What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Community Edition ▲ August 7, 2025)
Image by HastingsNow.com
Good morning, Hastings! Your friendly neighborhood reporter has been listening to the chatter and reading our feed. From brisket news to backyard concerts and heartfelt fundraisers, here's what our town is buzzing about today. Grab your coffee and enjoy, friends!
Business & Commerce
Duffs Meats expands its butcher empire
If you’ve ever driven past Duffs Meats and thought “there should be more of this,” your wish has been granted! The local butcher just announced that it is acquiring Big Dawgs in Red Wing, creating a second location for the popular smokehouse. The owners say the merger will bring the same high‑quality meats, smoked favorites and hometown service customers love—only now you’ll have choices in two communities. They credit loyal patrons for making this expansion possible and hint at exciting plans ahead. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 4, because that’s when the new shop at 2954 N Service Dr opens its doors. In true Duffs spirit, the announcement ends with an invitation to “make some meat‑loving memories,” so be ready to line up early.
👉 Link: Duff’s Meats 2
Double‑point deals at My Current Obsessions
If your shopping habit needs an excuse, Westview Center’s “My Current Obsessions” has you covered. Their weekly “What’s Up Wednesday” post promises bonus summer sales and loyalty perks. Throughout August, customers who spend $100 will receive double points and a free $10 gift card to use next month. New products are arriving on the shelves, so there’s plenty to browse. The shop is known for eclectic gifts—look for the “Unique Gifts” sign when you visit. Supporting local businesses keeps our downtown vibrant, and you get rewarded for it too. Happy shopping!
👉 Link: My Current Obsessions
Events & Activities
Last call for the Hastings Family Aquatic Center
Summer always feels too short, and the Hastings Family Aquatic Center is already planning to close for the season on August 24. The city encourages families to use up any remaining punch cards and enjoy the waterslides, climbing wall and open green space before the doors shut. On sunny days, it’s one of the best places to cool off or sprawl in the grass. To check hours and amenities, visit the city’s recreation site. After August 24 the pools will be drained, so squeeze in that last splash while you can—then start counting the days until next summer.
👉 Link: City of Hastings Government
Puzzle swap and young‑entrepreneur craft sale
The Hastings Public Library has two events to liven up your weekend. Saturday’s puzzle and game swap runs from 2–3 p.m. and invites residents to trade board games and jigsaw puzzles with neighbors. Next Wednesday the library’s front lawn will transform into a craft sale featuring more than 50 young entrepreneurs selling stickers, earrings, magnets, bookmarks and key chains. Nothing costs more than $3, so you can support budding businesses without breaking the bank. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about commerce and for adults to pick up handmade treasures. Bring cash and plenty of encouragement for our town’s future artisans.
👉 Link: Hastings Public Library
Paint‑and‑sip nights around town
If your inner artist is calling, Brushed By Design Creations has arranged several paint‑and‑sip events. The post lists sessions at Tops Pizza & Grill in Rosemount on August 14, “Beautiful Birch” at The Confluence Hotel in Hastings on September 16, and “Honey Highlander” at Spiral Brewery on August 21. These beginner‑friendly classes include all supplies and step‑by‑step instructions. Participants of all ages are welcome—no experience necessary. Painting while enjoying local food and drink is a delightful way to unwind with friends, so gather your creative crew and sign up early. Local venues love these events because they introduce customers to new menus and bring energy to slower nights.
👉 Link: Brushed by Design Creations
Health & Awareness
Colorectal screening guidelines lower age to 45
A Hastings resident shared an important health reminder: schedule colorectal‑cancer screening starting at age 45. Doctors are seeing more cases in people under 50, with symptoms like blood in stool, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. Research from the American Cancer Society shows that lowering the recommended screening age has led to an uptick in colonoscopies among 45‑ to 49‑year‑olds. Early detection means a higher chance of cure and less grueling treatment. Men are also reminded to check their PSA annually starting at 40. Talk to your doctor about screening options—prevention and early intervention save lives.
👉 Link: Hastings, MN Community
Community & Support
Fundraiser for girls after River Oaks tragedy
Our hearts still ache for the woman who lost her life in the tragic accident near River Oaks Golf Course. A fellow resident shared a fundraiser to support her daughters. The post encourages everyone who can to donate or at least spread the word. In a small town, tragedies ripple through the community—but so does compassion. If you are able, consider contributing to help these girls navigate an unimaginable loss. No amount is too small; each dollar is a reminder that Hastings stands together.
👉 Link: Hastings, MN Community
Volunteer drive for homeless shelters
Another neighbor is organizing a volunteer and donation drive for homeless shelters in Minneapolis. She writes that once you experience the energy and stories at the shelters, “you won’t stop”. Donations collected this weekend will be split between two shelters; volunteers are also needed to help transport items. The organizer shares that her son joins her and even plays football with the kids at the shelters. This is a beautiful example of turning empathy into action. If you have an extra car, time or household items to spare, reach out to lend a hand.
👉 Link: Hastings, MN Community
Safety & Alerts
Stolen trailer: have you seen this truck?
Early Tuesday morning, a rusty truck drove off with a trailer near 7538 Carmen in Inver Grove Heights. The post describes the vehicle as a Dodge‑style pickup with noticeable rust and a distinctive engine sound. Security footage shows the truck arriving without a trailer and leaving with one in tow. The thieves couldn’t lock the hitch, so the trailer made a lot of noise as they sped away. The trailer belongs to a vet friend, so the owners are desperate to retrieve it. Neighbors are asked to check their surveillance cameras for license‑plate numbers and to share the post widely. Together we can keep an eye out and hopefully recover the stolen property.
👉 Link: Hastings, MN Community
Your LOCAL 10 stories are curated from community posts, sorted by freshness and uniqueness. For more details and to explore additional topics—from lost pets to garage sales—visit HastingsNow.com. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!
