Daily
Rochester
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester’s outdoor pools, beaches & splash pads will open for the summer season with Cascade Lake, Foster Arend and Lincolnshire by Saturday, May 23, Soldiers Field Aquatic Center on Friday, June 5, and Silver Lake venues on Monday, June 8; check posted hours as lifeguards and fees vary. KIMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hunt’s Silver Lake Drug Store in Rochester will end postal services mid-June as it shifts focus to its core operations. KTTC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester schools say families should complete the FAFSA early for fall as new loan limit changes may cause minor glitches, and the University of Minnesota stresses that asking for more aid can help cover rising education costs. KIMT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials launched a free consultation program from Healthy Home Helpers that gives Rochester residents home energy kits — including LED bulbs, weatherization materials and a radon test kit — to improve indoor air quality and efficiency. KIMT
- ➤ The Department of Natural Resources confirmed that black bears living in southern Minnesota have been seen more often near Rochester as low crops attract them; residents are urged to secure food and garbage and follow BearWise tips. Report sightings to local wildlife managers + help keep the community safe. KIMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, Councilman Shaun Palmer (the incumbent for the 5th Ward) announced his run for re-election, setting the stage for the upcoming municipal elections in Rochester. KTTC
- ➤ The Minnesota 2026 bonding bill has set aside money for the Olmsted County History Center to support planned renovations, officials said on May 20. KTTC
- ➤ Officials at the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office warned local campers on Wednesday, May 20 about a black bear sighting at Kruger Campground Park and advised visitors to secure food (and keep pets and children nearby) to stay safe. KROC-AM
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cotter and Pine Island baseball teams won first-round Section 1AA tournament games on May 20—advancing to the next play round. Their wins boost confidence as the season continues. KTTC
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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.
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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.
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Breakthrough Basketball Ball Handling and Scoring Camp
Ball Handling and Scoring Skills — June 9-11 — Rochester Community and Technical College — Registration needed — Improve your dribbling, shooting, and overall game skills at this high-intensity camp.
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AACA Annual Meeting 2026
Various times — Rochester, MN — Registration required — Explore the latest in higher education research and career opportunities.
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Treat Trot - Rochester
7-10 a.m. — Rochester, Minnesota — Registration fees apply — Beat the heat running a 5k/10k/15k course and earn a treat!
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rochester
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