Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How the I-90 and Highway 52 ramp reopening changes your commute

Be sure to catch Global Casino Night - Playing with a Purpose on the Rochester Patch calendar

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Friday August 21st Patch AM
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Good morning to you Rochester! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How the I-90 and Highway 52 ramp reopening changes your commute
  • How one Rochester resident lost $533 to an online dispensary scam
  • What Rochester's police chief says about "policing from the heart"

Also on today's calendar: Global Casino Night - Playing with a Purpose.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 82 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny, nice and less humid, temps: high: 80, low: 55.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Ramp Connecting Westbound I-90 With Northbound Hwy. 52 Reopens Southeast of Rochester (krocnews.com) — Drivers using I-90 and Highway 52 southeast of Rochester should know the ramp from westbound I-90 to northbound Highway 52 has reopened, easing some detours. Other connections at the busy interchange remain closed, with MnDOT routing traffic via Eyota and Marion Road while a $27.5 million upgrade continues. Plan extra time and watch for changing signs if you commute through this area.
   

2. 1 scam report in Rochester for week ending Aug. 15, 2026 (seminnesotanews.com) — Rochester saw just one scam report for the week ending August 15, with a resident losing $533.67 to an online purchase scam posing as a delivery-only dispensary. Officials urge residents to use BBB Scam Tracker to research suspicious offers as fraud losses continue to climb nationwide.
   

3. After eight years as Rochester Police Chief, Jim Franklin talks about leadership, legacy—and 'policing from the heart' (postbulletin.com) — Rochester's police chief Jim Franklin reflects on eight years leading the department, emphasizing "policing with your heart" and the motto "Every Contact Counts." He describes navigating local impacts of national crises, managing a growing city, and prioritizing officer wellness while planning to stay in Rochester. His goal is a department built on trust, continuous improvement, and relationship-based policing.
   

4. School supplies drive meets 100% of goal ahead of first day of school (postbulletin.com) — Rochester's United Way Running Start for School drive has already hit 100% of its goal, ensuring more than 4,000 students across Olmsted and nearby counties receive free backpacks and supplies. Rochester-based Forté Living and dozens of volunteers, schools, and businesses powered the effort; families needing supplies are urged to contact their child's school directly.
   

5. Homeless Man Accused of Breaking into Rochester Home While Grandma & Grandchildren Were Inside (wjon.com) — A grandmother and her three grandchildren were inside their southeast Rochester home early Tuesday when a man allegedly entered through the back door and stole shoes and an iPhone, according to police. Officers later arrested a 36-year-old suspect nearby, recovered most of the items, and prosecutors have charged him with first-degree burglary in Olmsted County Court.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rochester

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Other local events
    Tuesday August 25
  • Step Into Learning Conferences
    Washington Elementary Rochester, MN 55901
    8:00 am

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Free event for adults, presented by the Olmsted County Master Gardeners
    Bring dried seeds from your home garden & seed packets purchased in 2026 to share. You will select seeds to take home for your own garden. It's a… (Nextdoor Northwest Rochester)
  • 5stars for Renaissance Tree Care!
    Eric and his crew not just did wonderful job on trimming my two trees, they also blowed the leaves, packed and hauled all branches. The two trees… (Nextdoor Northwest Rochester)
  • J&P Hospitality Management, LLC posted a job opening for Public Spaces/Custodian in Rochester. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Stocker 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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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