>> 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.

[♪♪♪] >>> GOOD EVENING EVERYONE, I'M JOSH PETERSON IN FOR DENNIS WEIMANN, THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

>>> A STUDENT MADE A STATEMENT THIS MORNING THAT THERE WAS A BOMB ON THE BEMIDJI AREA SCHOOL BUS.

THE BUS DRIVER THEN NOTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE APPROPRIATE SUPERVISORY STAFF.

ALL STUDENTS WERE EVACUATED FROM THE BUS AND ANOTHER BUS WAS DISPATCHED TO PICK UP THE STUDENTS AND TRANSPORT THEM TO THEIR SCHOOLS.

STUDENTS FROM GENE DILLON ELEMENTARY, BEMIDJI MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND AURORA WAASAKONE WERE ON THE BUS AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.

LAW ENFORCEMENT DETERMINED THAT THE REPORT OF A BOMB WAS FALSE AND THERE WAS NEVER ANY DANGER TO STUDENTS OR STAFF.

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS THAT DUE TO PROMPT REPORTING, THE IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT STAFF, ALL STUDENTS WERE SAFELY TRANSPORTED TO THEIR SCHOOLS.

>>> CONSTRUCTION ON HIGHWAY 169 SOUTH OF GARRISON IS SET TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK.

MOTORISTS CAN EXPECT PERIODIC LANE CLOSURES AND SHORT-TERM DELAYS AS ROADWORK BEGINS ON HIGHWAY 169 ALONG WEST MILLE LACS LAKE.

THE $4.6 MILLION PROJECT WILL RESURFACE AND IMPROVE SEVEN MILES OF HIGHWAY 169 FROM CROW WING COUNTY ROAD 26 TO A HALF-MILE NORTH OF OJIBWE DRIVE.

WORK INCLUDES GUARDRAIL UPGRADES ALONG WITH NEW LEFT TURN LANES AT COUNTY ROAD 25-TIMBER TRAIL ROAD AND SWING-A-WAY-SOUTH PORT.

EARLIER THIS PAST MONTH, CREWS REPLACED THREE CULVERTS BENEATH THE ROAD.

BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE A SMOOTHER ROAD SURFACE, IMPROVED SAFETY, ACCESS AND TRAFFIC FLOW, AND UPDATED DRAINAGE.

WEATHER PERMITTING, THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-JULY.

>>> THE BRAINERD LAKES COMMUNITY WERE UP BRIGHT AND EARLY LAST SUNDAY FOR THE ANNUAL MILES FOR SMILES 5K FAMILY FUN RUN AND WALK AT FORESTVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL.

ORGANIZED THROUGH SMILES FOR JAKE AND BRIGHTER DAYS FOUNDATION.

PARTICIPANTS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THEIR PART IN FIGHTING FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS.

REPORTER MILES WALKER HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: MILES FOR SMILES WAS ORIGINALLY RAISED FOR GRACE.

IN HONOR OF JAKE AND ALYSSA'S DAUGHTER WHO PASSED AWAY FROM HEART COMPLICATIONS DAYS BEFORE HER FIRST BIRTHDAY.

>> IT WAS A RACE TODAY TO BASICALLY TRANSITION FROM WHAT IT USE TO BE, RACE FOR GRACE, BRIGHTER DAYS, AND NOW SMILES FOR JAKE.

IT'S THE COMMUNITY GETTING TOGETHER TO RAISE MONEY FOR KIDS.

>> Reporter: AND 105 RUNNERS OF ALL AGES CAME TOGETHER TO DO THEIR PART.

>> MY FAVORITE PART -- WELL, TODAY IT WAS THE WEATHER AND SEEING THE FAMILIES AND EVERYONE CHEERING.

THIS IS A FUN WALK AND RUN.

FINISHING TOGETHER AND REALLY CROSSING THAT LINE TOGETHER AND CHEERING EVERYONE ON.

>> Reporter: FROM THE PARTICIPANTS TO THE BUSINESSES SPONSORING THE 5K, THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT COULD BE FELT ALL THROUGHOUT FORESTVIEW.

>> IT'S SO AMAIZING, THE SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY.

I'VE BEEN IN THE NON-PROFIT WORLD FOR A LONG TIME AND THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA IS SECOND TO NONE.

THE SUPPORT AND THE BUSINESSES THAT STEP UP TO SPONSOR AND THE PARTICIPANTS THAT COME OUT.

THEY ARE HERE TO SUPPORT US.

THEY ARE HERE TO GATHER TOGETHER JUST TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND IT'S AMAZING.

>> Reporter: MILES FOR SMILES IS NOT ONLY A GOOD EXCUSE TO GET EXERCISE, IT'S ALSO FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

WITH SMILES FOR JAKE CELEBRATING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, IT COULDN'T HAVE COME AT A BETTER TIME.

>> 5K'S LIKE THIS ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

OUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH IS SO CONNECTED.

HAVING THE CONVERSATION ABOUT IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY, AND TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION, WE'RE TRYING TO REDUCE THE STIGMA TO UNDERSTAND THAT OUR MENTAL HEALTH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH.

WHEN YOU ARE GETTING YOUR EXERCISE IN, IT REALLY IMPROVES YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH.

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

>> SMILES FOR JAKE'S NEXT EVENT WILL BE A WIFFLEBALL TOURNAMENT ON JUNE FIRST AT PERCH PARK.

>>> FORGOTTEN HEROES RANGES AND RETREAT IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT WAS STARTED TO HELP DISABLED VETERANS FEEL WHOLE AGAIN.

IN WHAT WAS ONCE THE SITE OF AN ILLEGAL DUMP, WORK IS BEING DONE TO CONVERT THAT LAND INTO A COMPLEX WITH SHOOTING RANGES, CAMPGROUNDS, AND A COMMUNITY AND VETERANS CENTER.

REPORTER SAMMY HOLLADAY HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: IT WAS FIRST A DREAM OF TWO VETERANS.

BRETT AND CHUCK ALWAYS DREAMED OF OPENING A RANGE FOR VETERANS SO THEY WOULD HAVE A PLACE TO CONTINUE TO BUILD THE BONDS ALL VETERANS SHARE.

HE SPENT THE LAST 12 YEARS OF HIS LIFE CONFINED TO A WHEELCHAIR, BATTLING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.

AFTER BECOMING PARALYZED, HE WAS UNABLE TO DO THE THINGS HE LOVED.

HE PASSED AWAY IN 2020 AND SAMPLE FELT IT WAS TIME TO START THEIR DREAM AFTER SERIOUS DIAGNOSES OF HIS OWN.

>> I HAD SOME CANCER AND I SAID YOU KNOW WHAT?

I CAN BE ONE OF THEM GUYS THAT SITS ON THE COUCH AND SAYS WOULD HAVE, SHOULD HAVE, COULD HAVE OR SHOOT FOR GUSTO.

VOILA, HERE WE ARE.

>> Reporter: THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT IS TO HELP VETERANS FEEL WHOLE AFTER COMING HOME.

ALONG WITH DISABLED VETERANS, DISABLED CITIZENS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND FIRST RESPONDERS CAN USE THE FACILITY FREE OF CHARGE.

THE MOTIVATION WAS A RETURN TO AN ERA WHERE DOING THE RIGHT THING WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT.

>> THIS IS THE AMERICA I GREW UP IN, I'M NOT GOING TO HELP THIS.

EVERYWHERE -- EVERYONE VOLUNTEERS TO DO THIS.

>> Reporter: THE SHEER AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE WILLING TO GIVE UP THEIR TIME FOR SOMETHING THEY TRULY BELIEVE IN.

>> THAT'S WHAT DRIVES US TO KEEP GOING.

THERE ARE A LOT OF DAYS I WANT TO THROW UP MY HANDS AND SAY I'M DONE.

THERE ARE A LOT OF DAYS THAT BRETT WANTS TO DO THE SAME THING.

WE HIT ROADBLOCKS NON-STOP, BUT TO KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY FAMILIES THAT HAVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS THAT ARE AFFECTED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, I CAN'T TELL YOU THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT ARE INVOLVE IN THIS PROJECT THAT HELPED OR HEARD ABOUT IT.

>> Reporter: CREATING A PLACE WHERE VETERANS DON'T HAVE TO THINK ABOUT BEING DISABLED AND CAN ENJOY LIFE IS SOMETHING THAT FORGOTTEN HEROES FEELS IS ESSENTIAL, GIVEN AN ALARMING STATISTIC.

>> WE LOSE 22 VETERANS A DAY.

WE'RE BETTER AS HUMANS OR A NATION TO LET THAT HAPPEN.

>> Reporter: THIS WILL GIVE PEOPLE AN OUTLET, A WAY TO ENJOY LIFE, TO PREVENT ONE PERSON FROM TAKING THEIR OWN LIFE WILL MAKE ALL THE EFFORT THAT HAS GONE INTO THIS PROJECT WORTH IT.

>> I'VE CRIED MORE WITH THIS PROJECT THAN I EVER CRIED IN MY LIFE, TO KNOW THAT SOMEBODY ISN'T GOING TO DO THAT TO THEMSELVES BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST THAT PERSON THAT SUFFERS, IT'S THEIR WHOLE FAMILY THAT SUFFERS.

>> Reporter: IT HAS TAKEN YEARS TO GET TO THE POINT WHERE THEY ARE AT TODAY AND IT WILL TAKE A FEW MORE TO GET TO WHERE THEY WANT TO BE.

WITH THE TREMENDOUS COMMUNITY SUPPORT, THIS PROJECT WILL BE HELPING PEOPLE IN GROVES.

>> IF IT WASN'T FOR EVERYBODY THAT HAS COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN, WE WOULDN'T BE STANDING HERE TODAY.

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT BRETT AND IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT ME, THIS IS EVERYBODY TRYING TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS GOOD.

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

>> ON SATURDAY, JUNE 15 AT 1:00 P.M., FORGOTTEN HEROES RANGES AND RETREAT WILL HOST A FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY AT ITS SITE IN MCGREGOR.

A FLYER WITH MORE INFORMATION WILL BE ATTACHED WITH THE STORY ON OUR WEBSITE.

>>> AMERICANS ARE TRAVELING IN RECORD NUMBERS THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.

AAA ESTIMATES NEARLY 44 MILLION PEOPLE ARE LEAVING TOWN FOR THE UNOFFICIAL START OF SUMMER.

A BUSY WEEKEND THAT COULD SEE SOME TRAVEL HEADACHES FROM WEATHER.

SEVERE STORMS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN UNITED STATES.

REPORTER MICHAEL YOSHIDA HAS MORE ON THE POTENTIAL TRAVEL DELAYS.

>> Reporter: HITTING THE ROADS THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND, AAA PREDICTING MORE THAN 38 MILLION PEOPLE WILL BE TRAVELING BY CAR, A NUMBER UP 4% FROM 2023.

>> THE BUSIEST MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FOR ROAD TRAVELERS IN 25 YEARS.

>> Reporter: AIRPORTS HAVE SEEN A SPIKE IN TRAVELERS TOO.

THE TSA SAID THURSDAY WAS THE SECOND BUSIEST DAY AT U.S.

AIRPORTS EVER.

ONLY THE SUNDAY AFTER LAST YEAR'S THANKSGIVING HAS SEEN MORE TRAVELERS.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO MAYBE WHO DIDN'T TRAVEL PRE-PANDEMIC ARE TRAVELING NOW.

KEEP THAT IN MIND.

THEY'RE NOT THE BUSINESS TRAVELER THAT MOVES QUICKLY THROUGH SECURITY, SO KEEP THAT IN MIND AND GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME.

>> Reporter: A BUSY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND THAT COULD BE IMPACTED BY SEVERE WEATHER.

ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN PARTS OF THE U.S., STORMS ARE HAPPENING FRIDAY AND EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INTO THE WEEKEND WITH THREATS OF LARGE HAIL, DAMAGING WINDS, AND POSSIBLY A FEW TORNADOS.

PARTS OF THE SOUTH ARE EXPECTING EXTREME HEAT WITH TEMPS IN THE TRIPLE DIGITS.

TRAVELERS ARE BRACING FOR WHATEVER THE WEATHER OR CROWDS MAY BRING.

>> THE TSA LINE WAS CRAZY.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE I.D., IT WAS A BREEZE FOR PRE-CHECK.

THEY WERE FULL OF PEOPLE.

>> I'M USE TO IT.

WHEN YOU'RE TRAVELING DURING HOLIDAY SEASON, THERE ARE THINGS TO EXPECT.

>> Reporter: I'M MICHAEL YOSHIDA REPORTING.

>> SOME IMPORTANT TIPS TO REMEMBER IF YOU ARE FLYING, CHECK YOUR FLIGHT STATUS BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SPOT TO PARK AND LOOK AT SECURITY WAIT TIMES.

IF A FLIGHT IS CANCELED FOR ANY REASON, YOU CAN CANCEL THE TICKET AND GET A REFUND.

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

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: LINGERING RAIN SHOWERS WILL TAPER OFF ACROSS MOST OF THE AREA BUT VERY COOL TEMPERATURES COULD RESULT IN AREAS OF FROST IN THE NORTHWEST.

I'LL HAVE THE DETAILS IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK FOR THIS WEEK'S IN FOCUS, A BRAND NEW EXHIBIT AT THE WATERMARK ART CENTER >> 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.

[♪♪♪] >>> PITTACK LOGGING OF BOVEY, MINNESOTA HAS BEEN NAMED THE 2024 MINNESOTA LOGGER OF THE YEAR BY THE MINNESOTA SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE.

THE LOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARD RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT LOGGING CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE WITH THE PURPOSE OF HONORING MINNESOTA'S COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT LOGGING CONTRACTORS.

THE AWARD WAS PRESENTED TO SCOTT AND JOE PITTACK AT THE MINNESOTA LOGGER EDUCATION PROGRAM WORKSHOP HELD IN VIRGINIA.

SCOTTS LATE FATHER LOWELL PITTACK WAS A LONG-TIME PILLAR OF MINNESOTA'S LOGGING COMMUNITY.

IN FACT, PITTACK LOGGING IS THE FIRST COMPANY TO BE GIVEN THIS AWARD A SECOND TIME, HAVING WON IT BEFORE, WHILE LOWELL WAS STILL ALIVE.

PITTACK LOGGING WILL NOW BE ENTERED INTO THE COMPETITION FOR THE FOREST RESOURCES ASSOCIATIONS REGIONAL OUTSTANDING LOGGER OF THE YEAR, AND IF SUCCESSFUL WILL ALSO COMPETE FOR THE NATIONAL AWARD.

>>> MAYBE NOT AWARD-WINNING FORECAST FOR THIS UPCOMING WEEKEND, BUT NOT A COMPLETE WASHOUT.

IT COULD BE CHILLY.

>> Stacy: IT IS GOING TO BE ON THE COOL SIDE AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, ESPECIALLY IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA OVERNIGHT TONIGHT, WHERE WE HAVE A FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT.

AGAIN, WE SHOULD BE SEEING MAINLY DRY WEATHER THROUGH MOST OF THE DAY TOMORROW, SOME SCATTERED SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS IN PARTS OF THE AREA AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW >> 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 HAVE BEEN SEEING QUITE A BIT OF RAIN IN THE AREA TODAY.

WHILE MOST OF IT IS STARTING TO TAPER OFF, SOME COULD LINGER IN MINNESOTA OVERNIGHT.

WE ARE ALSO LOOKING AT CHILLY TEMPERATURES, ESPECIALLY AS WE HEAD INTO NORTHWEST MINNESOTA WHERE A FROST ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE MAINLY QUIET WEATHER THROUGH MOST OF THE DAY TOMORROW, BUT WE COULD SEE A FEW SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS BY TOMORROW AFTERNOON AND IN PARTS OF THE AREA INTO SUNDAY.

MORE ON YOUR FORECAST IN A SECOND.

HERE ARE THE CURRENT CONDITIONS, IT'S 42 AT THE AIRPORT IN BEMIDJI AND AT OUR STUDIO, WE HAVE SOUTHWEST WINDS AT 10 MILES PER HOUR, SOME GUSTS UP TO 23.

SO FAR WE RECEIVED 0.062-INCH OF RAINFALL TODAY.

CLOUDY SKIES AND A DEW POINT OF 38.

WINDS ARE AT THE SOUTHWEST AT 20 MILES PER HOUR.

A FROST ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR MUCH OF FAR NORTHWEST MINNESOTA.

THIS WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM 1:00 UNTIL 9:00 A.M. ON SATURDAY, COULD SEE TEMPERATURES AS LOW AS 33 DEGREES, SO THAT COULD RESULT IN SOME FROST FORMATION IN THAT AREA.

LOOKING AT THE RADAR, WE HAVE BEEN SEEING QUITE A BIT OF RAIN IN THE AREA TODAY, BUT YOU CAN SEE IT'S TAPERING OFF A LITTLE BIT.

IT'S MOVING TO THE NORTH.

AS WE HEAD INTO FAR NORTHERN MINNESOTA, THERE IS A CHANCE OF SEEING SOME SHOWERS OVERNIGHT TONIGHT FOR MOST OF US, IT LOOKS LIKE WE SHOULD START TO SEE CONDITIONS DRYING OUT.

IN FACT FOR TOMORROW, MOST OF US WILL HAVE A DRY DAY.

THERE IS A SLIGHT CHANCE IN PARTS OF EAST-CENTRAL MINNESOTA THAT A FEW SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS COULD DEVELOP.

THAT WILL IMPACT CENTRAL INTO EASTERN MINNESOTA AS WE HEAD INTO THE DAY ON SUNDAY, SO SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY.

OVERALL, NOT A WASHOUT.

WE ARE LOOKING AT CHILLIER TEMPERATURES THAN NORMAL.

AGAIN, NOT LOOKING JUST TOO BAD WEATHER-WISE FOR THE WEEKEND.

WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU, GORGEOUS SKY FROM ARLENE IN MENAHGA.

BILL AND JUDY SAYING IT WAS RAINING IN UPPER RED LAKE.

SAMROSE SENDING US THIS PHOTO OF A WOBBLY FAWN CROSSING THE ROAD NEAR BEMIDJI AND ANGELA SEEING CLEARING SKIES IN CASS LAKE.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PHOTOS TONIGHT.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORT, ARLENE IN MENAHGA, 55 AND WINDY.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, MOSTLY CLOUDY, HIGH OF 57.

JOAN IN LAPORTE, 1 INCH OF RAIN AND IT WAS STILL RAINING WHEN SHE MADE HER REPORT.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, CLOUDY SKIES, 0.035-INCH OF RAIN SO FAR.

IN BRAINERD, 66 WAS THE HIGH, 47 FOR THE LOW, 5:34 WAS THE SUNRISE.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, WE WILL SEE VARIABLE CLOUDS THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

THERE IS GOING TO BE COOLER THAN AVERAGE TEMPERATURES, HIGHS IN THE 50s ACROSS THE FAR NORTH, COULD SEE TEMPERATURES IN THE LOW TO MID-60s ACROSS NORTHERN MINNESOTA AND INTO CENTRAL MINNESOTA, IT WARMS UP QUITE A BIT WITH UPPER 60s AND LOW 70s.

PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, THERE IS THE CHANCE FOR SOME AFTERNOON SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN THE BRAINERD AND AITKIN AREA.

HERE'S OUR FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, VARIABLE CLOUDS, A CHANCE FOR RAIN SHOWERS CONTINUING.

37 WAS THE LOW AND SOUTHWEST WINDS AT 10 TO 25.

VARIABLE CLOUDS TOMORROW, THE SLIGHT CHANCE FOR AFTERNOON SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS IN EAST-CENTRAL MINNESOTA WITH HIGHS NEAR 63.

LOOKING AT THE REST OF THE WEEKEND FORECAST, THERE IS THAT SMALL CHANCE OF SOME SHOWERS IN EASTERN MINNESOTA ON SUNDAY, WITH A HIGH OF 67.

WE COULD SEE SOME SUNSHINE, BUT AGAIN THERE IS A CHANCE FOR SHOWERS.

A FEW SHOWERS IN EASTERN MINNESOTA ON TUESDAY, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE SUNSHINE WILL BE BACK ON WEDNESDAY, 68 FOR THE HIGH.

BACK TO YOU JOSH.

>> Josh: THANK YOU VERY MUCH STACY.

WELL CHARLIE, DON'T RAIN ON MY PARADE.

WE WERE IN THE NEWSROOM WATCHING IT GO BACK AND FORTH.

WHERE ARE THE T-WOLVES AT?

>> Charlie: I'LL TELL YOU THIS, IT CAME DOWN TO THE WIRE.

WE HAD A FINAL SHOT IN THE GAME.

IT'S EVERYTHING YOU COULD ASK FOR, ESPECIALLY IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS, DOWN TO THE LAST SECOND.

IT MAY BE A BUZZER BEATER.

WE HAVE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DALLAS AND MINNESOTA GAME COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK.

[♪♪ >> 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.

>> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

>>> THE NBA IS A STAR DRIVEN LEAGUE AND IF YOU WANT TO WIN, YOU NEED YOU STARS TO PERFORM WHEN IT MATTERS MOST.

KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS AND ANTHONY EDWARDS COULD ONLY MUSTER 35-COMBINED POINTS FOR THE TIMBERWOLVES ON WEDNESDAY, WHILE THE MAVERICKS LUKA DONCIC AND KYRIE IRVING COMBINED FOR 66-POINTS IN THEIR GAME ONE VICTORY IN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS.

>>> IN GAME NUMBER TWO, MINNESOTA WILL NEED TO FIND A WAY TO GET MORE PRODUCTION OR FIND A WAY TO SHUT DOWN DALLAS.

PART OF THE 17-6 RUN, WOLVES LED BY 18.

IN THE THIRD, WE TALKED ABOUT STAR POWER.

HE CUTS THE LEAD TO SINGLE DIGITS THERE AND IRVING FINISHES WITH 20, PUTS THE MAVERICKS IN FRONT.

NOW REID KNOCKS IT DOWN, HIS 7-3 ON EIGHT SHOTS, PART OF HIS 23 POINTS.

UNDER 10 SECONDS TO PLAY NOW.

WE TALKED ABOUT STAR POWER PERFORMING WHEN IT MATTERS MOST.

HE GETS A ONE POINT LEAD AND THEY LOOK TO REID, BUT HE CANNOT GET IT DONE THIS TIME.

THE DALLAS MAVERICKS COME AWAY WITH THE VICTORY, 109-108.

32 POINTS, THAT'S A STAR PERFORMER WHEN IT MATTERS MOST AND DALLAS TAKES A SERIES LEAD 2-0 AS THEY HEAD BACK TO DALLAS FOR GAMES THREE AND FOUR.

>>> IN THE INAUGURAL SEASON OF THE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S HOCKEY LEAGUE, THE TEAM FROM MINNESOTA HAS A CHANCE TO BECOME THE FIRST TEAM TO HOIST THE WALTER CUP, THE TROPHY AWARDED TO PWHL CHAMPIONS.

AFTER FALLING BEHIND TWO GAMES TO NONE IN THE 5-GAME SEMIFINAL SERIES, MINNESOTA RALLIED BACK TO WIN THREE STRAIGHT AND BEAT TOP SEED TORONTO, PUNCHING THEIR TICKET TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES WHERE MINNESOTA SPLIT THE FIRST TWO GAMES WITH BOSTON ON THE ROAD.

THE SERIES NOW SHIFTS TO THE STATE OF HOCKEY FOR.

GAME NUMBER THREE OF THE WALTER CUP FINALS AT THE XCEL ENERGY CENTER, BOSTON HASN'T LOST ON THE ROAD AND MINNESOTA HASN'T LOST AT HOME THIS POSTSEASON.

THAT'LL CHANGE TONIGHT.

LESS THAN A MINUTE INTO THE GAME, THE NUMBER ONE OVERALL DRAFT PICK TAYLOR HIESE WITH HER 5TH GOAL OF THE PLAYOFFS GIVES MINNESOTA THE 1-0 LEAD.

LATER IN THE FIRST PERIOD, BRITTYN FLEMMING SHOT WONT GO BUT SYDNEY BRAUGHT PUT BACK GOES HER FIRST GOAL OF THE POSTSEASON.

IT'S 2-0.

WANING SECONDS OF THE 2ND PERIOD, BOSTON NEEDING A GOAL.

ALINA MUELLER OFF THE CROSS FINDS THE BACK OF THE NET TO CUT THE LEAD IN HALF.

WE HEAD TO THIRD WHERE MICHAELA CAVA JUST WALKS PAST THE DEFENSE FOR HER THIRD GOAL IN AS MANY GAMES, PUTS MINNESOTA BACK IN FRONT BY TWO.

AND THEY WOULDN'T LOOK BACK.

THEY TAKE GAME THREE OF PWHL PLAYOFFS 4-1 OVER BOSTON AND ARE NOW JUST ONE WIN AWAY FROM WINNING THE FIRST EVER WALTER CUP AND THEY WILL HAVE THAT CHANCE AT HOME IN GAME FOUR THIS SUNDAY.

PUCK DROP IS AT 5:00 P.M. >>> IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, THE MINNESOTA TWINS GETS THE WIN OVER THE RANGERS.

>>> WELL, NEWLY APPOINTED HEAD COACH AMBER FRYKLUND WILL BEGIN HER TENURE AT THE HELM OF BSU WOMEN'S HOCKEY BY OPENING THE SEASON AT HOME AGAINST DEFENDING NATIONAL CHAMPION OHIO STATE NEXT FALL.

THE BEAVERS RELEASED THEIR FULL 2024-2025 SCHEDULE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WCHA'S RELEASE OF THEIR LEAGUE SCHEDULE.

THEY WILL PLAY A 34-GAME REGULAR SEASON BEGINNING ON SEPTEMBER 27TH INCLUDING A 28-GAME CONFERENCE SCHEDULE WITH 16 GAMES SET TO BE PLAYED AT THE SANFORD CENTER, 10 OF WHICH HAPPEN BEFORE THANKSGIVING.

BEMIDJI STATE WILL NOT HAVE ANOTHER HOME GAME FOR NEARLY TWO AND A HALF MONTHS BEFORE RETURNING BACK TO THE SANFORD CENTER ON JANUARY 31ST WHEN THEY HOST RIVAL MINNESOTA STATE.

HERE'S A LOOK AT THEIR HOME SCHEDULE.

AFTER OPENING WITH THE BUCKEYES, THE BEAVS WILL TRAVEL TO ROBERT MORRIS FOR A NON-CONFERENCE SERIES.

THEY WILL ALSO PLAY A NON-CONFERENCE SERIES VERSUS LINDENWOOD AT HOME, AS WELL AS A TWO GAME SHOWCASE WITH TEAMS TO BE NAMED LATER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA JANUARY 3RD AND 4TH AND THEY'LL FINISH THE SEASON WITH A HOME SERIES AGAINST WISCONSIN.

>>> A FEW SECTION BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN BUT MOST START NEXT WEEK AND TODAY A FEW OF THE SECTIONS RELEASED THEIR SEEDING.

IN SECTION 8 4A, BEMIDJI WAS SEEDED FIFTH AND THEY WILL HIT THE ROAD TO PLAY 4-SEED ELK RIVER.

BRAINERD WAS GIVEN THE 8-SEED AND THEY WILL PLAY AT TOP SEED SAINT CLOUD TECH.

IN SECTION 8A, DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION FOSSTON EARNS THE ONE-SEED IN THE EAST SUBSECTION.

THEY'LL PLAY THE WINNER OF THE PLAY-IN GAME BETWEEN 8-SEED KELLIHER-NORTHOME AND 9-SEED RED LAKE.

>>> HERE'S A LOOK AT THE REST OF THE 8A EAST SUBSECTION SEEDINGS AND IN 8 3A.

LITTLE FALLS WITH THE THREE SEED WILL HOST FERGUS FALLS IN THE FIRST ROUND.

>> Josh: LOTS GOING ON BUT T-WOLVES, WHOMP, WHOMP.

GOOD FOR THE PWHL.

THAT'S A WIN FOR MINNESOTA.

THANKS CHARLIE.

>>> THE WATERMARK ART CENTER IN BEMIDJI HAS OPENED A BRAND-NEW EXHIBIT ENTITLED WHEN THEY COME TO VISIT BY OJIBWE ARTIST SAM ZIMMERMAN.

OUR REPORTER MATTHEW FREEMAN SPOKE WITH ZIMMERMAN ABOUT WHAT INSPIRED HIS ART WORK FOR THIS WEEKS IN-FOCUS.

>> Reporter: AFTER 20 YEARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION, SAM DECIDED TO RETURN HOME TO MINNESOTA AND REDEDICATE HIMSELF TO PAINTING AND NOW AS AN EXHIBIT ALL OF HIS OWN AT THE WATERMARK.

>> I NEVER HAD AN EXHIBITION IN BEMIDJI AND I'M EXCITED ABOUT BRINGING MY EXPERIENCE IN THE NORTH SHORE TO THE BEMIDJI COMMUNITY.

MY WORK IS INSPIRED BY GRAND PORTAGE AND THE NORTHER SHORE OF LAKE SUPERIOR.

I'M HONORED TO BE HERE.

>> Reporter: IT EXPLORES HIS OJIBWA HERITAGE, SHARED HISTORIES, AND IMAGINING OF CLAN ANIMAL SYMBOLISM.

>> I SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN THE NORTH SHORE FROM DULUTH TO THUNDER BAY.

THE TITLE OF THE SHOW IS WHEN THE SPIRITS COME TO VISIT OR WHEN THE ANIMAL SPIRITS COME TO VISIT.

THE PIECES IN THIS EXHIBITION IS MY EXPRESSION OF THOSE EXPERIENCES WITH DIFFERENT BIRDS OR ANIMALS OR FISH ALONG THE NORTH SHORE.

I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THOSE EXPERIENCES WITH A LARGER COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: HE FOCUSES ON WATERCOLOR AND ACRYLIC PAINT WITH A UNIQUE WAY OF PRESENTING HIS WORK.

>> I'M NOT REALLY SUPER COMFORTABLE IN WATERCOLOR, BUT I FIND IT ENJOYABLE.

IT'S A CERTAIN LOOSENESS TO THE BRUSH STROKES.

MY ACRYLIC WORK, PEOPLE RESPOND TO THE PALLET BECAUSE IT'S BRIGHT AND COLORFUL WITH INTENSE LANDSCAPES AND THE SKIES.

THE ANIMALS OR THE FISH OR SPIRITS WITHIN THE PIECES ARE PAINTED WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF DOTS OR SHAPES.

SO, I REALLY SPEND A LOT OF TIME FILLING IN THOSE DIFFERENT SPIRITS WITH DIFFERENT PATTERNS AND COLORS.

THOSE COLORS ARE EQUALLY AS BRIGHT AS THE LANDSCAPE.

>> Reporter: HE IS EXCITED TO HAVE AN EXHIBIT HERE IN BEMIDJI BUT COULDN'T HELP BUT FEEL SOMETHING WHEN HE HAD TO LEAVE HIS WORK AT THE ART CENTER.

>> YOU HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PIECE SO YOU FORGET ABOUT ALL THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE BEFOREHAND AND TO SEE IT ALL NOW ON SHELVES AND YOU'RE LIKE WOW, IN ONE WAY IT'S LIKE YOU'RE LEAVING YOUR CHILDREN.

YOU WILL SAY GOODBYE TO THEM AND THE SHOW WILL OPEN UP SOON.

YOU DON'T REALIZE HOW MUCH WORK YOU'VE ACTUALLY DONE AND THEN TO SEE IT THERE, YOU'RE LIKE I HAVE DONE A LOT.

IT'S A WEIRD FEELING TO NOT LEAVE THEM UNTIL THERECEPTION, THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBIT.

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

>> Josh: HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE HOLIDAY WEEKEND EVERYONE.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES GRADUATING TOMORROW.

HAVE A