Good morning, Rochester.

Sara Carlson, a community advocate and Channel One volunteer, started a grab-and-go garden on her backyard fence at 11th Avenue near Mayo High School to fight food insecurity in Rochester.

The garden began in summer using simple tools+ soil and sunshine, and neighbors can now take fresh produce as they pass by.

Olmsted County produced a two-minute video that shows how county government staff work to run services—giving residents a clear look at their roles.

The video aims to help viewers understand the vital functions of county operations.

MnDOT will close access from southbound Highway 52 to eastbound I-90 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. today — crews pour concrete for the new ramp bridge — and motorists must follow a detour via Highway 63 to rejoin eastbound I-90 or exit westbound I-90 to access northbound Highway 52.

SUN Bucks gives low-income families $120 per child each summer to help buy groceries+the program automatically enrolls children who get free or reduced-price school lunches and lets families check eligibility online until Aug.

31.

The City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center announced that 2nd St. Southwest near St. Mary’s Hospital will close on August 11 for Link Bus Rapid Transit work—traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 11th Ave. to 13th Ave. until parts of the road reopen in late fall and by year’s end while emergency access remains available.

Olmsted County and state officials broke ground today in Graham Park to begin building an 80,000 square foot exhibition center — a project that honors the legacy of Doctor Christopher Graham and his wife, Blanche — which will host year-round community events with completion expected in 2027.

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.

Memory Café in Rochester

2-3 p.m. — Zadeos Pizza — Voluntary contribution — A supportive gathering for those affected by dementia to share experiences and enjoy community activities.

Tea Cup Candle Making Class

1-3 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — Supplies included — Create beautiful candles with dried florals in a charming atmosphere.