What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Front Page Edition ▲ July 31, 2025)
A picturesque view of the Hastings Bridge captured towards the end of July in the year 2025. Image courtesy of HastingsNow.com/ashley.
A neighborly note
It’s your HastingsNow reporter in residence! ☕ Every day I stroll the Riverwalk, chat with merchants and peek at bulletin boards so you don’t have to. Here are today’s hot topics, from swim‑team glory to delicious deals and community gatherings. Pour yourself some lemonade and read on—your town is buzzing!
Community & Event Highlights
Final Women’s Brunch & Bible Study — Aug 12
The ladies of Mother Seton Hall are hosting their final summer brunch and Bible study on Monday, Aug. 12 at 9 AM. Organizers invite you to bring a favorite brunch dish and your Bible for fellowship, food and Scripture discussion. There’s even a bonus outing: a Lunch & Cathedral Tour on Aug. 19. Questions can be directed to Laura Stierman at the parish office, and everyone is welcome. Come hungry for conversation and a side of spirituality—this neighborly get‑together embodies what makes Hastings feel like home.
👉 Link: St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish
National Night Out at Lions Park — Aug 5, 5:30 PM
Break out the lawn chairs! National Night Out returns Tuesday, Aug. 5 at Lions Park. Starting at 5:30 PM, you’ll find games, resource tables and a hot‑dog meal. The event promotes strong neighborhood connections and safety partnerships; local police and fire crews often make appearances to greet kids and answer questions. For details—including neighborhood block‑party locations—check the city’s link in bio. See you under the park lights!
👉 Link: City of Hastings
Impact Youth Bonfire & S’mores — July 30, 6:30 PM
If you’ve got teenagers seeking fun and fellowship, Branchline Church’s Impact Youth Bonfire is a perfect mid‑week outing. Happening tonight at 6:30 PM, the bonfire promises games, s’mores and live worship music. Organizers remind participants to let Andrew know if they plan to attend next week’s cookout so enough marshmallows can be stockpiled. Summer nights don’t get any better than this!
👉 Link: Branchline Church
Seafood Boil in the BKYD — Aug 15, 6:30 PM
The Confluence Hotel and Missi’s Sip & Savor are both conveniently located in the heart of Historic Downtown Hastings, Minnesota, offering visitors a charming and authentic local experience.
Hungry for something different? The Confluence Hotel invites you to a Seafood Boil in the BKYD on Friday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 PM. Expect tasty seafood, cold drinks and lively company Seats are limited, so call 651‑432‑5266 to reserve; tickets are $99 per person plus tax and tip. Bring a friend and an appetite—this dinner is sure to sell out.
👉 Link: The Confluence Hotel
Fall Dance Team Registration — Opens Aug 4
Calling all rising 7th–12th graders! Hastings High School’s Fall Dance Team is recruiting new and returning dancers. Whether you’re new to dance or a seasoned performer, coaches promise there’s a spot for you. Registration opens Monday, Aug. 4 and details will be posted soon. If you love high‑energy halftime shows and making friends, this is your chance to shine. Go Raiders!
👉 Link: Hastings Dance Team Club
Sports & Achievements
Team Minnesota Wins Bronze at Senior Games
Hastings swimmers have reason to celebrate: the 55‑59 mixed relay team representing Minnesota captured the bronze medal at the National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa. The all‑Minnesotan squad also placed fourth in the 200 Medley Relay. It’s a proud moment for our local masters swimmers and proof that passion for sport knows no age limit. Let’s cheer them on as they return home with hardware and plenty of stories.
👉 Link: Hastings Area Swim Team
Hawks Baseball Opens Section Play with 6‑5 Victory
The Hastings Hawks started their section tournament with a nail‑biting 6‑5 victory over Faribault. Multi‑hit games from Kap, Dross, Jacko, Ras and Maximus propelled the offense, while Coop blasted a crucial hit and Coxy closed out the game. The win advances the Hawks to a Friday matchup at St. Patrick at 8 PM. Grab your caps and head to the ballpark—there’s nothing like playoff baseball under the lights.
👉 Link: Hastings Hawks
City News & Public Service
City Update: Storm Cleanup, Park Improvements & More
The latest Hastings City Update e‑newsletter covers a range of practical topics. Learn how to dispose of fallen trees and branches after recent storms. Get excited about the improvements at Lake Rebecca Park, now open for fishing, paddling and outdoor fun. City engineers are also reconditioning our water tower to ensure high water quality. Mark your calendar for National Night Out on Aug 5—a celebration of community spirit—and scan the newsletter for other summer events. Staying informed has never been easier.
👉 Link: City of Hastings
Animals & Adoption
Meet Apollo & Artemis — Adoptable Sibling Cats
In honor of International Friendship Day, Animal Ark introduces Apollo & Artemis, a bonded pair of kittens looking for their forever home. Found roaming a backyard, these mythologically inspired siblings have blossomed in foster care and are ready to bring double the purrs into your life. Apollo is an outgoing black cat who excels at laser‑pointer archery and 3 AM zoomies, while tortoiseshell Artemis is affectionate yet more reserved. They come as a team, so families with children over five are ideal. Ready to welcome some Greek gods into your living room? Visit Animal Ark to meet these “mythical meowgicians.”
👉 Link: Animal Ark
Food, Drink & Local Deals
Local Pickling Dill & Door County Cherries at Spiral Co‑op
Summer produce lovers, rejoice! Spiral Food Co‑op just announced that local pickling dill and Door County cherries are available for a limited time. Whether you’re eager to pickle cucumbers or bake a pie, stop by before supplies run out. Eating local never tasted so good.
👉 Link: Spiral Food Co-op
Closing Thoughts & Reader Note
Hastings has always thrived on connection—neighbors helping neighbors, cheering each other on and gathering to celebrate. Today’s rundown highlights just a fraction of the good news swirling around town. To explore even more stories, head over to HastingsNow.com for the full LOCAL 10 lineup.
If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes! Readers are also encouraged to share corrections or suggest story ideas. Together, we’ll keep our community’s story vibrant and true.
