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
Final Deer Harvest Numbers in Minnesota Are Historically Low
The Minnesota deer harvest was down this year compared to last year by approximately 8%. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. He explained the DNR released the final 2023 numbers and with all the seasons combined Minnesota had 158,746 deer harvested.
How to Tell the Difference Between Flu, Colds and COVID
Influenza, colds, Strep Throat, RSV and COVID are some examples of some of the viruses/illness many Central Minnesotans are dealing with this winter. Dr. David Smith from Sartell Pediatrics joined me on WJON to explain the differences between some of these ailments.
The Origins of Clear Lake in Central MN
Clear Lake is a town of 641 people in Sherburne County located 13 miles southeast of St. Cloud at the intersection of Highway 10 and Highway 24. Clear Lake is the focus of this Small Town series on WJON. I talked with longtime Clear Lake resident and author Bud Stimler and Dave McDonald and Jennifer Dierkes from McDonalds Meats.
Safe Winter Driving Tips For Minnesotans
The recent snowfall has caused Minnesotans to have to remember how to drive in ice and snow. MN-Dot's Williams Van Koevering has some suggestions:
Ice Fishing Gets a Restart; Don’t Forget About New MN Law
The new "Keep It Clean" law in Minnesota will impact many ice anglers this winter. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. Schmitt says the law went into effect throughout the state in July but was already in place in extreme northern Minnesota last winter.
What to Know About Ice Fishing In MN This Weekend
Cold temperatures aren't a bad thing for everyone. Ice fishing is getting a restart this weekend and beyond with cold temperatures that are making ice throughout the state. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON.
Explore Minnesota’s Outdoor Winter Festivals
The weather has created some challenges for some of Minnesota's outdoor festivals but many remained scheduled as of today. Explore Minnesota's Jake Juliot highlighted what events you could be interested in.
Ice Fishing Conditions Improving Slowly in Central MN
The warmer than normal weather in Central Minnesota has caused a late start to the ice fishing season. Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News joined me on WJON. Schmitt explains the temperatures are getting close to normalizing this week but the ice locally is generally not safe and he's waiting at least a week before giving ice fishing a shot here.
St. Cloud Native Playing Pro Hockey Into His 30s
St. Cloud native Alex Koopmeiners is in his 8th season playing professional hockey. The 31-year old 2010 Cathedral graduate is currently playing in the ECHL with the New Foundland Growlers which is located in St. John's, New Foundland in Labrador, Canada.
Insight Into the Viking Quarterback Position This Week and Beyond
Viking head coach Kevin O'Connell has indicated he knows who will start at quarterback for the Vikings Sunday when they play their final regular season game against the Lions in Detroit, but he won't announce the decision until all the parties involved are informed in person.