Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester community members gathered at Goose Egg Park on Sunday for Lowertown Festival 2025 and repainted the Goose Egg Street mural on 2nd Ave NW — the event also featured a pickleball tournament, food trucks, lawn games, and cotton candy to bring neighbors together.

The Prairie Island Nuclear Plant got approval to operate until the early 2050s after the Public Utilities Commission approved increased spent fuel storage.

Xcel Energy will request a 20-year extension next year—this decision supports power for over one million homes in the Upper Midwest.

Rochester man Jesse Devlaeminck was caught by Viroqua police during a high-speed chase when he exited a vehicle with multiple warrants, and police continue to search for Canton man Nathan Gossman — they advise anyone who spots him to call 911.

Rochester man Layne Brett Busselman was found not guilty by reason of mental illness for a violent outburst that led to charges of fourth-degree assault and property damage last year—he will now face civil commitment proceedings.

A Rochester man, 51-year-old Layne Brett Busselman, was found not guilty by reason of mental illness for a violent outburst that led to a police assault and property damage last year—he now faces civil commitment proceedings.

Rochester’s Original Greek Fest will begin on Friday, Aug.

22 at 703 West Center Street—featuring homemade Greek food, free admissions and parking, a drive-thru, and a marketplace with imported goods. The annual festival since 1963 will bring Greek culture to the Med City as volunteers prepare baklava and souvlaki for the event.

Rochester Public Schools prepared 134 new teachers during an orientation at John Marshall High School this August and allowed them to meet experienced staff while learning about RPS’s focus on inclusion and mental health — a program that readies educators for the 2025-2026 school year. One new teacher, Kelsey Gerber, will teach agriculture and C-Tech classes to 70 students in her first year.

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.