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

MEMBER FDIC.

>> SOURCEWELL; BOOSTING STUDENT AND COMMUNITY SUCCESS RIGHT HERE IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

MN.SOURCEWELL.ORG.

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

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU WITH LOCAL NEWS FROM BEMIDJI, BRAINERD, AND ALL OF THE LAKES COUNTRY.

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

[♪♪♪] >> Matthew: HEY EVERYONE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING.

MY NAME IS MATTHEW FREEMAN, FILLING IN FOR DENNIS WEIMANN WITH YOUR LAKELAND NEWS.

>>> A 60-YEAR-OLD ONAMIA MAN DIED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON IN A SINGLE-VEHICLE CRASH IN CROW WING COUNTY.

ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, AT AROUND 4:30 P.M., DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO A SINGLE-VEHICLE CRASH NEAR THE 8000 BLOCK OF COUNTY ROAD 23, IN MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP SOUTHEAST OF BRAINERD.

UPON ARRIVAL, DEPUTIES DETERMINED A FORD RANGER WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON COUNTY ROAD 23 WHEN IT LEFT THE ROADWAY AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH.

THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

HIS NAME IS BEING WITHHELD PENDING THE NOTIFICATION OF HIS FAMILY.

THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE RAMSEY COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE FOR AN AUTOPSY.

THE CRASH IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE CROW WING COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE MINNESOTA STATE PATROL.

COMB.

>>> A ST.

CLOUD MAN WAS INJURED ON SUNDAY MORNING.

ON DECEMBER 29 AT 1:12 A.M., THEIR OFFICE RECEIVED A CALL ABOUT A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT 5 MILES FROM LITTLE FALLS.

AUTHORITIES SAY THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DRIVEN BY ARE MERE ROW OF ST.

CLOUD.

HE REPORTEDLY LOST CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND WENT INTO A DITCH.

HE WAS ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED WITH A VEHICLE PURSUIT EARLIER THAT NIGHT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE HE WAS RIDING, WHICH WAS REPORTED STOLEN FROM ST.

CLOUD.

HE WAS TREATED AND LATER RELEASED FOR MINOR INJURIES.

HE WAS THEN TURNED OVER TO THE RICE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND TRANSPORTED TO THE COUNTY JAIL.

>>> THERE IS A NEW RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE WORKS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN CROW WING COUNTY.

THE COUNTY BOARD APPROVED A CONTRACT FOR THE UPDATED RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EARLIER THIS MONTH, WHICH WOULD ALSO BE THE FIRST IN THE STATE.

REPORTER MILES WALKER HAS THE DETAILS.

>> Reporter: CROW WING COUNTY RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS USED FOR 9-1-1 CALLS AND IT GOES FOR BEYOND CROW WING COUNTY'S LINES, WITH 9 SEPARATE POLICE DEPARTMENTS DEPENDING ON IT.

>> EVERY AGENCY HAS PARTNERED WITH US.

WE PARTNERED WITH THEM TO BRING ONE RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

WE'RE OPERAING OUT OF THE SAME SHEET OF MUSIC.

THERE ARE NO JURISDICTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.

>> Reporter: NOT ONLY DOES THE CURRENT SYSTEM HAVE COMPONENTS RELATED TO THE CROW WING COUNTY JAIL AND COMMUNICATION ON THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL, IT HAS BEEN IN PLACE SINCE 2007.

>> EVERYTHING FROM YOU KNOW, WHEN THAT FIRST 9-1-1 CALL COMES IN, ALL THE WAY OUT TO WHEN WE PUSH IT OVER TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR PROSECUTION.

IT'S BEEN A GOOD SYSTEM, BUT IT'S ALWAYS REFRESHING TO GET SOMETHING NEW AND SOMETHING MORE INNOVATIVE.

>> Reporter: AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS MORE THAN EXCITED TO SEE PLANS FOR THE NEW SYSTEM IN MOTION, ONE WHICH IS MORE ALIGNED WITH TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY.

>> NOT EVERYTHING HAPPENS IN THE SQUAD CAR.

SOMETIMES THEY HAVE TO GO OUT INTO THE FIELD.

SOMETIMES THEY GO ON FOOT CHASING SOMEBODY.

THE SYSTEM THAT WE'RE ADOPTING WILL ALLOW US TO ALSO HAVE THAT INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON OUR PHONE AND BE ABLE TO TALK BACK AND FORTH TO DISPATCH USING THAT PHONE.

THOSE CONVENIENCES ARE PART OF HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS ADVANCED.

>> Reporter: WHILE THE CURRENT RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT FOR THE CROW WING COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THEY BELIEVE THE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES THE SYSTEM WILL OFFER FURTHER CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING CROW WING COUNTY MINNESOTA'S FAVORITE PLACE.

>> WE CAME AT A BAD TIME WITH COVID.

MINNESOTA HAD THE ISSUE OF GEORGE FLOYD AND THE RIOTS IN MINNEAPOLIS.

SO MANY PEOPLE STARTED TO SIDE OFF.

WHAT I AM HAPPY TO SEE IS PEOPLE COMING BACK TOGETHER.

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE IN WHATEVER CAPACITY WE'RE NEEDED.

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

>>> THE EXPECTED ROLL OUT DATE IS JANUARY 2027.

>>> TOMORROW, MANY WILL BE TAKING TO THE STREETS TO CELEBRATE THE INCOMING NEW YEAR.

WITH THE NEW YEAR, HOWEVER, COMES NEW LAWS THAT WILL BE GOING INTO EFFECT STARTING THE ON 1ST OF JANUARY.

SOME OF THOSE NEW LAWS MAY AFFECT THE HEALTH, WALLET, AND SAFETY OF MANY MINNESOTANS.

DURING THE SECOND LEGISLATIVE SESSION OF THE DEMOCRATS HOLDING CONTROL OF THE HOUSE, SEVERAL LAWS HAVE BEEN PASSED THAT WILL TAKE EFFECT AT THE START OF THE NEW YEAR.

THEY AIM TO HELP CONSUMERS CROSS THE STATE AS A JUNK FEED LAW SAYS ADVERTISE PRICES MUST INCLUDE ALL FEES, INCLUDING A LAW FIRST OF ITS KIND ACROSS THE STATE.

ALSO, THEY WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WHEN BUYING TICKETS ONLINE ON THE TAYLOR SWIFT BILL.

TICKET SELLERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE THE TOTAL COST OF EVENTS INCLUDING ANY AND ALL FEES.

>> THERE NEEDS TO BE FAIRNESS.

CONSUMERS NEED TO BE PROTECTED.

YOU CAN'T FALSE ADVERTISE.

YOU CAN'T NOT DELIVER WHAT YOU SAY YOU'RE GOING TO DELIVER.

I THINK THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS WHAT PEOPLE LOOK FOR.

IF YOU WANT TO GO ON AN EVENT, YOU SHOULD HAVE A FAIR SHOT OF GETTING THE TICKET AND PAY THE ADVERTISED PRICE.

>> Reporter: ALSO NEW LAWS SURROUNDING JOB POSTINGS, ANY PERSON OR ENTITIES WITH 30 OR MORE EMPLOYEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE THE STARTING SALARY RANGE OR FIXED PAY RATE.

MINIMUM WAGE WILL BE INCLUDING TO $11.13 AN HOUR AS WELL.

ALSO HEALTHCARE COVERAGE, ONE INCLUDING HEALTH PLANS TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ABORTIONS AND RELATED SERVICES.

OTHERS INCLUDE THE COVERAGE OF WIG DUE TO A TREATMENT OF A HEALTH CONDITION.

IN HOUSING, THEY WILL APPLY THE COLD WEATHER RULE, PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM HAVING NATURAL GAS SHUT OFF AND LAWS TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS AND PREVENT RETALIATION FROM THEIR LANDLORDS.

ALSO BANNING THE SALES OF GUNS, WHICH ALLOWS A FIREARM TO SHOOT ON THE PULL OF A TRIGGER AND ANOTHER ON THE TRIGGER'S RELEASE.

ALSO A STRAW PURCHASE, WILL NOW BECOME A FELONY AFTER THE LAW GOES INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1ST.

>>> THE 39TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, JIMMY CARTER, PASSED AWAY SUNDAY SURROUNDED BY FAMILY IN HIS HOME IN PLAINS, GEORGIA.

HE WAS 100 YEARS OLD.

BRIAN ABEL IS IN PLAINS WITH DETAILS ON HOW HE'S BEING HONORED.

>> Reporter: FROM GEORGIA PEANUT FARMER TO PRESIDENT, JIMMY CARTER'S LEGACY SPANS 100 YEARS.

LEADERS AROUND THE WORLD REMEMBERING HIS REMARKABLE LIFE.

>> I LOST A DEAR FRIEND.

WHAT I FIND EXTRAORDINARY ABOUT JIMMY CARTER, OUT OF MANY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD, THEY LOST A FRIEND AS WELL.

>> Reporter: CARTER GREW UP IN PLAINS, GEORGIA.

HE BECAME GOVERNOR AND WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT IN 1976 AND LOST TO RONALD REAGAN IN 1980.

IT WAS HIS LIFE POST-PRESIDENCY THAT LAID THE BRICKS FOR HIS LEGACY.

HE IS REMEMBERED AS A PASSIONATE HUMANITARIAN AND A PIONEER OF HUMAN RIGHTS.

HE AND HIS WIFE FOUNDED THE CARTER CENTER, TO CARRY OUT THEIR MISSION.

>> HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO TURN HIS BACK ON DICTATORS WHO WERE NOT SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS.

>> Reporter: IN 2002, CARTER WAS AWARDED THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR HIS DECADES OF WORK TO ESTABLISH PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFLICTS.

HE VOLUNTEERED FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.

>> A GREAT GLOBAL STATES PERSON AND THE WORLD WILL HONOR HIM, BUT HE WAS ALSO DOWN HOME, ALL ABOUT THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

>> Reporter: OUTSIDE THE CARTER PRESIDENTIAL CENTER, MOURNERS LEAVING FLOWERS AND NOTES.

PEOPLE IN HIS HOMETOWN OF PLAINS REMEMBERING HIM.

>> PRESIDENT CARTER HAS BEEN AN INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE BUT SOME OF HIS GREATEST INFLUENCE HAS BEEN RIGHT HERE IN PLAINS, GEORGIA.

>> Reporter: IN PLAINS, GEORGI.

>> JIMMY CARTER WAS THE LONGEST-LIVED U.S. PRESIDENT IN THE NATION'S HISTORY.

CARTER WROTE NEARLY A DECADE AGO THAT HE FOUND ALL THE PHASES OF HIS LIFE CHALLENGING BUT ALSO SUCCESSFUL AND ENJOYABLE.

>>> THERE'S A CHANCE SOLAR [♪♪♪] >> STILL TO COME ON LAKELAND NEWS AT 10:00.

>> Stacy: WE COULD SEE AREAS OF FLURRIES OVERNIGHT AND LIGHT SNOW TOMORROW WITH A COOL DOWN EXPECTED AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEK.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK FOR THIS WEEK'S IN-BUSINESS, THE BLUE OX SODA SHOP IN THE PAUL BUNYAN MALL IS NOW >> 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 LAKELAND NEWS AT 10:00.

[♪♪♪] >>> THERE'S A CHANCE SOLAR STORMS MAY BRING NORTHERN LIGHTS TO SEVERAL NORTHERN U.S. STATES JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEW YEAR.

MINOR DISRUPTIONS TO RADIO COMMUNICATIONS MAY BE POSSIBLE AS WELL.

THE SUN EXPELLED TWO BURSTS OF PLASMA THAT ARE HURTLING TOWARDS EARTH AND ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE EARLY THIS WEEK, ACCORDING TO THE U.S. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.

ONCE THEY ARRIVE, THEY COULD CAUSE COLORFUL AURORAS MONDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT ACROSS PARTS OF THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, INCLUDING NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

IN MAY, NOAA ISSUED A RARE SEVERE GEOMAGNETIC STORM WARNING.

IT WAS THE STRONGEST STORM IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES, PRODUCING LIGHT DISPLAYS ACROSS THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE.

AND IN OCTOBER, A POWERFUL SOLAR STORM DAZZLED SKY GAZERS FAR FROM THE ARCTIC CIRCLE WHEN AURORAS APPEARED IN UNEXPECTED PLACES INCLUDING GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, NEW ENGLAND AND NEW YORK CITY.

THE EARLY MORNING HOURS ON TUESDAY WHILE IT'S STILL DARK SHOULD HAVE THE BEST CHANCE OF PRODUCING A LIGHT SHOW.

>>> STACY, I'M SURE A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL BE OUT THERE TO ENJOY THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IF THEY'RE OUT THERE.

>> Stacy: YEAH, AND IT'S POSSIBLE THEY MIGHT BE, BUT IN ALL LIKELIHOOD, WE WON'T SEE THEM.

WE'RE EXPECTING TO SEE A LOT OF CLOUD COVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

WE MAY SEE SOME FLURRIES TOMORROW.

WE WILL BE SEEING QUIETER WEATHER THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, BUT ALSO A COOL >> CLOSED CAPTIONING IS SPONSORED BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCESS OF MINNESOTA AND THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DEAF, DEAF/BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING STATE SERVICES DIVISION.

>> 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, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS, LAND SURVEYORS SERVING MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES SINCE 1975.

>> AND NOW THE WEATHER WITH STACY CHRISTENSON.

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: WELL, IT WAS ANOTHER CLOUDY DAY OUT THERE AND WE DID HAVE SOME AREAS OF FOG.

WE DID HAVE DENSE FOG ADVISORIES FOR PARTS OF THE AREA EARLIER TODAY.

ALL OF THAT HAS COME TO AN END.

WE'RE EXPECTING TO SEE CLOUDY SKIES OVERNIGHT, COULD SEE SOME AREAS OF FLURRIES WITH FLURRIES AND LIGHT SNOW POSSIBLE TOMORROW, CLOUDY SKIES ACROSS THE AREA.

WE WILL BE SEEING SOME COOLER TEMPERATURES AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEK, BUT THE TRADE OFF, WE COULD ALSO SEE MORE SUNSHINE BY THE END OF THE WEEK.

MORE ON YOUR FORECAST IN A SECOND.

THE CURRENT CONDITIONS IS 22 DEGREES AT THE AIRPORT IN BEMIDJI.

AT OUR STUDIO, WINDS ARE NORTHWEST AT 5 MILES PER HOUR, THE DEW POINT IS 22 AND THE HUMIDITY IS AT 100%.

IN BRAINERD, CLOUDY SKIES, AREAS OF FOG, IT'S 30 DEGREES, 27 IS OUR DEW POINT, HUMIDITY IS 88%, AND WINDS ARE NORTH AT 9 MILES PER HOUR.

LOOKING AT THE RADAR, IT IS QUIET.

WE HAVE BEEN SEEING A FEW FLURRIES HERE AND THERE.

THOSE AREN'T SHOWING UP ON THE RADAR.

WE COULD STILL SEE FLURRIES OVERNIGHT TONIGHT ACROSS OUR AREA, CLOUDY SKIES OUTSIDE OF THAT, WITH PRETTY STEADY TEMPERATURES.

WE'RE NOT GOING TO SEE TEMPERATURES CHANGE MUCH TOMORROW.

WE WILL KEEP THE CLOUD COVER AND WE MAY ALSO SEE SOME LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS.

SOME WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU TONIGHT AND THE FROST, WE'RE ACTUALLY PRETTY INCREDIBLE ACROSS THE AREA.

OUR EAGLE EYES WERE SENDING PICTURES OF THE FROSTY PHOTOS.

ARLENE IN MENAHGA, AND ANGELA AT CASS LAKE.

WE ALSO HAVE A PICTURE FROM ALEXIS IN BEMIDJI.

SONYA SENDING US THIS PHOTO OF THE ICE FORMATIONS ON TURTLE RIVER LAKE AND SAMROSE SENDING US THIS PICTURE FROM NEAR PEMBINA.

>>> AND NOW SONYA NEAR TURTLE RIVER LAKE, 24 THIS MORNING.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, OVERCAST SKIES, HIGH OF 32.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, FOG AND CLOUDY CONDITIONS, TOPPING OUT AT 31.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, CLOUDY SKIES WITH A HIGH OF 30.

ON OUR ALMANAC, BRAINERD TODAY TOPPING OUT AT 32, SO WE ARE AGAIN WELL ABOVE THAT AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

29 WAS OUR LOW, SO AGAIN 3 DEGREES DIFFERENT FROM HIGH TO LOW TEMPERATURE TODAY, SUNRISE WAS AT 8:00.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH OF 28, SO AGAIN VERY MILD FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR, 19 WAS OUR LOW, THAT IS USUALLY OUR AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

THE SUNSET IS AT 4:38.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW.

CLOUDY SKIES, SOME SCATTERED FLURRIES, AND LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS.

TEMPERATURES IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA, YOU CAN SEE A DEFINITE CHANGE THERE, HIGHS IN THE TEENS TO LOW 20s.

AS WE HEAD INTO THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE, CLOUDY SKIES, SOME ISOLATED LIGHT SNOW OR SCATTERED FLURRIES, TEMPERATURES TOPPING OUT AT 19 IN WADENA TO THE 20s.

CLOUDY SKIES WITH A CHANCE OF FLURRIES, LOWS DOWN TO 16.

FOR TOMORROW, MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW AND SCATTERED FLURRIES, 18 FOR THE HIGH, WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS AT 5 TO 20.

LOOKING AT OUR EXTENDED FORECAST, PRECIPITATION COMES TO AN END, WE WILL SEE A LOT OF CLOUD COVER THROUGH THURSDAY, BUT SOME GLIMPSES OF SUNSHINE AS THE TEMPERATURES CONTINUE TO GET COLDER.

AS WE HEAD TOWARDS THE WEEKEND, VARIABLE CLOUDS ON FRIDAY, PARTLY SUNNY ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, ISOLATED SNOW SHOWERS ON SUNDAY, AND HIGHS IN THE SINGLE DIGITS AND LOWS WELL BELOW 0.

BACK TO YOU.

>> Matthew: THANK YOU SO MUCH STACY.

WE HAVE CHARLIE YAEGER WITH US.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE AND A LITTLE BIT SINCE WE HAD BSU HOCKEY.

>> Charlie: YEAH, THEY HAD THEIR WINTER BREAK OVER THE CHRISTMAS BREAK.

TODAY WE GOT TO HEAR FROM THE MEN AND WOMEN.

THEY ARE PLAYING GAMES, THE MEN TOMORROW, AND THE WOMEN NEW YEAR'S DAY.

WE TALKED TO THEM A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT THEY HAVE GOING ON AS THEY HEAD INTO THE SECOND HALF OF PLAY HERE.

ALL THAT AND MORE COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK.

[♪♪♪] >> 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.

>>> THE BEMIDJI STATE MEN'S HOCKEY TEAM IS BACK ON THE ICE AFTER A 17-DAY HOLIDAY BREAK FOR A NEW YEAR'S EVE BATTLE WITH IN-STATE RIVAL MINNESOTA-DULUTH.

THE BEAVERS BEAT THE BULLDOGS 4-3 IN OVERTIME ON THE ROAD TO OPEN THE SEASON AND NOW GET TO OPEN THE BACK HALF OF THE SEASON WITH A REMATCH AT THE SANFORD CENTER.

BSU FINISHED THE FIRST HALF 8-8-AND-3 AND CURRENTLY SIT 6TH IN THE CCHA STANDINGS AND WHILE THERE IS STILL PLENTY OF HOCKEY LEFT TO PLAY, THERE IS A SENSE OF URGENCY AMONG THE BEAVERS TO FIND A RHYTHM IN THE NEW YEAR.

>> I'M NOT PANICKING RIGHT NOW.

WE'RE UP IN THE STANDINGS AND WE CONTROL OUR OWN DESTINY.

WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF GAMES LEFT.

WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF EVERY GAME WE PLAY AND HOPEFULLY THAT TRANSLATES TO A TOP SPOT HERE IN THE LEAGUE.

>> I DON'T LOOK AT THE STANDINGS.

I GLANCE AT OUR STANDINGS BOARD AND WE HAVE EVERYTHING IN PERCENTAGES RIGHT NOW.

I DON'T GO ONLINE AND LOOK AT THESE THINGS.

LIKE, I JUST DON'T.

I DON'T KNOW WHO IS LEADING OUR LEAGUE IN SCORING.

IF I LOOK AT THE STANDINGS BOARD, I KNOW WHERE WE'RE AT.

I KNOW WE HAVE QUITE A FEW GAMES LEFT, SO YOU BETTER KEEP MOVING.

IF YOU KEEP WAITING, YOU WILL SIT AT A SPOT YOU DON'T WANT TO BE.

>> THE BEAVERS WERE WINLESS IN 7-STRAIGHT GAMES AGAINST THE BULLDOGS UNTIL THE OCTOBER 5TH WIN TO START THE YEAR.

TOMORROW, BSU WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SWEEP THE RIVALRY SERIES FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE 2015-2016 SEASON.

>>> BEMIDJI STATE WILL ALSO PLAY A GAME ON FRIDAY, AN EXHIBITON AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA, A TUNE UP OF SORTS.

AFTER THAT IT'S CCHA PLAY THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON.

>>> IT'S A BUSY WEEK FOR BEMIDJI STATE WOMEN'S HOCKEY AS THEY BEGIN THE SECOND HALF OF THEIR SEASON BY PLAYING 3-GAMES IN FOUR DAYS.

THE FIRST IS ON NEW YEAR'S DAY AT THE U.S. HOCKEY HALL OF FAME MUSEUM FACE-OFF CLASSIC IN LAKEVILLE, WHERE THEY'LL BATTLE THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.

THE BEAVERS WILL FOLLOW THAT WITH TWO MORE GAMES ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, AN UNCONVENTIONAL SCHEDULE TO BE SURE BUT ONE THEY ARE PREPARED FOR.

>> WHEN YOU HAVE THREE DIFFERENT TEAMS THAT PLAY THREE DIFFERENT STYLES, IT'S MORE ABOUT HOW WE'RE GOING TO PLAY.

SO, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE OUR VIDEO SESSIONS FOR EACH OF THE TEAMS AND FOCUS GAME BY GAME, SO THEY CAN SEE THE DETAILS AND ADJUST BETWEEN THOSE GAMES.

A KEY FOR US, MAKING SURE THEY'RE GETTING REST, RECOVERY, AND WITH NO SCHOOL, THEY CAN DO THAT MORE.

I GUESS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE SEASON, WE HAVE BEEN PREPARING FOR TWO GAMES AND A WEEKEND.

I THINK WE HAVE DONE THE CONDITIONING AND WE HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD, HAVING OR MONDAY WORN WORKDAYS AND TUESDAY WORKDAYS.

WE'RE REALLY EXCITED.

>> THE CONTEST ON WEDNESDAY VERSUS MINNESOTA IS NOT CONSIDERED A CONFERENCE GAME AND THEREFORE WILL NOT COUNT TOWARD THE WCHA STANDINGS.

BEMIDJI STATE WILL THEN TAKE ON PENN STATE ON FRIDAY AND BROWN ON SATURDAY.

BOTH GAMES ARE AT RIDDER ARENA AT THE U OF M. BOTH GAMES FACE OFF AT 1:00 P.M. >>> AND IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHY WE DIDN'T HEAR FROM AMBER FRYKLUND DURING THE BSU WOMEN'S HOCKEY PRESS CONFERENCE, WELL THAT'S BECAUSE SHE IS CURRENTLY WITH TEAM USA TRAVELLING TO FINLAND FOR THE UNDER-18 WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.

THE BEAVERS BENCH BOSS WILL SERVE AS AN ASSISTANT COACH FOR A TEAM THAT'S ON A QUEST WIN BACK-TO-BACK GOLD MEDALS AND WILL BE JOINED BY FORMER BSU GOALTENDER MACKENZIE BRUCH WHO IS SERVING AS THE TEAMS GOALTENDING COACH.

THE TOURNAMENT RUNS JANUARY 4TH THROUGH THE 12TH, SO BEMIDJI STATE WILL PLAY 5-GAMES WITHOUT FRYKLUND.

ASSISTANT COACH EMMA SOBIECK WILL ASSUME HEAD COACHING DUTIES IN HER ABSENCE.

>>> WELL, THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS HAVE POSITIONED THEMSELVES IN A PLACE FEW WOULD HAVE PREDICTED WHEN THE SEASON BEGAN.

THAT IS ONE WIN AWAY FROM NOT ONLY WINNING THE NFC NORTH BUT FINISHING WITH THE BEST RECORD IN THE NFC PERIOD, EARNING THE TOP-SEED AND FIRST ROUND BYE.

THE VIKINGS SIT ATOP THE DIVISION STANDINGS AT 14-AND-2 AFTER HOLDING OFF THE GREEN BAY PACKERS 27-25 IN YESTERDAY'S FINAL HOME GAME OF THE REGULAR SEASON, SETTING UP SUNDAY'S SHOWDOWN WITH THE DETROIT LIONS, WHO ARE PLAYING FOR THE EXACT SAME BOUNTY.

HARD TO BELIEVE CONSIDERING IT WAS DUBBED A REBUILDING YEAR FOR MINNESOTA AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF STARTING QUARTERBACK KIRK COUSINS WITH THE PURPLE AND GOLD EXPECTED TO WIN LESS THAN 7-GAMES AND FINISH LAST IN THE NFC NORTH, BUT HERE THEY ARE NOW, DEFYING THE ODDS, AND IN CONTROL OF THEIR OWN DESTINY.

>> I DON'T WANT TO UNDER SELL IT BUT AT THE SAME TIME, THIS IS JUST A FOOTBALL GAME THIS WEEK AND WE'RE GOING TO THROW EVERYTHING WE GOT AT IT AND PLAY 60 MINUTES AND MAYBE THEN SOME TO TRY TO WIN THE DIVISION.

AT THE SAME TIME, THERE IS STILL, YOU KNOW, THE TOURNAMENT THAT WE'RE ALL IN THIS FOR.

IT'S DEFINITELY SOMETHING THAT I'M THINKING ABOUT FROM A STANDPOINT OF HOW TO MENTALLY PREPARE OUR TEAM AND PHYSICALLY PREPARE OUR TEAM BECAUSE THE SEASON DOESN'T END SUNDAY, REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME.

IT IS UNIQUE, I'M NOT SURE HOW UNIQUE AS FAR AS THE HISTORICAL PRECEDENT.

I KNOW THEY'RE A DAMN GOOD TEAM AND WE HAVE TO PLAY WELL TO GO IN.

>> Charlie: THESE ARE THE STANDINGS HEADING INTO WEEK 18.

THE LIONS JUST WON THEIR GAME AGAINST SAN FRANCISCO.

THEY HOLD THE TIE-BREAKER OVER THE VIKINGS DUE TO THEIR HEAD-TO-HEAD WIN BACK IN OCTOBER.

THAT'S WHY THEY ARE NUMBER ONE AND THE VIKINGS ARE NUMBER 5.

SO, THE BEST OF THE LOSER OF THE MATCH UP IS TO HOPE FOR A 5 SEED, A WILDCARD BERTH.

SO THERE IS A LOT AT STAKE FOR THE VIKINGS AND THE LIONS AT THE GAME.

IT'S AWESOME THAT IT COMES DOWN TO ONE GAME.

>> Matthew: THERE IS A LOT AT STAKE.

I HAD NO EXPECTATIONS OF US GETTING THIS FAR ESPECIALLY WITH J.J.

GOING DOWN AND SAM DARNOLD GOING UP.

>> Charlie: HE HAS A CHANCE TO PROVE HIMSELF THIS WEEKEND, A BIG TIME GAME AND BIG TIME PLAYERS HAVE TO SHOW UP.

>> Matthew: THANK YOU CHARLIE.

>>> THE PAUL BUNYAN MALL HAS BEEN OPEN FOR OVER 30 YEARS, BUT IN THE LAST FEW, HAS BEEN LACKING A PLACE TO EAT UNTIL EARLIER THIS MONTH, WHEN THE BLUE OX SODA SHOP HELD ITS GRAND OPENING.

OUR REPORTER SYDNEY DICK STOPPED BY FOR SOME SODA AND HAMBURGERS FOR THIS WEEK'S IN BUSINESS.

>> Reporter: MALLS ARE A PLACE TO WALK AROUND, GO TO STORES, AND SIT DOWN FOR A QUICK LUNCH BEFORE GETTING BACK TO SHOPPING.

THE PAUL BUNYAN MALL IS HOME TO ALL OF THESE THINGS EXCEPT FOR ONE.

THEY HAVE SPENT SEVERAL YEARS WITHOUT A RESTAURANT.

ERIC AND HIS FAMILY DECIDED TO CHANGE THAT WITH THE OPENING OF THE BLUE OX SODA SHOP.

>> IT WAS REALLY NICE TO PULL INTO THE PARKING LOT TODAY AND SEE ALL THE CARS AND ALL THE SHOPPERS AND PEOPLE OUT IN THE MALL AGAIN.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE.

>> IT'S EXCITING.

OUR MALL NEEDED A PLACE WHERE WE COULD SIT DOWN AND HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE OR SODA.

NOW THEY HAVE HOT FOOD AND I'M VERY HAPPY IT'S HERE.

>> EVERY DAY, THERE ARE A COUPLE MORE PEOPLE, A COUPLE MORE PEOPLE, AND AS WORD GETS OUT, ESPECIALLY WITH THE GRAND OPENING PRICES WE HAVE RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN GET A MEAL FOR UNDER $10, WITH A PERSONALIZED DRINK.

IT'S PRETTY CHEAP.

WE DID THAT SO PEOPLE CAN BE MORE WILLING TO COME AND GIVE US A SHOT SO IT'S NOT BREAKING THE BANK TO GIVE SOMEONE A SHOT.

>> Reporter: THE GRAND OPENING SHOWCASED THEIR MAIN ATTRACTION, DIRTY SODAS.

THE DRINKS ARE ESPECIALLY POPULAR IN UTAH WHERE THEY ARE FROM, DUE TO THE HIGH POPULATION OF PEOPLE THAT DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL.

INSTEAD OF COCKTAILS, THERE ARE A LOT OF SODA DRINKING.

THE PURPOSE OF THE SHOP WAS TO BE FOCUSED ON SODAS BUT COMMUNITY SURVEY SHOWED PEOPLE WERE LOOKING FOR FOOD OPTIONS SO THEY INTRODUCED BURGERS AND CHICKEN TENDERS INTO THEIR MENU.

ERIC IS A RETIRED U.S.

VETERAN THAT OPENED THE SHOP WITH HIS WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN.

>> MY WHOLE LIFE, THAT'S ALL I WANTED TO DO, WAS TO SERVE MY COUNTRY.

UNFORTUNATELY, I HAD TO TAKE OFF THE UNIFORM AND THAT WAS REALLY HARD.

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO MAKE UP FOR THAT FEELING OF NOT DOING WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED.

MOM AND POP SHOPS LIKE THIS, THEY HELP BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

SO FAR, THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IS REALLY INVOLVED IN GETTING THIS GOING.

THE COMMUNITY WANTED IT.

WITHOUT THEIR HELP AND SUPPORT, I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET HERE.

>> Reporter: REPORTING FROM BEMIDJI WITH THIS WEEK'S IN-BUSINESS, I'M SYDNEY DICK, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> Matthew: NOW WE HAVE SOME EXTRA TIME SO WE WILL HEAD TO STACY.

>> Stacy: WE WILL BE SEEING CLOUDY SKIES TONIGHT, A FEW FLURRIES, WITH LOWS DROPING TO 16.

CLOUDY TOMORROW BUT SCATTERED LIGHT SNOW OR FLURRIES THROUGHOUT THE AREA, 18 FOR THE HIGH, WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS AT 5 TO 20.

THEN LOOKING AHEAD, WE WILL SLOWLY SEE MORE SUNSHINE, BUT WE WILL ALSO SEE COOLER TEMPERATURES WITH HIGHS IN THE SINGLE DIGITS LATE THIS WEEK.

>> Matthew: NOW WE WILL BE OFF FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE, BUT WE WILL BE BACK ON AIR FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY.

I HOPE TO HAVE YOU HERE AND HAVE A SAFE NEW YEAR'S EVE.

STAY SAFE OUT THERE.

>> Charlie: WE'LL SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR, GOOD NIGHT.

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