Daily
Rochester
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Merchants Bank donated $50,000 to PossAbilities to support its Achievement Hub project, which will offer career, art, and family support opportunities. The $20 million hub will open in 2027 (boosting community resources). KTTC
- ➤ After a fire destroyed the home of a family of five on Friday, Dec. 12, neighbors rallied to donate clothes, food, baby supplies and help via a GoFundMe page that raised about $2,800. Emma Dolton and Nathaniel Dickinson are staying with family while they search for a new home. KIMT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rochester residents have holiday attractions to enjoy this season — a sleigh ride at Forager Brewing on Dec. 21, a drive-thru light display at Chester Woods this weekend, trolley tours until Dec. 30, and Miracle on Historic 3rd at The Tap House Downtown through Jan. 7. KROC-AM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Metro-area high schools closed Tuesday after social media posts raised potential safety concerns, but Rochester Public Schools confirmed that local classes continued today and are closely monitoring the situation. KTTC
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will add the former dry cleaning site on North Broadway and its adjacent property to the Superfund priority list, and it is accepting public comment through January 15 + the agency investigates contaminated soil and possible groundwater risks. KROC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Minnesota law stops off-sale alcohol on Christmas Day, meaning grocery and liquor stores will not sell beer, wine, or spirits, and purchases must be completed by 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve (bars and restaurants may serve alcohol on site). KROC-AM
- ➤ Rochester is upgrading the South Broadway site (corner with 6th Street SE) for its historic clock tower after plans changed for turn lane. Crews are removing structures and adding gravel near Fire Station One, with work set to finish by year-end after City Council approved the site in October. KIMT
- ➤ House Speaker Lisa Demuth met Rochester business leaders Tuesday at the Nuss Truck and Equipment museum as part of her campaign tour, where she discussed economic concerns including paid family leave costs and state mandates on businesses — her visit gave local entrepreneurs an update on her policy plans. KTTC
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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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