🌱 Could Pine Island’s Google project raise your Xcel bill statewide?
Pine Island, Minnesota Patch AM: a 4 min readGood morning Pine Island! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Could Pine Island’s Google project raise your Xcel bill statewide?
- Which local rival is Pine Island facing under Friday night lights?
Also on today's calendar: Around The World Camp.
Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Saturday: Some sun, then clouds; breezy, with a high of 65 and low of 47 degrees.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 65, low: 41.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 64 and low of 47 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Minnesota AG warns of Xcel Energy rate hike from proposed Google data center in Pine Island (cbsnews.com) — A proposed Google data center in Pine Island could significantly affect Xcel Energy bills statewide, and Minnesota’s attorney general is urging regulators not to approve the deal without stronger protections. His office argues Xcel hasn’t proven Google will cover all infrastructure and stranded costs, while Xcel claims the agreement would save taxpayers over $1 billion. 
• High school sports schedule and scores for Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 (postbulletin.com) — Pine Island fans can follow their Panthers on the road as they take on La Crescent-Hokah in Friday night high school football, part of a full slate of regional matchups. The schedule lays out who’s playing where across several districts, helping you plan which local rivalry or road trip game to catch.
📸 Around Pine Island
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Pine Island
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
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Around The World Camp →
Boundless Playspace and Activity Center, 3825 Superior Dr NW, Rochester
9:00 am
Thursday October 15
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
📣 Pine Island Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
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Wall Altars →
Crossings Clay Studio, 320 East Ave, lower level, Zumbrota
1:00 pm -
The Gopher Tones at Pondy Restaurant & Bar →
Pondy Restaurant & Bar, 40240 Wabasha Cty Rd 90, Mazeppa
7:00 pm -
Fall Bash →
Pondy Restaurant & Bar, 40240 Wabasha Cty Rd 90, Mazeppa
7:00 pm -
Create Crushed Glass & Resin Sun Catchers →
Next Step Nutrition, 81 W. 5th Street, Zumbrota
6:30 pm -
FRIGHT at the FARM & Haunted Cannabis Maze 2026 →
Willow's Keep Farm, 47385 Hwy 52 BLVD, Zumbrota -
Cotter/Hope Lutheran/Riverway/Meinke HomeSchool at Zumbrota-Mazeppa →
Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School, 705 Mill St, Zumbrota -
Batik Bee with Julie Yost →
16640 Hwy 60 Blvd, Zumbrota
9:00 am -
Rumours and Dreams - A Fleetwood Mac Tribute (Zumbrota, MN) — Pamela McNeill →
State Theatre, 96 E 4th St, Zumbrota
7:00 pm -
Central Livestock Association →
Central Livestock Association, 44326 County 6 Blvd, Zumbrota
2:00 pm -
“We Dig Peter Paul & Mary” with Timothy Frantzich, Michael Monroe & Ann Reed →
96 E 4th St, Zumbrota
7:00 pm -
In the Fields at Douglas Saloon →
Douglas Saloon, Oronoco
8:00 pm -
Austin vs Zumbrota-Mazeppa →
FOOTBALL FIELD
7:00 pm
Saturday October 3
Tuesday October 6
Friday October 9
Saturday October 10
Wednesday October 14
Friday October 16
Saturday October 17
Wednesday October 21
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Attention Olmsted County property owners!
Mark your calendars! The second half of real and personal property taxes are due October 15, 2026. Stay ahead of the deadline by exploring convenient… (Nextdoor )
- Dollar General posted a job opening for ASST STORE MANAGER - DGPP in ORONOCO MN S30411 in Oronoco. Apply here.
- Aspen Waste Systems posted a job opening for CDL Driver in Byron. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Pine Island here.
🗞 Nearby News
Zumbrota
- Kevan and McCutcheon take home top spots at Pine Island Invitational (hometownsource.com)
- SCENE OCTOBER - Feel the fear (and fun) with Southern Minn spooky attractions this fall (southernminn.com)
Byron
- Byron cross country runner meets competitor with same name (dodgecountyindependent.com)
- Data centers, energy and water: Local government decision-making toolkit (umn.edu)
Goodhue
- Goodhue Teen Hurt in Highway 42 Roundabout Crash in Eyota Township After Nissan and Ford Collided Tuesday Night, Sending One Driver to Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys (parktelegraph.com)
- AG Ellison: Ratepayers could be on the hook for 'billions' due to Pine Island data center (postbulletin.com)
Ok Pine Island! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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