Daily
Rochester
Saturday, November 15th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 15th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Disabled American Veterans began its 14th deer hunting event on Thursday in Eyota with 30 veterans hunting and socializing as Olmsted County Parks handles meals, supplies, and game processing— and the event will continue through Sunday. KIMT
- ➤ Toys for Tots donation sites have opened across Southeast Minnesota so families can drop off unwrapped gifts to help local children this holiday season. Last year the drive helped over 8,500 kids—this year local groups and retailers in Rochester are set to welcome more donations until mid-December. KROC-AM
- ➤ Festival of Trees returns in downtown Rochester, celebrating 40 years of tradition and supporting Hiawatha Homes with over 80 decorated trees and family activities; paid events include an opening night gala on November 25 and a 21+ after dark event on November 29 + free general admission and sensory-friendly sessions run from November 28 to December 1. KROC-AM
- ➤ The Salvation Army began its Red Kettle Campaign on Friday to raise money for those needing healthcare, housing support and groceries. Long-time volunteer Jerry Hrabe, who has rung bells for 25 years, said he will continue to help as long as he is able. KIMT
- ➤ Rochester welcomed the start of the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign last Friday, inviting local volunteers to ring bells until Christmas Eve to support healthcare—housing and groceries. Last year, bell ringers raised $350,446.31 of the campaign's $1,180,000 target. KIMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Experience Rochester has launched a free mobile holiday shopping pass that gives local shoppers exclusive discounts and a chance to win a $500 gift card by checking in at more than 20 local retailers—points from check-ins add up to earn the prize. The pass is available online from November 14 to December 24 and the winner will be announced on December 29. KIMT
- ➤ A new federal law in a recent spending bill will ban low-potency hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles, putting Minnesota's growing industry at risk — a change that has already affected markets across the state. Business owners and lawmakers said the law includes a one-year delay in its effective date — time they plan to use to lobby Congress for revised rules, or producers may be forced to close operations. KTTC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The History Center of Olmsted County and Rochester Public Library announced on Friday a new partnership that lets library cardholders check out a pass for free entry for up to six people—each pass is valid for seven days and available at both the main library and Bookmobile. Five new passes are released each week with only one pass allowed per cardholder at a time. KTTC
- ➤ Rochester Women’s Magazine and the Minnesota Humanities Center host a headscarf story circle event at noon today at the Rochester Area Economic Development office, where guests wear headscarves to share stories on fashion and cultural identity—Mayor Kim Norton will sign a proclamation declaring Headscarf Story Circles Day. KTTC
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester reached a milestone when its total permit valuation for 2025 surpassed $1 billion—diverse development activities led in part by Mayo Clinic drove this record, showing strong investor confidence in the city's future. City officials said the milestone reflects Rochester's growing economic strength and strategic priorities. KIMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews removed all detours and lane closures at the I-90 and Highway 52 interchange southeast of Rochester, letting drivers use the new eastbound I-90 bridge and Highway 52 flyover bridge. Work on the westbound I-90 bridge will begin in 2026 — drivers should exercise caution on ramp transitions. KIMT
- ➤ The Minnesota Department of Revenue said property tax levies will rise nearly 6.9% next year to over $13.8 billion—adding almost $950 million from cities, counties, townships, and school districts—while the Rochester City Council set a 5.9% maximum increase for local budgets. KROC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Denise Robertson from Health Access MN said up to 20,000 Minnesotans may face higher premiums and lose ACA subsidies that have capped costs, with some plans in Rochester expected to jump from about $300 to $1,300 a month — especially impacting farmers, artists, and retirees. She advised eligible individuals to set an appointment with a navigator before the enrollment deadline from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. KIMT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Madhouse Wrestling returns to Historic Chateau Theater today at 6:30 p.m. in Rochester — with wrestlers battling in a steel cage for the first time and five additional bouts including three championship matches for family-friendly entertainment. KTTC
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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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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.
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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.
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Mozart After Hours
5:30-9 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Free entry — Experience a delightful evening of chamber music featuring masterpieces and a world premiere in a charming setting.
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The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company
3:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical holiday adventure in a heartwarming ballet filled with enchanting moments and delightful characters.
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Travis Anderson Trio - Christmas Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy classic holiday tunes with a modern jazz twist from the acclaimed Travis Anderson Trio.
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