Daily
Rochester
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ RPL will launch its Growing Together: Seed Library Open House on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors may pick up 10 seed packets, join art and scavenger hunt activities — the library will also host a Community Read of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle on March 21 at 3 p.m. KIMT
- ➤ The Gift of Life Transplant House in Med City is asking locals to donate Kleenex and toilet paper to support patients and families receiving life-saving transplant care. Donations are accepted at 705 2nd Street SW or can be ordered online. KROC-AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Google announced plans to build a large data center in Pine Island, partnering with the city and Xcel Energy, and will invest over $20 million for park upgrades plus contribute $25 million to STEM programs for local schools. Construction is expected to begin before year-end pending regulatory review. KROC
- ➤ Wingstop will open soon in the former Tip Top Tux space at 1861 Adams Street in Mankato as part of its plan to expand to 10,000 stores + Rochester remains the largest local market without the chain, making its arrival likely in the future. KROC-AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local community leader Andre Crockett hosted a pre-launch event for his book Rochester Black Legacy Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the City Hall rotunda in Rochester (the book highlights local black history by exploring stories and achievements from early African American families). KTTC
- ➤ Olmsted County and Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo opened a traveling water exhibit today at the zoo’s nature center — featuring interactive storytelling by local volunteers to spark water conservation awareness. The exhibit will run until April 20. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ MnDOT announced winners of the 2026 Name a Snowplow Contest Tuesday morning, with 'Flurrious George' chosen for our district + nearly 19,000 people voting online to select eight winners for all MnDOT districts. KTTC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Minnesota Olympians won 13 medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina with hockey players contributing many of the wins, making the state the top medal winner among U.S. states. Team USA finished with 33 medals overall. KROC-AM
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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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Highland Romance: A Kid's Concert Experience
3-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket required for entry — A vibrant concert journey through art and classical storytelling for children.
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