MIDWEST ACCESS: July 8, 2026

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Happy Hump Day! Here’s what we have for you today on Midwest Access.

SEGMENT 1: Viv’s Groovy Garden Gurus - Graham Park Living Spaces

Construction at the Olmstead County Fairgrounds is reshaping the area—and local Master Gardeners say the upgrades will also bring more native, pollinator-friendly spaces to Graham Park.

The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener program begins with an internship year before volunteers continue on as certified Master Gardeners.

Joni Kallis, currently an intern, said the experience has been both hands-on and inspiring. “So far it’s been a lot of fun, and I’ve been working a lot at Grand Park and learning a lot about native plants to Minnesota, so I’m trying to incorporate them into my own landscape at home,” Kallis said.

Mike Zhu, now in his second year, said he also learned by digging in alongside experienced volunteers. “I worked a lot of the Graham Park Gardens with Tom… learned a lot about native plants and kind of sustainable growing,” Zhu said.

Veteran Master Gardener Tom Bellinger said his connection to Graham Park started during his own internship. “This is my 10th year… and 2017 is when I was an intern… that garden was basically open for someone to take over. So I raised my hand, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Bellinger said.

Bellinger said the construction many visitors have noticed will culminate in a major new event space. “It’s an 80,000-square-foot exhibition center… they took down all the barns, horse barns and all that, and it’s going to be able to do all the events in and out,” he said. He added the project will also create more room for educational and habitat-focused plantings around the facility.

One of the most eye-catching additions will be a “bee lawn”—a flowering alternative to traditional turf. Bellinger described it as a low-growing mix designed to hold up to foot traffic while supporting pollinators. “It’s a mixture of very small, low-growing flowers… a mix in there, and they pretty much can handle being trampled on… it’s low-mow, so it’s very low-maintenance,” he said.

You can meet the Master Gardeners on-site during the Olmstead County Fair in late July, near the Miracle of Birth exhibit.

SEGMENT 2: History Center of Olmsted County July Events

Summer is heating up—and so is the July calendar at the History Center of Olmsted County.

Valerie Wassmer, Executive Director of the History Center of Olmsted County, says the month includes a mix of lectures, family programming, and partner events.

“So this Thursday, of course, is our monthly Mayo Clinic lecture, which is always a very popular thing,” Wassmer said. “The theme this month is spirit of service and the Mayo service to the country.”

On Friday, July 17, local author Tammy Wilson will be at the History Center for story time, reading her book Good Night Fireflies.

A major day of activity is Saturday July 18, when the History Center hosts a community partner celebration. Programming includes a noon appearance by the Rochester Roosters, tours of the Heirloom Gardens led by Master Gardeners, and a cookbook sale featuring family recipes organized by genealogy supporters.

The History Center’s “Taste Through Time” event remains on pause as organizers continue to be mindful of what works best for local restaurants, with hopes to bring it back later in the year.

“The genealogy people will be there selling a really cool cookbook of like grandparents’ recipes,” Wassmer said.

The History Center is also adding a Thursday night lecture connected to America’s 250th birthday. A summer intern has been researching presidential history and connections between presidents and Minnesota, including a few ties specific to Olmsted County on Thursday, July 23.

SEGMENT 3: Broadway Laundromat Goes Solar

Broadway Laundromat has made a major addition aimed at keeping Rochester cleaner—and greener—now and for generations to come.

Owner Dan Zimmer said the business recently went solar after years of planning. “For the last couple of years, we’ve been talking about going solar, and we had solar panels put on our building about a month ago,” Zimmer said. “To be able to create the energy that we’re using is a big positive for our laundromat.”

Zimmer said the system is designed to power day-to-day operations. “It’s 67 panels… a large amount of energy that we create on a daily basis,” he said.

While panel installation took about a week, Zimmer said the overall project required major prep work, including a new roof and electrical upgrades. “It was really a two-year process that we spent in getting to where we are today,” he said.

Zimmer said the move supports sustainability but also helps stabilize costs as utility rates rise. “Instead of paying an electrical bill, we’re paying for our solar panels,” he said, adding he hopes the system will be paid off in five to six years. He said that could help avoid passing future increases on to customers. “If RPU gives us another 10% increase next year, we’re not going to have to increase our machines because of that,” Zimmer said.

Zimmer said a grant also helped shorten the payoff timeline. “We went to the Destination Medical Center and asked for a grant. So, they paid for a third of the cost of the solar panels,” he said.

Beyond the solar upgrade, Zimmer said Broadway Laundromat serves both self-serve customers and those who prefer drop-off wash, dry and fold service. He also highlighted pickup and delivery options available through the laundromat’s website.

The laundromat’s large-capacity machines are especially helpful for bulky loads. “We have machines that can put more than two full-size comforters in,” Zimmer said. “So, you can be washing multiple comforters at the same time.”

SEGMENT 4: “The Treasure of Shiver River” at the Mantorville Opera House

A melodrama is taking center stage this month at the Manorville Opera House as the Manorville Theatre Company presents The Treasure of Shiver River.

Actor Drew Adams says this production follows the classic melodrama setup audiences know and love.

“You have the hero, the heroine, the villain. The villain’s always trying to marry someone or get the deed to the ranch or something like that.”

Melodrama fans are encouraged to do more than watch quietly.

“With a melodrama, they’re always super fun for kids and families in general,” Director Ryan Frank says. “The villain will come on stage, evil music will play, and the audience is expected to boo.”

He said the same goes for the heroes.

“The villain will come on, and hero music will play, and everyone can cheer.”

Music is also part of the fun, with songs designed to celebrate America’s 250 years.

“Our songs feature things that celebrate America in our 250 years,” actor Reed explains “We’ve got the Battle Hymn of the Republic… and Till We Meet Again from World War I.”

The Treasure of Shiver River runs July 10 through July 26, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., all at the Manorville Opera House.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.manorvilletheatrecompany.com or at the door.

SEGMENT 5: PCHS Pet of the Week - Dreamy, Presented by VCA Animal Hospitals

Meet Dreamy, the Paws and Claws Humane Society Pet of the Week.