Good morning, St. Cloud.

Federal grants totaling $2.4 million were awarded to St. Cloud, St. Joseph and Sauk Rapids to boost local trail improvements; St. Cloud received $400,000 and will use the funds to finish a 1.5-mile gap in the Beaver Island Trail Network connecting St. Cloud State University + Clearwater Road.

Veteran David Kroger is hosting an event at St. John’s Episcopal Church on April 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. where local former service members can access benefits information and support; pizza and soda will be provided.

Organizers plan the largest CentraCare Earth Day Run yet on April 17 and 18 downtown, beginning Friday with an expo at Rivers Edge Convention Center at 3:00 p.m. and continuing Saturday with a half marathon expecting 2,500 runners, featuring a new Husky Mile (with downtown bucks for runners).

Gas prices in Minnesota have increased by 16.6 cents to $3.58 per gallon, and diesel nears a record high at $5.57.

Experts expect prices to rise further as wholesale costs pass on to consumers.

Data from the MN Department of Education shows that high school graduation rates hit a record 85% for the class of 2025 (up from 84.2% last year) as Native student rates climbed to 67.6%.

Commissioner Willie Jett credited better engagement and a 2023 education budget boost.

Minnesota water treatment centers advise residents not to flush items besides toilet paper since non-degradable materials can clog plumbing and lead to repair costs around $350.

The advisory lists 17 items to avoid in order to protect local wastewater systems.

Waite Park named Ella Burfeind its first full-time water resource specialist and she has worked on key water, stormwater and sewer issues plus PFAS since joining four months ago; she will soon share environmental updates in the city's newsletter drawing on her St. Cloud State University background.

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.