Good morning, Rochester.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Rochester Branch of the NAACP will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a Freedom Fund Banquet held from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area—key speakers including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and local leaders will address social justice and civic progress.

Kwik Trip announced stuffed nachos as the newest Hot Spot menu item, and customers on social media shared mixed views — some loved the flavor while others said the snack looked like a quesadilla.

The family-owned chain, known for its good gas station food, continues to add new choices like toasted ravioli and General Tso’s meals at many locations.

Gamers in Rochester — many trying board games for the first time — took part in the third Castle Con pre-con event on Friday at the historic Chateau Theater.

The 10-hour warm-up featured games like Crokinole, and organizer David Razidlo said the main Castle Con in January will draw over 1,000 people.

Monica Eggert, an education support professional at Rochester Alternative Learning Center, was honored with Minnesota’s ESP of the Year Award on November 1 – a recognition given after 13 years with Rochester Public Schools – marking her statewide distinction.

Minnesota law forbids throwing yard waste in the regular trash and states that burning dry leaves without a permit can cost up to $1,000 or lead to jail time & residents are urged to compost their leaves or check with local fire officials before burning.

Minnesota homeowners are advised to mow shorter, mulch leaves, try dormant seeding, and apply winterizing fertilizer to boost green lawns next spring — these tips must be done before the first snow.

The University of Minnesota Extension explains these steps help reduce lawn issues — homeowners should act 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.