>> 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.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >> Josh: GOOD EVENING EVERYONE, I'M JOSH PETERSON IN FOR DENNIS WEIMANN.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

>>> AFTER SEVERE WEATHER AND A CONFIRMED TORNADO SWEPT ACROSS CROW WING AND AITKIN COUNTIES, THE RED CROSS IS NOW OFFERING SUPPORT FOR THOSE IN NEED.

THE RED CROSS HAS MOBILIZED VOLUNTEERS AND RESOURCES TO WORK ALONG SIDE LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN AREAS THAT WERE IMPACTED TO HELP ASSES COMMUNITY NEEDS.

SOME OF THE VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ASSESSING THE RESIDENTIAL DAMAGE IN AFFECTED COMMUNITIES WHILE OTHERS WILL DISTRIBUTE SNACKS AND WATER TO PEOPLE CLEANING UP ACROSS THE WIDESPREAD, RURAL AREA.

AS PART OF THIS DISASTER OPERATION, OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE INCLUDE HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, AND SPIRITUAL CARE NEEDS.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE STORM AND NEED HELP, YOU ARE ASKED TO CONTACT 1-800-RED-CROSS.

>>> THE NORTHLAND ARBORETUM IN BAXTER IS ADDING A NATURAL PLAYSCAPE PLAYGROUND TO ITS PREMISES.

SAMMY HOLLADAY WAS THERE FOR THE GROUND BREAKING AND SHOWS US HOW THIS IS JUST ONE OF MANY NEW FEATURES BEING ADDED IN RECENT YEARS.

>> Reporter: THE NEW NATURE PLAYSCAPE WILL BE AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND WHERE CHILDREN CAN ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AND LEARN ABOUT NATURE.

THE VAST PROPERTY COULD USE MORE FEATURES CATERED TOWARDS A YOUNGER CROWD.

>> WE HAVE 13 MILES OF TRAIL OUT HERE THAT IS WELL DEVELOPED, BUT IT'S NOT PALATABLE FOR A 5 OR 7-YEAR-OLD.

THE COMMUNITY IS REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROJECT.

WE NEVER HAD SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA EXCITEMENT.

WE HAD OVER 300 LIKES ON THE FIRST DAY AND 50 SHARES.

IT REALLY TELLS ME THAT WE WERE MISSING OUT ON A MARKET AND THIS PLAYGROUND WILL BE AMAZING FOR THE KIDS IN THIS COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: BUILDING A PLAYGROUND REQUIRES A LOT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT, BUT THIS PROJECT IS FULLY FUNDED THANKS TO SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

>> SO WE JUST HAVE ALL THESE GREAT COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND AS IT CONTINUES TO SPREAD THROUGH THE COMMUNITY, THEY WANT TO SEE MORE, MORE RECREATION DEVELOPMENT, MORE EXCITEMENT, MORE THINGS TO DO AT THE ARBORETUM ACROSS A GREATER DEMOGRAPHIC.

>> Reporter: RECEIVING THIS FINANCIAL SUPPORT REQUIRES TRUST, WITH THE SUCCESS OF THE GARDEN EXPANSION, AND OTHER FEATURES, THE ARBORETUM KEEPS DONORS ASSURED THAT THE MONEY IS WELL SPENT AND THE TEAM IS EXCITED TO ADD MORE THINGS FOR LOCALS TO ENJOY.

>> A LOT OF ORGANIZATIONS DO NOT GET THE TYPE OF SUPPORT WE RECEIVE AND I THINK IT'S BECAUSE WE FOLLOW THROUGH.

WHEN PEOPLE PUT THEIR TRUST AND FAITH IN US, WE MAKE IT HAPPEN.

THAT'S THE CULTURE AROUND HERE.

WE GET AFTER IT.

IF YOU COME OUT OF HERE, THERE IS A LOT OF EQUIPMENT, A LOT OF THINGS HAPPENING, A LOT OF GARDENS BEING RENOVATED, IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE PLAYSCAPE BUT EVERYTHING WE DO.

WE JUST LIKE TO GET AFTER IT.

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

>> THE PLAYGROUND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS FALL.

>>> ST.

CLOUD STATE HAS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PROGRAM AND FACULTY CUTS IN AN EFFORT TO BALANCE ITS BUDGET.

THE UNIVERSITY SUFFERED AN $18 MILLION OPERATING LOSS IN 2023 AND IS PROJECTED TO LOSE $15 MILLION THIS YEAR.

ACTING UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT LARRY LEE ANNOUNCED THE SPECIFIC CUTS IN A LETTER TO THE ST.

CLOUD STATE COMMUNITY.

42 DEGREE PROGRAMS AND 54 FACULTY MEMBERS WILL BE ELIMINATED 50 MINOR PROGRAMS WILL ALSO BE ELIMINATED.

THE CUTS WILL DECREASE FULL TIME FACULTY BY 13-PERCENT.

ST.

CLOUD STATE OFFICIALS SAY DROPPING ENROLLMENT NUMBERS HAVE LED TO THEIR BUDGET ISSUES.

ENROLLMENT AT THE SCHOOL PEAKED IN 2010 AT A LITTLE MORE THAN 18,000 STUDENTS.

IT NOW HAS AROUND 10,000 STUDENTS.

>>> IN A LETTER SENT TO COMCAST'S C.E.O.

EARLIER THIS WEEK, U.S.

SENATOR TINA SMITH CRITICIZED THE CABLE COMPANY FOR DROPPING BALLY SPORTS CHANNELS NATIONWIDE, A MOVE THAT HAS LEFT THOUSANDS OF MINNESOTA TWINS FANS WITHOUT ACCESS TO THEIR GAMES.

BECAUSE COMCAST IS IN A JOINT VENTURE WITH CABLE PROVIDER MIDCO, WHO DROPPED BALLY SPORTS NORTH ON MAY 1ST.

THOSE WHO HAVE MIDCO CAN'T VIEW ANY TWINS GAMES ON THAT SERVICE.

THE OWNER OF BALLY SPORTS IS CURRENTLY IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS AND HAS DECLINED SEVERAL OPTIONS TO CONTINUE CARRYING THOSE NETWORKS.

>> THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THIS STATE THAT DON'T RELY ON COMCAST FOR THEIR CABLE AND ARE ABLE TO WATCH THE GAME.

THAT'S GREAT.

IF YOU GET YOUR CABLE ANOTHER WAY THAN MIDCO, YOU CAN WATCH THE GAME.

PEOPLE ARE FRUSTRATED BY THIS.

THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND OR CARE ABOUT THESE COMPLEX NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN BIG COMPANIES.

THEY JUST CAN'T BELIEVE IT WHEN THEY GO TO WATCH A BASEBALL GAME AND THEY CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE, WHICH IS WHY I JUST THINK WE SHOULD RESOLVE THESE DISPUTES.

TIME IS A WASTING, WE'RE PRACTICALLY TO THE MIDDLE OF JUNE AND THE SEASON IS PASSING US BY AND PEOPLE WANT TO WATCH THE GAME.

>> MIDCO SERVICES OVER 40,000 CUSTOMERS ACROSS FIVE STATES IN THE UPPER MIDWEST, BUT UNTIL A DEAL IS STRUCK WITH COMCAST, FANS WILL HAVE TO LOOK ELSEWHERE TO WATCH THE TWINS PLAY.

>>> LAST NIGHT WE TOLD YOU ABOUT A NEW PELLET PLANT.

U.S. STEEL RECENTLY OPENED IN KEEWATER BUT THAT PLANT MAY NOT BE UNDER U.S. STEEL FOR LONG.

LAST DECEMBER A JAPANESE STEEL MAKER AGREED TO ACQUIRE U.S. STEEL AT A 40 PERCENT PREMIUM TO ITS STOCK PRICE.

A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO U.S STEEL AND NIPPON STEEL ANNOUNCED THAT THEY HAVE RECEIVED ALL REGULATORY APPROVALS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES RELATED TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

KAOMI LEE FROM TWIN CITIES PBS'S ALMANAC HAS A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SITUATION.

>> Reporter: NIPPON STEEL OF JAPAN OFFERED TO BUY U.S. STEEL IN CASH FOR $14.9 BILLION.

PRESIDENT BIDEN AND DONALD TRUMP OPPOSED THE DEAL.

U.S. STEEL AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS HOWEVER, ARE CLEARLY WON OVER.

>> THIS IS GREAT FOR U.S. STEEL.

>> U.S. STEEL REMAINS TRUE TO ITS BRAND.

>> Reporter: THEY'RE SAYING VERY LITTLE ABOUT THE DEAL, UNDERSCORING HOW SENSITIVE IT IS.

HERE AT STEELWORKERS 1938, LEADERSHIP DID WANT TO TALK.

THE UNION REPRESENTS 1,300 WORKERS NATIONWIDE, STEELWORKERS ARE AGAINST THE DEAL.

>> WHY WOULD THIS POTENTIAL DEAL BE BAD FOR YOUR MEMBERS?

>> POSSIBLE BROKEN PROMISES THAT WE'RE HEARING ABOUT BY NIPPON AND U.S. STEEL.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSORSHIP IN PLACE AND WE HAVE BEEN OUT THERE FOR MEETINGS.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING AND WHAT THEY'RE SENDING OUT FOR LITERATURE IS NOT WHAT THEY'RE TELLING OUR INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP.

>> Reporter: OF TOP CONCERN IS RETIREE PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS, THE GOLDEN PROMISE FOR THOUSANDS OF UNION MEMBERS, RETIREES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

>> IT'S THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE THEIR MAJORITY OF THEIR LIVES INVESTED IN THESE PLACES.

THEY'RE COUNTING ON WORKING UNTIL RETIREMENT OR THEY ARE CLOSE TO THEIR RETIREMENT.

>> Reporter: NIPPON STEEL DID NOT RESPOND TO OUR INTERVIEW REQUEST BUT THEY DID SAY THAT THE GOAL FOR THE TRANSACTION HAS BEEN CLEAR AND CONSISTENT, TO PROTECT AND GROW U.S. STEEL.

WE'RE CONFIDENT THIS TRANSACTION WILL BE TO THE BENEFIT FOR ALL U.S. STEEL STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDING CUSTOMERS, EMPLOYEES, SUPPLIERS, AND COMMUNITIES.

THE COMPANY SAID THEY CLEARED NON-U.S. REGULATORY APPROVAL BUT THE SALE FACES SCRUTINY FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT.

U.S. STEEL AND ITS UNION WILL MEET IN ARBITRATION ON AUGUST 15TH OVER CONTRACT GRIEVANCES.

THE LABOR AGREEMENT RUNS UNTIL 2026.

NIPPON STEEL SAYS THEY EXPECT TO CLOSE THE DEAL THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR.

THEY WILL HONOR THE LABOR AGREEMENT AND THERE WILL BE NO LAYOFFS BUT UNION LOCAL LEADERS AREN'T CONVINCED.

>> WE KNOW THE UP AND DOWNS OF STEEL MAKING AND MINES.

IT CAN HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES.

>> NO LAYOFFS UNTIL 2026.

>> YES.

>>KY TELL YOU THE MAJORITY OF OUR MEMBERS LOOKED AT IT AND SAYS THERE ARE NO LAYOFFS UNTIL THE CONTRACT EXPIRES.

>> ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM U.S. STEEL, THE TRANSACTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR.

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

>> Stacy: WE'LL HAVE SUNNY AND QUIET WEATHER TOMORROW BUT CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE BACK FOR THE WEEKEND.

I'LL HAVE THE DETAILS IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, WE'RE BOBBING FOR SOLUTIONS WITH RAY AND >> 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.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >>> FLAG DAY IS A DAY TO CELEBRATE THE MANY VERSIONS OF THE UNITED STATES FLAGS THAT HAVE BEEN FLOWN OVER THE COUNTRY SINCE ITS FOUNDING.

BEMIDJI ELKS LODGE NUMBER 1052 IS HOSTING A CEREMONY TO SHOWCASE THE COLORFUL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FLAG.

THE CEREMONY WILL GO THROUGH ALL OF THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE AMERICAN FLAG THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES.

ITS A RITUAL THE ELKS HAVE BEEN DOING FOR MANY YEARS AND IS CONSIDERED A NATIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE LODGE.

THE IDEA OF FLAG DAY WAS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED BY PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON IN 1916 AND MADE INTO AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY BY PRESIDENT HARRY TRUMAN.

THE DAYS PURPOSE IS NOT ONLY TO APPRECIATE THE SYMBOL OF THE COUNTRY, BUT ALSO TO REMEMBER ITS VETERANS.

>> THEY PRESENT THE FLAGS.

WE HAVE THE SINGING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.

THEN AFTER THE ELKS ARE DONE WITH THEIR PORTION, WE FORM UP THE LEGION HONOR GUARD AND IF ANY OF THE SCOUTS OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS SHOW UP IN THEIR UNIFORMS, I TRY TO UTILIZE THEM AS WELL IN THE FORMATION AND THEN WE GO THROUGH THE RITUAL OF THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE AMERICAN FLAG.

>> THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH, AT 11:00 A.M. AT RALPH GRACIE MEMORIAL PARK.

THE BEMIDJI ELKS LODGE ASKS THAT YOU BRING A CHAIR, AND EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

THEY ARE HOLDING A RETIREMENT CEREMONY AT 5:00 P.M. >>> 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, NOT A BAD TURNOUT FOR TODAY'S WEATHER, BUT NOT TOO BAD LOOKING FOR THE WEEKEND EITHER.

>> Stacy: TOMORROW IS LOOKING NICE.

WE WILL HAVE SUNSHINE AND QUIET WEATHER, BUT CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE BACK THIS WEEKEND AND THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR >> 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: WE HAD A MIX OF CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE ACROSS THE AREA TODAY.

A LITTLE BIT ON THE BREEZY SIDE AS WELL.

AS WE HEAD INTO THE OVERNIGHT, THE WINDS ARE DIMINISHING, WE WILL HAVE A QUIET DAY TOMORROW, A LOT OF SUNSHINE AND NICE TEMPERATURES, BUT WE HAVE CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS RETURNING AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS NEXT WEEK.

RIGHT NOW IN BEMIDJI, 64 AT THE AIRPORT.

AT THE STUDIO, WINDS ARE NORTH AT 5 MILES PER HOUR.

THE DEW POINT IS 49, HUMIDITY IS AT 58%.

IN BRAINERD, WE HAVE CLEAR SKIES, STILL 72 DEGREES, THE DEW POINT IS 47, PRESSURE IS RISING, AND WINDS ARE NORTHWEST AT 8 MILES PER HOUR.

IT IS QUIET ON THE RADAR THIS EVENING.

IT'S GOING TO BE A QUIET NIGHT TONIGHT.

THE WINDS ARE STARTING TO DIMINISH, SO WE WILL HAVE THE WINDS AT 10 MILES PER HOUR, CLEAR TO PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES TONIGHT, PLENTY OF SUNSHINE THROUGHOUT THE AREA TOMORROW.

AGAIN, IT'S NOT MUCH IN THE WAY OF WIND AND THE TEMPERATURES SHOULD TOP OUT IN THE MID TO UPPER 70s.

HOWEVER AS WE HEAD TOWARDS THE WEEKEND, WE WILL SEE THE NEXT ROUND OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS MOVING IN, REACHING THE AREA TOMORROW NIGHT, BUT CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE WITH US SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

SOME WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU TONIGHT, ARLENE SENDING US THIS PHOTO OF A BEAUTIFUL MORNING SKY IN MENAHGA.

SANDRA WITH A BEAUTIFUL DAY, NICE SUNSHINE NEAR BEMIDJI.

JOAN WITH A PICTURE OF FLOWERS IN BLOOM.

SAMROSE SENDING US THIS PHOTO OF LOWER RED LAKE.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THOSE TONIGHT.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORT, ARLENE IN MENAHGA, 56 AND CALM THIS MORNING.

SANDRA NEAR BEMIDJI, 73 THIS AFTERNOON.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD REPORTING SCATTERED CLOUDS, HIGH OF 81.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, SUN WITH A WEST WIND, TOPPING OUT AT 78.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, SUN AND WINDY TODAY.

JOAN IN LAPORTE, MOSTLY SUNNY AND 72.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE REPORTING CLOUDY SKIES TONIGHT, A HIGH OF 75.

ON OUR ALMANAC, BRAINERD REACHING 83, WE'RE SEEING ABOVE AVERAGE TEMPERATURES.

THE LOW TODAY WAS 58.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH OF 76, SO WE'RE VERY MUCH ON TARGET WITH THE AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE, 56 FOR THE LOW, 9:18 IS THE SUNSET.

HERE'S OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, WE WILL ENJOY A LOT OF SUNSHINE AND SOME NICE TEMPERATURES, SOME NICE JUNE TEMPERATURES OUT THERE WITH HIGHS IN THE MID TO UPPER 70s ACROSS NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA, PRETTY MUCH THE SAME THING, PLENTY OF SUNSHINE, UPPER 70s FOR OUR HIGH TEMPERATURES, BUT AGAIN AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND, EXPECT TO SEE SOME CHANCES OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SO HERE'S OUR FORECAST, CLEAR TO PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES TONIGHT, LOWS NEAR 51, VARIABLE WINDS AT 10 MILES PER HOUR.

TOMORROW, MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, WEST WINDS UP TO 10.

LOOKING AT THE REST OF THE WEEKEND FORECAST, WE DO HAVE SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BACK IN THE FORECAST ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AND ANOTHER WARM UP WITH HIGHS IN THE LOW TO MID-80s BY THE END OF THE WEEKEND.

THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR STRONG OR SEVERE STORMS, POSSIBLY SOME ON MONDAY, HIGHS NEAR 75, ON TUESDAY ANOTHER CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS, HIGHS NEAR 80.

BACK TO YOU JOSH.

>> Josh: THANK YOU VERY MUCH STACY.

HISTORY MAY BE REPEATING ITSELF IN THE STATE HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENT.

>> Charlie: YES, GRAND RAPIDS IS BACK AND LITTLE FALLS IS BACK.

WE HAVE HIGHLIGHT FROM THE CLASS 3A STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >> 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.

>> FISHING TIPS SPONSORED IN PART BY CROW WING POWER.

MORE AT CWPOWER.COM.

>> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

>>> DÉJÀ VU MIGHT BE AN APPROPRIATE WAY TO DESCRIBE GRAND RAPIDS BASEBALL.

FOR THE FOURTH STRAIGHT SEASON THEY ARE BACK AT THE CLASS 3A STATE TOURNAMENT AND FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, THEY WENT IN UNSEEDED, HAVING TO FACE THE NUMBER TWO SEED IN THE QUARTERFINAL.

AND ONCE AGAIN, THE THUNDERHAWKS WOULD CALL ON LEFTY EASTON SJOSTRAND TO TAKE THE HILL AND HOLD THE OPPOSITION AT BAY WHILE THEIR RED-HOT BATS GOT TO WORK ON THE OFFENSIVE SIDE OF THE PLATE.

GRAND RAPIDS TAKING ON MANKATO EAST.

THE TWO TEAMS HAVE NEVER FACED OFF UNTIL TODAY'S QUARTERFINAL MATCH-UP.

TOP SECOND, MAN ON SECOND FOR EASTON SJOSTRAND, RIPS IT TO LEFT, DRIVES IN KLOUS JONES.

1-0 GRAND RAPIDS.

BOTTOM FRAME, MAN ON FOR CARSEN HART, SENDS ONE TO THE WALL.

NATHAN BRIDGER COMES IN TO TIE THE GAME.

SAME INNING, TWO ON FOR OWEN STOOTMAN FINDS OUTFIELD GRASS.

PEYTON MCCORMICK SCORES.

COUGARS TAKE A 2-1 LEAD.

TOP FOURTH, MAN ON THIRD FOR SAM DICK, GROUNDS OUT BUT GOOD ENOUGH TO BRING IN DOMINIC BROBERG, KNOTS THINGS BACK UP AT TWO APIECE.

TOP FIFTH, MAN ON SECOND FOR JAKE GARSKI.

THAT'S GONNA BE AN R.B.I.

DOUBLE, HIS SECOND DOUBLE OF THE GAME.

CALEB GUNDERSON SCORES.

3-2 T-HAWKS.

NEXT BATTER KYLER MILLER.

HE'S GONNA TRADE PLACES WITH GARSKI.

BACK-TO-BACK DOUBLES MAKES IT 4-2.

BOTTOM SEVENTH, 4-3 NOW, TYING RUN AT THE PLATE BUT SJOSTRAND CATCHES STOOTMAN LOOKING TO FINISH OFF THE COUGS.

AND GRAND RAPIDS REACHES THE CLASS 3-A SEMIFINAL FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

DÉJÀ VU AM I RIGHT?

AND THEY DID IT BEHIND SJOSTRAND'S HIS COMPLETE GAME, 8-STRIKE OUT PERFORMANCE, AND SOME TIMELY HITTING ON OFFENSE.

>> YEAH, THE OFFENSE WORKED REALLY GOOD.

JUST HAVE TO GET AHEAD.

THEY ALWAYS LOVE IT WHEN I PITCH BECAUSE I ALWAYS THROW STRIKES AND THEY CAN ALWAYS BE AHEAD AND READY FOR THE PLAY.

>> WHEN YOU WALK AT BAT, JUST PUT THE BALL IN PLAY AND LET THEM MAKE THE PLAY.

WHEN YOU WALK UP THERE, BE CONFIDENT AND SWING AT PITCHES IN THE ZONE.

>> WE BUNTED THE BALL WHEN WE HAD TO.

WE HAD A COUPLE OF BUNT BASED HITS AND WE GOT BIG HITS WHEN WE NEEDED TO.

>>> WELL STICKING WITH THE DÉJÀ VU THEME, IT JUST WOULDN'T BE RIGHT IF RAPIDS DIDN'T SQUARE OFF WITH MAHTOMEDI.

FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW THE LAST THREE CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPS HAVE HAD TO GO THROUGH EITHER ZYPHERS OR THE THUNDERHAWKS.

FIRST PITCH IS TOMORROW AT NOON AT THE CHASKA ATHLETIC PARK.

>>> AFTER SUFFERING AN EARLY EXIT LOSS IN THE CLASS 3A QUARTERFINAL LAST YEAR, LITTLE FALLS BASEBALL IS MAKING A RETURN TRIP TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT WITH PLANS TO MAKE A DEEPER RUN.

LAST SEASON THEY WERE PAIRED WITH THE EVENTUAL STATE CHAMPIONS TOP SEEDED NEW PRAGUE BUT THIS TIME AROUND WERE AWARDED THE 5-SEED AND A MORE FAVORABLE MATCHUP WITH 4-SEED TOTINO-GRACE.

WE HEAD BACK DOWN FOR THE FINAL CLASS 3A QUARTER FINAL GAME OF THE DAY BETWEEN THE FLYERS AND EAGLES.

ONE OF HIS 11K'S, KEEPING THE GAME SCORELESS.

BOTTOM OF THE 4th, MATTHEW UNTIES THE GAME ON THE FIRST PITCH HE SEES, THE SOLO SHOT, PUTTING THEM UP 1-0.

BOTTOM OF THE 5th, BASES LOADED FOR THE EAGLES.

JOEY HAS A CHANCE TO END THE INNING BUT UNABLE TO GET A HANDLE AND IT'S 2-0.

TOP OF THE 6th, LITTLE FALLS TRYING TO GET THE OFFENSE GOING.

A SINGLE TO PUT TWO ON THE POND FOR JACOB, BUT TOMMY, WHO THROUGH PHENOMENAL ALL DAY, ENDS THE FLYERS' BEST THREAT.

HE HAS A COMPLETE GAME THREE HIT SHUTOUT.

FLYERS MOVE TO THE CONCILIATION BRACKET.

THAT GAME WILL BE AT 2:30 P.M.

IN JORDAN.

>>> TWINS IN ACTION TONIGHT, THEY GET A WIN OVER THE OAKLAND ATHLETICS 6-2.

>> Josh: LODZ -- LOTS OF BASEBALL TONIGHT.

SPORTING THE STYLE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH CHARLIE.

>> Charlie: FOR THIS WEEK'S EDITION OF FISHING TIPS, RAY AND MANDY TEACH US ABOUT BOBBERS AND HOW TO SELECT THE BEST BOBBER FOR YOUR FISHING NEEDS.

>> HELLO EVERYBODY, I'M RAY GILDOW.

WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT BOBBERS.

THERE ARE A WIDE ARRAY OF BOBBERS IN THE MARKET.

SOME OF THEM ARE SO SOPHISTICATED THAT YOU CAN BLOW ON THEM AND THEY WILL GO DOWN.

THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT, A SENSITIVE BOBBER.

THE OLD DAYS, WE HAD THESE BIG ROUND THINGS.

THE NEW ONES ARE SOPHISTICATED.

SLIP BOBBER FISHING IS ONE OF THE POPULAR WAYS TO FISH NOT ONLY CRAPPIES, SUNFISH, BUT WALLEYES AND BASS.

SOME PEOPLE ARE FISHING FOR BASS.

A LINE GOES THROUGH THIS BOBBER AND YOU PUT A BOBBER STOP WHEREVER YOU WANT THE BOBBER TO STOP ON YOUR LINE AND THE BOBBER STOPS COMES IN PACKAGES LIKE THIS.

YOU TIGHTEN THAT AROUND YOUR LINE AND IT'S ADJUSTABLE.

YOU CAN PUT IT WHEREVER YOU WANT.

IT'S A VERY, VERY EFFECTIVE WAY.

THIS IS A PRETTY SMALL ONE.

I USE BIG ONES FOR WALLEYES.

I HAVE BOBBERS THAT I USE FOR WALLEYES.

THEN THERE ARE PENCIL THIN BOBBERS LIKE THIS.

MAYBE YOU CAN'T SEE IT ON CAMERA, BUT THERE IS A LITTLE HOLD ON THE BOTTOM OF THIS.

A LINE GOES THROUGH THAT HOLE, A STOPPER IS PUT ON THERE, AND THEN IT JUST BARELY FITS ABOVE THE WATER LINE.

YOU CAN SEE THE SLIGHTEST BITE WILL PULL IT DOWN.

IT'S EASY TO SET THE HOOK.

HERE'S ANOTHER ONE, THE LINE GOES ON THAT, YOU CAN SEE HOW THEN THEY ARE, HOW LIGHT THEY ARE, AND HOW SENSITIVE THEY ARE.

MANDY WILL BE TALKING ABOUT ANOTHER BOBBER.

>> SO YOU NEED BEADS AND BOBBER STOPS, I LIKE THIS LITTLE GUY.

THIS IS A CASTING BUBBLE.

THE APPLICATION, IT COMES IN ALL BIG SIZES.

THIS IS REALLY GOOD FOR SHALLOW WATER FISHING.

SO WHAT YOU END UP DOING IS YOU FEED THE LINE THROUGH AND THEN YOU TWIST THIS.

WHEN YOU TWIST IT, IT ACTUALLY ACTS AS THE BOBBER STOP AND STOPS THE BOBBER ON THE LINE.

SO IT'S GOOD FOR SHALLOW WATER.

IF YOU'RE DOING IT IN 20-FEET OF WATER, IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK.

ANOTHER NEAT THING IS THAT YOU CAN FILL THESE WITH WATER TOO.

IF YOU WANT TO CAST IT FURTHER, IF YOU WANT TO MAKE IT SIT LOWER FOR MORE SENSITIVE BITES, YOU CAN PUT A LITTLE BIT OF WATER IN THERE.

IT'S GREAT FOR MULTIPLE SPECIES.

>> YOU CAN FIND THESE BOBBERS IN ANY SPORTS SHOP AND CHECK THEM OUT AND EXPERIMENT.

IT MAKES YOU A BETTER FISHER PERSON WITH A BOBBER.

I'M RAY GILDOW.

>> AND I'M MANDY UHRICH.

>> Josh: NOW WE'RE GOING TO STACY FOR ANOTHER CHECK OF THE FORECAST.

>> Stacy: WE'RE GOING TO SEE QUIET WEATHER LEADING INTO THE WEEKEND.

PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES, LOW OF 51, VARIABLE WINDS UP TO 10.

PLENTY OF SUNSHINE TOMORROW, HIGHS NEAR 77 AND WEST WINDS UP TO 10.

>> Josh: THANK YOU SO MUCH STACY AND THANKS FOR JOINING US EVERYONE.

WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW NIGHT.

GOOD NIGHT.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

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