>> PRODUCTION FUNDING FOR LAKELAND NEWS IS PROVIDED BY: FIRST NATIONAL BANK BEMIDJI; CONTINUING THEIR SECOND CENTURY OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

MEMBER FDIC.

>> SOURCEWELL; COOPERATIVE PURCHASING FOR GOVERNMENT NONPROFITS AND EDUCATION.

MN.SOURCEWELL.ORG.

>> CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF LOCAL NEWS FOR BEMIDJI, BRAINERD, AND ALL OF THE LAKES COUNTRY.

LAKELAND PBS IS PROUD TO PRESENT LAKELAND NEWS AT 10:00.

DENNIS WEIMANN WITH THE NEWS, STACY CHRISTENSON WITH THE WEATHER AND CHARLIE YAEGER WITH YOUR SPORTS.

>> Dennis: HI EVERYONE, THANKS FOR WATCHING TONIGHT.

>>> A PEDESTRIAN SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES THIS MORNING WHEN HE WAS STRUCK BY A VEHICLE WHILE WALKING ALONG THE DITCH JUST NORTH OF BEMIDJI.

BELTRAMI COUNTY SHERIFF JASON RIGGS SAYS A WOMAN WAS DRIVING A PASSENGER VEHICLE SOUTHBOUND ON IRVINE AVENUE NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF SPRUCE GROVE LANE WHEN THE VEHICLE DRIFTED OFF THE ROADWAY AND STRUCK THE PEDESTRIAN WHO WAS WALKING NORTHBOUND.

THE VICTIM HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED BUT IS DESCRIBED AS A 28-YEAR-OLD MAN.

HE SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES AND WAS AIRLIFTED TO A FARGO HOSPITAL.

THE WOMAN WHO WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO THE SCENE AND WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE.

HER NAME HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET.

>>> A 37-YEAR-OLD BLACKDUCK MAN HAS DIED IN A ONE VEHICLE CRASH IN BELTRAMI COUNTY.

THE MANS NAME WILL NOT BE RELEASED UNTIL TOMORROW BUT THE STATE PATROL SAYS THE CRASH HAPPENED AT 1:45 ON SATURDAY MORNING.

ACCORDING TO THE CRASH REPORT, A MAN WAS DRIVING A CAR NORTHBOUND ON HIGHWAY 72 WHEN IT WENT OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO THE RIGHT DITCH.

NO OTHER DETAILS HAVE BEEN RELEASED.

>>> DISTRACTED DRIVING CONTRIBUTED TO ONE IN EVERY ELEVEN CRASHES IN MINNESOTA FROM 2019 TO 2023.

IT ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO AN AVERAGE OF 29 DEATHS AND 146 LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES PER YEAR DURING THAT TIME PERIOD ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

THAT'S WHY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND TRAFFIC SAFETY PARTNERS ARE DEDICATING EXTRA TIME IN APRIL TO EDUCATE MOTORISTS, ENFORCE THE HANDS-FREE CELL PHONE LAW AND HELP STOP OTHER DISTRACTING BEHAVIORS.

A DISTRACTED DRIVING EXTRA ENFORCEMENT AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN STARTED TODAY AND RUNS THROUGH THE END OF THE MONTH AND FOCUSES ON PROMOTING SAFETY AND PREVENTING TRAGEDY.

>>> THE BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A CALL OF A STRUCTURE FIRE ON THE 300 BLOCK OF NORTH 9TH STREET AT 6:54 A.M. SUNDAY.

THE STRUCTURE WAS A RESIDENTIAL HOME AND FLAMES WERE GOING THROUGH THE ROOF OF THE HOME WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVED.

A PASSERBY ALERTED THE HOMEOWNER OF THE FIRE AND WAS OUT OF THE HOUSE SAFELY.

THANKS TO A QUICK RESPONSE TIME, THE FIRE WAS ABLE TO BE EXTINGUISHED AND CONTAINED TO THE ATTIC OF THE HOME.

>> WE GOT THERE RELATIVELY QUICKLY.

YOU KNOW, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS THERE QUICKLY AND GAVE US A GOOD REPORT OF WHAT WAS GOING ON.

OBVIOUSLY EARLY DETECTION IS IMPORTANT SO THE FIRE IS NOT, YOU KNOW, TAKEN OVER AN AREA AND IT'S HARDER TO GET CONTROL OF.

>> BRAINERD FIRE CHIEF TIM HOLMES TOLD LAKELAND NEWS THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS LIKELY ELECTRICAL, ALTHOUGH THE CAUSE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

>>> BRAINERD'S SUPERMILEAGE CLUB'S FINISHING UP SOME LAST MINUTE TWEAKS TO THEIR FIRST EVER E-GO-CART.

AFTER COMPETING AT AN ANNUAL SUPER MILEAGE CHALLENGE HOSTED BY THE BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY THE PAST FEW YEARS AND TAKING FIRST AND SECOND PLACE FOR THE SUPER SPORTS CLASS IN 2022.

BRAINERD'S SUPERMILEAGE CLUB IS HOPING TO REACH NEW LEVELS THIS WEEK IN INDIANAPOLIS FOR THE SHELL ECO-MARATHON COMPETITION.

REPORTER MILES WALKER CAUGHT UP WITH THE MECHANICS AHEAD OF THE NATIONAL EVENT.

>> Reporter: BRAINERD SUPERMILEAGE CLUB PRESIDENT FIRST HEARD ABOUT IT THROUGH FRIENDS.

>> I HEARD ABOUT THE CLUB FROM OLDER BUDDIES I HAD.

I THOUGHT I WOULD CHECK IT OUT BECAUSE I TOOK MY DAD.

HE IS GOOD FRIENDS WITH THE INSTRUCTOR.

THEN AFTER THAT, I JUST LOVE IT.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT.

>> Reporter: WHAT PLAYED A PIVOTAL PART IN HIS INFATUATION IS ALL THE COLLECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING.

>> JUST ALL THE PROBLEMS WE FACED.

HONESTLY WORKING WITH THE TEAM TO BUILD, IT'S VERY CHALLENGING.

WE HAD A LOT OF EXPERIENCE AND TROUBLE WITH THAT, TRYING TO COME TOGETHER AND BUILD IT.

PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, FIGURING OUT STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES.

>> AND THE SUPERMILEAGE CLUB IS DEALING WITH A NEW HURDLE AS THEY LOOK TO UNVEIL THEIR E-GO-CART INTO THE COMPETITION.

>> IT'S A LOT MORE SIMPLE STYLE-WISE, THERE ARE LESS COMPONENTS.

THE MOTOR ITSELF IS MORE COMPLICATED AND IT'S MORE DIFFICULT BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO PROGRAM IT AND ALL THAT.

IT'S NOT JUST PUTTING FUEL IN AND STARTING IT.

>> Reporter: THE TEAM IS NOT TOO PRIDEFUL FROM ASKING FOR HELP.

>> WE ALL HAVE IDEAS THAT ARE SIMILAR AND WE FIGURED OUT WHICH ONES WORKED THE BEST AND THE COMMUNITY, WE HAVE A LOT OF IDEAS COMING IN FROM THERE AND WE FIND THE BEST MATERIALS.

FROM FORMER ALUMNI AND DIFFERENT PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE THIS LONGER THAN US, TO GIVE US IDEAS AND WE'LL SEE IF IT WORKS.

>> Reporter: FROM COMING INTO THE WELDING SHOP BEFORE CLASS IN THE MORNING TO STAYING AFTER SCHOOL, THE SUPERMILEAGE CLUB IS PUTTING IN COUNTLESS HOURS FOR THE COMPETITION.

ALL THE HARD WORK WILL BE PAID OFF ONCE THEY SEE THE GO KART RUNNING ON THE INDIANAPOLIS TRACK.

>> THEN THE ADRENALINE WILL WEAR OFF AND EVERYONE WILL CELEBRATE.

MAKING THE RUN IS WHAT IT IS, BUT YOU KNOW, GETTING IT ON THE TRACK IS THE HARDEST PART.

I THINK THAT WILL BE GOOD.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN BRAINERD, MILES WALKER, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> BRAINERD'S SUPERMILEAGE CLUB WILL HEAD DOWN TO INDIANAPOLIS TOMORROW AS THE SHELL ECO-MARATHON COMPETITION WILL RUN APRIL 3RD THROUGH THE 7TH FROM THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY.

>>> TRIBAL MEMBERS WHITE EARTH NATION, THE LEECH LAKE BAND OF CHIPPEWA AND THE MILLE BAND OF CHIPPEWA HEAD TO THE POLLS TOMORROW FOR TRIBAL COUNCIL PRIMARY ELECTIONS.

WHITE EARTH VOTERS WILL NARROW A FIELD OF FOUR TRIBAL CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES DOWN TO TWO.

THE CANDIDATES INCLUDE INCUMBENT MICHAEL FAIRBANKS, AS WELL AS EUGENE “UMSY ” TIBBETTS, DONOVAN G. BURNETTE, AND KAREN MARIE MANYPENNY.

THERE WILL BE NO PRIMARY NEEDED FOR THE DISTRICT 3 REPRESENTATIVE SEAT BECAUSE INCUMBENT CHERYL ANNIE JACKSON AND CHALLENGER LAURA LEE ERICKSON WERE THE ONLY TWO PEOPLE TO FILE IN THAT ELECTION.

THERE WILL BE TWO PRIMARIES FOR THE MILLE LACS BAND OF OJIBWE.

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE RACE INCLUDES THREE CANDIDATES AND WILL BE NARROWED TO TWO.

LONGTIME INCUMBENT MELANIE BENJAMIN IS NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION.

SAMUEL ARCHIE MOOSE, WALLACE ERVIN ST. JOHN, AND VIRGIL OTIS WIND ARE THE THREE CANDIDATES SEEKING TO TAKE OVER THAT POSITION.

THERE IS ALSO A DISTRICT ONE REPRESENTATIVE PRIMARY SLATED FOR MILLE LACS WHERE A FIELD OF SIX CANDIDATES WILL BE NARROWED TO TWO.

AND THE LEECH LAKE BAND OF OJIBWE ALSO HAS TWO PRIMARIES SCHEDULED.

THE CHAIRPERSON RACE RIGHT NOW HAS TEN CANDIDATES INCLUDING INCUMBENT FARON JACKSON SENIOR.

THE DISTRICT THREE COMMITTEE PERSON PRIMARY HAS 13 CANDIDATES.

BOTH PRIMARIES WILL NARROW THE CANDIDATES DOWN TO TWO IN EACH RACE.

THE PRIMARY ELECTIONS TOMORROW ARE FOR MINNESOTA CHIPPEWA TRIBE MEMBERS.

RED LAKE NATION IS NOT AN M.C.T.

MEMBER AND THEIR TRIBAL ELECTION IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 15TH.

>>> MINNESOTA WILL EXPERIENCE A PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE NEXT MONDAY, SOME AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WILL BE ABLE TO VIEW A TOTAL ECLIPSE.

IN PREPARATION FOR THE ECLIPSE, THE BRAINERD PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL BE DISTRIBUTING FREE GLASSES.

THE GLASSES ARE FREE THANKS TO THE "SOLAR ECLIPSE ACTIVITIES FOR LIBRARIES" PROGRAM.

DUE TO LIMITED SUPPLY, GLASSES WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO PER HOUSEHOLD AND CANNOT BE RESERVED FOR LATER PICKUP.

WHILE SOME AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WILL BE ABLE TO VIEW THE ECLIPSE WITHOUT EYE PROTECTION FOR A BRIEF PERIOD WHEN THE MOON COMPLETELY OBSCURES THE SUN, THAT PHENOMENON WILL NOT OCCUR IN MINNESOTA.

>> IT'S SUPER IMPORTANT THAT YOU'RE USING THEM THE WHOLE TIME HERE IN MINNESOTA BECAUSE WE ONLY HAVE A PARTIAL ECLIPSE.

SO, ANY TIME YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE ECLIPSE, IT'S GOING TO BE ABSOLUTELY VITAL YOU HAVE THE GLASSES ON.

>> THE ECLIPSE WILL FIRST BE VISIBLE IN BRAINERD AT 12:51 P.M. AND CONTINUE UNTIL 3:13 P.M. AGAIN, OFFICIALS URGE VIEWERS TO USE PROPER EYE PROTECTION WHEN VIEWING THE ECLIPSE.

[♪♪♪] >> STILL TO COME ON LAKELAND NEWS AT 10:00.

>> Stacy: WE COULD SEE A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN OR SNOW TOMORROW, BUT OTHERWISE SUNNY AND WARMER TEMPERATURES ARE IN STORE AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEK.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK FOR THIS WEEK'S IN-BUSINESS, A FORMER EMPLOYEE HAS BECOME THE NEW OWNER OF LYLE'S SHOES.

>> THIS PORTION OF LAKELAND NEWS IS SPONSORED BY C.T.C.

; INTERNET, PHONE, AND T.V.

C.T.C; CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY ONLINE AT GOCTC.COM.

>> AND NOW MORE NEWS WITH DENNIS WEIMANN.

>>> A FEW MEMBERS OF TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH IN LAPORTE HAVE HAD A TRADITION OF MEETING EVERY THURSDAY TO MAKE QUILTS FOR THOSE IN NEED.

EACH YEAR, THIS DYNAMIC GROUP MANAGES TO PIECE TOGETHER OVER 60 QUILTS.

REPORTER ZY'RIAH SIMMONS WAS ABLE TO CATCH THEM THIS PAST THURSDAY TO SEE THE PRODUCTION BEHIND THE SCENES.

>> Reporter: THESE DEDICATED VOLUNTEER QUILTING GROUPS HAVE BEEN STARTING THURSDAY OFF WITH QUILTING SINCE LONG BEFORE.

STARTING FROM 9:00 A.M. AND THEIR MUST HAVE BREAK AT 10:00 TO FILL UP ON COFFEE AND SNACKS AND THEN BACK TO WORK UNTIL NOON.

>> PERSONALLY, I'VE BEEN HERE FOR 20 YEARS.

THAT'S HOW LONG I'VE BEEN RETIRED.

ONE LADY STARTED IN 1958 SO IT'S BEEN GOING ON A LONG TIME.

>> THURSDAY IS ALWAYS OUR DAY.

>> Reporter: THE ONLY TIME THEY DON'T WORK ON A THURSDAY IS IF THE WEATHER IS INCLEMENT.

>> UNLESS SOMETHING HAPPENS LIKE BAD WEATHER OR SOMETHING ELSE THAT WE DECIDE WE'RE NOT GOING TO DO IT THAT PARTICULAR DAY, OTHERWISE IT'S EVERY THURSDAY.

>> Reporter: THIS YEAR, THE VOLUNTEERS HAVE EXPANDED THEIR DONATION TO A LARGER AUDIENCE.

>> THIS YEAR, WE STARTED DOING THINGS DIFFERENT.

WE HAVE GIVEN ALSO TO THE SHELTER, THE PEOPLE'S CHURCH IN BEMIDJI, AND CASS COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES.

THEN IN ADDITION, WE KEEP SOME BACK FOR PEOPLE HERE IN LAPORTE OR IF WE HAVE A STUDENT GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR SOMEONE GETTING CONFIRMED, THEN WE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THEM A QUILT AS WELL.

>> Reporter: QUILTING EVERY THURSDAY FOR THESE LADIES GIVES THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK AND MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS.

>> YOU KNOW, WE ENJOY DOING THE QUILTING, BUT WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP, WE HAVE COFFEE, AND IT'S A GOOD WAY TO BUILD OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: ALTHOUGH GIVING BACK TO THOSE IN NEED IS THE MAIN PRIORITY, LINDA ACKNOWLEDGE THE COMMUNITY AND OTHER CHURCHES FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN DONATING FABRIC.

>> REALLY, I SAY THANK YOU TO THE MANY PEOPLE THAT DONATE MATERIAL BECAUSE IT TAKES A LOT OF MATERIAL TO MAKE THESE QUILTS.

PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SO GENEROUS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, WITHIN OUR CHURCH, AND SOME OTHER CHURCHES HAVE QUIT QUILTING AND THEY DONATED THEIR MATERIAL TO US AND WE RECEIVED GRANT MONEY TO PURCHASE MATERIAL.

SO, IT'S A PROJECT THAT ACTUALLY GOES BEYOND OUR CHURCH.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN LAPORTE, I'M ZY'RIAH SIMMONS, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> IF LOOKING TO DONATE FABRIC, YOU CAN VISIT THE WEBLINK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.

>>> NOW WE BRING IN WEATHERCASTER STACY CHRISTENSON NOW AS WE HEAD INTO THE WORKWEEK AND A WARM UP IN STORE THIS WEEK.

>> Stacy: WE WILL BE SEEING WARMER TEMPERATURES AS WE MOVE TOWARDS THE MIDDLE AND END OF THE WEEK.

IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS A CHANCE FOR RAIN OR SNOW IN THE AREA TOMORROW, BUT AS I MENTIONED, A LOT OF SUNSHINE IN >> CLOSED CAPTIONING IS SPONSORED IN PART BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS, ACCESS MINNESOTA.

>> AND BY SANFORD HEALTH; HERE FOR ALL, HERE FOR GOOD.

DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SERVICES IN THE BEMIDJI AREA IS AVAILABLE AT SANFORDHEALTH.ORG.

>> THE WEATHER IS SPONSORED BY WIDSETH; ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, LAND SURVEYORS, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS SERVING MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES SINCE 1975.

>> AND NOW THE WEATHER WITH STACY CHRISTENSON.

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: WE DID ENJOY SOME NICE SUNSHINE EARLIER TODAY, AND CLOUDS HAVE BEEN INCREASING.

WE MAY SEE SOME PRECIPITATION, MAINLY IN THE FORM OF SNOW IN PARTS OF THE AREA TONIGHT.

HOWEVER, AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW, THERE IS A CHANCE FOR SNOW AND RAINFALL IN NORTHERN AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

IT'S A QUICK MOVING SYSTEM AS WE HEAD INTO WEDNESDAY.

WE HAVE A LOT OF SUNSHINE IN THE FORECAST THIS WEEK AND WE SHOULD BE SEEING SOME WARMER TEMPERATURES AS WE MOVE THROUGH THE WEEK AS WELL.

RIGHT NOW IN BEMIDJI, IT'S 37 AT THE AIRPORT.

AT OUR STUDIO, THE WINDS ARE CALM.

HUMIDITY IS AT 54%.

IN BRAINERD, CLOUDY SKIES, 22 IS OUR DEW POINT, WE HAVE A RISING BAROMETRIC PRESSURE WITH EAST WINDS AT 5 MILES PER HOUR.

NOW AS WE LOOK AT THE RADAR, WE HAD SOME PRECIPITATION TO THE SOUTH TODAY.

FOR US, IT WAS QUIET.

WE HAVE BEEN SEEING THE CLOUDS INCREASING AS WE MOVE INTO THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THE INCREASING CLOUDS OVERNIGHT TONIGHT.

THERE IS A CHANCE OF SOME SNOW SHOWERS MOVING INTO PARTS OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA LATER ON TONIGHT AND THEN THOSE WILL MOVE INTO THE AREA TOMORROW.

WE HAVE A CHANCE OF SNOW, POSSIBLY MIXED WITH RAIN BEFORE QUIETER WEATHER RETURNS MIDWEEK.

WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU TONIGHT, ARLENE SENDING US THIS PHOTO.

WE HAVE A LOT OF OPEN WATER ON LAKE ADA.

NOW THIS A BALD EAGLE AGAINST THAT BLUE SKY BACKDROP.

WE ALSO HAVE THIS PHOTO OF THE SNOW MELTING AT LAKE EDWARD, YOLANDA SENDING US THIS PICTURE OF SOME PRETTY COLOR IN THE SKY ON SUNSET AND AARON HAS A PICTURE OF THE SUNSET.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PICTURES TONIGHT.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORT, ARLENE IN MENAHGA, 26 AND CALM THIS MORNING.

KAREN FROM BEMIDJI, 47, CALM, AND PARTLY CLOUDY TODAY.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, A MIX OF CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE, ALSO CALM WITH A HIGH OF 42.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, SUN AND CLOUDS TODAY, 51 FOR THE HIGH.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD REPORTING OVERCAST SKIES WITH A HIGH OF 44.

ON OUR ALMANAC, 45 WAS THE HIGH IN BRAINERD.

WE ARE 2 DEGREES SHY OF OUR AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

24 FOR THE LOW, WE HAD SUNSET AT 7:46.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH TODAY OF 45, PRETTY MUCH ON TARGET.

WE'RE 1 DEGREE ABOVE AVERAGE, 16 FOR THE LOW, SUNRISE AT 6:57.

HERE'S OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW.

WE WILL HAVE CLOUDY SIES AND THERE IS A CHANCE FOR A SNOW SHOWER IN THE MORNING, AND THE SNOW MAY BE MIXED WITH RAIN AS WE HEAD INTO THE AFTERNOON.

AS FAR AS OUR HIGH TEMPERATURES, 49 IN WARROAD, BUT MANY OF US WILL SEE LOW TO MID-40s ACROSS NORTHERN MINNESOTA AND IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA, AGAIN PRETTY SIMILAR TEMPERATURES, MID-40s OUT THERE, MAINLY CLOUDY SKIES, WE COULD SEE SOME PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES IN THE FAR SOUTHERN PARTS OF THE VIEWING AREA.

THERE IS THE CHANCE OF SOME RAIN OR SNOW, ESPECIALLY AS WE HEAD INTO THE AFTERNOON.

SO HERE'S OUR FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, VARIABLE CLOUDS, A CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW DEVELOPING IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, LOWS NEAR 23 AND THEN TOMORROW, PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES, A CHANCE FOR RAIN OR SNOW, NORTH WINDS AT 5 TO 20.

OUR EXTENDED FORECAST FEATURES A LOT OF SUNSHINE AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEK.

WE SHOULD BE SEEING WARMING TEMPERATURES.

AS WE HEAD INTO FRIDAY, OUR HIGH TEMPERATURE IS NEAR 51.

WE COULD BE CLOSE TO 60 BY SATURDAY, WITH PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, AND A CHANCE OF SOME RAIN SHOWERS LATE THIS WEEKEND.

OTHERWISE IT'S PARTLY CLOUDY WITH HIGHS NEAR 55.

BACK TO YOU DENNIS.

>> Dennis: THANKS STACY.

CHARLIE IS HERE NOW AND SOME LOCAL SPORTS TEAMS LITERALLY DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO GET THEIR SEASON STARTED OUTDOORS.

>> Charlie: YEAH, THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF THE SNOW AND IT'S STILL MELTING, BUT THEY TOOK THE INITIATIVE TO MOVE IT AROUND AND CLEAR OFF THE COURTS.

WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE BEMIDJI HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS TEAM.

THEY HAVE THEIR COURT READY FOR THE HOME OPENER THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN THIS WEEK.

WE'LL SEE IF THEY GET I >> SPORTS ON LAKELAND NEWS IS SPONSORED IN PART BY PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS; NORTHERN MINNESOTA'S CERTIFIED APPLE SERVICE CENTER, OFFERING REPAIR SERVICES ON APPLE PRODUCTS AND P.C.S.

PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS IN BEMIDJI AND GRAND RAPIDS, IT'S RIGHT HERE.

>> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

[♪♪♪] >>> BEMIDJI BOYS TENNIS MAY GET TO OPEN THEIR SEASON OUTDOORS THIS YEAR EVEN WITH THE SNOW FALL FROM LAST WEEK.

THE LUMBERJACKS GRABBED THEIR SHOVELS AND TOOK TO THE COURTS ON CAMPUS THIS AFTERNOON TO CLEAR THE ICE AND SNOW THAT DID NOT MELT OVER THE WEEKEND IN THE HOPES TO BE PRACTICING THERE AS EARLY AS TOMORROW.

IT'S CERTAINLY MORE WORK THAN JUST WAITING FOR THE SNOW TO MELT, BUT THE JACKS SEE IT AS A CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR FELLOW TEAMMATES AND A WELCOME CHANGE TO BE OUTSIDE.

>> IT FEELS GOOD.

NORMALLY OUR PRACTICE ARE ALL INDOORS SO IT FEELS NICE TO BE OUTSIDE.

IT'S FUN AND NOT FUN AT THE SAME TIME DOING THIS, BUT IT'S GOOD TO START THE SEASON.

>> IT PUT AS LEADERSHIP ROLE IN POSITION, YOU REALLY HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER AND IT'S GOING TO TAKE HOURS AND HOURS.

>> SOME OF OUR PLAYERS THAT OUR GUYS MAY NOT KNOW AS WELL, KNOW THAT IS A HARD WORKER AND A GOOD TEAMMATE BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T PUT DOWN THEIR SHOVEL ONCE FOR TWO HOURS.

THAT WAS FUN TO SEE.

>> BEMIDJI LOST FIVE SENIORS FROM LAST YEAR'S TEAM AND THIS SEASONS SQUAD HAS JUST THREE SENIORS, WITH FOUR JUNIORS, A SOPHOMORE, A FRESHMAN, AND TWO EIGHTH GRADERS.

SO THE COMRADERY AND LEADERSHIP WILL BE VITALLY IMPORTANT WITH SUCH A YOUNG SQUAD.

>> SOMETIMES WHEN YOU'RE A YOUNG PLAYER, IT TAKES THREE OR FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOU SEE THAT AND ALL OF THOSE OPPORTUNITIES IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH.

THE CHALLENGE FOR THE YOUNGER GUYS IS LOOK UP TO THE OLDER GUYS AS AN EXAMPLE, AND THAT COMES WITH FAITH AND TRUST.

>> LOOKING FORWARD TO BE TOP DOG ON THE TEAM AND LEAD MY INCOMING OTHER TEAMMATES, SHOW THEM HOW IT'S DONE AND GIVE THEM ADVICE WHEN THEY ASK FOR IT.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR TEAMMATES ARE TALKING TO EACH OTHER, GET THE CHEMISTRY DOWN AND THE FUNDAMENTALS.

>> I JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN.

I KNOW WINNING IS IMPORTANT TO US ALL BUT HAVING FUN IS THE HIGHEST PRIORITY.

YOU GO IN, NO STRESS, IT TAKES THE PRESSURE OFF YOUR BACK.

WE'RE NOT THE DEFENDING CHAMPS, WE DON'T HAVE MUCH TO LOSE.

I THINK WE CAN TAKE IT THIS YEAR.

>> Charlie: A FEW OF THE PARENTS WERE HELPING THE BOYS AS WELL.

THE JACKS ARE SET TO OPEN THE SEASON ON THURSDAY AT HOME AGAINST CROOKSTON AND IF THE WEATHER HOLDS, IT LOOKS LIKE THEY WILL BE DOING IT OUTSIDE.

>>> WELL BEMIDJI STATE MEN'S HOCKEY ANNOUNCED THAT FIFTH YEAR SENIOR FORWARD CARTER JONES HAS SIGNED AN AMATEUR TRY-OUT CONTRACT WITH THE NORFOLK ADMIRALS OF THE ECHL.

THE ALTERNATE CAPTAIN SPENT ALL FIVE SEASONS PLAYING FOR THE BEAVERS, AMASSING 46 CAREER POINTS OFF 11 GOALS AND 35 ASSISTS WITH A CAREER HIGH 24 POINTS THIS PAST SEASON AND A CCHA FORWARD OF THE WEEK HONORS FOR A 3-GOAL, 1-ASSIST WEEKEND AGAINST LAKE SUPERIOR STATE IN DECEMBER.

IN THE PRESS RELEASE, JONES THANKED HIS FAMILY, COACHES, AND TEAMMATES, AND SAID ”I WOULDN'T TRADE THESE LAST FIVE YEARS FOR THE WORLD ”.

>>> HERE ARE SOME OTHER PLAYER UPDATES WITH THE SEASON AT A CLOSE, THE TRANSFER PORTAL IS OPEN AND THERE HAS BEEN SOME MOVEMENT.

THE BEAVERS MEN, JACOB HAS ENTERED THE PORTAL BUT COMING IN THEY HAVE GRAD TRANSFER CARTER FROM NIAGARA AND ON THE WOMEN'S SIDE, TWO ENTER THE PORTAL.

FORWARD MICHAELA, AND MADISON, BOTH ARE SOPHOMORES.

THEY DID RECEIVE ONE COMMIT, A SENIOR GOALTENDER FROM PENN STATE.

THAT WAS ANNOUNCED BSU HOCKEY TWITTER LATE ON FRIDAY.

>> Dennis: YEAH, IT'S A WHOLE DIFFERENT BALL GAME.

>> Charlie: IT IS, IT'S LIKE FREE AGENCY.

IT'S THE WEIRDEST DEAL.

I APPRECIATE IT FOR THE PLAYERS.

THEY HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO GO TO PLACES THEY THINK IS BETTER FOR THEMSELVES.

WE DON'T KNOW THEIR CASE.

IT IS DIFFERENT, IT IS DIFFERENT THAN FROM WHEN YOU AND I PLAYED.

IT COULD BE A HEADACHE.

>> Dennis: IT COULD BE A POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE.

THANKS CHARLIE.

>>> IT'S MANY PEOPLE'S DREAMS TO ONE DAY OWN AND OPERATE A STORE WITH PRODUCTS THAT THEY'RE EXTREMELY PASSIONATE ABOUT.

FOR THIS WEEK'S IN-BUSINESS, OUR REPORTER MATTHEW FREEMAN SPOKE WITH CATHY KEEZER, THE NEW OWNER OF LYLE'S SHOES IN BOTH WADENA AND PARK RAPIDS, TO HEAR HOW SHE ACCOMPLISHED HER LONG-AWAITED DREAM.

>> Reporter: CATHY, THE OWNER OF LYLE'S SHOES IS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THEM BUT SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO BUY JUST ONE, BUT TWO SHOE STORES.

>> I STARTED WORKING WITH BRIAN IN AUGUST OF 2022.

THEY APPROACHED ME A FEW MONTHS LATER AND ASKED ME IF I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE SHOE STORE.

I DID AND IT'S BEEN THE BEST THING EVER.

>> Reporter: IT WAS CATHY'S DREAM TO ONE DAY OWN A SHOE STORE AND NOW SHE HAS TWO TO CALL HER OWN.

>> IT'S BEEN A DREAM OF MINE TO OWN MY OWN SHOE STORE, BACK FOR 18 YEARS OR SO, I ALWAYS WANTED TO.

I NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A POSSIBLE DREAM.

>> Reporter: CATHY IS THANKFUL TO THE FORMER OWNERS FOR ALLOWING HER TO PURSUE HER PASSION EVEN FURTHER.

>> IT'S AMAZING.

I JUST LOVE WHAT I DO.

IF IT WASN'T FOR BRIAN, I PROBABLY WOULDN'T HAVE HAD THIS CHANCE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO COMING TO WORK EVERYDAY, IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

YOU MEET SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE, WHICH I LOVE.

I ENJOY THAT VERY MUCH.

>> Reporter: AND THOSE PEOPLE AREN'T JUST FROM THE LOCAL AREA.

>> FROM ALL OVER, WE HAD PEOPLE EVEN FROM OTHER COUNTRIES COME IN THE STORE.

MOST OF THE TOURISTS, THEY ARE REGULAR CUSTOMERS.

THEY COME UP EVERY YEAR TO COME TO THE SHOE STORE AND PURCHASE THEIR SHOES.

IT'S LIKE EVERYONE, EVERYONE FROM YOUNG TO OLDER, THEY ALL COME IN.

I JUST ENJOY IT SO MUCH.

>> Reporter: AND EVEN THOUGH CATHY IS A FIRST TIME BUSINESS OWNER, SHE SAYS SHE IS UP FOR THE CHALLENGE.

>> IT CAN BE OVERWHELMING AT TIMES.

THERE IS A LOT TO IT.

IT'S, LIKE I SAID, I'M SO PASSIONATE ABOUT IT, I LOOK FORWARD TO IT EVERYDAY.

I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO COME TO WORK AND SEE WHAT IT BRINGS ME THAT DAY.

>> Reporter: REPORTING FROM PARK RAPIDS FOR THIS WEEK'S IN-BUSINESS, I'M MATTHEW FREEMAN, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> CATHY HAS MORE THAN 17 YEARS IN THE FOOT-WEAR INDUSTRY, AND PURCHASED THE BUSINESS, IT'S TWO LOCATIONS, AND THE NAME LYLE'S SHOES FOR ABOUT $400,000.

>>> TIME FOR ANOTHER LOOK AT OUR WEATHER, WE GO BACK OVER TO STACY.

>> Stacy: WE ARE GOING TO BE SEEING A CHANCE OF SOME SNOW SHOWERS IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA OVERNIGHT TONIGHT.

OTHERWISE, VARIABLE CLOUDS, LOWS NEAR 23, SOUTHEAST WINDS AT 5 TO 15.

LOOKING AT TOMORROW, WE WILL BE SEEING PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES, A CHANCE FOR SNOW SHOWERS, MAYBE RAIN OR SNOW IN THE AFTERNOON, 42 FOR THE HIGH, NORTH WINDS AT 5 TO 20.

THEN LOOKING AHEAD, A LOT OF SUNSHINE AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK AND TEMPERATURES WILL BE WARMING UP.

BY FRIDAY, WE COULD SEE HIGHS NEAR 51 AND ON SATURDAY, A HIGH OF 58.

>> Charlie: SOME HIGH SCHOOL TRACK TOMORROW, THE CRAIG HOGAN RELAY IS GOING ON AT THE GILLETTE WELLNESS CENTER.

A BUNCH OF SCHOOLS AROUND THE AREA WILL BE THERE.

WE WILL HAVE UPDATES ON THAT.

>> Dennis: STILL INDOORS FOR NOW.

>> Charlie: YES, BUT HOPEFULLY NOT FOR LONG.

>> Dennis: HAVE A GOOD NIGHT EVERYBODY, WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

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