🌱 Locals Star In 'Brigadoon' + Officials Divided On $205M Sales Tax

Morning, everybody. I'm Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, and I'll be filling in for your usual curator today. Here are all the most important things happening in Rochester-Mason City these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: An a.m. shower; mostly cloudy. High: 78 Low: 61.
• Thursday: Humid with variable clouds. High: 82 Low: 62.

Here are the top three stories today in and around Rochester-Mason City:

1. Liz and Scott Thompson, who first met during a college production in 2009, are now working side by side as set designers for BrickStreet Theatre's (located in Forest City, IA) upcoming production of "Brigadoon." Their shared love for set building has led them to create numerous sets for various productions over the years. "Brigadoon" is a classic musical about a Scottish village that appears once every 100 years, featuring beloved songs such as "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean" and "Almost Like Being in Love." Tickets for the show can be purchased online or at the door, and the cast includes members from different towns in the region, including Mason City. (KIOW.com)
2. Kevin James Hammell, a 58-year-old Rochester man, has entered guilty pleas to multiple felony child pornography charges after a tentative plea agreement. Hammell admitted to possessing child pornography involving children under 14 years old, while two other charges were dismissed. The investigation, initiated by Rochester police, began after a cyber tip identified child sexual abuse material linked to Hammell's Southwest Rochester home. He is set to be sentenced on Sep. 6, with a recommended sentence of 60 days in jail and probation as part of the plea deal. (krforadio.com)
3. Officials in Rochester are divided over how to propose a $205 million local sales tax extension to voters. Mayor Kim Norton has promised to veto the city's proposed ballot question, objecting to the inclusion of a $65 million regional sports complex without concrete plans. Norton argued that the measure should be split into four separate questions, but City Administrator Alison Zelms believes combining them gives the best chance of passage. (Star Tribune)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Rochester-Mason City:

Wednesday, July 12

• Summer Concert Series At Berne Wood-Fired Pizza (5:00 PM)

Thursday, July 13

• Bright Light Poetry Night At Chateau Theater, West Concord (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Free Bike racks are available to residents and organizations in Rochester! A statewide Health Improvement Partnership grant has allowed the purchase of the racks, with each rack accommodating 16 bikes. The movable racks are available to "rent" for free at various events and locations. (KIMT)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Rochester area at the link! (Paws and Claws Humane Society)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this week? Check out the list of events happening in and around Rochester this week at the link! (Experience Rochester, Minnesota)

You're officially in the loop for today.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.