Good morning, St. Cloud.

Central Minnesota families are finalizing trick-or-treat plans by checking costumes—adding reflective tape, flashlights, and ensuring secure fits—to keep children visible while trick or treating today.

Local antique shops in St. Cloud offer unique vintage finds + special holiday deals as several stores launch events showcasing repurposed furniture, collectible glassware, and diverse décor for home buyers.

Krispy Kreme announced it will open a new shop in Fridley on November 15—donut lovers in Minnesota will soon have hot glazed donuts close to home.

Children's clothing boutique Laney and Sy will open its new Sauk Rapids shop at 111 Division St. on November 2 to offer upscale children's clothes along with items from local vendors.

Owner Emma Janey said the new spot has a better layout—bringing more foot traffic and room to grow—compared to the previous location.

Several Minnesota companies including Target and CentraCare laid off hundreds of workers, and Career Solutions offers a free worker displacement program—providing career counseling, job search help and retraining at no cost.

The program is funded by state employer fees and federal funds and requires paperwork for enrollment for those eligible for unemployment benefits.

Economist King Banaian said the ongoing federal shutdown may soon delay SNAP benefits and lead to furloughs for federal workers from VA—if it continues into November and up to Thanksgiving, Central Minnesota's economy could slow further.

St. Cloud State University has named four finalists for its presidential search—Matt Cecil, Lisa Foss, Rodney Hanley, and Gregory Tomso—who will visit campus next week as the Board of Trustees plans to choose a new president with a January 1 start date.

The DNR confirmed starry stonewort at Buffalo Lake when staff reported a sighting near the south public access—making it Minnesota’s 38th water body with the invasive algae.

The plant can choke native species and hinder swimming, boating and fishing if it spreads further.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will host the Minnesota Organic Conference at River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud on January 8th and 9th.

The event will include over 30 breakout sessions and 80 booths—featuring organic production, marketing, and research—and a keynote by Dr. Joel Gruver of Western Illinois University, with early-bird registration available through December 1st.

St. Cloud residents must follow new winter parking regulations that require safe overnight parking on the even side on odd-numbered days and the odd side on even-numbered days between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from November 1 through April 1 — and residents near SCSU should note that their rules apply all year.

Sartell-St. Stephen volleyball, led by coach Riley Marod and eight seniors, will face Alexandria in the Section 8-4-A playoffs after wins over Elk River and St. Michael-Albertville and aims to secure a state tournament spot for the first time since 1977—Alexandria had won their lone meeting on August 26.

The ROCORI Spartans will face top-seeded Tigers today at 7 p.m. at Southwest Minnesota State as they try to secure a state tournament spot.

They have won seven straight games after a week-two loss and are aiming to build momentum for the playoffs.

Born On The Bayou: The Music of John Fogerty & Creedence Clearwater Revival

7:30-9 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Ticketed — Experience the classic hits of CCR and John Fogerty performed by Mason Dixon in a rocking tribute.

Granite City Train Show 2025

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Admission details not specified — Explore model trains, interactive exhibits, and family fun activities.

Stained Glass & Agate Mosaic Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Rock and Art Shop — Cost varies — Create your own beautiful glass and agate mosaic in a fun, colorful evening.

Zonta Christmas House 2025

2-8 p.m. — 1408 Antler Creek Ct — Entry fee supports a good cause — Explore stunning holiday décor while supporting women’s education and empowerment.

Cathedral's Winter Gala 2025

5-10 p.m. — The Park Event Center — $115 individual tickets, $1,500 for a table — Experience a vibrant evening filled with dining, entertainment, and a live auction supporting student programs.