Daily
Rochester
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Stir Fry Express, a new family-owned buffet-style restaurant at 4107 N. U.S. Highway 52, is hosting a free lunch today for its grand opening. Patrons can build their plates (pay-by-the-weight) with choices like chicken and broccoli and beef stir-fry. KROC-AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rochester’s Mayo Clinic Plummer Building opened in 1928 and was once Minnesota’s tallest building until 1932 (named after a pioneering physician). The historic landmark remains a cherished reminder of the city’s early ambition and ties to Mayo Clinic. KROC-AM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Caitlin Alexander read to children at SPARK Children's Museum at Apache Mall on Tuesday as part of I Love to Read Month (SPARK will post additional reader events on Facebook). KTTC
- ➤ Welding instructors gathered at RCTC’s Heintz Center (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday) to compete in blueprint reading and hands-on welding. The event improved classroom methods by aligning training with industry standards and prepared participants for the Future Forward Welding Competition in April. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sgt. Troy Christianson (MSP) explained that Vanessa’s Law grounds teen drivers until they turn 18 if they commit serious moving violations. Parents should note that teens must complete extra steps such as passing the Class D written test and driver education before regaining driving privileges. KROC-AM
- ➤ An Olmsted County jury began hearing testimony in a civil trial on Monday as Dr. Michael Joyner accused Mayo Clinic of retaliation after media comments led to a one-week unpaid suspension and delayed pay increase. The trial at Olmsted County Court continues as Joyner challenges the disciplinary actions. KROC
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Destination Medical Center will review a $500,000 funding request tomorrow as part of a $17.4 million project that will preserve and repurpose the 1918 Olmsted County Bank and Trust Building — the planned site for a new boutique hotel addition — in downtown Rochester. KROC-AM
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Taylor Heise, a hockey player from Lake City with awards and international medals, will represent Team USA at the Winter Olympics in Italy starting Friday, Feb. 6 as she competes in her first Olympic games. KROC-AM
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Spanish Conversation Meetup
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Practice your Spanish speaking skills in a friendly group setting.
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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.
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Kubernetes Administration Training
Feb 23–25 — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $2490 — Learn Kubernetes to manage containerized applications and prepare for the CKA exam.
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Rend Collective Concert
7-10 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Tickets required — Experience a joyous evening of folk-infused worship music with Rend Collective from Northern Ireland.
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French Conversation Coffee Hour
2-3:30 p.m. — Café Aquí — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy coffee hour to practice your French and meet fellow enthusiasts.
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Rochester Dance Company's Robin Hood
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Civic Theatre — $18 per ticket — Experience a thrilling dance tale of Robin Hood and his adventures set to a fun blend of music for the whole family.
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