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🌱 Patch AM: What happened inside the failed settlement talks at Rochester City Hall?

And on the Rochester Patch calendar - Holiday Market at Forager Brewery

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Hello Rochester! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What happened inside the failed settlement talks at Rochester City Hall?
  • How investigators say a Rochester stop exposed a multi-state meth pipeline
  • Which Rochester-area ski trail fits your winter adventure level?

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Rochester-Mason Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Rochester-Mason Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 30 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Monday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 37, low: 29.
  • Tuesday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 36 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. No settlement in former councilmember's suit against City of Rochester (kaaltv.com) — A lengthy settlement conference this week failed to resolve former Ward 6 councilmember Molly Dennis’ discrimination and First Amendment lawsuit against the City of Rochester, so the case is moving forward. Both Dennis and the city must respond to a mediator’s proposal by Dec. 24, and the current council has added a closed session on Dec. 22 to discuss the ongoing litigation.
   

2. Charges: Large Meth Seizure Near Rochester Linked to Chicago and Mexico (krocnews.com) — Olmsted County investigators recently seized about 3.3 pounds of meth during a traffic stop north of Rochester, following an investigation into alleged bulk drug trafficking tied to Chicago and Mexico. A Minneapolis man is now charged with first-degree drug sale and possession after being tracked to a brief stop at a northeast Rochester apartment complex.
   

3. Hit the Trails: Cross-Country Skiing in Rochester (Plus Rentals) (krocnews.com) — If you’re itching to get outside this winter, Rochester and nearby parks offer groomed cross-country ski trails plus affordable rentals. From Quarry Hill and Eastwood to Chester Woods, Essex, Gamehaven, and Oxbow, you’ll find options for beginners and more advanced skiers, with clear details on trail difficulty, rental prices, and hours.
   

4. Girls hockey results for Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 (postbulletin.com) — Rochester Mayo’s girls hockey team fell 4–1 at Fairmont on Saturday, despite leading for much of the game behind an early goal from Abby Weick. Goalie Amelia Ranfranz made 20 saves, and the Spartans, now 4-4-1, head to Hastings for a Tuesday night matchup.
   

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Pet Service Franchise Opportunity in Rochester, MN 🐾
    A Pet Butler franchise is now available for resale in the Rochester area, offering a local foothold in the rapidly growing $24 billion pet service... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I was on my computer, and I received a message from Microsoft to call a number and do not close the message.
    I called the 833 number and it was a person from India or there abouts. I immediately hung up and shut down my computer. I just want all to be aware… (Nextdoor Kings Run / Watson)
  • Happy Friday
    #gym #StrongWomen #WellnessLifestyle #HealthyLiving #MindBodyBalance #DailyMovement (Nextdoor Slatterly Park)
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for American Airlines Gate Agent in Rochester. Apply here.
  • Valvoline, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Service Center Manager 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: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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