LOCAL 10: Hastings school break, hiring help and kickoff
Image: an AI-assisted illustration of an original HastingsNow.com photo of downtown Hastings, Minnesota.
An evening cancellation, Friday’s school break and a drop-in hiring event lead today’s briefing, followed by Raiders football and useful fall dates.
Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 10 a.m. Central
Weather + On This Date
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
Mostly sunny skies and a high near 66°F Thursday, October 8, follow a cool morning in the upper 40s, with light winds and very low rain chances favoring afternoon errands and riverfront time. Thursday night turns partly cloudy with a low around 47°F; get the full planning note in the Weather + On This Date companion.
Thursday, October 8, 2026, is a day for checking the calendar before heading out. A canceled meeting and Friday’s school break affect near-term plans, while an afternoon hiring event offers a practical next step for job seekers.
Today’s list starts with those immediate details, then moves into the Raiders game and the next round of fall events and classes. All times are Central.
Local 10 by HastingsNow.com
Top 3 today
1. October 8 HEDRA meeting is canceled
The City of Hastings meeting list marks the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority’s meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 8, at 6 p.m. as canceled.
Residents and others planning to attend should take that meeting off their evening calendars. Use the City’s agendas and minutes page to follow upcoming HEDRA business.
2. Hastings Public Schools has no school October 9th
Hastings Public Schools students have no school Friday, October 9, 2026. The district’s 2026–27 calendar identifies it as a teacher workshop day.
Families should account for a full day off for ISD 200 students when arranging Friday’s schedule. The district’s original notice is also available to share with anyone helping coordinate the day.
3. CareerForce hiring event welcomes job seekers October 8th
Job seekers can meet recruiters at CareerForce’s October 8 hiring event from 2–4 p.m. Thursday at 1 Mendota Road West, Suite 170, in West St. Paul.
The event description says no appointment or registration is needed. Use CareerForce’s listing for the event details; Hastings Family Service shared the opportunity with local readers.
Quick hits
4. Raiders host St. Thomas Academy October 8 at 6 p.m.
Hastings varsity football hosts St. Thomas Academy Thursday, October 8, at 6 p.m. at McNamara Stadium/Todd Field, as listed on St. Thomas Academy’s official varsity schedule.
Standard varsity admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students, with cashless ticket purchases. Check Hastings’ tickets and attendance information before heading to the game; the school also provides streaming information.
5. Free Fall Fest returns to Tilden October 10
Hastings Community Education’s Fall Fest runs Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tilden Community Center, 310 River Street. Admission is free, with crafted goods, food and family activities on the program.
Check the announcement for activity details, including preregistration for Soccer Shots try-it sessions. Vendor registration has closed.
6. Regina invites entertainers to propose resident programs
Benedictine Living Community–Regina is inviting entertainers to inquire about its 2027 and 2028 entertainment calendars in Hastings. Performers interested in providing programs for residents can contact Sandra.Krenik@benedictineliving.org.
7. Highway 61 public hearing is scheduled for October 19
The City of Hastings has scheduled a public hearing on proposed Highway 61 access and right-of-way changes for Monday, October 19, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 101 East Fourth Street. Residents can attend in person or use the City’s hearing notice to find Microsoft Teams participation information.
Ahead of the hearing, review MnDOT’s Highway 61 project background to prepare questions or comments.
8. Frattallone’s Bucket Sale runs October 9–11
Frattallone’s Bucket Sale runs Friday through Sunday, October 9–11: buy a $5 bucket and receive 20% off qualifying regular-price, in-stock merchandise that fits inside it. Bucket proceeds benefit Gillette Children’s or Ridgeview Foundation.
The Hastings store is at 375 West 33rd Street, listed on the store locations page. Sale items, gift cards and STIHL products are among the exclusions, so read the full offer terms before filling your bucket.
9. Squeaky Wheel’s next pottery session begins October 19
Squeaky Wheel Pottery lists an intermediate, five-week session on Mondays, October 19–November 16, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. at 209 Sibley Street. The cost is $275, and students need previous pottery-wheel experience.
Review the official class details and original class announcement before registering, and check current seat availability with the studio.
10. Geek Haven highlights Batman-inspired lattes
Geek Haven Coffee’s menu announcement highlights Batman-villain-themed Legendary Lattes, including Ivy’s Pumpkin Blossom. Coffee customers can read the shop’s post for the featured latte and confirm current offerings with Geek Haven before making a special trip.
If you only click one
Open the Hastings Public Schools calendar before making Friday, October 9, plans. The teacher workshop day means no school for district students, making this a useful check for families and anyone helping coordinate their schedules.
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