What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Front Page Edition ▲ 26 July 2025)

The Hastings Area Swim Team took part in a competitive event held in April of 2025. This gathering brought together local swimmers to showcase their skills and teamwork. Image courtesy of HastingsNow.com/Ashley.

Hey neighbors! Welcome to your daily dose of Hastings happenings. From record‑breaking swims and pedal‑powered missions to antique tractors and adorable adoption tales, our riverside town is bursting with news. Pour a cup of coffee – here’s what’s buzzing today.

Sports & Recreation

Age‑Group swimmers blaze through state championships

HAST swimmers lit up the pool on Day 2 of the 11–14 Age Group Long Course State Championships. The prelims/finals format meant each morning session was a nail‑biter, as only the top‑16 athletes returned for evening races. Hastings’ 13–14 boys’ and girls’ 400‑m freestyle relays each dropped several seconds off their seed times, setting the tone for an outstanding day. Individual standouts included Jackson Poncin, who earned third in the 50‑m breaststroke and seventh in the 100‑m backstroke; Grace Sahli, who placed 13th in the 50‑m breaststroke; and Jaren Kihima, who made finals in the 100‑m butterfly and 50‑m breaststroke. Congratulations to all the swimmers for their hard work and team spirit.

👉 Link: HAST Swimmers

Community cheers Ernest on his Pedal 4 Recovery journey

If you heard cheering near Rise Up Recovery, it was the send‑off for local cyclist Ernest. Neighbors, friends and businesses gathered to wish him luck as he embarked on the Pedal 4 Recovery ride, an awareness and fundraising journey. Jimmy John’s fuelled the party with subs, and Erik’s Bike Shop did a last‑minute tire swap to get Ernest road‑ready. The crowd’s supportive chants and hashtags like #Pedal4Recovery and #RideWithPurpose filled social media. Ernest’s determination reflects the resilience of our community—pedal safe, friend!

👉 Link: Rise Up Recovery

Events & Entertainment

Antique Power Show mixes history, shade and lemonade

The first day of the 34th Annual Little Log House Antique Power Show was a success thanks to cool shade and cooler drinks. The Historic St. Boniface Church and Village Hall were air‑conditioned refuges, while misting tents and shade trees dotted the grounds. Visitors were treated to root‑beer floats, ice cream, lemonade and even a free shuttle wagon to explore the sprawling exhibits. With two more days left, there’s time to admire antique tractors, browse vendors and enjoy music. Pack sunscreen, bring your curiosity and prepare to step back in time.

👉 Link: Little Log House Pioneer Village

“Anything Goes” brings Broadway flair to Hastings High School

Black Dirt Theater’s production of Anything Goes debuted to thunderous applause. If you missed opening night, fear not: evening performances continue on July 26, 30 and 31 with a matinee on August 2. Tickets range from $10 for children to $25 for adults, and the box office opens an hour before each show. The Cole Porter classic features snappy dialogue, big musical numbers and local talent strutting their stuff at Hastings High School, 200 General Sieben Drive. Pre‑sale tickets end two hours before showtime, so plan ahead and support community theatre!

👉 Link: Black Dirt Theater

Kids learn to design in 3D printing workshop

Hastings Community Education recently hosted a 3D‑printing class run by Tech Academy. Students used Tinkercad software to design unique pieces and then watched their creations emerge from printers. The hands‑on session blended creativity and technology, giving young makers a head start in digital design. Instructors noted that many participants were first‑timers, yet everyone left with a custom item and a newfound confidence. Keep an eye on Community Educations’s calendar for future STEM workshops.

👉 Link: Hastings Community Education

Paint “Mountain By The Stream” with Bob Ross flair

Local art enthusiasts can channel their inner Bob Ross at an upcoming oil‑painting class. Instructor Kristi will guide participants through creating “Mountain By The Stream” using the Bob Ross wet‑on‑wet method. Spots are limited, and organizers recommend reserving a canvas soon. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a curious beginner, expect a relaxing atmosphere where “there are no mistakes, just happy little accidents.” For details and to register, follow the event link below.

👉 Link: Community Education

People & Pets

Photographer celebrates a growing family

Photographer Kristen Calgaro shared heartfelt images from a recent newborn session, capturing a local family’s second child. She expressed joy at photographing the family again and praised big brother for being gentle with his new baby sibling. Calgaro acknowledged that working with a two‑year‑old isn’t always easy, but the toddler “rocked his role”. The session celebrates family milestones and highlights Hastings’ thriving creative community.

👉 Link: Photographer Kristen Calgaro

Puppy Posie finds her forever family

Animal Ark shared a feel‑good story: Posie, a puppy rescued from an indigenous reservation with her mother and siblings, has been adopted. After receiving care in a foster home, Posie’s sweet personality blossomed and she won the hearts of her caretakers. Her adoption underscores the importance of fostering and adopting animals rather than shopping for pets. If you’re looking for a canine companion, Animal Ark invites you to browse their other adoptable animals.

👉 Link: Animal Ark

Community & Service

Free summer lunches nourish local kids

Hastings Family Service is partnering with SPARK, Rec Art Police and Market On the Move to provide free summer lunches for children. Volunteers decorate, pack and distribute the meals, and the organization credits Hastings Public Schools for donating individually packaged foods at the end of the school year. The program ensures that kids stay fed and engaged during the summer months, highlighting how local nonprofits and residents band together to support families. Interested in helping? Contact Hastings Family Service to volunteer or donate.

👉 Link: Hastings Family Service

Deals & Shopping

Funko Friday sale pops off at Tippy’s Collectibles

Collectors rejoice! Tippy’s Collectibles announced its weekly Funko Friday sale, offering 50 % off all Funko Pop figures under $50 and 25 % off figures over $50. The shop’s playful promotion is a great opportunity to snag that rare character you’ve been eyeing or introduce a youngster to collecting. Tippy’s is located in downtown Hastings—swing by, explore the shelves and treat yourself to a pop of joy.

👉 Link: Tippy’s Collectibles

Closing Thoughts

Our little river town hums with energy—from athletes chasing personal bests to artists making happy little trees. Local businesses are mixing up deals, volunteers are feeding children, and pets are finding forever families. Stay curious, Hastings: there’s always something around the corner. For more stories and details, visit the full LOCAL 10 at 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!