Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester Fire Department will host its fourth annual Women's Fire Expo on October 5 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Olmsted County Public Safety Training Center to let women and girls aged 16 and up explore firefighting careers – the event offers hands-on activities such as rappelling and ladder climbing and requires a $10 registration fee with sign-up open until September 21.

Karen H. won a $250,000 prize from the Mountain Dew Kwik Climb scratch game at a local Kwik Trip—she became the Week 11 winner after buying Mountain Dew.

Police say a man impersonated a Rochester Public Works employee—he used an invalid purchase number to order two generators from Acme Tools on Wednesday, resulting in over $5,000 in stolen products—and the case is under investigation.

On Friday, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued an endangered missing person alert for Jonathan Spading—a 37-year-old man last seen at his home around 8 a.m. wearing a grey shirt, black shorts, and dark grey Sketchers and believed to be near Lake Zumbro while driving a black, 2016 Toyota 4Runner.

A man posing as a Rochester Public Works employee used an invalid purchase order to order two generators from Acme Tools on Apache Lane Southwest on August 20 and then picked them up before the store realized the scam—Rochester Police are investigating the case and working to recover the stolen items.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued a statewide endangered missing person alert for 37-year-old Jonathan Spading, who was last seen from his Rochester home around 8 a.m. Friday wearing a grey shirt and black shorts while driving a black 2016 Toyota 4Runner with a Colorado license plate — authorities believe he may be near Lake Zumbro.

Rochester police and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension report that 49-year-old Jesse Ross—last seen on August 20 and believed to be near Fargo—is missing and ask anyone with information to call 507-328-6800 or 911.

The Med City Art Festival was held in downtown Rochester on Friday at Peace Plaza.

It showcased paintings, crafts and dance performances—including vendor sales and artisan meet-ups—and featured a Latin samba class.

City Administrator Alison Zelms will present her 2026—27 operating budget recommendations on Monday, August 25 as part of three study sessions before the Sept 22 city council vote; the trimmed plan, which cuts nearly $4 million to ease property tax increases, also focuses on public safety, community investments, growth, and utilities.

An area non-profit has opened registration for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 4th at Saint Mary’s University—aiming to raise $150,000 for dementia care research—and invites local residents to join the event.

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.

The Parsonage Discussion

7 p.m. — History Center of Olmsted County — $5 for non-members, Free for members — Delve into the history of The Parsonage and its impact on the community's growth and preservation efforts.

Mike Oregano Live

7-10 p.m. — Forager Brewery — Check venue for entry cost — Experience the unique sounds of a Jazz/Rock one-man band act.

Linux Fundamentals GL120 Training Course

Mon, Sep 22–Fri, Sep 26 — Northrop Community Education — Variable pricing — Comprehensive training class covering foundational Linux concepts and tools for aspiring IT professionals.