Friday, August 15th, 2025

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Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On August 14, thousands attended Rochester's final Thursdays Downtown festival that featured live music, local art, and food vendors and marked the end of the summer block party series. KTTC
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Rochester man—64-year-old Stephen Matthew Robertson—was arrested after a teenage boy reported repeated sexual abuse in Rochester and Colorado and he is now in custody on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. KROC
- ➤ Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota BCA issued a statewide missing person alert for 69-year-old Robert Joe Gladner, who was last seen near Mazeppa on August 9 and shows signs of dementia while needing medication; anyone with information should call 911 or contact the sheriff’s office at 651-564-2662. KROC
- ➤ On August 12, deputies responded in Elba after 64-year-old Ava Leone Kock—accused of firing seven rounds from a .22 rifle—injured a woman by leaving bullet fragments in her eye and brain, and she now faces charges of attempted murder and two counts of assault. KTTC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The History Center of Olmsted County is launching a capital campaign to repair water damage, restore the three historic buildings at the Stoppel Farmstead, and update exhibits—aiming to raise nearly $2 million by June with plans for further improvements in phase two. Local leaders say these upgrades are needed to better showcase the center’s archives and support hands-on learning experiences. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Department of Education unfroze $1.44 million that was frozen in June, so Rochester Public Schools can fund after-school programs at 10 community learning centers across five schools. DFL Senators Klobuchar and Smith confirmed the change and RPS has an approved work plan from the Minnesota Department of Education—schools will soon use the money. KTTC
- ➤ The Rochester-Olmsted Council of Governments is inviting community input on its draft Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2050 that details future roadway, transit, biking, walking, and freight needs. Residents may review the draft online, submit comments until August 25, and attend a public hearing on August 27 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. — their feedback will help shape future transportation investments. KIMT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mayo Clinic researchers discovered a phenomenon called immune youth in patients over 60 with giant cell arteritis in which youthful stem-like T cells may raise autoimmunity—this condition was found in more than 100 cases and is linked to higher risks of autoimmune diseases. They will develop diagnostic tests to identify at-risk patients as part of the Precure initiative. KIMT
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rochester.
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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.
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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.
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Nathan Graham Concert
5:30-8 p.m. — White Oaks Park — Free entry — Enjoy local music and food trucks in a welcoming park environment.
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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.
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Tea Cup Candle Making Class
1-3 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — Supplies included — Create beautiful candles with dried florals in a charming atmosphere.
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Space Monkey Mafia Concert
5-8 p.m. — Cook Park — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of local music and food trucks under the stars.
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Pressed Florals Class
6-8 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — Cost varies — Create stunning floral collages with a variety of pressed flowers and frames.
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End of Summer Car Show
1:30-5 p.m. — 1000 12th St SW, Rochester, MN — Free entry — Celebrate the end of summer with a showcase of classic and modified cars, family fun, and delicious food.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it's better to listen to what it has to say.
~ Paulo Coelho
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