DARWIN – What started as a simple way to pass the time for one man became a decades-long project that grew into one of the most iconic roadside attractions in the state – if not the country. Darwin, Minnesota, population 350, is known for being the home of the World's Largest Ball of Twine Rolled by One Man.

If Congress can't reach a deal on continuing resolution, the government will face a potential shutdown, which means "non-essential" services across the federal government will close. Stephanie Dickrell, sdickrell@stcloudtimes.com. Minnesota executives, home buyers and small business owners are starting to see more delays following the first full week of business since the partial federal government shutdown began.

If you are planning to take a road trip, these five states have been ranked as the best. Keri Lumm reports. This summer, make it your mission to hit the road and see something big. Really big. And luckily, you won't have to drive too far. From giant lumberjacks and jolly giants to big vikings and historic heroes, Minnesota is filled with gigantic attractions that will make great additions to your photo book or Instagram feed.

Epic Games' "Fortnite" has drawn in 125 million players. Here are five things to know about the game like how much it costs and where you can play it. Maggie Jones, USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee. CLOUD, Minn. – Robbie Jandik's parents assumed he was just playing video games during his summer break after graduating from high school last spring.

Electrolux will cease production at its St. Cloud facility, according to a press release Tuesday Jan. 30 from the company. Production is expected to continue through 2019. While 2018 marked the coming loss of one of St. Cloud's largest employers, it also brought news of highly-anticipated retail openings, expansions at area companies and new ownership of some favorite local businesses.

More stores in the St. Cloud metro area are selling CBD and touting its pain-relieving and anxiety-reducing benefits. But is it safe, is it legal and does it really work? also known as hemp oil or cannabidiol — is a compound derived from the cannabis plant that purportedly reduces anxiety, relieves pain and even claims to kill cancer cells.

The MnROAD testing facility studies the impact of traffic and environmental conditions on road materials with live traffic and weather conditions. Anna Haecherl, ahaecherl@stcloudtimes.com. The Minnesota Department of Transportation's MnROAD research facility probably goes unnoticed by most drivers traveling westbound on U.S.

The annual St. Cloud Times' 5 Under 40 awards recognize leaders in local businesses who also embrace community involvement that makes a difference across generations. The award winners innovate, inspire and make Central Minnesota better. Kayla Strand, founder, INDY Foundation (I'm Not Done Yet), Sauk Rapids.

About 37 tons of recyclables are received at the the Republic Services Transfer Center in east St. Cloud on an average summer day. The center has taken in almost 6,000 tons so far this year, and General Manager Jon Snyder says they are on track to bring in 10,000 tons by the end of 2018. But not all of the items picked from recycling bins get the chance to be recycled.

Whenever you dump something down the drain, it goes to the city of St. Cloud's NEW (Nutrients, Energy and Water) Recovery Facility, where nutrients are recovered, waste is treated, and clean water is sent back into the environment. But large-scale beverage producers — who have high-sugar waste filled with potential energy — get special treatment when it comes to the byproducts created at their facilities.

Anne Hed, CEO of HED Cycling, shares the story of her family's business and the tragedy they had to overcome to succeed. ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Reinventing the wheel wasn’t easy, but it’s what HED Cycling has been doing ever since Anne Hed and her late husband, Steven, founded the company in 1984. It started with just the two of them striving to make the fastest, most aerodynamic bicycle wheels – in their garage.

Fans of musical icon Prince will mark the anniversary of his sudden death by gathering at Minnesota sites made famous by the "Purple Rain" superstar. Minnesota is home to many great bands and artists, but it is also the subject of a lot of great songs. We've got big trees, great cities and all the lakes you could ever want to write about.