🌱 Minnesota Representatives In Spelling Bee + Rochester Chess Champ

Good morning, friends. It's Wednesday in Rochester-Mason City and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 87 Low: 63.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm. High: 85 Low: 66.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Rochester-Mason City Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Rochester-Mason City Patch newsletter possible.

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

1. Rochester police are currently investigating two different cases of automobile theft that occurred over the holiday weekend. The first incident was reported a bit before 6:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at the Rochester Athletic Club Parking Lot, where a woman reported the window of her car had been smashed and her purse was stolen. The second incident was reported about an hour later at the Douglas Trail Parking Lot, where another window was smashed and a wallet and phone were stolen, it is currently unknown if the two incidents are related but a dark Chrysler was seen on camera pulling in and out of multiple spots. (KROC-AM)
2. In this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee, there are 231 brilliant students who are competing for a spot in the finals on Thursday — and five of the students are Minnesota representatives. Minnesota has a couple of representatives from the state, including 12-year-old Roberto Villasboas, who is representing Rochester and the St. Francis of Assisi School. The preliminary round of the spelling bee started on Tuesday with the quarter/semi-finals being on Wednesday; those who pass all of these challenges will be competing in the finals Thursday from 8:00-10:00 p.m. You can watch the competition on ION, the local television networks, or with the online stream. (KARE11.com)
3. Vihaan Pendse of Rochester has been named the Minnesota Chess Champion for his age group. Pendse was first introduced to the game of chess by when he was four and a half by his parents as a way to focus his energy; since then, he not only loves the game but he excels at it. This week, he is competing in a tournament in Chicago; Pendse currently ranks 19 in the nation in his age group. (Rochester Post Bulletin)

Business owners and marketers in Rochester-Mason City: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in Rochester-Mason City:

Wednesday, May 31

• Foreverwell Sitting Meditation At Rochester Art Center (12:00 PM)
• Music At The Deck On 4th And Zumbro At 11 4th Street SE, Rochester (12:30 PM)
• Rochester Honkers vs. Thunder Bay Border Cats At Mayo Ball Field (6:35 PM)

Thursday, June 1

• From Doubt To Confidence: Tackling Imposter Syndrome At Collider Foundation (11:00 AM)
• Master Networks Chapter Meeting At White's Fire Smoke & Water Damage Cleaning And Restoration (12:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Rochester-Mason City dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• This week in Rochester has already been filled with a ton of exciting events from art activities, to music, and fitness. View the Facebook video for the activities left to cap off the week and what downtown Rochester has to offer; for more information, visit downtownrochestermn.com. (Downtown Rochester, MN via Facebook)
• The Rochester Public Schools District is hiring for multiple roles, from maintenance positions to teaching aides. Take a moment to check out the recruitment video shared by the district; if you or someone you may know is interested in joining the district, you can apply here. (Rochester Public Schools via Facebook)
• Rochester Parks & Recreation is currently looking into new options for a newer dog park near the downtown area. Community members will have the opportunity to share feedback on the Kutzky Park option and learn more about it in the Virtual Open House being held today at noon and at 6:00 p.m.; more information can be found here. (City of Rochester, MN Government via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.