Good morning, Rochester.

The city of Rochester celebrates Preservation Month by honoring those who have worked to save historic sites (theme: Harnessing the Power of Place).

Over the past year, projects like landmark designations and funding assistance helped six Downtown properties receive a total of $1,120,871 in support.

Rochester firefighters responded at 11 p.m. to a building at 1814 7th Street Northwest that housed a gas-powered turbine and sustained extensive damage in a Sunday night fire—crews secured gas and electrical services and no injuries were reported.

Rochester International Airport and Hit Agency won silver in the Travel + Tourism and bronze in the Business-to-Consumer categories at the Telly Awards this month for their Flocal campaign, which boosted social media performance by 54% + web traffic by 42% and increased passenger numbers by 6% year-over-year.

A Rochester man with a long criminal record pleaded guilty to felony theft after he was caught shoplifting items valued at over $2,100 from Walmart South in December 2023 and was sentenced to 21 months in prison+ received credit for 489 days already served.

Today, the Rochester City Council is set to vote on Destination Medical Center’s request to expand its district boundaries to support building infrastructure for the new Link Bus Rapid Transit line.

The proposal would add land near West Transit Village and near the Public Works Transit Operation Center—if approved, a public hearing is scheduled for September 25.

Today, the Rochester City Council is set to ask the State Legislature for funding in a bonding bill to support three projects including $3 million for airport parking, $17 million for a sewer upgrade, and $5 million to plan improvements to Civic Center Drive and South Broadway.

The city already received $2.5 million in a federal grant for South Broadway planning plus officials may adjust plans based on future Link Rapid Bus Transit ridership.

At its meeting today, the Rochester City Council is expected to ask the state legislature for bonding funds to support three projects including $3 million for parking upgrades at the airport, over $17 million for a sewer system upgrade, and $5 million for planning the reconstruction of Civic Center Drive and South Broadway; a $2.5 million federal grant has already been awarded for planning the South Broadway project.

Rochester was chosen as one of four Minnesota cities to host the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series—exhibition games that lead up to the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which runs from Dec.

26 to Jan. 5. Hockey fans in the area will soon have a chance to see international play as teams get ready for the tournament.

June Meet-Up for Female Entrepreneurs in Rochester

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Connect and create your brand kit in a hands-on workshop led by Izzy Waite.

German Language Conversation Group

4-6 p.m. — Define Conference Room — Free entry — Practice your German language skills with others in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Middle School Summer Camp

8 AM – 3 PM — RCTC Heintz Center — Free entry — An immersive four-day experience for sixth and seventh graders filled with exciting activities.

Let's Speak German!

4-6 p.m. — Define Conference Room — Free entry — Engage in conversation in a friendly environment with coffee available for early arrivals.

German Language Conversation Meetup

4-6 p.m. — One Discovery Square — Free entry — Practice your German skills in a friendly, all-levels welcome atmosphere.

Open House: Spacious 6-Bedroom Home

5:30-7 p.m. — 2319 Viola View Ln NE — $524,900 — Explore this serene cul-de-sac home featuring a walkout lower level and large outdoor deck.

Rochester Pokémon League Gathering

5-7 p.m. — NerdinOut-Rochester — Free entry — Connect with fellow Pokémon fans to play, trade, and earn prizes in a fun community setting.

Let's Speak German!

4-6 p.m. — One Discovery Square, 'Define' Conference Room — Free entry — A welcoming space for all skill levels to practice and discuss the German language.