Jay Caldwell is the host of the WJON Morning News Watch, 5-10 weekday mornings. The program focuses on interaction with listeners both on air and online about what concerns them in Central Minnesota. Jay and his wife reside in St. Cloud and have since 1998. They raised their 2 boys who are now off to college starting their own adventures. Please tune in to the Morning News Watch for the latest news, sports, weather, entertainment and so much more.
Jay Caldwell
Cathedral High School Operating With No COVID-19 Restrictions
Cathedral High School began the 2021-2022 school year earlier this week without COVID-19 restrictions. Cathedral Activities Director Emmett Keenan joined me on WJON today. He says they current have no restrictions but are using some cautionary measures.
COVID-19 ICU Numbers Rise at St. Cloud Hospital
The hospitalized COVID-19 numbers within CentraCare are up and more alarmingly the ICU/Critical Care numbers have increased at a higher rate. CentraCare spokesman Dr. George Morris joined me on WJON this week. He says they have 20 ICU/Critical care unit patients at St. Cloud Hospital with half of them on ventilators.
Winter Blend Expected to Push Gas Prices Up in November
Hurricane Ida and the increased demand on gas pushed gas prices up locally in the past week. St. Cloud State Economist and Dean, School of Public Affairs, King Banaian joined me on WJON today. He expects gas prices to drop slightly after Labor Day weekend and continue to fall through October.
Central Minnesotans Can Expect to Pay More Dining Out
A worker shortage, COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of many products has triggered inflation in many different areas in our economy. St. Cloud State Economist and Dean, School of Public Affairs, King Banaian joined me on WJON today. He says inflation is sticking around for the foreseeable future and will impact many Central Minnesotans.
Vikings Acquire a Tight End from the Jets
The Vikings have reportedly acquired tight end Chris Herndon from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2022 4th round draft pick. The Vikings also get a 6th round in 2022 from the Jets. The Vikings will play at least one week without starting tight end Irv Smith Jr. due to meniscus surgery.
[OPINION] Do Central Minnesotans Have a Lot to Be Negative About?
2020 was a challenging year with the COVID-19 pandemic waging on. 2021 has also presented many challenges which includes the continuing pandemic, a drought, fires in Canada, the Taliban retaking Afghanistan with U.S. troops leaving, a job shortage and people driving faster on our roadways leading to more deaths in Minnesota.
Huntington Bank Stadium Adding a New Club Feature
Cambria and the University of Minnesota is partnering to create a unique, innovative, and advanced-design club space at Huntington Bank Stadium called "Club Cambria"., The space features a high-end, elevated, luxury lounge experience unlike any other seating area in the stadium.
St. Cloud Schools Committed to In-Person Learning
St. Cloud School District 742 is committed to in-person learning this upcoming school year. That according to St. Cloud School Superintendent Willie Jett. He joined me on WJON today. He says he believes in-person learning gives students the best educational opportunity.
5 Local Teams Still Alive in the Class C State Amateur Tourney
The Sartell Muskies defeated the Wanamingo Jacks 4-1 Friday in Waconia to advance to play the Bluffton Braves at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Waconia. The Luxemburg Brewers survived with a 13-7 win over the Ada Athletics Sunday in Waconia. Luxemburg will play the Waconia Lakers at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Chaska.
COVID-19 Numbers Rise Again at St. Cloud Hospital
COVID-19 positive cases at St. Cloud Hospital continue to rise. CentraCare spokesman Dr. George Morris joined me on WJON this week. He says 44 people are hospitalized with 18 of those in the ICU/Critical Care Unit. Of the 44 people hospitalized 42 of them are unvaccinated and all 18 in the ICU/Critical Care Unit are unvaccinated.