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Every small town has a story and this is the story of St. Wendel. St. Wendel is an unincorporated town located north of St. Joseph, Avon and Holdingford in St. Wendel township in Stearns County. The community is located along Stearns County Road 4 and 130th Avenue. Longtime St. Wendel...

FOLEY — Artists who live in the Minnesota counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns or Wright can apply by Jan. 18, 2024 to receive an award of $3,500 from …. This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers. To continue reading, you will need to either log in...

BROOTEN (WJON News) -- Police are investigating after a body was found in an alley in Brooten in western Stearns County. Police say the body was found on Thursday around 1:20 p.m. in an alley behind Western Avenue. The death remains under investigation. Police say there are no public safety...

This weekend is a big weekend for shopping and Alicia Mages from Waite Park P.D. and Tri-County Crimestoppers has some suggestions so you don't become a victim. Mages says when your vehicle is parked in a lot and is unattended don't leave packages in plain sight when possible. She suggests using a trunk, or underneath a seat. Mages recommends carrying a wallet or purse close to your body, don't set your purse or wallet down and walk away from it. Always lock your vehicle.

(KNSI) – Stearns County is looking for financial help to bring a new program to the area to help keep kids safe. The sheriff’s office has teamed up with the National Child Safety Council for an educational initiative to help teach children about crime prevention, identity theft and internet safety.

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- The Stearns County Sheriff's Office is launching a program designed to educate children on drug prevention, safety, and crime prevention. The sheriff's office is partnering with the National Child Safety Council to provide educational materials designed for kids pre-school-aged and older. The program will also...

(KNSI) – A dry November isn’t adding to the drought locally. Central Minnesota has seen next to no rain this month. Only about five-hundredths of an inch fell Monday night, the first drops in weeks. Still, things are much better now than what we saw throughout much of the summer.

(KNSI) – A dilapidated bridge over the Sauk River will be replaced starting November 27th, leading to a six to eight mile detour between Waite Park and St. Joseph. Bridge 6819 crosses the river on County Road 75 just west of 28th Avenue near Mills Fleet Farm and Woods Farmer Seed & Nursery. It was highlighted for replacement in July of 2021 after Stearns County showed the structure’s wear and tear to Congressman Tom Emmer.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Stearns County, Minnesota, Belgrade stands as a small city with a monumental legacy. Established in 1886, its name mirrors the Serbian capital, symbolizing the varied backgrounds of its founders. This connection to distant shores is a testament to the American mosaic, where the story of each settler is woven into the town's identity. From Otto Christianson's first house in 1874 to the arrival of the railroad, Belgrade's history is marked by enduring perseverance and a shared sense of community.

The Big Picture: Dr. Shelandra Bell, Family Medicine. says, "Travel stress is a thing, prepare for it!" Doctor's Expert Insights About Stress During Travel and Your Health in Minnesota. Know this: "At the risk of sounding like I'm simplifying the problem too much--prepare for the stress rather than let it...

High honors for Stearns County Highway Engineer Jodi Teich. Teich received the William Koniarski Transportation Advocate Award. The award is presented periodically to an individual or unit of government who has shown outstanding leadership and commitment to improving Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure. Serving as Stearns County’s Highway Engineer since 2012,...

WAITE PARK, Minn. — Drivers can expect a complete closure of CSAH 75 starting Monday in Waite Park. That’s according to the Stearns County Department of Highways. This is due to the removal and replacement of the CSAH 75 bridge over Sauk River. Construction is expected to begin...

The Big Picture: Dr. Adriana Davis, Family Medicine. says, "It's not in your head, for some people red wine can induce headaches..." Doctor's Expert Insights About Quercetin, Alcohol, and Your Health in Minnesota. Know this: "So the process that may be causing headaches for people who experience the 'red wine...

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- You and your friends can work together to solve a mystery this holiday season. The second annual Stearns History Museum Escape Room will be held on four nights. Spokeswoman Caitlin Carlson says participants will travel back in time to a haunted Stearns County farmhouse around...

The Stearns County Sheriff's office and partner agencies will be at Texas Roadhouse in Waite Park Wednesday November 29 from 4-7 p.m. for "Tip a Cop" to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota. These officers will assist in serving the patrons at Texas Roadhouse that day. These donations to Special...