Good morning, Rochester.

Residents in Hadley Valley voiced concerns over a planned development project on Oct.

1, citing worries about its impact on the area’s character. They urged local officials to review the plans.

The new Zumbro Sunday Market will kick off on Sunday, Oct.

4 from 11 AM to 3 PM along the Zumbro River in downtown Rochester (behind Terza) and will feature a variety of vendors offering food, art, clothing, and pop-up experiences for a cozy fall outing.

The Marine Corps League's Thor Detachment hosts a Marine Corps Ball on Saturday, Nov.

7 from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Rochester (registration is now open) as all Marines and their families gather to celebrate the Corps' 251st birthday.

Beginning in January 2027, Blue Moon Ballroom and Martial Art Fitness Center will merge at the Blue Moon Ballroom facility, where dance classes continue as Blue Moon Dance and martial arts training starts by Feb.

1 — with a 20th Anniversary Dance on Nov. 21 before the transition.

Downtown Dazzle returns for its third year with a free, family-friendly holiday parade in Rochester on Saturday, Dec.

5 at 5:30 p.m. The route starts at the Edison Building, travels 6th St. SW and 1st Ave. SW, and ends at 1st Ave NW and 1st St NE.

The Upper Midwest Law Center requested that the U.S. Department of Education begin a civil rights investigation into Rochester Public Schools and 15 other local districts.

Officials are set to review whether students have been treated fairly.

Mayor Kim Norton is asking residents to nominate community heroes for the 43rd Medal of Honor by Oct.

31 — the award features 14 categories and will be celebrated at a luncheon in early December.

As of October 1, Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers using natural gas or electricity as their primary heat with safe payment plans — renters qualify, though the rule does not cover delivered fuels like propane, oil, or wood.

The City of Rochester is now accepting applications for the 2027 Garden Grants program to support pollinator habitats and rain gardens.

Applications are open to local residents (including schools and community groups) through Dec. 31 to fund garden design and essential materials.

State officials say MNsure premiums for 2027 coverage will rise, with individual rates increasing 9.9% to over 21% and small-group rates rising 10.6% to 21.4% thanks to a reinsurance plan (cutting a potential 58% jump to 17.4%).

Nearly 400,000 customers will pay more, with rates highest in southeastern areas.

RentCafe.com's new ranking names Rochester as the top Minnesota city for renters, noting nearly 940 sqft apartments and a 3.7% unemployment rate (factors that support affordable housing) compared to Minneapolis and St. Paul.