Good morning, St. Cloud.

St. Cloud State will host Homecoming weekend with a free concert featuring L.A.

Gears on Saturday, October 25th from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the former Press Bar lot on West St Germain Street & a Huskies hockey game at 6:00 p.m. will be followed by a fireworks show.

Former St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis was on a Delta flight that aborted takeoff Wednesday morning from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport after a cockpit window opened abruptly—he noted the crew stayed calm while Delta rebooked the flight quickly.

The Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association will host its 14th Tour of Manufacturing from October 1st to 4th with 24 local plants opening their doors to students and the public to show how everyday items are made—organizers say the event will highlight career opportunities and potential future job openings.

St. Cloud is taking steps to become a Minnesota Film Ready Community to attract film productions and boost the local economy—city leaders are preparing permits and identifying historic film sites like the courthouse featured in The Mighty Ducks.

The process is expected to take years as officials work with state programs and local crews to ready the community for future projects.

Sartell High School will host its 31-year Student Council Carnival next week as part of Homecoming for a Cause, with game booths from local businesses, National Guard inflatables, a teacher dunk tank, and a powder puff football game.

Additional events include a coronation Monday at 7:30 p.m., a tailgate Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., a parade Friday at 5:30 p.m. and a concluding blacklight dance with proceeds benefiting Rayah—a Riverview Intermediate School 5th-grade student diagnosed with leukemia.

Today the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported that fall colors in northern Minnesota are 50 to 75 percent complete while central areas including parts north of St. Cloud in Benton and Stearns counties are near 50 percent.

Officials explained that color peaks may come in waves as warm, sunny days and cool nights help maples and aspens reach their best look—conditions that vary with weather and temperature changes.

St. Cloud will join nationwide protests on October 18 at the Great River Regional Library from noon to 2 p.m.—the rally will protest perceived authoritarianism and support democracy with a coalition including The 50501 Movement and Indivisible.

A flagging operation will be in effect on Lincoln Ave NE today through Friday, September 26—guiding traffic from East St. Germain St to the North City Limits for planned road improvements.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid delays.

Council Member Karen Larson will host a joint meeting with Sherburne County officials on southeast St. Cloud issues at 1010 Park on September 29th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.—the meeting will be the first of its kind and will cover road updates, housing development and homeless services. The session is open to ward residents and the general public.

The Stearns County Board of Commissioners will hold their October 7th meeting at Cold Spring City Hall at 6:00 p.m. and residents can join a public comment forum from 5:30 to 6:00 to share their views — a change from the usual 9:00 a.m. meeting at Courthouse Square.

A scenic fall road trip starts in Waite Park at Quarry Park and moves through locations like Munsinger/Clemens Gardens, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Normandale Japanese Garden, the Cannon River in Welch, Lake Pepin in Lake City, and Great River Bluffs in Winona before ending at Mystery Cave in Preston — offering travelers a chance to see bright autumn leaves and capture photos before winter arrives.

The Minnesota waterfowl season will begin tomorrow as hunters are urged to buy state and federal stamps and review the 34-page regulation book — hunting for ducks, coots and mergansers starts 30 minutes before sunrise while warmer weather may spread the birds out.

Stars & S’mores

8:30-10 p.m. — Wilson Park — $5/Participant — Explore the night sky and celestial wonders with expert guidance and telescopes.

An Evening of Stories and Songs with Jeremy Camp & Adrienne Camp

7-8:30 p.m. — Calvary Classical Academy — Ticket prices may increase at the door — Enjoy a night filled with inspiring stories and uplifting music from Jeremy and Adrienne Camp.

Northland's Fall Party

Northland’s annual Fall Party is coming up this Saturday, October 11th, from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m.! This fun-filled community event will feature pony rides, hayrides, candy hunts, bounce houses, face painting, games, food trucks, and much more.

6th Annual Banquet for Recovery

Join us on Friday, October 17th at the 6th Annual Banquet for Recovery as we celebrate resilience, hope, and those making a difference in our recovery community. 🎤 Be inspired by keynote speaker May Diddy and enjoy an evening of connection, recognition, and purpose!

The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Live Score by Quarkestra

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Gnarly Bard Theater — Ticketed event — Experience the haunting romance of a silent classic with an original live score.

A Tribute to 90's Alternative Rock

7:30-9 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Cost info not provided — Relive the iconic sounds of the 90's with hits from your favorite bands in a nostalgic celebration.

A Choral Community Celebration

4-6 p.m. — Stewart Hall — $5 max for parking — Experience a celebratory concert showcasing the choral talents from Central Minnesota's finest ensembles.