LOCAL 10: Voting, Highway 61 and Fall Finds
Original photo of Hastings, Minnesota bridge by Ashley Media.
Where to vote, a chance for businesses to weigh in on Highway 61, Thursday’s dog-park gathering and seven more useful updates from Hastings, Minnesota.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 10 a.m. Central
Weather companion
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
Wednesday brings a cool start in the 40s, mostly sunny skies and a high near 65°F, with daytime rain chances near zero. Wednesday night turns mostly cloudy with a low around 50°F; find the forecast and a little history in Hastings Weather + On This Date.
For Wednesday, September 23, a few dates deserve a closer look: absentee voting is available at the county Administration Center, a Highway 61 business meeting is ahead, and Paws in the Park returns Thursday evening.
LOCAL 10 is HastingsNow’s reviewed daily brief of useful local updates. This edition pairs those planning details with neighborhood shopping, a community gathering and an Animal Ark foster appeal, with source links to help you take the next step.
Local 10 infographic by HastingsNow.com
Top 3 today
1. Absentee voting is available at the county Administration Center
Eligible Dakota County voters can cast absentee ballots in person at the Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55 in Hastings, during the September 18–November 2 absentee-voting period. Regular weekday hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., according to Dakota County’s voting locations and hours.
Hastings City Hall’s early-voting period begins October 16 and serves Hastings city voters. That distinction matters when choosing where to go: county voting is already available, while the City Hall start date is still ahead. The city’s announcement highlights the two options.
2. Highway 61 business meeting set for September 29
Hastings-area businesses can join the HWY 61: Open For Business meeting on Tuesday, September 29, from 3–5 p.m., at Hastings Golf Club, 2015 Westview Drive. The meeting is free and open to interested Hastings-area businesses.
The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau says the MnDOT project team will discuss construction staging and business impacts and gather feedback. For businesses planning around the project, it is an opportunity to hear the plans and contribute questions; registration is encouraged through the meeting page.
3. Paws in the Park returns September 24
The city’s Paws in the Park listing puts the public gathering on Thursday, September 24, from 5–6:30 p.m., at Rivertown Dog Park, 851 10th Street East. The announcement includes free activities, giveaways and a dog costume contest, with food available to purchase.
One useful detail for owners: the city asks that dogs who do not do well around other dogs stay home. Read the original Parks & Recreation announcement as you plan whether to bring your dog.
Quick hits
4. Créme de la Créme announces apple cider floats
Apple cider and ice cream meet in a seasonal offering from Créme de la Créme. The Hastings shop announces a float made with cider from Spiral Food Co-op and a scoop of ice cream—a local pairing for customers looking for a fall treat.
Take a look at the shop’s apple cider float announcement (original post since removed).
5. Hastings Flower Co. stocks children’s books by Diane Davies
Families and gift shoppers have another local place to browse Diane Davies’ work. Hastings Flower Co. says the author’s children’s books are available in its store.
See the store’s introduction to Diane Davies and her books for a look at the offering.
6. Spiral Yoga announces a free September 26 grief gathering
Spiral Yoga announces a free public grief gathering with Kate on Saturday, September 26, from 3–5 p.m., at its studio, 312 3rd Street E. in Hastings. All are welcome, and no registration is required.
The gathering uses an open-house format. Read Spiral Yoga’s invitation for the organizer’s details.
7. Hometown Ace highlights its fall YETI selection
Hometown Ace Hardware in Hastings is highlighting its fall selection of YETI products and accessories. Local shoppers can browse the store’s featured products in its announcement.
8. Christmas mini-session booking opens September 29
Kristen Calgaro Photography announces that booking for November studio Christmas mini sessions opens Tuesday, September 29, at 8 a.m. For households planning a session, September 29 is the reservation-opening date; the photography sessions take place in November.
Read the photographer’s booking announcement before booking opens.
9. Animal Ark seeks a foster home for Fergus
Animal Ark is seeking a foster caregiver for Fergus, a cat with ongoing medical needs. The Hastings shelter’s appeal is directed to someone able to discuss and take on his care commitment.
Potential caregivers can read Animal Ark’s foster appeal for Fergus and contact the shelter through the announcement to learn about his needs and the next steps.
10. Spiral Deli brings back its chicken-and-cranberry sandwich
Spiral Food Co-op announces the return of its Winner Winner Chicken Dinner sandwich, featuring chicken, provolone and cranberry-herb mayo. See the seasonal sandwich announcement for the featured offering.
For lunch planning, Spiral Deli’s made-to-order hours are Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at 1250 South Frontage Road. All shoppers are welcome; co-op ownership is not required.
If you only click one
Start with Dakota County’s official absentee and early-voting guide. It puts locations and hours in one place so eligible voters can choose where and when to vote, including the different start dates for the county Administration Center and Hastings City Hall.
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