Hastings Daily Briefing for February 7, 2026

Business and food

Me & Julio on 33rd Street West has announced it is closing permanently after a temporary shutdown in mid-January. Owners called the move a hard decision and thanked guests, staff, and the community for years of support. A sister location in Wisconsin will remain open, but Hastings loses a familiar stop for tacos and margaritas on the south side of town.

The closure adds to recent restaurant turnover in the area, as older favorites change hands and new spots open near the riverfront and along main corridors. For now, regulars are sharing memories and scouting out new go-to places for casual nights out.

School spirit and weekend plans

A Friday audio briefing highlighted the SnoWeek coronation at the high school, streamed live Friday afternoon, along with a lineup of weekend workshops, neighborhood gatherings, and live music around town. If you missed the ceremony, student royalty and leaders are expected to keep appearing at games and community events, bringing some midwinter energy to local calendars.

The same roundup pointed residents toward fresh City of Hastings job openings, from seasonal parks roles to full-time positions. It is a good weekend to skim the city jobs page if you are thinking about a change before early postings close.

Morning on the ice at Lake Rebecca

Families headed to Lake Rebecca Park this morning for a free ice fishing event from 9 a.m. to noon. Organizers supplied rods, bait, tackle, and pre-drilled holes, plus underwater cameras so kids could watch fish cruising below the ice. Volunteers and staff coached first-timers and kept things moving even for those who had never tried the sport.

The program used a state waiver so people could fish without a license during the event, making it especially friendly for new anglers and visiting relatives. Parking and access were centered at the city park off Lock and Dam Road, where the Mississippi backwater and nearby hydro facilities create a distinct winter backdrop.

Looking ahead

City staff continue preparing a long-term effort to replace lead and galvanized water service lines beginning in 2026, depending on how state and federal funding comes through. Surveys over the past year helped identify properties that may need work, and the city plans to seek grants so homeowners have help covering future replacement costs.

Next week’s civic calendar includes a Public Safety Committee meeting and a Planning Commission slot on Monday evening, plus an Arts and Culture Commission meeting midweek. Agendas and streaming links are posted on the city website for residents who want to follow discussions on development, safety, and arts funding.

After a breezy, mostly cloudy Friday with temperatures sliding into the low 20s, Saturday stays cold but manageable, with highs in the 20s and wind chills dipping toward the single digits after sunset.

Sources

https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/me-and-julio-restaurant-in-hastings-permanently-closes
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3cb3f4ed-0488-4a56-9fd1-92e4c10cb008/episodes/0836b525-ff6f-49a0-ae11-123c72ea18aa/local-10—hastings-minnesota-hastings-friday-briefing-feb-6-music-natives-neighbors-and-the-latest
https://business.hudsonwi.org/events/details/free-family-ice-fishing-at-lake-rebecca-02-07-2026-38216
https://www.hastingsmn.gov/
https://www.hastingsmn.gov/home-living/utilities-sewer-water/lead-service-line-replacement-program/
https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/f499c8a4-bbde-4799-bb23-d2ee74f206e0/episodes/2acef147-ea59-4419-8301-c1e90e03da5c/hastings-minnesota-weather-on-this-date-hastings-mn-weather-on-this-date-friday-february-6