Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester will host 4th Fest at Soldiers Field Memorial Park on July 4 from 5:00 pm until about 10:15 pm — featuring live music by J-Mo On The Beat and Branded Hot Country, family activities, and a fireworks display at 9:45 pm.

United Way approved $707,900 in funding for 23 programs across Olmsted, Dodge and Fillmore Counties to support community resilience among local families as households face rising costs + over 35% are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

US News and World Report has named Rochester the 138th best place to live in its annual ranking, based on good value, a strong job market, and quality of life.

This list of 250 places highlights Rochester as a great community even as nearby Minnesota towns ranked higher.

Ranchers say rising Texas beef prices & a remote New World screwworm threat may push local beef costs higher, but a strong local supply should keep any price increase minimal.

Rochester Public Schools is considering merging Churchill and Hoover Elementary Schools to combine K-2 at Churchill with grades 3-5 at Hoover while keeping the Churchill playground open for community use.

Superintendent Dr. Pekel will deliver a final recommendation in July after detailed consultant reviews & financial analysis.

Olmsted County officials broke ground on a new recycling facility to advance local waste management.

The ceremony occurred yesterday and project plans detail construction starting soon at a designated site.

Minnesota residents may be eligible for a property tax refund through the state program for homeowners and renters.

Eligible homeowners must file Form M1PR by Aug. 15 while renters will claim the credit on their tax return to recoup up to $3,140 and $2,570.

Olmsted County held its annual rabies vaccination clinic yesterday (Wed., Jun.

10) to provide free shots for pets at local centers. Health officials coordinated the event to safeguard community animals.

Residents can use a strong oscillating fan on their patio to deter mosquitoes by dispersing carbon dioxide — a simple trick for a chemical-free summer.

The MMCD also offers additional tips to keep yards comfortable as southeast Minnesota heats up.

Mayo Clinic researchers in Rochester have mapped meningioma cells and their surrounding environment using single-cell sequencing (and spatial transcriptomics) to predict patient risk.

Their findings could guide future treatment choices and improve personalized care.

Joyner filed for a new trial against Mayo Clinic on June 10 in Rochester — the filing asks the court to review a past decision and will lead to further hearings.

The Rochester Honkers will host their first sensory friendly night on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:35 p.m., with quiet spaces and on-field activities for fans with sensory sensitivities (organized with Momentum Behavior Services).

Sal Vulcano's Everything’s Fine Tour

5-7 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN — Tickets available — Enjoy brand-new stand-up from the comedic genius of Impractical Jokers.

Carden Spectacular Circus

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Graham Arena Complex — Tickets start at $57 — Experience an unforgettable circus event in Rochester.

Castle Con Preview: Game Day

9 a.m. – 9 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Free entry — Dive into a full day of board games, puzzles, and community fun with opportunities to learn and compete.

Rochester Oral Surgeon Provides Free Dental Care to the People of Belize

Dr. Richard H. Kim -- an oral surgeon with Southeastern Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Rochester and Mankato -- has recently returned to Minnesota from his 14th annual medical mission trip to Belize. Over the years, Dr. Kim and his colleagues have provided free dental care to more than 700 patients in Belize.