Good morning, Rochester.

United Way works with IMAA to support Rochester’s immigrants and refugees who make up 12 percent of Olmsted County’s population—helping them access workforce development, housing, and health resources.

IMAA, founded in 1984, has grown into a key community service with continuous United Way support since 1986.

A Hayfield family started Senjem Goat Pros which uses 400 goats to clear invasive weeds and buckthorn from Rochester prairies—serving both city and private lands.

The goats will work through the fall as jobs in SE Minnesota line up, and Rochester Public Utilities has used the service for three years.

Minnesota parks are showcasing new art as part of the Artists-in-Residence pilot program launched in 2024 by regional agencies.

In Rochester, artist Cassandra Buck created works at Oxbow, Cascade Lake, and Quarry Hill parks — including historical signs and murals — that highlight local history and culture.

Rochester Public Music is inviting residents to complete an online survey to share feedback on its summer concerts and programs — responses will guide future planning.

Participants who finish the survey by Dec 31 can win one of five prizes — local officials said.

The Rochester Public Schools board will vote in October on a new identity that includes a building-block–inspired logo, refreshed tagline 'Where Every Student Thrives,' a mission to equip every student with knowledge, independence and resilience, and a vision for every student to thrive in school and in life. If approved, the district will update signage, its website and staff training in phases—ensuring a smooth rollout.

The Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission will meet today at 5 p.m. at the Development Services and Infrastructure Center to decide if three downtown buildings should be removed from the historic district.

One building is owned by Capital Ventures LLC—negotiating to acquire the other two, as the request claims that renovations have eroded their historical value and increased economic strain for the owners.

Rochester local leaders, including members from the Olmsted County Commission, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters, signed a pledge on Sept.

23 to promote peaceful political discussion — condemning violence and division in our community. The campaign, started after the Hortmans’ murder, will move to Duluth next.

On Sept. 23, a delegation from North Rhine-Westphalia toured Rochester and Olmsted County’s infrastructure including public transportation improvements, new bike lanes, and a waste-to-energy facility—officials said the visit strengthens international ties for future sustainable projects.

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed AI tools that identify children at high risk for severe asthma complications by analyzing health records from over 22,000 local kids & the study found that factors like family history and signs of allergic inflammation may signal higher risk by age 3. The work is part of an effort to improve early detection and guide better care for childhood asthma.

State health officials warned that healthcare costs may increase if Congress does not extend a key subsidy from the Affordable Care Act.

Grace Arnold of the Department of Commerce said the credits—protecting nearly 20,000 Minnesotans from losing financial help and helping families earning up to four times the poverty line—may end soon.

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.

Rochester Hot Cider Hustle

Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K — — Rochester, Minnesota — — Participate in a festive race with sweet swag and hot cider at the finish.