Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will the City Council overturn Mayor Norton’s two high-profile vetoes?

Happening soon: Global Casino Night - Playing with a Purpose on the Rochester Patch calendar

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Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
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Hey hey Rochester! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will the City Council overturn Mayor Norton's two high-profile vetoes?
  • How a new wristband system could speed searches in Rochester
  • Why a Rochester senator was singled out as a "Legislator of Distinction"

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

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: An afternoon t-storm or two, with a high of 76 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Sunshine, nice and less humid, temps: high: 78, low: 57.
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 80 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rochester Council May Override Two Mayor Norton Vetoes (krocnews.com) — Rochester's City Council is set to consider overriding two recent vetoes from Mayor Kim Norton, including one tied to the Willow Creek Regional Recreation Trail route in southeast Rochester. Council members will also weigh using contingency funds to relocate a northwest waste processing facility to make way for new housing.
   

2. New technology is helping find missing people faster. Here's how local first responders are using it (kaaltv.com) — Rochester Police and the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office are now training with Project Lifesaver, a wristband-based tracking system that can locate missing vulnerable adults and children in minutes instead of hours. Local teams practiced real-world scenarios using the technology, which has a strong global safety record and could significantly speed searches when families call 911 about enrolled loved ones who wander.
   

3. Rochester lawmaker earns top honor from Minnesota cities group (kimt.com) — State Senator Carla Nelson, a Republican from Rochester, has been named a 2026 Legislator of Distinction by the League of Minnesota Cities for her work on housing tax credits and city-focused legislation. The honor recognizes her support for Minnesota cities and attention to constituent concerns across her district.
   

4. Austin's KSMQ public TV station to consolidate with TPT PBS (postbulletin.com) — Rochester viewers who rely on KSMQ will soon see their public TV service folded into a newly renamed Minnesota PBS as the Austin-based station consolidates with Twin Cities PBS on September 1. The change is designed to keep channels on the air after federal funding cuts, while shifting some subchannels and promising continued local storytelling on health and agriculture for Rochester and neighboring communities.
   

5. Majority of southern Minnesota teachers reported students being absent during immigration raids, survey finds (postbulletin.com) — Rochester Public Schools saw a sharp spike in absences during federal immigration raids, especially among multilingual, low-income, Latino and Asian students, prompting district leaders to reaffirm protections and support for affected families. A statewide teachers union survey shows southern Minnesota educators widely reported fear, protests, and boycotts, while Rochester teachers organized hybrid classes, food deliveries, and transportation to keep students learning.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We went to Clover's little market yesterday!
    Be sure to support them. It's a group of local farmers who are selling fresh produce , meat and beautiful flowers. Look them up before you go because… (Nextdoor North District)
  • I lost a very sentimental piece of jewelry.
    I have no idea where but somewhere in Rochester. It's a dainty silver bracelet with 4 children's names engraved on it. Please reach out if you have… (Nextdoor Lincolnshire - Arbor Glen)
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for USPS Mail Clerk in Rochester. Apply here.
  • J&P Hospitality Management, LLC posted a job opening for Public Spaces (Building Attendant) - Birch Hill Suites 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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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