Good morning, St. Cloud.

St. Cloud leaders will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Whitney Regional Park at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, Oct.

7 to celebrate city-funded improvements that include eight pickleball courts, 12 soccer fields, new trails, an all-abilities playground & repaved roads & lighting; Mayor Jake Anderson will serve the first pickleball.

The Initiative Foundation awarded nine grants totaling over $58,000 to nonprofits across central Minnesota to address urgent community needs.

The funds will help organizations such as the District 742 Local Education & Activities Foundation and Eagle's Healing Nest improve outreach and operations.

The St. Cloud State Community Garden will host its Homecoming Harvest Celebration Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.— neighbors will enjoy live music and Jupiter Moon ice cream at the garden on the corner of 5th Ave and 6th Street South.

Stoney Brook Farms celebrates its 10th Harvest Fun Days by adding over 30 new activities including a pirate-themed corn maze.

The event runs until Nov. 1 in Foley, with extended hours starting today on Friday, Oct. 2 + themed days planned through October.

FACT Fest is set for Oct.

22 at Harvester Square in downtown and offers live music, dinner at 6 pm, and a silent auction until 8 pm to help feed kids in our community (organizers hope to raise up to $75K).

Newport Academy permanently laid off 68 workers at its teen mental health and substance use treatment center in south St. Cloud, with cuts taking effect Sept.

30 and Oct. 1 following a WARN notice. Workers across roles from nursing to cleaning may seek help from the state Dislocated Worker Program.

St. Cloud State University stands among the safest campuses based on three years of crime data (2021-2025).

President Tomso said the campus is 68% safer than average while Police Chief Oxton noted that downtown crime remains very low at late-night bar closings.

SCSU President Greg Tomso said enrollment dropped to 9,646 this fall because of fewer high school graduates and visa challenges—a 7% decrease from last year.

Homecoming this week will feature a ribbon cutting at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, bonfire, volleyball, and a gala.

St. Cloud Area School District 742's test scores remain flat with 24.9% meeting math standards and 14.8% achieving science proficiency, trailing statewide rates.

The state announced it will form a 28-member task force with educators + parents + students to review its testing framework.

Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule took effect on October 1 to protect residential customers from utility disconnections during winter.

Customers must set up approved payment plans with providers + agencies like Xcel Energy to access assistance, and renters are covered if their bills include gas or electricity.

East St. Germain Street between Wilson & Lincoln Avenues will be closed from 7:00 a.m. on Monday until Friday, Oct.

9 for planned BNSF railroad work at the tracks.

State officials finalized 2027 MNsure health insurance rates that will take effect January 1, with premium increases averaging 17.4% and southeastern Minnesota facing the steepest hikes — reinsurance efforts help limit the cost rise.

At homecoming, St. Cloud State's 15th-ranked volleyball team plays today at 6:00 p.m. vs MSU Moorhead and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. vs Minnesota Crookston at Halenbeck Hall.

The 14th-ranked men's swimming and diving team opens its season today at 4:00 p.m. and Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the aquatics center.