Daily
Rochester
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A recent article lists the top Rochester neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and shares local recommendations on where kids can gather the best candy this Halloween. The write-up also warns families to follow key safety tips since Halloween can be a risky time for child pedestrians — urging parents to keep an eye on treats and pet safety. KROC-AM
- ➤ Channel One Regional Food Bank in Rochester is running low on food and braces for more visitors as state officials plan to cut SNAP benefits for over 400,000 Minnesotans— the bank, which serves 33,000 families weekly and is short 777,000 pounds of government commodities, warns it may struggle to meet growing demand. KTTC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel answered questions from local community members at the new Lunch with Local Leaders event held by the Rochester League of Women Voters—he discussed school performance, COVID-19 impacts, a planned $13.5 million funding cut for 2026, and school attendance goals, noting that educators and families remain hopeful despite these challenges. KTTC
- ➤ Rochester Public Schools reviewed a proposal to adjust classroom activities on religious holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Eid by having teachers refrain from assigning tests, major assignments, or planning field trips on these days. Superintendent Kent Pekel said he does not support closing school for these holidays—excused absences will remain while the board continues to review the plan. KIMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ MnDOT has closed the right lane westbound on 41st Street NW from Oct 20 to 24 for bridge maintenance on Highway 52—drivers may face backups during peak times while pedestrians use a detour on the south side. KIMT
- ➤ The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that repairs on westbound 41st Street NW have been delayed after a crash damaged a traffic signal box, and lane closures will reduce the westbound lane to one—with pedestrian detours in place from Oct 27-31; motorists should expect daily backups during peak times as repairs cure over several days. KIMT
- ➤ A westbound lane on 41st Street NW over Highway 52 and the northbound outside left turn lane were closed on Monday for concrete repairs by MnDOT crews, and the closures will remain until Friday. Eastbound traffic is not affected while pedestrians use a detour to the south side — backups are possible during the project — as repairs continue. KTTC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mayo Clinic’s Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit welcomed Bueller the black Labrador, the unit’s first facility dog trained by Can Do Canines in Waseca to provide emotional support. Officials said Bueller knows over 50 commands and will be featured at an event at the Rochester Art Center on November 11 — allowing patients to meet him. KTTC
- ➤ The mobile dental clinic—a partnership between the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and U-Care—began its Rochester visit on October 20 and will serve underserved communities through October 25, rotating across 15 sites statewide. KTTC
- ➤ Kiya Twobulls nearly died after consuming bootleg sanitizer and was flown to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester where doctors saved her with a liver transplant in October 2021. Her family later launched Kiya.Life — a nonprofit that builds recreational spaces and offers programs to help Indigenous youth avoid risky choices. KIMT
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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.
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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.
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iLuminate: A Dazzling LED Dance Experience
7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mind-blowing fusion of music, dance, and technology in a unique, illuminated performance.
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Kids Moonrise Paint Class
1-3 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — All materials provided — Create a unique painting with customizable colors and stencils in this fun class for ages 6 and up.
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Vintage Flea Market & Toy Show
9 AM – 2 PM — Graham Park — Admission varies — Discover vintage treasures, toys, and holiday décor at this charming local market.
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Rochester Female Entrepreneurs Networking Meet-Up
2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Connect with local female entrepreneurs in a supportive, structured networking environment.
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National Philanthropy Day Celebration
8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Empire Event Center — Registration Fee Required — Celebrate philanthropy in the community with workshops and awards honoring outstanding contributions.
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The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
7:30-9 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — VIP packages available — Discover behind-the-scenes tales from the beloved film with Cary Elwes, featuring a screening and exclusive stories.
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RHCSA Exam Preparation Training
8 a.m. — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $2250 — Get ready for the RHCSA certification with this intensive five-day training course focusing on essential Linux system administration skills.
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Spanish Conversation Meeting
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Engage in lively Spanish conversation in a friendly library setting.
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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