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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.
Anytime Fitness Hastings
Anytime Fitness Hastings is a locally owned 24/7 gym in Hastings, Minnesota, blending personalized coaching, modern cardio and strength equipment, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe. This Local Pigeon feature on HastingsNow shares how the team uses quick 30‑second Soundbites to help Hastings residents find local workouts, offers, and fitness inspiration.
Caring Hands Massage & Spa
Caring Hands Massage & Spa in downtown Hastings, Minnesota offers deeply relaxing massage, spa and wellness experiences—from barefoot massage to sound healing—just steps from the Mississippi River.
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.
Hastings Flower Co
Hastings Flower Co is a locally owned florist and gift shop in Hastings, MN, creating custom bouquets, plants, gifts, and home décor with same‑day flower delivery available. This Local Pigeon Winter Stories feature on HastingsNow shares how Vickie and Laurie use 30‑second Soundbites to help neighbors celebrate, comfort, and stay connected close to home.
Impressive Windows & Interiors
Impressive Windows & Interiors is a full‑service interior design and custom window‑treatment studio in downtown Hastings, MN. In this Local Pigeon Winter Stories feature, HastingsNow shares how Jill Ragan Scully and her team help homeowners transform their spaces with thoughtful design and window coverings.
SC Toys
SC Toys is a family‑owned toy store in downtown Hastings, MN, known as the local “destination for fun.” This Local Pigeon Winter Stories feature on HastingsNow highlights their classic, educational and STEM‑friendly toys that help Hastings families find screen‑free fun close to home.
Squeaky Wheel Pottery
Squeaky Wheel Pottery is a pottery gift store, studio, and workshop in historic downtown Hastings, MN. This Local Pigeon Winter Stories feature on HastingsNow highlights their handmade ceramics, pottery classes, and clay camps that help Hastings neighbors “experience clay” close to home.
Town & Country Veterinary Services
Town & Country Veterinary Services is a small‑animal vet clinic on Vermillion Street in Hastings, MN, providing wellness, surgery, dentistry and more for local dogs, cats and small pets. This Local Pigeon Winter Stories feature on HastingsNow shares their Soundbites, story, hours and contact info so pet owners can quickly find a trusted Hastings veterinarian.
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.