Good morning, Rochester.

Local charities are preparing to help those in need by collecting winter coats—The Salvation Army will accept donations at Hy-Vee stores from October 6 to October 11 and will give out coats on October 15 and October 16.

The Landing MN will also offer free outerwear as experts warn that winter temperatures can drop to 30 degrees at night.

The City of Rochester is urging residents to try alternative transportation during a Week Without Driving—residents should check their bike chains, brakes, and tires before riding and plan safe routes away from heavy traffic.

City Council member Nick Miller from Ward 2 and Destination Medical Center offered essential safety tips and a list of community events online.

The city's Link Bus Rapid Transit construction has been disrupting traffic on Second Street Southwest and at the intersection of Sixth Street Southeast and Third Avenue Southeast since September 23 and is expected to continue until mid-November—business owners and residents say the delays are challenging local events but they look forward to faster, fare-free transit reducing car use. The project aims to ease congestion by shifting travel habits and improving public transit options.

Cori Kennedy, a southern Minnesota native, made her debut on The Voice by choosing Team Reba for Season 28—she celebrated her success with a lively watch party at Mantorville Saloon.

Her family and friends cheered her achievements as she began a promising music journey.

Rochester will close the intersection at 3rd Ave SE and 6th St SE on Monday for Link Bus Rapid Transit construction and it will remain closed until October 27.

Traffic will detour via South Broadway Avenue — sidewalks will be closed and pedestrians are asked to use alternate routes while parking and business access stay open.

Destination Medical Center has launched a community survey to collect input from local residents, businesses, and stakeholders about Rochester's future in shaping the 2025 DMC Development Plan—responses will inform decisions on public spaces, economic development, and community well-being. The survey is open online until October 8.

RPU presented its future energy plan to city council on Monday by proposing a 6% rate hike to meet a 100% renewable energy goal by ending its SMMPA contract by 2030 and starting to generate its own power—cost pressures and tariff changes pushed a slower 4% plan out of reach.

The utility will contract for an extra 100 megawatts to fill its gap as it moves forward with the plan.

Southeast EMS says safer driving has led to a 10 percent increase in seat belt use over the past two decades, cutting ticket funding from $222,000 in 2011 to about $27,483 this year.

Rural EMS providers worry that lower reimbursements may delay training and equipment updates — state lawmakers are exploring new grant programs to cover the gap.

Mayo Clinic researchers in Rochester discovered a gene variant linked to liver damage in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy — a finding that could change treatment plans for patients with liver metastases.

Southeast Minnesota's NAMI nearly reached its fundraising goal following a mental health walk on Saturday—nearly 400 people in 54 teams raised over $92,000 for free services.

The fundraiser remains open for online donations.

The Minnesota Twins announced Monday that Rocco Baldelli will not return as manager in 2026 after serving since 2018 — the club said its recent results did not meet expectations and that it will soon begin searching for a new leader.

Officials stressed that the decision came after a careful review of team performance.

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.

Floral Shadow Box Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — All materials included — Create your own floral arrangements in shadow boxes while enjoying time with friends.

Keller Williams Trunk Or Treat

9-11 p.m. — 2765 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN — Free entry — Enjoy a safe and fun Trunk or Treat event with decorated trunks and candy for the whole family.