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
Three Settlements Became One; The Story of Paynesville
Paynesville, Minnesota is a town with a population of 2,432 in southwestern Stearns County. The town was named after Edwin E. Payne and was platted in 1857. The town consisted of 3 individual settlements known as North Town, Old Town and Jim Town.
Paynesville in Pictures [GALLERY]
Paynesville is a small town in southwestern Stearns County with a population of 2,388 according to the last census in 2020. Paynesville is located along Highways 23, 4 and 55. Paynesville is on the Soo Line Railway and was formerly on the Great Northern Railway.
What State Troopers Are Doing To Limit Distracted Driving
The Minnesota State Troopers are cracking down on distracted drivers. State Trooper Sargent Jesse Grabow joined me on WJON. He says he sees people everyday looking at their phones and holding their phone while driving, which is against the law.
Car Break-Ins in Sartell; Theft in St. Cloud
The Sartell Police Department are reporting a couple of thefts from vehicle this week. Alicia Mages from Tri-County Crime Stoppers says the first one happened on the 800 block of 10th Avenue North.
St. Cloud’s Spann-Ford Likely to Join NFL Team This Weekend
The NFL draft will take place Thursday-Saturday with round 1 Thursday, rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and rounds 4-7 on Saturday. St. Cloud Tech graduate, Sauk Rapids native and former Gopher tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford will either be drafted or will likely sign as an undrafted rookie following the draft.
Minnesota’s a Hot Bed for Golf… Here’s Why
Minnesotans love golf and the sport has been growing in popularity in the state. Jake Juliot from Explore Minnesota joined me to talk about golf trip destination spots golfers should consider.
Sartell’s Mill District Development Timeline Pushed Back
The former Sartell paper mill site known as the city's Mill District's timeline has been pushed back a bit. That according to Sartell Mayor Ryan Fitzthum. He says the city continues to work with their consultants, interest groups, stakeholders and the community.
Liberty Block Party Changing Their Plans
The Block Party's featured band, the Guess Who will not perform this summer. Instead the event will go on as scheduled on June 28th, at Whitney Park starting at 5:00 p.m. with a different lineup. The annual Liberty Block Party will celebrate it’s 36th edition this summer.
Yard Waste and Compost Guidelines for St. Cloud Residents
The spring weather has led many people to start work on their lawns. St. Cloud Public Works Assistant Director Dan Legatt joined me on WJON. He says there are some guidelines as to what should go in the yard waste bags and how sticks, branches and twigs should be prepared for pickup.
St. Cloud Crush Hire New Girls Hockey Coach
District 742 has announced the hiring of Mike Petroske as head girls hockey coach of the St. Cloud Crush. The Crush is a co-op consisting of students from Tech, Apollo and Cathedral High Schools.