MIDWEST ACCESS: May 28, 2026

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Here’s what we are serving up on your Thursday Menu for Midwest Access!

SEGMENT 1: Pine Island Beer, Wine and Cheese Gala

In Pine Island, a popular early-summer tradition combines three local favorites into one community fundraiser: cheese, wine, and beer. The Cheese, Wine and Beer Gala brings people together for an afternoon of tasting and socializing while supporting projects that benefit Pine Island.

Organizers say the event is hosted by the Pine Island Image Committee, a volunteer group focused on promoting the community and reinvesting proceeds into local improvements.

The gala is scheduled for Saturday, June 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. and is hosted at S x SE Brewery in Pine Island. The event features a lineup of regional vendors offering samples and opportunities to purchase favorites to take home.

The gala is both a tasting experience and a way to highlight how much is produced locally across the region. The event draws visitors from beyond Pine Island, including people traveling in from the Twin Cities and neighboring states.

Details about the Cheese, Wine and Beer Gala are available online at https://pineislandcheesefestival.com/.

SEGMENT 2: All-Commers’ Track Meets with Rochester Running Club

Each summer, the Rochester Running Club turns a Tuesday evening at the track into an easy, welcoming way for kids to try track and field. The club’s All-Comers’ Track Meets are designed to be fun and low pressure, giving young athletes a chance to run, jump, and celebrate effort alongside neighbors and friends.

The 2026 season includes six Tuesday meets starting at 6:00 p.m. on June 9, June 16, June 30, and July 7, July 14, and July 21. The meets take place at Soldiers Memorial Field Track at Soldiers Field Memorial Park, 244 Soldiers Field Dr. SW in Rochester.

The meets are free and open to the public for kids ages 2 through 15 and up. Para-athletes and wheelchair participants are encouraged to join in either independently or with parent assistance. Families can come for one week or return throughout the season, and kids can choose to participate in as many running events and field events as they would like.

A typical meet follows a simple, familiar rhythm that keeps the night moving and makes it easy for first-timers to jump in. Race distances vary by age and include short sprints and longer runs, with events such as the 50-meter dash, 100, 200, 400, 800, and a 1600 to close out the evening. There is also a long jump, which brings its own excitement as kids line up, sprint down the runway, and see how far they can go.

Organizers say the meets often draw hundreds of participants each week, creating an energetic, community atmosphere that has become a summer tradition. The event is run by volunteers, including longtime community members who help with everything from starting races to keeping the meet organized.

Parents are asked to pre-register their children once for the season to streamline check-in. Registration covers all meets attended, and families who do not register ahead of time can still complete registration at the track.

Volunteer help is also a key part of keeping the series running smoothly, and the club encourages community members to sign up for available roles during the season.

More information, including registration and volunteer details, is available through the Rochester Running Club at https://rochesterrunningclub.org/races/.

SEGMENT 3: Aidan Hegge Memorial Golf Tournament with Aidan’s Light

Every summer, golfers and community members in southeast Minnesota come together for a tournament that is designed to do more than fill a scorecard. The Aiden Hegge Memorial Golf Tournament honors Kasson Mantorville student Aiden Hegge and supports ongoing work to prevent suicide, strengthen mental health awareness, and make sure families do not feel alone after loss.

Aiden’s parents, Ryan and Jennifer Hegge, founded Aidan’s Light after Aiden died at age 17. They describe him as a kind, gentle person who cared deeply about his friends and family. Their goal is to turn grief into action by encouraging conversations about mental health, sharing resources, and creating visible support for young people who may be struggling.

The annual tournament has been hosted at Dodge Center Country Club in Dodge Center, Minnesota, and it serves as the primary fundraiser for the organization. In addition to a day of golf, organizers emphasize the sense of community the event builds for families and friends who have been affected by suicide. Activities can include tournament day contests and raffles supported by local sponsors and donors.

Organizers encourage people to speak up when they are having a difficult day and to reach out to trusted adults, friends, or other supportive people rather than keeping concerns to themselves.

Aidan’s Light also invites community members and businesses to get involved beyond registering to golf. Supporters can explore options such as hole sponsorships and other forms of partnership to help fund youth mental health and suicide prevention efforts. Volunteers are also welcome to help during the tournament, and the organization can be contacted by email at info@aidans-light.org.

People looking for current tournament information, registration details, or ways to support the mission can visit the official Aidan’s Light website at http://aidans-light.org/ and the organization’s golf tournament page at http://aidans-light.org/golf-tournament.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, support is available 24 hours a day through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.

SEGMENT 4: Real Talk with Robin - The Rochester MN Housing Market is Changing- Here’s What to Expect

The Rochester MN housing market is changing, but it is not crashing. After several years of a frantic seller’s market, things are becoming more balanced in 2026.

Here’s what Rochester Real Estate Expert Robin Gwaltney has to say.

What’s Happening Right Now

• Inventory is slightly higher than the last couple of years.
• Homes are taking a bit longer to sell.
• Price reductions are more common than in the past 4–5 years.
• Buyers have more choices and can be more selective.

Even with that shift:

• Rochester median home values are still up about 4% year over year.
• Homes that sell are going pending in a median of around 17 days.
• Well‑priced, move‑in‑ready homes still move quickly.

What Sellers Need to Know:

The biggest mistake sellers make right now is pricing like it’s 2022. Overpricing kills momentum, especially in the first 7–10 days. The market is rewarding realistic pricing and move‑in‑ready condition.

To stand out, focus on:

• Fresh paint
• Modern fixtures and good lighting
• Updated flooring
• Solid mechanicals and clean inspection items

What Buyers Need to KnowFor buyers, Rochester real estate feels different than a few years ago:

• Fewer bidding wars
• More inspection items being fixed
• In some cases, seller concessions
• More room to negotiate on price and terms

Because rates are higher and sometimes fluctuating, buyers are payment‑focused and prefer homes that don’t need major projects.

Why Rochester Is Still Strong Compared to many national markets, Rochester MN remains stable thanks to:

• Mayo Clinic job stability
• Steady medical and healthcare demand
• Ongoing relocation activity
• Limited inventory versus big metro areas

Looking ahead to summer 2026:

• Expect more listings than last year, but still overall low inventory.
• Entry‑level and mid‑range, move‑in‑ready homes should remain the strongest segment.
• Luxury homes may take longer and need sharper pricing.

SEGMENT 5: Aging Untold - A Better Skin Regimen

When it comes to skin care, more steps don’t always mean better results. A simple routine can still go a long way: cleanse, moisturize, and protect.

First, use a gentle cleanser that’s unscented and fragrance-free.

For the next step, Aging Untold expert Sam Cradduck says moisturizer is one of the most important parts of your routine, especially as we age.

“So, moisture is to the skin what water is to a plant. Your skin is not going to be healthy without moisturizer.”

The third step is protection—especially from everyday sun exposure. That’s where something as simple as sunscreen can help.

Experts say to consider a moisturizer that contains sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply in the morning and then reapply it mid-day.

Cradduck also cautions that some medications and lifestyle factors can make the skin thinner and more fragile.

“So… you have to watch some of the medications that we put our aged community on or an asthmatic. A lot of steroids cause our skin to thin. So does smoking, and a lot of sun exposure will do the same,” says Aging Untold expert, Sam Cradduck.

And if your goal is to make collagen, using vitamin C is also helpful. You can apply it in the morning after cleansing.

So, if you want to keep your skin care routine simple, start here: cleanse your skin, keep it moisturized, and protect it with sunscreen.