Daily
Rochester
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota are calling for 10,000 volunteers to support the event from June 20 to 26 at the University of Minnesota — volunteers must be 18 by June 1 while those aged 15 to 17 follow a separate protocol. KIMT
- ➤ On Sunday, a house fire in Lake City took the life of Richard Arruda (45) and sent a 16-year-old to the hospital, and a community-led GoFundMe campaign with a $12,000 goal aims to help his widow, the injured teen, and rebuild the home as the fire marshal investigates. KTTC
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Eight players at Table 4 in Treasure Island Resort & Casino shared a record $217K bad beat jackpot on Valentine’s Day after a four-of-a-kind loss triggered the progressive payout. The win, built over more than two years, included a largest share of $108K for the losing hand. KROC-AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Holy Spirit Catholic Church holds Ash Wednesday mass (8:40 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) today to mark the start of Lent, while the community also begins reflection for Ramadan and Chinese New Year, which both start Feb. 17. KTTC
- ➤ Rev. Jesse Jackson is remembered for his visits to Minnesota before his passing. He attended George Floyd’s memorial service in 2020 and spoke at the Mayo Civic Center for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in 2000, leaving a lasting mark on local civil rights history. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ County officials examined the case after sirens suddenly activated Monday night in northeast and southeast Rochester & Chester Woods Park for about 20 minutes. They shut down the system and began a digital forensics review to determine the cause. KTTC
- ➤ Rochester’s four municipal golf courses earned nearly 17% more revenue in 2025 despite 40 fewer playable days, but rising expenses led to a $41,400 net loss — prompting Parks and Recreation to adjust its profitability goals. KTTC
- ➤ Residents should expect traffic delays as downtown streets close block-by-block from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday for equipment delivery from the Heintz Center at RCTC to Mayo Clinic’s Prospect Utility Plant - a few streets will be fully closed from 10:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. KIMT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ McCain Foods has voluntarily recalled Ore-Ida and Sonic Tots intended for bulk orders in restaurants + cafeterias due to possible plastic contamination, affecting orders in Minnesota and 27 other states while store-bought tater tots remain safe. KROC-AM
- ➤ Mayo Clinic installed its first magnetic nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia machine at its Jacobson Building in November 2025; a clinical trial for metastatic tumors began in December 2025. The device uses heat to target cancer cells (a method that may offer new treatment options) and shows the clinic’s commitment to advanced research. KIMT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Fanduel Sports Network North announced plans to close its Twin Cities operations on April 14 (resulting in about 20 layoffs) while the network said remaining Wild and Timberwolves games will not be disrupted, leaving future broadcasts for these teams and the Lynx unclear. KROC-AM
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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