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.

School Bus Stop Arms vs. Red Light Cameras; What’s the Difference?

The State of Minnesota allows for cameras on school buses to catch those committing stop arm violations but red light cameras continue to be prohibited. Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall joined me on WJON. She says bus drivers can't be expected to clearly identify the license plate and make and model of the vehicle running the stop arm due to other responsibilities which involves the safety of the children onboard.

SCSU’s Banaian; Tariffs Will Cause a Rise in Price of These Products

President Trump is expected to hand down extensive tariffs on numerous countries throughout the world starting today. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian joined me on WJON. He expects the products that will be immediately affected include automobiles, electronics (cell phone, computers, etc..) and pharmaceuticals.

Bears On The Move; Ice Out Is Mostly Here in Central MN

Bears are coming out of hibernation throughout the state of Minnesota. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He says he's heard reports of bear activity in northern Minnesota with bear sightings near Aitkin and Crosby.

Ice Out Is Expected In Central Minnesota Soon

Ice fishing is done for a large portion of the state. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He says there are reports of open water in southern Minnesota with places like Fairmont and Windom seeing ice out on area lakes. Schmitt expects Central Minnesota to see ice out within a few weeks.

What Central Minnesotans Should Know About Measles

Measles has made a resurgence in some locations in the United States. Dr. David Smith from Sartell Pediatrics joined me on WJON. He is concerned that measles could impact unvaccinated Central Minnesota residents in the near future.

Early Voting Is Underway for St. Cloud District 742 Referendum

St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON to talk further on the upcoming District 742 Apollo Referendum questions. She says anyone interested in learning about these questions can access an online presentation prepared by her and Apollo Principal Justin Skaalerud.

This Central MN Town Was Once Called Lake David

The town of Lake Henry is located in western Stearns County just north of Paynesville. It has a population of 103 and is located along Highway 4. To tell the story of Lake Henry I was joined by longtime Lake Henry residents Jim and Sue Brick.

This Central MN Town Had a Portion Called “Jim Town”

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.

Where to Find Walleye in Minnesota This Weekend

This weekend marks the end of the walleye, northern pike and bass winter season in much of Minnesota. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. The season ends at midnight Sunday February 23. Schmitt expects a busy weekend of anglers on the ice with temperatures expected to be in the 30s.

Interest Rates For St. Cloud Home Buyers May Not Be That Bad

St. Cloud area Realtor Craig Ehrlichman from Premier Real Estate Services expects home sales to pick up as we approach spring. He acknowledges the sales have been slow this winter and were slow in 2024.