Good morning, St. Cloud.

Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Cloud is raising money for its new Veterans Compassionate Care Fund and aims to collect $250,000 by Veterans Day—supported by an initial $60,000 matching donation that has already brought the campaign halfway to its goal.

Clear Lake Lions boosted the effort with donations of $10,000 and $15,000 to help veterans cover care costs.

St. Cloud Park and Rec announced that Granite City Days will include Park — Rock, a family event at Eastman Park next to Lake George this Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Families will enjoy live music, food trucks, a touch-a-truck display featuring 20 vehicles, a petting zoo and a vendor village sponsored by Liberty Bank to benefit the community.

The Great River Children's Museum held its grand opening over the weekend—drawing over 2,000 children who enjoyed hands-on art and ice cream in St. Cloud.

Executive Director Cassie Miles said the museum will soon add programs such as a teaching kitchen and sensory friendly hours to expand its offerings.

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union was named one of Minnesota’s top places to work for the seventh time after employee surveys rated its work culture highly.

SCFCU President and CEO Jed Meyer said the award (presented by the Minnesota Star Tribune) reflects the credit union’s commitment to a respectful and supportive workplace (a win that underlines its strong employee culture).

St. Cloud Police responded to a stabbing call at 2052 15th Street North around 11:25 a.m. Sunday— they found a 44-year-old man with multiple stab wounds who was taken to hospital in stable condition and arrested his 28-year-old roommate, Markus Lewis.

St. Cloud State University students will pay over $500 extra as tuition rises 6.5% to $9,384 after campus meetings and approval by the state board—this change is meant to sustain the university's budget.

St. Cloud Times voters picked their favorite ice cream spots with Cold Stone Creamery winning 228 votes, Jupiter Moon Ice Cream receiving 222 votes, and Mr. Twisty getting 127 votes—each shop is known for unique flavors and special treats.

Cold Stone offers 18 flavors including dairy-free and seasonal choices while Jupiter Moon serves space-themed ice cream and Mr. Twisty offers soft-serve and creative mixes.

Local anglers will compete in the BronzeQuest Kayak Fishing Tournament on July 11-12 on the Mississippi River (+ featuring Open and Rookie divisions) as part of The Kayak Adventure Series.

Organizers said registration is live online with limited spots and prizes include trophies, cash and gear (+ awards will be given at Pioneer Place at Fifth while Best Western Kelly Inn hosts the event).

St. Cloud State University Lemonade Concert & Art Fair

11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Atwood Mall — Free entry — Enjoy over 100 art vendors and live music with family-friendly activities concluding with a St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra performance.

Patio Sounds of Summer at Legends Bar & Grill

7-10 p.m. — Legends Bar & Grill — Enjoy the Summer vibes with live music on the patio, weather permitting.

St. Cloud ROX Baseball Game

6:00-8:00 p.m. — St. Cloud Rox Baseball Club — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the St. Cloud ROX as they take to the field for an exciting game.

Historic Home Tour & Tea

10 a.m. — Mansion on the corner — $35 — Discover captivating stories from the past while enjoying a delightful tea service in a magnificent mansion.

Rock the Riverside Live Music Event

5:30-9:30 p.m. — The Clearing — Free admission — Enjoy live music at Rock the Riverside in Sauk Rapids.

St. Cloud 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

10-10:30 p.m. — Wilson Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a grand fireworks display over the Mississippi River, complemented by live music and tasty food vendors.

Do Portugal Circus

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Crossroads Center — Special online price available — Experience the excitement of the Do Portugal Circus in St. Cloud for the first time!

Summertime by George Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Lake George Municipal Complex — Free entry — Enjoy a festive summer evening with live music from local bands and activities for the whole family.

Summertime by George Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Lake George Municipal Complex — Free entry — Enjoy live music and family fun at this vibrant lakeside festival featuring local bands.

Run Beer Repeat of St. Cloud

5:45-6:30 p.m. — Pantown Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a friendly run followed by socializing with freshly brewed beer.