🌱 Three-Car Crash Driver Charged + Chipotle South Online Orders Only

Hey, hello! I'm back with your new edition of the Rochester-Mason City Patch newsletter. Follow along for everything you need to know about what's going on these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Variable cloudiness. High: 78 Low: 58.
• Thursday: Turning out cloudy. High: 77 Low: 60.

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.

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

1. Amber Rose French-Farley of Rochester has been charged in a three-car crash that took place this February. On Feb. 18, officers in northwest Rochester received a complaint of an erratic driver weaving through traffic and running through traffic lights before the crash; it was reported that French-Farley used an inhalant minutes before the crash and showed signs of impairment. One of the victims of the crash was transported to the hospital with hip, neck, and head pains while the other driver was not injured. French-Farley is facing misdemeanor charges and will make her first appearance in Olmsted County court on Jun. 13. (KROC-AM)
2. At the end of the year banquet at Mason City High School, the student senate inducted its new officers going into the 2023-2024 school year. The senate has been recognized nationally, receiving the National Gold Council of Excellence award from the National Student Council. One of the student group's major accomplishments this year was successfully lobbying for the new Riverhawks mascot, replacing the Mohawks mascot that was retired after 96 years. (Globe Gazette)
3. The Chipotle South in Rochester has closed its dining room due to staffing issues. The location will offer only online ordering for the time being. As of the time of publishing, it is unclear whether this is a permanent change. (KROC-AM)

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Today and tomorrow in Rochester-Mason City:

Wednesday, May 10

• Build Your Village: Coffee Hour - 2300 Superior Dr. NW (3:00 PM)
• Collider Happy Hour - Bleu Duck Kitchen (4:30 PM)

Thursday, May 11

• Physics Force Rochester Performance - Mayo Civic Center (10:00 AM)
• Walking Club - 125 Live (12:00 PM)
• Bright Light Poetry Night - Threshold Arts (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the team at Rochester Public Schools went around asking students who their favorite teacher is in Rochester. At the link, you can see a snippet of some students' answers. (Rochester Public Schools via Facebook)
• It is officially the one-week mark until "Sidewalk Sessions" returns to downtown Rochester for the 2023 season. You can grab a quick lunch downtown and enjoy these free concerts performed by local artists. (Downtown Rochester, Minnesota via Facebook)
• Earlier this week, Officer Arendts met up with some teens at Somali Community Resettlement Services for a little food and games to connect with the teens. Nothing more relaxing to cap off your hard day than pizza and Playstation! (City of Rochester, MN Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! See you all soon for your next update.

— 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.