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.

St. Cloud Past Drive-Ins; Char Broiler, Freddy’s and More

Drive-in restaurants were popular in the United States in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. St. Cloud area historian and life long resident Jim Grabinski joined me on WJON to highlight some of the past drive-ins in this community. This is the 2nd installment.

Why Central Minnesotans Should Invest in Themselves

New Year's resolutions can range from weight loss, exercise more, or save money but maybe investing in yourself could be a good option of you. I was joined on WJON by Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation Talent Director Gail Cruikshank.

This Central MN Small Town Could Have Been Called “Burr Oak”

Royalton is a small town in Central Minnesota between Rice and Little Falls along Highway 10 and the Platte River residing in both Morrison and Benton Counties with a population of 1,281. Most of Royalton is in Morrison County.

Want to Catch Fish in Central MN This Weekend; Here’s How

We've reached the middle of January and ice fishing activity typically slows down. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He says ice conditions are good in the state with upwards of 15 inches of ice in most lake locations.

The History of St. Cloud Area Drive-In Restaurants

Drive-In Restaurants were everywhere in the St. Cloud area in the 1950s-1980s. St. Cloud area local historian and lifelong resident Jim Grabinski joined me on WJON. He explains at drive-ins customers would park and car hops would come to you.

High School Sports Results Thursday January 16

Boys Hockey: Sartell-St. Stephen 7, Alexandria 2 Sauk Rapids-Rice 7, Prairie Center 3 (Sauk Centre area) Northern Lakes 1, River Lakes 0 Girls Hockey: Alexandria 2, Sartell-Sauk Rapids 1 St. Cloud 1, Buffalo 0 River Lakes 4, Minnesota River 0 (St...

The Removal of SCSU Buildings Could Hinge on the Legislative Session

St. Cloud State has many unused residential halls and academic buildings. SCSU Interim President Larry Dietz has indicated the University intends to demo those buildings when money becomes available.

Johnnies Win at Concordia; Bennies Fall to Cobbers

The 14th ranked St. John's basketball team defeated Concordia in Moorhead 75-60 Wednesday night. The Johnnies led by 18 at halftime. St. John's was led in scoring by Kooper Vaughn with 23 points, Ryan Thissen added 13 points and Luke Healy chipped in 12 points.

The St. Cloud V.A. Makes an Operations Adjustment

The St. Cloud V.A. has made an operations update as of Tuesday going to universal masking due to the amount of influenza and RSV illness in the community. St. Cloud V.A. Spokesperson Jackie Stevenson says they are doing their part to control influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

High School Sports Results Tuesday January 14

Boys Basketball: Sauk Rapids-Rice 100, Detroit Lakes 88 (The Storm improve to 10-3) Apollo 79, Willmar 57 (Apollo improves to 7-5) Tech 60, ROCORI 56 (Tech is 3-9 while ROCORI is 4-9) Albany 78, Cathedral 43 (Cathedral was led by Micah Nwachukwu with 14 points and Sal Camara added 12 points. Al...

Viking Players Who May Not Be Back in 2025

The Minnesota Vikings saw their season end Monday night with a 27-9 loss in Arizona to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC wildcard playoffs. Star Tribune Sports Columnist Jim Souhan joined me on WJON.

Suspicious Activity Reported in Waite Park

Tri-County Crime Stoppers have been notified of suspicious activity happening on the northside of Waite Park in the early morning hours of Saturday January 11. Alicia Mages from Tri-County Crime Stoppers says video evidence showed 3 to 4 individuals going door to door checking residences and car doors.