Daily
Rochester
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Families in Rochester will attend SPARKTACULAR at SPARK Children’s Museum on October 30 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM for a safe and fun Halloween event where kids can explore interactive exhibits + join a costume parade and games. KIMT
- ➤ Rochester Mayor Kim Norton is calling for nominations for the Mayor’s Medal of Honor—an award recognizing residents who help the community. Nominations in 14 categories, including Community-Wide Service, Champion of Diversity, and Heroism, are due by October 31 with recipients to be honored at a luncheon in early December. KIMT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ticket prices for shows at the Rochester Civic Theatre have jumped as scalpers buy bulk tickets and resell them at much higher prices—sometimes over $100 when tickets cost $37. Theatre officials urge fans to purchase tickets only through the box office to avoid inflated costs and incorrect show details. KTTC
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Rochester Public Utilities Board approved rate hikes that will raise electric and water bills for customers starting next year—changes that will pay for replacing old infrastructure and expanding renewable energy resources. The city council will vote on the measure in December while community members can share feedback at a fall meeting. KROC-AM
- ➤ The RPU board approved rate hikes for electric and water services next year to fund upgrades of century-old infrastructure and support renewable energy projects—aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2030. Community members will be invited to provide feedback this fall before the City Council votes in December. KROC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Stewartville Middle School students built suitcase-sized solar generators—portable systems that produce 12-volt DC power—and tested them in a classroom while donating two to schools in East Africa, with one already sent to the Bidibidi refugee camp in Uganda. The project teaches empathy and the school plans to raise funds for a third unit that may go to Uganda or Kenya. KTTC
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Rochester is accepting applications for the 2026 Garden Grants that will fund rain gardens and pollinator habitats to beautify neighborhoods and reduce water runoff — applications close December 31 for Rochester residents, community groups, and schools who can also receive design templates and plant lists from Blue Thumb and University of Minnesota Extension. KIMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Minnesota Senate’s new subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability met at the Capitol on Wednesday to hear from local food shelves, county leaders and SNAP recipients about how federal changes affect food assistance programs amid a government shutdown — the group will alternate Capitol hearings with field visits to track these impacts. Led by Sen. Lindsey Port, the committee will work to assess how these federal policies influence the state's economy and community. KTTC
- ➤ Rochester Public Works Department will begin a traffic calming project in the Lincolnshire neighborhood on 48th Street NW and Nottingham Drive NW to slow speeds and improve pedestrian safety. Construction will start the week of October 6 and finish by November 15—streets and sidewalks will be closed though property access will remain open. KIMT
- ➤ Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is now in effect statewide—protecting homeowners and renters from service disconnections that would cut off their main heating source until April 30 and not covering delivered fuels like oil, propane or wood so customers must contact their utility if they get a disconnection notice. KTTC
- ➤ After a government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that federal layoffs are imminent and local programs that rely on federal funds may face disruptions if the shutdown lasts. County Commissioner David Senjem said state support might help programs like SNAP while Congress will vote again Friday and Saturday to resolve the impasse — TSA is ready to screen passengers despite possible delays. KTTC
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
~ James Clear
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