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

MEMBER FDIC.

>> C.T.C.

; KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY CONNECTED WITH INTERNET, TV, MOBILE, AND HOME PHONE.

LEARN MORE AT AT GOCTC.COM.

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

MN.SOURCEWELL.ORG.

>> CLOSED CAPTIONING IS SPONSORED IN PART BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCESS OF MINNESOTA.

>> AND BY SANFORD HEALTH WITH PRIMARY CARE LOCATIONS IN BEMIDJI AND ACROSS THE UPPER MIDWEST.

SANFORD HEALTH IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING CARE CLOSE TO HOME.

LEARN MORE AT SANFORDHEALTH.ORG.

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

>> SPORTS ON LAKELAND NEWS IS SPONSORED IN PART BY PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS, PROVIDING ALL FIBEROPTIC INTERNET SPEEDS UP TO 10 GIGS WITH NO DATA CAPS AND NO SPEED THROTTLING.

>> 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.

[♪♪♪] >> Dennis: HI EVERYONE, THANKS FOR WATCHING TONIGHT.

>>> THE MINNESOTA MAN WHO KILLED DEMOCRATIC STATE LAWMAKER MELISSA HORTMAN AND HER HUSBAND HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN PRISON.

VANCE BOELTER WAS SENTENCED THURSDAY AFTER SURVIVORS OF THE ATTACK AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THE VICTIMS SPOKE ABOUT THE ENDURING TRAUMA OF THAT NIGHT AND THE LOSS.

BOELTER WAS SENTENCED TO TWO CONSECUTIVE LIFE PRISON SENTENCES PLUS 40 YEARS.

HE PLEADED GUILTY LAST MONTH IN THE JUNE 2025 FATAL SHOOTING OF THE FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER AND HER HUSBAND MARK.

THE 59-YEAR-OLD ALSO PLEADED GUILTY TO ATTACKING SENATOR JOHN HOFFMAN AND HIS WIFE YVETTE.

BOELTER AVOIDS THE DEATH PENALTY WITH HIS PLEA.

U.S.

DISTRICT JUDGE JOHN R. TUNHEIM SAID IT WAS THE LONGEST SENTENCE HE HAS IMPOSED, AFTER HEARING THOUSANDS OF CASES OVER THE YEARS, BUT HE SAID HE BELIEVES IT IS DESERVED.

>>> TWO MEN WERE INJURED IN A FIRE IN BEMIDJI LAST NIGHT.

FIREFIGHTERS RESPONDED TO A REPORT OF A POSSIBLE GARAGE FIRE ON THE 400 BLOCK OF WOOD AVENUE IN NYMORE.

AND FOUND AN R.V.

STYLE CAMPER ON FIRE AS WELL AS SOME DEBRIS OUTSIDE ON THE GROUND.

15 FIREFIGHTERS AND FIVE PIECES OF EQUIPMENT WERE ON THE SCENE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE QUICKLY.

NO FIREFIGHTERS WERE INJURED, BUT TWO SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES, WITH ONE SUSTAINING MAJOR BURNS.

THE FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION, BUT IT IS BELIEVED TO BE ACCIDENTAL.

>>> PARTS OF THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS WILL REOPEN FOR VISITOR USE STARTING ON MONDAY, JULY 27TH.

U.S.

FOREST SERVICE OFFICIALS SAY SELECT POINTS OF ENTRY IN COOK COUNTY WILL REOPEN, BUT ALL OTHER BWCAW ENTRY POINTS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR DAY USE.

DUE TO THE VARIED WILDFIRE ACTIVITY AND WEATHER, THE FOREST SERVICE ADVISES VISITORS TO BE DILIGENT IN PLANNING TRIPS INTO THE AREA.

MEANWHILE PERMITS FOR ALL POINTS OF ENTRY FOR OVERNIGHT USE ARE CANCELLED THROUGH WEDNESDAY JULY 29TH.

NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING IS CURRENTLY ALLOWED BUT OFFICIALS SAY IF THERE IS NO MAJOR WILDFIRE ACTIVITY THIS WEEKEND, THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS MIGHT PARTIALLY OPEN FOR OVERNIGHT CAMPING NEXT WEEK.

>>> SANFORD HEALTH HELD A CEREMONY FOR THE OPENING OF THE NEW EYE AND OPTICAL CENTER AT THE PARK RAPIDS CLINIC.

OUR REPORTER SYDNEY DICK TOOK A TOUR OF THE LOCATION, AND HAS MORE DETAILS ON WHAT EYE SERVICES ARE NOW BEING OFFERED TO THE PARK RAPIDS AREA.

>> Stacy: MORE THAN THAN 50% OF THE GLOBAL POPULATION WEARS GLASSES OR CONTACTS, REPORTING MORE THAN 84,000 MINNESOTANS ADDING TO THOSE NUMBERS.

SANFORD HEALTH IS WORKING TO EXPAND THEIR REACH TO THOSE NEEDING EYE CARE BY OPENING A NEW EYE CENTER AND OPTICAL LOCATION AT THEIR PARK RAPIDS CLINIC.

>> YOU KNOW, IT'S REALLY NICE TO BRING ALL OF THESE SERVICES CLOSE TO HOME FOR EVERYBODY IN THE PARK RANDZ RAPIDS COMMUNITY AND SEVERAL TOWNS AROUND HERE, THEY'RE TRAVELING TO SEE US IN BEMIDJI AND WE'RE BRINGING MORE EYE CARE TO THE COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: THE PARK RAPIDS LOCATION DID HAVE OPHTHALMOLOGY OUTREACH BUT NOW THEY HAVE OPTOMETRY SERVICES.

>> OPTOMETRY SERVICES ARE LIKE THE PRIMARY CARE FOR THE EYES, WHERE THE GO BETWEEN PRIMARY CARE OFFICES, OPHTHALMOLOGYISTS, WE TAKE CARE OF A LOT OF THE URGENT VISITS, AND WE'RE THE GO TO FOR PEOPLE TO SEE ANYTHING FOR THE EYES.

>> Reporter: THE SPACE FEATURES FOUR EXAM ROOMS FOR COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS FROM KIDS NEEDING THEIR FIRST PAIR OF GLASSES, TO THOSE WHO MAY NEED CATARACT SURGERY.

ALONG WITH THE OPTICAL SHOP STAFF, HE IS A FULL TIME OPTOMETRIST ONSITE AND THERE IS A FULL TIME TECH AS WELL.

>> WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS FOR A YEAR OR TWO YEARS.

A LOT OF REMODEL WENT INTO THIS AND A LOT OF THOUGHT OF HOW TO MAKE IT A LASTING SITE AND GROW INTO IT.

>> IT'S GREAT TO HAVE THE OFFICE UP AND RUNNING HERE AND WE HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT AND ALL THE DESKS IN SO EVERYTHING IS SET UP AND READY TO GO.

IT'S A GREAT FEELING TO STEP IN HERE.

>> Reporter: THEY HAVE BEEN TAKING PATIENTS SINCE JULY 13TH, ALONG WITH BEING OPEN FIVE DAYS A WEEK FOR WALK INS AND THOSE NEEDING IMMEDIATE OPTICAL CARE, REPORTING FROM PARK RAPIDS, I'M SYDNEY DICK, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> THE PARK RAPIDS EYE CENTER WILL BE OPEN FROM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:00 A.M.

TO 5:00 P.M, WITH POTENTIAL FOR EXPANDED HOURS STARTING AFTER THE NEW YEAR.

>>> JUST HOURS AFTER THE HOUSE VOTED TO LIMIT PRESIDENT TRUMP'S WAR POWERS IN IRAN, THE SENATE REJECTED A SIMILAR MEASURE OF ITS OWN.

IN A 47 FOR AND 49 AGAINST VOTE, THE UPPER CHAMBER'S FIRST DIRECT VOTE ON THE ISSUE SINCE THE END OF THE CEASEFIRE FAILED.

THIS WAS THE 12TH SENATE VOTE ON IRAN WAR POWERS.

IN JUNE, THE SENATE ADOPTED A RESOLUTION AIMED AT REMOVING MILITARY FORCES FROM IRAN, BUT FAILED TO ADVANCE A SIMILAR WAR POWERS MEASURE THE FOLLOWING DAY.

>>> MEANWHILE MINNESOTA IS ONE OF 25 STATES AND D.C.

WHO ARE SUING THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, ACCUSING FEMA AND D.H.S.

OF WITHHOLDING DISASTER RELIEF AND COUNTERTERRORISM FUNDING, UNLESS THEY ADOPT ELECTION CHANGES.

THE LAWSUIT ALLEGES THE ADMINISTRATION IS USING FEDERAL MONEY AS LEVERAGE, TO FORCE STATES TO COMPLY WITH ITS ELECTION AGENDA.

THE NEW POLICIES REQUIRE STATES TO SHARE VOTER ROLLS WITH D.H.S., MOVE TOWARD USING HAND-MARKED PAPER BALLOTS OVER VOTING MACHINES, AND CONDUCT POST-ELECTION AUDITS USING A METHODOLOGY APPROVED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.

STATES THAT DON'T FULLY ADOPT THE CHANGES STAND TO LOSE 20 PERCENT OF THE FUNDING THAT HELPS THEM PREPARE FOR TERROR ATTACKS, CYBERSECURITY THREATS AND MAJOR DISASTERS.

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

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: WE ARE GOING TO SEE SUNNY SKIES AGAIN TOMORROW, BUT AS WE HEAD INTO THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING, WE COULD SEE SOME SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS MOVING INTO THE AREA, WITH A POTENTIAL FOR SOME OF THOSE TO BECOME STRONG OR SEVERE.

I'LL HAVE THE DETAILS IN A FEW MINES.

>> AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, THE CENTER HERE IN BRAINERD ANNOUNCED THE 2026 CROW WING COUNTY OUTSTANDING SENIOR VOLUNTEER AWARD AT THEIR PICNIC DAY.

[♪♪♪] [♪♪♪] >> AND NOW MORE NEWS WITH DENNIS WEIMANN.

[♪♪♪] >>> THE CENTER IN BRAINERD HOSTED ITS ANNUAL PICNIC DAY ON TUESDAY.

THIS YEAR, WITH A LITTLE BIT OF A SURPRISE, THEY ANNOUNCED THE 2026 CROW WING COUNTY OUTSTANDING SENIOR CITIZEN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD.

OUR REPORTER XZAYVER CURRY HAS THE STORY.

>> Reporter: FOOD, GAMES, MUSIC, AND AWARDS ARE HAPPENING AT THE CENTER FOR THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL PICNIC.

>> EACH SPRING WE SEND OUT NOTIFICATIONS THAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE CROW WING COUNTY OUTSTANDING SENIOR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD.

ALL OF THE QUALITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DIFFERENT BUT OVERALL, THERE IS AN OVERARCHING THEME THAT THESE ARE ENGAGED MEMBERS IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WANT TO DO THINGS TO BETTER THE COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN.

>> Reporter: THE AWARD GOES TO VAL JONES, A COMMUNITY MEMBER THAT HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING TEACHING CLASSES FOR CROW WING COUNTY OVER 10-PLUS YEARS.

>> I'M AMAZED, SURPRISED, AND GRATEFUL.

I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT GETTING AN AWARD FOR IT.

I TEACH ON ZOOM AND IT'S THROUGH CROW WING ENERGIZE AND THEY HAVE BEEN AN AMAZING SUPPORT FOR ME.

JUST THE PEOPLE THAT COME TO MY CLASS HAVE BEEN SO ENCOURAGING AND WE HAVE A GOOD TIME TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: JONES BELIEVES THAT VOLUNTEERING IS VITAL TO THE COMMUNITY AND ENCOURAGES OTHERS TO DO IT TOO, NOT FOR PERSONAL GAIN, BUT FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF HELPING OUT THOSE IN NEED.

>> I JUST THINK THAT VOLUNTEERING, YOU ALWAYS GET MORE BACK FROM IT THAN YOU PUT IN AND THAT'S TRUE OF ANYTHING I HAVE EVER DONE.

SOMETIMES YOU THINK OH, MAYBE I DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR I DON'T WANT TO COMMIT.

JUST DO WHAT YOU CAN, WHEREVER YOU CAN, AND YOU ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATING.

>> Reporter: SHE HOPES THAT OTHER VOLUNTEERS IN THE AREA SEES EFFORTS LIKE JONES'S AND IT MOTIVATES THEM TO HELP OUT THE COMMUNITY.

>> OFTEN WHEN WE AGE IN OUR LIFE, WE'RE NOT INVOLVED AND ENGAGED IN THE WORK.

SO IT OPENS THE DOOR OF WHAT DO I HAVE PASSION FOR?

WHAT DO I WANT TO DO?

HOW DO I GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

I HOPE PEOPLE SEE THIS AND THINK WHAT CAN I DO TO BETTER THE PLACE I LIVE.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN BRAINERD, XZAYVER CURRY, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> NORMALLY THERE ARE TWO WINNERS, ONE MALE AND ONE FEMALE; HOWEVER, THIS YEAR THERE WERE NO MALE NOMINATIONS.

THE CENTER HOPES THAT WILL NOT BE THE CASE NEXT YEAR AND THEY CAN RETURN TO PROVIDING TWO AWARDS.

>>> THE LAKELAND PBS VACATION GIVEAWAY IS BACK THIS SUMMER.

THE GRAND PRIZE THIS YEAR IS A FOUR-NIGHT STAY AT CHASE ON THE LAKE IN WALKER AND A $200 RESORT GIFT CARD.

HERE ARE TONIGHTS FIVE POTENTIAL QUALIFIERS.

IF YOU SEE YOUR NAME TONIGHT, OR ANY NIGHT ON LAKELAND NEWS YOU CAN QUALIFY BY CALLING OUR VACATION GIVEAWAY HOTLINE NUMBER BEFORE 5:00 P.M.

THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY.

WE ANNOUNCED FIVE POTENTIAL QUALIFIERS EVERY WEEKNIGHT THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER.

TO REGISTER FOR THE DRAWING,SEND US A POSTCARD WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER ON IT AND THEN WATCH LAKELAND NEWS TO SEE IF YOUR NAME IS DRAWN WE WILL SELECT THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OUT OF ALL THE QUALIFIERS DURING A LIVE DRAWING ON OUR MONDAY, AUGUST 31ST NEWSCAST.

>>> TIME FOR WEATHER, STACY JOINS US NOW.

WE HEAD INTO ANOTHER HOT WEEKEND.

>> Stacy: YES, WE'RE GOING TO SEE TEMPERATURES FOR MANY OF US IN THE 90s THIS WEEKEND AND SOME 80s TOMORROW, A LOT OF SUNSHINE OUT THERE.

AS WE HEAD INTO THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING, THERE IS A CHANCE OF SEEING SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS RETURNING IN THE AREA, WITH THE POTENTIAL OF STRONG OR SEVERE STORMS IN THAT [♪♪♪] >> AND NOW THE WEATHER WITH STACY CHRISTENSON.

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: WE DID GET TO ENJOY SUNSHINE AGAIN TODAY, BUT WE ARE STARTING TO SEE THOSE TEMPERATURES CREEPING UP ONCE AGAIN, HIGHS IN THE 80s TODAY.

WE'LL SEE 80s AGAIN TOMORROW.

AFTER A QUIET NIGHT TONIGHT, AND SUNNY SKIES TO START TOMORROW, WE COULD SEE SOME SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BEGIN TO MOVE INTO THE NORTHWEST IN THE AFTERNOON AND THEN SPREAD ACROSS TOMORROW NIGHT AND WE HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR STRONG STORMS IN THE AFTERNOON.

IN BEMIDJI, 70 DEGREES AT THE AIRPORT.

WE HAVE A LIGHT VARIABLE WINDS AT THE STUDIO, AND THE HUMIDITY IS AT 52%.

IN BRAINERD, PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES, A DEW POINT OF 55, PRESSURE IS HOLDING STEADY AND WINDS ARE SOUTHEAST AT 5 MILES PER HOUR.

ALL IS QUIET ON OUR SATELLITE AND RADAR PICTURE IN OUR VIEWING AREA.

WE SHOULD HAVE QUIET WEATHER OVERNIGHT TONIGHT.

CLEAR TO PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES TONIGHT, WE HAVE SUNSHINE TOMORROW, POSSIBLY A LITTLE BIT OF SHOWER ACTIVITY IN PARTS OF EAST-CENTRAL MINNESOTA IN THE MORNING.

THEN AS WE HEAD INTO THE AFTERNOON, WE'LL SEE THAT NEXT WEATHER SYSTEM MOVING IN, BRINGING A CHANCE FOR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE NORTHWEST AND THEN MOVING ACROSS THE REST OF THE AREA TOMORROW EVENING AND TOMORROW NIGHT.

SOME WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU TONIGHT, WE HAD A GORGEOUS SUNRISE THIS MORNING, A LITTLE BIT OF A SMOKEY SUNRISE FROM ARLENE IN MENAHGA AND DEBRA AT LAKE ADA.

GARY WITH A BLUE HERRING IN DEERWOOD.

CHRISSY SPOTTING A DRAGON FLY.

WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL EVENING IN WALKER FROM ANGELA.

BILL AND JUDY SENDING US THIS PHOTO OF THE SUNSET OVER UPPER RED LAKE.

RALPH SPOTTING THE SUNSET AS WELL IN JENKINS.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PHOTOS WITH US TONIGHT.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORTS, DEBRA IN PINE RIVER, 55 THIS MORNING.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, SUNNY AND BREEZY TODAY.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, 80 FOR THE HIGH, SUNNY SKIES.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, THE HIGH WAS 81.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, MOSTLY SUNNY, A HIGH OF 82.

LOOKING AT OUR ALMANAC, 81 WAS OUR HIGH IN BRAINERD TODAY, A SEASONAL HIGH TEMPERATURE.

WE ARE RIGHT ON TARGET, JUST 1 DEGREE BELOW THE AVERAGE.

52 WAS OUR LOW, WE HAD SUNSET TONIGHT AT 8:58, NOW BEMIDJI TODAY, PRETTY MUCH YOUR AVERAGE DAY.

WE HAD A HIGH OF 80, THAT'S THE AVERAGE HIGH.

OUR LOW IS 58.

THAT'S THE AVERAGE LOW, SUNSET TONIGHT WAS AT 5 MINUTES AFTER 9:00.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, WE MAY SEE A FEW SHOWERS, MAINLY IN EAST-CENTRAL MINNESOTA TOMORROW MORNING.

OTHERWISE, IT LOOKS QUIET, SUNSHINE THROUGH MOST OF THE DAY, AND AS WE HEAD INTO THE AFTERNOON, WE DO HAVE A CHANCE OF SEEING SOME SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BEGIN TO MOVE INTO NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, AND THEN MOVE ACROSS THE AREA, AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A LEFT 2 OUT OF 5 THREAT FOR SEVERE WEATHER AS THOSE BEGIN TO MOVE IN.

HIGHS WILL BE IN THE 80s FOR MOST OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA, MID TO MAYBE SOME UPPER 80s.

THEN IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA, WE SHOULD SEE HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE 80s.

OUR FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, CLEAR TO PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES, 61 FOR OUR LOW, AND SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST WINDS AT 5 TO 20.

LOOKING AT TOMORROW, MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, WE DO HAVE THE SLIGHT CHANCE OF RAIN IN EAST-CENTRAL MINNESOTA IN THE MORNING, SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS MOVE INTO NORTHWEST MINNESOTA IN THE AFTERNOON, AND MID-80s FOR OUR HIGHS, A LITTLE BIT BREEZY WITH SOUTHWEST WINDS AT 10 TO 25.

LOOKING AT THE REST OF OUR WEEKEND FORECAST, OVERALL PRETTY QUIET.

THERE MAY BE A FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ON SUNDAY, OTHERWISE A LOT OF SUNSHINE AND HIGHS WILL BE IN THE 90s FOR MOST OF US, 92 ON SUNDAY, SUNNY SKIES MONDAY AND TUESDAY, WITH HIGHS IN THE UPPER 80s.

BACK TO YOU.

>> Dennis: THANKS STACY.

CHARLIE IS HERE WITH A CONTINUING LOOK AT THE SUB STATE LEGION TOURNAMENT.

>> Charlie: YEAH, WE'RE IN THE QUARTER FINALS NOW.

TAKING PLACE IN BEMIDJI, AND OF COURSE WE HAD BEMIDJI PLAYING TODAY AND WE HAD BRAINERD PLAYING AS WELL.

WINNERS GET INTO THAT SEMI FINAL MATCH.

WE HAVE THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THAT AND MORE COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK.

[♪♪♪] [♪♪♪] >> AND NOW YOUR SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

[♪♪♪] >>> THE SUB-STATE 12 LEGION TOURNAMENT CONTINUED TODAY IN BEMIDJI WITH THE QUARTERFINALS.

THE HOST SQUAD IS COMING OFF A DOMINANT 20-0 PERFORMANCE YESTERDAY OVER DETROIT LAKES.

TONIGHT THE CENTAURS WERE TAKING ON THE 5-SEED, THE MOORHEAD BLUES.

BOTTOM OF THE 2nd, KNOTTED AT 3, AND HE LAUNCHES ONE TO THE GAP WITH THE BASES JUICED.

THAT WILL CLEAR THEM ALL.

6-3 BEMIDJI LEADS.

BOTTOM OF 5th, SEN -- CENTAURS NOW, SAMUEL DELIVERS THE DOUBLE FOR THE LEAD, MOORHEAD WILL PUT UP A 5-SPOT IN THE 6th.

BEMIDJI SURRENDERS 2 MORE.

THEY MOVE THE ELIMINATION BRACKET WHERE THEY WILL FACE ALEXANDRIA.

IF THEY WIN, THEY WILL PLAY AGAINST THE WINNER OF THE PERHAM GAME.

>>> AND I MIGHT HAVE GAVE AWAY WHO WOULD WIN THIS ONE.

TRAILING 2-1 IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 4th, AN R.B.I.

DOUBLE THAT SCORES AND KNOTS THINGS AT 2-2.

LATER IN THE INNING, BASES LOADED, A WALK AND JUST LIKE THAT BRAINERD TAKES A 3-2 LEAD.

TOP OF THE 7th, PERHAM HAD THE TYING RUN THERE SCORING POSITION, DOWN TO THEIR LAST OUT.

AND SENDING IT DEEP, JUST NOT DEEP ENOUGH.

BRAINERD HOLDS ON TO WIN 3-2 OVER THE BUZZ.

THEY PUNCH THEIR TICKET TO TOMORROW'S SEMIFINAL AGAINST MOORHEAD.

>>> ALSO PLAYING TODAY IN LEGION SOFTBALL, WADENA PLAYS FOR THE SUB STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

BEMIDJI WINS THAT FOR THE FIFTH TIME IN A ROW.

THEY GO BACK TO STATE FOR THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW.

>>> AND THE TWINS THEY WIN 3-1 OVER THE GUARDIANS, THAT'S 3 IN A ROW FOR THEM.

>>> THE ELECTREK FORMULA SUN GRAND PRIX MADE ITS FIRST EVER STOP AT THE BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY THIS WEEK.

ORGANIZED THROUGH THE INNOVATORS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, THE FSGP IS A MULTI-DAY, TRACK COMPETITION WHERE COLLEGIATE TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD DESIGN, BUILD, AND RACE SOLAR-POWERED CARS TO TEST, ENGINEERING, EFFICIENCY, AND MORE.

SPORTS REPORTER MILES WALKER HAS THE STORY.

>> Reporter: TEAMS HAILING FROM THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, BELGIUM, AND THE NETHERLANDS ALL MADE THE TRIP OUT TO THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA FOR A CHANCE TO TAKE ON THE 3.1 MILE ROAD COURSE AT THE RACEWAY.

>> WE HAVE 39 TEAMS OUT HERE THIS WEEK AT THE BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, A BRAND NEW RECORD FOR US.

WE HAD NEARLY 900 TEAM MEMBERS REGISTER AND EVERY ONE OF THE TEAM MEMBERS HAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE IN LEARNING, STEM, ENGINEERING.

>> Reporter: THE TEAM SPENT 24 HOURS ON THE TRACK ACROSS THREE DAYS, TRYING TO COMPLETE THE MOST LAPS IN A TEST OF ENGINEERING, STRATEGY, AND ENDURANCE.

>> THE EXCITEMENT LEVEL IS HIGH.

WE WERE RACING NORTH AMERICA'S FIRST FOUR OCCUPANT SOLAR CARS, AND WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON IT SINCE 2020.

WE HAVE BEEN TESTING IT, BUILD UP OUR RELIABILITY, AND WE SPENT MOST OF THE PAST YEAR TESTING RIGOROUSLY AND FIXING SMALL CHANGES IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

>> Reporter: THE GRAND PRIX'S GOAL IS TO FOSTER INNOVATION, TEAMWORK, AND REAL WORLD ENGINEERING SKILLS THAT TRANSLATE INTO CAREERS DOWN THE LINE.

MANY OF THE TEAMS HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SOLAR CAR RACING FOR OVER 15 YEARS.

>> I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE PARTICIPATING IN ANY STUDENT ENGINEERING EVENT LIKE THAT WILL ALLOW THE CURRENT GENERATION TO LEARN A WHOLE BUNCH OF DIFFERENT SKILLS THAT YOU DON'T LEARN IN SCHOOL AND MOST PEOPLE WILL NOT EVEN LEARN AT THEIR JOBS.

THAT'S HOW YOU GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE.

>> Reporter: FOR MANY WITHIN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA, THE GRAND PRIX IS THEIR FIRST EXPOSURE TO SOLAR POWERED CAR RACING.

THOSE INVOLVED WITH THE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AND THE FSGP ARE HOPEFUL THAT THIS WEEK'S EVENT IS A SIGN FOR THINGS TO COME FOR SOLAR.

>> ALL FORMS OF RENEWABLE AND LOW CARBON ENERGY IN GENERAL, THEY'RE JUST TAKING OFF.

WE HAVE SEEN THEY RELIED ON SUBSIDIES FOR A WHILE, BUT WE HAVE SEEN THEM GO AWAY AND WE HAVE NOT SEEN THE CLEAN ENERGY GO AWAY.

THIS COMPETITION CONTINUES TO GROW AND THE CARS CONTINUE TO GET FASTER.

I'M EXCITED TO SEE WHERE THE INDUSTRY GOES.

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

>>> QUALIFYING TEAMS WILL NEXT TO BE COMPETING IN THE ELECTREK AMERICAN SOLAR CHALLENGE FROM JULY 25TH THROUGH 31-ST, WHERE TEAMS WILL FOLLOW THE GREAT RIVER ROAD ONTO ROUTE 66 AND ALL WAY DOWN TO AMARILLO, TEXAS.

JUST BY USING THE SUN.

>> Dennis: VERY COOL.

THANKS CHARLIE.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF FISHING TIPS TO BE HAD BEFORE HEADING OUT ON THE LAKE, BUT HOW MANY OF THEM ACTUALLY WORK?

FOR WEEKS EDITION OF FISHING TIPS, RAY AND MANDY TELL US SOME OF THE TIPS THEY'VE HEARD THAT HAVE TURNED OUT TO BE JUST MYTHS.

>> TONIGHT MANDY AND I WILL BE TALKING ABOUT MYTHS OF FISHING AND WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT FROM A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE, NOT NECESSARILY A SCIENTIST, BUT JUST AS PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE.

THE FIRST THING IS DO RED HOOKS CATCH MORE FISH THAN PLAIN HOOKS?

MY PERSONAL OPINION IS NO, THEY DON'T.

I THINK IF YOU GO OUT EVERY DAY AND TAKE ONE DAY AND USE RED HOOKS AND ANOTHER DAY USE SILVER HOOKS, THE FISH ARE BITING, YOU WILL DO THE SAME.

SOME BELIEVE THAT THE RED HOOKS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY BETTER AND YOU WILL SEE THEM IN STORES AND THAT'S WHY THEY ARE SELLING A LOT OF THOSE.

ANOTHER THING I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT IS DOES BIGGER BAIT MEAN YOU'RE GOING TO CATCH BIGGER FISH?

THE ANSWER TO THAT TO ME IS NO.

IN FACT, SOME OF THE LARGEST MUSKIES I HAVE CAUGHT HAVE BEEN ACCIDENTALLY ON SMALL BAITS.

IT'S JUST AMAZING HOW A LOT OF TIMES EVEN WALLEYES WILL COME AFTER SMALL BAITS BUT THEY WON'T COME AFTER BIG BAITS.

MINNOWS WOULD BE A PRIME EXAMPLE.

YOU HAVE RED TAIL MINNOWS THAT ARE 5 INCHES LONG AND YOU CAN GET A BIG FISH AS A 10 INCHER.

SO IT'S A PERSONAL TASTE, PERSONAL OPINION, BUT MY OPINION ON THOSE TWO ARE THAT IT DOESN'T WORK.

>> MY TWO TO TALK ABOUT TONIGHT FOR MYTHS ARE NOT MYTHS.

LINDY RIGGING, IT'S A CLASSIC FORM FOR FISHING MULTIPLE SPECIES.

IT'S A WAY WITH A LITER AND FOLLOWED BY A LIVE BAIT.

IT COULD BE A LEECH, A MINNOW, OR A NIGHT CRAWLER.

THERE IS A BIG DEBATE GOING ON THAT THE PAINTED LINDY SINKERS EITHER ATTRACT FISH OR DETRACT FISH BASED ON THE COLOR.

SO YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT HAVE YELLOW ONES AND PINK ONES AND RED ONES THINKING THE FISH SEE THE COLOR OF THE LURE FIRST AND THEN THAT ATTRACTS THEM TO THE BAIT OR YOU HAVE PEOPLE THAT DO NOTHING BUT DARK COLORED ONES BECAUSE THEY THINK THE FISH SEE THE WEIGHT FIRST AND THEN SWIM AWAY AND DON'T WANT TO GO TOWARDS THE BAIT.

IT'S A MYTH BUST ON BOTH ENDS TO BE HONEST.

I PERSONALLY USE COLORED SINKERS HAVE HAD NO ISSUE WHATSOEVER FOR ANY SPECIES BEING COLORED VERSUS NON-COLORED.

SO WE DON'T KNOW.

THE LAST ONE I WANT TO TOUCH BASE ON IF YOU ARE AN AVID FISHERMAN OR NOT, YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS.

BANANAS ARE BAD NEWS IN THE BOAT.

IF YOU ARE AN ANGLER, THE ONGOING MYTH IS IF YOU BRING A BANANA IN THE BOAT, YOUR DAY IS RUINED.

A MYTH BUST.

MANY OF THE BEST FISH DAYS, I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A BANANA IN THE BOAT.

MY COMPETITOR THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY TO SHOVE BANANAS IN THERE.

HAVE A NICE SNACK, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT BEING BAD LUCK.

>> SO THOSE ARE THE MYTHS WE THINK ARE NOT TRUE AND I AM RAY GILDOW, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> I'M MANDY UHRICH, THE BASS N' BIOLOGIST.

>> Dennis: ALL RIGHT, RAY AND MANDY SETTING US STRAIGHT ON ALL OF THAT.

GOOD TO KNOW.

>> Charlie: NO BANANAS OUT ON THE BOAT.

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

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

[♪♪♪]