News

Sartell Police Department are reporting that officials were called to a vandalism at Watab Park. Tri-County Crime Stoppers says officers arrived to see several spray painted quotes and images on the outside of the pavilion, restrooms and storage closet.  This is the 2nd time this week that location has been vandalized. Waite Park Police are reporting packages stolen from the entry way of an apartment building on 10 block of 15th Avenue North.  Waite Park Police are also reporting a stolen license plate. The St. Cloud Police Department are reporting a black dump trailer that says "V Trailers LLC" was taken. If you notice suspicious activity contact your local law enforcement immediately so then can investigate. 

The DNR reported that grouse hunting numbers were down from previous years. In the central and north central region, grouse numbers were down 1.7% that last year, and over 2.5% since 2024 that is drums per spot. Also fishing numbers are down this year on Minnesota lakes and rivers, the DNR believes that the cool weather in early June, and hot weather in late June and July may be a factor, but after a record year of fishing licenses were bought in May, the fishing numbers have steadily declined almost 30% by June 30th. The hope is that more will take in the fishing areas over the months even with more hot weather in July. 

After a two-year process, the Diocese of Duluth awaits word from The Vatican on whether Monsignor Joseph Buh a Slovenian immigrant to the region could be Minnesota’s first saint, and the nation’s 12th. In Duluth, the body of the union founder, editor of an immigrant newspaper, speaker of seven languages, missionary and, perhaps, one day a saint was laid to rest ahead of St. Joseph’s side altar in the Holy Rosary Cathedral two years ago. In 2024, the remains of Monsignor Joseph Buh were exhumed from Cavalry Cemetery, and his crypt fittingly reads “Patriarch of the Diocese of Duluth,” the Northern Minnesota Diocese for which he founded 57 parishes from Brainerd to Ely. This designation also includes the Diocese of Crookston. Whether he’ll eventually move under the altar, an honor reserved for saints, remains to be determined in the process of canonization. His case was voted to move forward — in what the Rev. Richard Kunst of St. James’ Parish in Duluth said was a unanimous decision — on June 10 at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Canonization is the process through which a deceased individual may become a saint, or is confirmed through an extensive research process to be in heaven. There are five key steps. As of right now, the case for Monsignor Buh is awaiting confirmation to proceed with the second step, which is the investigation done into the figure’s life. 

Also yesterday Pastor Carol Jean Smith and Charlie Roth who many know around the area joined the KLTF Morning Show for what is being called "St. Cloud's Biggest Ever Open Mic Night". The first "Be the Hope Music Festival" is a fundraiser for The Place of Hope Ministries. The event this Saturday will be at Iron Street Distillery with two indoor stages and one outdoor stage. Pastor Carol Smith says they've got at least 25 musicians committed to performing, and the list is still growing. The seven-hour live music event runs from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Smith says the artists are all donating their time, and the money collect in their "tip jars" will all go to The Place of Hope. We'll have our QR code everywhere for giving, and we'll have big boxes at every stage for donations.  Kind of like when somebody plays on stage and has a tip jar, except the tips will all go to Place of Hope. They are not selling tickets, and it is free to attend; you are just asked to make a donation if you are able. Smith says a single donor has given a $50,000 matching donation. The food trucks and all the other vendors will also be donating 10 percent or more of their revenue. Charlie said you need to bring the kids to mee Professor Shake-a-Leg and there will also be a family-friendly area with bounce houses, clowns, and face painting. Again free will donations to help Place of Hope for helping the homeless and others with places to live and their mission to provide hope for those in need. 

National News: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Wednesday that American forces have begun conducting additional strikes against Iran at President Donald Trump’s direction. CENTCOM said the strikes are aimed at further degrading Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, where Tehran has recently targeted commercial vessels. “The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway,” CENTCOM said.

Weather: Thursday sunny skies, high 81, clear Thursday night low 58. Sunny skies Friday, high 82, clear skies Friday night low around 60. Saturday sunny and warmer, high 87, low around 64. Sunday sunny and hot, high 91, low around 68. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week hot and muggy, highs in the 90s all three days lows around 70 all three days with now no mention of any rainfall in the next 7 days.

Sports: Twins wrap up series with Cleveland Thursday at 12:40pm then host Angels on Friday night. Longtime pitcher with Detroit, Houston and other teams Justin Verlander has officially announced this year will be last as he is retiring from Major League Baseball.