Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester’s first Popeyes near Apache Mall at 823 Apache Lane SW is set to open its doors in the next few weeks, pending final city inspections.

A second restaurant will open by Walmart North next spring.

Porch Fried Chicken in Rochester will close Oct.

30, six months after reopening in its new location. The restaurant remains open daily (11 AM–9 PM) for customers to get their final orders.

Rochester’s Palmetto Room speakeasy in Our Paladar will host rotating pop-ups called Palmetto Off the Record starting Saturday, Oct.

31 and continuing through March 2027. The events offer themes such as ramen, tacos, and fried chicken with caviar (reservations are required).

A local videographer has launched the mini documentary series Local Legends that showcases untold stories of residents.

The series will highlight the town's history and vibrant community moments.

Rochester Fire Department will hold tower crane rescue training on two Saturdays, Oct.

24 and Oct. 31 at the Mayo Clinic Ozmun site — firefighters practice safe emergency procedures at north crane on First Street Southwest and west crane on Sixth Avenue Southwest while limited traffic remains in place.

Southbound Hwy. 52 will close from 7 p.m. Friday, Oct.

23 until Sunday, Oct. 25 for bridge repairs at 85th St. NW north of Rochester following last year's dump truck crash (detour via Exit 64 in Oronoco).

Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power are planning a proposed 765 kV transmission line from the North Rochester Substation near Pine Island through Marion toward the border as the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission reviews the project — critics raise concerns over cost, health and farmland. NO765MN hosts a town hall today at The Riverfront Center, 304 Fillmore St. E in Preston for community discussion.

Rochester hospital administrators warned that rising costs for supplies and staff are threatening quality care — prompting service changes soon.

The concern comes as statewide budget pressures heighten challenges for maintaining local health services.

Former Kasson-Mantorville quarterback Matt Donovan (Mayville State grad) left the ICU and started his recovery after a brain bleed from a collision last month.

He flew with his mother from Sanford Hospital in Fargo to a rehab center in Lincoln to begin his comeback journey.

For ten years, Byron football has held a dinner tradition that brings together players, families, and local supporters—fostering community bonds beyond the field.

The annual event continues to celebrate team spirit and local pride every season.