Good morning, Rochester.

North Star Honor Flight departed Rochester International Airport today with 85 veterans and caregivers for an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. to tour monuments and memorials (veterans represented 4 Iowa and 10 Minnesota counties) and will return at 9:25 p.m. for a welcome reception.

A retired Mayo Clinic surgeon piloted a Beechcraft BE33 that crashed near a residential area after departing Crystal Airport on Saturday, claiming his life and that of North Dakota state rep Liz Conmy, while the National Transportation Safety Board leads the investigation.

A former Mayo Clinic surgeon (Joseph Cass) was identified as the pilot of a plane that crashed shortly after departing Crystal Airport on Saturday near a residential area, killing him and North Dakota Rep. Liz Conmy.

The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Chapter Two event will take place at Historic Chateau Theatre in downtown Rochester on May 22 and 23 — featuring dramatic retellings of four classic tales paired with handcrafted cocktails — with tickets ranging from $55 to $65 for three sessions each night.

Gas prices in Minnesota rose 13.5 cents, averaging $3.79 per gallon this week, as tensions in the Middle East push fuel costs higher + further increases are expected soon.

Blue Cross Blue Shield will start distributing settlement payments on May 11 to claimants who filed by Nov.

5, 2021, officials said. Claimants can expect an electronic card + their chosen payment method as the court finalized all appeals.

A one-block portion of 6th St. SW between 8th and 9th Avenues was closed on Monday, Apr.

27 for a storm water project that will finish on Monday, May 4. Motorists should follow a detour along 10th Ave SW — 4 St SW — 6 Ave SW.

Rochester City Council met Monday at 3 p.m. to review a proposed $55M multi-year plan to upgrade the RCTC Regional Sports Center, which would boost outdoor recreation and community access through maintenance and possible expansion.

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.

Gold Rush Antique Show

8 a.m.-6 p.m. — Graham Arena Complex — Admission good all three days — Explore hundreds of vendors offering antiques, collectibles, and unique finds.

The SpongeBob Musical

7:00 – 9:30 PM — Rochester Civic Theatre — Adults $37, Seniors $32, Students $29 — Join SpongeBob and friends in a race against a volcano to save Bikini Bottom.

Med City Marathon

7 a.m. — Rochester International Airport — Registration required — Experience the unique challenge of a 20-mile race in the scenic surroundings of Rochester, Minnesota.

Three Dog Night Concert

10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a day filled with iconic rock music from Three Dog Night.