Daily
Rochester
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On December 2nd, Paws and Claws Humane Society in Rochester celebrated National Mutt Day by featuring its longest-waiting mutts including Doug, Ricky, Lucy, Boris, Marge, Simba, Wolfy, Todd, and Ichiro in hopes of finding them forever homes. The dogs have been at the shelter since August 12th through October 26th and need varying levels of care and training — the shelter urged local residents to consider adoption. KROC-AM
- ➤ Rochester Fire Department is asking residents to shovel snow from around fire hydrants—neighbors have been clearing sidewalks since a record 7.6 inches of snow on November 29 left dangerous ice—to help firefighters reach hydrants quickly. KROC-AM
- ➤ Rochester's Salvation Army reported a viral trend on TikTok is boosting its Angel Tree program—helping families buy gifts for children in need. Captain Kelly Hanton said families will register for a Toy and Joy event at the Community Center from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18 and donate at stores or directly at the branch until Dec. 15. KIMT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Community and Technical College will offer a new Liberal Arts associate Z Degree in January that uses open educational resources, open textbooks and library-curated materials to lower college costs. Similar programs have already saved students $12.6 million statewide—this course does not require students to purchase any texts. KIMT
- ➤ Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Kent Pekel said the district is creating a strategic plan to guide AI use in classrooms and keep student skills strong. He added that better enrollment has reduced the projected budget gap from $13.5 million to $8.4 million— with the plan set for School Board review in the spring. KROC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Rochester City Council voted 7-0 on Monday to allocate $20,000 from the Contingency Fund to the Salvation Army for its rental assistance program and to improve volunteer security — city staff will now research and plan the next steps before releasing the funds. KTTC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mayo Clinic researchers unveiled a new 3D surface scanning method that aligns a patient’s head with brain images for sub-millimeter precision—improving safety in brain surgeries by eliminating CT scan radiation—and detailed in the Journal of Neurosurgery, the technique was developed under Jaeyun Sung’s lead to enhance procedures like deep brain stimulation. KIMT
- ➤ The CPSC and Walmart reported a recall of Fyzvexo Infant Walkers that can fit through doorways, fail to stop at steps, and have openings that may trap a child’s head — families in Minnesota and Wisconsin are urged to stop using them immediately and dispose of them properly. KROC-AM
- ➤ Freeborn County Public Health has partnered with CredibleMind to offer a digital mental health platform that provides over 10,000 evidence-based resources to more than 30,000 residents. The launch event will take place Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Albert Lea Fire Station Conference Room—residents who complete an assessment by January 4, 2026 may win a $100 gift card. KIMT
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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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Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas
7:30-9 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience the timeless music of John Denver performed live this holiday season.
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Wee Wednesday - My Wee Christmas Tree
9:30-10:30 a.m. — Sargent's on 2nd — $15 class fee — Decorate a “wee” Christmas tree while enjoying a festive reading and treats.
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WFPB Holiday Potluck
6-8 p.m. — 1800 High Pointe Ln NW, Rochester, MN — Cost info not listed — Celebrate the holidays with delicious whole food plant-based dishes and community connections.
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World Juniors Hockey Pre-Tournament Series
7-10 p.m. — Rochester Recreation Center — Cost info not provided — Witness young hockey talents battle it out in exhibition games featuring Denmark, Switzerland, and Sweden.
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New Year's Eve Celebration
5:30-7:30 p.m. & 8:00-10:00 p.m. — Bleu Duck Kitchen & Oyster Bar — $125 per person — Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with an elegant four-course dining experience.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way out is through.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rochester
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