Good morning, St. Cloud.

CentraCare released its 2025 baby name rankings, with Oliver topping for boys + Emma for girls; its nine hospitals reported 2,850 births + a drop of nearly 960 from 3,810 in 2024.

Great River Regional Library launches its 2026 winter reading challenge Friday with a chill-out theme that invites readers in 6th grade or older to track progress using paper logs or the Beanstack app.

The event at all 32 branches offers prizes including coffee mugs + winter hats.

The Great River Regional Library launches its Winter Reading Challenge this Friday and runs through the end of February.

Teens and adults can register at any branch, online, or on Beanstack Tracker to join prize drawings and track their reading progress.

Deer are shedding antlers early this winter after a heavy December snowfall, and ice fishing is growing with improved ice on local lakes – some spots measure only 8 inches so caution is advised.

Locals should check ice thickness before driving vehicles on frozen lakes.

Last weekend’s heavy snow boosted moisture in central Minnesota, normalizing conditions in Stearns and reducing dryness in Benton and Sherburne counties ahead of the new year; however, drought persists in Duluth and parts of the Iron Range.

A guide for buying used trucks in Minnesota advises buyers to check mileage, tire wear (using a tire tread gauge), and signs of snow plow use today to avoid trucks that may have hidden engine issues.

Buyers are encouraged to research the truck’s usage beyond the odometer reading for better reliability.

Cathedral hockey clinched a 5-0 win over Sauk Rapids-Rice Tuesday night at Granite City Showcase in St. Cloud, with Brady Andvik scoring at 8:47 in the second period and goalie Hunter Moreland recording 25 saves — the team will face the Crush at the MAC on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.

Radio Nation - A Tribute to Steve Miller and The Cars

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Ticket prices vary — Relive the magic of the 70s and 80s with iconic hits from Steve Miller and The Cars.

Karaoke Night at The Pickled Loon

10:00-11:30 p.m. — The Pickled Loon — Free entry — Unleash your inner rockstar and enjoy a night of singing your favorite tunes in a friendly atmosphere.

10000 Days - A Tribute to Tool

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — $ — Experience the Midwest's premier tribute to Tool with a technically complex and emotionally powerful performance.

Skiing, Sledding, and Snowshoeing Sundays

1-5 p.m. — Riverside Park — Free equipment available — Embrace winter fun with skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing while warming up by the fireplace.

Monday Night Jazz

7-9:30 p.m. — Veranda Lounge — Enjoy live jazz with a local band in a cozy atmosphere.

FREE! Winter Chill Festival

1-4 p.m. — Riverside Park — Free entry — Bundle up for outdoor winter fun with sledding, snowshoeing, and Nordic ski activities for the whole family.