Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester's First Unitarian Universalist Church broke ground on a new building across the street from Century High School.

Three local nonprofits are collecting diapers and wipes throughout September — drop-offs can be made at Catholic Charities, Families First, and the Family Resource Center — to help families in need as Diaper Need Awareness Week runs through Sept.

20.

A new guide highlights eight haunted houses and hayrides across Minnesota with creative scares for visitors this Halloween season.

Rochester residents can use the guide to explore chilling attractions featuring haunted forests + eerie performances and plan their spooky outings.

Several Oktoberfest events are coming to SE Minnesota this month.

Rochester will host The Last Punktoberfest on Sept. 25-26 with punk bands, Little Thistle’s Oktoberfest on Sept. 26 offering live music and food, and an Oktoberfest for suicide prevention on Oct. 3 raising community funds (check details with event organizers).

Trees in northern Minnesota are beginning to change color due to drought conditions, with experts predicting peak display in early October while trees in SE Minnesota and North Iowa may brighten later in the season (according to Explore Fall).

Wasps and yellowjackets are swarming southeast Minnesota as their colonies mature and shift to sugary foods, increasing their activity now.

The insects will die off when hard freezes hit (expected from Sept. 22 to Oct. 21).

An Olmsted County judge denied Dr. Michael Joyner’s request for a new trial after a jury dismissed his claims that Mayo Clinic penalized him for media comments and alleged retaliatory actions — his filing was made about a month ago.

Lynx guard Kayla McBride visited Mayo Clinic Children's patients today (bringing community support) to offer encouragement during treatment.

Her visit underscores strong local care for young patients.