Good morning, Rochester.

The Landing MN is hosting its first-ever 'Lace Up for Hope' fundraiser, featuring a non-competitive 5K and a one-mile walk that will start at 9 a.m. Saturday at Little Thistle Brewing Company—where participants will also enjoy free ice cream, drink tokens, a Taco Jed food truck, face painting, and a photobooth to raise funds for people experiencing homelessness.

At the fair on July 24, when temperatures neared 90 degrees, the Fair Board said visitors could cool off in air-conditioned venues such as Aune Hall and the Graham Arena while staff on golf carts provided water and help—if anyone felt sick.

People were advised to drink fluids and seek assistance at the main office in case of heat-related illness.

The Arc Minnesota plans a Disability Pride Celebration at Boundless Playspace and Activity Center on Saturday, July 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m to mark the 35th anniversary of the ADA.

The event will feature 20 local vendors, music by DJ Troy from Winona, free admission & free parking, & accessible transit options for visitors who pre-arrange rides.

A 52-year-old motorcycle rider on a 2005 Harley-Davidson (from St. Charles) died when his bike collided with a 2021 Chevy Silverado (driven by a man from Maple Grove) at the Chester Avenue intersection on US Highway 14 around 10:48 a.m. on Thursday, and the pickup driver was not hurt as authorities continue to investigate the crash.

Ahead of his release for a work release program on July 29th, David Brom—convicted of the 1988 axe murders of his parents, sister and brother—had one prison violation on August 24th, 1992 for being observed with five people in a cell meant for four.

The Glenville-Emmons School District will ask voters on August 12 to approve a $24 million referendum that funds urgent upgrades at its two schools, including new boilers, water systems, air conditioning units, accessibility, and safety improvements—following a previous, larger proposal that was rejected in 2023. Town halls have been held all summer to educate residents about the plan and show facility tours.

Rochester received nearly $2 million in federal and state grants to plant about 3,000 trees; 820 trees were planted in spring and plans call for 1,025 street trees next year with 2,000 trees on private properties by 2028 (free trees will soon be offered to eligible homeowners in four census tracts). This effort aims to improve tree coverage in neighborhoods that previously lacked urban forestry investment.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation expects to finish resurfacing Highway 14 by early August as crews apply a final layer of blacktop and install new crosswalks and bike lanes.

Drivers heading to the Olmsted County Fair from July 22 to 27 should plan alternative routes or adjust their travel times since traffic has been reduced to one lane on part of the highway—check Minnesota 511 for updates.

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.

Nathan Graham Concert

5:30-8 p.m. — White Oaks Park — Free entry — Enjoy local music and food trucks in a welcoming park environment.