Good morning, St. Cloud.

The Sartell Fire Department will host a car seat check at 501 Pinecone Road South from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan.

21 to ensure proper installation of child seats; appointments are required by calling 320-251-7393 and the next check is set for Feb. 18.

Catholic Charities will host its 44th Mardi Gras celebration at River's Edge on Saturday, Jan.

31 — featuring a gourmet dinner, live jazz, and a silent auction to support local emergency services and housing programs.

Gail Cruikshank of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation said over 3,600 job openings remain in Stearns, Benton and Sherburne counties—even though postings have slowed—and she urged job seekers to boost teamwork and adaptability for growth.

St. Cloud State University students now have free access to Google Career Certificates in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics and IT support as part of a new partnership between Minnesota State, Google and a national higher education organization — the first such initiative in the nation.

ROCORI Area Schools are reviewing budgets for 2026-2027 and may cut $300,000 to $1 million while keeping most funds for teacher salaries.

Superintendent Enerson said the district will study costs over the next few months + take steps to maintain quality education.

St. Cloud State University is hosting a free lecture by genocide studies expert David Frey on February 11 at Atwood Theatre (from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).

He will share lessons from the Holocaust and Rwanda to show why studying past genocides matters for today’s military and law enforcement.

The Barneløpet Kids’ Nordic Ski Fest returns to St. Cloud on Feb.

1 at Riverside Park where children ages 3 to 13 can explore free cross-country skiing; the event offers equipment rentals + medals, hot chocolate, and cookies. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with skiing at 1:00 p.m., though the fest may cancel if snow conditions are unsafe.

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.