Daily
Rochester
Friday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Legal Assistance of Olmsted County said eviction filings have slightly increased statewide, attributing cases largely to unpaid rent amid high affordable housing costs and job losses; it urged residents needing help to contact local services such as the Housing Stability Team (and the Rochester Public Schools eviction prevention specialist). KIMT
- ➤ Boys & Girls Club of Rochester received a $160,000 investment from Mayo Clinic, including $120,000 to support its core programs and $40,000 to expand equity and mental health initiatives. The funding boost helps provide academic support, healthy meals, and activities for over 300 youth. KIMT
- ➤ Think Bank announced a $10,000 match on all cash and tip tap donations for the Salvation Army kettle drive. Its team rang bells at Hy-Vee on West Circle Drive, Crossroads, and 37th Street from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the match remains open until 7 p.m. today (supporting programs). KTTC
- ➤ Toys for Tots in SE Minnesota is low on donations as Christmas nears and gift distribution begins December 20th and 21st; community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys to help children up to age 18. KROC-AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Charleys Philly Steaks has reopened today at the Apache Mall food court under new ownership. The restaurant is led by a new head chef (with over 20 years of culinary experience) who will serve quality meals to shoppers during the busy Christmas season. KROC-AM
- ➤ The Shoe Beverage Bar (named for the building’s former use as a shoe repair shop) will open in late January on North Broadway near Sacred Heart Studios and two blocks north of Great Harvest, offering a cozy spot for drinks with friends. KROC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ RPS defended its participation in the Minnesota Principals Academy after concerns about a conflict-of-interest were raised, noting that the program director is married to the superintendent. Officials said no personal benefits are involved and the decision was based on the curriculum’s proven impact on student achievement. KIMT
- ➤ About 400 students from over 150 teams at 20 schools gathered at RCTC on Wednesday afternoon for the 17th annual IBM LEGO Education Outreach Competition, where IBM mentors taught practical skills in engineering and coding with LEGO. KIMT
- ➤ Sunset Terrace Elementary School hosted a Unified Breakfast on Thursday as part of Inclusive Schools Week to bring students with and without disabilities together for breakfast, games, and music. The event highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. KTTC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ MnDOT launched a contest to name eight new snowplows for the 2025–26 winter season, and entries must be under 30 characters and show Minnesota Nice. Residents have until noon on Dec. 19 to submit one clean entry (official rules apply). KROC
- ➤ MnDOT confirms it is legal to pass a snowplow on Minnesota highways, but drivers are urged to use caution as wing plows can extend into the roadway — reducing visibility during heavy snowfall. This advisory comes amid recent winter conditions and aims to keep drivers safe. KROC
- ➤ Last year, Rochester’s Parks and Recreation team used air rifles in a crow abatement to lower health risks from droppings downtown. City officials said the crow numbers dropped dramatically and they will continue monitoring any future changes. KTTC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Mayo Clinic study in Rochester shows that a dual-antibody therapy using talquetamab and teclistamab yielded a 79% response rate in a trial of 90 extramedullary multiple myeloma patients; 54% had no detectable disease and nearly two-thirds maintained disease control for a year. KIMT
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rochester
Welcome to the Daily Rochester, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rochester, Minnesota community. If you like the Daily Rochester, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rochester.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Rochester and across Minnesota. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Rochester
A free Rochester community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyrochesternews.com/sitemap