Good morning, Rochester.

On January 1, the city changed its parking ticket policy to send tickets unpaid for over 45 days to collections—managed by Collection Bureau of America, which issued over 5,000 notifications—and residents can check for unpaid tickets on the Citation Portal or by calling the city.

The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association awarded Rochester’s Parks & Rec an Award of Excellence for its work on Cascade Lake Regional Park.

The 225-acre park—transformed over 30 years from a sand and gravel extraction site into a recreational area with a man-made lake, prairies and restored wetlands—is recognized for its sustainable upgrades—stream relocation for water quality and improved infrastructure to protect the environment.

The Minnesota DNR warns boaters that cold water still poses a risk in spring as 30% of fatal boating accidents occur during cold-water periods.

The agency urges everyone to wear a life jacket and check safety gear *before heading out* to avoid unexpected falls *and tragic outcomes*.

Lotus Health Foundation hosted its 7th Annual Community of Wellness Symposium and Gala at Mayo Civic Center on April 17—18.

The two-day event featured experts and community leaders discussing lifestyle medicine topics such as nutrition, exercise, and diabetes management and offered interactive activities like Walk With A Doc and healthy eating demonstrations.

The Minnesota Nurses Association said a 2025 bill to join the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact would let nurses work in over 30 states without new recertification and help move staff at hospitals like Mayo Clinic—while the group warned it could remove Minnesota’s control over required continuing education.

Blue Lagoon Mini Golf in Rochester is open today at 11:00 a.m. with an 18-hole course and extra fun like cornhole, snacks, drinks, and Flapdoodles Ice Cream coming next week.

Rounds cost $8 for kids and $10 for adults and the course remains closed on Mondays—owner Missy Emerich said the launch has attracted strong local support.

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.