Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester Hy-Vee stores raised $17,675 for Channel One Regional Food Bank in November amid rising food pantry demand as SNAP delays increased need—funds that will support families in southeastern Minnesota.

The Rochester Fire Department responded to a fire at John Hardy's Bar-B-Q on W Frontage Rd Wednesday night, quickly extinguishing the flames and reporting no injuries as the fire marshal investigates the cause.

An analysis by GasBuddy shows that despite Rochester’s recent decline to $2.50 per gallon, potential conflict in Iran could soon halt this trend (a drop of $0.27 last week may reverse if tensions escalate).

Local prices remain sensitive to shifts in international oil conditions.

Rochester Public Schools asks for feedback on changes that may move RAIL and Middle School ALC to Sunset Terrace and merge it with Gage Elementary.

Proposals, including ending the gymnastics program and moving PTECH/CTECH classes, could take effect in the 2027-2028 school year (decisions pending).

Local Rochester agencies will receive $600,000 from DEED's $17.3 million workforce program to help over 3,500 Minnesotans gain job skills in fields like health care, IT + advanced manufacturing.

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.

The Sound Of Fate

7:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticketed event — Experience Tchaikovsky's epic showdown with fate through his Symphony No. 5 and Rossini's spirited Overture to Semiramide.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

7:00 p.m. (Thu, Fri, Sat), 2:00 p.m. (Sun) — Rochester Civic Theatre — Ticket prices varied — A low-born man's chase for love and an earldom takes a comedic and murderous twist.