Became a member of the WJON crew during the summer of 2013. Reporting on education, local business, Cold Spring and St. Joseph. Reach out to me with your story ideas and feedback: Dan@wjon.com or 320-257-7205. Always love hearing from listeners and the community. Outside of news I enjoy running outdoors, reading a good book, watching the Twins and Vikings break my heart, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Recent St. Cloud State graduate.
Dan DeBaun
New Jewelry Store Opening Soon in Crossroads Center
A new jewelry store is opening soon in the Crossroads Center. Rogers and Hollands is planning to open during the week of June 8th.
Melrose Going to Polls Thursday For School Referendum
A $25.7-$28.8 million referendum for Melrose Schools will be decided on by voters on Thursday. A two-part question will be on the ballot. The first asks for $24.9 million towards construction, plus $800,000 in bonding costs.
St. Cloud Apollo, ROCORI Combining Boys Swim Teams
The ROCORI and St. Cloud Apollo boys swimming teams will be combining this fall under a cooperative sponsorship. The ROCORI school board approved the co-op for the swim team on Monday night. Both ROCORI and Apollo are expecting a low number of boy swimmers to be a part of their varsity level teams next year.
Legislature Approves Money For St. Cloud Preschool Program
Around $430,000 in funding for additional preschool programs will be coming to the St. Cloud area school district if Governor Dayton signs a supplemental budget bill. The new preschool sections would be put in at Talahi Community School, Discovery Community School and Westwood Elementary School.
Lifeguards in High Demand for St. Cloud This Summer
Many cities across Minnesota are dealing with a shortage of lifeguards, in part due to the growing economy and fewer younger workers looking for a summer job. St. Cloud Parks and Recreation Director Scott Zlotnik says lifeguards are in high demand for their wading pools, which open next month.
Sartell-St. Stephen Going to Polls For $105.8 Million Referendum
Whether or not the Sartell-St. Stephen School District builds a new High School is in the hands of voters on Tuesday. The one-question referendum is asking for $105.8 million in bond funding for the new school and for updates to buildings district-wide.
Six Taken to Hospital by Ambulance After St. Cloud Crash
Six people, including a 3-year-old boy, were taken to the Hospital after a two vehicle crash in St. Cloud on Wednesday. The crash happened just after 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of 9th Avenue North and Northway Drive.
St. Joseph Discussing New Ordinance to Fight Sex Trafficking
St. Joseph Police Chief Joel Klein is presenting a sexually oriented business ordinance on tonight (Monday), in hopes that it can combat a rise in calls for sex trafficking in Central Minnesota.
District 742 Hosting Meeting For Those Looking to Run For School Board
If you're interested in serving on the St. Cloud Area School Board, there's a meeting coming up that you'll want to attend. District 742 has scheduled a candidate information session from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 23rd.
District Takes Step Toward New Early Childhood Facility Near Discovery
The St. Cloud Area School District has approved moving ahead with construction plans and creating designs for a $17 million early childhood facility near Discovery Community School. District 742 has been searching for a permanent home for early childhood education since a fire heavily damaged the Roosevelt building in the summer of 2014.
St. Cloud District to Continue With Two High School Model For Future Referendum
When a referendum returns to the St. Cloud area school district community in the future, it will involve two high schools again. The board confirmed its decision to maintain a two high school system for a future referendum after hearing a presentation from Superintendent Willie Jett and administration.
All-Star Students: Mississippi Heights 4th Graders Create Lunchtime Book Club [VIDEO]
Six 4th grade boys at Mississippi Heights Elementary in Sauk Rapids have started a book club to share their love of reading. The group is so dedicated to the idea, that they cut into their lunchtime twice a week to eat together and have discussions.