Daily
Rochester
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Channel One Regional Food Bank in Rochester announced Think Bank will match December donations up to $30,000 to support rising community need from supply chain issues and a recent government shutdown. The initiative urges residents to help during the holiday season. KTTC
- ➤ The Minnesota Lottery reported three $50,000 winning Powerball tickets were sold last Wednesday and Saturday, with one ticket purchased at House of Wine and Liquor — located in Red Wing and the others from Eden Prairie and Virginia. Winners must claim prizes in person at the Roseville headquarters within one year. KTTC
- ➤ Gamehaven Regional Park will receive a $577,938 grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to add a mountain biking skills area, jump park, snowmaking power, and a tow rope for the tubing hill. The upgrades will boost outdoor recreation for local visitors. KIMT
- ➤ Paws and Claws released its annual wishlist to support shelter animals by asking locals to donate essentials—soap, food, treats, litter and toys—for a cozier holiday season. Drop-off locations are ready around town to help bring some Christmas magic to these pets. KROC-AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Choose and Cut Fraser Firs sold over 500 trees this Black Friday weekend, nearly double its typical sales as families secure their tree before snowfall. The 22-acre farm (with more than 22,000 trees) offers self-cut or pre-cut trees with free wrapping and expects similar business next weekend. KIMT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cori Kennedy will sing the national anthem at the Minnesota Vikings game at US Bank Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 7 before kickoff at noon (TV viewers are encouraged to tune in by 11:45). The announcement highlights the artist’s continued rise after moving to Nashville. KROC-AM
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The last supermoon of 2025 will glow today in Minnesota, peaking at 6:15 p.m. EST in clear skies — offering a rare view before it returns in 2026. Sky gazers can also see the bright moon on Wednesday and Friday nights. KROC-AM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Dec. 2 the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services paused issuing Non-Domiciled licenses after a federal audit found illegal issuances—Rochester’s Eagle Transport manager Eric Kilen said the change will help companies vet drivers better while affecting only about 2,000 of 212,000 CDL holders. KIMT
- ➤ Rochester will change its EV charging fees on January 1, 2026 — drivers will pay $0.17 per kWh plus a $5 idle fee that begins 30 minutes after charging. City officials say the update will ensure fair access and encourage faster station turnover. KROC-AM
- ➤ Mower County officials sent letters to 27,064 residents after a cyberattack in mid-June exposed sensitive data including Social Security numbers, birthdates and financial details — federal law enforcement and cybersecurity experts are continuing the investigation. KROC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The FDA recalled shredded cheese by Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc in Minnesota and 30 other states after finding metal fragments and issuing a Class II risk update on Dec. 2. Consumers should check their refrigerators for recalled products sold at retailers including Target + Walmart + Aldi. KROC-AM
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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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