Good morning, Rochester.

The first Thursdays Downtown event kicked off on June 12, drawing more visitors than expected as organizers adjusted the route—parts of the festival moved from Peace Plaza to Discovery Walk—to add a new family activity area.

The festival, with over 100 vendors evenly split between crafts and food, will run every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until August 14 with a break on July 3.

Two SUVs collided in Olmsted County Thursday afternoon near mile marker 52 on Highway 52; Patricia Kay Gray (non-life threatening injuries) was taken to St. Marys Hospital while Andrew David Gray (33) and a 16-year-old driver remained unharmed.

Neighborly Gifts launched Thursday’s Downtown edition of its lunch vouchers for local restaurants—inviting the community to support downtown dining amid construction challenges—and celebrated the new program yesterday with a Lunch On Us event and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at One Discovery Square by the Chamber of Commerce.

A Pine Island man was charged today with two counts of second-degree burglary and two counts of first-degree damage to property after he was linked to several break-ins in Rochester and nearby communities — including a March ATM break-in that caused $1,500 in damage and an April incident with over $70,000 in property damage and nearly $8,000 taken — with his next court appearance set for August.

The city of Rochester hosted a free workshop on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Development Services and Infrastructure Center off West River Parkway to educate homeowners and renters on the benefits of electric appliances – including what questions to ask contractors and retailers when getting quotes.

The City of Rochester is upgrading sidewalks and ADA ramps in District 1 NW by repairing nearly 20,000 linear feet of sidewalks and replacing 111 ramps through October—pedestrians should self-detour and residents with driveway work are asked to park on the street temporarily.

The City of Rochester clarified that all for-profit door-to-door salespeople must hold a city-issued license—complete with a criminal background check—and provide photo ID on request.

Residents are advised to call the non-emergency police line if a salesperson cannot show proper credentials.

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.

Rochester Female Entrepreneurs Meet-Up

2:30–3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Connect and network with local women entrepreneurs in a supportive setting.