Ah, well folks, it's a beautiful summer here in the small town of Hastings, Minnesota. I'm here to share the quiet happenings of our delightful little corner of the world, where the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers gently embrace our town. So, get comfy in your chair, sip on some sweet lemonade, and let's step into the lives of our neighbors.

First up, a heartwarming tale from the Animal Ark. Starsky, a scruffy but lovable 3-month-old standard poodle mix, has found a forever home. This puppy, along with his canine family of Lucy, Murphy, and Hutch, entered the shelter back in May, all wagging tails and puppy dog eyes. With a quick flourish of a pen on adoption papers, Starsky's world changed forever. Our hearts echo the joyful thumps of his tiny tail. Happy Adoption Day, Starsky!

Next, we drift towards the JW Resort, where the welcome mat is always out. Amidst nature's grandeur, this is the place where stories unfold over decks, puzzles, and chess games. Bonds are formed and relationships strengthened in the solitude of the Minnesota wilderness. They send out a warm invitation for all to experience this splendid retreat, and that, dear folks, is a weekend plan to ponder.

In the bustling heart of the Little Log House Pioneer Village, there's the whiff of mouthwatering burgers from Porky's Diner. Amidst the nostalgia of classic cars and antiques, burgers, fries, and onion rings bring together the old and the young for the 32nd Annual Little Log House Antique Power Show. So, gather up your appetite and join us.

Our tale takes a solemn turn with the Dakota County Government seeking compassionate souls for their Opioid Response Advisory Committee. A call for community warriors to join forces and tackle the opioid crisis, their plea is for those with a lived experience, a firsthand understanding of this battle. If your journey resonates, lend your voice and experience to this cause.

Next, we see the marvels of Mother Nature flourishing at the Sargent's Nursery. From the nascent bud in May to a full-blown spectacle in July, the garden at John Rich Park is a testament to the miracle of growth. This nursery, with roots as deep as 1928, today fosters a community of green thumbs and blossom enthusiasts, keeping the tradition of gardening alive and blooming.

Over at Squeaky Wheel Pottery, the kiln is ablaze, and there's an air of anticipation for the River Town Days Event. A sneak peek of new pottery masterpieces has been shared, and if you have an eye for ceramic art, this is a weekend must-visit.

From shaping clay to shaping lives, Hauck Chiropractic works miracles. Offering support to pregnant and postpartum moms, their chiropractic care is helping many, like one mom, embrace motherhood with minimal discomfort. With the warm assurance of Dr. Emily, many moms-to-be are finding solace in their chiropractic journey.

In the heart of Rivertown, you can't miss Tony Norgaard. This Rivertown Days weekend, he's all over the place with a multitude of performances. With every strum and note, Tony weaves stories, melodies carrying his tales to the crowd. If you've got a song in your heart, he's your man.

Transformation is the keyword at Winnow & Spruce Organizing. Their work with a client dealing with ADHD is nothing short of life-changing. Through labels, bins, and systems, they created a space that the client could call organized, bringing tears of joy and a promise of no going back.

Last but not least, a special thanks to Thierry Auge, a Hastings Police reservist, for a thoughtful gift to the Hastings Police Department and the Hastings Fire Department. His creation of a cooler comes just in time for Rivertown Days, an embodiment of community spirit and gratitude.

And so, our town's tale comes to a pause. A tale of puppy love, tranquility, good food, community service, gardening, pottery, chiropractic miracles, music, organization, and a heartfelt gift. As our lives knit together in this beautiful tapestry called Hastings, Minnesota, remember, we're more than a town. We are a family, and each of these tales is a thread in that family tapestry. Until next time, dear folks, may you find your own story in the hustle and bustle of our beloved town.

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