Good morning, St. Cloud.

On Monday, the Sauk Rapids City Council approved a permit for Uncle Hippies Cannabis to operate the area's first commercial marijuana grow in an industrial park — the company plans a 2,400 square foot grow space and may begin production as early as October.

Uncle Hippies was fast tracked when its social equity application was approved, speeding up the process despite delays in the permit timeline.

Police responded to an apartment on the 2000 block of 15th Street North in St. Cloud around 11:30 a.m. Sunday where they found a 44-year-old victim with multiple stab wounds—28-year-old Markus Lewis later confessed to the assault and has been charged with second degree assault after saying he only wanted to cause pain.

The Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud has released its fall schedule for the 2025-26 season with a tribute to Dean Martin on September 9 by Mick Sterling and the 16-piece The Amore’ Orchestra, a performance by American Idol winner Ruben Studdard on September 19, a TEDx event on October 9 and a show by Randy Travis on November 7. Ticket sales began Monday and the full schedule runs through February—featuring tribute acts, theatre productions and live music—offering a mix of events throughout the season.

Absentee voting for the special election for the Stearns County Board of Commissioners will begin Friday for District 4 voters.

In-person voting will run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the county service center in Waite Park — additional polling will be available on Saturday, August 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and mail ballots will be accepted before the August 12 primary.

Benton County commissioners approved a low bid of $24.2-million to build a new government center to replace the aging facility that needs costly repairs.

Construction will begin in late July and finish by fall 2026—financed through a 20-year lease revenue debt plan.

Road closures will take place today and on July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6 and August 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.—sections of 12th Ave S between 2nd Street South and 7th Street South and 7th St S from 12th Ave S to East Lake Blvd will be closed for the Summertime by George events.

St. Cloud may lower the allowed grass height from 10 inches to eight inches and change fines from immediate abatement to a $100 administrative citation to align with state rules.

The city council will hold a hearing on July 7th at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall—residents may attend or send in their views in writing.

During June, men's health awareness month, Dr. Joel Baumgartner of Rejuv Medical explained on WJON that men over 30 face hormonal shifts that can cause weight gain, muscle loss, and fatigue — he recommends proper protein intake, regular strength training, and stress reset techniques to improve overall health.

Wallethub named Minnesota the best state for summer road trips, noting safe roads, low travel costs and many parks and festivals—researchers based the ranking on costs, safety and outdoor recreation.

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.