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🌱 Patch AM: What the Dunlap Seeger Plaza name change means for downtown Rochester

Spotted on the Rochester calendar: Meet-the-Teacher Day #2

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Coffee in hand, Rochester? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the Dunlap Seeger Plaza name change means for downtown Rochester
  • What Rochester's school board really thinks of Superintendent Kent Pekel
  • How a tiny tracker helped crack new Rochester-area thefts

Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and humid, with a high of 86 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Some sun, a t-storm; humid, temps: high: 85, low: 71.
  • Friday: Hot with periods of sun, with a high of 90 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. H3 Plaza gets a name change in downtown Rochester (postbulletin.com) — A prominent downtown Rochester office tower at 30 Third St. SE has been renamed Dunlap Seeger Plaza, highlighting the longtime law firm's commitment to the city's core. With new tenants like RSP Architects and possible firm expansion, the building's growth signals continued investment, jobs, and energy in Rochester's historic Third Street area.
   

2. RPS Board gives glowing review of superintendent's leadership (kaaltv.com) — Rochester Public Schools board members have rated Superintendent Kent Pekel's performance as effective to highly effective across all evaluation areas, praising his focus on internal operations and collaboration with the board. They also want stronger communication with families and diverse communities, and have set budget-related goals to review his progress again in October.
   

3. Convicted Rochester Area Catalytic Converter Thief Charged With Stealing Catalytic Converters (krocnews.com) — A repeat catalytic converter theft suspect tied to earlier Rochester-area cases is facing a new felony charge after trackers allegedly led investigators to his Dodge Center home. Authorities say he was found cutting up converters reportedly stolen from a West Concord recycling business, and several damaged parts were seized. Conditional bail was set at $5,000 as the case moves forward.
   

4. Sales + Events: Find Fairs, Art, and Home Design Inspiration This September (midwestdesignmag.com) — Rochester-area residents can explore newly built homes for free this fall through the Parade of Homes, plus two architect-designed houses featured on the Homes by Architects Tour. Alongside these local options, the piece highlights statewide events like the Minnesota State Fair, Twin Cities Maker Fest, and FinnFest, offering plenty of September ideas if you're up for a short drive.
   

5. Mayo High School offers peer support for student anxiety (kaaltv.com) — Mayo High School in Rochester is offering a Teens Offering Peer Support (TOPS) program so students can talk confidentially with trained classmates about anxiety, stress, and school pressures. Experts say some nervousness is normal, but persistent panic or refusal to attend school can signal deeper issues, making accessible peer support especially valuable for local families this fall.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I need help.
    My cat Kaneki loves to escape the house anytime a door is cracked open. I've tried a lot to keep him away from doors when they are open, I just am… (Nextdoor Lowertown)
  • Check out the group: Plant Based Rochester, MN ~ Whole Food Plant Based
    Everyone who is interested is welcome to join. Here's the link: https://nextdoor.com/g/tkh46pfxq/ (Nextdoor Kutzky Park)
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for Dollar General Stocker in Rochester. Apply here.
  • SP Plus Corporation posted a job opening for Maintenance Porter - Driving 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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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