Daily
Rochester
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Rochester Salvation Army received over 1,400 pounds of food donations after a viral Facebook post showed empty shelves—supporting about 100 households as SNAP funding was paused due to a government shutdown. KIMT
- ➤ Stewartville Dairy Queen on North Main Street will give away free meals from 10 a.m. until supplies run out on Saturday, Nov. 1—headlined by owner Ryan Mosch and his wife to help those impacted by delayed SNAP benefits, with over 400 sloppy joes and fresh vegetables provided thanks to community partners. KIMT
- ➤ The Curling Club of Rochester is planning a 31,220 sq ft six-sheet facility costing between $3 million and $7 million because its current space at the Rec Center provides limited ice time. The park board tabled the proposal on October 7 and the club is now considering city-owned sites such as Northern Hills Golf Course, Eastwood Golf Course, McQuillan Park and Game Haven Regional Park amid local concerns over the Soldiers Field option. KTTC
- ➤ Jennifer 'Red' Carroll has experienced homelessness twice since she arrived in Rochester in 2014 after fleeing abuse—she now volunteers with groups like the Steve Rummler HOPE Network and joined a 15-member advisory team on April 22 to use her firsthand experience in guiding local efforts to solve homelessness. KIMT
- ➤ Minnesota moms and local residents have noted that no town in the state has set an official maximum age for trick-or-treating, although Rochester enforces a curfew for teenagers on Halloween night—parents are advised to manage their porch lights if they prefer fewer older visitors. KROC-AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Cannon Equipment plant in Cannon Falls announced it will permanently close its doors—about 45 workers will lose their jobs as layoffs begin on December 31, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. KROC-AM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Southeast Service Cooperative in Rochester advanced in the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem Partnership Grant process, joining 46 other groups to seek funding for youth STEM programs—this grant could support internships, robotics teams, and AI teaching methods. Final grant recipients will be announced late December and funding will start on January 5. KIMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Earlier this month, the city assumed responsibility for finalizing the Rochester Clock Tower project that will move the historic structure to Hazama Gateway Plaza. Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser said the clock’s unique mechanical design will remain unchanged as new plans are developed—additional funds from the Bring Back the Clock Tower Board will also be applied if needed. KTTC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Olmsted County Public Health Services confirmed three measles cases in the county, including two new cases among unvaccinated contacts of a child diagnosed on October 17 after international travel. Officials are working with the Minnesota Department of Health to notify anyone who may have been exposed and urge local residents to check their immunization records. KROC
- ➤ Olmsted County has three confirmed measles cases, with two new cases in unvaccinated contacts of a child diagnosed on October 17 (child had recently traveled internationally). Health officials are working with the state to notify exposed people and urge residents to check their immunization records (measles spreads quickly in enclosed areas). KROC-AM
- ➤ Data from Minnesota DHS shows that 7.3% of residents in southeast Minnesota relied on SNAP for food last November—meaning roughly one in 14 could face food insecurity if federal benefits are disrupted by the ongoing government shutdown. KTTC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ SE Minnesota bars and restaurants are hosting Vikings game giveaways as the NFL season continues. Rochester fans can visit American Legion Post 92, Kathy's Pub, Lucky's, Tavern 22, and Whistle Binkies for contests that offer prizes such as free drinks and jerseys. KROC-AM
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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.
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Here Comes Santa Claus
2:30-7 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with festive activities, Santa's rescue, and tree lighting.
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