Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of December.
Good morning, Rochester.
🏘️ Community
The Landing MN in Rochester and Northern Lights in Mason City are preparing for a busy holiday season by offering warm meals, goody bags + presents to support clients as public spaces close.
Both shelters welcome donations and volunteers to help meet rising demand.
The Salvation Army in Rochester will host a $30,000 Red Kettle Match on Monday and Tuesday (Dec.
29-30) funded by an anonymous donor. Community members may donate cash, check, or online through red kettles in Olmsted County to support the fundraiser.
📰 Economy
Gas prices in Minnesota have dropped to $2.67 per gallon, a 7.8-cent decline as rising oil production and strong refinery output lower costs for drivers.
Some stations still offer fuel for less than $2 a gallon, providing welcome relief this week.
🏛️ Government
Rochester Public Works reminds property owners to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall to prevent accidents and fines.
Residents can pick up a free bucket of salt-sand mixture either behind Fiesta Cafe at Northbrook Shopping Center or at the end of 1st Avenue SW next to the First and Banks Apartments.
🏥 Health
Local authorities report that Minnesota jails are taking on expanded mental health care duties as staff screen and offer counseling and religious programs despite delays and limited resources.
Next Chapter in Rochester supports efforts to link individuals with community resources and lower the risk of untreated mental illness.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester has introduced a smartwatch alert system to help parents detect early tantrum signs in children after a 16-week study with kids ages 3 to 7.
The watch tracks heart rate and other data to provide step-by-step instructions — a new tool to support pediatric mental health.
📰 Lifestyle
Families in Rochester embrace board games as an affordable holiday tradition amid economic concerns, with Dave Razidlo recommending titles like Animal Upon Animal and Codenames at local stores; his Castle Con event runs Jan.
22 to Jan. 25 (featuring gaming meet-and-greets).
🎉 Rochester Events
Submit an event →
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.
Castle Con
12 PM - 6 PM — Historic Chateau Theatre — Check event page for details — Immerse yourself in a weekend-long tabletop gaming extravaganza with tournaments and family-friendly fun.
🏠 Rochester Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Rochester Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Rochester Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Rochester.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.