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What is a Local Pigeon?
On HastingsNow, a Local Pigeon is anyone who drops a 30‑second Soundbite about life in Hastings — people, news, events, and deals.
Local Pigeons are neighbors who believe their voice matters. When you record a Soundbite, you’re not just advertising a sale or an event — you’re leaving a tiny piece of local history that people can hear today, tomorrow, or years from now.
Some Local Pigeons share big announcements. Some share quick reminders. Some simply say thank you to the community that keeps them going.
However you use it, if you’re leaving Soundbites on HastingsNow…
you’re part of the flock. 🕊️ -
Winter Stories 2025–2026
This winter, HastingsNow.com is stepping out from behind the screen.
Winter Stories is our seasonal project where we visit local people, groups, and organizations across Hastings, Minnesota to capture the stories behind their Soundbites.
We come to you — your shop, office, studio, kitchen, or sanctuary — to:
talk and listen in person
learn the stories behind your last few Soundbites
take photos and short video clips
publish a feature interview on HastingsNow.com
Every story is then archived on your HastingsNow page alongside your Soundbites, links, map, and contact info. The goal is simple: to make it easier for residents to shop local, hire local, and support their neighbors all winter long.
Winter Stories 2025–2026 is Season One. If you’re part of the early flock, your story helps set the tone for what comes next.
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Season One Line‑up
Here’s the first flock joining Local Pigeons: Winter Stories — the charter businesses and organizations whose voices are already shaping Hastings’ daily Soundbites:
Anytime Fitness Hastings
Branchline Church
Caring Hands Massage & Spa
Downtown Tire & Auto
El Mexican Restaurant
Hastings Family Service
Hastings Flower Co
InMotion Realty
Princecraft Boats
Pure Serenity Wellness Center
Redefine Mental Health & Wellness
SC Toys
Squeaky Wheel Pottery
Town and Country Veterinary Services
These are the voices you’ll hear in Top 10 Today, on our winter Soundbite feed, and in the Winter Stories features on HastingsNow.com.
If your business or organization isn’t in this list yet, you’re invited to join the next flock — and make sure your story is part of Hastings’ Winter Stories, not just watching from the sidelines.
El Mexican Restaurant
El Mexican Restaurant in downtown Hastings, Minnesota serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with authentic Mexican favorites, generous portions and a friendly, family‑style atmosphere just off 2nd Street East.
From Town Criers to Soundbites: Reinventing the Local “Digital Town Square”
From town criers and local newspapers to Facebook and Soundbites, this longform feature explores how HastingsNow.com is reinventing local media in Hastings, Minnesota with a digital town square where every business, nonprofit, and civic group gets a 30‑second soapbox.