>> 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.

>>> THE BELTRAMI COUNTY ATTORNEY IS DROPPING SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES AGAINST A MAN ACCUSED OF RAPING AN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BEMIDJI LAST SEPTEMBER.

23-YEAR-OLD OSCAR LUNA OF MISSION, TEXAS WAS IDENTIFIED AS A SUSPECT FOLLOWING A RAID OF A HOUSE WHERE THE SEXUAL ASSAULT WAS SUSPECTED OF TAKING PLACE.

AUTHORITIES SAID HE MATCHED THE DESCRIPTION THE GIRL GAVE TO INVESTIGATORS AND HE WAS INITIALLY CHARGED WITH 1ST DEGREE CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT.

BUT BELTRAMI COUNTY ATTORNEY DAVID HANSON SAYS ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS AND EVIDENCE COLLECTED DURING THE INVESTIGATION MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO IMPLICATE LUNA.

>> AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEN THE D.N.A.

ANALYSIS WAS DONE, IT CAME BACK TO NOT SUPPORT CHARGES AGAINST MR. LUNA.

UNFORTUNATELY THE CASE DOESN'T HAVE ANY EVIDENCE THAT I CAN SUBMIT TO COURT TO PROVE THAT HE DID THIS.

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THIS LITTLE GIRL.

UNFORTUNATELY, I DON'T HAVE EVIDENCE TO FIGURE OUT WHO DID IT AT THE TIME.

IT DOESN'T MEAN WE CAN'T PROSECUTE SOMEONE IN THE FUTURE IF MORE EVIDENCE COMES TO LIGHT, BUT RIGHT NOW I DON'T HAVE ANY EVIDENCE AGAINST MR. LUNA THAT I CAN BRING TO COURT.

>> THE GIRL CLAIMED SHE WAS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BY MULTIPLE MEN AT A HOME IN BEMIDJI AFTER BEING FORCED THERE WITH A BAG OVER HER HEAD.

A SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINED THE GIRL AND TOLD INVESTIGATORS THAT SHE HAD ABRASIONS CONSISTENT WITH A SEXUAL ASSAULT.

AUTHORITIES FOUND ELEVEN OTHER MEN IN THE HOUSE, ALL FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO WERE NOT CHARGED WITH ANY CRIMES BUT WERE HANDED OVER TO FEDERAL AUTHORITIES.

D.N.A.

WAS COLLECTED FROM LUNA AND THE OTHER 11 MEN FOUND AT THE SCENE.

NONE OF THEIR D.N.A.

WAS FOUND ON THE YOUNG GIRL.

THE BCA WAS ALSO UNABLE TO LOCATE THE GIRL'S D.N.A.

AT THE SCENE OR IN THE CAR.

IN ADDITION LUNA WAS NEVER SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED BY ANY WITNESSES AS THE ASSAILANT.

AND HANSON SAYS PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AND FOLLOW-UP STATEMENTS FROM WITNESSES TENDED TO NOT CORROBORATE THE YOUNG GIRL'S STATEMENT.

>> IT'S A HORRIBLE TRAGEDY.

I REALLY FEEL FOR THE YOUNG GIRL AND HER FAMILY, WHAT THEY'RE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW.

IT'S BEEN VERY DIFFICULT.

IT'S ONE OF THE TOUGHEST PARTS OF THE JOB, DAYS LIKE TODAY.

WE KNOW SOMETHING BAD HAPPENED, NO DOUBT THIS LITTLE GIRL WAS TRAUMATIZED BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT SUSPECT AT THIS TIME SO WE HAD TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND LET HIM GO AT THIS TIME.

AGAIN, I HOPE IN THE FUTURE WE CAN FIND EVIDENCE THAT WE CAN FIGURE OUT WHO WAS THE CULPRIT BUT AT THIS TIME, WE HAVE TO GO WITH WHAT WE HAVE.

>> DRUGS WERE ALSO FOUND AT THE SCENE WHICH IS INSIDE A SCHOOL ZONE.

LUNA WILL BE PROSECUTED FOR ONE COUNT OF THIRD-DEGREE POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, A FELONY, WHICH HE INTENDS TO PLEAD GUILTY TO IMMEDIATELY.

>>> AUTHORITIES HAVE RELEASED THE NAME OF THE VICTIM WHO DIED IN A ONE VEHICLE CRASH IN BELTRAMI COUNTY.

THE STATE PATROL SAYS 37-YEAR-OLD AARON STOMBERG OF BLACKDUCK DIED IN THE CRASH THAT HAPPENED AT 1:45 ON SATURDAY MORNING.

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

>>> THE BEMIDJI CITY COUNCIL MEETING YESTERDAY STARTED WITH A PROCLAMATION FROM THE MAYOR, JORGE PRINCE, REGARDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE ACROSS THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

MAYOR PRINCE PROCLAIMED APRIL 11, 2024 AS “TAKE BACK THE NIGHT ”, AND THE ENTIRE MONTH OF APRIL AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF BEMIDJI.

THE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED A SPECIAL EVENT ORGANIZED BY THE SUPPORT WITHIN REACH RESOURCE CENTER CALLED “TAKE BACK THE NIGHT".

IT'S A MARCH FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH, IN HOPES SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT COME AND SHARE THEIR STORIES AND SUPPORT OTHERS.

>> IN MINNESOTA, IT'S ESTIMATED THAT ONE IN THREE WOMEN AND ONE IN SIX MEN WILL EXPERIENCE SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THEIR LIFETIME.

AMERICAN INDIANS ARE 2.5 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE SEXUAL ASSAULT CRIMES COMPARED TO ALL OTHER RACES AND 1 IN 3 INDIAN WOMEN REPORT HAVING BEEN RAPED DURING HER LIFETIME, WHEREAS TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS, EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SPEAK OUT ABOUT WRONGFUL ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS.

I URGE ALL TO WORK TOWARDS THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND CREATE A SAFER ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL.

>> THE WALK WILL BEGIN AT THE PAUL BUNYAN FESTIVAL AREA, MAKE ITS WAY OVER TO LOWER LAKE-SIDE AT BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY, THEN BACK TO THE FESTIVAL AREA.

THE EVENT TAKES PLACE ON APRIL 11TH, FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M. >>> BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT SENATE HAS BEEN STRIVING TO MAKE PROGRESS ON THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE AN INITIATIVE THAT WILL EXPOSE ALL STUDENTS TO A COURSE ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE BEFORE GRADUATION AND ON A BILL THEY'VE PASSED TO ENCOURAGE FACULTY TO INCLUDE THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT IN THE COURSE SYLLABI.

REPORTER ZY'RIAH SIMMONS HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT CENTER HAS BEEN ADVOCATING FOR INDIGENOUS COURSE REQUIREMENTS SINCE 2021, SOMETHING THAT MEANS A LOT TO THEM.

>> WE'RE FINALLY SEEING IT BEING IMPLEMENTED STARTING IN THE FALL OF 2024.

WE'RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT.

WE'RE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT SPREADING MULTICULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND WE KNOW THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT FACULTY HAS BEEN WORKING REALLY HARD TO GET UP AND OFF THE GROUND.

>> Reporter: EVER SINCE THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT ACT WAS PASSED IN 2021, IT HAS PUSHED THE BSU STUDENT SENATE TO PUSH AN INDIGENOUS COURSE FOR ALL STUDENTS TO GRADUATE.

>> WE NEED TO ENGRAIN IT IN THEIR WAY OF TEACHING, WHICH IS DONE THROUGH THE INDIGENOUS COURSE REQUIREMENT, WHICH ENSURES THAT STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO TAKE AN INDIGENOUS COURSE IN ORDER TO GRADUATE.

>> Reporter: BSU STUDENT SENATE BELIEVES THERE IS ENOUGH DIVERSITY AT THE CAMPUS ALREADY, BUT BELIEVES MORE COULD BE DONE.

>> WE HEAR FROM OUR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS AND OUR INDIGENOUS STAFF AND FACULTY THAT SOME ARE STILL NOT WELCOMING ON CAMPUS TO THEM.

IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT WE HAVE THIS COURSE REQUIREMENT FOR OUR STUDENTS BECAUSE THEN EVERY SINGLE STUDENT COMING IN STARTING THIS FALL WILL LEARN ABOUT, YOU KNOW, OUR INDIGENOUS RELATIVES AND YOU KNOW, THE RICH HISTORY THAT THEY HAVE ON THIS LAND AND IT'S GOING TO REALLY HIGHLIGHT THE DIVERSITY THAT BSU ALREADY HAS.

>> Reporter: THE STUDENT SENATE BELIEVES THERE ARE MULTIPLE UPSIDES TO ACQUIRING AN INDIGENOUS COURSE FOR BSU STUDENTS.

>> STUDENTS WILL REALLY BENEFIT.

WHEN STUDENTS CAN REALLY UNDERSTAND THINGS FROM MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES AND LEARN ABOUT THE PLACE THAT THEY'RE COMING TO SCHOOL IN, A LOT OF OUR STUDENTS ARE FROM THE AREA.

LEARNING ABOUT THE PLACE YOU LIVE IN AND THE PEOPLE WHO TAKE CARE OF THE LAND AND IT'S REALLY, REALLY POWERFUL.

I KNOW IT'S GOING TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OUR STUDENTS.

IT'S GOING TO BE MUCH MORE SUCCESSFUL AND THE WORKFORCE, LEARNING HOW TO DEAL WITH DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES AND HOW TO WORK WITH DIVERSE, YOU KNOW, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS.

IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT AND I'M REALLY EXCITED THAT WE'RE FINALLY IMPLEMENTING THIS SO THAT OUR STUDENTS WILL HAVE A MUCH MORE WELL ROUNDED EDUCATION HERE.

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

>> FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN CONTACT THE BEMIDJI STATE STUDENT SENATE AT THE WEBSITE THAT IS ON THE SCREEN.

>>> AND IT'S ABOUT THAT TIME OF THE YEAR FOR HOMEOWNERS AS CROW WING COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE NOW RECEIVING THEIR ANNUAL PROPERTY VALUATION NOTICES FOR 2024 AND TAX CLASSIFICATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR.

PATRONS WILL ALSO SEE THEIR TAX STATEMENTS FOR 2024 IN THE MAIL, WHICH WILL INDICATE THE AMOUNT OF TAX MONEY DUE AND ITS DEADLINE FOR THE YEAR.

THE PAPERWORK'S BEING DISTRIBUTED AFTER THE COUNTY ANALYZED 2,700 SALES AND DETERMINED THE MEDIUM AMONG RESIDENTS.

>> MAKE SURE YOU READ YOUR VALUATION NOTICES TO MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE VALUE, THAT YOU CAN RESPOND WITH THE APPEAL OPTIONS THAT YOU HAVE.

THE FIRST HALF PROPERTY TAX STATEMENTS ARE COMING UP AND THEY WILL BE DUE ON MAY 15th.

SO YOU WANT TO JUST TAKE A NOTE OF THAT AND MAKE SURE YOU GET THOSE PAID ON TIME.

>> ANYONE WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR PROPERTY'S VALUATION AND CLASSIFICATION CAN CONTACT THE LAND SERVICES DEPARTMENTS AT THE EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.

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

>> Stacy: WE'RE GOING TO SEE A LOT OF SUNSHINE AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK, COULD BE A BIT BREEZY TOMORROW, BUT WE WILL BE SEEING WARMER TEMPERATURES AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEK.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK ON NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, THE EASTER OPEN HOUSE AT THE LANDSCAPE NURSERY.

[♪♪♪] >> 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.

>>> THOSE WHO CELEBRATED EASTER WITH THEIR FAMILIES OVER THE WEEKEND HAD PLENTY TO DO IN THE CITY OF BEMIDJI.

ALONG WITH GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES THAT WERE HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE CITY, BEMIDJI COVENANT CHURCH HELD “THE LIVING LAST SUPPER ”, A LIVE REENACTMENT OF THE FINAL MEAL, ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL ACCOUNTS, THAT JESUS SHARED WITH APOSTLES IN JERUSALEM BEFORE HIS CRUCIFIXION.

THEN OVER AT THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER, WAS THE ANNUAL BUNNY BASH HELD BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, AND VISIT-BEMIDJI.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR KIDS TO MEET AND TAKE PHOTOS WITH THE EASTER BUNNY IN THE BUNNY'S BURROW.

OUR REPORTER MATTHEW FREEMAN WAS ABLE TO GET A QUICK WORD WITH THE EASTER BUNNY.

>> Reporter: SO HOW DID YOU HOP OVER TO BEMIDJI?

IT MUST HAVE TAKEN YOU A LONG TIME TO GET HERE.

IT'S ALL WORTH IT FOR THE KIDS, RIGHT?

.

>> Dennis: WELL ALL RIGHT.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT EVENTS THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ARE HOLDING NEXT, YOU CAN VISIT THE WEBSITE THAT IS CURRENTLY ON THE SCREEN.

IT'S ON -- NOT ON THE SCREEN, IT'S BEMIDJI.MN -- THERE IT IS, RIGHT THERE.

GIVE THAT ONE A LOOK IF YOU NEED TO.

TIME FOR WEATHER, STACY JOINS US.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS SPRING WARM UP.

WE'RE IN SPRING NOW, RIGHT?

>> Stacy: IT HAS FELT LIKE WINTER, BUT WE ARE NOW IN SPRING AND IT IS STARTING TO FEEL AND LOOK MORE LIKE SPRING OUT THERE.

WE HAVE A LOT OF SUNSHINE IN THE FORECAST AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEK AND WE'RE GOING TO SEE WARMER TEMPERATURES AS WELL, A LITTLE ON THE BREEZY S >> 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 HAVE A LOT OF CLOUD COVER IN THE AREA TODAY, BUT WE ARE EXPECTING TO SEE MORE SUNSHINE AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK.

IT COULD BE ON THE BREEZY SIDE TOMORROW, EXPECT WINDS 10 TO 25 MILES PER HOUR, BUT SUNSHINE IN FULL EFFECT.

WE SHOULD HAVE A LOT OF SUNSHINE AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEKEND, AT LEAST INTO THE FIRST HALF OF THE WEEKEND.

IN BEMIDJI, 34 AT THE AIRPORT, AT OUR STUDIO, WE HAVE A NORTH WIND AT 9 MILES PER HOUR.

30 IS OUR DEW POINT AND HUMIDITY IS AT 86%.

IN BRAINERD, CLOUDY SKIES, 39 DEGREES, THE DEW POINT IS 29.

WE HAVE A RISING BAROMETRIC PRESSURE WITH WINDS OUT OF THE NORTH AT 12 MILES PER HOUR.

LOOKING AT THE RADAR, WE HAVE SOME PRECIPITATION MAINLY IN THE EASTERN PART OF MINNESOTA.

THERE MAY BE A STRAY SNOW SHOWER, RAIN SHOWER, EVEN A SPRINKLE OR FLURRY AFFECTING PARTS OF THE EASTERN HALF OF THE VIEWING AREA.

THAT IS PROBABLY UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

THE SYSTEM WILL BE MOVING FARTHER OUT SO THAT SHOULD TAPER OFF.

WE WILL BE HAVING A PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKY TONIGHT.

AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW, EXPECT TO SEE THE CLOUD COVER CLEAR OUT, PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES.

IT WILL BE A LITTLE BIT BREEZY, WE ARE LOOKING AT WINDS 10 TO 25 MILES PER HOUR.

SOME WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU TONIGHT, BEAUTIFUL MORNING SKIES FROM DEBRA AT LAKE ADA.

ANGELA FROM CASS LAKE AND ARLENE IN MENAHGA.

WE HAVE A SHOT OF THE SUNSET TONIGHT ON THE BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, SENT TO US BY DARBY.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PICTURES TONIGHT.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORT, BOB IN BLUFFTON REPORTING CLOUDS, A FEW RAIN DROPS, SOME PEEKS OF SUNSHINE.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, CLOUDY AND SUNSHINE, A LITTLE BIT OF BOTH TODAY, THE HIGH OF 48.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD REPORTING OVERCAST SKIES, 43 FOR THE HIGH.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A HIGH OF 43.

ON OUR ALMANAC, WE HAD A HIGH OF 44 IN BRAINERD.

WE'RE ON THE COOL SIDE, ABOUT 4 DEGREES BELOW THE AVERAGE.

33 FOR THE LOW TEMP THIS MORNING, SUNRISE AT 6:53.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH OF 43, CLOSE TO THE AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE, JUST 2 DEGREES SHY.

29 WAS OUR LOW AND SUNSET AT 7:52.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW.

WE WILL BE SEEING THE CLOUDS CLEARING OUT AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW.

EXPECT TO SEE A LOT OF SUNSHINE ACROSS NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

WE WILL HAVE 46 IN PARK RAPIDS, AND IT COULD BE ON THE BREEZY SIDE, ESPECIALLY IN WESTERN MINNESOTA WITH WINDS 10 TO 25 MILES PER HOUR.

HEADING INTO THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE, PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, SO A LOT OF SUNSHINE OUT THERE, HIGH TEMPERATURES WILL BE IN THE MID-40s.

SO HERE'S OUR FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES, LOWS NEAR 27 WITH NORTH WINDS AT 5 TO 20.

THEN FOR TOMORROW, PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, HIGHS NEAR 45, WE WILL BE SEEING THE NORTH WINDS AT 10 TO 25.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR EXTENDED FORECAST, STILL LOOKING AT PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK.

AS YOU CAN SEE, WE ARE SLOWLY SEEING THE TEMPERATURES WARMING UP AS WE HEAD TOWARDS THE END OF THE WEEK.

BY FRIDAY, HIGHS NEAR 50, INTO THE LOW TO MID-50s ON SATURDAY, WITH PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES.

WE HAVE A CHANCE FOR RAIN SHOWERS RETURNING ON SUNDAY.

TEMPERATURE-WISE, IT'S SIMILAR WITH HIGHS OF 52, AND A LOW NEAR 33.

BACK TO YOU DENNIS.

>> Dennis: THANKS STACY.

CHARLIE IS HERE NOW.

WHAT'S GOING ON TONIGHT?

>> Charlie: WELL, WE HAVE BIG NEWS OUT OF BEMIDJI STATE MEN'S HOCKEY, THAT TRANSFER PORTAL, ONCE AGAIN THERE IS A GENTLEMAN THAT IS GOING IN THERE, IT WAS A BIG PART OF WHAT THE TEAM DID LAST YEAR AND WELL, WE TALKED ABOUT THAT AND ALSO A LITTLE BIT OF INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD FROM HIGH SCHOOL, AS WELL AS SOME BSU SOFTBALL.

HIGHLIGHTS AND MORE COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK.

[♪♪♪] >> SPORTS ON LAKELAND NEWS IS SPONSORED IN PART BY PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS, BRINGING NORTHERN MINNESOTA THE GIGAZONE.

INTERNET SPEEDS UP TO 10 GIGABITS PER SECONDS, BOTH UPLOAD AND DOWNLOAD.

IT'S THE GIGAZONE FROM PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS AND IT'S RIGHT HERE.

>> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

>>> SOME BIG NEWS COMING OUT OF BEMIDJI STATE MEN'S HOCKEY.

FRESHMAN DEFENSEMAN ERIC POHLKAMP ENTERED THE TRANSFER PORTAL EARLIER TODAY.

THIS COMES ON THE HEELS OF THE NEWS THAT POHLKAMP WAS NAMED CCHA DEFENSEMAN OF THE MONTH FOR THE 2ND MONTH IN A ROW.

AFTER TALLYING 24 POINTS OFF 11 GOALS AND 13 ASSISTS IN 32 GAMES, THE PRODUCT OF BRAINERD GARNERED ALL CCHA FIRST TEAM HONORS.

HE WAS ALSO A FINALIST IN VOTING FOR BOTH ROOKIE AND DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR IN THE CONFERENCE.

BEFORE COMING TO BSU, POHLKAMP WAS DRAFTED BY THE SAN JOSE SHARKS IN THE 5TH ROUND OF THE NHL ENTRY DRAFT.

HE WILL BE PLAYING SOMEWHERE ELSE NEXT YEAR UNFORTUNATELY FOR THE BEAVERS.

>>> ALSO MATEO RECEIVED GOALIE OF THE MONTH.

NO SURPRISE THERE.

HE WAS NAMED THE CONFERENCE GOAL TERND -- GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR.

>>> AFTER BEING POSTPONED FOR A WEEK DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE 1ST ANNUAL CRAIG HOGAN RELAYS WERE ABLE TO GO OFF WITHOUT A HITCH.

WE START WITH THE BOYS IN THE POLE VAULT.

HAYDEN RETTKE FROM WALKER-HACKENSACK-AKELEY ABLE TO CLEAR 11 FEET HERE.

HE'D ALSO CLEAR 11-6 AND FINISH IN 2ND PLACE.

OVER ON THE TRACK IN THE 1600, BEMIDJI'S WILL TERMONT LED FROM START TO FINISH.

HE RAN IT IN 4-38-94.

GRANT NELSON OF WADENA-DEER CREEK SNAGGED 3RD WITH A 4-54-34.

>>> IN THE 60-METER HURDLES, LOGAN KOOBIN-DON FROM ROSEAU WON HIS HEAT AND FINISHED THIRD OVERALL IN THE PRE-LIMS RUNNING A 10.25.

AND IN THE 4-BY-200, BAGLEY/FOSSTON AND BEMIDJI FINISHED ONE-TWO IN THEIR HEAT.

GAGE GRAY BRYDIN DANIEL, JACKSON KAISER, AND NOAH NELSON FINISHED THE RELAY FIRST OVERALL FOR THE FLYERS IN 1-40-82.

>>> HERE'S A LOOK AT THE OVERALL RESULTS.

BEMIDJI TAKING FIRST PLACE FOR THE BOYS IN THE INAUGURAL CRAIG HOGAN RELAYS.

CROSBY-IRONTON IN THE TOP FIVE AS WELL.

>>> ON THE GIRLS SIDE OF THINGS, IN THE HIGH JUMP, PILLAGER'S SOPHIE SCHLOSSER CLEARING 4-FEET 4-INCHES HERE.

SHE WOULD ALSO CLEAR 4-6 AND FROM WADENA-DEER CREEK LYNDSEY DRIEHORST WOULD CLEAR IT AS WELL.

THEY'D FINISHED IN A 4-WAY TIE FOR 5TH.

BEMIDJI'S CHLOE NOT P-R'D AT 8-FOOT 6-INCHES IN THE POLE VAULT.

SHE WOULD FINISH IN SECOND BEHIND CROSBY-IRONTON'S LUCY LEWANDOWSKI WHO ALSO TOPPED OUT AT 8-6 BUT LEWANDOWSKI DID IT IN ONE TRY.

SO SHE TAKES FIRST PLACE.

>>> OVER TO THE TRACK IN THE 1600, MIA HOFFMAN AND ALIVIA THOMPSON FINISHED ONE-TWO FOR THE LUMBERJACKS.

HOFFMAN IN JUST OVER 5 MINUTES AND 8 SECONDS, THOMPSON IN JUST OVER 5-18.

LOLA VAN-ENGELENHOVEN FROM BEMIDJI RAN A PERSONAL BEST 10.52 IN THE 60-METER HURDLES.

THAT WAS GOOD ENOUGH FOR FIRST PLACE OVERALL AND IN THE 60-METER DASH, BLOWING AWAY THE COMPETITION IN 7.81 SECONDS WAS AVA PROCKINKUM FROM BAGLEY-FOSSTON.

WOW, SHE'S FAST.

>>> HERE'S A LOOK AT THE FINAL TEAM RESULTS FOR THE GIRLS.

BEMIDJI FINISHED SECOND OVERALL, A HALF POINT IN FRONT OF BAGLEY-FOSSTON, AND CROSBY-IRONTON ROUNDED OUT THE TOP FIVE.

>>> IN COLLEGE SOFTBALL, BEMIDJI STATE WITH THEIR HOME OPENER.

THE FIELD IS STILL WET.

THEY'RE HOSTING MINNESOTA DULUTH.

AND A SINGLE TO RIGHT, SCORES ALEXIS CHRISTENSEN.

NOW THE BEAVERS STRIKE FIRST.

THE BULL DOCKSS -- DOGS TAKE A 2-RUN LEAD.

U.M.D.

IS UP.

NOW 2 DOWN, GRACE OFF THE PITCHER, LOOKS LIKE A WEB, BUT IT'S SAFE.

THIS GAME IS TIED.

IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH, DULUTH PLAYING THE LONG BALL AGAIN.

CAT WITH THE SECOND 2-RUN SHOT OF THE DAY, BEMIDJI FALLS TO MINNESOTA DULUTH.

THE BEAVERS LOST IN GAME ONE TO THE DOGS SINCE SWEEPING SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE START CONFERENCE PLAY, BSU DROPPED SIX STRAIGHT.

THEY RETURN NEXT WEDNESDAY TO TAKE ON ST.

CLOUD STATE.

SOME OTHER SCORES FOR YOU, THE TWINS, THEY FALL 3-2 AFTER LOSING THEIR FIRST 2 OF THE SEASON.

THEY DROPPED 2.

THE WILD WIN OVER OTTAWA.

IN THE NBA, THE T-WOLVES ARE TIED WITH OKC AND THE NUGGETS.

>> Dennis: A FEW MORE GAMES LEFT.

>> Charlie: JUST OVER 10.

>> Dennis: THAT MANY.

THANKS CHARLIE.

>>> DESPITE THE FRESH SNOW BLANKETING MINNESOTA LAST WEEK, MANY EASTER EGG HUNTS AND EVENTS STILL TOOK PLACE.

ONE OF THOSE EVENTS WAS THE ANNUAL EASTER OPEN HOUSE AT THE LANDSBURG LANDSCAPE NURSERY IN BAXTER.

REPORTER SAMMY HOLLADAY WAS IN ATTENDANCE FOR THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE.

>> Reporter: HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN WERE ABLE TO PARTAKE IN THE EASTER ACTIVITIES HERE AT THE EASTER OPEN HOUSE, INCLUDING PLAYING WITH SOME ANIMALS, PLANTING SOME PLANTS, AND OF COURSE MAKING THEIR OWN BUNNY EARS.

THE FREE EVENT BY THE LANDSBURG NURSERY HOPES TO INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF GARDENERS.

>> THE KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE GENERATION OF GARDENERS.

IT'S GOOD TO HAVE THEM SEE HOW THE PLANTS ARE AND WHAT IT TAKES TO GET THIS PLACE UP AND RUNNING BY MAY 1st.

MOTHER'S DAY IS OUR TARGET.

>> Reporter: SOMETIMES IT IS SIMILAR TO PULLING TEETH WHEN ASKING EMPLOYEES TO WORK ON A HOLIDAY WEEKEND, BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE FOR THE EASTER OPEN HOUSE.

>> I REAL LIVE -- REALLY DON'T HAVE TO ASK STAFF TO WORK TODAY.

I HAVE SO MANY VOLUNTEERS.

THERE ARE 25 OF US HERE TODAY, AND THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES TO PULL THIS OFF SUCCESSFULLY.

I RARELY HAVE TO BEG FOR HELP.

THEY WANT TO BE HERE AND IT'S A FUN DAY.

WE GET TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WE DO IN THE GREENHOUSE AND WE GET TO SEE ALL THESE HAPPY PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: AND THE FAVORITE ACTIVITY FOR THESE HAPPY PEOPLE IS GETTING A CHANCE TO PLAY WITH SOME ANIMALS IS ALWAYS GREAT, AND THERE HAVE BEEN CASES OF PEOPLE HAVING TOO MUCH FUN.

>> I HAVE HAD LITTLE GIRLS TRY TO SNEAK A CHICK HOME OR TWO IN THEIR POCKETS.

WE HAVE BUSTED A FEW IN THE GARDEN CENTER TRYING TO SNEAK THEM OUT.

WE CAN HEAR THEM.

OKAY, THEY HAVE TO GO BACK WITH MOM.

THE QUESTION IS DO THEY SURVIVE THIS DAY?

THE ANSWER IS PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE SURVIVES, THEY ARE TOUGHER THAN WE THINK THEY ARE.

>> Reporter: THE EASTER OPEN HOUSE SEEMS TO GROW EVERY YEAR, A FUN FREE FAMILY EVENT IS TOUGH TO BEAT, AND FOR SOME FAMILIES, IT'S BECOMING A BELOVED TRADITION.

>> IT'S AWESOME.

IT'S FUN FOR THE COMMUNITY TO SEE WHAT WE DO.

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THROUGHOUT THE YEARS THAT WE CAN NEVER STOP DOING THE EASTER OPEN HOUSE BECAUSE IT'S A HUGE FAMILY TRADITION EVEN IF THEIR KIDS ARE 16 OR 17 YEARS OLD, THEY ARE STILL COMING.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN BAXTER WITH THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, SAMMY HOLLADAY, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> LAST YEAR THE NURSERY DISTRIBUTED 650 TREAT BAGS TO CHILDREN.

THIS YEAR 750 TREAT BAGS WERE PREPARED.

>>> WE HAD A HOBBY FARM GROWING UP AND MY PARENTS GOT US RABBITS ONE YEAR.

WE VERY SOON HAD MANY RABBITS IN THE YARD.

>> Charlie: THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS.

>> Dennis: THAT'S GOING TO DO IT FOR US TONIGHT.

WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

GOOD NIGHT.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

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