Morning Newswatch with Jay Caldwell

Cold Spring still has a small town feel and a strong sense of pride despite its growth over the years. Cold Spring is a city in Central Minnesota with a population of 4,025 located southwest of St. Cloud in Stearns County.

Buckman is a small town in southern Morrison County in Buckman township with a population of 307. It was established in 1869 and was named after one it's early settlers, Clarence B. Buckman.

Farming is an unincorporated town in Central Stearns County in Central Minnesota along county roads 23, 41 and 42 located approximately 9 miles north of Richmond and 7 miles south of Albany. To help tell the story of Farming I was joined by longtime residents Dan Rea and Marilyn Mergen.

The town of Lake Henry is located in western Stearns County just north of Paynesville. It has a population of 103 and is located along Highway 4. To tell the story of Lake Henry I was joined by longtime Lake Henry residents Jim and Sue Brick.

Lake Henry is a small town in western Stearns County with a population of 103. It is located north of Paynesville along Highway 4.

This is the 2nd straight season that the weather has adversely impacted the ice fishing season. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He says the freeze, thaw, heavy snow and slush were the problems last year.

St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam is pleased with the first half of the school year. She says based on a review of their data, they are seeing decreases in concerning behaviors. Putnam says their students are making safe, healthy, responsible choices.

The St. Cloud Police Department are reporting a stolen vehicle on the 2200 block of Roosevelt Road. Alicia Mages from Tri-County Crimestoppers says the vehicle is a 2023 gray Mazda CX5 with Minnesota license KJM 765.

Minnesotans aren't hesitant to explore Minnesota even in the cold weather. Jake Juliot from Explore Minnesota joined me on WJON to talk about 10 suggestions on what to do in the state this winter.

The Granite City Classic boys and girls basketball event returns to the St. Cloud area next week. The 2-day event will take place December 29-30 and is put on by Breakdown Sports USA for the 13th straight year.