Good morning, Rochester.

Channel One Regional Food Bank distributed boxed groceries to nearly 5,000 households on Friday, Nov.

7—using $200,000 from the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners—to help families affected by the SNAP freeze. The boxes provided a week’s worth of groceries while the food bank works with county staff to boost donations and volunteer support as over 6,600 families have been impacted.

Pancheros has closed its Rochester location permanently after serving customers for over 8 years.

The unexpected closure was marked by a handwritten sign on the door thanking visitors for their support.

John Carlson, Chief Administrative Officer at Rochester Public Schools, will leave his role at the end of November to become Director of Finance at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union+ he joined RPS in 2011, led finance, facilities and transportation since becoming CAO in 2022, and the district is now searching for his replacement.

Today, crews will close Interstate 90 in Austin in both directions from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. for bridge work — installing guardrail, lighting and grading, with detours via Highway 105, Mower County Road 28 and Highway 218 — and one more closure is planned before year end.

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families said it will send full SNAP and MFIP benefits for November today as the shutdown continues—helping over 440,000 Minnesotans, including 180,000 children and 67,000 seniors, get needed food support.

The Rochester Public Works Department reminded property owners that they must clear snow from sidewalks within 24 hours to protect older adults and those with mobility challenges—failure to do so may lead to a $40 fine plus removal costs.

Free salt and sand mixtures will be available behind the Fiesta Café in Northbrook Shopping Center and at the end of 1 Avenue SW near the former YMCA site.

On Nov. 6, the City of Rochester joined the Mayor's Innovation Project to ease business rules for small companies—aiming to boost local growth.

Mayor Kim Norton said she will meet with groups like RDA and Rochester Area Economic Development Incorporated and with experts to discuss changes—the team will hold monthly meetings through August.

Operation Green Light supports veterans in Minnesota as local businesses and homeowners switch white lights to green from November 4th until November 11th.

The Olmsted County Government rotunda and campus signage are lighting green—showing their honor for veterans.

Haley Comfort Systems hosted its fifth annual Oktoberfest for Suicide Prevention on October 4, raising over $160,000 for mental health groups Aidan’s Light, NAMI, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Nearly 2,000 people attended the event—featuring 385 donated raffle items—and funds were presented on Friday.

The Rochester Grizzlies announced they will face the Granite City Lumberjacks on January 23, 2026 in Hastings for Hockey Day Minnesota.

The team said it will showcase its team-first play—ticket and broadcast details will be available soon.

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.

Work of eARTh Teen Art Club

1-4 p.m. — Rochester Art Center — Free entry — A collective of teen artists focused on sustainability and community action through creativity.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administration II Training

Mon, Dec 8 – Thu, Dec 11 — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $1890 — Enhance your Linux skills with hands-on training in Rochester, MN.