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🌱 Patch AM: How Rochester police caught a Twin Cities man in an underage sting

You won't want to miss Around The World Camp on the Rochester Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 30th Patch AM
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Good morning Rochester! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Rochester police caught a Twin Cities man in an underage sting
  • Why Thesis Beer Project shut its Rochester taproom earlier than expected
  • How Century girls turned a 1-0 edge into a 5-0 rout

Also on today's calendar: Around The World Camp and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why should you never iron a 4-leaf colver? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Morning rain; mostly cloudy, with a high of 76 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Thursday: Periods of sun; not as warm, temps: high: 65, low: 45.
  • Friday: Sunny, with a high of 65 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man Pleads Guilty After Rochester Underage Sex Sting (wjon.com) — Rochester police say an undercover sting led to a Twin Cities man pleading guilty to soliciting a child through electronic communication after arranging to meet a supposed 14-year-old at a northeast Rochester park. The plea deal drops a second felony charge, and sentencing is set for January, highlighting ongoing local efforts to target online child exploitation.
   

2. Thesis Beer Project closes taproom in Rochester (kaaltv.com) — A well-loved Rochester gathering spot, Thesis Beer Project, has officially closed its taproom after seven years, citing downtown construction as a key factor. The brewery thanked Rochester customers, artists, and neighbors for turning the space into a community hub built around beer, music, and connection, and confirmed the shutdown came earlier than its previously announced year-end timeline.
   

3. Girls soccer results for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 (postbulletin.com) — Century High School's girls soccer team in Rochester broke open a tight match against Winona with four second-half goals to secure a 5-0 Big Nine Conference win. Addison Stafford scored twice, while Emma Anderson, McKenzie Perry and Kinsley Cirlic also found the net, and goalie Quinn Stewart posted another shutout.
   

4. Gary 'Doc' Donovan Daniels (fillmorecountyjournal.com) — A beloved area veterinarian with deep roots in Rochester and Eyota, Dr. Gary "Doc" Daniels, has died at 80. Raised on a Rochester-area farm and educated at Rochester Junior College, he served farm families for decades from Chatfield and stayed active in church, 4-H, and county fair work; services are set in Chatfield October 1–2.
   

5. Google aims to answer questions on Pine Island Data Center project (kaaltv.com) — Residents in nearby Pine Island are pressing Google for clearer answers on water use and farmland loss tied to a proposed data center, with construction currently halted by a court order. A Rochester Area Economic Development representative stressed how seriously Minnesotans take water quality as other communities like Harmony and Hancock County also weigh new rules for data centers.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey neighbors!
    Does your child have a teacher who makes a huge difference in their life? Or do you have a teacher in the area who is still teaching that touched… (Nextdoor North District)
  • Heads up: Property Records and Licensing (PRL) at the Government Center will close to the public at 3 p.
    m. Wednesday, September 30. Assessment Services and Revenue staff will remain available from 3–5 p.m. From 3–5 p.m., the following service areas… (Nextdoor )
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for House Cleaner / Housekeeper / Maid in Rochester. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Cake Decorator 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: You don't want to press your luck! (Thank you Tee E. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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