.
If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes! We strive for factual accuracy and want your feedback to keep our community news vibrant.
