Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester’s Think Bank granted $1 million to 28 local groups through its Member Impact Fund in partnership with FHLB Des Moines to support affordable housing, food security, youth mentoring, education, and social and mental health services—this funding is part of a $20 million effort and builds on nearly $70 million in past grants since 2023.

Olmsted County invites local businesses and organizations to join the Employers of Olmsted Light Festival drive-thru holiday light event at Chester Woods Park, which will turn the park’s campground loop into a festive display for families on the first three weekends of December.

Sponsors paying $500 will get an electric campsite to decorate along with onsite signage and logo placement, with funds benefiting Friends of Chester Woods and local nonprofits.

Local law enforcement officers ran, biked and bladed 98 miles from the Olmsted County Government Center to Roadside Park in Hastings on Wednesday to support Special Olympics Minnesota+their efforts raised funds for the Special Olympics Summer Games at Stillwater High School from June 21-23. Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson said the officers' challenge was modest compared to the daily obstacles faced by Special Olympics athletes and families+the run showcased steadfast community support.

A Rochester man employed by the federal prison pleaded guilty to stalking by false impersonation after he exchanged explicit messages with an undercover officer posing as a minor—his sentencing is set for September under a plea deal that dropped additional charges.

A Cannon Falls woman with an active arrest warrant fled from Rochester police on Friday afternoon in her vehicle and on foot before she was captured and taken to the hospital (she is facing charges including felony fleeing, two counts of felony DWI, and additional driving violations).

Corey Jonathon Keigher pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the theft of over $100,000 from an elderly stroke victim who had a power of attorney for his affairs and received a five-year probation sentence — court documents show that checks and ATM withdrawals totaled $125,025.25 from the victim’s account — while he and his accomplice must pay nearly $80,000 in restitution.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will apply a non-toxic pheromone substance by air over 28,000 acres from July 1-3 to limit the spread of the spongy moth in Fillmore, Houston and Winona counties.

The agency expects fewer caterpillars next year to reduce tree damage.

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.

Annual Insidewalk Sale Clearance Event

10 AM – 4 PM — Galleria At University Square — Visit our biggest sale of the year with incredible deals on amazing products!