Good morning, St. Cloud.

This weekend, University of Minnesota Master Gardener volunteers will host a plant sale at St. Augustine Church in St. Cloud from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and a similar sale will be held on Sunday, May 17 at Mississippi Heights Elementary School in Sauk Rapids, featuring annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs.

The Initiative Foundation is marking its 40th anniversary with an event on Wednesday, May 13 at Northern Hollow Winery (Foley) that will honor a Good Neighbor and kick off celebrations across Central Minnesota for 163 communities and 750,000 people.

Metro Bus operators will compete in a timed obstacle course at SCSU K-Lot near the Herb Brooks Hockey Center on May 21 at 11:00 a.m., with top finishers qualifying for the statewide Bus Roadeo in Carver on July 17-18.

St. Cloud Area Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday, May 11 with 49 local restaurants offering daily themes from Coffee Lovers Day to Carb Cravers while residents collect passport stamps to earn a T-shirt reward.

Tyler Bevier launched the Downtown Fund through the Community Foundation to cover funding gaps for local mural projects downtown, and residents are invited to donate toward public art that will brighten streets.

Central Minnesotans are celebrating Garden for Wildlife Month in May by transforming outdoor spaces into havens for local wildlife with native plants & water sources that attract bees, birds, and butterflies in homes, apartments, and yards.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources tells local anglers and boaters to clean, drain and dispose of watercraft, bait and gear during the fishing opener weekend to prevent aquatic invasive species spread.

Officials advise drying watercraft and using courtesy stations to protect lakes + rivers.

Xcel Energy will refund $40.6 million plus interest to Minnesota electric customers after a Public Utilities Commission ruling tied the decision to a 2023 outage at Prairie Island nuclear plant caused by employees cutting underground cables.

The refund will come as a bill credit in the coming months.

The Planning Commission will consider Tuesday night moving the 87-year-old James J.

Hill statue from its spot at 201 12th Ave South to a site near the STARail museum in Waite Park (aiming to honor rail heritage and support redevelopment). A recent study found the current location needs extensive repairs.

Crews in Stearns County will begin a $7.5 million reconstruction of County Road 12 Monday between St. Martin and Spring Hill.

Drivers should follow a detour via County Road 10 to County Road 30/176 and expect work to continue until Sept. 25 (weather dependent).

Garage sale season is starting soon as local residents plan sales offering vintage video games, rare LEGO sets, picture frames (collectibles) and Halloween costumes.

Neighborhood Facebook groups are buzzing with tips on finding treasures at upcoming sales.

Walleye fishing will open tomorrow as Glen Schmitt offers tips on bait selection and shallow water spots on local lakes.

Cooler temperatures may push anglers to shoreline breaks and bridges — advice designed to help locals start the season.

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.

Free E-Bike Demos and Test Rides

Are you curious about E-bikes but feeling a bit intimidated? Join SunCycles E-Bike Rentals at the Lake Wobegon Trailhead in Avon, MN June 6th for a relaxed and informative Free E-Bike Demo Day!