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Hey St. Cloud, hope your week’s off to a good start! Iconic Minnesota destinations, an electrifying Elvis tribute, intro to stained glass, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Iconic destinations worth exploring: From the Boundary Waters to the North Shore and Mall of America, a recent roundup highlights Minnesota attractions, including a beloved St. Cloud landmark you know and love — check out the full lineup.
Early agenda takes shape: St. Cloud State’s new president, Gregory Tomso, says he’s ready to listen and have hard conversations after a 99-candidate national search, with plans for community input and a three-year strategy — see his priorities and goals.
Meet a lively companion: Brian, a playful six-month-old at Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud, was listed for adoption with $100 of his fee covered. Holds cost $25 plus tax and are nonrefundable — see adoption and hold details.
Faces behind regional innovation: St. Cloud’s Startup Connect gatherings bring innovators and founders together over coffee every other Tuesday, with turnout rising, featuring voices like Granite Partners’ Rick Bauerly and My Town’s Cory Hepola — get all the details.
Gold and silver are (still) on fire: Gold’s strong run continues, and silver is outperforming nearly every major asset class in the last year. With demand rising and supply tight, precious metals offer the right combination of market hedge and growth. Augusta Precious Metals is a great way to invest in gold because you can just roll over part of your retirement account into their gold and silver IRAs. Curious to learn more about it? Grab their free guide here.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Community input opportunity ahead: Senator Aric Putnam will host a pre-session town hall on Wednesday, February 4 at the Great River Regional Library in St. Cloud, in the Mississippi Community Room. Residents can share priorities and questions before the legislative session. The event is open to the public. See when and where.
Fewer hurdles for veterans: Women veterans in the St. Cloud VA system now have direct access to gynecological care. As of December 1, enrolled patients can request services without a primary care referral. St. Cloud’s campus does not have an on-site gynecologist, but this change expands options and reduces delays. See how access is expanding.
Spice up your mac: Olde Brick House serves a Nashville Hot Mac & Cheese with cozy, creamy comfort and a spicy crunch, the kind that wakes up your week. Bring a friend who “just wants a bite” and prepare to guard your bowl.
Closet upgrade, anyone?: Evelie Blu Boutique in St. Cloud keeps it easy with modern basics, fresh arrivals, and finishing touches like Brighton jewelry, bags, and giftable extras, plus petite and plus-size options. When you want a quick browse that sparks outfits you’ll actually wear, this locally owned spot delivers.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
📖 Winter Storytime @ St. Cloud Public Library | Tuesday (2/3) at 9:30 AM – Treat yourself to a Tuesday breather and let the library do the reading. Winter Storytime offers two quick 30-minute rounds of stories, songs, and wiggles, geared to ages 3 to 6, with siblings welcome. No sign-up, just check in at the Children’s desk.
🧵 Beginners Hand Embroidery Class @ 29 Stitches Fabrics & Crafts | Tuesday (2/3) at 1:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for a needle and thread at a beginner-friendly embroidery class with Peggy. It’s $25, materials included, learn basics in a relaxed setting, then snag 10% off regular-priced embroidery goodies you know how to use. Sign up at 29stitches.shop/events, or pop in to pay.
🎉 Rockin’ Great Gala @ The Regency Venue | Tuesday (2/3) at 5:00 PM – Start with cocktails and bites at the Regency, then head to the Paramount for a School of Rock inspired showcase, dessert, and feel-good giving. It’s part party, part purpose, all hometown pride. Your applause funds future leaders, creativity, and kind of community we brag about.
This weekend
🎨 Intro to Stained Glass – Copper Foil Technique @ Michael’s Stained Glass Studio | Saturday (2/7) at 9:00 AM – Swap the honey-do list for a soldering iron at Michael’s Stained Glass, and learn copper foil while finishing a window or sun catcher in one day. No experience needed, 8 spots left, $150, pre-register, materials included, some glass extra, with Beatriz Lauer, 20% off supplies.
✒ Intro to Calligraphy @ Paramount Center for the Arts | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Trade your keyboard clatter for inky quiet with an Intro to Calligraphy workshop led by Anita Hendrickx. Total beginner friendly, adults only, and oddly soothing, it’s a classy way to make your grocery lists look like wedding invites, and your patience muscles stronger.
🎣 2026 St. Cloud Sportmen’s Show @ St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Shake off cabin fever and hit River’s Edge for the 38th St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show, where boats gleam, resorts tempt, and tackle stacks like cordwood. Catch hunting gear, campers, seminars, and kids’ fun, then swap stories with folks who know panfish, pike, and tall tales.
🎿 Skiing/Sledding/Snowshoeing Sundays @ Riverside Park | Sunday (2/8) at 1:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to play in the snow like a kid, Riverside Park is opening the shelter on select Sundays with a roaring fireplace. Ski, sled, or snowshoe, BYO gear or borrow free snowshoes and sleds, no signup required.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 St. Cloud report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 15°F – Low: 3°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny. High near 15, with temperatures falling to around 12 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 0 mph. Later: A slight chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy. Low around 3, with temperatures rising to around 9 overnight. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Tomorrow – High: 22°F – Low: 14°F – Precip: 1%
Partly sunny, with a high near 22. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy. Low around 14, with temperatures rising to around 20 overnight. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
This house is wild
Under a canopy of mature trees, this spacious two-story blends formal and casual spaces, with a granite-surrounded fireplace, built-ins, and hardwood floors. A bright kitchen with island overlooks the yard. Four-season sunroom and den frame the courtyard. Upstairs, three bedrooms join a 40-foot primary suite with spa bath. Walk to Whitney Park, YMCA, St. Cloud Hospital, and downtown Sauk Rapids.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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