Good morning, St. Cloud.

Sartell Police Officer Curt Grosz and his K9 Echo will appear in the 2026 Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. fundraising calendar, with sales online for $20 plus shipping to support law enforcement dogs.

Granite City Lumberjacks will host Hockey for a Cause on Friday, Dec.

19 at Sports Arena East in Sauk Rapids where puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. The event features a jersey auction, silent auction, chuck-a-puck competition, and raffles to support Smiles for Jake suicide prevention, with admission at $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, plus free entry for military and youth under six.

St. Cloud’s hotel landscape has evolved from historic sites like the Grand Central to adaptive reuses such as the Germain Towers for seniors and the modern Le St. Germain Hotel across from Rivers Edge Convention Center.

Local historian Jim Grabinski highlights changes from the early 1900s to recent redevelopments.

The Stearns History Museum is hosting its 4th Annual Escape Room event at 235 33rd Ave South, with only three pre-registration spots left for teams of up to six, and the experience costs $20 for members (or $25 for non-members).

Little Falls hosted the Gathering of Waters Band Festival Monday night with five bands including the St. Cloud Municipal Band and school ensembles + all performed a classic Sousa march for the finale.

The free concert took place at Little Falls High School's Charles D. Martin Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

The historic Foley Mansion in St. Cloud is open for festive tours and private events through Jan.

31. Guests can book a guided tour today or later in the season to enjoy holiday treats while exploring the restored 136-year-old home.

St. Cloud's Community Kwanzaa Celebration returns for its 30th year, set for 4 to 8 p.m. Dec.

13 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School; the free event will feature performances, food served at 5:30 p.m. and gift giveaways, highlighting African American heritage and youth voices.

Assistant State Climatologist Pete Boulay says below normal temperatures and heavier snowfall point to a traditional winter in St. Cloud, as the city has recorded 9.9 inches so far and conditions are expected to stay this way for the next couple weeks.

The MPCA advises residents to shovel driveways and sidewalks before using salt to protect our lakes and rivers.

They suggest using 12 ounces (enough for a 20-foot driveway) when temperatures are above 15°F and switching to sand when it drops.

Central Minnesota has seen 9.9 inches of snow this season, giving local kids (who follow good neighbor etiquette) a fun chance to kick snow boogers off parked cars while residents enjoy driving on frozen lakes.

St. Cloud Crush took third place at the Melrose Defender Tournament with 117.5 points and earned nine medals.

Two wrestlers from the team secured second-place finishes in a competitive display on the mats.

Minnesota offers the Great Minnesota Ski Pass for access to 1,100 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails at more than 90 state parks.

Day passes cost $10 + season passes start at $25, and all skiers 16 and older must have the pass to enjoy the winter fun.

St. Cloud Ballroom Dance Club

5:30-8 p.m. — Sta-Fit — Affordable entry — Learn the basics of ballroom dancing and enjoy a fun evening of music and dance.

Tonic Sol-Fa's Final Seasonal Run

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Tickets required — Celebrate the festive season with Tonic Sol-fa's memorable farewell performance alongside the Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience.