Good morning, Rochester.

Olmsted County maintained its Aaa credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service—lowering borrowing costs and saving taxpayers money.

The rating comes ahead of a $21.5 million bond sale on September 16 that will fund solid waste projects, a materials recovery facility and renovations for waste to energy.

Rochester Public Schools held a public hearing on Sept.

9 to consider closing and selling three aging buildings—Mighty Oaks Early Learning School, Skyline Elementary, and Friedell Middle School. Superintendent Kent Pekel said the proposal, which aims to save money on repairs and utilities, now awaits a first and second reading before moving forward.

Rochester Public Schools is asking community members to share ideas for RPS 2030 by filling out an online form until September 24 and joining registered focus groups from late September through October—committees for elementary, middle, and high schools will meet starting mid-October with stipend opportunities available. Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel said the plan aims to prepare every student for a future that demands new skills.

The Coalition for Rochester Area Housing presented its 2025 housing report to Rochester City Council Monday—its study noted a 26% drop in affordable housing demand over the past five years and a steady forecast of 18,000 homes by 2035 despite population growth.

Executive Director JoMarie Morris said the findings show the area is faring better than many parts of Minnesota and aims to boost rental and first-time home purchase options for lower income residents.

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.

2025 NF Symposium

8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Mayo Clinic — Registration required — Engage with experts at a hybrid symposium focused on neurofibromatosis.

Champions of Wellness Healthcare Summit 2025

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Special hotel rates apply — Leaders in healthcare explore systemic well-being and clinician wellness.

October Rochester Minnesota Female Entrepreneurs Meet-Up

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Join fellow female entrepreneurs for bookkeeping tips and valuable networking.

OpenShift Fundamentals Training

Oct 6-8 — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — Check online for pricing — Dive into the essentials of OpenShift with hands-on Linux training for software development.

World Ballet Company - The Great Gatsby

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the glitz and glamor of the Roaring Twenties through a Broadway-style ballet adaptation of Fitzgerald’s classic.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

2-3:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket required for entry — Experience a lively music performance with Blippi, Meekah, and friends for the whole family.