Good morning, Rochester.

The United Way of Southeast Minnesota has served local children for nearly 20 years with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and now is asking for community help to reach a $50,000 goal by April 30 — if the goal is not met, other programs may face cuts.

Next Sunday, April 27, a pop-up book exchange in the parking lot will offer a chance for residents to support the free monthly book program.

Mayo High School students raised $20,000 for the Women’s Shelter and Support Center through their annual GOFA campaign and have donated over $200,000 in the past decade.

The funds will support emergency shelter, community advocacy, and legal assistance — as well as educational outreach for survivors of domestic violence.

On March 9, a plane crashed near Oak Summit Golf Course when its engine failed and the pilot tried to restart it— a bystander rescued the pilot who was taken to paramedics with minor injuries while the aircraft sustained extensive damage.

On April 15, 2023, deputies locked down a Byron neighborhood after reports that 38-year-old Andrew Greg Gerhardt had an AR-15 rifle and threatened to kill someone, and after a several-hour standoff he surrendered—he later pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor of harassment and received two years of supervised probation.

Today, a judge in Rochester narrowed what evidence may be used in the murder trial of former Mayo Clinic doctor Connor Bowman, who is charged with killing his wife in August 2023—allowing digital data from two search warrants while barring private messages found on electronic devices.

Olmsted County appointed Michael Walters as its new county attorney on Tuesday night—he will be sworn in on April 21 and serve the remainder of Mark Ostrem's term, which ends in January 2027.

Walters led the office’s adult and child protection division and previously prosecuted violent felonies before joining the county.

Michael Walters was appointed Tuesday night as Olmsted County's top prosecutor by the Board of Commissioners — he will be sworn in Monday, April 21.

He fills the remainder of Mark Ostrem’s term, which ends in January 2027.

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.

Gran Jaripeo, Mexican Rodeo

2:00 PM to 12:00 AM — Graham Park — $60 — Experience the vibrant culture of the Mexican rodeo with music, food, and thrilling rodeo events.

Gold Rush Antiques Show

All day — Graham Park — Free admission with wristband — Explore unique antiques and vintage finds from across the U.S. at this 53rd annual treasure hunter's paradise.