Good morning, St. Cloud.

Today at the Benton County Fairgrounds the Handshakes with Heroes event runs from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and first responders, law enforcement, and EMS will offer K9 demos, axe throwing, a live Life Link Helicopter landing, an inflatable bounce house and free food while accepting donations to benefit the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation — giving the community a chance to thank its local heroes.

The Initiative Foundation and its Partner Funds awarded 147 grants totaling over $1.4 million in the second quarter of 2025 – local groups such as Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud Strengthening Service and Kimball Area Food Shelf received key grants of $5,000 and $6,000 respectively.

A Stearns County jury convicted 25-year-old Marquis Fisher on counts of second-degree murder and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon after he fatally stabbed 36-year-old Shane Brunner on March 13 in St. Cloud — Fisher is set to be sentenced on October 30.

On Sunday, Earth, Wind and Fire played at Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park under clear skies — their set filled with classic hits — as the crowd enjoyed the live music.

The band paid a special tribute to founder Maurice White — remembering his deep impact — with a moving rendition of 'That's The Way Of The World.'

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hosting two open house meetings on August 27 to share a preliminary study on Highway 10 safety and access in southeast St. Cloud.

The meetings will be held at Harvester Square from Noon to 2:00 p.m. and at Haven Town Hall from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.—the study builds on a 2023 analysis that found key safety concerns at major intersections.

The St. Cloud VA will hold a free overdose prevention event on Wednesday, August 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the VA — the training will teach veterans, caregivers and family to use Narcan and fentanyl test strips — and to spot key signs of an overdose.

On August 21st and 22nd, the Greater Minnesota Trauma Conference will be held in Waite Park at Park Event Center to support professionals in rural trauma care.

The event includes keynote speakers, workshops, and a session by St. Cloud Police Sergeant Tad Hoeschen—over 150 people have registered and registration ends this Wednesday.

St. Cloud State University volleyball has been named the preseason favorite in the NSIC and returns key players like Preseason Player of the Year Ella Thompson & senior setter Emma Berran.

The Huskies will start their season at the Western Washington Invitational from September 4th through the 6th before beginning conference play on September 19th.

On August 10, the Monticello Polecats beat the Elk Lumberjacks 6-5 in an eleventh-inning game when the Polecats scored in the bottom of the inning (the winning run came late).

Other district matchups ended with tight finishes (with teams like the River Cats and Brewers winning key contests) as Minnesota baseball stayed exciting.

Summertime by George!

5:30-9 p.m. — Lake George Municipal Complex — Free entry — A festive evening featuring live country music and family-friendly activities.

I Am He Said - A Celebration Of The Music Of Neil Diamond

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the timeless classics of Neil Diamond with The Killer Vees, featuring beloved hits spanning five decades.

Movie Under the Stars

6:30-9 p.m. — St Cloud City Offices — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars with fun activities and treats!

Everybody Loves Dean

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — $ — Experience timeless classics by Dean Martin with Mick Sterling and The Amore’ Orchestra.