Good morning, St. Cloud.

Four finalists for the 2026 St. Cloud Changemakers Award have been named, including Aveen Sunar, Grace Grell, Sandy Wolff, and Tami Kruzel.

They will be honored at a ceremony in September, with one finalist winning $5,000 and the others receiving $3,000 each.

Compeer Financial is awarding nearly $340,000 in grants to 50 fire departments to purchase up to $7,500 in new safety equipment.

The funding will boost response times and firefighter safety + support essential rescue efforts across local communities.

Pine Grove Zoo will host a Sleepover Safari from Friday night into Saturday morning, with a free WWII exhibit at Stearns History Museum and live music with Kelly Cordes at MT’s on 8th Saturday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Families in town can look forward to an active weekend.

Greater St. Cloud will host its second DisruptHR event (Sept.

24, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) at Harvester Square, where 10 local speakers will discuss workplace topics including leadership, hiring practices, workplace culture and artificial intelligence.

The Be The Hope Music Festival will take place at Iron Street Distillery on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with 25 local artists performing for a fundraiser whose tip jar donations—plus vendor contributions and a $50,000 match—support renovations at The Place of Hope Family Center.

St. Cloud residents 21+ can join the Metro Citizens Police Academy starting Thursday, Sept.

10 in a program lasting ten weeks offered at various police offices to learn about crisis responses, investigations and other aspects of local policing; participants must pass a background check to register.

County Road 32 between Highway 4 and Highway 71 will be closed starting Monday until October for a $3.5 million resurfacing project that includes culvert replacements, road realignment, paving, intersection lighting, and turf installation, so drivers will use detours.

Metro Bus is building a new transit center in Waite Park to create shorter rides and fewer transfers.

Officials say construction is progressing and the center is set to open mid-summer 2027 — promising improved service for local riders.

July in Minnesota brings unusual road challenges with tractors, turtles, and young deer seen alongside sudden construction barrels and heavy weekend vehicle flows in St. Cloud and nearby areas.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time — seasonal conditions may cause delays.

The Rox return home July 13 at Joe Faber Field with summer promotions.

The team offers a cap giveaway on July 14 — bobblehead and doubleheader on July 23, a dog game on August 3, and a kickball giveaway for kids on August 5.

Monday and Tuesday's American Legion baseball games finished with local wins by Cold Spring, Foley, and Sartell in competitive regional matchups.

Players delivered strong performances with effective pitching (including complete games) and key offensive plays that energized local fans.

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.