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Rep. Benson Announces Run for Congress

(ABC 6 News) - Minnesota Republican State Representative Mike Benson of Rochester announced his run for Congress in Minnesota’s First Congressional District Monday morning.

“I believe in our country and our system of government and what I see in Washington right now, I’m worried about our future,” said Benson.

A spokesperson for Congressman Tim Walz who currently holds the First Congressional seat said in a statement, “Republicans will have a process to select their nominee. Tim Walz is working hard for southern Minnesotans and focusing on creating jobs, growing the economy, and advocating for our nation's veterans."

Benson currently represents District 26B in the Minnesota House of Representatives. A spokesperson for his campaign said they have not made a decision about his future as a state representative.

The congressional race doesn't take place until November 2014.

First Couple Completes Marriage License Application in Olmsted County

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Wednesday was a historic day in Olmsted County, as the first same-sex marriage license application was completed.

There were about a dozen people at the Olmsted County Government Center. They were all there, cameras in hand, to watch Bob Werner and Joe Nix apply for their marriage license.

Surrounded by friends and family, Bob Werner and Joe Nix became the first gay couple in Olmsted County to apply for a marriage license.

"Getting married has been our goal and we're delighted to be the first couple," said Werner.

It's been a long-time-coming for the couple, who have been together for twenty years.

"Everyone that I've talked to said once you get married, your relationship is different and although we have an excellent relationship now, we look forward to it being even better," said Werner.

Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale's Free Outdoor Concert

Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale's Free Outdoor Concert

The Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale's 2nd annual free community concert in the Peace Plaza, is Friday, June 21st. It starts at 7:30. Lights Camera Symphony!  is a performance of music from your favorite epic movies of our time. Don't forget your lawn chairs! Ice cream sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is perfect for people of all ages.

You can also purchase tickets to join your friends at the Pre-Concert VIP Party at the Kahler Grand Hotel, space is limited. Tickets are $75 each. They gains you entry to the party, with a cash bar and appetizers, entertainment and a reserved seat in Producers Row for the concert! $50 is tax deductible the proceeds benefit the RSOC's mission and help create more events such as this in our community.

Event to Celebrate Dads

Event to Celebrate Dads

Hundreds of fathers and their children are expected to attend Family Service Rochester’s annual Father’s Day Celebration. Fun and interactive yard games are happening all over the Kutzky Park. Famous Dave’s and Sam’s Club donate lunch. The entire event is free! It is set for Saturday, June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Highway 52 Lane Closures in Rochester

Highway 52 Lane Closures in Rochester

Highway 52 southbound will be reduced to one lane between 55th Street Northwest and 75th Street Northwest Wednesday, June 5, and Highway 52 northbound will be reduced to one lane Thursday, June 6.

The closures are necessary as crews install barriers for the construction of auxiliary lanes on Highway 52 as part of the 65th Street interchange project.

Once the barriers are installed, Highway 52 will be reduced to two lanes in both directions between 55th Street Northwest and 75th Street Northwest during the construction of the auxiliary lanes, scheduled to be completed in mid-October, weather permitting.

Movies on the Plaza

Movies on the Plaza

Lights, camera, action! Grab your friends and family and head to downtown Rochester for a fun take on “movie night”.Every Saturday night during the warm season there will be Movies on the Plaza. The movies will start each week at 9:00pm and are FREE to attend. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and gather on the grassy side of the Peace Plaza for this fun outdoor event.

Full list of movies:

Thursdays on First & 3rd Starts in One Week

Thursdays on First & 3rd Starts in One Week

Thursdays on first & 3rd is back for another year of summer fun! Thursdays on first & 3rd has become a truly authentic community gathering place with a variety of live music featured on two stages, a tasteful spread of outdoor food choices and an exciting mix of market vendors showcasing art, craft and baked goods products. Thursdays on first & 3rd begins June 6th and runs every Thursday through August 29th (note: there will be no event on July 4th).