Good morning, St. Cloud.

The Stearns-Benton Dive Team recovered a vehicle from the Mississippi River in Sartell last week that is linked to a 1967 missing persons case — showing their strong commitment to local search efforts.

The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation approved over $600,000 in state grants for five downtown projects in St. Cloud and Foley, including renovations at Thorsten Holdings, the Wirth Center, Fitzharris Ski, Bike & Outdoor, and two properties on St. Germain.

The funding provided through the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program will leverage over $1.9 million in private funds — supporting more than two dozen local jobs and modernizing downtown spaces.

Parents in Central Minnesota face a daycare crunch but Sherburne County has launched a website—featuring an interactive map of local in-home childcare providers that shows available openings—that will help working families save time searching for care.

MnDOT will hold two public meetings Wednesday to discuss planned improvements along Highway 10 in southeast St. Cloud and Haven Township—both sessions will review three design options that include minor upgrades, a bridge, or a full interchange for safer travel.

The meetings run from noon to 2:00 p.m. at Harvester Square and from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Haven Town Hall, with officials ready to answer questions and collect feedback.

St. Cloud Area Planning Organization is seeking public comment on its $16 million Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan—proposal outlining new sidewalk and crossing improvements in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park and St. Joseph.

The open house is today at Great River Regional Library from 4 to 6 p.m.—residents may also submit online comments until Aug 29 to help lower severe injuries.

St. Cloud Mayor Jake Anderson will present his first budget to City Council tonight at 6:00 p.m.—he is considering raising property taxes in 2026 to cover rising wages, benefits and inflation.

Meanwhile, Stearns County officials face budget challenges as departments request up to $109 million for 2026—county commissioners plan to limit increases to match property value growth.

Stearns County is seeking public input on its 2025 to 2027 child care assistance plan that helps about 500 families with childcare costs for parents pursuing college degrees.

Comments can be sent via email, phone, or mail to Human Services by September 14.

On August 14, representatives from CentraCare, the police department, the City, Salem Lutheran Church, Public Safety Foundation, and local colleges cut the ribbon for the new Community Outpost at Salem Lutheran Church on the east end.

The facility — designed to offer free health care services — now stands ready to serve local residents.

The SCTCC Cyclones volleyball team is ranked 7th in the NJCAA Division III poll and will start their season at the Rockford Tournament this weekend — their first home match will be on August 27th against Ridgewater College.

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.