Good morning, St. Cloud.

Kraemer Lake-Wildwood Park is getting major upgrades with crews working on a new entrance road, trails, parking lot, fishing pier, picnic shelter and restroom; portions of the east-side trails near the sugar shack are closed through June 2026 while other areas remain open.

Arlis Ann Lundgren's funeral service will be held at Westwood Community Church in St. Cloud on Monday, April 6 at 5:00 p.m. (Pastor Matt Reeve will officiate) with a one-hour visitation beforehand; burial will take place at Brockway Township Cemetery (arrangements by Daniel Funeral Home).

The St. Cloud Fire Department will open its doors on May 2 at Station 2 (727 Anderson Avenue) to women interested in firefighting careers.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with hands-on activities starting at 9:30 a.m.

Six young bands performed original songs last night at the Paramount Center for the Arts (Project 37's Battle of the Bands II) where local professionals supported emerging talent.

The event offered both audience and judges prizes and raised funds to enhance community arts venues.

Xcel Energy announced today that Minnesota customers will start receiving small bill refunds from federal tax credits tied to its Monticello and Prairie Island plants; refunds average $2.46 per month for nine months and $1.11 monthly for 12 months, totaling over $330 million in nuclear-related savings.

St. Cloud State University is actively interviewing seven candidates for a new hockey coach after Brett Larson’s departure.

President Dr. Tomso said the administration is working quickly to finalize a decision and rally donor support (interviews continue with top candidates).

St. Cloud State University plans to demolish aging buildings to free up green space on campus, while seeking funding from the State Legislature.

The university will target four unused structures, including the Performing Arts Center, with demolition estimated at $14 to $15 million.

Carissa Solarz was named Teacher of the Month at Pleasantview Elementary in Sauk Rapids for her creative teaching and caring classroom that makes every student feel valued, and she will receive prizes from local sponsors.

Westwood Elementary remains closed after an arson fire as deep cleaning and safety tests prepare the building for reopening Monday, April 13 with remote classes on Monday and Tuesday and emergency childcare available through the Boys & Girls Club.

Acadia the falcon has returned to her familiar St. Cloud nesting box for her 11th breeding season with a 4+year-old new mate, and wildlife watchers may soon see a scrape that hints at eggs in the coming weeks.

CentraCare Coborn Cancer Center is hosting a free screening event on Thursday, Apr.

16 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Coborn Healing Center in CentraCare Plaza (1900 CentraCare Circle), where attendees can get skin checks, oral cancer screenings, and a radon test kit while health professionals answer questions.

USDA has warned parents to check freezers for Great Value Dino Nuggets that may have lead levels five times above safe limits—discard or return any 29 oz plastic bags if found since the items are no longer sold at Walmart.

Local golfers can enjoy accessible, affordable rounds at Angushire Golf and Veterans Golf Course in St. Cloud.

Both courses offer walkable layouts and community programs that welcome beginners and seasoned players as they prepare for summer rounds.

Minnesota’s Seth Feider (from New Market) finished fourth at the Bassmaster Elite tournament in Tennessee last weekend and moved to 36th in the standings as he chases another Angler of the Year title.

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.