News Director: I’m a lifelong resident of this great state of Minnesota. I grew-up in the small west central community of Maynard. I began my professional radio career working nights at KDMA in Montevideo. Then, after a 10 year stint in Redwood Falls working at KLGR, I moved to St. Cloud. I’ve been working here at WJON since 2005, and have been the news director since 2007. The main beats that I cover include: politics, education, and local government. I'm also the early morning news anchor on WJON, and I host the News @ Noon show weekdays on WJON.
Jim Maurice
Shady’s Bar Shuts Down Before Doors Open
Hundreds of people showed up in Albany today (Monday) as a central Minnesota bar owner was ready to defy the Governor's Executive Order and open his business for customers.
Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against 6 Central Minnesota Bars
Minnesota's Attorney General has filed a lawsuit Sunday night against a chain of six bars and restaurants in central Minnesota that have vowed to reopen Monday or in the coming days in violation of the Governor's Stay Safe Minnesota Executive Order.
Update: Shady’s Owner Changes Mind Again Will Open Albany Bar
The owner of Shady's Hometown Tavern in Albany has changed his mind again and now says he will be opening that location only at noon on Monday.
With More COVID-19 Cases Confirmed More Contact Tracers Needed
As more and more cases of COVID-19 are confirmed it's going to take a small army of people to investigate who those folks have come in contact with. The state is estimating they'll need as many as 4,200 contact tracers in the coming weeks and months.
Hospitality MN Leader Says Members Are Ready to Open Now
The head of Hospitality Minnesota says their members are ready to open now. President and CEO Liz Rammer speaking Thursday during the Governor's daily media briefing says the businesses need to open soon.
DWI Arrests Going Back Up In Minnesota
State leaders say the number of people getting arrested for drunk driving is going back up again, after a sharp decline when the Governor's executive orders first went into effect.
Red Flag Warning Issued for Much of Minnesota
Extreme fire conditions Saturday across much of Minnesota have resulted in the National Weather Service issuing a Red Flag Warning.
Fire Marshal Says Cause of Ultimate Bar Fire is Undetermined
The cause of the fire at the Ultimate Sports Bar and Grill in Waite Park is officially listed as undetermined.
State More Than Doubles COVID-19 Testing Capacity in a Week
Minnesota continues to ramp up its testing capacity for the coronavirus. A week ago the state was averaging around 1,000 tests per day, Monday the state was able to complete over 2,400 tests.
Governor: Certain Non-Essential Workers Can Go Back to Work
More Minnesotans will be allowed to go back to work on Monday.
Shooting Ranges, Golf Courses Allowed to Reopen
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expanding what we can do outside during his Stay At Home order.
Minnesota Joins 7 State Partnership to Reopen Economy
The Governors of seven Midwestern states -- including Tim Walz of Minnesota -- have announced a partnership to reopen the regional economy.
State Leaders In Planning Process for Reopening Economy
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment of Economic Development are talking about the process of how they plan to gradually reopen the state's economy.
Charter Permanently Raising Minimum Wage to $20 An Hour
Charter Communications is permanently raising its minimum wage. CEO Tom Rutledge Monday announced a plan to raise its minimum wage to $20 an hour over the next two years for all employees.