LOCAL 10: Highway 61 Hearing, Raiders Football and Fall Plans
The Hastings Fire Department opened its giant doors to hand out popcorn, lightbulbs and important information, and they performed demonstrations to help educate the public about fire safety and preparedness. Photo by HastingsNow.com
Hastings’ Wednesday briefing covers an upcoming Highway 61 hearing, tonight’s Wren + Wilde show, Thursday’s Raiders game and fall plans with useful next steps.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 · 10:00 a.m. Central
Weather companion
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
Hastings starts Wednesday in the low 50s before sunshine brings a high near 72°F and a west-northwest breeze develops. Wednesday night turns partly cloudy with a low around 48°F; read the companion Weather + On This Date post as you plan your day.
Wednesday, October 7, is a good day to look a little ahead. A public hearing, Thursday’s kickoff and several fall sign-ups give residents dates to check now.
Today’s LOCAL 10 puts those next steps alongside an evening of music and weekend outings. The links take you to official details or the source’s original announcement so you can plan, register or ask a question.
Top 3 today
1. Highway 61 public hearing is scheduled for October 19
Hastings residents can comment on proposed Highway 61 access and right-of-way changes at a public hearing Monday, October 19, at 7 p.m. The City of Hastings will hold the hearing at City Hall, 101 East Fourth Street, with virtual participation available through the City’s meeting calendar.
Use the City’s official hearing notice to plan how you’ll participate. MnDOT’s Highway 61 project information offers background to review before bringing your comments to the meeting.
2. Wren + Wilde celebrates “Serial Dreamers” Wednesday evening
Wren + Wilde’s album-release show at Icehouse takes place Wednesday, October 7, in Minneapolis. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m., and the event is for guests ages 18 and older.
The venue lists $22 day-of admission before applicable fees and taxes. Check the ticket link on Icehouse’s show page for current availability before making the trip.
3. Raiders host St. Thomas Academy Thursday at 6 p.m.
Hastings varsity football hosts St. Thomas Academy on Thursday, October 8, at 6 p.m. at McNamara Stadium/Todd Field. The matchup appears on St. Thomas Academy’s official football schedule.
HHS uses cashless admission, with standard varsity prices of $10 for adults and $5 for students. Review Hastings High School’s admission and ticket information for purchase options and attendance policies before heading to the field.
Local 10 infographic by HastingsNow.com
Quick hits
4. Meggie’s announces Thursday cookie preorders
Meggie’s Sourdough Bakery has announced chocolate chip pecan cookie preorders for Thursday, October 8, with selected pickup times between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Follow the bakery’s original preorder announcement to prepay and choose your pickup slot; pickup details are arranged by the bakery.
5. Friday’s Glow Skate offers a midday outing
The City of Hastings’ Glow Skate welcomes public skaters to Hastings Civic Arena on Friday, October 9, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Admission is $10, with skate rental included while supplies last, plus a DJ, games, glow sticks and contests. Check the City’s listing as you plan your visit.
6. Carpenter’s free Apple Festival runs October 10–11
Carpenter Nature Center’s Apple Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. each day at its Minnesota campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South. The public event offers free admission and welcomes families.
Live music, animal programs, children’s activities and harvest-season attractions are part of the weekend. Plan separately for food and purchases, and keep in mind that hayrides are weather permitting.
7. Project Share holiday-assistance scheduling is open
Hastings Family Service’s Project Share scheduling is open for eligible ISD 200 families experiencing an emergency, crisis or hardship, with children high-school age or younger. Parents or guardians can call 651-437-7134 to schedule an intake appointment.
Scheduling runs October 5–November 25, while intake appointments begin October 21. Families can make that scheduling call now; the appointments themselves start later in the month.
8. Spiral opens Thanksgiving turkey reservations
Spiral Food Co-op’s 2026 turkey reservation form lists Ferndale whole turkeys in sizes from 10–24 pounds at $2.99 per pound. Customers can reserve through the linked form. The pickup day will be announced separately, so check with the co-op before planning pickup.
9. Ability 2 Play offers fall adaptive sports camps
Ability 2 Believe’s six-week adaptive sports camps meet Mondays, October 19–November 23, at McAuliffe. The camps are for students on an IEP or 504 plan in the specified grades, and registration is required.
Through Hastings Community Education, grades K–4 meet from 5:30–6:15 p.m., and grades 5–8 meet from 6:30–7:15 p.m. Each six-week series is listed at $50; use the link for your student’s grade group to register.
10. Hastings marching band is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday
Youth in Music’s official Session I schedule lists Hastings High School’s marching band at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 10, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Spectators planning to see Hastings should use Youth in Music’s ticket information to choose the appropriate Session I admission. This scheduled appearance does not guarantee a Session II performance.
If you only click one
Open the City’s official Highway 61 hearing notice first. It gives residents a direct way to prepare comments and find the October 19 meeting’s in-person and virtual participation details.
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