Good morning, St. Cloud.

Stearns County’s parks department and the Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota will host the Nordic Ski Sampler this February, inviting locals to ski at four parks.

Participants may register for a prize drawing (bonus entry with the ski club) and win prizes (like a free parking pass).

St. Cloud State University will receive a $370,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Education to boost school counselor recruitment and retention.

The funding offers up to $400 per credit in tuition assistance over the next two years, with a focus on underrepresented students for local placements.

St. Cloud Area Catholic Community Schools will host open houses from Wed, Jan.

21 to Fri, Jan. 23, offering parents guided tours of preschool, elementary, and middle school programs — six schools will welcome families, with Cathedral extending its session on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. — to explore enrollment options.

Stearns County Parks Department is updating Quarry Park's Master Plan for the first time since 1995 by asking the public for feedback on new mountain bike trails, an amphitheater, and other planned amenities (the online survey takes about 5-10 minutes and is open through Feb.

16).

St. Cloud State University's men's basketball team will host the University of Minnesota-Duluth at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Halenbeck Hall for its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Game Day, and fans receive free entry with a non-perishable food donation + free t-shirt giveaway + support for the Huskies.

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.

2026 St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show

10 AM – 3 PM — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Entry fee varies — Explore the best in outdoor gear and family-friendly activities at this beloved local event.