Good morning, Rochester.

The new west playground at Silver Lake Park, located at 770 West Silver Lake Dr. NE, will open on Saturday, Nov.

8. The city paused work on the $10 million park project for the winter and will resume next year to add a pool, upgrade the skate park, and complete improvements by next fall — officials said.

Planet Fitness at 1021 15th Ave. SE began renovations on November 3rd that kept parts of the gym closed; the Black Card Lounge will close from November 13th through December 8th and the gym will fully close from December 2nd through December 8th — it will reopen on December 8th with new training equipment and a redesigned workout area.

Mayo High School held Culture Day Wednesday where students from 28 countries showcased their traditions through table booths featuring food, clothing, and displays—an event led by the school’s equity team to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.

On Tuesday, voters in seven southeast Minnesota school districts voted on school funding measures, with Byron, Cannon Falls, Goodhue and Fillmore Central districts approving proposals while Austin and Owatonna rejected theirs.

Results for Triton's capital improvement levy are still pending.

A Rochester-based company received a $500K grant from the state to create its Growing Opportunity program for agricultural career training in Southeast Minnesota.

The program will let participants take agriculture courses at Minnesota State colleges as part of a $2.4M state initiative — state officials said.

The Rochester Fire Department urges residents to check their smoke detectors and install carbon monoxide alarms for winter safety — local officials warn that improper use of heating devices and holiday lights can overload circuits.

As temperatures drop, many Minnesotans now favor tater tot hotdish as their go-to comfort food—its warm, hearty recipe brings solace on chilly evenings.

A survey by Taste of Home and Reader's Digest confirmed that this dish remains the state's most beloved comfort food.

Crumbl is giving away free Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins today to help lift spirits for locals facing hard times—customers can visit any Crumbl store in Minnesota to claim a cookie while supplies last.

Willow Creek and Oak Summit announced they will remain open into November as long as the ground stays unfrozen.

Willow Creek said it will host its Chilly Willy fall tournament on Nov. 8 if warm weather continues—bringing extra play for local golfers.

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.

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.

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.

Spanish Conversation Meeting

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Engage in lively Spanish conversation in a friendly library setting.

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.