Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Catholic Schools updated families Wednesday that earlier this month an individual made concerning calls to Holy Spirit Catholic School from overseas; law enforcement is investigating the extortion scheme and confirmed the threat was not credible—officials are now reviewing safety protocols with local agencies. KTTC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Public Music received a $72,219 grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board for Fiscal Year 2026—supporting free community programs like FORWARD Park Concerts, Sound School and Passport Sessions. The funding confirms ongoing state backing for accessible musical events in Rochester amid rising production costs. KIMT
- ➤ Nate Bargatze performed to a sellout crowd at the Mayo Civic Center at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17th—marking the second largest single-day event in the venue's history since Bon Jovi's 1987 concert and signaling a busy season of live entertainment ahead. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee toured infrastructure projects in Olmsted and Dodge Counties on Wednesday with Senator Carla Nelson from Rochester to review road, sewer, and park plans needing state funding — the committee hopes to include these projects in a bonding bill for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. KTTC
- ➤ The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners certified a preliminary 2026 property tax levy that sets the county portion at $141,713,639—a 6.8% increase—and the HRA levy at $5,568,544. Public meetings for the 2025 budget are scheduled for December 4 and December 16. KIMT
- ➤ The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that southbound Highway 52 access to eastbound I-90 will be closed at 6 a.m. Tuesday for 12 hours of paint work on the new eastbound I-90 bridge — drivers must take Highway 63 south to reach I-90 east. KTTC
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Fall Ball Family Festival
2-6 p.m. — Camp Victory — $5 per person or $25 per family — Enjoy activities like pumpkin painting, mini ziplining, and apple cider at this family-friendly festival.
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Girl Named Tom Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the award-winning harmony of the sibling trio who captured hearts on The Voice.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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