🌱 Rochester Schools Back To Class + Just Between Friends Annual Sale

Hello again, neighbors. It's Wednesday in Rochester-Mason City and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Breezy in the morning; sunny. High: 82 Low: 56.
• Thursday: Breezy in the morning; sunny. High: 79 Low: 54.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Rochester-Mason City? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

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

1. All schools in the Rochester School District returned to normal on Tuesday after taking a temporary break due to a suspected cyber attack on the school system. Over the weekend, school officials determined that there was a breach in the district's cybersecurity system, and classes were canceled on Monday while the district made a plan for the future. It is currently unclear if the affected data can be used for identity or financial theft, but officials advised all staff to stay mindful of their accounts and watch out for any suspicious activities. (106.9 KROC)
2. Just Between Friends is hosting its yearly maternity and children's clothing sale here in Rochester at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds 4-H Building from Apr. 13-16. Families will be able to purchase clothes from 50-90 percent off retail prices as well as donate to Rochester charities like Gage East and Christmas Anonymous. Those interested can purchase tickets online to shop on Thursday, and the event will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. (Rochester Post Bulletin)
3. Kari Peters of Mason City was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for the distribution of methamphetamine. Peters admitted that she was distributing around Mason City, and her seven-year sentence will also require a four-year supervised release after her sentence. The Mason City Police Department, Iowa Department of Narcotics, Cerro Gordo Sheriff's Office, and North Iowa Drug Task Force investigated this case before it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers. (KIMT 3)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Rochester-Mason City Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Rochester-Mason City Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Rochester-Mason City:

Wednesday, April 12

• Conservation Coffee Club — Lime Creek Conservation Area And Nature Center (9:30 AM)
• Bright Star — The Chateau Theatre (7:00 PM)
• The Wildwoods — Forager Brewery (7:00 PM)

Thursday, April 13

• Spring Puppet Show — Charles H. MacNider Art Museum (11:00 AM)
• Tie-Dye Fundraiser For Rochester Pride — Art Heads Emporium (6:00 PM)
• Comedy Cafe — Surf Ballroom (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Rochester Police Department wants to thank its frontline dispatchers for all the work they do as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. These 27 individuals in the department have someone working 24/7 to keep the community and officers safe. (City of Rochester, MN Police Department via Facebook)
• The Rochester School District would like to inform substitute teachers in the area that Red Rover is still operating and that they are in need of subs for the remainder of the week. Please log in and select positions to cover. (Rochester Public Schools via Facebook)
• There are just a little less than two months left until the Jefferson Highway Conference makes its way into Mason City this June. Click here to order a shirt for pick-up at the conference or have it delivered straight to your home! (Visit Mason City Iowa via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! 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.