Good morning, Rochester.

A Rochester family is asking for help finding their missing 3-year-old golden retriever Max, who lost his leash on Nov.

28. The family offers a $1,000 reward for anyone with useful information and hopes for his safe return soon.

The Shoe Beverage Bar will open on North Broadway near downtown at 908 N Broadway Ave next to Sacred Heart Studios.

Owners Matt and Frankie Jewison, Jack Lester, and Eric Kramlinger are renovating the 120-year-old building (once a shoe repair shop) and plan to welcome customers by the end of January 2026.

Eagle Rock Bank announced that President and co-CEO Brad Becker will retire at the end of 2025 and that Larry Schminski will become the sole CEO while Kelly Nelson is named president, effective Jan.

1, 2026.

Lee Herold, a Rochester veteran, turned his belief in a unifying Minnesota flag into Herold Flags in 1992 to help local residents show their pride; his store was packed after 9/11 (a sign of the flag’s power during tough times).

University of Minnesota Extension held a road safety workshop for Byron area farmers on Wednesday, Dec.

10 to address concerns about distracted drivers during harvest season. Law enforcement, insurance, and state policy experts offered guidance on proper signage and documentation (steps aimed at protecting farmers against liability).

MnDOT's 2025 to 2026 Name a Snowplow contest invites Minnesotans to submit clever, clean names for eight snowplows with each entry limited to 30 characters (one submission per person).

Submissions close at noon on Friday, Dec. 19.

On Wednesday, the DMCC Board met in Rochester to set priorities for UMR's campus expansion and downtown stewardship — a plan that includes a 20-year update with more than $1.8 billion in private investment.

Olmsted County Public Health Services led a regional effort that earned a County Achievement Award from the Association of Minnesota Counties for its real-time health data model funded by a 2022 grant.

The project lets counties share trends in mental health & substance use.

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.