Morning Newswatch with Jay Caldwell

Paynesville, Minnesota is a town with a population of 2,432 in southwestern Stearns County. The town was named after Edwin E. Payne and was platted in 1857. The town consisted of 3 individual settlements known as North Town, Old Town and Jim Town.

Paynesville is a small town in southwestern Stearns County with a population of 2,388 according to the last census in 2020. Paynesville is located along Highways 23, 4 and 55. Paynesville is on the Soo Line Railway and was formerly on the Great Northern Railway.

The Minnesota State Troopers are cracking down on distracted drivers. State Trooper Sargent Jesse Grabow joined me on WJON. He says he sees people everyday looking at their phones and holding their phone while driving, which is against the law.

The Sartell Police Department are reporting a couple of thefts from vehicle this week. Alicia Mages from Tri-County Crime Stoppers says the first one happened on the 800 block of 10th Avenue North.

Minnesotans love golf and the sport has been growing in popularity in the state. Jake Juliot from Explore Minnesota joined me to talk about golf trip destination spots golfers should consider.

The former Sartell paper mill site known as the city's Mill District's timeline has been pushed back a bit. That according to Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum. He says the city continues to work with their consultants, interest groups, stakeholders and the community.

The spring weather has led many people to start work on their lawns. St. Cloud Public Works Assistant Director Dan Legatt joined me on WJON. He says there are some guidelines as to what should go in the yard waste bags and how sticks, branches and twigs should be prepared for pickup.

Like rainbow sprinkles on a cold scoop of vanilla, Minnesota’s small towns are both abundant and delightful. From well-known small towns like Ely, Pipestone and Nisswa, to the truly tiny towns highlighted below, there’s nothing quite like exploring a small Minnesota town with family, friends or even solo.

Spotted bear activity has picked up in Central Minnesota. I reported yesterday black bears were seen on trail cameras in Cold Spring early this week. I received more confirmation of bear activity from a WJON listener in Cold Spring who sent me this photo taken from a trail camera.

Earlier this week Emmett Keenan and Julie Murphy each received promotions at St. Cloud Catholic Community Schools and Cathedral High School. Keenan joined me on WJON to talk about his new title, which will take hold starting July 1.