🌱 Patch AM: Will your 2026 Rochester tax bill qualify for hidden relief?

Good morning Rochester! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Will your 2026 Rochester tax bill qualify for hidden relief?
• How free produce boxes are changing Rochester patients’ health stats
• Which new characters is Rochester’s own Yung Gravy voicing now?

Also on today's calendar: Cowboy church .

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Mostly sunny and frigid, with a high of 5 and low of -1 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Monday: Not as cold with some sun, temps: high: 29, low: 17.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 40 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• 81% of Olmsted County homeowners will see their taxes go up in 2026. What are the options for relief? (postbulletin.com) — Most Rochester and Olmsted County homeowners are set to see higher property tax bills in 2026, but several state and local programs can soften the hit. From homestead status and state refunds to senior deferrals, renter credits, and special relief for disabled residents and veterans, officials are urging Rochester households to check their eligibility before year-end deadlines.
   

• With fresh food boxes, some Olmsted Medical Center patients saw their health markers improve (postbulletin.com) — Rochester-area patients at Olmsted Medical Center who received weekly boxes of local fruits and vegetables reported less food stress, fewer skipped meals, and measurable health improvements. The Harvesting Health pilot, supported by Equity Eats and the People’s Food Co-op’s Rochester store, cut BMI and A1C levels for many participants and is slated to expand in 2026.
   

• Rochester Native Yung Gravy Lands Big Voice Acting Role this Year (minnesotanow.net) — Rochester native Yung Gravy is expanding beyond music with two new voice-acting roles, including a character in the 2025 film adaptation of “Dog Man.” He’s also voicing Golem in the popular, adults-only video game “Dispatch,” giving local fans another reason to follow his growing entertainment career.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rochester

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Sunday December 14

• Cowboy church
  901 8th Ave NW , Kasson
  5:30 pm

Monday December 15

• Mayo High School Choir Concert
  MHS Auditorium , 1420 11th Ave SE , Rochester
  7:00 pm

📣 Rochester Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 14

• Wanamingo Community Meal
  WANAMINGO COMMUNITY CENTER , 401 Main St , Wanamingo
  11:30 am

Monday December 15

• WR: Jr. High
  Jackson County Central High School
  5:00 pm

Tuesday December 16

• Pine Island Panthers vs Austin and Waseca
  Pine Island Public School (5 - 12) , 223 1st Ave SE #7518 , Pine Island
  5:00 pm
• vs. Cannon Falls
  Stewartville High School , 440 6th Ave SW , Stewartville
  5:45 pm
• BMS winter Band concert
  Byron Middle School Byron, MN 55920
  6:00 pm
• 7-8 Band Concert
  K-M High School - PAC101 Minnesota Wi-Fi Performing Arts Center
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 17

• 5-8 Choir Concert
  K-M High School - PAC101 Minnesota Wi-Fi Performing Arts Center
  6:00 pm
• 9-12 Choir Concert
  K-M High School - PAC101 Minnesota Wi-Fi Performing Arts Center
  8:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• Choir Concert
  Stewartville Middle Stewartville, MN 55976
  7:00 pm

Friday December 19

• Kasson Mantorville Komets vs Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars
  Kasson-Mantorville Senior High School , 101 16th St NE , Kasson
  7:15 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I-90 westbound is closed due to a crash involving an SUV and a semi-truck, with the interstate's westbound lanes reopening at 2:25 p.m. after the accident.
  8:49AM on Dec 12: I-90 westbound is closed due to a crash west of Dover, with detours using Hwy 14 to Eyota, and MnDOT expects the closure to last… (Nextdoor )
• A couple years ago my best friend and my snow remover passed away unexpectedly.
  Since then I have been doing the best I can trying to figure out how to do things myself. I am unable to be out in the cold due to health issues. I… (Nextdoor North District)

• Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up in Rochester. Apply here.
• Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Team Member in Rochester. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rochester here.

🗞 Nearby News

Byron

• Wrestling results for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 (postbulletin.com)
• UPDATE: Stewartville Public Schools closed Friday due to shooting at high school (kimt.com)

Stewartville

• Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce announces Opry at the Auditorium (wadenapj.com)

Kasson

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 didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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