Daily
Rochester
Monday, February 16th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Olmsted County 4-H Tack Swap drew large crowds Saturday at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds — vendors sold horse tack, clothing, dog accessories, and held a concession stand — to raise funds for the annual Horse Fair and 4-H trips. KTTC
- ➤ Rochester’s 25th annual Polar Plunge took place Saturday at Foster Arends Park (at temperatures of 40°F–50°F) and raised over $270,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota as 850 plungers dove in chilly water. Sheriff Kevin Torgerson took his final plunge as an elected officer but will keep supporting the event. KTTC
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Rochester firefighters rescued a dog from a burning home on the 500 block of 8th St NW Saturday; they quickly put out a kitchen fire and found no residents, though the house sustained extensive fire and smoke damage. KROC-AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Family groups enjoyed horse-drawn wagon rides at the History Center of Olmsted County on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where organizers offered cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate — a change from planned sleigh rides due to warm weather that drew visitors from nearby communities. KTTC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new WalletHub study places Minnesota 9th among the most educated states with a score of 63.88 out of 100. The research shows the state holds the 3rd highest percentage of adults with some college experience plus ranks 8th in overall educational attainment. KROC-AM
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Rochester locals have crowned Newt's as the top burger spot with its Express, South, and North branches winning the most votes. Voting for the best margarita is open until 11:59 p.m. tonight — winners will be announced tomorrow on Y-105FM. KROC-AM
- ➤ Local voices highlight 13 restaurants that are underrated, including Cantonese Cafe, Corona's Tacos + Bull's Bierhaus, offered across downtown and suburban areas. The feature encourages readers to explore diverse cuisines and support local dining. KROC-AM
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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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Charlotte's Web
Noon, 2 p.m. — Rochester Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of friendship and courage in this family-friendly adaptation of a beloved classic.
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Gary Allan Concert
7:30-11 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices available — Enjoy a night of country music at the Mayo Civic Center with Gary Allan.
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2026 Midwest Motorsports Expo
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — $10 for adults, kids 10 & under free — Explore a one-day show featuring over 60 high-performance dealers and manufacturers from around the country.
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The Seasons Ice Dance Performance
6:45-8:15 p.m. — Rochester Recreation Center — Ticket options available — Experience the artistry and athleticism of world-class skaters in a dazzling ice dance performance.
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