Daily
Rochester
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ruby's Pantry, a nonprofit offering low-priced food bundles (for $25 donations), has ended operations immediately after months of realignment. Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rochester hosted food distribution events, and local coordinators ran pop-up sites to help those stretching their grocery budgets. KTTC
- ➤ Officials will install a Pinwheel Garden at Graham Park on Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, with 454 pinwheels representing children in Olmsted County who received a protection response in 2025; the display is located off Broadway and 14th St SW. KTTC
- ➤ Melissa Griggs of Oronoco is named runner-up for the Minnesota Touchstone Energy Cooperative Heroes Award for her efforts in carbon monoxide safety following the tragic loss of her daughter. She pushed for Hannah’s Law and now chairs community events to help local nonprofits (including Gold Rush Days) in the area. KIMT
- ➤ Rochester police will host four Safe City Nights events with free food and activities (designed to build positive community ties) on June 9 at Gibbs Elementary, July 14 at Jefferson Elementary, July 28 at Bishop Elementary and August 11 at Franklin Elementary. KIMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Costco has introduced its new pre-scan checkout that scans membership cards and items before reaching the register—announced during the second-quarter earnings call, the system cuts checkout time to an average of 8 seconds and has received positive member feedback. KROC-AM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester police join the April Distracted Driving Awareness Month by increasing patrols and urging drivers to use voice-activated controls. Officers warn that rising deer activity in wooded areas could add to crash risks if drivers try to dodge wildlife. KIMT
- ➤ Westbound drivers on I-90 at Hwy 52 experienced lane closures beginning Wednesday as MnDOT continues its final construction phase to replace the westbound bridge. Bridge demolition is scheduled (Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 10) as officials warn drivers to slow down amid winter weather. KTTC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ George Farrow (14) of Rochester, a soccer player, takes a two-minute ice bath every day since Christmas Eve and will finish his 100th session in April, inspiring his family and TikTok followers along the way. KTTC
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local residents can drive a 45-minute trip to Austin to visit the free Spam Museum, enjoy a picnic at Horace Park, and check the library for community events. The itinerary provides a budget-friendly day trip as summer nears. KROC-AM
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World Ballet Company: Cinderella
7-9 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Cost details not provided — Experience a magical Broadway-style ballet adaptation of Cinderella featuring a cast of 40 international dancers.
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The Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert
7-9 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting jazz sounds of The Glenn Miller Orchestra live with classic hits.
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12th Annual Timmay 5k Run/Walk
9-11 a.m. — Silver Lake Park - East Shelter — Registration fees apply — Raise awareness for organ donation while enjoying a morning run or walk in the community.
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Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k
Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k — May 2 — Rochester, Minnesota — Entry fees apply — Experience a spirited community run in the heart of Rochester.
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