>> 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.

>> Matthew: HI EVERYONE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING AND HAPPY EARLY INDEPENDENCE DAY.

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

>>> FOR ROBOTICS STUDENTS IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA, THE REALITY IS THAT THEY FACE A LACK OF OPPORTUNITIES SIMPLY BASED ON THE ZIP CODE IN WHICH THEY LIVE.

WHEN THE NORTHERN MINNESOTA ROBOTICS CONFERENCE WAS FOUNDED IN 2017, THE FUNDAMENTAL MISSION WAS TO HELP CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN ROBOTICS.

WELL LAST WEEK, THE NMRC BEGAN A PROJECT TO DO EXACTLY THAT.

>> Reporter: THE ROBOTICS CONFERENCE HAVE PLANS TO BUILD THE NORTH STAR CENTER AT THE FAIRGROUNDS.

IT STANDS FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AUTOMATION, AND ROBOTICS.

>> WE'RE BUILDING A NORTH STAR CENTER FOR ALL THE HIGH SCHOOL ROBOTICS TEAMS IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA THAT ARE PART OF THE CONFERENCE.

THERE ARE 32 TEAMS, WE HAVE A BUNCH OF PEOPLE OUTSIDE MOVING STUFF AROUND SO WHEN WE BREAK GROUND, WE'RE READY TO GO.

>> Reporter: THIS FACILITY IS NEEDED FOR ROBOTICS STUDENTS IN THE AREA.

NO TEAM IN MINNESOTA OR NORTH DAKOTA HAVE ACCESS TO A REGULATION FIELD DURING THE COMPETITION SEASON.

IT WILL BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE REGION.

>> I KNOW TEACHERS WHO ARE WORKING OUT OF A CLOSET IN THEIR CLASSROOM.

THEY TAKE STUFF OUT AT NIGHT AND WORK ON IT AND THEN SHUT EVERYTHING BACK IN THE CLOSET.

IT'S HARD FOR STUDENTS TO GET EXPERIENCE.

THERE ARE A LOT OF TEAMS AROUND THE STATE AND COUNTRY THAT HAVE AN S.T.E.M.

CENTER AND A FULL FIELD.

THEY GO PRACTICE ON THE FIELD THEY ARE GOING TO PLAY ON AND A LOT OF US DON'T HAVE THE LUXURY.

WITH THE NEW CENTER BEING BUILT, THE TEAMS WILL BE ABLE TO UTILIZE IT AND TEST THEIR EQUIPMENT ON A REAL FIELD.

IT WILL BE A GREAT BENEFIT FOR THESE KIDS.

>> Reporter: THE MNRC BUILT A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FAIRGROUNDS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW CENTER AND ALLOW FULL ACCESS YEAR ROUND.

YOU MAY BE ASKING YOURSELF WHAT DOES THE FAIR AND ROY -- ROBOTICS HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?

>> IT TIES IN WITH THE FAIR AS WELL.

A LOT OF PEOPLE VIEW THE COUNTY FAIR AS PRESERVING HISTORY, BUT FAIRS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT WHAT IS THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AS IT RELATES TO AGRICULTURE AND OUR DAILY LIVES.

WHAT DO ROBOTICS DO WITH AGRICULTURE?

THEY BUILD THE TRACTORS AND THE CARS.

THAT'S DISPLAYING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY, THAT PUTS FOOD ON OUR TABLE.

>> THE NMRC HOPES TO START THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTH STAR CENTER LATER THIS FALL AND PLANS TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL SOMETIME IN 2026.

>>> A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, BIT OF GRACE, CREATES SENSORY BAGS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS TO HELP THEM ASSIST ADULTS OR CHILDREN WITH SENSORY REGULATION ISSUES DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.

OUR REPORTER, SYDNEY DICK, MET THEM AS THEY DONATED BAGS IN BEMIDJI.

>> Reporter: BIT OF GRACE HAS MADE ITS WAY TO BEMIDJI, DONATING 25 SENSORY EMERGENCY BAG TO THE FIRST RESPONDERS.

THEY ARE FULLY FUNDED BY DONATIONS AND SELF SPONSORSHIPS.

>> 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT THAT CREATES AND DISTRIBUTES SENSORY EMERGENCY KITS TO PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES.

>> Reporter: THEY HAVE BEEN CREATING THE BAGS FOR NEARLY A YEAR BUT DO NOT WANT TO TAKE CREDIT FOR THE IDEA.

SOME BAGS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN NEW YORK AND THEY SENT AN EXAMPLE TO THEIR AUTISTIC SON OWEN.

>> HE SHARED A KIT WITH US AND OWEN AND WE DID AN INNOCENT FACEBOOK POST AND WE MAGICALLY HAD DONATIONS ROLL IN.

WE KNEW WE NEEDED TO GET ORGANIZED AND BIT OF GRACE WAS BORN.

>> Reporter: THE BAGS ARE PACK WITH SENORY REGULATION TOOLS.

>> STUFFED ANIMALS, WHITE BOARDS, COMMUNICATION CARDS.

HELPS COMMUNICATING AND REGULATING EMOTIONS.

>> Reporter: THE POINT OF THE SENSORY EMERGENCY BAGS IS TO HELP ADULTS OR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM OR OTHER SENSORY REGULATION ISSUES DURING STRESSFUL TIMES.

THERE ARE FIDGET TOYS AND DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IF THE PATIENT IS NON-VERBAL.

THEY DIDN'T EXPECT TO SEE THIS MUCH SUCCESS WITH THEIR OPERATION.

>> PERSONALLY, IT'S HEARTWARMING.

OUR EARLY YEARS WITH OWEN WERE VERY ISOLATING.

SO, TO SEE EVERYONE FROM YOUR NEIGHBOR DOWN THE STREET TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, TO YOUR ADMINISTRATORS IN YOUR SCHOOLS, TO SEE AND VALUE THIS IDEA, IT'S JUST AMAZING.

IT REALLY HELPED US IN OUR COMMUNITY AND WE ARE HELPING THEM IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: REPORTING FROM BEMIDJI, I'M SYDNEY DICK, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> WITH THE 25 BAGS DONATED IN BEMIDJI, BIT OF GRACE HAS NOW DONATED 235 BAGS WITHIN THE LAST YEAR AND THEY ARE HOPING TO SPREAD ALL THROUGH MINNESOTA IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

>>> REFUNDS ARE NOW BEING OFFERED FOR THIS YEAR'S MOONDANCE JAM AFTER ORGANIZERS ANNOUNCED MONDAY THAT THEY HAD DROPPED ALL NATIONAL ACTS FROM THE LINEUP.

A LETTER FROM MOONDANCE JAM OWNER KATHY BIELOH SAYS THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO MEET THE NECESSARY FINANCIAL THRESHOLDS TO PRODUCE A FESTIVAL WITH ACTS ORIGINALLY ADVERTISED.

THESE INCLUDE BANDS LIKE CREED, FOGHAT, KANSAS, AND BLUE OYSTER CULT.

BIELOH ADDED THAT IT WAS NOT EASY TO HAVE TO DISAPPOINT CAMPERS AND THAT LEGALLY.

SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO PUBLICLY RESPOND UNTIL THEY MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT THEY COULD SHARE.

FOR TICKET HOLDERS THAT CHOOSE NOT TO ATTEND, MOONDANCE JAM IS OFFERING A FULL REFUND FOR THIS YEAR'S EVENTS BUT BIELOH ALSO SAYS THAT THEY WILL HOLD CAMP MOONDANCE ON THE SAME DATES, JULY 18TH TO THE 20TH, WITH REGIONAL TALENT, MULTIPLE VENDORS, WINE AND BEER TASTING, AND MORE.

>>> FOR 50 YEARS, ARTS IN THE PARK HAS BEEN A PREMIER ART SHOW IN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA.

LAST SUNDAY, GREGORY PARK SAW HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ATTEND TO LEARN ABOUT LOCAL ARTISTS IN THE AREA.

REPORTER SAMMY HOLLADAY HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: SUNDAY WAS THE 49th RENDITION OF ARTS IN THE PARK.

IT WAS STARTED IN 1974 AND DID NOT OCCUR DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

THE EVENT IS ORGANIZED BY BRAINERD COMMUNITY ACTION AND ARTS IN THE PARK IS GIVING ARTISTS A CHANCE TO DISPLAY THEIR WORK TO THE PUBLIC.

>> IT'S THEIR BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ALLOW THESE ENTREPRENEURS AND THESE SMALL BUSINESSES A WAY TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY.

A LOT OF THESE PEOPLE ARE WORKING ONLINE, YOU KNOW, WORKING OUT OF THE SHOPS AND FACEBOOK.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET IN FRONT OF PEOPLE AND TO CONNECT WITH THEM AND TO DO SO WITH SUCH A WIDE AUDIENCE IS IMPORTANT.

>> Reporter: LOCAL ARTIST DARRELL PETERSON ATTENDED FOR A SECOND YEAR.

EVENTS LIKE THIS DEVELOP A WAY TO CREATE FACE-TO-FACE RELATIONSHIPS WITH POTENTIAL CONSUMERS.

>> IT'S EXCELLENT.

I SOLD MOST OF MY BOOKS IN THIS WAY.

I SOLD OVER 1,500 BOOKS THE FIRST YEAR.

I BET AT LEAST 75% OF THEM WERE SOLD AT EVENTS LIKE THIS.

BEING ABLE TO SHARE MY STORY AND WHEN I TELL MY STORY, PEOPLE START REMEMBERING THEIR OWN STORY AND YOU HAVE A CONNECTION AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW, THEY DECIDE THEY WANT TO BUY A BOOK.

>> Reporter: THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT ARTS IN ART IN THE PARK, IT'S A LOOK AT THE PERSONALIIES OF THE ARTISTS.

>> EVERYONE HAS THEIR SPECIAL THING AND IT'S GREAT THAT EVERYONE CAN SEE THAT AND GO BOOTH TO BOOTH AND IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN SOMEONE ELSE'S MINDSCAPE.

IT'S AMAZING.

>> Reporter: IT HAS BEEN BENEFICIAL FOR LOCAL ARTISTS AND THE COMMUNITY TO SEE HOW RICH THE ART CULTURE IN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA.

>> BRAINERD SUPPORTS THE ARTS AS A WHOLE AND THIS EVENT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SO LONG NOW THAT IT HAS BECOME THE PREMIER ART SHOW OF THE BRAINERD LAKES.

DOING IT IN THE SUMMER JUST BEFORE THE 4th OF JULY, IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET IN FRONT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT FROM THE COMMUNITY AS WELL.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN BRAINERD, SAMMY HOLLADAY, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> IN TOTAL, 90 ARTISTS AND 10 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HAD BOOTHS SET UP FOR THE EVENT.

>>> HURRICANE BERYL HAS STRUCK JAMAICA, BRINGING WHAT METEOROLOGISTS DESCRIBE AS LIFE-THREATENING WINDS AND STORM SURGES TO THE ISLAND.

THIS IS THE FIRST HURRICANE TO HIT THE ISLAND IN 12 YEARS.

AT LEAST 7 DEATHS ARE ATTRIBUTED TO THIS STORM SO FAR.

IT FIRST SLAMMED ASHORE IN GRENADA WITH MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS OF 145 MILES PER HOUR ON MONDAY.

BERYL IS CURRENTLY A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE AND WAS THE EARLIEST CATEGORY 5 RECORDED IN THE ATLANTIC.

BERYL COULD SURPASS HURRICANE GILBERT AS JAMAICA'S WORST HURRICANE EVER.

AFTER JAMAICA, FORECASTERS PREDICT BERYL WILL TAKE A SWIPE AT THE CAYMAN ISLANDS TONIGHT INTO TOMORROW MORNING.

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

>> Stacy: IT WON'T BE AN ALL DAY WASHOUT, WE COULD SEE SOME THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AREA FOR YOUR 4TH OF JULY TOMORROW.

I'LL HAVE THE DETAILS IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, ITASCA STATE PARK HOSTS MANY INTERACTIVE AND FUN LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR >>> IT IS OFFICIALLY SUMMERTIME AT ITASCA STATE PARK, AND THEY HAVE EVENTS ALL THROUGH JULY AND AUGUST FOR KIDS AND ADULTS OF ALL AGES.

OUR REPORTER, SYDNEY DICK WENT TO CHECK OUT SOME OF THE INTERACTIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES THEY HAVE SO FAR.

>> Reporter: ITASCA STATE PARK HAS AN ACTIVITY SCHEDULED THAT SPANS FOR THE REST OF THE SUMMER.

THEY START THEIR PROGRAM THE FIRST TWO WEEKS IN JULY.

>> TODAY WE ARE DOING AN ACTIVITY, TARGETED TOWARDS YOUTH, TOWARDS ENGAGING THE KIDDOS IN THE PARK, AND WE'RE DOING THAT ON LEAF RUBBING.

SO WE'RE STARTING OUT WITH AN EDUCATIONAL PIECE, TALKING ABOUT LEAF IDENTIFICATION, WHY LEAVES ARE IMPORTANT AND THEN WE'RE GETTING THEM HANDS ON AND ENGAGED WITH A CRAFT TO TAKE HOME, WHICH IS LIKE A LEAF RUBBING, A LITTLE TRACING.

BY THE END OF IT, KIDS ARE EXCITED TO DO WHAT THEY'RE DOING.

THEY ARE EXCITED TO BE ENGAGED WITH THE PARK FURTHER.

WHAT WE SEE IS MORE OF A CURIOSITY AND EXCITEMENT TO LEARN BY THE END, WHICH IS VERY EXCITING TO SEE.

>> Reporter: ALSO HAPPENING TODAY WAS A POISON IVY IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION STATION AT ANOTHER SECTION OF THE PARK CLOSER TO THE HEAD WATERS.

THESE EVENTS ARE SPREAD OUT TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE SPARK.

>> LOTS OF TIMES WE WILL HAVE THEM HERE AT THE SWIM BEACH AREA.

OTHER TIMES IF WE ARE HAVING SOMETHING LIKE A CAMPFIRE OR EVENING TALK, WE DO THEM BY THE COUNCIL RING BY THE LAKESIDE MUSEUM.

OTHER TIMES WE WILL HAVE THEM BY THE HEAD WATERS, SO IN THAT GENERAL AREA, THAT IS WHERE WE USUALLY END UP TARGETING LARGER GROUPS OF PEOPLE, MAYBE PEOPLE THAT ARE COMING TO SEE THE PARK FOR THE HEAD WATERS.

>> Reporter: THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS TO DO, SUCH AS BECOMING A JUNIOR NATURALIST, FAMILY FISHING DAYS, AND BIRD WATCHING AND IDENTIFICATION.

THERE ARE ALSO PLENTY OF OTHER EVENTS GEARED TOWARDS ADULTS.

>> WE DO EVERYTHING FROM KIND OF GETTING PEOPLE FAMILIAR WITH PARK HISTORY, THROUGH HISTORICAL BUILDING TOURS AND OPENING OLD-TIMERS CABINS, TO ACTIVITIES LIKE THIS TOWARDS ENGAGING OUR YOUTH AUDIENCES AND GENERAL PARK INFO.

WE DO A LOT ON REALLY IMPORTANT ANIMAL SPECIESES IN THE PARKS, THROUGH CAMPFIRES AND EVENING TALKS.

IT'S REALLY A WIDE RANGE OF THINGS WE DO THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER FOR THE PARK.

>> Reporter: REPORTING FROM ITASCA STATE PARK, I'M SYDNEY DICK, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> EVEN WITH THE HOLIDAY THIS WEEK, ITASCA STATE PARK STILL HAS ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE PARK PLANNED EVERY DAY.

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

THIS YEAR ONCE AGAIN, WE ARE GIVING AWAY A THREE-NIGHT STAY AT CRAGUN'S RESORT NEAR BRAINERD.

TO ENTER THE DRAWING YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR MAIL US A POSTCARD WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER.

THEN YOU JUST NEED TO WATCH LAKELAND NEWS AND CALL US BY 5:00 P.M.

THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY TO QUALIFY.

HERE'S A LOOK AT TONIGHT'S FIVE POTENTIAL QUALIFIERS.

IF YOU SEE YOUR NAME, CALL THE NUMBER ON THE SCREEN BEFORE THE END OF THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY AND YOU WILL HAVE A SHOT AT BEING OUR 2024 CRAGUN'S VACATION GRAND PRIZE WINNER.

>>> WELL STACY, IT WAS VERY BEAUTIFUL FOR THE MOST OF THE DAY AND THEN COMING IN TO FILL THE SHOW TODAY, I FELT SOME RAIN DROPS.

HOPEFULLY IT WON'T HAPPEN TOMORROW.

>> Stacy: IT IS A POSSIBILITY.

WE HAVE CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, ESPECIALLY IN THE AFTERNOON TOMORROW.

WE WILL HAVE TO KEEP THAT IN MIND AS WE PLAN OUR ACTIVITIES TOMORROW.

AGAIN, THE UNSETTLED WEATHER CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEKEND >> 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 ENJOY SOME SUNSHINE TODAY, BUT A FEW OF ETC.

-- US EXPERIENCED SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.

IT WILL BE QUIET OVERNIGHT, THE SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY SHOULD COME TO AN END.

AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW, ESPECIALLY TOMORROW AFTERNOON, MORE CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE BACK.

THE BEST CHANCE WILL BE IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA AND THEN AGAIN OUR UNSETTLED SHOWER CHANCE WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK.

IN BEMIDJI, IT'S 62 AT THE AIRPORT, WINDS ARE WEST AT 5 MILES PER HOUR, THE DEW POINT IS 60 AND HUMIDITY IS AT 93%.

IN BRAINERD, WE HAVE CLEAR SKIES, 73 DEGREES, DEW POINT IS 56.

WE HAVE A FALLING BAROMETRIC PRESSURE WITH WINDS FROM THE WEST AT 5.

TAKING A LOOK AT OUR RADAR, OVERALL, PRETTY QUIET.

AS YOU CAN SEE, WE HAD THIS LINE OF SHOWERS AND A THUNDERSTORM OR TWO DEVELOPING IN OUR VIEWING AREA.

YOU CAN SEE IT IS SLOWLY MAKING ITS WAY TO THE EAST.

IT SHOULD DIMINISH OR MOVE OUT OF THE AREA AS WE HEAD INTO THE OVERNIGHT.

QUIETER WEATHER WILL BE BACK OVERNIGHT TONIGHT.

HOWEVER, AS WE LOOK AT TOMORROW, WE WILL HAVE CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS RETURNING.

THERE IS A CHANCE IN THE MORNING AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA, AND THEN BY THE AFTERNOON, IT WILL SPREAD ACROSS THE AREA.

THE BEST CHANCE OF SEEING ANY SHOWER AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY WILL BE IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE.

TEMPERATURE-WISE, PLEASANT.

SO IF WE CAN DODGE THOSE SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, IT LOOKS LIKE A PRETTY NICE DAY FOR US, FOR OUR 4TH OF JULY.

TAKING A LOOK AT OUR WEATHER SHOTS SENT TO US FROM OUR EAGLE EYES TONIGHT.

A BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE OVER LOWER RED LAKE.

JOAN SPOTTING A VISITOR TO THE CABIN IN LAPORTE THIS MORNING.

ANGELA FROM CASS LAKE WITH SOME NICE SKIES, NICE SUNSET THERE.

SARAH AT LAKE EDWARD ALSO WITH A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET OVER THE LAKE.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THOSE TONIGHT.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORT, STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD REPORTING MOSTLY CLEAR SKIES TONIGHT, A HIGH OF 80.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, MOSTLY SUNNY, WITH A HIGH OF 78.

JOAN IN LAPORTE, TOPPING OUT AT 77.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, SUN AND WINDY, 78 FOR THE HIGH.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, MOSTLY CLEAR SKIES WITH A HIGH OF 77.

ON OUR ALMANAC, BRAINERD REACHING A HIGH OF 81.

THAT IS OUR AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE AND WE WERE CLOSE TO OUR AVERAGE LOW.

WE BOTTOMED OUT TODAY AT 60.

ACTUALLY, IT'S A VERY TYPICAL DAY IN BEMIDJI AS WELL, 78 FOR THE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

THAT IS THE AVERAGE.

OUR LOW TEMPERATURE IS 59, 1 DEGREE ABOVE THE AVERAGE LOW, SUNSET AT 9:19.

EXPECT TO SEE CLOUDS THROUGHOUT THE AREA AND A SMALL CHANCE OF SEEING SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY IN THE AFTERNOON.

HIGHS WILL RANGE FROM THE MID TO UPPER 70s.

HEADING INTO THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE, WE WILL HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE CLOUD COVER, ALSO A BETTER CHANCE OF SEEING SOME SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE MORNING AND THEN MORE IN THE AFTERNOON.

IT WILL BE AROUND 72 IN LITTLE FALLS.

HERE'S OUR FORECAST, VARIABLE CLOUDS FOR TONIGHT, LOWS NEAR 55, WINDS VARIABLE AT 10 MILES PER HOUR, UP TO 10 MILES PER HOUR.

STILL LOOKING AT THE MIX OF CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE TOMORROW, BUT SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE, BETTER CHANCE IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

HIGHS WILL BE NEAR 76 AND VARIABLE WINDS UP TO 10.

LOOKING AT THE REST OF THE WEEKEND FORECAST, AS I MENTIONED, WE STILL HAVE CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

OUTSIDE OF THAT, EXPECT TO SEE THAT MIX OF CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE WITH HIGHS IN THE MID TO UPPER 70s, AND THAT IS WHERE WE'RE GOING TO STAY ON MONDAY.

STILL AGAIN, THAT CHANCE FOR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

BACK TO YOU.

>> Matthew: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

WE HAVE CHARLIE YAEGER WITH US, WHO I BELIEVE HAS SOME WORD WITH THE MINNESOTA TIMBER WOLVES DRAFT CLASS.

>> Charlie: YES, NOW THAT THEY'RE HERE IN MINNESOTA, SO WE GET TO HEAR FROM THEM AND HOW IT FEELS TO BE A TIMBER WOLF GOING FORWARD.

WE HAVE MORE ON THAT >> 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.

>> HEALTH MINUTE IS SPONSORED IN PART BY EMPLOYEE-OWNED LUEKEN'S VILLAGE FOODS, FEATURING THE AREA'S LARGEST SELECTION OF SEAFOOD AND HIGHEST QUALITY MEATS.

MORE INFO AT LUEKENS.COM.

>> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >>> NOW THAT THE DUST HAS SETTLED AFTER THE NBA DRAFT, THE TIMBERWOLVES HELD A PRESSER TODAY INTRODUCING THEIR TWO NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE SQUAD.

NUMBER 8 PICK POINT GUARD ROB DILLINGHAM FROM KENTUCKY AND THE 27TH PICK SHOOTING GUARD TERRANCE SHANNON JUNIOR EXPRESSED THEIR GRATITUDE AND EXCITEMENT OF JOINING THE TEAM.

>> I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD GO AS A CONTENDER RIGHT OFF.

ME GOING TO THE TIMBERWOLVES, IT WAS A BLESSING, I LEARNING FROM SO MANY MEMBERS OF THE TEAM.

TALKING TO COACH, HE MADE ME FEEL COMFORTABLE.

HE SAID I WILL HAVE A ROLE AS LONG AS I HAVE RESPONSIBILITY.

>> BLESSED THAT THEY WILL TAKE THE CHANCE ON ME AND GOING TO MINNESOTA, KNOWING I PLAYED HERE BEFORE IN THE TARGET CENTER.

I WAS HAPPY AND GRATEFUL AND BLESSED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

I WAS HAPPY AND EXCITED.

>> THE FEELING IS MUTUAL FROM THE TIMBERWOLVES.

DESPITE DILLINGHAM BEING UNDERSIZED AT JUST 6'1", 170, THEY BELIEVE HE HAS STAR CAPABILITY AND WILL MOST LIKELY BACK UP MIKE CONLEY JUNIOR IMMEDIATELY.

WHILE SHANNON PROVIDES THE SCORING COMPLIMENT FOR ANTHONY EDWARDS THAT MINNESOTA MISSED IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS AGAINST THE MAVERICKS.

>> BOTH PLAYERS BRING A DIMENSION THAT WE CAN USE, EXPLOSIVE, LOVE TO PLAY IN THE OPEN COURT, LIVE IN THE PAINT, A SCORING MINDSET.

WE FEEL THAT AS WE LOOK AT WHERE WE HAVE FALLEN A LITTLE SHORT LAST SEASON, WE WERE ABLE TO ADDRESS A LOT OF THOSE NEEDS IN THE DRAFT AND EXCITED TO GET THEM ONBOARD AND WATCH THEIR JOURNEY BEGIN.

>>> THE TIMBERWOLVES WERE ALSO BUSY ON THE FREE AGENCY FRONT TODAY SIGNING FORWARD JOE INGLES TO A ONE-YEAR DEAL.

HE SPENT 8 SEASONS WITH THE UTAH JAZZ BEFORE HEADING TO MILWAUKEE FOR A YEAR AND THEN PLAYING LAST YEAR WITH ORLANDO.

THEY ALSO PICKED UP P.J.

DOZIER ON A ONE YEAR DEAL.

HE SPENT LAST YEAR NURSING A TORN ACL BUT PRIOR TO THAT HAD STINTS WITH OKC, BOSTON, DENVER, AND SACRAMENTO.

>>> GRAND RAPIDS JACK PEART, WHO WAS DRAFTED BY THE WILD IN THE SECOND ROUND BACK IN 2021, IS BACK AT DEVELOPMENTAL CAMP WITH THE CLUB.

THE DEFENSMAN HAS SPENT THE PAST THREE YEARS PLAYING AT SAINT CLOUD STATE, AMASSING 55 POINTS AND BLOCKING 113 SHOTS BEFORE JOINING THE IOWA WILD OF THE AHL FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 2023-2024 SEASON AFTER INKING A 3-YEAR ENTRY LEVEL DEAL WITH THE TEAM.

>>> WELL, THE MINNESOTA TWINS HAVE SPENT PLENTY OF TIME IN THE WIN COLUMN LATELY, WINNING 14 OF THEIR LAST 20 GAMES.

THEY ARE DOING IT WITH THE HELP OF THE LONG BALL BECAUSE THEY HOMERED IN 20 STRAIGHT GAMES, A FRANCHISE RECORD.

THEY WILL TRY TO EXTEND THAT TONIGHT AGAINST THE TIGERS.

THEY HAVE TO DO THAT AFTER THE THIRD BASEMAN.

DETROIT AFTERNOONS LESS THAN 3 RUNS PER GAME, BUT CARSON KELLY WITH THE BASES LOADED, THAT'S 4 RUNS.

WE CALL THAT AN IMPROVEMENT.

IT'S 5-0 WHERE CHRISTIAN GETS ONE BACK, EXTENDS THE HOME RUN STREET TO 21 GAMES.

THE TWINKIES ARE ON THE BOARD.

IT WILL DO LITTLE TO HELP TONIGHT.

RILEY WITH A MAN ON, AND THE TIGERS MORE THAN TRIPLE THEIR AVERAGE RUNS PER GAME, BEATING THE TWINS 9-2.

MINNESOTA WILL NEED A WIN TOMORROW TO EXTEND THEIR WIN STREAK TO FOUR.

>>> NOW SOME SECOND ROUND WIMBLEDON ACTION.

WOMEN'S SINGLES, THE FIRST SET, SHE WINS HER FIFTH GAME THERE AND AN UNRETURNED SERVE.

SHE WINS THE MATCH.

LATER NAOMI REPRESENTING JAPAN, AND EMMA FROM U.S.A.

GOING AT IT.

HERE SHE WOULD DOMINATE THE SECOND SET AS WELL.

6-1, WINNING THE MATCH.

A FEW AMERICAN MEN WOULD MOVE ON TO THE THIRD ROUND AS WELL.

HE WILL HAVE TO PLAY THE WORLD'S BEST ON FRIDAY.

THAT WILL BE A TOUGH MATCH UP.

>> Matthew: I'M SURE IT WILL BE.

GOING BACK TO THE TWINS, HOW ARE THEY ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS AND ONE OF THE WORST TEAMS IN THE MLB?

>> Charlie: THAT'S A TWINS THING.

I'VE ONLY BEEN HERE FOR A YEAR AND A HALF.

PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN HERE LONGER KNOW MORE ABOUT THE TWINS.

>> Matthew: THANK YOU CHARLIE.

>>> IT'S A TIME FOR GRILLING OUT AND GATHERING WITH FRIENDS, CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY, BUT EXPERTS URGE YOU NOT TO TAKE A BREAK FROM FOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AS RATES OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS TEND TO GO UP DURING HOT SUMMER MONTHS.

IN TODAY'S HEALTH MINUTE, MANDY GAITHER HAS FOUR STEPS TO AVOID COMMON MISTAKES THIS 4TH OF JULY.

>> Reporter: GET RIDDY -- READY FOR THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE, AND IF YOU'RE GETTING TOGETHER, DON'T LET UNSAFE FOOD BLOW UP YOUR PLANS.

>> WE WILL START WITH OUR FOUR STEPS TO FOOD SAFETY.

THIS IS CLEAN, SEPARATE, COOK, AND CHILL.

>> Reporter: THE USDA SAYS CLEAN STARTS WITH HANDS.

MAKE SURE YOU'RE WASHING THEM BEFOREHANDING FOOD.

SEPARATE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION, KEEP RAW MEET AND POULTRY SEPARATE FROM OTHER FOOD, GOING FOR CUTTING BOARDS AND PLATES AND OTHER SERVICES USE IN THE COOKING PROCESS.

>> WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE USING ONE PLATE TO TRANSFER THE RAW MEAT.

WHEN YOU'RE PUTTING THE COOKED MEAT FROM THE GRILL ON TO A CLEAN PLATE.

>> Reporter: MAKE SURE YOUR MEAT REACHES A SAFE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE, WHICH VARIES BASED ON WHAT YOU'RE GRILLING.

>> IF YOU'RE COOKING CHICKEN WINGS, YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY REACH 165 DEGREES BY MEASURING IT WITH A FOOD THERMOMETER.

>> Reporter: AND FINALLY KILL, MAKE SURE ANY UNPERISHABLE FOOD IS PUT BACK IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR ON ICE.

>> THAT'S WHEN BACTERIA GROWS RAPIDLY ON THE FOOD.

THE FOOD WILL LOOK PERFECTLY FINE, BUT IN REALITY, THERE ARE A LOT OF FOODBORNE ILLNESSES CAUSING BACTERIA INSIDE THE FOOD THAT CAN GET US SICK.

>> Reporter: FOR HEALTH MINUTE, I'M MANDY UHRICH.

-- MANDY GAITHER.

>> THE USDA HAS INFORMATION ON THE SAFE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE DIFFERENT MEATS SHOULD REACH BEFORE EATING AND OTHER TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE THIS HOLIDAY ON ITS WEBSITE, THAT'S FOODSAFETY.GOV.

>>> WE HAVE SOME EXTRA TIME SO WE'LL GO TO STACY WITH THE WEATHER.

>> Stacy: IT WILL BE CLOUDY OVERNIGHT, LOOK FOR VARIABLE CLOUDS, LOWS NEAR 5, WINDS VARIABLE UP TO 10 MILES PER HOUR.

HEADING INTO TOMORROW, WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE THE MIX OF CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE, BUT SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS COULD DEVELOP, A FEW IN THE MORNING, BUT ESPECIALLY IN THE AFTERNOON AND THE BEST CHANCE WILL BE IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE.

HIGHS NEAR 76, VARIABLE WINDS UP TO 10, AND THEN WE HAVE MORE CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS HEADING INTO THE WEEKEND.

>> Charlie: GOING BACK TO THE TIMBERWOLVES DRAFT, TIMBERWOLVES FANS MUST BE HAPPY.

I THINK THEY WILL BE PLEASED WITH HIM.

>> Matthew: I THINK SO TOO.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING.

WE WILL BE OFF TOMORROW BUT WE WILL BE BACK ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND WE'LL SEE YOU THEN.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

GOODBYE.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

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