Jay Caldwell

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.

Ledgetober Flannel Fest Going to “Another Level” in 2024

The 3rd annual LEDGEtober Flannel Fest will take place from 2-7pm Saturday October 5 at the Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park. Ledge Facility Event Supervisor Meredith Lyon, and performers Ted Manderfeld (Deuces Wild) and Michael Shynes joined me on WJON to talk about the event. Lyon says Flannel Fest is "going to another level in 2024".

Tri County Humane Society Partnering with Obbink Distillery

Obbink Distillery of St. Joseph is partnering with Tri-County Humane Society for an adoption event. The Halloween themed Spooktacular event will play place Sunday October 13 from 12 pm - 4 pm on the Obbink lawn.

Foley Fire Department Open House This Week

Next week is fire prevention week and the Foley Fire Department is offering an open house Saturday, October 5 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Foley Fire Hall at 81 Norman Avenue South in Foley. This is their annual open house.

Home Burglaries and a Stolen Vehicle in St. Cloud

The St. Cloud Police Department are reporting a burglary on the 1100 block of 12th Avenue South where a screen was cut, a home was entered and cash was stolen.

McKinley School Project Nearing Completion

St. Cloud School District 742 has been working on an addition to McKinley School which includes 4 classrooms, small group areas and restrooms. This improvement will include a dedicated entrance for their middle level students.

The Story of St. John’s Athletic Facilities

Guild Hall or Rat Hall as it's also known, was built in 1901 and served as the main gymnasium on the St. John's University campus for many years until 1972. To help tell the story of St. John's buildings I was joined by St. John's/St. Ben's Archivist Peggy Roske.

St. John’s University Used to Be in St. Cloud; Why They Moved

St. John's University originated in St. Cloud on the shores of the Mississippi River in 1856. There is a plaque on the Beaver Island trail commemorating that. St. John's relocated to St. Joseph in 1858 before moving again to its current location at Indianbush aka, Collegeville in 1866.

Reaction to MN Waterfowl Opener; Common Violations

The duck and goose seasons got underway in Minnesota last weekend. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He says reports indicate mixed results. Schmitt talked with hunters who did very well while others didn't do as well.

Stolen Vehicle and Burglaries in St. Cloud; Vandalism in Waite Park

The St. Cloud Police Department are reporting a stolen vehicle on the 1800 block of 16th Street Southeast. Alicia Mages from Tri County Crime Stoppers says the vehicle is a 2012 red Chevy Traverse with a broken passenger side tail light and a cracked windshield.

New Business Close to Opening in Sartell

Sartell's River Crossing development is getting close to full with 2 to 3 commercial locations still available. Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum indicates Les Schwab Tires and Valvoline Oil Change are close to opening. He says the walls are up and appear on track to open soon.