>> 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.

>>> AT A SPECIAL BRAINERD CITY COUNCIL MEETING, COUNCIL MEMBERS APPROVED A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A HOUSING PROJECT ON 805 LAUREL STREET IN DOWNTOWN BRAINERD, AT THE SITE OF THE OLD THRIFTY WHITE BUILDING.

THE COUNCIL ALSO AUTHORIZED THE CITY OF BRAINERD TO ACT AS A LEGAL SPONSOR FOR THE PROJECT FOR A MINNESOTA WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT GRANT.

THE PROJECT IS REQUESTING $6.8 MILLION IN FUNDING THROUGH THE GRANT.

THE PROJECT ITSELF WILL CONSIST OF 78 HOUSING UNITS WHICH INCLUDE 12 STUDIO UNITS, 29 ONE-BEDROOM UNITS, 9 ONE-BEDROOM UNITS WITH A DEN, AND 28 TWO-BEDROOM UNITS.

THIS PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO HELP WITH THE SHORTAGE OF WORKFORCE HOUSING BRAINERD CURRENTLY FACES.

>> IT'S CRITICAL FOR OUR LOCAL SHOPS, OUR GROCERY STORES, OUR HOSPITAL, OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT, OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT THAT IS LOCATED HERE IN BRAINERD TO HAVE AVAILABLE HOUSING FOR THOSE WORKERS AND THIS PROJECT I THINK WILL HIT THAT SWEET SPOT FOR A LOT OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS.

>> IF THE FUNDS ARE AWARDED, CONSTRUCTION IS ANTICIPATED TO BEGIN IN JULY 2025 WITH AN AUGUST 2026 COMPLETION PER THE GRANT APPLICATION.

>>> THE NORTHERN DENTAL ACCESS CENTER OF BEMIDJI HAS ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH C.H.I.

SAINT JOSEPH'S HEALTH TO ACQUIRE OWNERSHIP AND OPERATION OF THE PARK RAPIDS COMMUNITY DENTAL CLINIC.

THE CLINIC IS KEEPING EXISTING STAFF AND PROVIDER TEAMS TO ENSURE A SEAMLESS CARE FOR CURRENT AND ELIGIBLE NEW PATIENTS.

THE BUILDING WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALLOW FOR STAFF ON-BOARDING, RESTOCKING, AND EQUIPMENT CHANGES.

NORTHERN DENTAL BELIEVES THIS WILL HELP WITH THEIR GOAL TO DOUBLE THE CAPACITY FOR PATIENT CARE BY 2026.

>> WHEN OUR BOARD FINISHED THEIR STRATEGIC PLAN, OUR GOAL WAS TO DOUBLE OUR PATIENT CAPACITY AND ADDRESS THE NEED FOR THE MEDICAID POPULATION AND OTHER FOLKS THAT NEED ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE.

THE BEST WAY WE DETERMINED TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN IS TO HELP THESE SMALL DENTAL PRACTICES IN OTHER COMMUNITIES TO MAKE SURE THEY STAY OPEN AND FUNCTIONAL.

THIS IS A STEP TOWARDS OUR LONG-TERM GOAL TO DOUBLE OUR PATIENT CAPACITY.

>> NORTHERN DENTAL ACCESS CENTER SAYS THE PARK RAPID'S LOCATION WILL RESUME PATIENT CARE IN LATE APRIL, AND PLANS TO BE FULLY OPEN SOMETIME IN MAY.

>>> CRIMINAL CHARGES SAY THAT A MINNESOTA STATE SENATOR TOLD POLICE SHE BROKE INTO HER STEPMOTHER'S HOME BECAUSE HER STEPMOTHER REFUSED TO GIVE HER ITEMS OF SENTIMENTAL VALUE FROM HER LATE FATHER, INCLUDING HIS ASHES.

DEMOCRATIC SENATOR NICOLE MITCHELL OF WOODBURY WAS ARRESTED EARLY MONDAY AT THE HOME IN DETROIT LAKES.

THE ARRESTING OFFICER SAID HE HEARD MITCHELL TELL HER STEPMOTHER SHE WAS TRYING TO GET SOME OF HER DAD'S THINGS BECAUSE THE STEPMOTHER HAD CUT OFF CONTACT.

THE COMPLAINT, FILED TUESDAY, CHARGES THE FORMER BROADCAST METEOROLOGIST WITH ONE COUNT OF FIRST-DEGREE BURGLARY.

MITCHELL POSTED A RESPONSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY SAYING SHE WENT TO CHECK ON A CLOSE RELATIVE AND STARTLED HER.

SHE DENIES ALLEGATIONS OF STEALING REPORTER MATT HENSON SPOKE WITH MITCHELL'S LAWYER AND HAS MORE FROM DETROIT LAKES.

>> Reporter: -- >> SHE WAS FLABBERGASTED ABOUT HOW THIS BLEW UP AND IT WAS A PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER.

>> Reporter: THE SENATOR DOUBLED DOWN ON THE CLAIM THAT THIS INCIDENT WAS SIMPLY TO CHECK ON HER STEPMOTHER AND TO GRAB A FEW THINGS.

HE REVEALED THAT THE SENATOR HAS A KEY TO THE HOME.

>> IF SOMEONE IS PARANOID AND THEY BARRICADE THE DOOR AND THEY DON'T ALLOW VISITORS SO THAT YOU CAN'T EVEN CHECK ON HER WELFARE.

THAT SORT OF NECESSITATES AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF ENTRY TO CHECK ON THINGS AND TO RECOVER THOSE ITEMS THAT SHE FEELS ARE APPROPRIATE AND THAT WERE PROMISED AND ARE HERS.

>> Reporter: WE DID SEE THREE PEOPLE COME AND GO FROM THE HOME IN THE FEW MINUTES WE WERE OUTSIDE.

MITCHELL'S LAWYER AGREE SOME WOULD QUESTION THE TRIP TO DETROIT LAKES AND SNEAKING IN THROUGH A WINDOW.

>> SHE WAS MEDICATED AND WOULD BE SLEEPING SOUNDLESS.

SHE COULD CHECK ON HER WELFARE AND SEE HOW SHE'S DOING IN THE HOUSE.

SHE DOESN'T LET ANYONE VISIT OR COME IN.

>> Reporter: THE SENATOR HAS BEEN EXPLORING THE LEGAL PROCESS OF GETTING GUARDIANSHIP OVER HER STEPMOTHER, CLAIMING SHE HAS SEEN COGNITIVE DECLINE BUT STOPPED WHEN LAWYERS ADVISED HER SHE MAY NOT HAVE EVERYTHING A JUDGE WOULD NEED TO GRANT GUARDIANSHIP.

HE TOLD MITCHELL NOT TO RESIGN FROM THE SENATE.

>> SAY NOTHING, DO YOUR JOB, AND LET US GO TO WORK.

>> IF CONVICTED OF THE FELONY FIRST DEGREE BURGLARY INTO AN OCCUPIED DWELLING CHARGE THAT CARRIES A MANDATORY MINIMUM IF 180 DAYS IN JAIL OR A COUNTY WORKHOUSE.

THE MAX IS 20 YEARS IN PRISON.

SENATOR MITCHELL IS DUE BACK IN COURT IN JUNE.

>>> THE TRIAL OF THE FIRST SEVEN DEFENDANTS IN A MASSIVE COVID-ERA FRAUD CASE STARTED MONDAY.

PROSECUTORS SAY ABDIAZIZ FARAH AND MOHAMED ISMAIL CLAIMED THEY WERE SERVING MILLIONS OF KIDS MEALS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

INSTEAD, PROSECUTORS SAY THEY STOLE $30 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS.

NAMES ON ATTENDANCE SHEETS FOR CHILDREN THEY CLAIM TO HAVE FED INCLUDE MAN SINCERE, RON DONALD AND JOHN DOE.

IT'S PART OF AN ORGANIZATION CALLED "FEEDING OUR FUTURE."

70 PEOPLE ASSOCIATED WITH IT ARE ACCUSED OF BILKING THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF $250 MILLION ON THE CLAIM THEY WERE GIVING FOOD TO KIDS WHOSE SCHOOLS WERE SHUT DOWN.

SOME OF THE DEFENDANTS HAVE ENTERED GUILTY PLEAS.

PROSECUTORS THINK OTHERS ARE WAITING TO SEE HOW THE TRIAL SHAKES OUT BEFORE ENTERING THEIR PLEAS.

THE FIRST TRIAL IS EXPECTED TO LAST TWO MONTHS.

ATTORNEYS FOR THE DEFENDANTS SAY THEY DIDN'T KNOWINGLY DEFRAUD THE GOVERNMENT.

>>> THE CROSSLAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL HOST THE FIRST WOMEN'S FIRE SERVICE EXPO THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH.

THE EVENT IS IN RESPONSE TO THE DWINDLING NUMBER OF FIREFIGHTERS IN RURAL DEPARTMENTS AND THE NEED TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN NEW MEMBERS.

THE EXPO WILL SHOW DAY-TO-DAY TASKS IN THE FIRE SERVICE FROM WOMEN WHO CURRENTLY SERVE REGION 5 FIRE DEPARTMENTS.

ONLY 7 PERCENT OF FIREFIGHTERS IN THE FIRE SERVICE ARE WOMEN.

THE EXPO HOPES TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO SEE MORE WOMEN IN THE FIRE SERVICE AND HELP SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES BETTER.

>> SHOWING WOMEN THEY CAN BE IN THE FIGHTER SERVICE TOO, THEY CAN DO IT.

EVENTS LIKE THIS REALLY GIVE PEOPLE THAT HANDS ON OPPORTUNITY AND WAYS TO TALK TO OTHER WOMEN TO SEE HOW ARE YOU SUCCESSFUL IN DOING THIS?

HOW COULD THIS WORK FOR ME?

THAT'S A WAY TO BREAK DOWN THE BARRIERS.

WE THINK IT'S AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE.

>> THE EXPO IS FREE AND OPEN TO ALL WOMEN WHO WANT TO EXPLORE THE FIRE SERVICE.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND, A LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT WILL BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE STORY ON OUR WEBSITE.

>>> IT'S BEEN A FEW WEEKS SINCE CONSTRUCTION CREWS FOUND A TIME CAPSULE AT A MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL.

NOW THAT MORE THAN 100 YEAR OLD BOX IS BEING OPENED.

KYLA JACKSON HAS THE STORY.

>> LOTS OF TREASURES HIDDEN IN THAT BOX.

>> Reporter: NEWSPAPERS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, ROSTERS OF DIFFERENT CITY ORGANIZATIONS, COINS AND MUCH MORE WERE FOUND INSIDE A TIME CAPSULE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.

>> WELL PRESERVED.

>> Reporter: THE CONTENTS WERE REVEALED TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE CRANDALL CENTER.

>> WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS PRESERVED FOR THAT LONG AND BE ABLE TO OPEN IT UP AND SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY AS IT WAS JUST BEING UNVEILED.

FOR A LOT OF US, IT WAS THE IDEA THAT IT WAS WELL PRESERVED AND THAT IT GOT TO TELL A STORY.

>> Reporter: IT WAS CREATED IN 1920s.

SHE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE WORTH IT TO CHECK OUT WHAT WAS SAVED.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT CAN TEACH YOUNGER GENERATIONS.

>> VERY IMPORTANT.

IT'S PART OF HISTORY AS YOU WELL KNOW.

WE ALL KNOW HISTORY IS IMPORTANT.

>> Reporter: BOB WORKS FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND HE FOUND THE TIME CAPSULE DURING THE DEMOLITION LAST YEAR.

>> THE DAY THEY WERE RIPPING DOWN THE FRONT DOORS OF THE OLD HIGH SCHOOL, I WENT UP TO THE GUY RUNNING THE MACHINE AND SAID THERE IS A TIME CAPSULE.

THERE IS A CORNERSTONE THAT SAYS A.D.1920 ON IT.

>> Reporter: THIS MEANS A LOT TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE MANY GENERATIONS OF PEOPLE THAT WENT TO THE HIGH SCHOOL.

>> I WANT TO SAVE THAT.

WHEN YOU TAKE IT OUT, BE CAREFUL WITH IT.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR HER ORGANIZATION TO PARTNER WITH THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT.

>> THIS IS WONDERFUL BECAUSE WHEN THE TIME CAPSULES ARE REVEALED, IT REVEALS MORE ABOUT OUR LOCAL HISTORY.

>> THE STEELE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS PARTNERING WITH THE SCHOOL'S MUSEUM TO PRESERVE AND SHARE SOME OF THE TIME CAPSULE'S CONTENTS.

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

>> Stacy: IT'S GOING TO BE SUNNY TOMORROW, BREEZY AND WARM ON THURSDAY, AND THEN UNSETTLED WEATHER WILL RETURN AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK WITH THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE.

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY HAD A FULL HOUSE FOR THE POWWOW THIS SATURDAY.

>> 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.

>>> THE GROUP BIRDS, BEES, BUTTERFLIES-BEMIDJI HAS DECIDED TO CHANGE THINGS A LITTLE BIT FOR ITS THIRD YEAR OF NO MOW MAY.

INSTEAD FOR 2024, IT WILL BE DEEMED SLOW THE MOW, ALLOWING CITY RESIDENTS TO REGISTER THEIR YARD AND BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DELAY LAWN-CARE PRACTICES DURING THE MONTH OF MAY AND THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE.

THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT SAYS MAY THROUGH JUNE IS AN IMPORTANT PERIOD FOR MANY POLLINATORS IN OUR REGION, AND THAT THE SLOW THE MOW PROGRAM WILL BE A MASSIVE BENEFIT TO THOSE POLLINATORS, AND NOT JUST DURING THE MONTH OF MAY.

>> THE PROGRAM ITSELF IS STARTING TO CHANGE.

WE ARE EXPANDING INTO THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE TO BETTER FIT THE GROWING SEASON WE EXPERIENCE IN BEMIDJI AND ALSO BECAUSE THERE IS MORE THAT YOU CAN DO FOR POLLINATORS THAN JUST NOT MOWING YOUR LAWN.

WE'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT THAT.

YOU CAN DO IT YEAR ROUND, NOT JUST THE MONTH OF MAY, SO WE'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN DO YEAR ROUND FOR POLLINATORS.

>> ALTHOUGH REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, THE PROGRAM IS FREE.

YOU CAN REGISTER ON THE CITY OF BEMIDJI WEBSITE OR BY STOPPING BY THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER AT PAUL BUNYAN PARK.

THE PROGRAM WOULD BEGIN ON MAY 1ST AND WOULD END ON JUNE 7TH.

>>> TIME FOR WEATHER, STACY JOINS US.

WE HAD AN EARLY SPRING.

IT'S BEEN NICE.

AND NOW IT'S GETTING TO THE TIME WHERE WE PLANT A LITTLE BIT.

>> Stacy: YEAH, IT HAS BEEN VERY MILD AND WE HAVE SOME PRETTY MILD TEMPERATURES OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

WE ARE GOING TO COOL OFF A LITTLE BIT AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND WHEN CHANCES OF RAIN SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ARE BACK IN THE >> 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: WELL, WE DID HAVE SOME CLOUD COVER, EVEN A FEW SHOWERS EARLIER TODAY BUT THE SKIES HAVE BEEN CLEARING AND WE SHOULD SEE CLEAR TO PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES TONIGHT AND A LOT OF SUNSHINE TOMORROW.

HEADING INTO THURSDAY, VERY MILD TEMPERATURES, IT COULD BE BREEZY AND THAT IS IN ADVANCE OF THE NEXT WEATHER SYSTEM WHICH WILL BRING WIDESPREAD RAIN TO THE AREA, MAYBE A FEW THUNDERSTORMS AS WE HEAD INTO THE END OF THE WEEK.

RIGHT NOW IN BEMIDJI, 42 AT THE AIRPORT.

AT OUR STUDIO, WE HAVE VARIABLE WINDS AT 4 MILES PER HOUR.

THE DEW POINT IS 19 AND WE PICKED UP 0.02-INCH OF RAINFALL SINCE LAST NIGHT.

IN BRAINERD, CLEAR SKIES, A DEW POINT OF 32.

WE HAVE A RISING BAROMETRIC PRESSURE WITH NORTHWEST WINDS AT 6 MILES PER HOUR.

IT IS ALL QUIET ON THE RADAR TONIGHT, IT HAS BEEN QUIET FOR MOST OF THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING ACROSS OUR VIEWING AREA AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE THOSE CLOUDS CLEARING OUT AND ANYTHING LINGERING OUT THERE WILL LESSEN A LITTLE BIT.

CLEAR TO PAROL CLOUDY SKIES OVERNIGHT AND PLENTY OF SUNSHINE IN STORE TOMORROW.

TEMPERATURE-WISE, NOT LOOKING TOO BAD.

WE SHOULD SEE HIGHS IN THE 50s, WITH WARMER TEMPERATURES IN STORE ON THURSDAY.

BREEZY ON THURSDAY AND WE DO HAVE SOME CHANCES OF RAIN MOVING BACK INTO THE FORECAST LATE THIS WEEK.

SO SOME WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU TONIGHT, BEAUTIFUL SKIES THIS MORNING, ARLENE IN MENAHGA AND DEBRA SENDING US THIS PHOTO.

AND GORGEOUS SUNSETS FROM ANGELA IN CASS LAKE AND BILL FROM UPPER RED LAKE AND CARRY SENDING US THIS PICTURE OF THE FULL MOON OVER LEECH LAKE THIS EVENING.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORT, ARLENE REPORTING 42 WITH CLOUDS THIS MORNING.

DEBRA REPORTING 42 AND SPOTTY CLOUDS.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE, HIGH OF 56 TODAY.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, CLEAR SKIES WITH A HIGH OF 57.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, CLOUDS AND SUN TODAY, A BIT BREEZY, AND ANGELA AT CASS LAKE REPORTING MOSTLY CLEAR SKIES TONIGHT BUT A LITTLE SHOWER THIS MORNING.

THE HIGH WAS 52.

ON OUR ALMANAC, BRAINERD REACHING A HIGH OF 57.

IT'S SEASONAL, 1 DEGREE SHY OF THE AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

STARTING OUT AT 42 THIS MORNING, SUNSET AT 8:16.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH OF 53, SO A SEASONAL HIGH TEMPERATURE, 42 WAS OUR LOW TEMP, AND SUNRISE AT 6:15.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, SKIES WILL CLEAR OUT AND WE SHOULD ENJOY A LOT OF SUNSHINE ACROSS ALL OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

HIGH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM ABOUT 55 IN WARROAD TO 59 FOR MANY LOCATIONS ACROSS NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

AS WE HEAD INTO THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE, WE ARE ALSO LOOKING AT MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, HIGH TEMPERATURES MID TO UPPER 50s, SO AGAIN MILD TEMPERATURES, WARMER TEMPS AS WE HEAD INTO THURSDAY.

SO HERE'S OUR FORECAST, CLEAR TO PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES TONIGHT, 28 FOR THE LOW, A BIT CHILLY OVERNIGHT TONIGHT, EAST WINDS 5 TO 15.

FOR TOMORROW, SUNNY SKIES, 57 FOR OUR HIGH, AND SOUTH WINDS.

LOOKING AT OUR EXTENDED FORECAST, TEMPERATURES SHOULD CLIMB TO THE LOW TO MID-60s.

WE WILL COOL OFF AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEKEND AS WE WILL LIKELY SEE RAIN SHOWERS AND THERE MAY BE A FEW THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AREA ON FRIDAY.

VERY UNSETTLED WEATHER CONTINUES THROUGH THE WEEKEND WITH MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES AND A HIGH TEMPERATURE ON SUNDAY ONLY NEAR 47.

BACK TO YOU DENNIS.

>> Dennis: THANKS STACY.

MILES IS HERE FOR CHARLIE TONIGHT.

>> Miles: A DOUBLE HEADER FOR BEMIDJI AGAINST >> 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 ON LAKELAND NEWS AT 10:00.

[♪♪♪] >>> THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER START TO THE PLAYOFFS AS AN ANTHONY EDWARDS 30-PIECE AND SUPERB DEFENSE, FUELED A 1-20-95 VICTORY OVER PHOENIX SATURDAY BUT TONIGHT THE TWO HEAVYWEIGHTS CLASH AGAIN AS THE T-WOLVES LOOK TO TAKE THEIR FIRST 2-0 SERIES LEAD SINCE THE 04 PLAYOFFS.

TIMBERWOLVES HOSTING THE PHOENIX SUNS.

WE PICK UP IN THE THIRD WITH THE WOLVES LEADING.

ANTHONY GETS IT FROM DURANT, KNOCKS IT DOWN, EDWARDS PUTS UP 15 FOR THE NIGHT.

TO THE FOURTH QUARTER, MINNESOTA ON TOP, MIKE AND RUDY WORKING THE ROAD TO PERFECTION.

HE FINISHED WITH 18 POINTS, 10 REBOUNDS, DOUBLE-DOUBLE.

AND NOW THE HEALTHY LEAD, McDANIELS TAKES IT TO THE HOLE, FINISHING WITH 25 POINTS.

THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES ROLL TO A 105-93 WIN OVER THE PHOENIX SUNS.

THEY TAKE A 2-0 SERIES LEAD INTO GAME THREE.

>>> ON THE BASEBALL DIAMOND, BEMIDJI TRYING TO GET INTO THE WIN COLUMN HOSTING MOORHEAD.

IN GAME TWO, DUCKS IN A POND FOR DRAKES, SHOOTS IT UP THE MIDDLE, MOORHEAD IS UP 2-0.

NOW 3-1 MOORHEAD, AND NOW IT'S TYING THINGS AT 3-3.

AND THEN A 4-3 LEAD.

MOORHEAD TAKES GAME ONE, BUT BEMIDJI WOULD WIN THE SPLIT IN GAME TWO WITH A 9-7 VICTORY.

>>> AND MORE SCORES FOR YOU, THEY FALL IN THE DOUBLE HEADER.

PILLAGER IMPROVED AND GRAND RAPIDS BACK OVER 500.

LAPORTE BLANKS CASS LAKE-BENA.

>>> AND IN SOFTBALL, PARK RAPIDS HOSTING DETROIT LAKES FOR A DOUBLE HEADER IN GAME TWO.

TOP OF THE FIRST, BASES LOADED FOR THE CLEAN-UP HITTER ALEAH CHILTON.

SHE CLEARS THE BAGS WITH A 3-RBI DOUBLE TO GIVE THE LAKERS A 3-0 LEAD.

TO THE BOTTOM OF THE 2ND PARK RAPIDS TRAILING 9-2 WITH THE BASES JUICED.

ANNA YLINIEMI FINDS THE GAP FOR A DOUBLE SCORING ALL THREE RUNNERS.

PANTHERS CUT THE DEFICIT TO 4.

BOTTOM OF THREE, PANTHERS DOWN 10-8 WITH THE BASES LOADED YET AGAIN.

VIVIAN SHEPERSKY CHOPS ONE DOWN THE LINE BUT THE THROW IS OFF THE MARK.

THREE RUNS COME HOME ON THE ERROR AND THE PANTHERS TAKE THE LEAD 11-10.

AND THEY WOULDNT LOOK BACK AS PARK RAPIDS WINS 21-11 OVER DETROIT LAKES IN SIX INNINGS.

THE PANTHERS ALSO CLAIMED GAME ONE IN A FOUR-INNING SHUTOUT.

>>> BEMIDJI DROPS AGAINST ROCK RIDGE, 10-1.

ROSEAU TAKES THE DOUBLE HEADER TO IMPROVE TO 3-1 OF THE YEAR.

WADENA DEER CREEK SPLITS WITH BERTHA BURN DALE.

>>> AND OUT ON THE TENNIS COURTS.

THE BEMIDJI BOYS HOSTING PERHAM.

ON THE DOUBLES SIDE, JACK MCNALLAN AND J.D.

HASBERGAN ALREADY UP 5-1 IN SET ONE.

DELIVER THE ONE-TWO PUNCH.

THEY WENT ON TO WIN THE MATCH 6-1 6-0.

RIGHT NEXT TO THEM TEAM OF MAX LOUVAR AND PETER MATTHEWS UP 4-1 IN THE FIRST SET.

PERHAM GETS THE RETURN BUT A MEAN FOREHAND FINISHES THE JOB.

THEY ALSO GOT THE W IN STRAIGHT SETS AND IN SINGLES.

DOM ARNDT TAKING ON BREKKEN WOKASCH, DOWN 4-5 IN THE FIRST SET.

GOOD CROSS COURT FOREHEAD.

LEADS TO THE ERROR.

THEY SPLIT THEIR MATCH A SET A PIECE.

AS THE LUMBERJACKS GO ON TO BEAT PERHAM 5-2, IMPROVING THEIR RECORD TO 5-2 ELSEWHERE IN TENNIS.

PLAY -- BRAINERD GOT THE W OVER SAUK RAPIDS.

OVER IN GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD, BRAINERD TOOK THE INVITATIONAL AND ON THE BOY'S SIDE, BRAINERD GOT THE WIN WITH BEMIDJI TRAILING IN FOURTH.

OVER IN BASEBALL, THE MINNESOTA TWINS TAKE THE W OVER THE WHITE SOX.

>> Dennis: ALL RIGHT, THEY WIN FOR THE WOLVES TONIGHT WITH THE 2-0 LEAD.

>> Miles: THE FIRST 2-0 LEAD IN 20 YEARS, SO HOPEFULLY THEY CAN KEEP IT GOING.

>> Dennis: LET'S HOPE SO.

THANKS MILES.

>>> BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY'S 51ST ANNUAL POWWOW RECENTLY BROUGHT TOGETHER NATIVE AMERICAN DANCERS, DRUMMERS, STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO CELEBRATE AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURE.

REPORTER ZY'RIAH SIMMONS HAS MORE ON THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE.

>> Reporter: BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY HAS CELEBRATED NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITIONS FOR 51 YEARS BY HOSTING AN ANNUAL POWWOW IN THE BSU GYMNASIUM.

THIS MARKS THE SECOND TIME THE EVENT HAS BEEN HELD WITHOUT COVID RESTRICTIONS, ALLOWING THE COMMUNITY TO GET THE FULL EXPERIENCE.

>> HERE AT BEMIDJI STATE, I GUESS FOR US IN GENERAL, IT'S THE TIME FOR US TO COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY AND A PLACE THAT WE DON'T OFTEN FEEL WELCOME.

SO, FOR US, IT IS A PLACE FOR US TO FEEL SAFE AND COME TOGETHER AND SHARE OUR CULTURE AND OUR MUSIC WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY HERE IN BEMIDJI.

>> Reporter: GETTING THE VENDORS SET UP SO WE CAN HAVE STUFF FOR SALE AND ORGANIZING THE FOOD FOR THE DINNER WE SERVE FOR FREE AND OUR CONCESSIONS, MAKING SURE WE HAVE ALL THE DANCES SCHEDULED AND STUFF LIKE THAT AND ALL THE SPECIALS WE HAVE.

>> Reporter: IT ALLOWS THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND RECONNECT.

>> HAVING ALL THESE TRIBES AND SEEING ALL OUR RELATIVES, FAMILY MEMBERS, AND FRIENDS COME TOGETHER AT BEMIDJI STATE HELPS BUILD INNER TRIBAL RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN SEEING THE POWWOW, AND THIS IS A PLACE THAT LOVES TO SUPPORT THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY.

IT'S A REALLY GREAT PLACE.

>> CULTURAL EVENTS WHERE WE CAN ALL MEET PEOPLE, LAUGH, TALK TO OLD FRIENDS WE HAVEN'T TALKED TO ALL WINTER.

>> GET TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE LIKE US, LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: THE BSU POWWOW WAS A PLACE WHERE THEY COULD LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS CULTURE AND HERITAGE.

>> IT'S LIKE IT OPENS THE DOORS NOT JUST FOR THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL, BUT IT HELPS INCREASE THE NUMBERS OF INDIGENOUS STUDENTS THAT COME HERE TO BEMIDJI STATE.

>> I FEEL LIKE IT BRINGS A SENSE OF UNITY TO BEMIDJI.

>> OFTENTIMES WE DON'T FEEL WELCOME.

SO THIS IS A PLACE WHERE WE CAN FEEL WELCOME AND THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE US HERE WHO ARE WILLING TO DANCE AND SING AND BE PART OF IT, BE PART OF THE CIRCLE.

>> I THINK IT'S AN IMPORTANT CULTURAL EVENT FOR EVERYONE TO COME TO TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANISHINAABE, DAKOTA, INDIGENOUS CULTURE, AND IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO BE.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN BEMIDJI WITH THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, I'M ZY'RIAH SIMMONS, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY'S POWWOW IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE LONGEST-RUNNING POW-WOWS IN BEMIDJI.

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

>> Stacy: WE ARE GOING TO BE SEEING SOME QUIET WEATHER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

TONIGHT, LOOK FOR CLEAR TO PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES, LOW TEMPERATURES DOWN TO 28, EAST WINDS 5 TO 15.

TOMORROW, THE SUNSHINE IS BACK, HIGH TEMPERATURES AROUND 57 WITH SOUTH WINDS AT 5 TO 15.

ANOTHER WARM DAY AS WE HEAD INTO THURSDAY, LOW TO MID-60s FOR OUR HIGHS, PARTLY SUNNY, BREEZY AND THEN UNSETTLED WEATHER WILL RETURN AS WE HEAD INTO THE END OF THE WEEK AND IT WILL STAY WITH US THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

YOU CAN SEE RAIN SHOWERS AND A FEW SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ON FRIDAY AS WELL.

IN ADDITION TO THE RAIN AND THE CLOUDS, WE WILL SEE SOME COOLER TEMPERATURES, HIGHS NEAR 52 ON SATURDAY AND 47 ON SUNDAY.

>> Miles: WELL, WE'RE GOING TO BE TAKING A DEEP DIVE INTO THE BRAINERD GIRLS AND BOYS TRACK AND FIELD AS THEY HAVE BEEN MAKING NOISE ALL ACROSS.

>> Dennis: YEAH, ANOTHER GOOD DAY TODAY.

>> Miles: THEY JUST KEEP WINNING.

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

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT EVERYBODY, WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

GOOD NIGHT.

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