Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 10th of December.
Good morning, Rochester.
🏘️ Community
Mayor Kim Norton unveiled the Amelia Witherstine statue in Central Park on Tuesday, Dec.
9 to honor the first woman elected to the school board, who later became its first president. The tribute highlights the city's pride in its historical achievements.
Rochester Active Sports Community announced an $827K grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to upgrade Gamehaven Regional Park with new mountain biking tracks, Nordic skiing features and snowmaking electrical upgrades.
Local groups (Pathfinder Trailbuilders and Parks and Recreation) will lead the project.
💼 Business
Kwik Trip was named the best convenience store in America by a Daily Passport survey and now has over 200 locations in Minnesota.
The chain is known for fresh in-house prepared food and friendly staff — a win for local shoppers.
🎭 Culture
Music icon Rod Stewart is set to join next year's Minnesota State Fair Grandstand and will perform with Richard Marx on Tuesday, Sept.
1, 2026—tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.
National comedian Whitney Cummings will bring her Big Baby Tour to the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester on Saturday, Mar.
7. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday.
🏛️ Government
Officials at the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced a two-year pause on new licenses for home and community-based services to improve oversight of existing providers.
The pause will begin Jan. 1, 2026 + run until Dec. 31, 2027.
MnDOT launched its sixth annual ‘Name a Snowplow’ contest and will accept creative submissions until 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec.
19. Staff will review entries and hold a public vote in January to choose eight winning names for snowplows statewide.
Rochester City Council approved $52 million for a new regional sports complex east of the Shoppes on Maine, awarding nearly $28 million to Knutson Construction plus over $24 million for materials.
Construction will begin next April and finish in spring 2028 using sales tax and extra funds.
🏈 Sports
The latest coaches association poll ranked Goodhue as the top team in Class 2A after key early season games saw local teams Faribault and Northfield compete on Tuesday, Dec.
9, with games broadcast on KDHL Radio 920 AM+97.9 FM.
🎉 Rochester Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🏠 Rochester Real Estate
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💼 Rochester Job Board
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📣 Rochester Announcements
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