Rosemount daily brief: February 7, 2026

Good morning, Rosemount. Here is a quick look at what’s happening in and around the city as the weekend gets underway.

Highway 52 propane leak contained

Earlier this week, a propane line leak near the refinery along Highway 52 prompted a major emergency response and temporary evacuations for two nearby households. Fire crews first arrived after reports of a brush fire along the highway and quickly traced the smoke to a leaking propane line.

For several hours, both directions of Highway 52 were closed between Clayton Avenue and 145th Street East while responders isolated the line and checked nearby homes. Southbound lanes reopened by late evening, and northbound lanes gradually followed after overnight testing showed the leak was contained and pressure in the line was dropping.

State and local officials say ongoing air monitoring has not detected unsafe levels, and there have been no reports of injuries. Residents near the refinery can expect to see continued work in the area as crews finish inspections and review how the incident unfolded.

Busy Saturday of local events

Today’s event listings show a full slate of activities across Rosemount. Drivers will be gathering at Dakota County Technical College for a full day of hands-on skills training through the Tire Rack Street Survival program, aimed at helping young and newer motorists handle real-world road conditions.

Sports and hobby fans have options as well. A local sports training facility is hosting a card show, drawing collectors and dealers from around the south metro. Elsewhere in town, a neighborhood venue on South Robert Trail plans an evening of pull tab horse races and meat raffles, with proceeds supporting community groups.

While many of these events require registration or small fees, several are family friendly and open to drop-in guests. Residents are encouraged to confirm details with organizers before heading out, especially if weather or travel conditions change.

Looking ahead: Writers Festival returns in March

Rosemount’s literary community is already gearing up for the 10th Annual Writers Festival and Book Fair, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at the Steeple Center. The daylong celebration is set to feature a keynote talk, craft workshops for writers at different levels, and a book fair highlighting regional authors and publishers.

Organizers are currently accepting applications for authors and vendors, and they expect a strong turnout from both local readers and visitors from across the Twin Cities. The festival has become a signature cultural event for the city, offering an easy way to discover new books and meet the people who create them.

Beyond the festival, the Steeple Center and Rosemount Parks and Recreation continue to roll out new offerings for adults 55 and older, including fitness classes, social clubs, and special events designed to help neighbors stay active and connected through the winter months.

Sources

• https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/rosemount-gas-leak-highway-52-closure/
• https://www.fox9.com/news/highway-52-open-propane-leak-refinery
• https://happeningnext.com/rosemount-mn
• https://patch.com/minnesota/applevalley-rosemount/calendar/event/20250201/cc3609a4-cc4b-4bf9-9094-487b44cfd800/apple-valley-mid-winter-fest
• https://www.rosemountwritersfestival.com/writers-festival
• https://www.rosemountmn.gov/851/55-Adult-Activities