Tuesday’s LOCAL 10 brings a same-day school-supply deadline, recovery support tonight, a military-family application deadline, upcoming Hastings events, health access, a local job opening and more.

Weather Companion

Tuesday, August 11, starts with a chance of early showers and thunderstorms before conditions improve and skies gradually clear, with a high near 85°F. Tonight falls to around 65°F, with another small storm chance arriving very late; see the full Hastings Weather + On This Date companion before making outdoor plans.

Tuesday’s list has a little urgency built into it.

There is a school-supply deadline today, recovery support tonight and a Wednesday application cutoff for a special United Heroes League event. Farther down the list are several things worth planning for now, including Levee Park events, a vaccination clinic, a Hastings job opening and September programs for young families.

Here are ten useful Hastings-area updates for Tuesday, August 11.

TOP 3 TODAY

1. Tuesday is the school-supply donation deadline at Hastings Family Service

Tuesday, August 11, is the school-supply donation deadline at Hastings Family Service. Donations can be dropped at the Donation Center, 301 Second Street East, from 9 AM–4 PM.

The program is also still registering eligible families living in or with students attending school in ISD 200, with distribution appointments scheduled for August 17–21. Families who may need assistance can review the school-supply program details, while donors can see HFS’s current donation reminder.

HFS also shared a separate registration reminder for families.

2. SMART Recovery meets Tuesday evening at Rise Up Recovery

SMART Recovery is scheduled for 6:30 PM Tuesday through Rise Up Recovery in Hastings.

The meeting is one of several support groups on Rise Up Recovery’s current schedule. Because individual groups serve different purposes and audiences, residents looking for support should review the current Rise Up Recovery program schedule for the group that fits their needs.

Rise Up also shared the week’s offerings in its current community update.

3. Military families have until Wednesday to apply for UHL’s Aaron Jones event

The Army National Guard engages with community members at Lion’s Park in Hastings, Minnesota, during National Night Out, answering questions and sharing information about their mission. Photo by HastingsNow.com

Eligible military families have through Wednesday, August 12, to apply for a special United Heroes League back-to-school event with Minnesota Vikings player Aaron Jones.

The event is planned for August 23 at the UHL SCHEELS Rink in Hastings and is intended for eligible military children ages 4–18.

Families should note one important distinction: submitting an application does not guarantee selection. The official UHL event page and application information has the requirements and next steps, and UHL also shared the opportunity in its current social update.

QUICK HITS

4. Levee Park has Music + Market Thursday and a Friday night movie

Two more evenings are coming up at Levee Park this week.

The City of Hastings lists Music + Market for Thursday, August 13, from 6–8:30 PM, with Indigo Moon, food trucks, Makers Market and Kids Zone.

Then on Friday, August 14, Movies in the Park begins with activities at 7:30 PM followed by Super Mario Galaxy at 8:30 PM. The listed cost is a non-perishable food donation.

Residents can also browse the City’s full Levee Park event schedule. These are outdoor events, so check the City’s current information for weather-related changes.

5. Animal Ark says it needs adult dog-food donations

Animal Ark says its Hastings shelter is running low on adult dog food and is asking community members who can help to donate.

The shelter’s official donation page includes current information about pet food and other needed supplies. Animal Ark’s more recent August dog-food request provides additional context.

Because its standing website and August social request reference different product preferences, LOCAL 10 is keeping the useful takeaway simple: adult dog food is currently needed, and residents should check Animal Ark’s latest guidance before purchasing a specific brand.

6. Dakota County vaccination clinic is coming to Hastings Family Service Monday

Dakota County Public Health lists a vaccination clinic for Monday, August 17, from 11:30 AM–3:30 PM at Hastings Family Service, 301 Second Street East.

The clinic is available to children and adults who meet the county’s eligibility requirements. Dakota County lists a $21 charge per vaccine and says no one will be turned away because they cannot pay. Children receiving vaccines must have a parent or legal guardian present.

Check the county’s official mobile vaccine clinic information for eligibility and other details. Hastings Family Service also shared a local reminder about the clinic.

7. Allina’s Hastings urgent care now lists extended daily access

Allina Health’s Hastings urgent care location currently lists hours of 8 AM–8 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM–5 PM Saturday and Sunday at 1880 N. Frontage Road.

Allina advises people planning to arrive within two hours of closing to call ahead. Residents can use the official Hastings location page for the current hours and access information, or see the hospital’s local update.

8. Hometown Ace is hiring a Lead Sales Associate in Hastings

Hometown Ace Hardware has a part-time Lead Sales Associate opening at 1355 South Frontage Road in Hastings.

The current Indeed job listing lists pay at $15–$18 per hour.

Anyone interested in the position should use the current application listing for the employer’s latest details and application process.

9. Dakota County Fair runs through Sunday with free general admission

The 2026 Dakota County Fair continues through Sunday, August 16, at 4008 220th Street West in Farmington.

General fairgrounds admission is free, making it a nearby option for Hastings-area residents looking for plans this week. Parking, rides, food and some grandstand events cost extra.

Before heading over, browse the official Dakota County Fair website and its admission and ticket information to see what carries an additional charge.

10. September ECFE registration is open for Hastings families

Hastings Community Education is promoting September Early Childhood Family Education opportunities for parents, caregivers, babies and young children.

Families interested in participating can browse the official Hastings ECFE page for current programs and registration.

Individual classes have their own ages, schedules and availability, so families should check the specific class before registering. Community Education also shared its September ECFE reminder on Instagram.

IF YOU ONLY CLICK ONE

Start with Hastings Family Service’s school-supply assistance page.

It is the most time-sensitive resource in today’s list because Tuesday, August 11, is the donation deadline, while eligible ISD 200 families can also find information there about receiving school supplies before the new school year.

LOCAL PIGEON CONTRIBUTION NOTE

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HOW LOCAL 10 IS SELECTED

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Inclusion is not paid placement and is not guaranteed.

LOCAL 10: School Supplies, Recovery Support and Hastings August Plans