>> 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.

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

>>> ALMOST A YEAR AGO, THE BEMIDJI CITY COUNCIL MET FOR A DISCUSSION ON RECREATIONAL CANNABIS, BUT THE COUNCIL DECIDED NOT TO TAKE ACTIONS AT THAT TIME ON REGULATING THE USE, SALE, AND CULTIVATION OF RECREATIONAL CANNABIS.

SINCE THAT TIME HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME CHANGES IN CANNABIS LEGISLATION THAT WOULD GIVE THE CITY THE AUTHORITY TO REGULATE CERTAIN COMPONENTS OF THE SALE AND/OR USE OF RECREATIONAL CANNABIS WITHIN THE CITY.

OUR REPORTER MATTHEW FREEMAN WAS AT THE COUNCIL WORK SESSION YESTERDAY TO SEE WHAT THE COUNCIL DISCUSSED.

>> Reporter: WITH THE MOST RECENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION, THERE HAD BEEN CHANGES IN CANNABIS LEGISLATION.

>> SOME OF THE CHANGES ARE MINOR, SOME OF THEM ARE HUGE.

>> Reporter: THE MAJOR CHANGE OUR CITY ATTORNEY IS TALKING ABOUT IS THE MODIFICATION TO THE FRAMEWORK AND MOVE TO THE LOTTERY SYSTEM TO SEE WHO GETS RECREATIONAL LICENSES.

>> SPECIFICALLY I THINK THE BIGGEST CHANGE IS GOING TO A LOTTERY SYSTEM FOR DECIDING WHO GETS AN ACTUAL LICENSE, CHANGING FOR MUNICIPALITIES IF THE CITY WERE TO WANT TO SELL AND GET A RETAIL LICENSE, THIRD IT LIMITS THE AMOUNT OF LICENSES THAT THEY WILL RELEASE IN THE ENTIRE STATE THROUGH JANUARY TO JULY OF 2026.

>> Reporter: AT THE BOARD MEETING LAST WEEK, THEY DISCUSSED A MORATORIUM ON CANNABIS THAT GIVE IT IS CITY AN AUTHORITY TO ADAPT AN ORDINANCE THAT WILL PROHIBIT THEIR OPERATION WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY UNTIL JANUARY 1ST OF NEXT YEAR.

>> THE MORATORIUM WOULD AFFECT EVERYTHING.

PLANNING AND ZONING, WHICH WOULD ALLOW US TO STUDY IT, TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE EVERYTHING IN THE CORRECT PLACE.

IT WOULD ALLOW THE OFFICE OF CANNABIS MANAGEMENT TO GET THEIR ROLE MAKING DONE.

IT IS REALLY A HOLD ON EVERYTHING TO ALLOW US TO ENSURE WE CAN GET THIS RIGHT.

>> Reporter: THERE WERE QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL ON HOW THESE ORDINANCES WOULD WORK BUT THE COUNCIL WAS IN AGREEMENT THAT THIS MORATORIUM IS NEEDED TO LEARN ALL THEY CAN.

>> YOU KNOW, I HAVE DONE A FAIR AMOUNT OF DIGGING INTO THIS AND IT'S KIND OF SAD HOW LITTLE INFORMATION THERE IS OUT THERE, DESPITE HOW QUICK THIS HAS COME.

I SPENT SOME TIME IN THE LEAGUE, MINNESOTA CITY SIDE LOOKING FOR NEW INFORMATION AND THERE REALLY ISN'T ANY.

THE LAST TIME IT WAS UPDATED WAS IN AUGUST.

BOTTOM LINE, I WOULD SPORT A MORATORIUM.

I THINK IT'S THE WISE THING TO DO.

WE CAN ARGUE ABOUT DATES BUT GIVEN WE HAVE UNTIL JANUARY 1ST, THAT GIVES US SIX MONTHS.

IT SEEMS LIKE A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF TIME.

>> Reporter: REPORTING FROM BEMIDJI, I'M MATTHEW FREEMAN, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> THE COUNCIL WOULD BE REQUIRED TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ONCE A DRAFT FOR THE MORATORIUM IS COMPLETE, ALTHOUGH A DATE FOR THAT HEARING HAS NOT BEEN SET.

>>> A MAN WHO ADMITTED GIVING FENTANYL TO A WOMAN WHO DIED AFTER OVERDOSING ON THE DRUG HAS BEEN SENTENCED FOR THIRD DEGREE MURDER.

33-YEAR-OLD JEFFREY NEEDHAM OF REDBY WAS SENTENCED TO 6.5 YEARS IN PRISON ON JUNE 18TH AFTER ENTERING A GUILTY PLEA IN BELTRAMI COUNTY COURT.

THE WOMAN DIED IN APRIL OF 2023 AND AN AUTOPSY DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS A FENTANYL OVERDOSE.

DURING THE PLEA HEARING, NEEDHAM ADMITTED IN OPEN COURT THAT HE GAVE FENTANYL TO THE VICTIM AND THAT AS A RESULT, IT WAS FORESEEABLE THAT SOMEONE COULD DIE.

>>> A 17-YEAR-OLD LONGVILLE GIRL HAS DIED IN A HEAD-ON CRASH ON JUNE 20TH NEAR PARK RAPIDS.

THE STATE PATROL SAYS AROUND 10:00 A.M. THAT DAY ALYSSA WHEELER WAS DRIVING A CAR EAST ON HIGHWAY 34 NEAR EAGLE BEND ROAD WHEN A PICKUP HEADED THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND HIT WHEELERS VEHICLE HEAD-ON.

THE DRIVER OF THE PICKUP, 50-YEAR-OLD DON SHERMAN OF AKELEY, SUFFERED NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES.

THE STATE PATROL SAYS SEAT BELTS WERE USED BY BOTH DRIVERS AND ALCOHOL WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE CRASH.

>>> A 6-YEAR-OLD BOY SUFFERED A SEVERE FOOT INJURY YESTERDAY WHEN A WOMAN WHO WAS MOWING A LAWN BACKED OVER THE BOY WITH A RIDING LAWNMOWER WITH THE BLADE ENGAGED.

THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT A HOME OFF 26TH STREET WEST OF CUSHING.

THE CHILD WAS AIRLIFTED TO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL IN MINNEAPOLIS.

HIS CONDITION HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED.

>>> MORE FLOODING CONCERNS IN MINNESOTA TONIGHT.

UP TO 18 INCHES OF RAIN HAVE FALLEN IN SOME AREAS WITH THE CITY OF WATERVILLE BEING HIT PARTICULARLY HARD, HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WERE RESCUED, HOMES WERE DAMAGED AND AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE DIED.

NEAR MANKATO, ON THE BLUE EARTH RIVER LOCAL OFFICIALS SAY THE RAPIDAN DAM IS IN IMMINENT FAILURE CONDITION AMID SEVERE FLOODING AFTER THE DAM BECAME PLUGGED WITH DEBRIS CAUSING A PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE WESTERN SUPPORT STRUCTURE.

>> THE HUMAN IMPACT, MANY MORE HOMES, THE IMPACT FEELS DRAMATIC UP TO THE SECOND FLOOR.

I WOULD ESTIMATE DOZENS AND DOZENS OF HOMES AND LOT OF WET BASEMENTS.

>> FROM THE FEDERAL LEVEL, IT IS OUR JOB TO STEP IN.

IT'S THE FEDERAL THRESHOLD IS MET FOR THE STATE.

I AM NOT AN ENGINEER, BUT LOOKING AT THE DAM AND SEEING THE SEVERE DAMAGE THERE, AS WELL AS WASHED OUT ROADS IN MINNESOTA, I BELIEVE WE COULD WELL BE INTO OUR 10.5 MILLION.

THAT IS THE LEVEL AT WHICH FEDERAL AID WOULD KICK IN FOR PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.

>> ERIC WELLER, THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR FOR THE BLUE EARTH COUNTY SHERIFF, SAID THE BANK WOULD LIKELY ERODE MORE, BUT HE DIDN'T EXPECT THE CONCRETE DAM ITSELF TO FAIL.

THE TWO HOMES DOWNSTREAM WERE EVACUATED.

>>> SCAMMERS IMPERSONATED THE AGENCY MINNESOTA HOUSING THIS WEEK IN HOPES OF DIRECTING MINNESOTANS TO NONEXISTENT HOUSING AND VOUCHERS.

MINNESOTA HOUSING OFFICIALS SAID IN A PRESS RELEASE TODAY THE AGENCY WAS IMPERSONATED IN A FACEBOOK SCAM THIS WEEK ABOUT OPEN WAIT LISTS FOR PEOPLE SEEKING HOUSING OR SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS.

THE FRAUDULENT FACEBOOK PAGE HAS BEEN TAKEN DOWN.

THE PERPETRATORS OF THE SCAM, POSING AS THE STATE AGENCY MINNESOTA HOUSING ON FACEBOOK USED ALTERNATE IDENTITIES INCLUDING MINNESOTA HOUSING AUTHORITY AND MINNESOTA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO LURE PEOPLE TO APPLY FOR NONEXISTENT HOUSING UNITS AND VOUCHERS EITHER ONLINE OR IN PERSON.

UNSUSPECTING PEOPLE WHO FOLLOWED THE LINKS WERE ASKED FOR PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION THAT IF PROVIDED, PUT THEM AT RISK FOR IDENTITY THEFT.

MINNESOTA HOUSING SAYS IT DOES NOT MANAGE HOUSING WAIT LISTS AND DOES NOT ISSUE HOUSING VOUCHERS.

SIMILAR DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS HAVE TARGETED HOUSING AGENCIES, AUTHORITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS IN MULTIPLE STATES IN RECENT WEEKS.

>>> THE RELATIONSHIP SAFETY ALLIANCE HELD ITS ANNUAL GALA LAST THURSDAY.

THE GALA IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR THE R.S.A.

AS IT PROVIDES A MAJORITY OF THE FUNDING FOR ITS PROGRAMS.

REPORTER SAMMY HOLLADAY HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: IT WAS A NIGHT FILLED WITH GREAT OUTFITS, GREAT ENTERTAINMENT, AND DONATIONS FOR A GREAT CAUSE AS THE SAFETY ALLIANCE HELD THEIR ANNUAL GALA.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED THE GALA WAS MOVING.

>> IT'S GREAT TO SEE HOW THE COMMUNITY HAS BANDED TOGETHER, TO HELP IN AN INCREDIBLY AND NEEDED ORGANIZATION.

SEEING EVERYBODY COME TOGETHER TO STAND BEHIND THE RELATIONSHIP SAFETY ALLIANCE, IT'S BEYOND HEARTWARMING AND IT'S AN ABSOLUTE MAGICAL EVENING IF YOU WILL.

>> Reporter: EVERY YEAR, THE GALA IS IMPORTANT FOR THE RELATIONSHIP SAFETY ALLIANCE, BUT THIS YEAR HOLDS EXTRA WEIGHT DUE TO THE CUT IN FEDERAL FUNDING.

>> EVERY YEAR, OUR ANNUAL GALA IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

IT'S OUR LARGEST FUNDRAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR.

THIS YEAR IN PARTICULAR WHEN CRIME VICTIM SERVICE PROGRAMS ARE FACING A 42% CUT IN FEDERAL FUNDING, IT MAKES THAT MUCH MORE IMPORTANT.

>> Reporter: MARY WAS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE GALA.

SHE SHARED STORIES ABOUT HOW SHE GOT INVOLVED IN POLITICS AND GOT INTO THE PROBLEMS WOMEN ARE FACING.

>> VIOLENCE CONTINUES TO BE A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT AFFECTS MANY, MANY WOMEN.

ONE IN TWO WOMEN REPORT EXPERIENCING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THEIR LIFETIME.

>> Reporter: THE GENEROSITY OF THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA WAS ON FULL DISPLAY THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.

>> WHILE VISITING OTHER COMMUNITIES AND OTHER AREAS, THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA HAS TO BE THE COMMUNITY THAT HAS MORE NON-PROFITS THAN MOST COMMUNITIES, BUT ALSO I HAVE TO SAY THAT IT IS THE MOST GIVING AND NURTURING AND CLOSE COMMUNITY THAN MOST AS WELL.

>> Reporter: WHILE RAISING FUNDS IS IMPORTANT, RAISING AWARENESS ON THIS PRESSING ISSUE IS WHAT MATTERS THE MOST.

>> IF THERE IS ONE PERSON THAT WE CAN REACH OUT TO THAT LEARNED SOMETHING NEW ABOUT THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE OR GET IN TOUCH WITH SOMEONE THAT NEEDS OUR SERVICES, THEN ALL OF IT IS WORTH IT.

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

>> NEARLY 200 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE GALA IN TOTAL.

THE RELATIONSHIP SAFETY ALLIANCE HELPS ANYONE EXPOSED TO RELATIONSHIP ABUSE.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OR CONTACT THE R.S.A., YOU CAN VISIT THE WEBSITE ON THE SCREEN.

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

>> Dave: IT WAS WINDY, IT WAS WARM, AND IT WAS ALSO PLEASANT.

IT'S ALSO GOING TO BE PLEASANT FOR A LITTLE WHILE BEFORE WE RUN INTO A HICCUP BEFORE WE GET INTO THE WEEKEND.

THE FULL DETAILS ARE COMING UP.

>> COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK IN THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, THE FIRST EVER LOONS AND LAKE FESTIVAL WENT UNDERWAY >> 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 MORE NEWS WITH DENNIS WEIMANN.

>>> A DEDICATION CEREMONY IS PLANNED FOR NEXT WEEK FOR THE NEW VETERANS HOME IN BEMIDJI.

THE BEMIDJI VETERANS HOME OPENED TO RESIDENTS IN FEBRUARY AND IS ONE OF THREE NEW VETERANS HOMES THAT OPENED IN MINNESOTA THIS YEAR.

THE DEDICATION CEREMONY IS SET FOR NEXT MONDAY JULY 1ST FROM 1:00 TO 2:00 P.M. AT THE VETERANS HOME ON ANNE STREET.

THOSE ATTENDING WILL INCLUDE ELECTED OFFICIALS, RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES, TRIBAL LEADERS, CIVIC LEADERS, VETERAN ADVOCATES, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

PEOPLE CAN TOUR THE FACILITIES AND SEE THE AMENITIES.

THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC PARKING ON CAMPUS FOR THE EVENT.

REMOTE PARKING IS AVAILABLE SOUTH OF SANFORD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER ON 34TH STREET THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD FOLLOW THE SIGNS AND VOLUNTEERS DIRECTING TRAFFIC.

SHUTTLES WILL BE AVAILABLE BEGINNING AT 11:30 A.M. >>> TIME FOR WEATHER, STACY HAS THE NIGHT OFF.

I'M SO EXCITED TO TELL YOU WHO IS HERE.

FIRST, LET'S LOOK AT OUR PBS VACATION GIVE AWAY.

IT'S 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.

>>> NOW IT'S TIME FOR WEATHER.

STACY HAS TONIGHT OFF.

BACK, LONG TIME WEATHER ANCHOR BACK UP ANCHOR DAVE BROOKS IS HERE.

HE HASN'T BEEN HERE FOR OVER A YEAR.

HE HAS TAKEN OVER A NEW JOB BEING A MORNING ANCHOR.

>> Dave: AN EARLY WAKE UP CALL.

>> Dennis: YEAH, IT'S A PRETTY EARLY MORNING FOR YOU.

>> Dave: LATE NIGHTS AND EARLY MORNINGS CAN MAKE FOR A DICEY SITUATION.

IT LOOKS FAMILIAR AROUND HERE BUT IT'S BEEN A WHILE.

IT'S BEEN A DARN NICE DAY TODAY.

WE ARE CURRENTLY HAVING OURSELVES A DECENT EVENING, A LITTLE MORE CALM THAN IT WAS THIS TIME LAST NIGHT, SOME SHOWERS, SOME STORMS.

YOU WILL NOTICE THAT HUMIDITY, >> 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 ON LAKELAND NEWS AT 10:00.

>> Dave: YOU HAVE TO BE HAPPY, RIGHT?

YOU'RE SPENDING SUMMERTIME IN THE BEST PART OF MINNESOTA SO THERE IS A SMILE ON EVERYBODY'S FACE.

IT'S A LOT LESS WARM, IT'S A LOT LESS HUMID THAN IT WAS.

IT'S JUST A MARVELOUS DAY TODAY.

67 FOR THE LOW, NO STORMS TONIGHT, NOT EXPECTING ANYTHING EITHER, BAROMETER IS ON THE SLOW RISE AND THE DEW POINT DROPPED OFF.

THERE IS APPROXIMATELY LESS HUMIDITY BY HALF TONIGHT THAN THERE WAS YESTERDAY, SO WE'RE GOING THE RIGHT WAY, MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE, LESS HEAVY AND OPPRESSIVE AIR.

IT'S BEEN AN ALL AROUND PRETTY DARN GOOD DAY TODAY.

TEMPERATURES, WE'RE PRETTY COMFORTABLE.

WE'RE IN THE UPPER 60s, AROUND 70 DEGREES, A LITTLE WARMER IN THE TWIN CITIES AS THE COLD FRONT HAS BEEN MAKING ITS WAY DOWN THERE.

THEY HAVE BEEN LAGGING BEHIND US.

THE HUMIDITY IS SOMEWHAT DOWN THERE.

IT'S BEEN A PRETTY DARN GOOD DAY TODAY.

JOAN IN MOORHEAD, SHE GOT UP TO 83 DEGREES.

A LOT OF THE TEMPERATURES WERE FROM EARLY THIS MORNING IN THE WAKE OF THE COLD FRONT, THE TEMPERATURES FELL IN THE OVERNIGHT.

A LOT OF THESE TEMPERATURES MAY BE CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT LAST NIGHT, BUT THAT COUNTS AS YOUR TUESDAY HIGH FOR THE DAY.

SAME THING HERE, PAUL IN BEMIDJI, 86, THAT WAS LIKELY EARLY THIS MORNING.

LET'S TALK ABOUT LAST NIGHT.

LOOK AT THE HAIL, LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THIS.

THAT IS A HOCKEY PUCK IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN.

THAT IS SOME PRETTY DARN BIG HAIL.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SENDING THOSE IN.

MORE STORM COVERAGE FROM LAST NIGHT, MIKE IN BEMIDJI, A REALLY NICE CLOUD.

THIS IS THE COLD AIR DROPPING AND PUSHING THE CLOUDS DOWN.

PEOPLE SEE THAT AND THEY FREAK OUT.

WHAT GOES UP, MUST GO DOWN, INCLUDING THE AIR.

THAT'S THE COOL AIR BUBBLING DOWNWARD.

WE ARE WHERE WE SHOULD BE, HIGH TEMP AROUND 80, GOT TO 59 OR 60 DEGREES, SO WE'RE FEELING GOOD.

NO MAJOR RECORDS.

THE SUN IS STARTING TO GO A LITTLE SOONER, BUT THE SUNSET HAS BEEN HOLDING OUT, PRETTY MUCH FOR THE BETTER PART OF THE WEEK, IT'S NOT GOING TO DROP OFF UNTIL THIS UPCOMING WEEKEND AND THEN THE SUNSET STARTS TO HAPPEN EARLIER.

SO WE'RE JUST STARTING TO LOSE A LITTLE BIT OF DAYLIGHT, NOT THAT YOU'RE GOING TO NOTICE IT YET.

HIGHS TODAY, THIS IS EARLY THIS MORNING.

75 IN ROSEAU, THAT'S WHERE THE COLD FRONT CAME THROUGH LAST NIGHT.

SO WE HAD A LITTLE CHANCE TO COOL THINGS DOWN AS WE WENT.

TEMPERATURES ARE NOW GETTING TO COOL DOWN AND OF COURSE THOSE DEW POINTS ARE ALSO GOING.

TOMORROW WILL BE A FAIRLY PEACEFUL, FAIRLY QUIET DAY.

IT WILL BE A NICE BREAK, JUST LIKE TODAY.

THERE WILL BE CHANGES COMING, WE'LL GET TO THAT IN JUST A BIT.

TOMORROW LOOKING PRETTY DARN NICE.

WE WILL SEE SUN, A FEW CLOUDS, AND IT'S VERY MUCH LIKE TODAY.

IT'S COOLER THAN IT WAS TODAY.

WE'RE GOING TO BE ROUGHLY AROUND 70 DEGREES, GIVE OR TAKE BECAUSE YOU MAKE YOUR WAY CLOSER TO THE I-95 CORRIDOR.

YOU GET A BETTER CHANCE OF GETTING INTO THE MID-70s.

LITTLE FALLS, IT COULD HAPPEN.

IT'S NOT GOING TO BE AS BALMY AS TODAY AND MUGGY.

TONIGHT, WE'RE LOOKING FOR A ROGUE SHOWER, IT'S NOT LOOKING VERY OPTIMISTIC, I DON'T SEE ANYTHING ON THE RADAR.

IT'S VERY QUIET, VERY NICE.

TOMORROW, LOVELY DAY TO GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY.

WE WILL GET SOME SUN AND CLOUDS, HIGH TEMP AROUND 70, MUCH LESS BREEZY.

BEYOND THAT, SOME PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT THE UPCOMING WEEKEND AS THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND.

YOU'RE NOT WRONG, 4th OF JULY IS ON A THURSDAY THIS YEAR SO YOU KIND OF HAVE TWO 4th OF JULY WEEKENDS.

WE WILL HAVE SOME BUMPS AND BANGS.

DENNIS, MAKE SOME OUTDOOR PLANS.

>> Dennis: DOES NOT LOOK BAD AT ALL AT THIS POINT.

CHARLIE IS BACK AFTER A LITTLE BREAK, CALIFORNIA DREAMING.

>> Charlie: YEAH, IT WAS SUNNY AND 75 FOR A WEEK, SO THAT WAS NICE.

>> Dennis: CAN'T BEAT THAT.

>> Charlie: ABSOLUTELY NOT.

>> Dennis: WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR US SPORTS-WISE?

>> Charlie: WNBA BASKETBALL, THE COMMISSIONER'S CUP, AND WE HAVE THE HIGHLIGHTS AND MORE 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.

>> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

>>> THE COMMISSIONERS CUP TAKES PLACE DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE WNBA SEASON, PITTING THE TOP TEAM FROM THE EASTERN AND WESTERN CONFERENCE AGAINST EACH OTHER.

THE WINNER GETS A $500,000 PRIZE, SPLIT BETWEEN THE PLAYERS.

THE LYNX WILL BE TAKING ON THE LIBERTY.

IT'S THE LYNX'S FIRST TIME PLAYING IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN THE FOURTH RENDITION OF THE EVENT.

LIBERTY IS TURNING DEFENSE INTO OFFENSE.

BREANNA ON THE FINISH.

SABRINA, SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT FROM THE LOGO, SHE HAS 23 POINTS, BUT IT'S ONLY A 3-POINT GAME IN THE HALF.

THEN DROPPING A THREE TO GIVE THE LYNX THE LEAD.

A LITTLE LATER, SHOT CLOCK ABOUT TO EXPIRE, NO PROBLEM.

THREE OF HER 15.

CARLSON ADDED ANOTHER 23 AS THE LYNX WIN THEIR FIRST EVER COMMISSIONERS CUP IN THEIR FIRST EVER COMMISSIONERS CUP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 94-89.

>>> WE HEAD OUT TO THE DECEMBER EARTH FOR AN INNER LEAGUE PLAY.

BOTTOM OF THE 1st, A MAN ON, FINDS THE BULLPEN IN RIGHT, HITS HIS 16th HOMER OF THE YEAR, AND IT'S 2-0, JUST TWO BATTERS IN.

SAME SCORE, THINGS GO FROM BAD TO WORSE.

SUAREZ TO THE DEEP PART OF THE YARD, AND AN R.B.I.

TRIPLE.

DIAMONDBACKS GO UP 4-0.

NOW A 405 FOOT BLAST AND AS I WALKED OUT ON TO THE SET, RYAN, A 3-RUN HOME RUN, TYING IT AT 4-4 AS WE HEAD TO THE BOTTOM OF THE 7th.

>>> PARK RAPIDS IS GEARING UP FOR THE UPCOMING 46TH ANNUAL HEADWATERS PRCA PRO-RODEO AND EXTREME BULLS.

IT IS MINNESOTA'S LARGEST PRO-RODEO EVENT AND THIS YEAR PROMISES TO BE BIGGER THAN EVER.

LAST YEAR'S 3-DAY EVENT SAW A SELLOUT CROWD EVERY NIGHT WHICH EXCITED EVENT PRODUCERS AND PROMPTED THE DECISION TO EXPAND THE RODEO TO A FULL 4-DAYS.

THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND FESTIVITIES FEATURES A FULL SLATE OF RODEO ACTION INCLUDING BULL RIDING, BARREL RACING, MUTTON BUSTING, AND MORE.

>> IT HAS JUST GOTTEN BIGGER AND BIGGER.

THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE FUN.

WE HAVE TREMENDOUS COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS COMING IN HERE.

I THINK THE CROWD IS JUST GOING TO LOVE IT.

WE ARE THE PRO-RODEO ASSOCIATION.

SO THAT'S THE NFL OF RODEO.

IT ENTITLES THEM TO QUALIFY FOR THE NATIONAL FINALS IN LAS VEGAS.

>> THINGS KICK OFF WITH THE BADLANDS PRO BULL RIDING TOUR ON WEDNESDAY JULY 3RD, WITH THE PRCA EXTREME BULLS EVENT ON THE 4TH AND THE RODEO ITSELF WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

GATES OPEN AT 5:00 AND RODEO BEGINS AT 7:00.

>>> BEMIDJI STATE WOMEN'S TENNIS ANNOUNCED THEY'VE SIGNED FOUR STUDENT-ATHLETES FOR THE UPCOMING 2024 SEASON INCLUDING TWO LOCAL NAMES.

LAUREN RUTTEN FROM STAPLES-MOTLEY JOINS THE BEAVERS AS A 6 YEAR LETTER WINNER, AMASSING 125 NUMBER ONE SINGLES WINS AND PLACING THIRD OVERALL IN THE 2023 INDIVIDUAL CLASS A STATE TOURNAMENT.

ALSO FROM THE AREA IS BRITNEY SCHOMMER OF PIERZ.

SHE WAS ALSO A SIX YEAR LETTER WINNER, AS WELL AS A THREE-TIME ALL-CONFERENCE AND TWO-TIME ALL-SECTION SELECTION.

IN ADDITION TO RUTTEN AND SCHOMMER, BSU ADDS JALYN HALVERSON FROM ALEXANDRIA AND JULIA LINDSETH FROM EVELETH-GILBERT.

-- THAT SHOULD BE ROCK RIDGE.

THEY COMBINED SCHOOLS.

>> Dennis: THAT'S RIGHT.

LOCAL TENNIS STARS, RIGHT?

THANKS CHARLIE.

>>> CENTRAL MINNESOTANS GOT TO ENJOY THE NATIONAL LOON CENTER'S FIRST EVER LOONS AND LAKES FESTIVAL LAST WEEK.

THE THREE-DAY EVENT KICKED OFF FROM THE WHITEFISH LODGE AND SUITES, BEFORE CAPPING OFF AT THE TOWN SQUARE WITH A GUIDED LOON-WATCHING PADDLE SESSION, ART MARKET, AND PLENTY MORE.

REPORTER MILES WALKER HAS MORE FROM THE FESTIVAL'S FINALE IN THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOOD'S EXPERIENCE.

>> Reporter: WE JUST RECOGNIZE THAT PEOPLE LOVE THE RETURN OF THE LOONS EVERY SPRING AND WE WANTED TO CELEBRATE THE FACT THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL FACILITY IS COMING AND WE WANTED TO BRING THAT CELEBRATION OF THE RETURN OF THE LOONS AND THE UPCOMING GROUNDBREAKING OF THE LOON CENTER ITSELF.

>> THE WEATHER COULD NOT KEEP THE VISITORS, WHETHER FROM CROSS LAKE OR THE TWIN CITIES FROM CHECKING OUT THE FESTIVAL'S OPTIONS, LIKE THE ART MARKET.

>> WE HAVE FOLKS HERE THAT PAINT LOON PADDLES AND LOON PLANTERS, AND BACKYARD BIRD FEEDERS, MINI DONUTS, SHAVED ICE, TO SWEET CAROLINA TREATS.

>> Reporter: IN ADDITION TO THE ART MARKET, THE LOONS AND LAKES FESTIVAL HAS PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES FOR ATTENDEES TO TAKE PART IN, FROM THE PADDLE PALOOZA TO A FISHING DERBY.

THEY PRIORITIZE AN EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT TO THE EVENT.

>> THERE IS SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT, HUMAN DISTURBANCES, FISHING TACKLE.

WE ARE PARTNERING WITH OUR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY TO SHARE THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE THREATS THAT LOONS ARE FACING AND HELP MINNESOTANS TO SOLVE THAT PROBLEM.

>> Reporter: THEY GAINED HEAD WAY IN 2010, FOLLOWING THE B.P.

OIL SPILL ON THE GULF OF MEXICO.

THE COMMUNITY NEEDS TO CONTINUE TO DO THEIR PART.

>> WE ALL COME UP HERE AND WE LOVE THE LAKES BECAUSE OF THE WILDLIFE AND OF NATURE AND ALL OF THAT.

ALL OF OUR WILDLIFE, ALL OF OUR ECOSYSTEM, EVERYTHING IS SUPER FRAGILE.

WE NEED TO DO OUR PART TO PROTECT OUR WATER QUALITY, TO KEEP OUR CHEMICALS, THE CONTAMINATES OUT, AND PROTECT OUR SHORELINES SO WE HAVE MORE HABITAT FOR OUR WILDLIFE.

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

>> THE NATIONAL LOON CENTER'S BRAND NEW FACILITY IS EXPECTED TO BREAK GROUND LATER THIS SUMMER.

THAT'S GOING TO DO IT FOR US, HAVE A GREAT NIGHT EVERYBODY.

WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

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