>> 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.

>>> A STAPLES MAN DIED IN A HOUSE FIRE IN CASS COUNTY THIS MORNING.

THE CASS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE SAYS THE FIRE WAS REPORTED IN BYRON TOWNSHIP ABOUT FOUR MILES SOUTHEAST OF LEADER AT JUST BEFORE 11:00 A.M.

WHEN RESPONDERS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE THEY FOUND THE HOUSE ENGULFED IN FLAMES.

AFTER THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED THE VICTIM WAS FOUND INSIDE THE HOME.

AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED WITH THE RAMSEY COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE.

TWO OTHER ADULTS WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL IN STAPLES FOR SMOKE INHALATION.

ANOTHER STRUCTURE ON THE PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED BY THE FIRE.

THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA FIRE MARSHALL'S OFFICE.

>>> A MAN WHO PREVIOUSLY LIVED IN NEAR BRAINERD HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 13.

67-YEAR-OLD STEVEN BRYANT DAVIS PLEADED GUILTY TO FIRST DEGREE CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT LAST NOVEMBER AND HE WAS SENTENCED ON MONDAY IN CROW WING COUNTY COURT.

EIGHT OTHER CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT CHARGES FILED AGAINST DAVIS WERE DROPPED AFTER HE PLEADED GUILTY.

THE VICTIM IN THE CASE GAVE SEVERAL SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF THE SEXUAL ABUSE AND SAID IT HAPPENED FOR SEVERAL YEARS WHEN THE VICTIM WAS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 9 AND 11 YEARS OLD.

THE ABUSE STARTED ALMOST TEN YEARS AGO.

DAVIS HAD MOVED TO THE STATE OF VIRGINIA WHEN INVESTIGATORS FIRST INTERVIEWED HIM IN JUNE OF 2021.

>>> A CONVICTED FELON HAS PLEADED GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT FOR HIS ROLE IN AN ILLEGAL FIREARM STRAW PURCHASING CONSPIRACY.

ACCORDING TO COURT DOCUMENTS ON MAY 26, 2023, 36-YEAR-OLD DONALD DUANE ARMSTRONG JUNIOR AND A CO-CONSPIRATOR ENTERED A FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEE IN WALKER, MINNESOTA, WHERE THE CO-CONSPIRATOR PURCHASED A SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL, INTENDING TO TRANSFER THE FIREARM TO ARMSTRONG, WHO IS A CONVICTED FELON.

IN PURCHASING THE FIREARM, ARMSTRONG'S CO-CONSPIRATOR LIED WHEN FILLING OUT THE A.T.F.

FORM WHICH CERTIFIES THAT HE WAS THE ACTUAL BUYER/TRANSFEREE OF THE FIREARM, WHEN IN FACT THE FIREARM WAS INTENDED FOR ARMSTRONG.

ON JUNE 14, 2023, LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT AT ARMSTRONG'S HOME.

AT THE HOME LAW ENFORCEMENT SEIZED 14 FIREARMS, INCLUDING THE FIREARM PURCHASED ON MAY 26TH.

BECAUSE ARMSTRONG HAS PRIOR FELONY CONVICTIONS, HE IS PROHIBITED UNDER FEDERAL LAW FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION AT ANY TIME.

ARMSTRONG PLEADED GUILTY TODAY IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT BEFORE JUDGE NANCY E. BRASEL TO ONE COUNT OF CONSPIRACY TO MAKE A FALSE STATEMENT DURING THE PURCHASE OF A FIREARM.

A SENTENCING HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AT A LATER TIME.

>>> THE BEMIDJI SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED A NEW CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH THE BEMIDJI EDUCATION ASSOCIATION LAST NIGHT.

B.E.A.

MEMBERS APPROVED THE AGREEMENT LAST WEEK AND SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE AGREEMENT AT THE DISTRICT'S SCHOOL BOARD MEETING LAST NIGHT.

THE PREVIOUS CONTRACT HAD EXPIRED ON JUNE 30TH OF LAST YEAR AND EDUCATORS HAD BEEN WORKING WITHOUT A CONTRACT SINCE THEN.

>>> CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE SHOWED ITS SUPPORT FOR THE MILITARY LAST WEEK, SIGNING A STATEMENT OF SUPPORT THROUGH THE EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE.

THE STATEMENT OF SUPPORT PROGRAM IS THE CORNERSTONE OF ESGR'S EFFORT TO GAIN AND MAINTAIN EMPLOYER SUPPORT FOR THE GUARD AND RESERVE.

THE INTENT OF THE PROGRAM IS TO INCREASE EMPLOYER SUPPORT BY ENCOURAGING EMPLOYERS TO ACT AS ADVOCATES FOR EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION IN THE MILITARY AND THE ESGR HOPES MORE ORGANIZATIONS LIKE CLC FOLLOW ITS EXAMPLE.

>> PLACES LIKE CLC COMING OUT AND SAY WE'RE GOING TO SIGN A STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE COMPANY, THEY'RE TELLING THE FACULTY AND THE EMPLOYEES THAT WE SUPPORT YOU.

THEY'RE LETTING EVERYONE KNOW, HEY WE AS AN INSTITUTION SUPPORT YOU, BUT THEY'RE ALSO SETTING A COMMUNITY STANDARD.

>> THE ESGR HAS SERVED THE U.S.

SINCE 1972 AND ROUGHLY 38 PERCENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RESIDES IN THE GUARD AND RESERVE.

>>> CROSS CATHOLIC OUTREACH, A VATICAN-ENDORSED CATHOLIC NONPROFIT PARTNERED WITH ST. ANDREW'S CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BRAINERD TO PACK MEALS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN POVERTY-STRICKEN COUNTRIES.

THIS PAST SATURDAY, VOLUNTEERS GATHERED AT ST. ANDREW'S WITH THE HOPES OF PACKING 60,000 MEALS.

REPORTER SAMMY HOLLADAY HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: ON SATURDAY, MANY PEOPLE FLOCKED TO ST. ANDREWS CHURCH IN BRAINERD TO SHARE THEIR BLESSINGS WITH THE LESS FORTUNATE.

THEY LOOK FOR PROJECTS LIKE THE MEAL PACKING PROJECT ON SATURDAY TO HELP THOSE DEALING WITH HARDSHIP.

>> THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA HAS A REALLY STRONG CATHOLIC PRESENCE AND THEY'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO DO FAITH AND ACTION SERVICE PROJECTS.

SO THEY REACHED OUT TO CATHOLIC OUTREACH TO PUT TOGETHER A FOOD PACKING EVENT TO SERVE THE POOR IN OVER 33 OF THE COUNTRIES WE SERVE.

>> Reporter: FOR MANY PEOPLE TODAY, THEY FELT IT WAS REALLY IMPORTANT TO SHARE THEIR BLESSINGS WITH THE LESS FORTUNATE AS THEY RECOGNIZE WHERE THEY LIVE IN A COUNTRY WHERE FOOD IS VERY ACCESSIBLE TO THEM.

>> WE ARE SO BLESSED TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY THAT HAVE SO MANY NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT SERVE THE POOREST OF THE POOR.

THAT'S NOT THE CASE IN SOME DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

THAT'S WHERE WE IN THE UNITED STATES AND ACROSS CATHOLIC OUTREACH HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO STEP IN AND REALLY LIFT THOSE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES UP BY PROVIDING THEM WITH FOOD, PROVIDING THEM WITH HOUSING, AND AGRICULTURE AND EDUCATION.

>> Reporter: PACKING OVER 60,000 MEALS REQUIRES A LARGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS.

OVER 150 PEOPLE TOOK TIME OUT OF THEIR WEEKEND TO HELP PEOPLE THEY WILL LIKELY NEVER MEET.

SEEING THIS AMOUNT OF SUPPORT WAS EMOTIONAL FOR SOME.

>> DEFINITELY, EXTREMELY ENCOURAGING.

IT CAN MOVE ANYBODY TO TEARS TO SEE THE LOVE, THE JOY, AND THE ENTHUSIASM IN SEEING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, NO MATTER WHERE THEY MAY BE, BEING FED BECAUSE IN ANOTHER WAY, WE ARE GIVING THANKS AND PRAISE TO GOD THAT WE ARE ALREADY BLESSED.

WE HAVE SO MUCH IN OUR COMMUNITY SO THIS IS A VERY SMALL GESTURE OF OUR GRATITUDE TO GOD.

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

>> IN TOTAL, THE VOLUNTEERS PACKED 61,244 MEALS, 1,244 OVER THE GOAL.

ALL OF THE WORK WAS COMPLETED IN 2.5 HOURS.

AND ONCE AGAIN, ALL THE MEALS WILL BE SENT TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN POVERTY-STRICKEN COUNTRIES.

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

>> Stacy: WINDS WILL DIMINISH BUT RAINFALL WILL CONTINUE INTO TOMORROW.

I'LL HAVE THE DETAILS IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, IT'S MERIT BADGE DAY FOR THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA.

[♪♪♪] >> 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.

>>> CEDAR SENSE IS A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS THAT WAS FOUNDED WITH THE SOLE PURPOSE OF CREATING OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL AREAS OF THE U.S.A. MICHAEL VAIL STARTED THIS COMPANY TO CHANGE THE FACT THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO MOVE TO THE CITY TO EARN A DECENT INCOME.

EARLIER IN APRIL, HE HELD A WORKSHOP FOR KIDS AGES 10 THROUGH 17 WHERE THEY LEARNED HOW TO CONSTRUCT ONE OF THE WOODEN FLAGS THE COMPANY SELLS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.

REPORTER ZY'RIAH SIMMONS HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: CEDAR SENSE IS A ONE PERSON OPERATION.

MICHAEL LED FIVE YOUNG INDIVIDUALS IN A BUILDING, GIVING THEM THE TOOLS AND KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO BUILD THE AMERICAN FLAG OUT OF WOOD.

>> I DO COACH IN THE AREA, SO I'M ALWAYS WORKING WITH THE YOUTH.

WE HAVE KIDS AROUND THE SAME AGE HERE.

ONE THING THAT I WANTED TO BRING INTO THIS COMMUNITY IS CRAFTSMANSHIP AND HOW PEOPLE CAN WORK WITH THEIR HANDS, EVEN IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE A CARPENTER.

WHEN YOU GET OLDER IN LIFE, YOU WILL FIX SOMETHING AROUND THE HOUSE.

>> Reporter: THEY GET SOME PARTICIPANTS A CHANCE TO TRY NEW THINGS THEY HEALTH DEPARTMENT BEFORE.

>> I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A BIG FAN OF WOODWORKING AND STEAM TYPE LESSONS AND CLASSES.

I NEVER DID A CLASS LIKE THIS SO IT SOUNDED INTERESTING.

DEFINITELY A LOT WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING THE FLAG, LINING EVERYTHING UP.

I NEVER DONE COLOR STAIN BEFORE SO THAT WAS INTERESTING AND LEARNING HOW TO DO IT RIGHT.

>> I REALLY LIKE IT.

IT'S REALLY FUN.

MIKE TEACHES YOU A LOT OF STUFF.

YOU GET TO LEARN A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT MEASURING, STAINING STUFF.

>> Reporter: THE CLASS ISN'T LIMITED TO PEOPLE IN THE MINNESOTA AREA BUT ALL OVER TO EXPERIENCE THE YOUTH FLAG BUILT WITH MICHAEL.

>> WE HAVE PEOPLE FROM FARGO THAT COME HERE, PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 10 TO 17 YEARS OLD.

SO WE WERE BRINGING SOME OF THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER WITH JUST PEOPLE THAT MIGHT NOT EVER SEE EACH OTHER.

IT'S A GOOD TRAIT FOR KIDS TO KNOW AND TYING IN OUR PRODUCT THAT WE SELL ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.

IT'S KILLING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE THAT WAY.

I THINK IT'S A GOOD DEAL WHEN KIDS CAN MAKE SOMETHING WITH THEIR OWN HANDS AND LOOK AT IT AND HAVE PRIDE THAT HEY, I BUILT THAT.

>> Reporter: MICHAEL IS ATTRACTING A LOT OF PEOPLE AND ONE DAY HOPES TO EXTEND THE CLASS TO OTHER CITIES.

>> IT DOESN'T TAKE OUR SHOP TO DO THIS.

YOU CAN MAKE THESE FLAGS IN ANYONE'S HOUSEHOLD GARAGE AND TOOLS.

WE WANT TO TAKE THIS TO GRAND FORKS AND WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY LEADERS AND ONCE WE HAVE A SYSTEM ON HOW TO DO IT, FOR THIS ONE RIGHT HERE, IT'S PROBABLY GOING TO BE THE ONE WITH THE MOST KINKS WE HAVE TO WORK OUT.

THE MORE WE DO IT, THE BETTER WE WILL GET AT IT.

I THINK IT'S AN ALL AROUND GOOD THING IN THE COMMUNITY WHEN THE YOUTH IS LEARNING.

>> Reporter: IT'S ALL ABOUT BRINGING THE YOUTHS TOGETHER AND WHAT MORE CAN YOU DO THAN BUILDING A FLAG.

I'M SIR -- ZY'RIAH SIMMONS, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> THE EVENT WAS FREE FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS AND THEY GOT TO KEEP THE FLAGS AT THE END OF IT.

>>> TIME FOR WEATHER, STACY IS HERE.

APRIL IS A GOOD MONTH TO GET SOME RAIN AND WE'RE GETTING SOME RAIN.

>> Stacy: WE SEEN QUITE A BIT TODAY.

THERE IS MORE ON THE WAY, MORE RAINFALL TONIGHT AND TOMORROW.

WE WILL SEE IT TAPERING OFF STARTING IN THE AFTERNOON.

MORE CHANCES OF PRECIPITATION ARE IN STORE FOR US LATER THIS WEEK, HOWEVER TEMPERATURES WILL BE COLDER SO WE COULD HAVE SOME RAIN >> 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, IT WAS A WINDY AND RAINY AFTERNOON AND EVENING ACROSS THE AREA, BUT WE ARE STARTING TO SEE THE WINDS DIMINISHING A LITTLE BIT AS WE HEAD INTO THE OVERNIGHT.

RAINFALL IS GOING TO CONTINUE.

WE HAVE RAIN SHOWERS LIKELY TONIGHT AND INTO TOMORROW, ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING.

WE COULD SEE THEM TAPERING OFF TOMORROW AFTERNOON.

CHANCES OF PRECIPITATION ARE BACK LATER THIS WEEK AND WITH COOLER TEMPERATURES, WE COULD SEE SNOW, AS WELL AS RAIN.

RIGHT NOW IN BEMIDJI, 41 AT THE AIRPORT.

AT OUR STUDIO, WE HAVE AN EAST WIND AT 11 MILES PER HOUR, BUT GUSTS ARE UP TO 24.

THE DEW POINT IS AT 35.

WE SO FAR HAVE SEEN ABOUT 0.3-INCH OF RAINFALL.

BRAINERD, CLOUDY SKIES, 42 DEGREES, 37 IS THE DEW POINT.

WE ARE -- HAVE A RISING BAROMETRIC PRESSURE.

THE LARGE AREA OF PRECIPITATION IS THERE ON THE RADAR AND AS YOU CAN SEE, IT ENCOMPASSES MOST OF OUR VIEWING AREA TONIGHT.

THE AREA OF LOW PRESSURE THAT IS CREATING THIS IS GOING TO CONTINUE MOVING OFF TO THE NORTH AND EAST.

AS IT DOES, ALL OF THIS MOISTURE WRAPS AROUND IT, WE'LL HAVE RAIN SHOWERS OVERNIGHT TONIGHT, ALTHOUGH THE WINDS WILL BE DIMINISHING AND RAIN WILL CONTINUE INTO TOMORROW.

HOWEVER, AS THE LOW CONTINUES TO MOVE OFF TO THE EAST, WE COULD START TO SEE SOME OF THE RAINFALL TAPERING OFF IN WESTERN MINNESOTA, STARTING IN THE AFTERNOON.

HOWEVER, THERE IS A CHANCE FOR PRECIPITATION LATER ON THIS WEEK.

A COUPLE OF WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU.

ASHLEY SENDING THIS PHOTO OF THE FINCHES GATHERING AT THE BIRD FEEDER.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PHOTOS.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORT, BOB IN BLUFFTON, REPORTING 0.75-INCH OF RAINFALL.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, CLOUDY WITH RAIN, ABOUT 0.5-INCH OF PRECIPITATION WITH A HIGH OF 53.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, RAINFALL AS WELL THIS EVENING, THE HIGH TEMPERATURE AT 48.

ON OUR ALMANAC, 55 IS THE HIGH IN BRAINERD, THE AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

THE LOW, 42 AND WE ARE GETTING CLOSE TO THAT THIS EVENING.

SUNSET IS AT 8:07.

BEMIDJI TODAY, REACHING A HIGH OF 53.

JUST A LITTLE BIT ABOVE THE AVERAGE, BUT AGAIN THE LOW TEMPERATURE IS 40, WE'RE 1 DEGREE ABOVE THAT THIS EVENING, AND SUNRISE AT 6:28.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST.

FOR TOMORROW, WE WILL HAVE CLOUD COVER, WE WILL HAVE RAIN SHOWERS LIKELY, ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING, BUT WE WILL START TO SEE THEM TAPERING IN THE AFTERNOON.

HIGH TEMPERATURES, MID TO UPPER 40s FOR PARTS OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA, RIGHT AROUND 50 IN BEMIDJI, FOSSTON, AND PARK RAPIDS.

IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE, CLOUDY SKIES, RAIN SHOWERS LIKELY BEGINNING TO TAPER OFF FROM WEST TO EAST IN THE AFTERNOON.

HIGHS SHOULD BE IN THE LOW TO MID-50s.

SO HERE'S OUR FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, RAIN IS LIKELY ACROSS THE AREA.

THERE IS STILL A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS, LOWS NEAR 38, EAST WINDS AT 10 TO 25 MILES PER HOUR.

RAIN IS LIKELY TOMORROW, NORTH WINDS AT 5 TO 20.

IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE COLDER AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEK.

48 ON THURSDAY, ANOTHER GOOD CHANCE OF SEEING SOME RAIN, POSSIBLY SOME SNOW IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA, SMALLER CHANCE FOR THE REST OF US.

SOME SNOW OR RAIN POSSIBLE ON FRIDAY, HIGHS NEAR 38.

WE START TO RECOVER AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND AND IT DOES LOOK LIKE SUNSHINE WILL BE MAKING A RETURN, HIGHS IN THE MID-50s BY SUNDAY.

BACK TO YOU DENNIS.

>> Dennis: THANKS STACY.

CHARLIE IS HERE NOW.

TIME TO HEAD INDOORS TODAY.

>> Charlie: YEAH, IT WAS RAINY OUTSIDE SO WE DIDN'T SEE THE DOUBLE HEADER WE WERE EXPECTING TO SEE WITH BEMIDJI BASEBALL, BUT WE GOT TO CHECK OUT PRACTICE TODAY INSTEAD.

I TALKED TO THE TEAM AND SEE WHAT THEIR OUTLOOK IS FOR THIS YEAR WITH SOME NEW FACES AND THE NEW HEAD COACH.

ALL THAT COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK.

[♪♪♪] >> PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS, ANNOUNCING THE EXPO.

MORE INFO AT GIGAZONEGAMING.COM.

>> NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

[♪♪♪] >>> BEMIDJI BASEBALL MAY STILL BE WEARING THE SAME UNIFORMS AS LAST YEAR BUT THIS SEASON'S TEAM IS SPORTING A LOT OF NEW FACES BOTH ON THE ROSTER AND THE COACHING STAFF.

ON THE FIELD, THE LUMBERJACKS ARE COMING OFF A SEASON THAT SAW THEM GO UNDEFEATED AT HOME, EARNING THEM THE TOP SEED HEADING INTO THE 8-4A SECTION PLAYOFFS BEFORE FALLING IN THREE GAMES IN THE DOUBLE-ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT.

THE JACKS GRADUATED EIGHT SENIORS, SEVEN OF WHOM ARE NOW PLAYING COLLEGE BASEBALL BUT THIS YEAR'S SQUAD HAS SEVEN NEW SENIORS READY TO STEP UP AND MAKE THEIR MARK.

>> YOU KNOW, IT'S REALLY MOTIVATION.

IT'S TRYING TO BE BETTER THAN THAT TEAM LAST YEAR.

THEY'RE THE DREAM TEAM, LIKE THEY'RE REALLY GOOD AND STUFF.

WE'RE HOPING WE CAN MAKE IT FURTHER AND USE IT AS MOTIVATION.

>> I FEEL LIKE WE STILL HAVE THE TALENT, JUST WORKING THROUGH ADVERSITY WITH THE TEAM AND GETTING TO PLAY WITH EACH OTHER.

I MEAN WE HAVEN'T PLAYED WITH EACH OTHER FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS.

>> WE ARE OFF TO A ROUGH START, BUT WE GOT SOME GAMES THAT I THINK WE CAN WIN.

EVERYONE IS DEVELOPING VERY WELL.

EVERYONE IS REALLY STEPPING UP, MORE THAN I THOUGHT THEY WOULD.

>> ON THE COACHING FRONT, FORMER BEMIDJI STATE BASEBALL COACH JIM GRIMM TOOK THE REINS THIS PAST OCTOBER AFTER MIKE FOGELSON.

THE WINNINGEST COACH IN PROGRAM HISTORY STEPPED AWAY FROM MANAGING AFTER 18 SEASONS.

GRIMM PLANS TO BRING HIS OWN STYLE OF COACHING TO THIS YEAR'S SQUAD WHILE ALSO LEANING AND BUILDING ON THE RICH TRADITION OF LUMBERJACK BASEBALL LAID DOWN BY THOSE BEFORE HIM.

>> HOW WE SACRIFICE, HOW WE BUNT, HOW WE FEEL THE BALL, HOW WE THROW, WHAT'S OUR PHILOSOPHY ON HOW WE APPROACH ATTACKING A BATTER AS A PITCHER.

A LOT OF THAT IS NEW TO THESE GUYS BECAUSE IT WAS DONE A DIFFERENT WAY BEFORE.

I'M A BEMIDJI GUY.

I PLAYED ON THE TEAMS THAT WON THE STATE TOURNAMENT.

I KNOW THE BEMIDJI WAY.

I CARRIED THAT THROUGH MY COACHING, ALL THROUGH BSU AND EVERYWHERE, HOW TO WIN AND I WAS TAUGHT TO WIN BY DIFFERENT COACHES AND DIFFERENT SPORTS, THAT'S WHAT I'M TRYING TO TEACH THESE GUYS.

>> THE LUMBERJACKS ARE 1-2 TO START THE SEASON.

TODAY'S DOUBLE-HEADER AT HOME AGAINST DULUTH EAST WAS POSTPONED DUE TO THE RAIN THUS THE INDOOR PRACTICE.

IT IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW.

FIRST GAME WOULD BE AT 4:00 P.M. AT THE BSU BASEBALL FIELD.

>>> WELL, RAIN WAS NOT AN ISSUE FOR BRAINERD GIRLS LACROSSE.

THEY'RE HOSTING SAINT CLOUD.

WARRIORS COME IN 1-0 AFTER A 23-1 VICTORY OVER SARTELL-SAUK RAPIDS ON FRIDAY.

MID FIRST QUARTER, BRAINERD DOWN 1-0.

LYDIA OLSON SPLITS THE BACKLINE FOR THE ANSWER, KNOTS THINGS UP AT ONE.

WARRIORS UP 2-1 NOW.

SOPHIA MENGHINI BEATS HER DEFENDER, IMPOSSIBLE TO MISS FROM THAT RANGE, EXTENDS THE LEAD TO TWO.

SECOND QUARTER, SAME SCORE.

ANNIE PIERCE BOUNCES IT BOTTOM SHELF ON THE FREE SHOT TO BEAT THE GOALIE.

IT'S 4-1.

BUT IN THE SECOND HALF SAINT CLOUD WOULD RALLY ALL THE WAY BACK TO BEAT BRAINERD 8-6.

WARRIORS SUFFER THEIR FIRST LOSS OF THE SEASON, BUT THEY'LL HAVE THEIR SHOT AT REVENGE WHEN THEY PLAY THE CRUSH AGAIN IN NINE DAYS.

>>> A COUPLE BOYS LACROSSE SCORES FOR YOU AS WELL.

MOORHEAD BEATS GREEN RAPIDS.

>>> TOMORROW, BSU MEN'S FOOTBALL TEAM WILL TRAVEL TO DULUTH FOR A SPRING SCRIMMAGE WITH UPPED -- UMD.

DURING SPRING PRACTICE, THANKS TO A PROPOSAL THAT WAS PASSED IN AUGUST OF LAST YEAR.

IT WILL START AT 4:30, FOLLOWING A JOINT PRACTICE AT 4:00 P.M.

IT WILL BE STREAMED ONLINE ON THE NSIC NETWORK.

WE'LL HAVE THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THAT TOMORROW.

>>> THE TWINS WERE BACK AT IT WITH THE ORIOLES TONIGHT IN GAME TWO OF THEIR THREE GAME SERIES IN BALTIMORE.

MINNESOTA TRYING TO HALT A TWO GAME SKID BUT IT GOT BAD FOR THE TWINKIES EARLY.

ORIOLES HAD 24 TEAM HOMERS COMING TODAY.

THIS ONE BY JORDAN GIVES THEM 26 AND A 6-0 LEAD.

TWINS SHOW SOME SIGNS OF LIFE IN THE TOP OF THE 4th.

THEY NEVER GOT MUCH GOING AFTER THAT AND FALL 11-3 TO THE ORIOLES.

TWINS ARE ON A THREE GAME SKID.

>> Dennis: THEY NEED TO GET HEALTHY.

>> Charlie: THEY DO.

THEY HAVE A LOT OF GUYS ON THE I.L., BUT THAT'S HOW IT GOES SOMETIMES.

>> Dennis: THANKS CHARLIE.

>>> TRY TO GUESS WHAT I'M DESCRIBING.

THERE ARE 135 DIFFERENT KINDS VARYING IN MANY DIFFERENT CATEGORIES SUCH AS SPORTS, CRAFTS, SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND MANY MORE.

IF YOU'RE THINKING I'M DESCRIBING MERIT BADGES, YOU'D BE CORRECT.

FOR THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, OUR REPORTER MATTHEW FREEMAN JOINED THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA FOR THEIR MERIT BADGE DAY, AS THEY TRY TO GET ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT.

>> Reporter: EARLIER THIS MONTH WAS MERIT BADGE DAY FOR THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, A CHANCE FOR THE SCOUTS TO EARN 1 OF 6 PROVIDED BADGES FOR THE DAY.

>> SO THE KIDS ARE TAKING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL, FIRE SAFETY, AUTOMOBILE, SO THE CLASSES CAN EITHER BE A HOBBY THAT THE KIDS GO INTO AT SOME POINT, A CAREER PATH FOR THEM.

SO IT'S ENGAGING FOR THEM TO LEARN THESE DIFFERENT SKILLS AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MAY NEED IT IN LIFE.

>> Reporter: ONE OF THE BADGES THAT THEY HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO EARN TODAY IS THE AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE BADGE.

>> WE'RE LOOKING AT ALL THE AUTOMOTIVE BASICS FOR THE SCOUTS.

THIS IS A GREAT THING FOR ALL KIDS TO LEARN, MAINTENANCE AND BEING ABLE TO CHECK YOUR FLUIDS AND MAKE SURE YOUR TIRES ARE GOOD.

>> Reporter: IF THEY'RE LOOKING FOR A MORE HANDS ON COURSE, THEY CAN EARN THE ELECTRONICS BADGE.

>> THEY CAN EARN SODERING, CIRCUIT THEORY, SO VOLT METERS AND TALKING ABOUT WHAT THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF A CIRCUIT ARE.

THERE IS SO MUCH TECHNOLOGY GOING ON WITH ALL THE ELECTRONICS EVERYWHERE, UNDERSTANDING HOW IT WORKS AND SOMETHING THEY CAN ENJOY AS HOBBYISTS OR GOING INTO WORK.

>> Reporter: OTHER BADGES INCLUDE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, FIRE SAFETY, HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS, AND CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD.

>> CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD IS LOOKING AT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A GOOD CITIZEN WORLDWIDE.

MOST OF THESE KIDS HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO HOW ONE THING MAY INTERACT WITH ANOTHER ON A WORLDWIDE BASIS, POLLUTION, CLIMATE CHANGE, HOW YOU DEAL WITH YOUR TRASH AND DIFFERENT NATIONALIIES AROUND THE WORLD.

THIS TIES IT TOGETHER AND MAKES THEM REALIZE WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A GLOBAL CITIZEN AND THINKING ABOUT IT.

>> Reporter: THESE SCOUTS AREN'T JUST LEARNING USEFUL SKILLS BUT HAVING A BLAST.

>> I LIKE CARS AND DIRT BIKES.

IT WOULD BE A GOOD CHOICE TO DO THAT SO I CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM.

WE'RE LEARNING OF ELECTRICITY AND WELDING THINGS TOGETHER TO MAKE POWER CORDS.

>> IT'S JUST A REALLY FUN CLASS.

I'M HAPPY I'M TAKING IT.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN BEMIDJI WITH THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, I'M MATTHEW FREEMAN, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> THE VOYAGERS AREA COUNCIL JUST ANNOUNCED ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE THAT REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SUMMER DAY CAMP FOR THE CUB SCOUTS, AND IF A SCOUT RECRUITS A FRIEND TO JOIN BY THE END OF APRIL, THEY WILL BOTH RECEIVE A FREE PASS TO THE CAMP.

>>> LET'S GO BACK OVER TO STACY FOR MORE ON OUR WEATHER.

>> Stacy: WE ARE STARTING TO SEE WINDS DIMINISHING A LIBEL -- LITTLE BIT TONIGHT, AND THERE IS A SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS.

EAST WINDS AT 10 TO 25.

LOOKING AT TOMORROW, RAIN IS LIKELY ONCE AGAIN, HIGH TEMPERATURES NEAR 49, NORTH WINDS AT 5 TO 20.

NOW AS WE HEAD INTO THE END OF THE WEEK, MORE CHANCES OF PRECIPITATION, ESPECIALLY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, BUT THERE COULD BE SNOW ALONG WITH THE WIND, WE WARM UP THIS WEEKEND.

>> Charlie: I STOPPED BY TO CHECK ON THE BASEBALL TEAM IN THE AUXILIARY GYM AND BOYS VOLLEYBALL WAS PRACTICING.

THAT'S A NEW SPORT THAT THEY'RE DOING A TRIAL RUN THIS YEAR, BUT IF IT GOES WELL, NEXT YEAR THEY WILL HAVE IT SANCTIONED AS AN ACTUAL SPORT.

>> Dennis: WHEN DO THEY OPEN UP?

>> Charlie: ON THURSDAY AND WE WILL BE AT THE GAME AT 6:00 AND THE VARSITY GAME AFTERWARDS.

>> Dennis: ALL RIGHT, WE'RE DONE.

GOOD NIGHT EVERYBODY.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

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