Good morning, St. Cloud.

Pearl Lake Lodge with new owners reopens today in Marty at 5 p.m. with live music from Leon Laudenbach and the Mitch Gordon Band along with horse races, food stands, and raffles in partnership with Holy Cross-Marty Community Preservation Corporation.

Chick-fil-A plans to open five restaurants in Minnesota, starting with a standalone in Mankato this summer, and adding sites in Shakopee and Stillwater in late 2026, a Baxter restaurant in 2027, and a Woodbury location in 2028, creating about 500 jobs and donating at least $125,000 to local food banks.

Christine's Cheesecakes opened Thursday, July 9 in the old Clutch Take and Bake Pizza spot on 2nd Street South in Sartell and now serves sweet treats from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The business brings its popular cheesecake treats from Waite Park to this new location.

St. Cloud State University is inviting over 135,000 graduates to complete its 2026 Alumni Survey today (President Gregory Tomso said the feedback will help shape future plans).

Wildfires led the U.S. Forest Service to close a large part of the BWCAW since Friday, limiting access at key trails + a campfire ban went into effect at 12:01 a.m. today to reduce fire risks.

The Office of Cannabis Management will hold a listening session today at the Courtyard by Marriott in St. Cloud from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. for residents to ask questions on state cannabis regulation + registration is required as capacity is limited.

Chick-fil-A near Crossroads Center will give free entrées on Cow Appreciation Day for guests dressed in cow attire on Tuesday, July 14 (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.).

The promotion is part of its 80th anniversary celebration.

Master Gardener Bill Cook advises summer gardeners to check lilies for scarlet lily beetles, small red insects with black heads that eat leaves and buds, and remove them by hand into soapy water (inspect undersides for eggs) while cleaning garden debris in fall to cut infestations.

Summer is winding down as locals still have a chance to enjoy Rox games at Joe Faber Field until Aug.

8, 90°F swim days at the Quarries, and live music at The Ledge. Mini golf, go-karting at Summerland, and patio dining remain open until summer ends on Sept. 22.

Season tickets for the 2026 SCSU volleyball season are on sale now at SCSUTickets.com for $60 and include 11 home matches at Halenbeck Hall - the Huskies open against Augustana and Wayne State on Sept.

11 and 12, with single match tickets available starting Aug. 1.

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.