Good morning, Rochester.

Olmsted County will host a free Fix-It Clinic on Feb.

7 at Christ United Methodist Church in Rochester, where households can bring up to two items for repair (first-come, first-served) from 2:30 to 5:30 PM. The event, which supports waste reduction, will also seek volunteers for future clinics.

Local non-profits see a post-holiday donation dip — Channel One Regional Food Bank noted that contributions typically fall after Christmas and New Year's and rise with the Minnesota FoodShare campaign in March, while The Landing MN maintained Q4 revenue by accepting monetary and in-kind donations like gloves and hats.

Walmart now requires a receipt for returning 17 items in Minnesota.

Customers without a receipt must show a valid government issued ID to get store credit instead of a refund.

Rochester Public Schools leaders met Tuesday night to discuss the district's $8.3 million deficit and planned budget cuts for 2027.

Increased enrollment reduced the initial $13 million projection, and funds from a 2024 referendum will help avoid school closures, larger classes, or program cuts.

Monday night the Rochester City Council voted 5-1 to pass a resolution reaffirming its support for the Somali community; the measure recognized that about 4,000 Somali residents help boost local education, civic life and the economy.

Mayo Clinic responded Tuesday to questions about the CDC's updated childhood vaccine guidelines.

The clinic said vaccines remain important as the new recommendations advise them for high-risk children in shared decision-making.

Castle Con

12 PM - 6 PM — Historic Chateau Theatre — Check event page for details — Immerse yourself in a weekend-long tabletop gaming extravaganza with tournaments and family-friendly fun.

The Lewy Convergence: Clinical Wisdom and Historical Reflection

11:30 a.m. — Leighton Auditorium — $25 Registration — A landmark CME event honoring Dr. Friedrich Lewy's legacy while advancing knowledge on Lewy Body Dementia care.

Monster X Tour

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Tickets starting at $20.50 — Experience thrilling monster truck action and freestyle motocross in an adrenaline-pumping event.

Social Ice Festival 2026

4-10 p.m. — Peace Plaza — Free entry — Experience a vibrant winter oasis with themed bars, ice sculptures, and live DJ entertainment.