Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Army veteran Trevor Nelson of Albert Lea received a free roof on Tuesday morning through the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project—Priority Construction Services from Rochester installed the materials, and the new roof is valued between $20,000 and $25,000. KTTC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Gen Z in Rochester is showing a strong interest in faith with more baptisms and church engagement at Eagle Brook Church. Pastor Steve Whicker says young people who grew up online are seeking deep in-person connections and real peace amid uncertainty. KIMT
- ➤ KROC-AM turned 90, having started its broadcast on September 30, 1935—and it has long served as a key source of news and local events in Rochester while hosting important visitors and milestones over the decades. KROC-AM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Public Schools started the new school year with hundreds more students than predicted, and superintendent Kent Pekel said staff are finalizing the enrollment to be reported this week—confirming students who moved away will be removed. The school board also ratified a new two-year contract with the teachers union last week. KROC-AM
- ➤ University of Minnesota Rochester received a STARS Silver rating from AASHE for its sustainability efforts—showing strengths in academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. Chancellor Lori Carrell said the rating reflects the campus’s progress as new climate plans with the City of Rochester are set to be implemented. KIMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ RPU board members approved a notice on Tuesday that will raise customer water rates by 9% and electricity by 6% over the next two years. In 2026, water bills will increase by $2.01 per month and electricity bills by $5.78 per month—changes aimed at meeting Minnesota’s carbon-free goal and set for final review by city council in December. KTTC
- ➤ The Rochester Public Utilities board reaffirmed its goal to reach 100% net renewable electricity by 2030 after a customer survey showed strong support for the target and a careful approach to rate increases. Community members may offer additional input during public meetings this fall—City Council will make a final decision in December. KIMT
- ➤ Dr. Michael Joyner and Mayo Clinic met in court Tuesday in Rochester over a civil lawsuit that claims the clinic disciplined him for problematic media statements about his research & the parties will meet again in January before the jury trial set for February 2nd. KTTC
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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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Rochester Hot Cider Hustle
Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K — — Rochester, Minnesota — — Participate in a festive race with sweet swag and hot cider at the finish.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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