Good morning, Rochester.

Gift of Life Transplant House has named Stephanie Donovan as its new executive director after Mary Wilder retires at the end of this month.

Donovan, who joined from Zumbro Valley Health Center, said she will boost community awareness during National Donate Life Month with events scheduled for Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Mayo Clinic Saint Marys and the Timmay 5K on April 26 at Silver Lake Park — reinforcing support for transplant care.

A Rochester man, 36-year-old Juan Martin Elvira Junior, was indicted with four others by a federal grand jury after a DEA investigation alleged they conspired to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl—linking their operation to a Mexican cartel.

Olmsted County Government Center will process REAL ID and Enhanced ID applications before the May 7 deadline for residents to fly or access federal facilities.

Applicants must pre-apply online+ secure a check-in time and bring certified documents to complete the process.

Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president-elect of the American Medical Association and a head and neck surgeon, visited Rochester on Tuesday after brain tumor surgery at Mayo Clinic and met with local healthcare professionals at the Rochester Community Warming Center—he said his experience as a patient will guide his future work when his term begins in June— to share his perspective on healthcare access.

Bigelow Homes Westbury project got $4.38 million in Home Ownership Creation funding on April 7 so it plans to build 219 new homes below $400K to address a local market gap—its plans include breaking ground in fall 2026 and finishing the first home by November 2029 to qualify for reimbursement.

The Dink Minor League Pickleball Tournament

7 p.m. — Chip Shots — Join fellow pickleball enthusiasts in a local tournament showcasing community spirit and sporting fun.

German Language Conversation Group

4-6 p.m. — One Discovery Square — Free entry — Practice your German skills in a friendly and inclusive environment.

UX Bootcamp: Graphic Design Training

9 a.m. — Rochester Community and Technical College: Department of Art+Design — Varies — Gain practical skills in graphic design with comprehensive training in Adobe tools.

Let’s Speak German!

4-6 p.m. — Define Conference Room at One Discovery Square — Free entry — All skill levels welcome to practice German conversation in a friendly setting.

Easter Brunch

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — 1635 US-52, Rochester, MN — Reservations required — Enjoy a delightful Easter meal with friends and family in a cozy setting.

Unleash the SHE Run 2025 Rochester

All day — Little Thistle Brewing — Cost varies — Participate in a community-focused 5K, 10K, and family-friendly events supporting ovarian cancer awareness.

11th Annual TIMMAY 5k Fun RUN/ WALK

Fun Walk/ Run to Promote Organ Donor Awareness. Proceeds support The Gift Of Life Transplant House.

Python for Scientists Training Class

Apr 28 - May 2 — Hawthorne Education Center — $2090 — Enhance your skills with hands-on Python training tailored for scientific applications.

DJ Bingo Night

7-8:30 p.m. — The Workshop Food Hall & Bar — Free entry — Test your musical knowledge with a fun twist on bingo as you match song clips on the TVs.

May Rochester Minnesota Female Entrepreneurs Meet-Up

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Connect with fellow female entrepreneurs in a structured networking format for meaningful conversations.

Charlie Parr Concert

6-7 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — $25 adv. // $35 dos — Experience the heartfelt melodies of Minnesota's folk troubadour, Charlie Parr, as he brings his deep-rooted musical tradition to life.