Good morning, St. Cloud.

The St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club is celebrating Optimism Day today to encourage acts of kindness and honor its service to local youth since 1974.

The club has donated over $3.7 million and earned national recognition for its positive impact.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud raised over $365,000 at its 44th Mardi Gras fundraiser at the River’s Edge Convention Center Saturday.

Proceeds from dinner, live music and a silent auction that brought in over $20,000 will support the charity’s food shelf, clothing program and transitional housing.

The Initiative Foundation is expanding its Initiators Fellowship program to support rural social entrepreneurs with a $4.2M grant from the Bush Foundation and Granite Partners.

The program will offer leadership training, mentoring and a $30K annual stipend, and it has already spurred local efforts in St. Cloud.

Historic Foley Mansion was spruced up and decorated for Christmas, with photos showing its charm inside+outside on Third Avenue South.

The redecorated building stands as a local landmark that highlights the community's rich heritage.

Sartell's economy is set to benefit as projects from 2025 progress into planned openings in 2026.

Construction has begun for Discount Tire (County Road 120 and 1), while a new CentraCare, hotel, manufacturing facility, Panera Bread, and House of Pizza will open soon.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice School District (seeking community suggestions) is asking for a name for its new early childhood learning center that reflects local values.

Voters approved the $37.2 million facility last November and it will accept students in August 2027.

St. Cloud State University held its first Community Advisory Board meeting, bringing together over 20 regional leaders to form six committees for setting short-term goals for 2026—focusing on reputation, investment, athletics, enrollment, workforce and stewardship.

The board will reconvene in early April.

MnDOT has narrowed its Name a Snow Plow contest submissions to 30 finalists from over 6,750 entries + residents can choose up to eight winners by Friday, Feb.

13.

The St. Cloud Rox added four new pitchers (Ethan Felling, Brady Ferguson, Hunter Poe, and Adam Trevino) as they prepare for the season opener on May 25 against Bismarck and the home opener on May 29 at 7:05 p.m.

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.

Snowshoeing for Beginners Class

1-2:30 p.m. — Riverside Park — Free entry — Experience winter magic with expert-guided snowshoeing and hot chocolate by the fire.

Machine Knitting Camp 2026 - February Session

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Rocking Horse Farm — Registration required — Engage in a knitting machine retreat for all skill levels with hands-on learning and community fellowship.