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
COVID-19 Numbers Up at St. Cloud Hospital; Mortality Rate is Low
CentraCare and St. Cloud Hospital continue to see a surge of positive COVID-19 patients. CentraCare Spokesman Dr. George Morris joined me on WJON. He says they have 87 positive COVID-19 patients throughout CentraCare with 66 of them at St. Cloud Hospital.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Looks to Stay Unbeaten Tonight; HS Schedule
The Sauk Rapids-Rice football team is 5-0 and ranked #9 in the State in Class 5A. They host St. Francis tonight at 7 p.m. for Homecoming. The Storm is coming off a 21-6 win over Bemidji last week.
Fall Colors Peaking in Central Minnesota
Central Minnesota is experiencing peak fall colors. Explore Minnesota's Alyssa Hayes joined me on WJON today. She says Central Minnesota is at peak now and will likely stay there for another 2 weeks or so. Hayes says northwest and northeast Minnesota are past peak.
Central MN Manufacturing Jobs Probably Aren’t What You Think
Central Minnesota is experiencing a labor shortage and has for many months now. Manufacturing has been experiencing a labor shortage for many years. Della Ludwig is a CMMA Board member and Workforce Strategy Consultant with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Is it Just Me or Does it Seem Like the Wild West on St. Cloud Roads?
Most of us spend a significant time on the roads in St. Cloud. What is your experience? St. Cloud Assistant Police Chief Jeff Oxton joined me on WJON. He says during the shutdown portion of the pandemic they saw a great decrease in traffic and didn't see a larger than normal amount of people driving fast or erratically.
COVID Affects St. Cloud Police Protocols But Not Service
St. Cloud Police has adjusted over the past year and a half due to COVID-19. St. Cloud Assistant Police Chief Jeff Oxton joined me on WJON. He says adjustments they've made include less person to person contact, when possible, and when they are called to a home asking to have conversations outside in the open air.
The Amount of Beers it takes for Minnesotans to Feel Tipsy
Have you ever wondered how many beers it takes to make you feel a bit tipsy? Upgradedpoints.com in a recent survey identified in each state how many beers it takes before someone feels a tipsy. The survey revealed the national average is 3.49 beers with Minnesota under the national average at 3.24 beers.
This Age Group Is Not Returning to the Workforce in Central MN
Almost everyone is hiring right now in Central Minnesota. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON today. He says the age group that hasn't returned to the workforce the most is those who are 55 years of age and older.
The Month Where Gas Prices in MN Are the Cheapest Might Surprise You
Gas prices have mostly stabilized locally for the past couple of weeks. St. Cloud State Economist and Dean, School of Public Affairs King Banaian joined me on WJON today. He says October is the month where we typically see the cheapest gas prices.
Is Zimmer on the Hot Seat Yet? Vikings/Browns [GALLERY]
The Vikings lost 14-7 at home against the Cleveland Browns Sunday to drop to 1-3. Head Coach Mike Zimmer has a coaching record of 65-48-1 including a 2-3 record in the playoffs with the Vikings.