LOCAL 10: Hawk Watch, Energy Help and Hastings Hiring
Hastings High School marching band performs during the 2026 homecoming football halftime show at McNamara Stadium. Photo by HastingsNow.
Sunday’s Hastings brief connects you to a free bird count, help with energy bills, food-rescue volunteer shifts and seven more useful local updates.
Sunday, September 27, 2026 · 10 a.m. Central
Weather companion
Hastings has a chance of morning rain Sunday, followed by cloudy skies and a high near 66°F. Sunday night cools to around 56°F, with patchy fog possible after midnight; the full forecast and today’s history are in Weather + On This Date.
Sunday’s first stop can be as simple as looking up: volunteers are counting migrating birds at Carpenter Nature Center. This edition also has a direct path to energy-assistance applications and a way to help Hastings Family Service rescue food.
Beyond today’s plans, there are dates to save, a local job opening and a changed event date worth getting right. Here are the ten updates, with links to the people and organizations behind them.
Top 3 today
1. Watch fall migration at Carpenter on Sunday
Carpenter Nature Center’s free Migratory Bird Count and Hawk Watch runs Sunday, September 27, from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at its Minnesota campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S. It is open to birders of all experience levels, and visitors may drop in during the event.
The center’s spotters will be watching for birds moving south. You can ask questions, follow the count and try spotting birds yourself. See Carpenter’s event details or its original announcement.
This is Sunday’s hawk watch, a separate event from Saturday’s raptor release.
2. Applications open for 2026–27 energy assistance
The CAP Agency is accepting applications for its 2026–27 Energy Assistance Program. Households can review the eligibility rules and apply through CAP; the program is intended for those who meet its requirements.
Hastings Family Service shared the application notice as colder months approach. CAP’s own page is the place to start for the current application and instructions. Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance or immediate funds.
3. Hastings Family Service needs food-rescue volunteers
Hastings Family Service lists Food Rescue Pick Up shifts on Mondays or Fridays from 9–11 a.m. for prospective volunteers who meet the role’s requirements.
The opportunity helps move rescued food into the organization’s work serving neighbors. Read the current volunteer listing and apply; HFS also describes the need in its announcement.
This opening has appeared in LOCAL 10 recently. The shifts remain listed for residents ready to take the next step.
Quick hits
4. Fire Department open house set for October 6
The Hastings Fire Department will welcome the public to its open house Tuesday, October 6, from 6–8 p.m. at 115 5th Street W. Firefighters and EMS providers plan to show equipment and offer safety demonstrations at the family-friendly event. Read the city’s event listing and watch its announcement.
5. 328 Grill is looking for kitchen staff
328 Grill, at 350 33rd Street W., says it is looking to add to its kitchen staff. Interested job seekers can read the restaurant’s hiring post, stop in or message the business about an interview. The announcement does not specify pay, shifts or the number of positions.
6. Hastings Beauty School advertises an October facial offer
For October 2026, Hastings Beauty School says customers who book a Signature Facial can receive a brow or lip wax at no additional charge. The school says appointments are limited; see its offer and booking information. The post does not state the facial price or every booking term.
7. Spiral Yoga moves its gathering to October 3
Photo by Ashley Media
Spiral Yoga’s gathering has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 3, from 3–5 p.m. in downtown Hastings. Anyone planning around the earlier invitation should use Spiral Yoga’s later date-change notice.
8. Spiral Food Co-op seeks support for operating capital
Spiral Food Co-op says it is raising money to stabilize operations and rebuild working capital. Its GiveMN fundraiser page explains the $80,000 goal and ways residents can contribute; the co-op also posted an update about its need. The sources display different raised-to-date totals, so this brief does not report a current amount.
9. Froth & Cork invites customers during October 1 filming
Froth & Cork says it will have extended hours Thursday, October 1, from 7 a.m.–5 p.m., while a documentary crew films in the Hastings shop. Its invitation to customers welcomes visitors who are comfortable being in a space where filming is taking place. Production and broadcast details come from the shop’s announcement.
10. Afton Art in the Park continues Sunday
The Afton Area Business Association’s Art in the Park continues Sunday, September 27, at Town Square Park, 3418 St. Croix Trail S. in Afton. Explore the organizer’s festival information for the outdoor art and makers market.
HastingsNow’s Reel says Hastings author Diane Davies plans to attend Sunday. That is a planned appearance, not a guarantee of her presence at any particular moment.
If you only click one
Start with CAP Agency’s 2026–27 Energy Assistance page. It gives households the responsible agency’s current eligibility information and application route in one place.
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