>> 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.

>> 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.

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

>>> SANFORD HEALTH HAS OFFICIALLY SIGNED A MERGER AGREEMENT WITH WISCONSIN BASED MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM.

PLANS FOR THE MERGER WERE ANNOUNCED LAST JUNE AND NOW ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM SANFORD, THE MERGER IS EXPECTED TO CLOSE BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM IS A PHYSICIAN-LED HEALTH SYSTEM HEADQUARTERED IN MARSHFIELD, WISCONSIN, AND SERVES RURAL WISCONSIN AND MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA.

SANFORD HEALTH IS THE LARGEST RURAL HEALTH SYSTEM IN THE U.S. AND IS HEADQUARTERED IN SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA.

IT OPERATES IN NINE STATES INCLUDING MINNESOTA AND HAS 45 HOSPITALS, 211 CLINIC LOCATIONS, AND MORE THAN 160 GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY SENIOR LIVING CENTERS.

PRESIDENT AND C.E.O.

OF SANFORD HEALTH BILL GASSEN SAID IN A PRESS RELEASE THAT SANFORD IS EXCITED TO STRENGTHEN ACCESS TO CUTTING-EDGE CARE AND INVEST IN NEW INITIATIVES TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF PATIENTS THROUGHOUT THE RURAL MIDWEST, NOW AND IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

HEALTH CLINIC LEADERS SAID SANFORD HEALTH AND MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM WILL REMAIN TWO SEPARATE, INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATIONS UNTIL THE CLOSING.

>>> OVER THE PAST THREE DAYS, THE CROW WING COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE TESTED THE BALLOT TABULATORS THAT WILL BE USED TO RECORD VOTES FOR THE NOVEMBER 5TH ELECTION.

REPORTER SAMMY HOLLADAY WAS AT THE FIFTH AND FINAL TESTING THIS MORNING TO LEARN MORE.

>> Reporter: THE CROW WING COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE CONDUCTED FIVE SEPARATE TESTS TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE BALLOT TABULATORS THAT WILL BE USED IN THE COUNTY'S VOTING PRECINCTS.

THE TESTERS OVER THE PAST THREE DAYS WERE THE PEOPLE WHO WILL BE USING THE MACHINE IN TWO WEEKS TIME.

>> WE USE OUR CROW WING COUNTY ELECTION JUDGES THAT WILL BE WORKING THEIR POLLING PLACES AT THESE PRECINCTS TO TEST AND VERIFY THE MACHINES ARE TABULATING AND THE RESULTS ARE ACCURATE.

>> Reporter: FOR THESE ELECTION JUDGES, BEING A PART OF THE PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST IS SOMETHING THEY TAKE SERIOUSLY TO ENSURE A FAIR ELECTION.

>> IT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THAT WAY WE DON'T HAVE PEOPLE THAT CAN DOUBLE VOTE OR YOU KNOW, THE MACHINE IS GOING TO CHECK IT TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS NO INCORRECT VOTING.

>> Reporter: THESE TESTS WERE OPEN TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BEING ABLE TO GET A FIRSTHAND VIEW OF HOW THE SYSTEMS OPERATE AND HAVE QUESTIONS ANSWERED, ASSURED CONFIDENCE IN THE MACHINE'S ACCURACY.

>> THROUGH THE PROCESS OF THESE PUBLIC TESTS, WHICH WE HAVE HAD SOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COME AND JOIN US TO VIEW THE PUBLIC TESTING THAT IS GOING ON, HAS BEEN A GREAT REASSURANCE ALL ACROSS THE STATE THAT WE ARE DELIVERING THE PROMISE OF THE FREE, SECURE, AND ACCURATE SAFE ELECTIONS.

>> Reporter: MANY OF THE ELECTION JUDGES HAVE WORKED MULTIPLE ELECTIONS, NOW THAT THE TESTING IS COMPLETE, THE COUNTY IS GEARED UP FOR NOVEMBER 5TH AND IS CONFIDENT IN THE KNOWLEDGE ELECTION JUDGES HAVE IN THE VOTING PROCESS.

>> PRECINCTS OR ELECTION WORKERS ARE NOW READY AND WE'RE READY TO HELP FACILITATE THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS OF VOTING.

ONE THING THAT ALL ELECTION JUDGES APPRECIATE THE QUESTIONS, ESPECIALLY IF PEOPLE HAVE CONCERNS THAT WE CAN ANSWER THAT, THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR ELECTION JUDGES IS TREMENDOUS.

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

>> FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ELECTION PROCESS IN CROW WING COUNTY, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR JORY DANIELSON SUGGESTS CITIZENS CONTACT THE ELECTIONS OFFICE, WHOSE NUMBER IS ON THE SCREEN.

>>> A 75-YEAR OLD WOMAN WHO WAS RIDING A BIKE AND WAS HIT BY A SEMI-TRUCK HAS DIED FOLLOWING THE COLLISION.

THE MORRISON COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE SAYS CYRILLA MICHAEL OF FREEPORT WAS RIDING WEST ON THE SOO LINE TRAIL NEAR BOWLUS WHEN SHE FAILED TO YIELD WHERE THE TRAIL CROSSES 120TH AVENUE.

A SEMI TRAVELING SOUTH ON 120TH AND STRUCK MICHAEL.

SHE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

THE COLLISION HAPPENED YESTERDAY AROUND 11:20 IN THE MORNING.

>>> A 26-YEAR OLD MAN IS IN CUSTODY AFTER LEADING AUTHORITIES IN BELTRAMI COUNTY ON A HIGH SPEED CHASE YESTERDAY.

ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM SHERIFF JASON RIGGS, DILLON TAYLOR WAS ARRESTED AFTER DEPUTIES USED A PURSUIT INTERVENTION TECHNIQUE TO DISABLE THE VEHICLE HE WAS DRIVING.

TAYLOR WAS ARRESTED FOR FELONY FLEEING, GROSS MISDEMEANOR DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED, AND FOR AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT.

HE IS CURRENTLY IN CUSTODY IN THE BELTRAMI COUNTY JAIL.

DEPUTIES ORIGINALLY TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE TAYLOR WAS DRIVING IN THE AREA OF HIGHWAY 89 AND HIGHWAY 2 AROUND 5:00 P.M.

HE FLED ON HIGHWAY 2 AND ECKLES ROADS, REACHING SPEEDS OF 80 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE BEING ARRESTED ON CARDINAL ROAD.

>>> A LEVEL THREE PREDATORY OFFENDER HAS RELOCATED TO A NEW RESIDENCE IN RURAL WALKER.

CASS COUNTY SHERIFF BRYAN WELK REPORTS 35-YEAR-OLD THOMAS EDWARD STRONG HAS BEEN LIVING IN THE VICINITY OF SHING WAUK DRIVE NORTHWEST SINCE OCTOBER 18TH.

STRONG WAS INCARCERATED FOR ENGAGING IN SEXUAL CONTACT WITH KNOWN MALE AND FEMALE CHILDREN.

ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, STRONG USED HIS ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS OF TRUST TO ATTAIN AND EXPLOIT UNMONITORED CONTACT WITH THE CHILDREN.

AUTHORITIES SAY STRONG WAS RELEASED IN 2018 AND IS NOT CURRENTLY WANTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION REGARDING HIS MOVE TO THE AREA IS MEANT TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED.

>>> THE BEMIDJI CITY COUNCIL WELCOMED TWO NEW POLICE OFFICERS DURING THEIR CITY COUNCIL MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK.

BEMIDJI POLICE CHIEF MIKE MASTIN SWORE IN DYLAN RUSSEL AND BENJAMIN HOLT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING.

RUSSEL, WHO IS ORIGINALLY FROM BEMIDJI AND A GRADUATE OF BEMIDJI HIGH SCHOOL, HAS EXPERIENCE AS A CORRECTIONS OFFICER FOR THE ST. LOUIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

HOLT BEGAN HIS CAREER AS A SECURITY OFFICER FOR BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY, AND HAS VOLUNTEERED WITH THE BEMIDJI POLICE DEPARTMENT AS A RESERVE OFFICER AND PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SINCE MARCH OF THIS YEAR AND IS A GRADUATE OF BSU.

MASTIN HIGHLIGHTED THE DIFFICULTIES OF RECRUITING BEFORE BOTH OFFICERS WERE PINNED.

>> AS YOU ARE AWARE, FINDING INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WILLING TO WEAR THE BADGE HAS BEEN TREMENDOUSLY DIFFICULT.

AS A DEPARTMENT, WE DO OUR BEST TO RECRUIT QUALITY CANDIDATES, WHO WISH TO SERVE OUR CITIZENS WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT, WHILE MAKING OUR COMMUNITY THEIR HOMES.

THROUGH ALL OF OUR EFFORTS, WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE THESE TWO INDIVIDUALS COMMIT TO OUR DEPARTMENT AND SERVE THE CITIZENS OF BEMIDJI.

>> AFTER THE SWEARING IN OF THE TWO OF BEMIDJI'S FINEST, THE BEMIDJI CITY COUNCIL WAS PRESENTED WITH AN UPDATE TO TWO DIFFERENT VITAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR 2025.

THE FIRST BEING CITY PROJECT 2501, MAKING IT 16 YEARS FOR THIS PROGRAM.

NEARLY 20 MILES OF STREETS HAVE BEEN RECONSTRUCTED OVER THAT PERIOD, WITH $31 MILLION BEING INVESTED INTO THE RECONSTRUCTION OF KEY STREETS IN THE AREA.

THIS YEAR, THE TARGET STREETS INCLUDE: HANNAH AVENUE NORTHWEST, NORTON AVENUE NORTHWEST, 14TH STREET NORTHWEST, AND TAFT AVENUE NORTHEAST.

THE SECOND UPDATE PROVIDED WAS FOR CITY PROJECT 2502, WHICH INVOLVES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PARK AVENUE NORTHWEST.

THE COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BOTH RESOLUTIONS FOR FEASIBILITY REPORTS FOR BOTH PROJECTS.

>> IT WILL BE A STATE FUNDED PROJECT.

THAT IS ONE OF THE 20% WE CAN DESIGNATE OUT OF ALL THE LOCAL ROADS.

SO WITH THAT, THIS IS A FORMALITY, WE WILL START WITH THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND THEN COMPLETE THE FEASIBILITY REPORT.

WE'RE NOT EXACTLY SURE WHAT A TYPICAL SECTION THAT WE'RE GOING TO PROPOSE TO COUNCIL ON THIS ONE.

WE WILL START LIKE WE'RE GOING TO ASSIST AND SEE HOW WE END UP.

THIS IS FROM 15th STREET TO THE TRUNK HIGHWAY AND THIS IS ALL INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE THAT WAS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER AND STAFF WILL BE ASSISTING AS NEEDED.

>> THE FEASIBILITY REPORTS WILL PROVIDE MORE DETAIL FOR THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS, AS WELL AS THE COST FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION FOR BOTH PROJECTS.

THOSE REPORTS SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

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

>> Stacy: WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF SEEING SOME SHOWERS IN THE AREA TOMORROW, BUT SUNSHINE SHOULD RETURN TO END THE WEEK.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, MINNESOTA STATE CHANCELLOR SCOTT OLSON DISCUSSED THE FUTURE OF UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGES DURING HIS ADDRESS THIS WEEK.

[♪♪♪] >> 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.

>>> LEADERS IN EDUCATION FROM ALL ACROSS MINNESOTA CAME TOGETHER RECENTLY FOR MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES CHANCELLOR SCOTT OLSON'S SECOND ANNUAL ADDRESS, PART OF THE MINNESOTA STATE BOARD OF TRUSTEES' INITIATIVE TO MEET AT EACH OF THE 54 CAMPUSES IN THE STATE.

CHANCELLOR OLSON APPEARED AT CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE'S STAPLES CAMPUS BEFORE VISITING CAMP RIPLEY'S MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATION CENTER TO SHARE HIS VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF ALL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WITHIN THE STATE.

OLSON HAS SPENT OVER 20 YEARS IN THE MINNESOTA STATE SYSTEM AND HAS BEEN A STRONG SUPPORTER IN PUSHING FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE STATE, AS HE SUCCESSFULLY HELPED WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY, ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST SUCCESS RATES FOR STUDENT OF COLOR AMONG ALL MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGE DURING HIS TIME THERE AS PRESIDENT.

>> MINNESOTA STATE LIKEWISE, RECOGNIZES WE HAVE TO MIRROR AND ECHO MINNESOTA AND GIVE EVERYBODY A SHOT AT SELF ACTUALATION -- ACTUALATION.

I SEE A LOT OF HELP WANTED SIGNS OUT THERE.

>> THERE WERE OVER 1,000 PEOPLE TUNED INTO THE LIVE STREAM FOR CHANCELLOR OLSON'S ADDRESS.

>>> BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY HAS STARTED A NEW INITIATIVE CALLED “BUILD THE DAM: SERVE OUR STUDENTS”, AN INTERACTIVE ART PIECE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO SYMBOLIZE BSU FACULTY MEMBER EFFORTS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS.

STUDENTS AND FACULTY WERE ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE EXHIBIT IN FRONT OF HOBSON MEMORIAL UNION BY PLACING THEIR OWN STICK ALONG THE BEAVER DAM THAT SYMBOLIZES THE FACULTIES COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO SUPPORT ITS STUDENTS.

AS A PART OF THIS INITIATIVE, DEPARTMENT, AND OFFICE HEADS WERE ASKED TO COME UP WITH WAYS TO IDENTIFY STEPS THEY CAN TAKE TO ENHANCE STUDENT RETENTION.

>> REACHING OUT TO STUDENTS THAT ARE MISSING, FINDING OUT WHO THEY ARE, WHAT ASSIGNMENTS ARE MISSING, AND REACHING OUT AND SENDING THEM AN E-MAIL AND CHECKING IN ON THEM.

IF THEY'RE NOT RESPONDING, MAKE SURE THEIR ADVISER KNOWS WHO THEY ARE SO WE DON'T LOSE THESE STUDENTS.

I FIND IT IMPORTANT THAT THE COMMUNITY TRUSTS US TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR KIDS AND TAKE CARE OF THE STUDENTS.

IF 170 FACULTY DOES SMALL THINGS, JUST SMALL THINGS WITHIN THEIR COURSES TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE STUDENT-FOCUSED, MAKING SURE TO TAKE CARE OF STUDENTS.

>> WE'RE TRYING TO REACH OUT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE THERE FOR THEM IF THEY NEED US.

>> STUDENTS AND FACULTY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE BEAVER DAM WITH THEIR OWN STICK UNTIL OCTOBER 25TH.

IF YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE, BSU ASKS THAT YOU BRING STICKS THAT ARE EASY TO CARRY, BUT EXTRA STICKS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE SITE.

>>> STACY IS HERE.

SOUNDS LIKE SOME MORE RAIN NOW TONIGHT COMING IN?

>> WE WILL START TO SEE SOME RAIN MOVING IN, ESPECIALLY TOMORROW.

IT LOOKS LIKE TOMORROW HEADING INTO THE AFTERNOON IS THE BEST CHANCE OF SEEING THOSE SHOWERS.

A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF SEEING THOSE IN THE AREA, A COLD FRONT WILL DROP THROUGH THE AREA.

WE WILL SEE SUNSHINE THROUGH THE WEEKEND, SEASONAL TEMPERATURES THIS >> CLOSED CAPTIONING IS SPONSORED BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCESS OF MINNESOTA AND THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, DEAF, DEAF/BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING STATE SERVICES DIVISION.

>> 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, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS, LAND SURVEYORS SERVING MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES SINCE 1975.

>> AND NOW THE WEATHER WITH STACY CHRISTENSON.

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: WELL, WE DID SEE SOME SUNSHINE RETURN TO THE AREA, ESPECIALLY THIS AFTERNOON.

WE SHOULD HAVE INCREASING CLOUDS NOW AS WE HEAD INTO THE OVERNIGHT.

EXPECT TO SEE PLENTY OF CLOUD COVER TOMORROW, WE HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF SEEING SHOWERS, ESPECIALLY IN EASTERN AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA AS THE COLD FRONT DROPS IN THE STATE.

IT WILL COOL THINGS OFF A LITTLE BIT AS WE HEAD INTO FRIDAY, BUT EXPECT SOME MODERATING TEMPERATURES AND SEASONAL TEMPERATURES THIS WEEKEND.

BEMIDJI IS 43 DEGREES, AT THE STUDIO, VARIABLE WINDS, DEW POINT IS 34.

IN BRAINERD, WE HAVE CLEAR SKIES, 45 DEGREES, DEW POINT IS 33, PRESSURE IS FALLING AND WINDS ARE SOUTH AT 8 MILES PER HOUR.

ALL IS QUIET ON THE RADAR.

IT'S BEEN A QUIET DAY TODAY, DESPITE SOME CLOUD COVER EARLY ON.

WE HAD THE SUNSHINE RETURN THIS AFTERNOON, BUT CLOUDS ARE STARTING TO INCREASE.

WE SHOULD HAVE PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES OVERNIGHT TONIGHT.

PLENTY OF CLOUD COVER FOR US TOMORROW AND THERE IS A CHANCE OF SEEING SOME RAIN SHOWERS, THE BEST CHANCE WILL BE FROM CENTRAL INTO NORTHEAST MINNESOTA IN THE AFTERNOON, BUT WE COULD SEE A FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS IN PARTS OF NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, THE EXCEPTION BEING THAT FAR NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE STATE, BUT AGAIN WE SHOULD BE SEEING SOME COOLER TEMPERATURES AS WE HEAD INTO FRIDAY, AND THEN SEASONAL TEMPS THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND.

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

GORGEOUS SKIES FROM ARLENE IN MENAHGA, YOLANDA AND ANGELA.

WE ALSO HAVE A GREAT MORNING PICTURE FROM DEBRA AT LAKE ADA.

GORGEOUS FALL COLORS FROM DIANA.

LAURIE SPOTTING A SNOW SHOE HARE.

AND NOT A LOT OF LEAVES LEFT ON THE TREES IN WALKER.

NOW FROM OUR EAGLE EYES REPORTS, STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD REPORTING A HIGH OF 52.

DIANA REPORTING 50.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, CLOUDY SKIES, THEN SOME SUNSHINE LATE TODAY.

BOB IN BLUFFTON REPORTING CLOUDS AND SUN.

THE HIGH WAS 52.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, MOSTLY CLEAR, AND THE HIGH WAS 51.

TAKING A LOOK AT OUR ALMANAC, BRAINERD TOPPING OUT AT 54.

IT'S VERY SEASONAL, A COUPLE DEGREES ABOVE THE AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

WE STARTED OUT WITH A LOW OF 43 AND WE HAD SUNSET TONIGHT AT 6:15.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH OF 48, THAT IS OUR AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

WE HAD A LOW TODAY OF 36 AND SUNRISE AT 7:51.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, MOST OF US WILL SEE CLOUD COVER THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND THERE IS A CHANCE OF SEEING SOME RAIN SHOWERS, A BETTER CHANCE AS WE MOVE FURTHER TO THE SOUTH AND EAST.

HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE NORTH SHOULD BE IN THE MID TO UPPER 50s.

LOOKING AT CENTRAL MINNESOTA, PLENTY OF CLOUD COVER, SHOWERS ACROSS THE AREA, AND WE SHOULD BE SEEING THE HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE UPPER 50s, COULD BE CLOSE TO 60 AND THEN AS I MENTIONED AS WE HEAD INTO THE END OF THE WEEK, EXPECT TO RETURN TO SUNNY SKIES.

PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES.

SHOWERS ESPECIALLY IN EASTERN AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW AFTERNOON, ALTHOUGH THERE IS A CHANCE THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST MINNESOTA AS WELL.

PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES, HIGHS NEAR 57.

THINGS LOOK QUIET AND WE SHOULD SEE A LOT OF SUNSHINE AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

TEMPERATURES ARE COOLER ON FRIDAY WITH A HIGH OF 52.

WE'RE UP TO 59 ON SUNDAY, AND THEN A JUMP IN THOSE TEMPERATURES AS WE HIT THE WORKWEEK.

HIGHS COULD BE NEAR 68.

>> Dennis: NOW CHARLIE IS HERE.

BEMIDJI BOYS SOCCER, IT'S BEEN QUITE A SEASON.

>> Charlie: YES, MADE IT TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT.

TODAY THEY TOOK ON THE TOP SEED AT MONTICELLO HIGH SCHOOL.

THEY WERE PLAYING MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN THERE.

WE HAVE THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THAT AND MORE SECTION VOLLEYBALL 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.

>> 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.

>>> WHEN THEY MADE IT TO THE TOURNAMENT IN 2018, THEY MADE A RUN FOR THE AGES, PUSHING TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AND FINISHING AS THE STATE RUNNER UP.

IF THEY WANTED TO REPLICATE THAT SAME MAGIC THIS YEAR, THEY NEED TO DISPATCH THEIR TOUGHEST OPPONENT TO DATE, MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN AT A SECTION 6-3A.

LUMBERJACKS TAKING ON THE MILLERS AT MONTICELLO HIGH SCHOOL.

FIRST HALF, 0-0.

FIRING THE BULLET, BUT HE SAYS NO, NOT TODAY.

HE KEEPS THINGS SCORELESS.

LATER IN THE HALF, TIED AT 0-0.

THIS TIME WITH A THUNDER AND HEADER GIVING THE MILLERS A 1-0 LEAD.

JACKS GET A CHANCE.

ISAAC STONE, BUT IT'S WIDE RIGHT.

THE GAME STAYS 1-0.

THE MILLERS JUST A FEW MOMENTS LATER PROVED THEY WERE TOO HOT.

ASHTON SHOWS OFF THE HANDLES BEFORE PUNCHING IT HOME.

WASHBURN EXTENDS THE LEAD.

THEY WOULD END BEMIDJI'S DREAM SEASON BY A SCORE OF 3-0.

MINNEAPOLIS WASHBURN MOVES ON AND UNFORTUNATE RESULT THERE.

THEY DID HAVE A GREAT SEASON.

>>> WHILE A VAST MAJORITY OF THE GIRLS' SECTION VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENTS BEGIN TONIGHT, THERE ARE A SELECT FEW THAT ARE ALREADY INTO THEIR SECOND ROUNDS.

SECTION 8A SAW ITS FIRST-ROUND PLAYOFF GAMES COMPLETED MONDAY WHERE 6-SEEDED FOSSTON BEAT RED LAKE 3-SETS TO NONE, ADVANCING TO MATCH-UP WITH 3-SEED BLACKDUCK IN ROUND TWO.

THE GREYHOUNDS COMING IN 11-13 OVERALL HOSTED BY THE DRAKES WHO FINISHED THE REGULAR SEASON 17-5.

THE TWO TEAMS MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR TONIGHT.

EARLY IN THE FIRST SET, LEXI WITH THE EMPHATIC STRIKE, PUTTING THEM UP 14-11.

IT WOULD STAY CLOSE.

LATER FROM ONE SENIOR TO ANOTHER, HANNAH WHO HAD OVER 1,000 ASSISTS.

NOW IT'S TIED 24-24.

BELLA UP THE SET FROM ANDERSON, FINDS A HOLE AND THEY TAKE ADVANTAGE.

THEY COULD WIN IT WITH THE NEXT POINT BUT FOSSTON DON'T LIKE BEING THE UNDERDOGS, THEY LIKE BEING THE GREYHOUNDS.

THEY TIE THE GAME AT 25-25.

FOSSTON GOES ON TO WIN THE FIRST SET 28-26.

THEY WIN THE MATCH 3-1, UPSETTING BLACKDUCK ON THEIR HOME FLOOR.

THEY WILL MOVE ON TO PLAY BELTRAMI.

CLEAR BROOK GONVICK ALSO MOVING ON IN 8A.

MORE SCORES ON THE WEST SIDE, LAKE OF THE WOODS FALLS TO RED LAKE.

GRAND RAPIDS GETS A SWEEP OVER ROCK RIDGE IN 7-3A.

IN 8-2A, PARK RAPIDS BEATS ROSEAU.

EAST GRAND FORKS KNOCKS OFF MENAHGA.

WADENA DEER CREEK'S SEASON IS STILL ALIVE.

CROSBY-IRONTON COLLECTS A FOUR SET WIN.

ALSO IN 7-2A, GREEN WAY GETS THE WIN OVER HIBBING.

SEBEKA IS MOVING ON.

ALSO IN 5A, WALKER-HACKENSACK-AKELEY IN FIVE SETS GETS THE WIN OVER LONG PRAIRIE GREY EAGLE.

BERTHA HEWITT CONTINUES THEIR JOURNEY.

>>> BEMIDJI STATE WOMEN'S HOCKEY IS COMING OFF THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND OF THE SEASON THUS FAR, NABBING THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE YEAR FRIDAY, FOLLOWED BY A TIE-ON SATURDAY TO NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENT LINDENWOOD.

THE BEAVS WILL LOOK TO CARRY THAT MOMENTUM ON THE ROAD AS THEY RESUME WCHA PLAY AT NUMBER ONE RANKED WISCONSIN, AN OPPORTUNITY THEY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO.

>> YOU KNOW, A PREMIER ARENA FOR WOMEN'S HOCKEY.

THEY HAVE A GREAT FAN BASE.

THERE IS A LOT OF RED IN THAT BUILDING.

SO IT'S TOUGH TO PLAY AS AN OPPONENT, BUT JUST THE OPPORTUNITY WE GET IN WOMEN'S HOCKEY TO PLAY IN AN ENVIRONMENT LIKE THAT WITH 2,000 TO 3,000 FANS.

IT'S UNIQUE FOR US.

WHILE IT IS HARD TO PLAY THERE, IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY WE GET.

I KNOW OUR PLAYERS ARE REALLY EXCITED.

I HAD A FEW CONVERSATIONS THIS WEEK AND EVERYONE IS EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THIS WEEK.

>> Charlie: THEY PLAY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY THIS WEEKEND.

>> Dennis: THANKS CHARLIE.

>>> A NEW REPORT FROM THE C.D.C.

SHOWS THAT DESPITE RECENT OUTBREAKS OF INFECTIOUS AND PREVENTABLE DISEASES LIKE MEASLES AND WHOOPING COUGH, FEWER KINDERGARTNERS ARE GETTING THEIR ROUTINE VACCINATIONS WHEN COMPARED TO PRE-PANDEMIC TIMES.

IN TODAY'S HEALTH MINUTE, MANDY GAITHER TAKES A LOOK AT THE DATA AND HAS MORE ON THE POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THIS DECLINE.

>> Reporter: IT'S AN ALARMING TREND DURING THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR NATIONAL KINDERGARTEN COVERAGE WITH STATE REQUIRED VACCINATIONS DROPPED TO 93%, DOWN FROM 95% BETWEEN THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR, BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

>> IT'S ENLIGHTENING AND NOT SURPRISING WITH WHAT WE'VE BEEN THROUGH THE LAST FOUR YEARS.

>> Reporter: DR. JASON WITH NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL SAYS INFECTIOUS AND PREVENTABLE DISEASES ARE NOT PREVAIL LENT BUT SOME ARE MAKING A COMEBACK.

THIS YEAR ALONE, A TOTAL OF 269 MEASLES CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN MORE THAN 30 U.S. STATES AS OF OCTOBER 17TH.

THE CDC SAYS 88% OF THOSE PATIENTS WERE EITHER UNVACCINATED OR THEIR VACCINATION STATUS IS UNKNOWN.

>> MEASLES CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, LEADING TO LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES.

>> Reporter: THE CDC SAYS VACCINATION IS ALSO THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST PERTUSSES, THAT PRELIMINARY DATA SHOWS MORE THAN FIVE TIMES AS MANY CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED THIS TIME OF YEAR WHEN COMPARED TO THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.

>> MAINTAINING OUR VACCINE RATE, WHETHER IT'S MEASLES, WHETHER IT'S -- PERTUSSES, INFLUENZA OR COVID, IT WOULD MAKE OUR MOST VULNERABLE HEALTHY AND OUR FUTURE HEALTHY.

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

>> Dennis: WITH ONE LAST LOOK AT OUR WEATHER, LET'S GO TO STACY.

>> Stacy: PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES TONIGHT, LOWS NEAR 41, SOUTHWEST WINDS 5 TO 15.

SHOWERS MOVE INTO THE AREA TOMORROW, ESPECIALLY IN EASTERN MINNESOTA, HIGHS NEAR 57.

>> Dennis: THAT'S IT FOR US.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT EVERYBODY.

WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

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