Morning Newswatch with Jay Caldwell

October is National Principals month and District 742 has been spending the month recognizing their Principals on their facebook page. St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON.

The Tech Boys Soccer team will play 2nd seeded Hill Murray Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Class AA State Tournament semifinals. Tech was 5-7-3 when they started the section playoffs but after 4 straight playoff wins, which includes upsets over Willmar, Apollo and last week Cloquet-Esko-Carleton the Tigers are hot.

In 1856 in Central Minnesota a fort was built north of what is now the town of Kimball. That fort and settlement was called Maine Prairie. In 1886 the railroad went through a location south of Maine Prairie where present day Kimball is now located.

Not everyone is excited about cooler weather but hunters just may be. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He explains the cooler weather happening this weekend is better for duck hunters.

Popple Creek is small community in Mayhew Lake Township in Benton County located along County Roads 3 and 4. Popple Creek was never incorporated but was settled in the 1890s. To help tell the story about Popple Creek I was joined by Benton County Historical Society Executive Director Mary Ostby and longtime Popple Creek area resident Lancy Studanski.

Popple Creek is an unincorporated community in Mayhew Lake Township in Benton County located along County Roads 3 and 4 near St. Cloud and Gilman.

Sartell Police are reporting vehicle break-ins. Alicia Mages from Tri-County Crimestoppers says on 205th Avenue East vehicle tampering took place. A man was seen on surveillance video going through multiple vehicles between 2 and 3 a.m.

Sartell's River Crossing development is taking shape. Mayor Ryan Fitzthum joined me on WJON and explains that Aldi Grocery Store will open within the next month and he anticipates a November opening.

Autumn turns to winter and that means many of us will spend more time indoors. Jake Juliot from Explore Minnesota joined me on WJON to talk about theater options and shows available in the state over the next few months.

Stearns County will be featured on Thursday on ABC's Good Morning America. Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall indicates the piece will air on GMA 3 and will be posted on GMA's website later that same day.