Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of July.
Good morning, St. Cloud.
🏘️ Community
At Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud, a nearly 100-pound Sheprador named Otis is looking for a farm home.
The 10-year-old dog, noted for his one upright ear and one floppy ear (his signature style), is best suited for a rural setting without cats.
Pine Grove Zoo in Little Falls is keeping animals (including zebras and monkeys) cool with pools, sprinklers and large ice treats as summer heat holds high.
Visitors can also use a misting station and find cooler conditions by coming in the morning.
Today, a large bounce house is open in the Crossroads parking lot behind former Macy's for summer fun.
It operates noon to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends, with birthday bookings available until July 19 and required safety measures + fees.
💼 Business
A Waite Park company called Impacks launched its new KitGenie tool Tuesday, which uses artificial intelligence to build customized school supply kits by analyzing a photo of a classroom supply list.
The tool costs about $66 and is available now on thekitgenie.com ahead of the back-to-school season.
🎓 Education
St. Cloud State University has begun the first field trial of the Husky Tomato—a new variety with black and red stripes—in its Community Garden.
Professors Tracy Ore and Angela McDonnell lead the project, which now has six field plants to test fruit growth outside the greenhouse.
🌲 Environment
Local entrepreneur Evan Rechelbacher created a biodegradable bait in his Long Lake barn that dissolves in about a week and lasts for one hour of jigging.
It is already stocked by BWCA outfitters, helping local anglers fish more sustainably.
Two St. Cloud groups received clean energy seed grants from Clean Energy Resource Teams.
Community Grassroots Solutions will build awareness and offer residential assessments for East African community members, while Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota will help households lower energy costs — each project in the central region received $54,500.
🏛️ Government
15th Avenue South will face intermittent closures for water service replacement work near Lake George, with single-block intervals closing between Highway 23 and 8th Street South daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for about two weeks.
Drivers are advised to use alternate routes — the block shifts daily.
The Minnesota State Patrol will increase road enforcement from today through the July 4th weekend to address distracted, impaired driving and seat belt noncompliance.
Trooper Sargent Jesse Grabow advised drivers to plan ahead and slow down in construction zones during peak travel periods.
Waite Park is accepting applications for the Metro Citizens Police Academy program, which will run from Sept.
10 to Nov. 12. Local residents and civic organization members 21+ must apply online by mid-August to earn a certificate from Police Chief Anthony Reznicek.
🏥 Health
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is limiting dog and cat imports from Texas and New Mexico to prevent New World screwworm infections.
Owners must follow new protocols including a certificate of inspection, approved treatment, and a minimum five-day quarantine (requirements must be emailed before departure).
🏈 Sports
Allie Lauer, a ninth-grader from St. Cloud Tech, won the MSHSL Clay Shooting championship on Friday with a score of 99 (reverse run of 83) against older competitors.
Proctor sophomore Lane Graves and the Bemidji Lumberjacks secured the boys' and team titles in separate shoot-offs.
The St. Cloud Rox rallied to beat the Bismarck Larks 9-4 after trailing early, with Owen Estabrook and Aidan Mouton driving a key comeback in the second inning.
The team will play road games against the Badlands Big Sticks Tuesday and Wednesday before facing Bismarck Thursday and Friday.
The St. Cloud Chutes dominated in a series of Legion Baseball games — outscoring local rivals with strong pitching and hitting.
Key players like Jack Hamak and Caden Johnson helped secure wins and keep fans excited about the season.
🎉 St. Cloud Events
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St. Cloud Area Fireworks
10:00 p.m. — Wilson Park — Free entry — Experience central Minnesota's largest fireworks display lighting up the Mississippi River.
Wynonna Judd at The Ledge Amphitheater
7-8:30 p.m. — The Ledge Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience Grammy Award winners Wynonna Judd and Melissa Etheridge in a night of unforgettable music.
One-Night Event with Kevin & Kathi Zadai
3-9 p.m. — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Registration required — Engage in a night of fellowship and teaching with Dr. Zadai and his wife.
Jay & The Americans Concert
1:30 – 3 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Enjoy classic hits from one of Rock ‘N Roll’s lasting success stories.
Trace Adkins Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Ledge Amphitheater — Get your tickets now — Experience an unforgettable evening with country music star Trace Adkins this summer.
The Parent Trap Screening
7 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a classic film night with 'The Parent Trap' at a local venue.
Mainly Marathons Heartland Series - Day 7
— St. Cloud, Minnesota — Entry fee varies — Participate in a scenic trail run as part of the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series.
Jim Gaffigan Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Ledge Amphitheater — Get your tickets today — Jim Gaffigan brings his comedic flair to Waite Park for an entertaining night.
🏠 St. Cloud Real Estate
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💼 St. Cloud Job Board
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📣 St. Cloud Announcements
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