WJONAM

Melrose native Amanda (Thieschafer) Smock is still getting used to the idea that she's an Olympian. Smock is going to be in Melrose this weekend for their city celebration.

The Minnesota Wild signings of top free agents Ryan Suter and Zach Parise triggered 500 season tickets sales for the Wild in the first 2 hours after the signings were announced. The Wild signed 700 season tickets yesterday alone. Single game tickets arn't available for sale yet.

The Twins lost 5-1 at Detroit Wednesday night after both teams endured a 2 hour and 26 minute rain delay. Justin Verlander threw all 9 innings with 4 hits and 1 earned run allowed with 7 strikeouts to get the win for the Tigers. Chris Parmelee homered to account for the lone Twins run and Denard Span was 2-4 for the Twins.

The Minnesota Wild could find out today according to sources whether they will land top free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. Parise arrived in Minnesota yesterday to talk over his decision with his family but indicated to the Star Tribune that him being here didn't necessarily indicate that he would sign with the Wild. The Wild visited Suter in Madison, Wisconsin Tuesday but so did Detroit.

The St. Cloud Rox lost a tough game 4-3 to Duluth at Joe Faber Field Tuesday night. Duluth went out to 3-0 and 4-1 leads before St. Cloud cut the gap to 4-3 with 2 runs in the 5th inning. Phil Imholte was 1-2 with 2 RBIs and Mark Rhine was 1-3 with 1 RBI for the Rox. Billy Soule allowed 7 hits and 4 earned runs in 7 innings to take the loss for St. Cloud.

The Twins defeated the Tigers 8-6 Tuesday night to win their 5th straight game. The Twins scored 5 runs in the 3rd inning before Detroit tied the game with 3 runs in the 4th. Minnesota broke the tie with a sacrifice fly from Ryan Doumit in the 7th inning. Joe Mauer added a solo homerun in the 9th. Mauer was 3-5 with 3 runs scored, Josh Willingham was 2-3 with a homerun and 3 RBIs and Trevor Plouffe added a 2-run homerun.

The 4th of July celebration continues today (Wednesday) in St. Joseph. The big parade starts at 10:00 a.m.

If you're looking for something to do on this 4th of July holiday, St. Cloud has a couple options for you. The Summertime by George festivities are happening today (Wednesday), but at an earlier time.

Meet Red and Junior; two happy-go-lucky fur-babies looking to share their love of life with you!

The Minnesota Wild continue to wait as top NHL free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter weigh options from numerous offers.