Good morning, Rochester.

The Rochester Salvation Army won the National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge when its 37th Street Hy-Vee red kettle raised the most money on Dec.

13 last year — the win brings national recognition and will earn media coverage at the upcoming Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day football game.

The Salvation Army of Olmsted County announced that its Christmas and New Year's fundraising campaign raised $1,403,324, exceeding its $1.1M goal for programs such as the Good Samaritan Health Clinic, transitional housing & youth initiatives; high volunteer support & community events like the Downtown Dazzle Parade played a key role.

Rochester-based Workforce Development Inc. received $650,000 today from the state’s Pathways-to-Prosperity program to help job seekers find higher-wage careers using proven training programs - other southeast Minnesota groups also secured state funds for job training and employment development.

Rochester Public Transit is inviting all residents to fill out its Spring Survey by January 30 to guide planned changes in bus service (responses will be used alongside ridership patterns and equity data).

Collider Foundation announced today that Executive Director Amanda Leightner will leave to take on the role of Economic Mobility Specialist for Rochester.

The nonprofit credited her leadership for expanding programs that serve over 250 local entrepreneurs and added four new team members.

Rochester City Council will meet Wednesday, Jan.

28 at 6 p.m. to vote on the final plat for a 158-acre sports and recreation complex in southeast Rochester that features outdoor facilities including baseball fields, pickleball courts, and a playground but omits indoor space in phase one due to budget.

Officials forecast dangerously cold weather Friday with a high of -11 and wind chills of -50 degrees, marking the coldest day in seven years.

Auto and HVAC experts advise warming cars for at least 10 minutes (if outdoors) and checking freeze protection and vents to avoid damage.

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.

Junior Gold Qualifier at Colonial Lanes

Multiple time slots available — Colonial Lanes — Participation fee required — Compete in a thrilling Junior Gold qualifier with exciting scholarship opportunities.

Spanish Conversation Meetup

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Practice your Spanish speaking skills in a friendly group setting.

Next Stop Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — LC's Venue — Check website for ticket info — Enjoy a fresh lineup of stand-up comedians at this local favorite.