Good morning, St. Cloud.

Mary Joanne Willette Hughes, a beloved musician, music teacher, and community servant, passed away on April 29 at 93.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud (donations in lieu of flowers are accepted).

St. Cloud community volunteer Milly Tufte, long-time member of the Saint Cloud Country Club, died on April 26, 2026, at age 99.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church — a farewell for a beloved local figure.

White Earth Tribe-run Waabigwan Mashkiki will open two new dispensaries soon in Chanhassen and East Grand Forks — the Chanhassen site at 951 W 78th St offers an event space for permitted community events.

The Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park is hosting the Country 250 concert on Aug.

1 to celebrate America’s birthday. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for an afternoon of country tunes and cocktail tastings with acts including Tim Sigler Band — A Pure Tribute to Willie Nelson, tickets start at $54.

A benefit concert will take place on Saturday, May 9 at First United Methodist Church in Sartell to raise funds for the Central Minnesota Youth Orchestra after losing major state grants.

Organized by Listen for Life, the event will feature current students, alumni, and guest artists with donations accepted at the door and online.

Two St. Cloud Area School District teachers, Devon Bowker (Apollo High) and Paige Janorschke (Lincoln Elementary), are finalists for the statewide 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award; a panel will interview candidates Saturday and announce the winner Sunday at Saint Paul RiverCentre.

St. John's Prep in Collegeville marks 60 years of its study abroad program with Melk, Austria.

A reunion in June in Melk will honor nearly 500 students who have taken part in the cultural exchange.

St. Cloud State University will hold 10 intimate commencement ceremonies for over 1,200 graduates on May 7 and May 8.

Families can attend the events (each lasting about one hour) as students celebrate this milestone and prepare to start their careers.

Former Twins champion Brian Harper will join the St. Cloud Rox home opener on May 29 at Joe Faber Field, where he will sign autographs, take photos + throw a ceremonial first pitch as the Rox face the Bismarck Larks.

Wild turkey hunting in Minnesota saw 5,995 turkeys shot in Season A and 3,380 in Season B as rainy weather slowed early numbers — Season C is open until Tuesday, May 6, and fishermen will start the walleye opener Saturday, May 9.

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.

Chess Meet-up Spring Tournament

9-11 a.m. — Calvary Classical Academy — Free entry — Enjoy a friendly tournament with players of all skill levels in a welcoming local atmosphere.

St. Cloud Spring Craft & Vendor Market

10 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Crossroads Center — Varies by vendor — Celebrate spring with local crafts, seasonal treats, and unique finds.

Mason Dixon Line Concert

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Ticket prices not specified — Enjoy the live sounds of the Mid-West’s premier Country-Rock band performing classic hits from country music legends.