Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester will begin changes to Peace Plaza the week of July 14 as crews smooth part of the raised pavers of Song for Water by Ann Hamilton based on community feedback.

The six-week project will widen walkways with work done in small phases near First Avenue SW and the plaza will remain open during the work.

Samantha Petersen pleaded guilty in Fillmore County on Friday for her role in the fatal 2023 Amish buggy crash (she admitted to driving under the influence and causing great bodily harm) and her sentencing is set for Sept.

29 (her twin sister Sarah had earlier pleaded guilty to falsely claiming to be the driver).

Rochester police charged two 17-year-old teenagers with armed carjacking after tracking a stolen vehicle north on Highway 52 in Dakota County when the victim was attacked at his home on Tuesday night — the charges include first-degree carjacking, first-degree aggravated robbery, second-degree assault, and burglary in Olmsted County juvenile court.

The city announced it will convert four turf areas into native habitats with a $26,500 state grant from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources; crews will begin clearing vegetation late summer and plant dormant seeds in the fall.

The city, which matched 10% of the grant (as part of its capital improvement plan), plans to maintain the sites in 2026 to support pollinators (Joyce, McQuillan, Meadow and Meadow Park Estates).

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!

Pairs and Team Jigsaw Puzzle Contests

1-6 p.m. — Thesis Beer Project — $40 entry — Compete in pairs and teams to see who can solve puzzles the fastest and enjoy the chance to win prizes.

Docker with Kubernetes Administration Training

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Northrop Community Education — $2490 — Gain essential skills in container management and orchestration with Docker and Kubernetes over five days.

I.M.P. Motorsports Autocross Day 1

5-10:30 p.m. — Graham Park - Olmsted County — $22 Adults, $15 Preteens — Experience thrilling motorsports action at the autocross event.

German Language Meetup

4-6 p.m. — Define Conference Room — Free entry — Practice your German with speakers of all skill levels in a welcoming environment.

Enterprise Linux System Administration Training

July 28 to August 1 — Northrop Community Education — $2190 — Enhance your Linux skills with in-depth system administration training and hands-on labs.

Myron Elkins Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of country music with rising star Myron Elkins as he headlines a charitable concert.

P’tit Café in Rochester

2-3:30 p.m. — Café Aquí — Free entry — Engage in French conversation while enjoying coffee and delicious treats with fellow enthusiasts.

August Rochester Minnesota Female Entrepreneurs Meet-Up

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Collaborate on content creation while connecting with fellow female entrepreneurs in Rochester.

Let's Speak German

4-6 p.m. — Define Conference Room — Free entry — Practice your German in a friendly atmosphere with coffee and snacks available.