Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester NAACP will host its 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet on Nov.

7 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hilton in the Mayo Clinic Area. The event, themed 'We the People: Rochester in Action,' will feature a keynote panel — with local leaders and community awards.

The Rochester Risers Rotary Club is holding a walk from 8 to 9 a.m. at RCTC Regional Sports Center and a Purple Pumpkin Party with free snacks and pumpkin painting from 3 to 5 p.m. at Cascade Creek Memory Care on Oct.

24 to mark World Polio Day; City Hall will display purple lights.

The National Community Resource Center announced the 2026 Faith & Community Expo will bring together over 60 nonprofits, faith leaders and community helpers for one day of connection — an opportunity to foster lasting ties in southeast Minnesota.

Destination Medical Center is hosting DMC Exchange from Nov.

16-20 to showcase downtown innovation and investments — including tours at Discovery Square, a campus address by U of M Rochester, an interactive Link bus experience, a housing event and a luncheon at Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area.

Hundreds gathered at Soldiers Field on Saturday, Oct.

17 for the fourth No Kings rally (a demonstration challenging a 1,400-page law passed in 2024) as organizers said the event reflects ongoing civic engagement.

Rochester’s Boyer Halloween House at 5348 51st NW displays a record 170 inflatables and remains open nightly from 6-9:30 p.m. through Nov.

1 while asking visitors for donations to support Channel One.

A survey of 139 local companies found that most reported a better year in 2025 than in 2024 despite concerns over parking, regulation, and labor availability (93% expressed optimism).

More than 70% want additional restaurants, shops and entertainment spots to boost our local economy.

SEMAC and Springboard for the Arts will present a free virtual workshop, Work of Art: Funding, on Nov.

18 from 6 to 8 p.m. to help artists diversify their income streams in southern MN communities (pre-registration is required).

Fourth through sixth graders in Rochester are invited to join the Mayor for a Day Essay Contest to share ideas and win $100, with essays due by Friday, Dec.

11. Mayor Kim Norton said the contest offers a chance for students to shape an improved community.

KTTC interviewed mayoral candidates Joe Powers and Jess Garcia as they shared their plans for Rochester ahead of Election Day (offering local voters a closer look at their visions).

Today the city began lowering Silver Lake's water for a major dam project that will remove 200,000 cubic yards of sediment and tear down the old dam, with work continuing through Sept.

2027 (residents should expect detours but can still use the park).

Rochester earned the Heart Safe Community designation today by working with partners like Mayo Clinic and the Fire Department to boost CPR training and AED access (a program supported by the American Heart Association).

Mayor Kim Norton said the effort shows the community’s commitment to rapid emergency response.