Good morning, St. Cloud.

Two local law enforcement K9 officers died from unexpected medical emergencies recently; Bronco died in Sherburne County last week and Jax died in Stearns County in the past day, leaving their units mourning loyal canine partners.

Les Voyageurs is hosting information meetings on Jan.

4 and 5 in Sartell for teens (10th–12th graders) interested in summer canoe trips into the Canadian wilderness. The trips run from June 19 to July 16 or from July 14 to Aug. 10 and cost about $2,900 plus up to $300 for personal equipment.

St. Cloud readies for New Year's Eve with family events at Great River Children's Museum at 12 p.m. and The Skatin' Place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus adult celebrations at Red Carpet Nightclub from 9 p.m. and a free sober party at Kelly Inn from 7 p.m.

Tee It Up for the Troops raised $42,448, with over $21,000 going to local veterans groups (supporting efforts to end veteran homelessness, address substance use, and provide hospice care).

The fundraiser’s 2026 outing is set for Monday, Aug. 31 at St. Cloud Country Club.

Gail Cruikshank, Talent Director at the St. Cloud Development Corporation, presented 10 strategies for improving recruitment in 2026 today.

She recommended skills-based hiring, flexible work arrangements, and AI-powered screening + clear job postings to help employers find quality talent.

Students in grades 4-12 in Stearns County can join the Family History Writing Contest by interviewing someone 60 or older about education changes.

Entries are due Jan. 20 with winners notified on March 17 (awards at the Stearns History Museum), and winners will earn cash prizes plus a genealogist membership.

The Sartell-St. Stephen School District launched ELEVATE at Oak Ridge Early Learning Center to help 18-22-year-olds with intellectual and functional needs build daily life skills through activities like shopping and community center visits.

School officials plan to form local partnerships throughout the first year.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that K9 Jax passed away due to unexpected medical complications, leaving a lasting bond with his handler Deputy Adam Johnson since 2016; the department will honor his service in coming weeks (a tribute to his dedicated work).

Cathedral High School’s National Honor Society delivered 40 care packages — including cozy blankets, warm socks, an eye mask, hand lotion, and supportive messages — to chemotherapy patients at Coborn Cancer Center, organized by Nora Simones and Jayden Layne.

At the Jackhammer Invite, the Paynesville Bulldogs scored 147.5 points with seven wrestlers placing, including Tyson Meagher in second and Mason Hansen in third.

The local tournament took place on Tuesday, Dec. 23 and highlighted community talent.

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.

Radio Nation - A Tribute to Steve Miller and The Cars

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Ticket prices vary — Relive the magic of the 70s and 80s with iconic hits from Steve Miller and The Cars.

Karaoke Night at The Pickled Loon

10:00-11:30 p.m. — The Pickled Loon — Free entry — Unleash your inner rockstar and enjoy a night of singing your favorite tunes in a friendly atmosphere.

10000 Days - A Tribute to Tool

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — $ — Experience the Midwest's premier tribute to Tool with a technically complex and emotionally powerful performance.