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
An Enthusiastic German Speaker, Nick Haeg is an All-Star Student [VIDEO]
Ask St. John’s Prep senior Nick Haeg for some of his favorite German words and he’ll be more than happy to give you a sample. Haeg recently scored in the 99th percentile on the level IV 2016 National German Exam for high school students. He had the highest score In Minnesota, with over 21,000 students participating.
With Dreams of Joining a SWAT Team, Brendon Jones is an All-Star Student [VIDEO]
He's an All-Star track athlete at St. Cloud Christian School, but Senior Brendon Jones has bigger things in mind after he graduates: putting his life at risk to protect others through law enforcement. Whether it's through his long-term goals or being a team captain for the Kids' Ministry Team at Joy Christian Center, Jones says he's always had a natural desire to serve and give back to others.
Notes of Encouragement on Every Locker, Emma Johnson is an All-Star Student [VIDEO]
Making a difference can start with something as simple as an encouraging note. Sauk Rapids-Rice 7th grader Emma Johnson, along with over 20 of her classmates, recently made that difference by leaving post it notes with positive messages on everyone’s locker.
Pete’s Place Temporarily Closed, Reopening Under New Name
A St. Cloud diner has temporarily closed its doors for a remodeling and renaming process. Pete's Place owner Pete Holt says they will be reopening under a new name after remodeling work is done. He will continue to cook the food in the restaurant.
Little Falls Man Arrested in Major Meth Bust
A lengthy investigation into Central Minnesota meth sales led to the arrest of an alleged major supplier on Monday. The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force says during the past 1.5 years, they have been conducting several search warrants in the Stearns County area that have resulted in finding large amounts of meth.
With Dreams of Becoming a Novelist, Karli Berry is an All-Star Student [VIDEO]
With a huge stack of books, and drawings on her desk, Talahi 5th grader Karli Berry already has big dreams of creating moving stories. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, there was no hesitation in her response.
Head Coach Picked For Apollo-Tech Boys Hockey Co-Op
The St. Cloud area school district has picked a head coach for the St. Cloud Apollo-Tech boys hockey cooperative.
Five Finalists Picked For New Tech High School Activities Logo
Five finalists have been picked for the new Tech High School activities logo. Tech High School held a month-long contest that ended late-February, calling the community to send in ideas for an activities logo.
Suspect on the Run After Zimmerman Gas Station Robbery
Sherburne County Authorities are looking for a suspect after an armed robbery at a Holiday Gas Station in Zimmerman on Thursday morning. Deputies responded just before 1:15 a.m. to the gas station at 26125 Highway 169 in Zimmerman.
Amazing Artwork and Temporary Tattoos, Izzie Yaggie-Heinen is an All-Star Student [VIDEO]
Sophomore Izzie Yaggie-Heinen has become famous among her classmates at Cathedral High School for her temporary tattoo creations. Her Henna tattoos have become so popular that classmates ask her to draw on their arms nearly every day.
Board Approves Tech-Apollo Boys Hockey Co-Op
The St. Cloud area school board approved a Tech and Apollo boys hockey co-op on Thursday night. The combination of the teams will be in place for at least two years. Apollo and Tech boys hockey will be combined into one class AA team.
UPDATE: District 742 to Start Fall Classes After Labor Day This Year
St. Cloud area schools are going back to starting fall classes after Labor Day this year. The school board approved their 2016-2017 school year calendar during their Thursday night meeting.