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🌱 Patch AM: Why Silver Lake Dam bids blew past Rochester’s $15.1 million estimate

Also, don't miss Baby Gym on the Rochester Patch calendar

Saturday September 12th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Rochester! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Silver Lake Dam bids blew past Rochester's $15.1 million estimate
  • How firefighters stopped a southeast Rochester garage fire with no injuries
  • How did Rochester Lourdes let a double-digit lead slip away?

Also on today's calendar: Grandparent's Day and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tractor say to the plow? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Rochester Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Rochester Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Variable cloudiness, with a high of 74 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Sunday: Cooler; a shower in the a.m., temps: high: 64, low: 50.
  • Monday: Heavy rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 63 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bids for Rochester's Silver Lake Dam Project Come in Millions Over $15.1 Million Estimate (krocnews.com) — Rochester's long-planned Silver Lake Dam makeover just came in far over budget, with bids ranging from about $18.9 to $24.4 million versus the $15.1 million estimate. City staff are now reviewing options and funding before the City Council decides later this month or early October whether to move forward with new pools, dredging, shoreline work, and expanded trails.
   

2. Detached Garage Catches Fire in Southeast Rochester (krocnews.com) — A detached garage in southeast Rochester caught fire Thursday afternoon, drawing a quick response from the Rochester Fire Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance, and Rochester Police. Crews cut open the garage door, contained the flames to the structure, and reported no injuries, though the interior and contents were damaged. Fire marshals are still determining the cause.
   

3. Cannon Falls rallies past Lourdes with big second half (postbulletin.com) — Rochester Lourdes let a 17-8 halftime lead slip away Friday, falling 22-19 at Cannon Falls after being outscored 16-2 in the second half. Coaches praised the Eagles' effort and physical play, and the team now turns its focus to a home game against Dover-Eyota on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Rochester Regional Stadium.
   

4. Johnny Pemberton is Keeping it Weird on Stage and Screen (minnesotamonthly.com) — A Rochester-born comedian and actor, Johnny Pemberton, is back performing in Minnesota with a sold-out stand-up show in Minneapolis, while continuing to build his TV and film career. He credits experiences at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and his Minnesota roots for inspiring his one-man show and other creative work, including a new curling-themed movie and a role on Amazon's "Fallout."
   

5. Minnesota choirs, including MSUM Dragon Choir, to be featured in PBS program (prairiepublic.org) — Rochester's own Choral Arts Ensemble Singers will be featured alongside choirs from Duluth, Moorhead, and across Minnesota in PBS's "Sing Democracy 250" concert broadcast. Airing September 25 on Prairie Public, the 90-minute program celebrates America's 250th birthday with new choral works and a large orchestra, giving local residents a chance to see familiar voices on a national stage.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Kudos to the construction workers on Center Street !
    I recently had an 'engagement' with my heart. It has knocked me on my can. My energy is depleted snd we are slowly healing. We have to park a… (Nextdoor East Side Pioneers)
  • Does anyone know to whom this affectionate and seemingly stray cat might belong?
    He has been hanging around the neighborhood for weeks and, though a stealthy hunter, he is quite lean. We are concerned about him and would like to… (Nextdoor Foxcroft)
  • SPECTRUM posted a job opening for Retail Sales Specialist in Rochester. Apply here.
  • Planet Fitness posted a job opening for Overnight Custodian/Member services in Rochester. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rochester here.

Ok Rochester! 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: Hold me close John Deere. (Thank you Jenny H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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