Jay Caldwell is the host of the WJON Morning News Watch, 5-10 weekday mornings. The program focuses on interaction with listeners both on air and online about what concerns them in Central Minnesota. Jay and his wife reside in St. Cloud and have since 1998. They raised their 2 boys who are now off to college starting their own adventures. Please tune in to the Morning News Watch for the latest news, sports, weather, entertainment and so much more.
Jay Caldwell
Jolly Trolley Food Drive Starts Today [AUDIO]
The annual Jolly Trolley Food Drive will take place this week Monday - Thursday at area grocery stores. Metro Bus CEO Ryan Daniel and Metro Bus Marketing and Communication Manager Nate Ramacher joined me on WJON.
St. Cloud Used to Have a Piggly Wiggly
This is the first installment of a look back at the history of grocery stores in the St. Cloud area. To help examine this I was joined by local historians Jim Grabinski and John Decker.
Civil War Soldiers Were Among Early Settlers in This Central MN Town
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.
Ice Fishing Conditions in Minnesota Heading Into the Weekend
Ice fishing is the next season in Minnesota and for some it is already underway. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He says he is surprised how quickly Central Minnesota lakes froze and there a people ice fishing on lakes throughout the state.
SCSU To Celebrate More Than 700 Graduates Next Week
St. Cloud State will have 2 days of commencement ceremonies December 12-13 for those graduating after the first semester. SCSU Interim President Larry Dietz joined me on WJON. He says approximately 750 students will be graduated with 2 ceremonies on December 12 with another 4 on December 13.
Small Towns to Explore in Minnesota This Winter
Outstate Minnesota has plenty to offer in regards to events, dining, charm, accommodations, and shopping. Explore Minnesota's Jake Juliot examines some of the hot spots to visit this winter.
A Series of Unsolved Thefts in St. Cloud Over the Weekend
The St. Cloud Police Department are reporting a theft on the 4100 block of Division Street. Alicia Mages of Tri County Crime Stoppers says a customer had their unattended wallet taken.
SCSU’s Banaian; Holiday Shopping and Gas Prices
The holiday shopping season is underway. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON. He says Central Minnesota shoppers are looking for savings and name brands are not as important to many.
This Central MN Small Town Was Once Called Two Rivers
Albany, Minnesota is a town with a population of 2,780 located approximately 25 miles west of St. Cloud on Interstate 94. The settlement of Albany wasn't always called that. Originally a settlement just 2 miles east of Albany was called Two Rivers.
St. Cloud Grocery Stores Revisted; Where was Goetten’s Market?
Grocery stores have changes dramatically over the years and where groceries can be purchased in the St. Cloud area has also changed. This is our 2nd installment of our St. Cloud area grocery store revisited feature. I am joined by St. Cloud area historians John Decker and Jim Grabinski.