Daily
Rochester
Saturday, August 16th, 2025
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Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester is hosting its fifth back-to-school block party today at Martin Luther King Park from noon to 4:30 p.m. Organizers will distribute over 500 backpacks, 200 pairs of shoes and hygiene supplies while food, games, free haircuts, a chalk art display and a performance by Vaso Major at 3 p.m.—all designed to help students start school strong. KIMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The People’s Energy Cooperative board named Gwen Stevens as the new CEO, replacing Mike Henke who will serve until the end of 2025. Stevens — a native of Rochester with over 20 years of experience — will lead the cooperative as it prepares for future initiatives. KIMT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester added over 7,600 jobs in the past year and its job growth rate rose to 5.9% in July— the highest statewide according to state employment data; the increase was 1,500 jobs more than in June. KROC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Public Schools launched a pilot program today to reduce chronic absenteeism using monthly text messages and the Freshman On-Track model—families will start receiving updates in October as the project, funded with $670,000 over three years, tackles increased absences after COVID-19. KTTC
- ➤ Rochester Community and Technical College announced it will discontinue its bubble dome after the winter season — high setup and utility costs make its upkeep financially unsustainable. Local leaders and softball organizers expressed surprise and will look for alternative indoor spaces for winter activities. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Rochester will upgrade its six public parking ramps with contactless payment technology including Google Pay and Apple Pay starting August 18, and one lane will remain open in each ramp while work is limited to two ramps at a time—minimizing disruptions. 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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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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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rochester.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You can find yourself by coming into the present.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rochester
Welcome to the Daily Rochester, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rochester, Minnesota community. If you like the Daily Rochester, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rochester.
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