Good morning, Rochester.

Eyota Volunteer Ambulance Service will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 17 with an open house (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) featuring refreshments and a historical display for the community; a dinner for past and present crew members will follow.

Aspen, a 2-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix from Rochester, is named the new ambassadog for Minnesota Energy Resources after receiving over 8,000 votes in a safe digging contest.

The dog will spend the next year starring in a social media campaign that reminds residents to call 811 two days before they dig.

Bleed Heart Floral in Mazeppa faces closure due to a proposed powerline project that would cross its growing field; residents can attend an open house on Tuesday, May 5 - 10 AM-noon at Floral Hall in Graham Park to urge a route change.

Revised job data showed the area lost 95 jobs in March, marking its first year-over-year decline since the pandemic.

The revised figures lowered last year’s gains to just over 900 jobs with a 0.7 percent growth rate.

Rochester’s gas price is $4.09 per gallon, with state & federal taxes totaling about 52 cents and making up over 12% of the cost.

The state tax is 32.6 cents now and will rise to 33.9 cents on July 1.

Faith leaders and members met at Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester Thursday to pray for help amid funding cuts affecting rural care and HCMC — a concern heightened by closing clinics and hospitals in southern Minnesota and north Iowa.

A national survey ranked local McDonald's and Five Guys among the best fry spots in the U.S. Chefs praised McDonald's classic fries and Five Guys’ peanut-oil flavor, noting that both chains serve many locations statewide (including popular spots here).

The Rochester Honkers will end their lease at Mayo Field after the 2026 season due to rising maintenance costs, but the team plans to remain in Rochester as city officials work on a new vision for the area (the final home opener is May 27 at 6:30 p.m.).

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.

SOULED OUT Wrestling Event

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Tickets on sale now — Witness the unveiling of the powerful team ‘Souled Out’ in an unforgettable wrestling showdown.