Good morning, Rochester.

Residents across Rochester visited local aquatic areas on Wednesday to beat the summer heat—operations included Soldier’s Field Aquatic Center, which will close for the season in August, and the Lincolnshire Splash Pad while other water spots remain open through Labor Day.

Silver Lake Pool is currently closed for renovations, and several childcare and student groups, including Fernbrook Family Center and School Aged Child Care, participated in the fun.

Fundraising efforts have started online to support the family of Ron Highet, a 56-year-old Rochester man whose body was recovered Sunday after he drowned in the Mississippi River on Saturday while trying to rescue a 12-year-old girl—donations will help cover funeral expenses, offset medical bills, and provide immediate support for his children.

On Wednesday morning, a two-year-old girl was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after an SUV struck a semi about seven miles north of the Minnesota-Iowa border on Hwy.

69. The SUV driver, Samantha Marie Leibeg, and the truck driver, Matt Joseph Gehling, were unhurt — responders from Freeborn County, Twin Lakes Fire Department, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance attended the scene.

A semi truck rolled over on I-90 near Dexter Tuesday evening — emergency crews including a medical helicopter responded — and the 60-year-old driver, Ibrahem Mertami, was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester with non-life-threatening injuries.

A Rochester man, identified as 25-year-old Alameen Ibrahim Abdelsadig, crashed into a cornfield on Wednesday morning when his minivan crossed into the northbound lane on Hwy.

56 — 16 miles north of Dodge Center — and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; he was wearing a seatbelt and alcohol was not involved.

Families and children enjoyed STEM DAY at the Olmsted County Fair on July 23rd where hands-on exhibits—ranging from robotics to medical science—sparked new interests.

Local groups including law enforcement, Xcel Energy, and Mayo Clinic supported the event, and organizers plan to hold it again next year.

MnDOT crews work in extreme heat as they maintain roads and wear protective clothing and extra water is kept on site — a measure that helps reduce sunburn and manage safety.

Director of communications Mike Dougherty said that if extreme temperatures lead to pavement buckles, crews may pause work and drivers should call 911.

Olmsted County officials provided heat wave safety tips, advising families to visit air-conditioned places such as the Rochester Public Library and to stay hydrated.

They urged residents to limit outdoor activities and check on neighbors—especially young children, seniors, and those with health issues.

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.