>> 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.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >> Matthew: HEY EVERYONE, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING, MY NAME IS MATTHEW FREEMAN FILLING IN FOR DENNIS WEIMANN WITH YOUR LAKELAND NEWS.

>>> A MOORHEAD MAN HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO HIS ROLE IN A METHAMPHETAMINE DISTRIBUTION CONSPIRACY INVOLVING 500 GRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND 400 GRAMS OF POWDER FENTANYL.

ACCORDING TO COURT DOCUMENTS, BEGINNING IN APRIL OF 2023 THROUGH FEBRUARY 23RD OF 2024, JAMIE RICHARD WHITE, AGE 46, KNOWINGLY AND WILLINGLY ENTERED INTO AN ARRANGEMENT IN WHICH HE WOULD ACQUIRE OVER 500 GRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITH THE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE IT.

ON OCTOBER 26, 2023, LAW ENFORCEMENT EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT AT HIS RESIDENCE AS PART OF INVESTIGATING THE ALLEGED RESTRAINT OF A WOMAN IN HIS BASEMENT.

IN HIS HOME, LAW ENFORCEMENT FOUND OVER 400 GRAMS OF POWDER FENTANYL LACED WITH THE VETERINARY TRANQUILIZER XYLAZINE.

TEXT MESSAGES ON WHITE'S CELL PHONE CONFIRMED THAT HE PLANNED TO DISTRIBUTE THE FENTANYL/XYLAZINE MIXTURE.

WHITE WAS ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH SEVERAL STATE CRIMES, TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, AND RELEASED ON BOND IN DECEMBER OF 2023.

WHILE HIS STATE CHARGES WERE PENDING, WHITE CONTINUED TO CONSPIRE TO POSSESS AND DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE.

ON FEBRUARY 25, 2024, THE U.S.

POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE INTERCEPTED A PARCEL BOUND FOR AN ADDRESS IN THE FARGO-MOORHEAD AREA CONTAINING 9 POUNDS OF METHAMPHETAMINE.

AGENTS REMOVED THE METHAMPHETAMINE AND CONDUCTED A CONTROLLED DELIVERY AT THE INTENDED DELIVERY ADDRESS.

ONCE DELIVERED, LAW ENFORCEMENT OBSERVED WHITE'S CO-CONSPIRATORS RETRIEVE AND OPEN THE PACKAGE AND THEN LEAVE.

SHORTLY THEREAFTER, LAW ENFORCEMENT STOPPED THE CO-DEFENDANTS AND FOUND ONE OF THEM IN POSSESSION OF THREE ADDITIONAL POUNDS OF METHAMPHETAMINE.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SEPARATELY STOPPED WHITE AND FOUND HIM IN POSSESSION OF AN ADDITIONAL 125 GRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE, DIGITAL SCALES, AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS DRUG DISTRIBUTION MATERIALS.

THE INVESTIGATION COMPRISES THE LARGEST COMBINED SEIZURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE IN CLAY COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

WHITE PLEADED GUILTY YESTERDAY IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT BEFORE JUDGE NANCY E. BRASEL TO ONE COUNT OF CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE.

BECAUSE HE HAS MULTIPLE PRIOR FELONIES, WHITE IS SUBJECT TO A 15-YEAR MANDATORY MINIMUM PRISON TERM.

A SENTENCING HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE.

>>> AFTER AN INVESTIGATION THAT HAS LASTED SEVERAL MONTHS, THE ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT HAVE RECOVERED HUNDREDS OF DIFFERENT YARD SIGNS THAT WERE STOLEN FROM THEIR OWNERS.

ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE.

ON AUGUST 7TH, THE ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT IN THE 2700 BLOCK OF LE HOMME DIEU HEIGHTS OF ALEXANDRIA.

AFTER RECEIVING DOZENS OF REPORTS OF STOLEN SIGNS RANGING FROM POLITICAL CAMPAIGN, REAL ESTATE, AND SPECIAL EVENT ADVERTISING.

OVER 240 SIGNS WERE RECOVERED AS A RESULT OF THE SEARCH WARRANT.

AS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE, THERE WERE NO ARRESTS MADE, HOWEVER, REPORTS ARE BEING SENT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR REVIEW.

THE ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY WILL TRY TO CONTACT THE VICTIMS OF THE STOLEN SIGNS AND RETURN THEM TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS.

FORUM NEWS SERVICE REPORTS THAT THE ADDRESS OF THE SEARCH WARRANT WAS THAT OF WENDY HOFF, WHOSE HUSBAND JUDD IS RUNNING AS A D.F.L.

HOUSE CANDIDATE IN DISTRICT 12B.

WENDY HOFF IS CITED AS A SUSPECT IN THEFTS DATING BACK TO LAST MONTH AND ALLEGEDLY EXPRESSED FRUSTRATION TO A DEPUTY ON JULY 10TH ABOUT HER HUSBAND'S SIGN BEING TAKEN DOWN FROM A PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.

>>> THE BRAINERD PUBLIC LIBRARY HELD A PRESENTATION BEFORE THE CROW WING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TODAY.

THE PRESENTATION WAS AN APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR 2025.

THE LIBRARY'S 2025 LEVY REQUEST IS FOR $539,314, WHICH IS A $30,817.59 OR 5.9 PERCENT INCREASE OVER 2024.

THE LIBRARY HAD TO CUT HOURS THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF BUDGET RESTRAINTS.

THE LIBRARY HAS NOT SEEN AN INCREASE FROM THE COUNTY IN A DECADE.

>> SINCE WE HAVEN'T HAD AN INCREASE IN THE PAST 10 YEARS IN THE AMOUNT THAT WE RECEIVED FROM CROW WING COUNTY, WE'RE REQUESTING THE 5.9% INCREASE BECAUSE STAFFING COST GOES UP, INCREASES WITH THE COST OF LIVING AND WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT OUR STAFF.

>> THE BRAINERD PUBLIC LIBRARY IS THE LARGEST LIBRARY IN THE KITCHIGAMI REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM, WHICH SERVES 130,000 RESIDENTS IN BELTRAMI, CASS, CROW WING, HUBBARD, AND WADENA COUNTIES.

>>> BELTRAMI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE HOLDS AN ANNUAL MEETING TO NOT ONLY GO OVER NUMBERS AND YEARLY INFORMATION, BUT ALSO TO ELECT NEW BOARD MEMBERS.

OUR REPORTER SYDNEY DICK JOINED THEM AT THE BELTRAMI COUNTY FAIR, WHERE THIS YEAR'S MEETING WAS HELD.

>> Reporter: BELTRAMI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IS A CO-OP THAT HAD BEEN SERVING BELTRAMI COUNTY FOR OVER 80 YEARS.

>> WE SERVE RURAL AREAS AND WE SERVE THE AREAS THAT IN THE 1930s WHEN THERE WASN'T ELECTRICITY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, YOU KNOW, THE LOGGERS, THE FARMERS, RESORT OWNERS, AND RURAL RESIDENTS BACK IN THE DAY GOT TOGETHER AND FORMED NOT-FOR-PROFIT ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES.

>> Reporter: THE CO-OP IS 100% MEMBER OWNED.

>> THAT IS WHO WE ARE, SO WE ARE OWNED BY THOSE WHO WE SERVED AS AN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE.

THIS IS OUR ANNUAL MEMBER MEETING TAKING PLACE TONIGHT.

THE MEMBERS ARE ELECTING THEIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE BUSINESS MEETING IS TAKING PLACE AND THEN WE HAVE FUN EVENTS TAKING PLACE AT THE FAIR TONIGHT TOO.

>> Reporter: ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR 84 YEARS, THEY HAVE ONLY HELD THEIR MEETING AT THE COUNTY FAIR THE PAST FEW YEARS.

>> WE WANTED TO TRY TO ENGAGE MORE MEMBERS AND YOUNGER MEMBERS.

THIS WAS A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY FAMILIES AND KIDS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS ALREADY AND THE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE CO-OP MEMBERS, THAT IT WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE AT.

>> Reporter: SINCE THE EVENT IS MORE FAMILY FOCUSED, THEY HAD BEEN BRINGING IN MORE MEMBERS THAN EVER.

LAST NIGHT, THERE WERE OVER 1,500 MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

EVERYONE WHO REGISTERED ALSO RECEIVED $10 IN FOOD BUCKS THAT THEY COULD SPEND AT ANY VENDOR AND EVERYONE HAD SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.

>> I JUST LIKE BEING HERE.

IT'S A FUN EXPERIENCE AND A FUN ENVIRONMENT.

>> WE HAVE TACOS, GYROS, COOKIES, CHURROS, LEMONADE, STUFF LIKE THAT, FRIES, BURGERS.

>> Reporter: ALONG WITH THE FREE FOOD AND FAIR RIDES, THEY ALSO SPONSORED A CONCERT PUT ON BY A LOCAL FAMILY BAND FREE FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.

>> WE SEE A LOT OF SMILES.

WE SEE A LOT OF SMILES ON FACES AND ON FAMILY MEMBERS.

WE SEE IT TODAY.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE EXCITED.

THE CONCERT AREA IS COVERED, SO THAT WILL BE GOOD.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN BEMIDJI, I'M SYDNEY DICK, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> BELTRAMI ELECTRIC SAID THAT THEY HAD A GREAT TURNOUT YESTERDAY DESPITE THE POOR WEATHER, AND THAT THE MEETING ITSELF WAS A SUCCESS.

>>> THE MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT ON WEDNESDAY UPHELD A 2023 STATE LAW THAT RESTORES VOTING RIGHTS FOR FELONS ONCE THEY HAVE COMPLETED THEIR PRISON SENTENCES.

THE NEW LAW WAS POPULAR WITH DEMOCRATS IN THE STATE, INCLUDING GOVERNOR TIM WALZ, WHO SIGNED THE BILL.

THE TIMING OF THE DECISION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE EARLY VOTING FOR NEXT WEEK'S PRIMARY ELECTION IS ALREADY UNDERWAY.

VOTING FOR THE NOVEMBER 5TH GENERAL ELECTION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 20TH.

BEFORE THE NEW LAW, FELONS HAD TO COMPLETE THEIR PROBATION BEFORE THEY COULD REGAIN THEIR ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE.

THE COURT REJECTED A CHALLENGE FROM THE CONSERVATIVE MINNESOTA VOTERS ALLIANCE.

A LOWER COURT JUDGE HAD PREVIOUSLY THROWN OUT THE GROUP'S LAWSUIT AFTER DECIDING IT LACKED THE LEGAL STANDING TO SUE AND FAILED TO PROVE THAT THE LEGISLATURE OVERSTEPPED ITS AUTHORITY WHEN IT VOTED TO EXPAND VOTING RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WHO WERE FORMERLY INCARCERATED FOR A FELONY.

THE HIGH COURT AGREED.

MINNESOTA WAS AMONG MORE THAN A DOZEN STATES THAT CONSIDERED RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS FOR FELONS IN RECENT YEARS.

ADVOCATES FOR THE CHANGE ARGUED THAT DISENFRANCHISING THEM DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTS PEOPLE OF COLOR BECAUSE OF BIASES IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM.

AN ESTIMATED 55,000 MINNESOTA RESIDENTS REGAINED THE RIGHT TO VOTE BECAUSE OF THIS CHANGE.

>>> HURRICANE DEBBY WEAKENED TO A TROPICAL STORM AND NOW IT'S A TROPICAL DEPRESSION BUT THE THREAT ISN'T OVER YET.

THE STORM IS EXPECTED TO BRING HEAVY RAIN TO THE CAROLINAS.

IT MADE ITS SECOND LANDFALL THURSDAY ON THE SOUTH CAROLINA COAST.

THE STORM HAS SPAWNED TORNADOES ACROSS THE REGION, ONE OF WHICH KILLED A MAN IN NORTH CAROLINA THURSDAY.

SHERRELL HUBBARD HAS THE LATEST.

>> Reporter: ALARMENT ALARMS AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BLARED AS FIRST RESPONDERS ASSESSED THE DAMAGE.

A TORNADO SPAWNED BY TROPICAL STORM DEBBY TORE THROUGH THE SCHOOL, RIPPING HOLES IN THE CEILING, FLIPPING DESKS OVER AND BLOWING DOORS OFF THE HINGES.

THAT WAS JUST ONE STOP ON DEBBY'S PATH OF DESTRUCTION.

NORMAN PRAYED FOR THE TORNADO TO PASS BY HIS HOME ON THURSDAY MORNING AND IT DID.

ONE OF HIS NEIGHBORS DID NOT SURVIVE THE TWISTER BRINGING THE DEATH TOLL TO 6.

>> I SAW THE TWISTER GOING BY THE BACKYARD AND I WENT DOWN PRAYING.

>> Reporter: IT WAS MOVING OVER CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, IT'S EXPECTED TO PICK UP SPEED IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA BEFORE ACCELERATING THROUGH PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK FRIDAY.

THE STORM WILL REACH NEW ENGLAND SATURDAY, WHERE HEAVY RAIN AND FLASH FLOODING IS ON THE FORECAST.

THE RALEIGH FIRE DEPARTMENT RESCUED THREE CHILDREN, STUCK IN RISING AND FAST MOVING WATER ON THURSDAY.

>> HE WAS BARELY HOLDING ON.

THEN THE TEAM CAME JUST IN TIME TO PUT HER IN THE BOAT.

>> Reporter: STATE OFFICIALS ARE ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO STAY SAFE.

>> WE ASK NORTH CAROLINIANS TO BE CAREFUL.

>> Reporter: MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD HAVE BEEN MOBILIZED TO ASSIST IN GROUND AND WATER RESCUES.

I'M SHERRELL HUBBARD REPORTING.

>> RESIDENTS AS FAR AWAY AS THE GREAT LAKES AND NEW JERSEY HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED HEAVY RAINS CONNECTED TO THE SLOW-MOVING STORM.

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

[♪♪♪♪♪] >> Stacy: A FEW SHOWERS AND SPRINKLES WILL CONTINUE IN NORTHEAST MINNESOTA THROUGH TOMORROW, WE WILL ALSO SEE SOME COOL TEMPERATURES TOMORROW, BUT EXPECT A WARM UP AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, A SOFTBALL GAME BETWEEN THE BRAINERD FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >> 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.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >>> BRAINERD COMMUNITY ACTION WILL BE HOSTING A SOFTBALL GAME AT STEWART C. MILLS FIELD ON AUGUST 22ND.

THE SOFTBALL GAME WILL BE BETWEEN THE BRAINERD FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS.

THE GAME WILL NOT BE LIKE ANY ORDINARY SOFTBALL GAME.

INSPIRATION FROM THE EXHIBITION BASEBALL TEAM, SAVANNAH BANANAS, WILL HAVE INFLUENCE ON THE EVENT, BRINGING AN INTERACTIVE ATMOSPHERE FOR THE AUDIENCE.

BRAINERD COMMUNITY ACTION IS COORDINATING THIS EVENT NOT ONLY TO HELP THE PUBLIC MEET ITS FIRST RESPONDERS, BUT GET MORE USE OUT OF ONE OF BRAINERD'S FINEST FACILITIES.

>> YOU KNOW, WE'RE SO LUCKY WE HAVE THE FAMILY HERE IN OUR AREA THAT HELPED US KEEP THE FACILITY SO NICE.

WE WILL BE TRYING TO GET AS MANY PEOPLE IN HERE TO JUST CELEBRATE THIS FANTASTIC STADIUM.

IT'S SUCH A UNIQUE ITEM IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT DOESN'T GET UTILIZED AS MUCH AS IT SHOULD.

SO WE WANT TO SHOWCASE IT AND GIVE A FUN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF AN EVENT FOR EVERYBODY TO ENJOY.

>> THE EVENT WILL COST $5 FOR ADULTS OVER 18 TO ATTEND.

CHILDREN UNDER 18 WILL RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION.

FIRST PITCH WILL BE AT 6:00 P.M. >>> ALL SUMMER LONG PEOPLE HAVE BEEN QUALIFYING IN THE LAKELAND PBS VACATION GIVEAWAY.

THE WINNER OF OUR GRAND DRAWING WILL GET A THREE-NIGHT STAY AT CRAGUN'S RESORT NEAR BRAINERD.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO ENTER THE DRAWING YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR MAIL US A POSTCARD WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER.

THEN WATCH LAKELAND NEWS AND IF YOU SEE YOUR NAME LISTED AS A POTENTIAL QUALIFIER, CALL US BY 5:00 P.M.

THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY TO QUALIFY.

HERE'S A LOOK AT TONIGHT'S 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.

WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER LATER IN AUGUST.

>>> WELL STACY, IT WAS A BIT COLD AND A LITTLE BIT WET OUTSIDE TODAY.

>> Stacy: IT WAS, AND IT IS CERTAINLY VERY CHILLY.

WE COMPARE IT TO A WEEK AGO AND IT IS A VAST DIFFERENCE.

WE ARE GOING TO KEEP THE COOL TEMPERATURES TOMORROW, WE COULD SEE SOME LINGERING SHOWERS AND SPRINKLES IN NORTHEAST MINNESOTA TONIGHT AND TOMORROW.

WE WILL HAVE MORE SUNSHINE AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND AND TEMPERATURES WILL >> 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 BIT OF A DREARY DAY ACROSS OUR VIEWING AREA TODAY.

WE HAD THE CLOUDS, WE HAD SOME SPRINKLES AND SHOWERS OUT THERE.

WINDS ALSO, IT IS CHILLY.

IT'S NOT QUITE FEELING LIKE IT'S EARLY AUGUST.

AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW, WE COULD SEE SOME SCATTERED SHOWERS AND SPRINKLES, MAINLY IN NORTHEAST MINNESOTA, WITH SUNSHINE RETURNING TO THE AREA.

IT WILL STAY COOL TOMORROW.

WE WILL BE SEEING SOME WARMER TEMPERATURES AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

RIGHT NOW IN BEMIDJI, IT'S 53 AT THE AIRPORT.

AT OUR STUDIOS, WINDS ARE NORTHWEST AT 9 MILES PER HOUR.

WE RECEIVED ABOUT 0.03-INCH OF RAINFALL.

IN BRAINERD, 59 DEGREES, DEW POINT IS 53, NORTHWEST WINDS ARE AT 15 MILES PER HOUR, GUSTS UP TO 22.

LOOKING AT THE RADAR, WE CAN SEE A FEW OF THE SCATTERED SHOWERS AND SPRINKLES OUT THERE THIS EVENING.

AS WE HEAD INTO THE OVERNIGHT, AFTER MIDNIGHT, IT LOOKS LIKE MOST OF THE SHOWER AND SPRINKLE ACTIVITY WILL BE CONFINED TO NORTHEAST MINNESOTA.

WE WILL BE SEEING PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES THROUGHOUT THE AREA, WITH SUNSHINE RETURNING TO WESTERN AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA HEADING INTO THE NORTHEASTERN PART, A LITTLE BIT MORE CLOUD COVER AND A FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS AND SPRINKLES IN THAT REGION.

EXPECT TO SEE WARMER TEMPERATURES THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND EARLY NEXT WEEK.

SOME WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU.

A BEAUTIFUL LOOK AT THE SKY OVER LOWER RED LAKE THIS MORNING FROM SAMROSE.

ARLENE CAPTURING A PHOTO OF A DEER IN THE MENAHGA AREA.

JOAN WITH A COUPLE OF BIRDS IN LAPORTE.

WE HAVE A LOON AND HER BABY TAKING A SWIM ON TURTLE LAKE FROM LAURIE.

AND A PICTURE OF ALL THE CLOUDS OVER CASS LAKE.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORT, DEBRA IN PINE RIVER, 51 THIS MORNING.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, PICKING UP 0.75-INCH OF RAIN.

JOAN IN LAPORTE, MOSTLY CLOUDY AND WINDY LATE THIS AFTERNOON.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, REPORTING SOME SCATTERED SHOWERS ALONG WITH WINDY CONDITIONS.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, CLOUDY WITH A HIGH OF 63.

ON OUR ALMANAC, BRAINERD HAD A HIGH OF 65, AVERAGE IS 81.

YOU CAN SEE HOW CHILLY THESE TEMPERATURES ARE.

54 WAS THE LOW AND WE HAD SUNRISE AT 6:08.

BEMIDJI HAD A HIGH OF 62, AVERAGE IS 79.

SO IT'S VERY COLD OUT THERE.

47 WAS OUR LOW AND SUNSET AT 8:42.

HERE'S OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW, WE COULD SEE PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES.

STILL CHILLY, HIGHS IN THE MID-60s IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA WITH SOME MID TO UPPER 60s IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE.

AGAIN, IT'S PLENTY OF SUNSHINE FOR MOST OF US, BUT A FEW SPRINKLES IS POSSIBLE IN THE AITKIN AREA.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST, PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES TONIGHT, SCATTERED SHOWERS AND SPRINKLES, LOWS DOWN TO 47.

TOMORROW, VARIABLE CLOUDS, A CHANCE FOR SHOWERS AND SPRINKLES IN THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE STATE.

LOOKING AT THE REST OF THE WEEKEND FORECAST, MORE SUNSHINE IN STORE AND WARMING TEMPERATURES.

WE ARE BACK IN THE 70s ON SATURDAY AND UP TO 77 ON SUNDAY, STILL LOOKING AT UPPER 70s NEXT WEEK WITH PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY.

BACK TO YOU.

>> Matthew: THANK YOU SO MUCH STACY.

WE HAVE CHARLIE YAEGER WITH US AND I MAY BE BIAS HERE, BUT MY FAVORITE SEASON IS COMING AROUND THE CORNER AND I'M SURE YOU HAVE SOME NEWS ABOUT IT.

>> Charlie: WELL, THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS, IT'S PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IF ANYONE DIDN'T KNOW.

HE LOVES PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL.

THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS IS THE TEAM THAT MATTHEW FOLLOWS.

THEY MADE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON WHO THEIR STARTING QUARTERBACK WILL BE.

WE WILL HEAR FROM THE HEAD COACH.

>> 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.

PROVIDING ELECTRICITY AND A KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF.

MORE AT CWPOWER.COM.

>> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

[♪♪♪♪♪] >>> THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS ARE STILL PREPPING FOR THEIR PRESEASON OPENER AT HOME AGAINST THE OAKLAND RAIDERS THIS SATURDAY BUT TODAY HEAD COACH KEVIN O'CONNELL ANNOUNCED SAM DARNOLD WOULD BE THE STARTER FOR THAT GAME.

THE VETERAN Q.B.

WHO SIGNED TO A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE VIKINGS IN MARCH AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF KIRK COUSINS HAS TAKEN A MAJORITY OF THE FIRST-TEAM SNAPS DURING TRAINING CAMP.

DARNOLD WAS THE THIRD OVERALL PICK IN THE 2018 DRAFT AND IN HIS SIX SEASONS IN THE NFL HAS PLAYED FOR THE NEW YORK JETS, CAROLINA PANTHERS, AND MOST RECENTLY THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS.

THIS WILL BE HIS FIRST START AS A NUMBER-ONE Q.B.

SINCE JANUARY 8, 2023.

AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, O'CONNELL ADDRESSED THE ANNOUNCEMENT WHILE ALSO SHARING THE TEAMS PLANS FOR ALL PLAYERS IN SATURDAY'S CONTEST.

>> THERE MAY BE A COUPLE OF GUYS THAT HOLD OUT, BUT FOR THE MOST PART, WE WILL PLAY.

SAM DARNOLD WILL START THE GAME AND THEN WE WILL TRANSITION TO J.J. McCARTHY FOR WHAT I'M VERY EXCITED TO SEE, SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WORK AND REALLY SEE HIM HOPEFULLY APPLY A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT HE HAS BEEN DOING REALLY WELL.

JUST THAT SAM HAS EVERYDAY IN PRACTICE AND IT'S BEEN A GOOD START TO THE PROCESS FOR ALL THOSE GUYS AND NOW WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY AGAINST SOMEONE ELSE.

>> HERE'S THE VIKINGS PRESEASON SCHEDULE.

THEY PLAY THE NEXT THREE SATURDAY'S BEFORE A ONE WEEK BREAK PRIOR TO THE REGULAR SEASON.

MINNESOTA HASN'T WON A PRESEASON GAME 2019.

THAT'S 10 STRAIGHT LOSSES, NOT THAT IT MEANS ANYTHING, JUST A FACT.

>>> SOME BSU MEN'S HOCKEY NEWS.

JOE WEGWERTH HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO A FULL-TIME ASSISTANT COACH BY HEAD COACH TOM SERRATORE FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON.

WEGWERTH SPENT LAST YEAR AS A VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT AND VIDEO COORDINATOR BUT THIS YEAR WILL SHIFT GEARS TO HELP WITH RECRUITING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF GOALTENDERS.

BEFORE COMING TO BEMIDJI STATE TO COACH, HE PLAYED HOCKEY AND GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME.

THEN WENT ON TO PLAY SEVERAL SEASON OF PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY WITH THE UTAH GRIZZLIES OF THE ECHL.

>>> WELL, BSU FOOTBALL'S DEFENSIVE END MARCUS HANSEN HAS BEEN PICKED AS THE 2024 NSIC PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

THE HONOR IS UNSURPRISING GIVEN THE JUNIOR FROM WASECA WAS LAST YEARS END OF SEASON NSIC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AFTER TOTALING 51 TACKLES, 19 TACKLES FOR LOSS, 10 SACKS, AND 3 FORCED FUMBLES.

THOSE STATS ALSO GARNERED HIM AP ALL-AMERICAN SECOND TEAM HONORS, AMONG MANY OTHER AWARDS.

LOOKING AT THE TEAM AS A WHOLE, THE BEAVERS WERE PICKED TO FINISH 5TH IN THE NSIC PRESEASON COACHES POLL, RECEIVING ONE FIRST PLACE VOTE.

LAST SEASON THEY WERE PICKED TO FINISH ATOP THE CONFERENCE BUT FELL JUST SHORT FINISHING 8-2 AND IN A THREE-WAY TIE FOR SECOND BEHIND AUGUSTANA WHO BEAT THE BEAVS IN THE FINAL GAME OF THE 2023 REGULAR SEASON.

>>> THE NSIC WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL WAS ALSO RELEASED TODAY WITH BEMIDJI STATE BEING PICKED TO FINISH 11TH OVERALL, THEIR HIGHEST RANKING SINCE 2009 WHEN THEY WERE ALSO RANKED 11TH.

THE BEAVERS ARE COMING THEIR BEST SEASON SINCE 2010, GOING 10-16 OVERALL, THANKS IN LARGE PART TO A 6-6 START.

ALSO A TEAM BEST SINCE 20-10 WHEN THEY STARTED 8-3.

IN THE POLL, BEMIDJI STATE GARNERED 67 POINTS, THE MOST BY THEM SINCE THE NSIC BEGAN THE POLL BACK IN 2002.

WAYNE STATE WAS PICKED TO FINISH FIRST, FOLLOWED BY CONCORDIA-SAINT PAUL, AND SAINT CLOUD STATE.

>> Matthew: THAT'S PRETTY COOL.

TO GO BACK TO THE VIKINGS, J.J. IS GOING TO BE SEEING SIGNIFICANT PLAYING TIME, I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS SATURDAY.

>> Charlie: I'M EXCITED FOR YOU.

>> Matthew: THANK YOU CHARLIE.

>>> FOR THIS WEEK'S EDITION OF FISHING TIPS, RAY AND MANDY TEACH US ABOUT PAN FISH AND SHOW US THE BEST TYPES OF BAIT TO USE FOR CATCHING THEM.

>> HELLO EVERYBODY, I'M RAY.

WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT FISHING TIPS TONIGHT.

FISHING TIPS FOR PAN FISH.

I LOVE FISHING PAN FISH AND I LOVE FISHING PERCH.

I AM GOING TO SHOW YOU SOME OF THE BAITS THAT I USE.

AS YOU CAN SEE, I HAVE A LOT OF THEM.

THEY GO AFTER OTHER PERKS.

I WOULD TAKE A TINY JIG AND PUT IT ON THE TAIL AND THEY CANNOT RESIST IT.

YOU CAN GET DIFFERENT SIZES.

THIS IS A REAL SMALL ONE HERE.

YOU CAN GET THEM A LITTLE BIT BIGGER.

ONCE IN A WHILE, IN FACT QUITE OFTEN, YOU WILL PICK UP A WALLEYE FISHING WITH THESE THINGS AND I LIKE TO USE THESE SMALL JIGS FOR PAN FISH AND FOR PERCH.

SO THIS HAS A NICE YELLOW TAIL.

THESE ARE TWO JIGS, TINY TWO JIGS, AND THEY ARE VERY EFFECTIVE FOR BLUE GILLS, CRAPPIES, AND THERE IS A HOOK IN THERE WITH A LITTLE TAIL.

THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE ONES I USE FOR PAN FISH.

>> I GOT SPOILED AS A KID ON DEVILS LAKE CATCHING PERCH.

NOW I'M CHASING GIANT CRAPPIES.

WE'RE KNOWN FOR OUR GIANT CRAPPIES AND SUNFISH.

MY SECRET GO TO, PUDDLE JUMPERS.

CRAPPIES LOVE PUDDLE JUMPERS.

THEY COME IN A DIFFERENT ARRAY OF COLORS.

THESE ARE MY GO TOS.

BASED ON THE WATER CLARITY, IF IT'S SUPER CLEAR OR DARK, PLAY WITH THOSE COLORS.

WHITE OBVIOUSLY WORKS VERY WELL BOTH IN CLEAR AND MUDDY WATER.

THE YELLOW ALSO PRODUCES VERY GOOD.

ANOTHER JIG, IF I'M NOT CHASING CRAPPIES, I'M CHASING SUNFISH.

USE TINY, TINY LITTLE JIGS HERE.

THIS ONE HAS A LITTLE FLASHING ON IT.

I WILL TIP THIS WITH A LITTLE BIT OF MINNOWS.

>> VERY GOOD, I'M RAY GILDOW FOR FISHING TIPS.

>> AND I'M MANDY UHRICH.

>> Matthew: AND NOW WE WILL HEAD BACK TO STACY.

>> Stacy: WE'RE SEEING SOME SPRINKLES IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA OVERNIGHT.

LOOKING AT TOMORROW, VARIABLE CLOUDS, SOME SHOWERS IN NORTHEAST MINNESOTA.

>> Matthew: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING TONIGHT.

WE'LL BE BACK TOMORROW AT 10:00.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

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