Good morning, Rochester.

The Southeast Minnesota Composite Squadron is hosting a youth-led Civil Air Patrol Open House today at the Great Planes Training Facility on 7300 Brataas Drive Southwest from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—offers opportunities in leadership, community service, and aerospace for both youth and adults.

PossAbilities announced plans on Friday for a new $20 million facility called the Achievement Hub that will provide support for people of all ages living with disabilities.

With $2.5 million secured so far, the nonprofit will build the facility on 12 to 14 acres and open it in 2027 — a project that will include green space and a playground.

Two area firefighters will have their names added to the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial on Sunday, September 28 in St. Paul.

The ceremony will honor Chief Jason Gruett, who served for 19 years until his death in March, and firefighter Roland Limpert, a charter member who died fighting a fire in 1965—recognizing their bravery and leadership.

More than 100 golfers gathered at Soldiers Field Golf Course yesterday to raise over $25,000 for VFW Post 1215 while honoring local veterans and missing service members.

The event featured a remembrance ceremony with efforts to locate Alan Richard Lloyd from nearby St. Charles — all funds staying in the community.

Parlor Doughnuts opens its first Minnesota shop in Rochester this weekend at Forager Brewery at 1005 Sixth St. NW—offering layered doughnuts with a light, airy texture—and will host grand opening events on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Sep. 17, comedian Nate Bargatze performed at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester and drew over 6,200 fans, breaking the record for the largest single-night comedy show — his act also marked the start of the venue’s fall entertainment season.

Downtown Rochester is hosting Latino Fest today from noon to 7 p.m. as organizers transform Peace Plaza and Chateau Theatre into a vibrant space with music, food, and dance.

More than 2,500 people are expected to attend as the Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics & Latin Americans welcomes everyone.

Voting has begun in Minnesota for the November 4 local elections as registered voters can request absentee ballots online under the state’s no-excuse law—these ballots cover 38 regular city and school district contests and 79 special elections and must be returned by 5 p.m. on Election Day.

City officials said delays in state and federal permits have pushed the start of the $15 million Silver Lake Dam Modification and Sediment Removal Project from November to next September—forcing a shift away from winter construction that lowered costs.

The revised schedule meets grant deadlines and will not affect dam operations or flood control.

Construction on the Link Bus Rapid Transit corridor in Rochester is progressing as the city partners with Destination Medical Center to boost public transit.

Starting September 22, road closures on 2nd Street SW will reduce lanes and remove sidewalks until November — and from September 29, closures at the 3rd Avenue SE and 6th Street SE intersection will reroute traffic until October 27.

Rochester Public Transit is installing new lighting at Central Park to improve safety as the transit center will be temporarily relocated on September 23 and 24—affecting many local routes and closing sidewalks.

Riders will be guided to a temporary stand while the Rochester Parks Department performs tree maintenance, with funding provided by Mayo Clinic.

Northwest Dental Group held its annual Free Dental Day on Friday—providing free dental care such as cleanings, fillings and extractions at two locations, and helping hundreds who lacked time, money or insurance.

Henry Beaver, a senior captain for the Alden-Conger football team, suffered a head injury during a game against Kingsland on September 11 and was airlifted to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester — he remains in intensive care while doctors work with a physical therapy team and a fundraiser has been set up to support his family.

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.

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.

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.

Cans for Kids

8 AM – 12 PM — Ronald McDonald House Charities Midwest MN, WI, IA — Donations accepted — Bring aluminum cans for recycling to support children and families in need.