Gas prices have come down 15 to 20 cents over the past couple of weeks. St. Cloud State Dean, School of Public Affairs and Economics Professor King Banaian joined me on WJON. He says the demand for gas remains high so he doesn't see prices coming down very much.

The cost of goods and services have been on the rise due to inflation for the past 6 months. King Banaian is the Dean, School of Public Affairs and Economics professor at St. Cloud State. He says with an unemployment rate below 4% and prices rising because people can afford to spend more, he has a hard time believing we're going to have a recession anytime soon.

The fourth of July weekend brings many people out to Minnesota lakes. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON today. He says the Minnesota DNR and law enforcement are increasing their efforts to curtail boating under the influence of drugs and alcohol this weekend.

The St. Cloud Police Department is reporting a stolen vehicle on the 1400 block of 3rd Street North. The vehicle is a 2006 blue Chrysler Sebring with Minnesota license JBA 832.

Portions of the city of Sartell are still dealing with the effects of the heavy rains last week and earlier this spring. Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum joined me on WJON today. He says the significant rainfall last Thursday evening that fell not only in the immediate area but to the north near Bakers Lake area has impacted Sartell because the rain to the north always rushes south as it makes its way to the Mississippi River.

The Big Lake Police Department would like help to ID the person in the photos above. If you can help ID them please call Big Lake PD at 763-251-2996 or report the information anonymously to Tri-County Crimestoppers.

St. Cloud School's are transitioning from Willie Jett as the District 742 Superintendent to Laurie Putnam. Putnam, who had been the Assistant Superintendent, will become the new school district Superintendent Friday July 1st but has been transitioning into that role for the past few months.

WJON is featuring small towns in Central Minnesota once a month on a Friday. The first edition of "Small Town Friday" focuses on the town of St. Stephen. St. Stephen is the oldest Slovenian population in the United States.

The Minnesota DNR released a draft of its wolf management plan last week. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON this week. He says this it the first update since the initial plan was enacted in 2001. The plan does include options for hunting and trapping if certain benchmarks are met.

Waite Park Policer is reporting a bike stolen while parked at McKinley school. Alicia Mages from Tri-County Crimestoppers joined me on WJON today. She says the bike was stolen while the student was in school. No information about the bike is available.