Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Rochester students just hit a reading milestone not seen since 2012

Spotted on the Rochester calendar: Around The World Camp

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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:

  • Rochester students just hit a reading milestone not seen since 2012
  • What Rochester admits went wrong during massive Link BRT construction
  • How nearly 800 new home lots could reshape northwest Rochester living

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

Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 61 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Saturday: Some sun, then clouds, temps: high: 65, low: 49.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 63 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rochester Schools Top State Reading Scores For First Time Since 2012 (wjon.com) — Rochester Public Schools have surpassed Minnesota's statewide reading proficiency rate for the first time since 2012, with 46.5% of students meeting or exceeding new standards. District leaders credit updated reading curriculum, targeted interventions, and teacher training, while also noting steady gains in math and science and emphasizing that many students still need support under the RPS 2030 improvement plan.
   

2. City of Rochester admits to some missteps in Link BRT Project (kimt.com) — Rochester officials acknowledge missteps in supporting nearly 100 businesses along 2nd Street that have struggled or closed during Link Bus Rapid Transit construction, the city's largest-ever infrastructure project. With most underground work done and completion expected in August 2027, leaders are adding funding for marketing and outreach while urging affected businesses to share needs as stations and roadway changes take shape.
   

3. Nearly 800 new home lots recommended for northwest Rochester (postbulletin.com) — Hundreds of new homes, senior units, and a large memory care facility are moving closer to reality in northwest Rochester as the Planning and Zoning Commission sends several subdivision proposals to the City Council. If approved, these projects would add nearly 800 single-family lots, 100 townhomes, and new senior housing options over the next few years, reshaping growth on the city's northwest side.
   

4. UMN and Minnesota State navigate budget challenges (kaaltv.com) — University of Minnesota Rochester and RCTC could feel the impact as the UMN and Minnesota State systems confront major budget gaps, possible restructuring, and even campus changes. While UMR enrollment has hit a record 1,200 students, leaders warn that limited state funding and rising costs may force tough decisions on tuition, services, and campus operations across southeastern Minnesota.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Highly recommend Leaf Relief!
    Hired Alex to complete some power washing and gutter maintenance on a dormer window that was too high for me to access. He went above and beyond!… (Nextdoor NW Cooke Park)
  • My small male Siamese (intact) has escaped the house.
    Elton Hills 2300 block of 12th Ave. He has never been outside, may be skittish. His name is Nyx, please DM if seen/located. (Nextdoor North District)
  • Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. posted a job opening for Line Operator in Rochester. Apply here.
  • Burger King - Dhanani Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Manager 5780 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: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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