MIDWEST ACCESS: June 25, 2026

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Here’s your jam-packed Friday-Eve edition of Midwest Access!

SEGMENT 1: Midwest Mahjong

What started as one Rochester woman’s curiosity about American Mahjong has turned into a growing social circle across southeast Minnesota.

Bethany, an instructor and founder of Midwest Mahjong, taught herself the game in the fall of 2025 because “there was no one to teach me.” Once she learned, she invited friends over for small classes in her home and quickly realized she loved teaching. “I’m going to offer this to the community since I didn’t have an opportunity to learn from a community here in town,” she says.

Mahjong dates back to the 1800s in China, but Bethany focuses on American Mahjong, following National Mahjong League rules. She calls it “a picking and discarding game” with a mix of luck and strategy—and a big part of the draw is the tiles themselves. “They’re beautiful,” she says. “People come for the tiles and the tablescapes, but they stay for the community.”

In a typical game, each player starts with 13 or 14 tiles, builds a “wall,” and then begins dealing. Bethany walks beginners through the three main suits—Dots, Bams, and Craks—plus Winds, Jokers, and Flowers. The goal is to create a legal 14‑tile hand from the official card, which lists around 70 different patterns. It’s a lot to learn, she admits, but that time together is exactly what builds connection.

“I love when people leave and then they go on to play with those same people later on,” she says. Anyone can sign up—solo or with friends—and “everybody’s welcome at the table.”

Midwest Mahjong now runs games and classes in Rochester, Oronoco, Owatonna, and Kasson. Bethany still has another full‑time job, but says Mahjong is “absolutely taking over a large chunk of my life. It brings me a lot of joy. And it’s bringing people a lot of joy.”

You can find class schedules and events at MidwestMahjongMN.com, or follow Midwest Mahjong on Facebook and Instagram.

SEGMENT 2: Miss Minnesota Anna Brennan

Fresh off being crowned Miss Minnesota 2026, Byron native Anna Brennan is jumping straight into what she calls her “year of service.”

For Anna, Miss America is about far more than gowns and crowns. As a journalism student, she’s built a community service initiative called Media Well, a platform focused on teaching media literacy in schools across Minnesota.

“All of us in the organization are required to have a community service initiative,” she explains. “That makes it more than just the sparkly crowns. It really gives our year of service purpose.”

Through Media WELL, Anna has already been traveling the state, speaking to students about how to better understand the news and information they see every day. She says media literacy isn’t just for kids—ethics, accuracy, and critical thinking matter for adults too.

Next up, Anna will represent Minnesota on the Miss America stage this September, a dream she’s had since watching the competition on TV as a child. But she’s quick to point out that the pageant itself is only a few days out of the year. The rest of her time will be spent visiting schools, attending parades, and showing Minnesotans what modern pageantry really looks like.

“I really want people to know we’re here in this platform because we earned it,” she says. “We worked hard. And we have a mission and a platform that we’re passionate about that can work to make the state and the nation a better place.”

Anna says her favorite part of the Miss America opportunity is the sisterhood—the friendships formed with other ambitious women who push each other toward their goals. One of her closest friends now is a former competitor who once beat her in the teen division. “When you surround yourself with women who have the same ambition and want to support you, it’s incredible what can happen,” she says.

The Miss America crown has four points that guide Anna’s year: scholarship, success, service, and style—all resting on that base of sisterhood. As Miss Minnesota, she’s earned scholarship money to help finish her degree at the University of St. Thomas, gained a platform to grow Media WELL, and found a community of women who challenge and cheer her on.

“I think those four points are a true example of what a modern woman should be,” Anna says. “And I think that’s something worth celebrating.”

SEGMENT 3: Pistons 4 Prevention 2nd Annual Bike Ride & Family Fun Day

A local group is combining motorcycles, magic, and family fun to tackle a serious issue: drug prevention.

Denise Frey is one of the organizers behind this weekend’s Pistons 4 Prevention 2nd Annual Bike Ride & Family Fun Day in Oronoco. She says the idea came from something she kept hearing from families.

“I learned about a year and a half ago that there’s a lot of parents who don’t know how to talk with their kids about drugs, but they want to,” she explains. “And there’s also a lot of kids who are afraid to talk to their parents about drugs. My mission is to take the fear out of drug talks and just start talking about it.”

The event is designed to do exactly that—mix solid drug education with a lot of fun. Denise says the goal is simple: “Every child that comes leaves knowing their life matters.”

Fear often gets in the way on both sides. Teens worry their parents will assume they’re using if they bring up drugs. Parents sometimes worry that talking about substances might actually encourage curiosity. But if parents never bring it up, kids are left guessing—and often get their information elsewhere.

This year, the event is focusing especially on cannabis and vaping. Because they’re legal for adults and widely visible, Denise says they’re easier to start the conversation around—but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

“Yes, it’s legal, but there are negative consequences for our health,” she says. “Vaping is very addictive. People don’t want to admit that, but it is.” She says there are already 12- and 13-year-olds in Rochester addicted to vaping. Many start because “it tastes good,” with thousands of kid-friendly flavors on the market.

While half of the event is about honest conversations and education, the other half is about fun. Families can expect a dunk tank, an inflatable, and a big magic show. Special guest Darrell Thompson—John Marshall High School graduate, former Green Bay Packer, and now president of Boulder Options—will be there as well. There will also be door prizes throughout the afternoon.

The Ride for Awareness and Free Family Fun Day takes place at J-Rock’s Autoglass (6645 75th St NW, Oronoco) right across from the Douglas Trailhead, from noon to 4 p.m. If you have a motorcycle, you’re invited to show up between 8 and 9 a.m. and join the ride.

More details are available on Facebook and at www.4youth.life

SEGMENT 4: Real talk with Robin - Rochester MN Housing Market: Buy Now or Wait Until 2027?

Right now, many people are asking, “Should I buy now, or wait until next year?”

According to Robin Gwaltney of The Gwaltney Group | RE/MAX, no one can predict exactly what will happen with the market, the economy, interest rates, or home prices—but there are a few practical things to consider before deciding to wait.

A lot of buyers are focused on mortgage rates and are hoping they’ll come down. The catch is that when rates drop in a meaningful way, more buyers usually jump back into the market, which can quickly increase competition.

More buyers often mean higher demand, which can push home prices up, create more multiple-offer situations, and reduce a buyer’s negotiating power. Inspection items can also be harder to negotiate when sellers have strong backup offers. In many cases, the money saved from a lower interest rate can be offset by a higher purchase price, so a lower rate doesn’t always guarantee a lower monthly payment.

Robin also notes that Rochester has strong long-term fundamentals. The market here tends to be steady and historically hasn’t experienced the dramatic boom-and-bust swings seen in some parts of the country. Mayo Clinic and ongoing healthcare job growth help support stability, and Rochester’s population continues to grow with major investments in the community.

At the same time, the area is still dealing with inventory shortages across many price ranges, and Rochester historically hasn’t seen a major home price correction—so waiting for prices to drop significantly may not be realistic.

Home values have continued rising year over year, often around 4% to 6%, and homes are selling for about 99% of list price when priced properly. For example, at 4% growth, a $400,000 home could be $416,000 next year.

Bottom line: whether to buy now is often less about market timing and more about your personal readiness.

Robin recommends buying when you have stable employment and income, sufficient savings, plan to stay in the home for several years, and—most importantly—when the monthly payment fits comfortably within your budget. Trying to perfectly time the market isn’t easy. If you feel financially ready, you may already be in a good position to purchase—and you can always “date the rate” by refinancing later if rates improve.

If rates fall next year, competition and pricing may increase as more buyers return. If rates don’t fall, the market could look a lot like it does now, meaning buyers who waited may not gain an advantage—though increased inventory is possible and could help buyers.

Waiting may make sense if you need more time to save for a down payment, expect changes in your job or family situation, or if today’s payment would be a stretch. A great final question to ask yourself is: Can I comfortably afford the payment?

SEGMENT 5: Travel South Dakota - An East River Getaway

If you’re looking for a road trip that blends outdoor adventure with unexpected arts and culture, set your sights on Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city—and a lively home base for exploring the eastern side of the state.

Start in the heart of downtown at Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River rushes over striking pink quartzite rock. The views are dramatic, the walking paths are easy, and it’s the kind of place that instantly makes a trip feel like it’s underway.

When it’s time to eat, Sioux Falls delivers far beyond what many travelers expect. The city has built a diverse, award-winning dining scene, including standout spots like BB Soul and Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean, plus next-level sweets at CH Patisserie, led by a world champion pastry chef.

For families, Sioux Falls keeps the fun going with the Great Plains Zoo, and the nearby Butterfly House & Aquarium, where animal exhibits and colorful marine life add a playful contrast to South Dakota’s wide-open prairie setting.

Arts and culture lovers will want to make time for SculptureWalk Sioux Falls, which features a rotating collection of public art—more than 80 sculptures displayed throughout the downtown area, creating a walkable outdoor gallery experience.

From there, the region opens up into memorable day-trip territory. In Vermillion, the National Music Museum houses one of the world’s most significant instrument collections, including the world’s oldest playable harpsichord and guitars once owned by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Palisades State Park, known for its dramatic cliffs, trails, and options for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and fishing—a scenic change of pace that still feels close to the city.

For classic roadside Americana, make a stop in Mitchell at the Corn Palace, the world’s only building decorated with intricate murals made entirely from corn and other natural materials.

And for a hands-on step into prairie history, visit the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, located on the original Ingalls family homestead land. It’s an interactive experience with wagon rides, a one-room schoolhouse, and activities that bring pioneer life into focus.

From downtown Sioux Falls to the parks, museums, and small-town landmarks beyond, this corner of South Dakota brings together nature, culture, food, and heritage in a way that feels both refreshing and surprisingly rich.

To start planning your trip, visit TravelSouthDakota.com.