Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester River Rides will open Saturday, July 26, offering river tubing on the Zumbro River from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at River Center Plaza, with rides lasting three to six hours and a shuttle bus returning tubers to parking + co-owner Joe Sorensen says the new business will provide a fun outdoor option for visitors and locals.

Rochester man Cole Conrad Uhde, 23, was charged with first-degree burglary, possession of burglary or theft tools, felony theft and receiving stolen property for burglaries that occurred in northwest Rochester during April and May while he was on probation + he is set to appear in Olmsted County Court next month.

A Rochester man on probation for a previous burglary was charged with multiple crimes, including two counts of first-degree burglary and felony theft, in connection with a burglary spree in northwest Rochester that occurred in April and May—he is set to appear in court next month.

Two men were charged with simple robbery for a machete attack in Rochester when police responded to an assault at a business on 4th St. Southeast around 5 p.m. Friday and used surveillance footage to identify the suspects—one confessed before both were arrested on Saturday.

Longfellow Elementary started its school year on July 21 as parents dropped off their children and teachers welcomed students back after a six-week break.

The school will offer more outdoor learning and continue its hub busing (with Franklin and Riverside as pickup spots) as part of its new 'Adventure Awaits' theme and a partnership with Mayo Clinic and Rochester Community and Technical College.

SPARK, the Children’s Museum, has received a $50,000 grant from Mayo Clinic to support its Access For All program—designed to offer free or reduced admission to families facing financial barriers so children can enjoy hands-on learning.

Rochester was recognized as a Steps 4 and 5 city in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program for its work reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, transportation, and waste.

The city set a goal to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 — progress that includes improving energy use in municipal facilities, increasing vehicle fleet efficiency, and expanding electric charging stations and renewable energy sites.

Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District and Olmsted County Public Health Services will offer free nitrate tests for households using private well water at the Olmsted County Fair.

Testing will be held at Graham Park in the Conservation Building on Thursday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and Friday from noon to 3 p.m.—participants must bring a half cup of water in a clean container to receive results in 15 minutes.

Ed Hruska, who has led the Rochester Sports Foundation since 2019 and helped build local amateur sports by hosting key events like The Clash National Wrestling Duals, will retire on December 31; supporters credit him with earning national awards (Sports Commission of the Year in 2010 and 2015) and boosting sports tourism. The foundation is now seeking a successor to continue his work.

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.

Pistons for Prevention

Motorcycle Ride (8 am-noon) and Family Fun Event (noon- 4 pm) - providing fun and educational activities on the topic of addiction prevention awareness. Free event; magic show at 2 pm; food from Taco Lab available for purchase.

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.

Avey Grouws Band Concert

5:30-8:00 p.m. — John Withers Sports Complex — Free entry — Experience an evening of blues-infused music with the Avey Grouws Band and local food vendors.

Let's Speak German!

4-6 p.m. — Define conference room — Free entry — A welcoming environment for all skill levels to practice German and enjoy coffee and snacks.

Argentine Tango Milonga

7:30-11 p.m. — Blue Moon Ballroom — $15 adults / $10 students + $5 lesson — Enjoy a tango lesson followed by a night of social dancing.