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>> 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.

[♪♪♪] >> Sydney: HI EVERYONE, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING TONIGHT.

I'M SYDNEY DICK IN FOR DENNIS WEIMANN WITH YOUR LAKELAND NEWS.

>>> THE BEMIDJI CITY COUNCIL HELD A WORK SESSION YESTERDAY TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE SANFORD EVENT CENTER, WHICH IS CURRENTLY RUN BY A.S.M.

GLOBAL, WHOSE CONTRACT EXPIRES IN MARCH OF 2027.

CITY MANAGER RICH SPICZKA BROUGHT UP THREE POTENTIAL OPTIONS FOR THE SANFORD CENTER.

ONE, TO RENEW THE CONTRACT WITH A.S.M.

GLOBAL OR HIRE A DIFFERENT EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY.

TWO, THE CITY TAKES OVER MANAGEMENT.

OR OPTION THREE, A HYBRID MODEL WHERE THE CITY MANAGES CERTAIN ASPECTS WHILE CONTRACTING OTHER ASPECTS FROM DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS NOT RUN BY THE CITY.

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION ALLOWED EACH COUNCIL MEMBER TO SPEAK ABOUT THE PROS AND CONS OF EACH OPTION.

>> I WANT TO BE OPTIMISTIC AND HOPEFUL FOR OUR CITY BECAUSE IT'S A LOT OF MONEY THAT WE'RE INVESTING RIGHT NOW AND HAVE FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS AND I'M TIRED OF IT.

I AM LITERALLY TIRED OF IT BECAUSE THERE ARE THINGS WE NEED IN OUR CITY THAT ARE MUCH DEEPER THAN THE ELEPHANT THAT SITS ON THE LAKE OVER HERE.

I WANT TO BE OPTIMISTIC AND TWO IS GOOD.

>> THE SANFORD CENTER HAS BEEN A CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC AMONG BEMIDJI RESIDENTS SINCE ITS INCEPTION TWO DECADES AGO, WHEN IT COST $64 MILLION TO BUILD.

THE BUILDING HAS BEEN IN A SEVERAL-HUNDRED THOUSAND-DOLLAR DEFICIT FOR MANY YEARS, AND HAS BEEN THROUGH DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AS WELL, >> HOW DO I KNOW THAT WHATEVER YOU SAY TO ME I CAN ACTUALLY TRUST?

MY HISTORY HAS NOT BEEN THAT.

FOR ME, IF YOU ASK WHERE I AM SITTING TODAY, I'M LEANING TOWARDS A HYBRID SOLUTION.

I DON'T THINK THE CITY WOULD MAKE A GOOD BOOKER.

I DON'T THINK THAT IS IN OUR WHEELHOUSE OR WHAT WE DO.

WE ARE NOT A FOOD AND BEVERAGE DISPENSER.

I DON'T THINK WE DO THAT PARTICULARLY WELL EITHER.

DO I THINK WE CAN HANDLE FINANCE?

YES.

DO I THINK WE CAN HANDLE OPERATIONAL THINGS, BECAUSE WE DO IT IN OTHER PARTS OF THE CITY.

I THINK A PIECE THAT IS UNIQUE TO THE STANFORD CENTER WILL BE BEST SERVED BY CONTRACTORS.

>> THERE WERE NO ACTUAL DECISIONS MADE DURING THE WORK SESSION, ONLY DISCUSSION ABOUT POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE.

>>> THE CHILDCARE FOR ALL CAMPAIGN HOSTED A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION LAST NIGHT IN BEMIDJI, FOCUSING ON CHILDCARE, EDUCATION, AND HOUSING.

REPORTER RYAN FLEMING SPOKE WITH DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND MINNESOTA'S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, ABOUT THE CHALLENGES FACING RURAL FAMILIES.

>> CHILDCARE FOR ALL MINNESOTA IS A CAMPAIGN CALLING FOR AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE, BETTER PAY FOR EARLY EDUCATORS, AND MORE OPENINGS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES.

THESE ARE ALL PRIORITIES THAT HELP DRIVE THE RESIDENTS AND CANDIDATES CONVERSATIONS IN BEMIDJI.

>> I HEARD FROM FAMILIES WHO ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND THAT CHILDCARE OAR -- OR AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE AND THE CENTERS CANNOT EARN ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY THEIR WORKERS A LIVABLE WAGE.

IT'S A VICIOUS CYCLE.

PEOPLE WANT TO BE ABLE TO WORK AND RAISE THEIR FAMILIES WITH DIGNITY AND STAY IN THE COMMUNITIES THEY LOVE.

>> Reporter: THE CONVERSATION ALSO TURNED TO A LARGER FINANCIAL PRESSURE FACING RURAL FAMILIES.

CANDIDATES ARE CONCERNED THAT THE COST OF CHILDCARE, HOUSING, AND BASIC NECESSITIES ARE RISING FASTER THAN MANY HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS CAN HANDLE.

>> WE HAVE 88 CORPORATIONS THAT PAID $0 IN FEDERAL TAXES.

>> Reporter: FOR RURAL MINNESOTANS IN BEMIDJI AND THE REGION, EDUCATION, CHILDCARE, AND HOUSING ALL LEAD TO ONE BIG QUESTION.

CAN FAMILIES AFFORD TO BUILD THEIR FAMILIES HERE?

>> WE KNOW THAT OUR WORKING-CLASS RIGHT NOW IS STRUGGLING.

THEY'RE STRUGGLING TO AFFORD CHILDCARE, HOUSING, GROCERIES, EVERYTHING IS SKYROCKETING AND PEOPLE ARE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP.

>> Reporter: FOR CANDIDATES HOPING TO TURN THOSE CONCERNS INTO MEANINGFUL CHANGE, THE WORK DOESN'T STOP WHEN THE MEETING ENDS.

IT MEANS LEARNING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMUNITY, AND TAKING A CLOSE LOOK AT EXISTING LAWS TO FIND WHAT RURAL FAMILIES MAY BE FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS.

>> A LOT OF IT IS LEARNING THE ROPES, GETTING THE INFORMATION, KNOWING WHAT HAS BEEN ENACTED, AND SEEING WHERE THERE MAY BE SHORTCOMINGS, AND WHERE ADDITIONAL MEASURES COULD BE IMPLEMENTED.

>> Reporter: BEYOND THE POLICY DISCUSSION, THE EVENT GAVE THOSE SEEKING OFFICE A CHANCE TO EXPLAIN HOW THEY PLAN TO STAY CONNECTED IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTHERN MINNESOTA AND MAKE SURE LOCAL CONCERNS ARE CARRIED WITH THEM AROUND THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL.

>> THERE ARE 600,000 PEOPLE THAT I HOPE TO REPRESENT AND GIVE THEM A VOICE AND BE THAT REPRESENTATIVE THAT IS GOING OUT TO ALL 21 COUNTIES AND ENGAGING WITH PEOPLE AND HEARING FROM THEM.

>> Reporter: REPORTING FROM BEMIDJI, I'M RYAN FLEMING, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> MINNESOTA'S PRIMARY ELECTION IS SET FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 11TH, WHEN VOTERS WILL DECIDE WHICH CANDIDATES ADVANCE TO THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

>>> A FEDERAL JUDGE HAS TEMPORARILY BLOCKED MINNESOTA'S LAW BANNING PREDICTION MARKETS, WHICH WAS SET TO TAKE EFFECT SATURDAY.

THE DECISION MARKS A CLASH BETWEEN PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S ADMINISTRATION AND STATES OVER REGULATION.

U.S.

DISTRICT JUDGE KATHERINE MENENDEZ FOUND THAT THE U.S.

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION, KALSHI, AND POLYMARKET ARE LIKELY TO SUCCEED IN THEIR CHALLENGE.

THE LAW WOULD HAVE CRIMINALIZED CREATING OR OPERATING PREDICTION MARKETS.

KALSHI, POLYMARKET, AND THE CFTC ARGUE FEDERAL LAW GIVES THE CFTC EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION.

MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL KEITH ELLISON INSISTS PREDICTION MARKETS ARE GAMBLING AND PLANS TO DEFEND THE STATE'S LAW.

>>> PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP HELD MEETINGS WITH BOTH ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU AND UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY AT THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY, WITH TWO SEPARATE WARS TOP OF MIND.

THE NETANYAHU MEETING COMES AMID A PAUSE IN U.S.

STRIKES ON IRAN.

MADDIE GANNON HAS THE LATEST FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.

>> Reporter: IT'S NOT OFTEN THAT WE HAVE TWO DIFFERENT WORLD LEADERS AT THE WHITE HOUSE ON THE SAME DAY FOR SEPARATE MEETINGS WITH THE PRESIDENT BUT THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE SAW TAKE PLACE HERE TUESDAY.

PRESIDENT TRUMP HOSTED BOTH UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT AND ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER.

THESE MEETINGS TOOK PLACE AHEAD OF FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FORMER REPUBLICAN SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM IN WASHINGTON.

NOW, BOTH OF THESE MEETINGS STAYED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, BUT WE HEARD FROM KAROLINE LEAVITT AFTERWARDS THAT CALLED THEM POSITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE IN A POST ON X AND WE KNOW THE WAR IN IRAN AND THE WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WERE EXPECTED TO BE DISCUSSED WHEN IT COMES TO THE WAR IN IRAN, A MAJOR QUESTION HANGING OVER THE MEETING BETWEEN TRUMP AND NETANYAHU IS HOW ALIGNED ARE THESE LEADERS WHEN IT COMES TO THE WAR IN IRAN.

TRUMP ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS LITTLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM, BUT HE SAID OVERALL, THEY ARE PRETTY CLOSELY ALIGNED.

FOR ZELENSKYY, IT WAS JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO THAT HE AND TRUMP SAT DOWN ON THE SIDELINES OF THE NATO SUMMIT IN TÜRKIYE.

HE ANNOUNCED THAT THE U.S.

WILL ALLOW UKRAINE TO PRODUCE THEIR OWN PATRIOT AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM, SOMETHING THAT UKRAINE LONG SAID THEY NEEDED.

IN A POST ON X AFTER THE MEETING, ZELENSKYY CONFIRMED THAT THE TWO DISCUSSED IT AND THEY TALKED ABOUT DIPLOMACY AND OVERALL, HE SAID THE MEETING WAS GOOD.

AT THE WHITE HOUSE, I'M MADDIE GANNON.

>> NETANYAHU IN A VIDEO RELEASED BY HIS OFFICE DESCRIBED THE MEETING AS QUOTE ONE OF THE BEST CONVERSATIONS THE PAIR HAS HAD.

HE REITERATED THE COUNTRIES' SHARED GOAL TO NOT ALLOW IRAN TO HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

>>> AND AMID THE TALKS BETWEEN THE U.S.

AND IRAN, OIL PRICES ARE SHOWING OVERALL DECLINES.

THE U.S.

BENCHMARK IS FLUCTUATING AROUND $80 A BARREL AS OF TODAY, AFTER TOPPING 90 EARLIER THIS MONTH.

BRENT CRUDE IS ROUGHLY IN THE MID-80S, DOWN FROM A RECENT PEAK ABOVE $100 A BARREL.

TRIPLE-A SAYS REGULAR GAS IS ABOUT A CENT CHEAPER A GALLON COMPARED TO MONDAY, BUT DIESEL IS AVERAGING $5.32.

THAT COULD BE BAD NEWS FOR INFLATION SINCE SEMI-TRUCKS USE THAT FUEL TO HAUL GOODS ACROSS THE U.S.

TRAFFIC IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ REMAINS A TRICKLE, AND IRAN-BACKED HOUTHI REBELS ARE THREATENING AN ALTERNATE OIL ROUTE THROUGH THE RED SEA.

BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND IRAN STILL HAVE ONGOING BLOCKADES AT THE STRAIGHT OF HORMUZ.

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

>> IT'S GOING TO BE A HOT AND HUMID DAY TOMORROW AND PART OF THE VIEWING AREA IS UNDER A HEAT ADVISORY TOMORROW AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK IN THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, BRAINERD LAKES IS HELPING FIGHT AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES AT THE RIVERSIDE PARK.

[♪♪♪] [♪♪♪] >> AND NOW LAKELAND NEWS AT 10:00.

>>> THE RED LAKE BAND OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT THEY WERE A RECIPIENT OF THE MINNESOTA D-N-R'S NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE GRANT THAT FOCUSES ON PROVIDING ADDITIONAL YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMMING.

THE GRANT WILL HELP CONTINUE CLASSES FOR HUNTER'S EDUCATION, WILDLIFE KNOWLEDGE, FISHING, BOATING, AND OTHER VARIOUS OUTDOOR ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE PROVIDES UP TO $25,000 TO SUPPORT YOUTH OUTDOOR RECREATION AND EDUCATION IN MINNESOTA.

THIS ROUND OF GRANT FUNDS WILL BE GOING TOWARDS RED LAKE NATION YOUTH UNTIL JUNE OF 2027, AND INCLUDES LIFELONG CERTIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE THAT COVERS LAND IN BOTH TRIBAL LANDS AND STATE AREAS.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS CAN BE INVOLVED IN THE OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES AS THEY COME UP THROUGH THE SEASONS, AND UPDATES ABOUT CLASSES AND PROJECTS, AS WELL AS REGISTRATION INFORMATION, CAN BE FOUND ON THE RED LAKE CONSERVATION FACEBOOK PAGE.

>>> 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 ANNOUNCE 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.

>>> AND STACY IS IN STUDIO WITH US NOW WITH THE WEATHER.

IT'S LOOKING LIKE IT'S GOING TO BE A HOT NEXT COUPLE DAYS.

>> Stacy: IT IS.

TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO BE HOT, IT'S GOING TO BE HUMID TOO.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A HIGH HEAT INDEX ACROSS OUR VIEWING AREA AND WE HAVE A HEAT ADVISORY FOR PART OF OUR VIEWING AREA TOMORROW AFTERNOON INTO EVENING.

I'LL HAVE THE [♪♪♪] >> AND NOW THE WEATHER WITH STACY CHRISTENSON.

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: WELL, IT WAS SUNNY, IT WAS HOT, AND WE DID HAVE SOME PATCHY SMOKE OUT THERE TODAY.

IT LOOKS LIKE MORE OF THE SAME TOMORROW, STILL HOT AND HUMID.

WE HAVE A HEAT ADVISORY FOR A PART OF OUR VIEWING AREA TOMORROW AFTERNOON INTO TOMORROW EVENING.

WE WILL BE SEEING TEMPERATURES IN THE 80s AND 90s.

HEAT INDEX VALUES SHOULD BE IN THE LOW TO MID-90s AS WELL.

MORE ON YOUR FORECAST IN A SECOND.

HERE ARE THE CURRENT CONDITIONS, IT'S 75 DEGREES AT THE AIRPORT IN BEMIDJI.

AT THE STUDIO, WINDS ARE CALM, DEW POINT IS 68, AND HUMIDITY IS AT 77%.

IN BRAINERD, WE HAVE CLEAR SKIES, 77 DEGREES, WITH A DEW POINT OF 70, PRESSURE IS RISING AND WINDS ARE CALM.

ALL OF NORTHEAST AND EAST-CENTRAL MINNESOTA IS UNDER A HEAT ADVISORY.

THIS IS BEGINNING AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY AND CONTINUING UNTIL 7:00 P.M.

WE EXPECT TO SEE HEAT INDEX VALUES UP AROUND 93 WITHIN THIS ADVISORY AREA.

ON OUR SATELLITE AND RADAR, IT HAS BEEN QUIET, JUST A FEW SPOTTY SHOWERS IN EASTERN MINNESOTA THIS EVENING.

THOSE ARE COMING TO AN END.

WE WILL BE SEEING MAINLY QUIET WEATHER OVERNIGHT TONIGHT, SOME PATCHY SMOKE IS STILL POSSIBLE, AND THAT WILL CONTINUE INTO TOMORROW.

EXPECT TO SEE A LOT OF SUNSHINE, SKIES BECOMING PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, AND AGAIN PATCHY SMOKE, A LITTLE BIT OF SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY THAT DEVELOPS IN THE AFTERNOON.

AGAIN, HEAT INDEX READINGS WILL BE HOT ACROSS THE AREA.

WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU, GARY SENDING US THIS PHOTO OF THE MOON BEHIND THE CLOUDS IN DEERWOOD.

IT WAS A FOGGY START THIS MORNING.

ARLENE IN MENAHGA WITH THE MORNING FOG.

SAMROSE CAPTURING THE SUNRISE IN THE HAZY SKIES.

JOAN SPOTTING A BALD EAGLE IN LAPORTE.

IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL EVENING ON RABIDEAU LAKE.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THOSE TONIGHT.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORTS, ARLENE IN MENAHGA, 84 AND CALM THIS EVENING.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, SUNNY AND HUMID.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, PATCHY SMOKE AND FOG THIS MORNING.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, HIGH OF 86.

SANDY IN BLACKDUCK, FOG THIS MORNING.

AND JOAN IN LAPORTE REPORTING PARTLY SUNNY SKIES BUT ANOTHER HUMID DAY.

ON OUR ALMANAC, 87 WAS THE HIGH IN BRAINERD, 5 DEGREES ABOVE OUR AVERAGE HIGH TEMP.

67 WAS THE LOW, SO WE'RE SEEING WARM TEMPERATURES ON THE OVERNIGHT.

SUNSET TONIGHT AT 8:52.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH OF 87, SO 7 DEGREES ABOVE THE AVERAGE, 63 FOR OUR LOW TEMP.

LOOKING AT TOMORROW'S FORECAST, THERE MAY BE A FEW CLOUDS IN THE MORNING, BUT FOR THE MOST PART, WE WILL BE SEEING PLENTY OF SUNSHINE TOMORROW.

PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, SOME SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY DEVELOPING, ESPECIALLY IN EAST MINNESOTA TOMORROW AFTERNOON.

AS FAR AS OUR HIGH TEMPERATURES GO, MOST OF US WILL BE IN THE 90s, SOME LOW TO MID-90s ACROSS THE NORTHERN HALF OF LAKELAND COUNTRY, AND IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA, LOOK FOR HIGHS AROUND 90 TO 95.

OUR FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, PARTLY CLOUDY, SOME PATCHY SMOKE ONCE AGAIN, LOWS NEAR 64.

TOMORROW, PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, THERE IS A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, MAINLY IN EASTERN MINNESOTA BEGINNING IN THE AFTERNOON, STILL SOME PATCHY FOLKrd -- SMOKE AND HIGHS NEAR 92.

SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BECOME LIKELY AS WE HEAD INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY, AND STILL LIKELY IN PARTS OF EASTERN AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA ON FRIDAY.

THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAINFALL WITH THE STORMS.

HIGHS WILL BE IN THE 80s LATER ON THIS WEEK AND IT LOOKS LIKE TEMPS WILL TOP OUT IN THE LOW TO MID-80s AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEKEND, EXPECT TO SEE A LOT OF SUNSHINE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

BACK TO YOU.

>> Sydney: THANK YOU STACY.

CHARLIE YAEGER HAS OUR SPORTS.

HE HAS MORE GOLF HIGHLIGHTS FOR US TONIGHT.

>> Charlie: ABSOLUTELY.

NOT ONLY GOLF HIGHLIGHTS, HISTORY WAS MADE AT THE BIRCHMONT.

WE HAVE WOMEN'S QUALIFYING JUST STARTING, MATCH PLAY STARTING TOMORROW, HERE AFTER THE BREAK WE HAVE THOSE HIGHLIGHTS.

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

[♪♪♪] >>> SOMETIMES YOU DON'T KNOW HISTORY IS BEING MADE UNTIL AFTER THE FACT.

MUCH LIKE A GOLFER NEVER REALLY ACKNOWLEDGES A SPECIAL ROUND UNTIL THEY MAKE THAT FINAL PUTT.

AND TODAY, HISTORY WAS MADE AT THE 102ND BIRCHMONT WHEN ONE GOLFER HAD ONE OF THOSE SPECIAL ROUNDS DURING WOMEN'S QUALIFYING THIS MORNING.

WE HEAD OUT TO BEMIDJI TOWN AND COUNTRY CLUB, WHERE IT WAS A LITTLE HOT, BUT STILL A BEAUTIFUL DAY.

LOWEST 16-SCORERS QUALIFY FOR THE CHAMPION FLIGHT OF MATCH PLAY TOMORROW.

WE START AT 10 WHERE LINDSAY HAS A LONG CHIP TO THE PIN.

SHE HAD A PLUS-8 ON THE DAY, TIED FOR 8th.

BACK AT 4, ANNA WITH A NICE CHIP HERE, THAT LED TO A PAR, SHE HAD A PLUS-5 ON THE DAY, GOOD ENOUGH FOR A FOURTH PLACE FINISH.

THE GROUP BEHIND HER, MORGAN SHOWING OFF HER CHIPPING SKILLS, SHE SHOT A PLUS-10 AND WAS TIED FOR 11th.

AHEAD TO 17, 6-TIME CHAMP, EMILY IS BACK AT THE BIRCHMONT.

SHE WON THE TITLE IN 2024.

SHE SETTLES FOR PAR, FINISHES SECOND IN QUALIFYING AT PLUS-3.

AND THEN THE SOPHOMORE GOLFER AT UMD AND LAST YEAR'S MEDALIST, SHE SHOT PLUS-3 BUT HER SECOND PLACE FINISH IS BECAUSE HER TEAMMATE GIGI, A FELLOW SOPHOMORE HAD HERSELF ONE OF THE SPECIAL ROUNDS HERE WITH AN ABSOLUTE SUPERB APPROACH AT 12.

HER FIFTH BIRDIE OF THE DAY, SHE HAS 7 TOTAL, INCLUDING 1 AT 18.

YOU CAN TELL SHE WAS JUST FEELING IT.

ANOTHER UNBELIEVABLE SHOT AND THEN THE BIRDIE PUTT RIGHT AFTER EARNS HER A 6 UNDER 66, TIES HER LOWEST ROUND EVER SHOT, WHICH IS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND SETS A NEW WOMEN'S QUALIFYING BIRCHMONT RECORD, AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT I WAS TOLD.

102 YEARS WORTH OF RECEIPTS IS A LOT TO GO THROUGH.

I'LL PUT IT THIS WAY, NO ONE ALIVE THAT WE ASK TODAY REMEMBERS A BETTER ROUND THAN THIS FOR THE WOMEN.

>>> WELL, THAT WASN'T ENOUGH ACTION, WE STILL HAD MEN'S ROUND TWO QUALIFYING IN THE AFTERNOON.

STARTING AT 8, BECKETT, SOON-TO-BE THE JUNIOR FOR THE VARSITY GOLF SQUAD GOES UP AND DOWN FOR THE PAR, HE FINISHES PLUS-5, TIED AT 33, ONE SPOT SHY OF MAKING THAT CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT FOR MATCH PLAY.

HEADING TO 9, HE KNOCKS DOWN THIS PUTT FOR A BIRDIE.

HE FINISHED QUALIFYING AT 1-UNDER, TIED FOR 13th.

ALEX FROM RED LAKE SAYS I CAN DO THAT TOO, SINKS THE BIRDIE, TIE FOR 19th.

THE MEN'S EQUIPMENT MANAGER DID NOT LIKE ME VERY MUCH TODAY BECAUSE WHEN I SHOWED UP, THE PUTTER WENT COLD.

CASE AND POINT, A BIRDIE ON 13, BUT FOR TWO PUTTS FOR PAR.

WHEN I WASN'T THERE, HE HAD TWO BIRDIES, TIED FOR 27th.

AND NOW KNOCKING IT DOWN, A 5-UNDER, GETTING MATCH PLAY TOMORROW.

AND THEN SHAWN, GOLFER, TOUGH CHIP, ALMOST GETS IT TO DROP.

HE TAKES THE PAR AND QUALIFIES AT TIED FOR 17th.

NOW THE PAR 3-11, CARVER LIKES HIS TEE SHOT, YOU SEE THE CLUB TWIRL.

HE SHOT BACK-TO-BACK, 69-68 AND TIE FOR 2nd WITH THIS GUY RIGHT HERE, JACOB, EAGLE PUTT AT 10.

HE QUALIFIED AT 7-UNDER.

HIS COUSIN CARSON WAS THE MAN OF THE HOUR.

HE THROUGH DOWN A 63 THIS AFTERNOON, HELPED BY THIS BIRDIE AT 10.

THAT'S A 36-HOLE, 13-UNDER-PAR.

HE IS THIS YEAR'S BIRCHMONT MEDALIST WINNER.

AS WE TALKED ABOUT BEFORE, CARSON WILL RECEIVE THE SECOND SEED HEADING INTO THE 32-MAN MATCH PLAY THAT BEGINS TOMORROW.

>>> WE DO HAVE A COUPLE OTHER SCORES, THE TWINS WON 5 OF THEIR LAST 6.

THE MINNESOTA LYNX, THEY REMAIN THE NUMBER ONE TEAM IN THE WNBA AFTER THEIR WIN OVER THE TORONTO TEMPO.

>> Sydney: AWESOME.

THANK YOU CHARLIE.

THE CITY OF BRAINERD, ROTARY CLUB OF BRAINERD, CROW WING SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, AND GREAT RIVER GREENING HAVE ALL PARTNERED WITH BRAINERD LAKES GOATS TO HELP COMBAT AGAINST INVASIVE SPECIES AT THE ROTARY PARK.

REPORTER MILES WALKER LEARNED MORE ON HOW THE GOATS ARE HELPING MITIGATE THE DAMAGE AT THE PARK IN THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE.

>> Reporter: OVER 50 GOATS HAD BEEN BROUGHT TO BROWSE 16 ACRES AT THE ROTARY PARK THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER.

>> THEY HAVE A FOUR COMPARTMENT SO THEY EAT THE BUCKTHORN, TO INCLUDE THE BERRIES, AND THEY WILL DIGEST IT.

BIRDS WILL EAT THE BERRIES AND THEN DISTRIBUTE IT.

I WOULD SAY THE BUCKTHORN IS ONE OF THEIR FAVORITE MEALS.

>> Reporter: NOT ONLY ARE THEY FAMILIAR WITH CLEANING UP ROTARY PARK, THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH BATTLING INVASIVE SPECIES WITHIN THE AREA, SUCH AS BUCKTHORN, EMERALD ASH BORER, AND MORE.

>> IT OVERGROWS AND YOU DON'T GET ANY FLOWERS OR LOW GROWING PLANTS THAT ARE GREAT FOR THE POLLINATORS AND THE BUTTERFLIES.

THESE SPECIES JUST TAKE OVER AND DON'T ALLOW ANYTHING ELSE TO GROW.

THAT CREATES PROBLEMS FOR THE WILDLIFE.

>> Reporter: AND IT'S NOT JUST GOAT BROWSING, THE PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS ARE MANAGING INVASIVE WEEDS AT THE PARK, THE SWCD ALSO WANT THE PRESCRIBED BURN IN AN EFFORT TO OFFER SUSTAINABLE WAYS TO MANAGE WOOD AND PLANT WASTE AND IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH.

>> WE HAVE SEEN A FAIR AMOUNT OF DROUGHT IN WET CYCLES.

ONCE YOU GET ALL THE BUGS GROWING IN THAT CYCLE AND GOOD PLANT GROWTH, THEY CAN TOLERATE MORE PERIODS OF DROUGHT.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE THAT COVER.

ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS THE GOATS CAN DO, WITH THEIR HOOVES, THEY CAN DETERIORATE SOME OF THE BAD PLANTS AND YOU CAN SEED.

>> Reporter: OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, THE PARTNERING ORGANIZATION WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER ON THE PROJECT WITH A GOAL OF ERADICATING INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES ACROSS 200 ACRES OF PUBLIC LAND IN THE CITY OF BRAINERD AND THEY BELIEVE LESS HERBICIDES, MORE GOATS IS THE BEST WAY TO EAT AWAY AT THE PROBLEM.

>> IT'S A MULTI-TIERED REQUIREMENT TO GET RID OF THE BUCKTHORN.

THE GOATS ARE THE FIRST STEP.

TO JUST START WITH CLEARING THAT UP SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO GET TO.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN BRAINERD WITH THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, MILES WALKER, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> Sydney: AND OF COURSE ANY AND ALL RESIDENTS ARE FREE TO COME AND SEE THE GOATS AT THE PARK.

>>> ON THAT NOTE, THAT'S ALL THE TIME WE HAVE TONIGHT.

WE'LL BE BACK AGAIN TOMORROW.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

[♪♪♪] CAPTIONING PROVIDED BY: AV CAPTIONING WWW.AVCAPTIONING.COM