Good morning, Rochester.

The 54th Olmsted County Gold Rush is underway at Graham Park, featuring over 300 vendors selling antiques and vintage items.

The event runs Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (free parking is available.)

After nearly 2,000 submissions and 6,000 votes, Mayo Clinic announced the winning names for the cranes in downtown’s ongoing expansion.

Banners bearing the new names will appear on the cranes (as construction continues) over the coming years.

Popeyes will open its first restaurant this fall near Apache Mall and a second outlet will open next spring by Walmart North — the chain is highly requested by locals and is set to bring its renowned chicken to the community.

Yuma Fritas will close permanently on Monday, May 11, and Porch Fried Chicken will reopen at the Broadway location to satisfy local demand.

The owners noted that Yuma may return later (in a new spot).

John Hardy's BBQ North plans to reopen after a January fire damaged its building, and all North employees are working at the south location while the owners decide if repairs or a full rebuild are needed.

Three weeks after tornadoes damaged southeast Minnesota, local schools adjusted safety plans using lessons from a statewide drill.

Rochester Public Schools will have parents shelter in place during future tornado drills to keep staff and students safe.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency forecasts drought-like conditions that may boost wildfire activity and ozone days this summer.

Health experts advise local residents, including children & those with asthma, to monitor air quality and limit outdoor exposure during alerts.

The MN DNR warns anglers that earthworms used as bait are invasive—introduced during European settlement—and can harm the forest duff layer that guards against soil erosion.

With the fishing opener nearing, anglers should dispose of unwanted bait properly.

RPU hosted an open house at the Apache water tower on Friday, May 8, during Drinking Water Week, where visitors toured the tower and pumphouse and viewed a hydrant demonstration that showed how safe drinking water is provided — a learning opportunity for kids.

Local anglers face risks from cold water despite warm air as the Minnesota DNR warns that a slip into frigid water can quickly become dangerous.

Boaters are advised to secure their drain plugs at busy public landings (basic safety tips help ensure a safe fishing weekend).

At Cascade Lake, the Stay Out of the Sun Run raised over $35,000 for the Melanoma Research Foundation (which funds skin cancer research), showing local efforts to boost sun safety measures.

Heggies Pizza from Milaca shared a tip for making frozen pizza extra crispy by cutting it before baking + the method may offer a fun twist for local fans.

The City of Rochester placed Mayo Field's land on its disposition list+ the Honkers are now working to secure a new field with improved amenities while keeping their commitment to stay in town.

The team will open its season on May 27th at 6:30 p.m. against the Eau Claire Express.

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.