Good morning, St. Cloud.

Ruby's Pantry closed its operations yesterday after 20 years of serving Central Minnesota families due to financial challenges.

Upcoming pop-up distributions were cancelled, leaving a gap in food assistance for many in the community.

Xcel Energy began sending $130 million in refunds on Wednesday from federal tax credits linked to its Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear plants.

Minnesota customers received an average of $2.46 per month (with North Dakota about $2.05) over a nine-month period.

Von Hanson's Meat Market announced its 24th store will open in Sartell by 2028.

Owner Matt Murray said the new location will serve fresh meats like brats and sausages and may open earlier if demand rises.

Jennifer Lamb Randolph will dance with pro Tuan David Le on June 8 at College of St. Benedict during Dancing With Our Stars Live to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota.

She also will host a fundraiser on April 8 at Pantown Brewing.

Families can join Easter celebrations this weekend in St. Cloud and Paynesville with egg hunts, interactive shows and more.

Paynesville’s event begins at 1:00 p.m. with an egg hunt at 2:00 p.m. — St. Cloud’s celebration also features photos with the Easter Bunny for a fun family day.

St. Cloud’s Chamber Music Society hosts award-winning Isidore String Quartet for weekend events.

The group will perform at a fundraiser on Friday, Apr. 10 (tickets $45), hold a free Family Concert at 2:00 on Saturday at the library, and conclude with a concert at 7:30 at St. John's Church.

Sartell Middle School has named Nick Peterson as its new principal starting July 1 — he served as assistant principal at Sartell High School since 2016.

Angela Safran will begin her role as Director of Learning and Teaching on July 1.

St. Cloud Public Works will open a new compost site at 33rd Street South on Monday, April 6—yard waste in compostable bags will be accepted and branches must be bundled to a maximum size of 12 inches by 4 feet.

Permits are available online or at City Hall.

Rising gas prices have led Minnesota officials to discuss suspending the state gas tax— a measure that once helped fund highways—while critics warn the move could worsen a projected budget deficit.

Melrose will redevelop a blighted turkey processing plant site after receiving a $669,700 state grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The grant will fund demolition and public improvements on a 4.06 acre site planned for a 20,800 sqft warehouse with loading docks & matching private funds.

Research on cat care shows that declawing, once common, can cause pain, infections, and balance issues for cats (a problem some say may lead to long-term health concerns).

Experts advise nail trimming, scratching posts, and nail caps, while Minnesota law stops landlords from requiring the procedure.

Central Minnesota flea markets offer treasure hunts for families this spring-summer.

The events include South Haven’s swap meet starting this weekend (at 13594 100th St NW), an indoor market in St. Cloud, Brainerd’s thrift market on Thursdays through Sundays, Detroit Lakes’ Shady Hollow market from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Pine City’s market on Wednesdays in April.

The Huskies held a nail-biting 9-8 win over the Bulldogs in the second game on Tuesday, Mar.

31. Freshmen pitched key innings while the team scored in bursts & UMD’s late push fell short.

St. Cloud – Minnesota Writers Off the Page: Joyce Sutphen

6-7:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Free registration — Celebrate National Poetry Month with readings and discussions from Minnesota Poet Laureates Joyce Sutphen and Gwen Nell Westerman.

Machine Knitting Camp 2026 - April Session

10 AM – 6 PM — Rocking Horse Farm — Registration required — Enjoy hands-on machine knitting with fellow enthusiasts and expert instruction.

The Crown Jewels - A Tribute to Queen

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Tickets available — Celebrate all the hits of Queen in this vibrant tribute performance.

Sapphire Soirée - SJBC Annual Spring Gala

5-9 p.m. — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Supportive event — Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the St. John's Boys’ Choir with an evening of music and community.