Good morning, Rochester.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pressed Florals Class

6-8 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — Cost varies — Create stunning floral collages with a variety of pressed flowers and frames.

Create Your Own Ceramic Cup

2-4 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — Registration required — Craft your own unique ceramic cup with expert guidance in a friendly downtown atmosphere.

Rochester Female Entrepreneurs Networking Meet-Up

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Connect and grow your network with local women entrepreneurs in a supportive setting.