What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Front Page Edition ▲ August 4, 2025)
By your friendly neighborhood reporter at HastingsNow.com. AI image by Local Pigeon
As another sun‑splashed summer day dawns over the bluffs and the Mississippi shimmers like polished glass, we’ve gathered the news our neighbors are buzzing about. Grab your coffee, settle into the porch swing and let’s wander through the headlines together—there’s a lot to celebrate in Hastings today! 🌞
Community & Faith: Summer blessings from Hastings Catholic Education Foundation
Hastings Catholic Education Foundation (HCEF) recently shared a heartfelt summer blessing. Their message encourages families to soak up summer and embrace rest, renewal and community. For those unfamiliar, HCEF supports Catholic schools in Hastings with tuition assistance, scholarships, capital improvements and technology upgrades. It’s a reminder that faith and education go hand‑in‑hand in our town, and there’s still plenty of sunshine left for relaxing and reconnecting before the school year begins.
👉 Link: HCEF mission and giving page
Education & People: Catching up with 2001 grad Jake Johnson
Our feed highlighted an interview with Jake Johnson, a 2001 graduate who now coaches in Zimmerman. Johnson reminisces about his days at Hastings High School and reflects on the lessons he’s applying as a coach. While the full interview is hosted on social media, his story reminds us how alumni continue to spread the Hastings spirit throughout Minnesota. If you’re a former classmate or fan, consider reconnecting—these success stories keep our community tight‑knit.
👉 Link: HastingsNow alumni spotlight
Health & Wellness: The Integrated Body Center’s holistic approach
Need a pick‑me‑up after the dog days of summer? The Integrated Body Center (IBC), located in the historic Olde Armory building, is inviting residents to book a session and experience their holistic therapies. The center calls itself a premier destination for advanced medical and holistic treatments designed to transform body and mind. Services include hormone therapy, facials, IV therapy and 3×4 genetic testing, and appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 651‑346‑1083. With convenient hours and a welcoming environment, IBC hopes to help locals feel their best.
👉 Link: Integrated Body Center
Service & Reviews: Five‑star praise for Cammie Flynn
Buying or selling a home can be stressful, but one local professional is making it easier. A recent 5.0‑star review on Experience.com praises Cammie Flynn for being “so helpful and so quick to respond” and making the experience positive. Her dedication and responsiveness resonated with the reviewer, who says she’s “a gem” and plans to recommend her forever. Great service deserves recognition, so congratulations to Cammie for setting the bar high!
👉 Link: Experience.com
Arts & Culture: Drum Corps International’s “Big, Loud & Live ’25” returns
Exciting news for music fans: Drum Corps International (DCI) announced that after a one‑year hiatus, its World Championship prelims will return to movie theaters on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The event, titled Big, Loud & Live ’25, will showcase the top 15 corps performing at Lucas Oil Stadium with live commentary, interviews and real‑time scoring. Fathom Entertainment will release the full list of participating theaters, and tickets go on sale July 11. Hastings band boosters encourage everyone to “grab your crew, get LOUD, and cheer on the action,” since theaters fill quickly.
👉 Link: dci.org/cinema
Health & Wellness: Quick self‑care tips for busy days
Life gets hectic, but taking five minutes for yourself can work wonders. Rise Up MN shared a helpful reminder that self‑care doesn’t have to be time‑consuming—close your eyes and breathe, play your favorite song, light a candle or read a quote. The idea echoes wellness advice from experts; one article notes that small practices like dancing to a favorite song, giving yourself a quick massage or focusing on your breathing can boost mood and wellness. So next time you’re overwhelmed, try a mini‑break and see how it elevates your day.
👉 Link: 35 self‑care practices in 5 minutes or less
Vocations & Education: Seminary information night for young men
Young Catholic men discerning a vocation are invited to a Seminary Information Night on August 14 at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Saint Paul. The evening begins with a 5 p.m. Mass followed by dinner, an informational program and a campus tour. Sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Office of Vocations, the event targets high school juniors, seniors and men up to age 24. RSVP by August 8 to secure your spot. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore seminary life and meet other young men considering the priesthood.
👉 Link: Vocations information night RSVP
Arts & Culture: Thanking the Anything Goes production team
After the curtain falls, the real stars are often behind the scenes. Black Dirt Theater recently wrapped up its summer musical, Anything Goes, and publicly thanked the production team that spent months planning, collaborating and working tirelessly to bring the show to life. The theater noted that these unsung heroes meet long before auditions to build sets, design costumes and coordinate volunteers, ensuring every performance sparkles. Hastings is fortunate to have such dedicated artists supporting community theater.
👉 Link: Black Dirt Theater
Community Safety: National Night Out at Lions Park
Nothing says “neighborly” quite like National Night Out, and this year’s celebration promises to be bigger than ever. On August 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Hastings residents can meet police and fire personnel, learn safety tips and enjoy games and food at Lions Park. The city encourages everyone to connect with neighbors and help make Hastings safer and stronger. Bring the kids for a hot dog meal, play yard games and discover ways to keep your neighborhood safe—community spirit at its finest!
👉 Link: Hastings National Night Out
Health & Wellness: Hauck Chiropractic’s Fair Week tune‑up
Fair Week brings joy, livestock… and stiff backs. Hauck Chiropractic, a family wellness clinic specializing in pregnancy and pediatric care, shared a humorous yet compassionate message aimed at 4‑H parents and participants. Hauling hay, showing sheep and living on corn dogs can leave spines and nervous systems stressed. Dr. Emily Hauck invites parents, kids and farmers to stop by for an adjustment to reset their bodies and keep up with the fun. She wishes all 4‑H’ers a wonderful week and reminds us that even barnyard friends appreciate a bit of care.
👉 Link: Hauck Chiropractic
Closing Thoughts
From educational blessings and alumni success stories to wellness tips and summer festivities, Hastings is buzzing with life. Our local organizations are making waves—supporting schools, hosting community events, celebrating artists and prioritizing health. As we savor the final days of summer, take a moment to connect with neighbors, share a smile and appreciate the people who keep Hastings thriving.
For the full LOCAL 10 report and even more neighborhood news, 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!