>> PRODUCTION FUNDING FOR LAKELAND NEWS IS PROVIDED BY: FIRST NATIONAL BANK BEMIDJI; CONTINUING THEIR SECOND CENTURY OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

MEMBER FDIC.

>> C.T.C.

; INTERNET, PHONE, AND T.V.

C.T.C; CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY ONLINE AT GOCTC.COM.

>> SOURCEWELL; BOOSTING STUDENT AND COMMUNITY SUCCESS RIGHT HERE IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

MN.SOURCEWELL.ORG.

>> CLOSED CAPTIONING IS SPONSORED IN PART BY THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACCESS OF MINNESOTA.

>> AND BY SANFORD HEALTH WITH PRIMARY CARE LOCATIONS IN BEMIDJI AND ACROSS THE UPPER MIDWEST.

SANFORD HEALTH IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING CARE CLOSE TO HOME.

LEARN MORE AT SANFORDHEALTH.ORG.

>> THE WEATHER IS SPONSORED IN PART BY WIDSETH; ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS, LAND SURVEYORS, SERVING MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES SINCE 1975.

>> SPORTS ON LAKELAND NEWS IS SPONSORED IN PART BY PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS, PROVIDING ALL FIBEROPTIC INTERNET SPEEDS UP TO 10 GIGS WITH NO DATA CAPS AND NO SPEED THROTTLING.

>> 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.

>>> THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY'S OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY IS LEADING AND COORDINATING A DISTRACTED DRIVING EDUCATION AND EXTRA ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN DURING THE MONTH OF APRIL.

IN THE LAST SIX YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN 33,000 DISTRACTED DRIVING CRASHES, INCLUDING 888 SERIOUS INJURIES AND 162 FATALITIES.

>> THOSE NUMBERS ARE UNDERREPORTED BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY IN DETERMINING WHEN DISTRACTION IS IN FACT THE SIGNIFICANT CAUSAL FACTOR FOR THESE CRASHES.

THESE FAMILIES HAVE BEEN TORN APART.

A SEAT AT THE TABLE HAS BEEN LEFT EMPTY.

EACH CRASH REPRESENTS MONTHS, IF NOT YEARS OF PAINFUL RECOVERY FOR THE SURVIVORS AND ALL FOR WHAT?

FOR WHAT?

SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE WAITED.

I STAND HERE TODAY AND I AM FRUSTRATED AND I'M ANGRY, ALMOST 6 YEARS AGO WE PASSED A HANDS FREE LAW IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, YET 6 YEARS LATER, WE'RE STANDING HERE TALKING ABOUT DISTRACTED DRIVING.

WE CAN DO BETTER MINNESOTA AND IT'S UP TO EVERY DRIVER TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE BEHIND THE WHEEL.

>> THE HANDS-FREE CELL PHONE LAW MEANS DRIVERS CAN'T HOLD THEIR PHONE IN THEIR HAND.

ACCESSING OR POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA, STREAMING VIDEOS, LOOKING UP INFORMATION ON A DEVICE WHILE DRIVING IS AGAINST THE LAW IN MINNESOTA, EVEN IN HANDS-FREE MODE.

OFFICIALS SAY PASSENGERS SHOULD SPEAK UP TO STOP DRIVERS FROM DISTRACTED DRIVING BEHAVIOR AND OFFER TO HELP WITH ANYTHING THAT WOULD TAKE THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION OFF THE ROAD.

>>> FIRE CREWS FROM THE CAMP RIPLEY TRAINING CENTER AND PERSONNEL FROM THE TRAINING AREA MANAGEMENT TEAM RESPONDED TO A WILDFIRE IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE INSTALLATION THIS PAST SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH.

CAMP RIPLEY TRAINING CENTER OFFICIALS SAY THEY WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE BUT APPROXIMATELY 2,000 ACRES BURNED.

AND THAT THEY ARE COMMITTED TO NOT ONLY MANAGING THIS INCIDENT BUT ALSO TO STRENGTHENING OUR STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE FUTURE FIRE RISKS ON THE INSTALLATION.

THE CAMP RIPLEY TRAINING CENTER HAS SCHEDULED CONTROLLED BURNS IN THE COMING DAYS AS A STANDARD PROCEDURE TO MITIGATE FUTURE WILDFIRE RISKS.

>>> SANFORD BEMIDJI HAS EXPANDED THEIR PSYCHIATRY SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHERN MINNESOTA, BY ADDING OUTREACH CARE IN PARK RAPIDS.

OUR REPORTER SYDNEY DICK SPOKE TO ONE PROVIDER ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PSYCHIATRY SERVICES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, AND HOW THEY CAN AFFECT PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.

>> Reporter: PSYCHIATRY IS A BRANCH OF MEDICINE STUDYING MENTAL ILLNESSES.

SANFORD HEALTH'S KAYLA HAS BEEN A CHILD PSYCHIATRIST IN BEMIDJI SINCE 2023, WORKING WITH YOUTH FROM 4 TO 18 YEARS OLD.

>> WHEN KIDS DO RECEIVE THE SUPPORT THROUGH THERAPY OR THROUGH MEDICATIONS EARLY IN LIFE, THEN IT CAN PREVENT THINGS LIKE DEVELOPING A SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER OR THEN DEVELOPING DEPRESSION ON TOP OF YOUR ADHD.

SO, IF WE CAN REALLY TARGET IT AT THE BEGINNING, THEN WE CAN PREVENT THINGS FROM ESCALATING.

>> Reporter: FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THE BEMIDJI LOCATION HAS BEEN THE ONLY PSYCHIATRY SITE IN THE ENTIRE REGION AND IS A MULTIPLE HOUR DRIVE AWAY FROM ANY OTHER CLINICS.

AS OF THIS YEAR, SANFORD IS OFFERING CHILD AND ADULT PSYCHIATRY OUTREACH AT THEIR PARK RAPIDS CLINIC.

TWO SANFORD BEMIDJI PSYCHIATRISTS WILL BE SEEING PARK RAPIDS PATIENTS THREE DAYS A MONTH, FURTHER EXPANDING THEIR RURAL OUTREACH.

>> WE NEED IT IN RURAL AREAS.

IF WE DIDN'T HAVE SOMEONE LIKE ME HERE AT SANFORD BEMIDJI, MY PATIENTS WOULD BE TRAVELING MANY HOURS.

IT'S A LOT ON TOP OF THE ALREADY INTENSE SCHEDULES THESE FAMILIES HAVE WITH MULTIPLE KIDS AND THEN THEY ALL HAVE THEIR OWN THINGS THEY HAVE TO SEE A PHYSICIAN FOR.

SO, WHEN YOU ARE HAVING TO TRAVEL TWO OR THREE HOURS FOR EVERY VISIT, THAT ADDS UP.

>> Reporter: ANOTHER NEWER THING IN THE PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENT IS THAT NEW PATIENTS WILL NO LONGER NEED A REFERRAL FROM THEIR PRIMARY PHYSICIAN.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE TRIED TO GET INTO PSYCHIATRY BUT THEY HAD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR PCP BEFORE ADDING A VISIT.

THAT ADDS A MONTH LONG WAIT.

ALL OF OUR PRIMARY CARE FOLKS HERE AT SANFORD, THEY'RE ALSO BOOKED OUT PRETTY FAR RIGHT NOW.

IF YOU ONLY HAVE TO WAIT ON ONE PERSON'S SCHEDULE, OF COURSE THAT WILL MAKE THINGS MORE EXPEDITED.

>> Reporter: REPORTING FROM BEMIDJI, I'M SYDNEY DICK.

LAKELAND NEWS.

>> THE PARK RAPIDS OUTREACH PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE FOR ADULTS ON THE SECOND AND FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, AND CHILD PSYCHIATRY HELP WILL BE EVERY FOURTH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH.

>>> UNOFFICIAL RESULTS ARE IN FOR PRIMARY ELECTIONS FOR THE LEECH LAKE BAND OF OJIBWE AND MILLE BAND OF OJIBWE.

AND WHITE EARTH NATION.

THE TOP VOTE GETTERS IN THE LEECH LAKE SECRETARY-TREASURER ELECTION ARE CINDY JACKSON KINGBIRD AND MICHAEL REYES.

INCUMBENT LENNY FINEDAY RESIGNED ON JANUARY 2ND AND IS NOT SEEKING ANOTHER TERM.

FOR THE DISTRICT ONE COMMITTEE PERSON IT WAS INCUMBENT KYLE FAIRBANKS AND JONATHAN WHITE.

AND FOR THE DISTRICT TWO IT WAS INCUMBENT STEVE WHITEWITH MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF THE VOTE SO HE WINS THAT ELECTION AND WILL NOT NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION NONE OF THE CANDIDATES IN THE OTHER RACES RECEIVED MORE THAN 50-PERCENT OF THE VOTE, SO THE TOP TWO VOTE GETTERS IN THOSE NOW MOVE ON TO THE GENERAL ELECTION ON JUNE 9TH.

FOR THE MILLE LACS BAND OF OJIBWE INCUMBENT SECRETARY SHELDON BOYD SENIOR PICKED UP 61.6 PERCENT OF THE VOTE AND WINS RE-ELECTION.

RAINA KILLSPOTTED TOOK 57.9 PERCENT OF THE VOTE AND WINS THE DISTRICT TWO REPRESENTATIVE RACE.

AND THE TOP TWO VOTE GETTERS IN THE DISTRICT THREE REPRESENTATIVE RACE WERE MICHELLE SHELLY POMERLEAU AND LIONEL RICHY, THOSE TWO GO TO THE GENERAL ELECTION THAT ELECTION IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 9TH.

LIONEL RICHY WOULD LIKELY BE DANCING WITH A VICTORY.

AND WHITE EARTH VOTERS ALSO ADVANCED TWO CANDIDATES IN THREE DIFFERENT RACES TO THE GENERAL ELECTION.

JABOB MCCARTHER AND INCUMBENT MICHAEL MIKE LAROQUE IN THE SECRETARY TREASURER RACE.

THOSE TWO MOVE ON.

INCUMBENT HENRY G. FOX AND ANDY JACK AUGINAUSH IN DISTRICT ONE.

AND ALRICK SON ACCOBEE AND PATTY PATLEEN STRAUB IN DISTRICT TWO.

INCUMBENT EUGENE SOMMERS IS NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION IN DISTRICT TWO.

# THE WHITE EARTH REGULAR ELECTION WILL BE ON JUNE 9TH, THE TOP TWO MOVING TO THE GENERAL ELECTION WHEN THERE IS LESS THAN 50% OF THE VOTE.

>>> FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 50 YEARS, NASA IS SENDING ASTRONAUTS TO THE MOON!

THE MISSION NAMED ARTEMIS II IS SENDING A CREW OF 3 AMERICANS AND 1 CANADIAN FARTHER INTO SPACE THAN EVER BEFORE, TESTING OUT A NEW SPACECRAFT AND CIRCLING THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON BEFORE RETURNING TO EARTH.

MICHAEL YOSHIDA JOINS US FROM KENNEDY SPACE CENTER IN FLORIDA, WHERE THIS HISTORIC LAUNCH HAPPENED.

>> GOD SPEED ARTEMIS II, LET'S GO.

>> Reporter: HEADING BACK TO THE MOON.

ARTEMIS II IS SENDING FOUR ASTRONAUTS ON A TRIP AROUND THE MOON.

COMMANDER REID WISEMAN, VICTOR GLOVER, CHRISTINA COOK, AND JEREMY HANSEN OF THE CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY.

>> THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME AND IT IS GOING TO TRULY TEST OUR MEDAL.

>> I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR THOSE WHO PAVED THE WAY FOR US TO BE HERE.

IT'S AN HONOR TO POTENTIALLY INSPIRE THE EXPLORERS OF THE FUTURE.

>> Reporter: IT'S THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1972 THAT HUMANS ARE GOING TO DEEP SPACE.

>> WE ARE IN A SPACE RACE.

IF HUMAN BEINGS NEED TO FIND ANOTHER PLANET TO LIVE ON.

>> Reporter: POWERED BY THE S.O.S.

OR HEAVY ROCKET, THE ORION SPACECRAFT LAUNCHES INTO EARTH'S ORBIT.

>> IT'S 300 FEET ALL PROPULSION.

WE'RE ROOT FORCING OUR WAY INTO ORBIT.

>> Reporter: IT WILL MAKE A FOUR DAY, 250,000 MILE JOURNEY TO THE MOON, PASSING BY ITS FAR SIDE, AT A DISTANCE OF 4,000 TO 6,000 MILES ABOVE THE LUNAR SURFACE, THE FARTHEST THAT ANY HUMAN HAS TRAVELED IN SPACE.

THEN IT WILL RETURN FOR SPLASH DO YOU KNOW OFF THE WEST COAST OOCHLTD.

>> THERE ARE SO MANY AMAZING THINGS HAPPENING.

WE SHOULD BE PROUD, ALL OF US.

>> Reporter: AT WENDY SPACE CENTER, I'M MICHAEL YOSHIDA.

>> THE PLANNED SPLASH DOWN IS ON APRIL 10TH.

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

>> Stacy: WE HAVE A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR MOST OF OUR VIEWING AREA.

ROUND TWO WILL ARRIVE LATER THIS WEEK.

>> COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL HAD ITS WOMEN HALL OF FAME HERE [♪♪♪] >> AND NOW MORE NEWS WITH DENNIS WEIMANN.

[♪♪♪] >>> BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL IS SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ITS ALUMNI, HOSTING A SPECIAL EVENT DEDICATED TO HONORING WOMEN WHO HAVE MADE A LASTING IMPACT IN THEIR FIELDS AND COMMUNITIES.

OUR REPORTER XZAYVER CURRY HAS THE DETAILS.

>> Reporter: BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL HAS BEEN DOING THE WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME SINCE 2018.

THIS YEAR, THEY HAVE FIVE INDUCTEES, DR.

TORI BARR, TERESA, SHELL WENTWORTH, AND SHAYLA PARADISE.

I SPOKE WITH MATHESON AND PARADISE ON THEIR FEELING ABOUT BEING PART OF THIS GREAT HONOR.

>> TOTALLY INCREDIBLE.

I REMEMBER WHEN I GOT THE CALL.

I WAS DRIVING FROM POINT A TO POINT B. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND I WAS OVERWHELMED WITH GRATITUDE, THANKFULNESS, IT'S JUST A REALLY NEAT FEELING.

>> IT'S INCREDIBLY TOUCHING.

THE PERSON WHO NOMINATED ME IS LAUREN, SHE HANDED ME A SHEET OF PAPER WHEN I WAS 7 YEARS OLD.

THERE IS A FULL CIRCLE SENSE TO BE HERE NOW AND I FEEL VERY GRATEFUL, VERY HONORED.

>> Reporter: PARADISE IS A HUMANITARIAN, PUBLIC SPEAKER, WRITER, AND MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ARTIST.

IN 2025, SHE WAS SELECTED AS A UNITED NATIONS PEACE DELEGATE, REPRESENTING THE UNITED STATES ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE IN HIROSHIMA, JAPAN.

>> IT'S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION: I HAVE SPENT TIME WITH WORLD PEACE LEADER WHO HOLD PEACE LIKE IT'S A CURRENCY.

I AM FULL ON COMMITTED TO HOW MUCH WE CAN DO WHEN WE RISE TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: MATHESON LAUNCHED A BACKPACK FOOD PROGRAM, PROVIDING FOOD SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED.

HER IMPACTFUL WORK EARNED MULTIPLE LOCAL STATE AND NATIONAL AWARDS, INCLUDING TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONORS.

>> TO HELP AND GIVE BACK, NOT ONLY DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY, IT HELPS THEM SO MUCH MORE.

SO THAT IS WHAT REALLY GOT ME STARTED, IT'S TEACHING THEM HOW IMPORTANT GIVING TO OTHERS IS IN LIFE.

>> Reporter: THE WOMAN'S HALL OF FAME IS NOT JUST A LOOK BACK ON THE STANDOUT CAREERS, IT'S HONORING THE IMPACTS THAT THESE WOMEN HAD ON THEIR TEAM, THEIR SCHOOLS, AND THEIR COMMUNITY.

IT'S ALSO SHOWING THE CURRENT STUDENTS WHAT'S POSSIBLE.

REPORTING IN BRAINERD, XZAYVER CURRY, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> Dennis: THE EVENT TAKES PLACE EVERY MARCH IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.

>>> NOW THERE IS A LOT TO LOOK AT TONIGHT, ISN'T THERE STACY?

>> Stacy: THERE IS, WE HAVE TWO WEATHER SYSTEMS.

ONE IS BRINGING SNOW TO PARTS OF OUR VIEWING AREA AND THAT SNOW WILL CONTINUE INTO TOMORROW AND EVEN TOMORROW NIGHT AND MOST OF THE VIEWING AREA IS UNDER A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WITH REGARDS TO THAT.

THERE IS A ROUND TWO THAT SHOULD BE ARRIVING L [♪♪♪] >> AND NOW THE WEATHER WITH STACY CHRISTENSON.

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: SNOW HAS BEGUN TO MOVE INTO THE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING, AS THE FIRST OF TWO WEATHER SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN MOVING INTO OUR VIEWING AREA.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE SNOW AND MAYBE A LITTLE BIT OF MIXED PRECIPITATION OVERNIGHT TONIGHT AND INTO TOMORROW, EVEN INTO TOMORROW NIGHT, A SHORT BREAK TO WHERE THE SECOND SYSTEM ARRIVES ON FRIDAY AND THAT WILL CONTINUE INTO SATURDAY.

I'LL HAVE MORE DETAILS ON THOSE IN A SECOND.

HERE ARE THE CURRENT CONDITIONS, 28 AT THE AIRPORT IN BEMIDJI AND AT THE STUDIO, WINDS ARE SOUTHEAST AT 9 MILES PER HOUR.

SO FAR, WE RECEIVED ABOUT A TRACE OF SNOW.

IN BRAINERD, THERE IS LIGHT SNOW THIS EVENING, ALONG WITH AREAS OF FOG, 28 DEGREES, THE DEW POINT IS 24, AND WINDS ARE EAST AT 10 MILES PER HOUR, WITH GUSTS UP TO 17.

THEN WE DO HAVE A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR ALL BUT FAR NORTHWEST MINNESOTA.

THE ADVISORY EXPIRES ON 1:00 A.M.

FOR NORTH-CENTRAL AND EAST-CENTRAL MINNESOTA, AND 7:00 A.M.

FRIDAY FOR NORTHEAST MINNESOTA, WE'LL SEE POSSIBLE MIXED PRECIPITATION, BUT AGAIN SNOW ACCUMULATION WITH THE SYSTEM.

A WINTER STORM WATCH IS OUT FOR ALL BUT THE SOUTHERN PART OF LAKELAND COUNTRY.

WE'RE LOOKING AT THE LONG PRAIRIE LITTLE FALLS AREA.

THIS IS FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON TO LATE SATURDAY NIGHT, WITH HEAVY SNOW POSSIBLE, AND THERE IS A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY WITH SNOWFALL TOTALS.

NOW FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND ROUND, THIS IS POTENTIALLY WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT.

WE CAN SEE SOME OF THE HIGHER TOTALS IN PARTS OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA OVER TO GRAND RAPIDS, ABOUT 6 INCHES OF SNOW, 5 INCHES AROUND THE RED LAKE AREA, BEMIDJI 5.8.

SO WE COULD SEE ACCUMULATING SNOW OUT OF THIS SYSTEM, WITH POTENTIAL ACCUMULATIONS IN THAT SECOND ROUND OF SNOW.

NOW LOOKING AT OUR SATELLITE AND RADAR, WE DO HAVE AREAS OF SNOW, MAYBE A LITTLE BIT OF MIXED PRECIPITATION OUT THERE TONIGHT.

SNOW IS LIKELY ACROSS THE AREA OVERNIGHT TONIGHT, AND THAT SNOW CONTINUES INTO TOMORROW AND TOMORROW NIGHT.

WE ARE AGAIN LOOKING AT THOSE HIGH ACCUMULATIONS ACROSS OUR VIEWING AREA.

WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU, A BEAUTIFUL MORNING IN MENAHGA.

ARLENE WITH THAT PHOTO.

HAZY CONDITIONS FROM GARY IN DEERWOOD AND CATCHING A GLIMPSE OF THE SUNRISE FROM CHRISSY IN DEERWOOD.

ANGELA REPORTING SOME SNOW IN THE CASS LAKE AREA, BUT IT'S NOT LASTING VERY LONG.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THOSE WITH US TONIGHT.

EAGLE EYES REPORTS, ARLENE IN MENAHGA, 23 AND CALM THIS MORNING.

CHRIS IS IN DEERWOOD OVERCAST AND BREEZY.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, A HIGH OF 34.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, CLOUDY AND 33.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE REPORTING SCATTERED SNOW SHOWERS.

ON OUR ALMANAC, 39 WAS THE HIGH TODAY IN BRAINERD, SO AGAIN CHILLY TEMPERATURES CONTINUING.

THE LOW WAS 27.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH OF 34, AVERAGE IS 45, SO AGAIN VERY COOL.

23 FOR THE LOW, 7:49 THE SUNSET.

WE WILL HAVE A LOT OF SNOW IN THE AREA, ESPECIALLY IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA IN THE MORNING, AND THAT EXTENDS INTO NORTHERN MINNESOTA AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE DAY, MIXED PRECIPITATION IN EAST-CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

IT SHOULD TAPER OFF TOMORROW NIGHT, BUT ANOTHER ROUND IN STORE FOR LATER THIS WEEK.

HIGHS WILL BE IN THE MID-30s ACROSS THE NORTHERN HALF OF OUR VIEWING AREA WITH MID-30s IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

SO OUR FORECAST, SNOW IS LIKELY IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA TONIGHT, A SMALLER CHANCE IN THE NORTH, OTHERWISE MOSTLY CLOUDY AND LOWS NEAR 25.

THAT SNOW SPREADS ACROSS THE AREA TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW WE'RE LOOKING AT ANYWHERE FROM 1 TO 6 INCHES OF ACCUMULATION, MIXED PRECIP IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA, AND HIGHS NEAR 34.

LOOKING AT THE WEEKEND FORECAST, WE WILL START TO SEE THAT NEXT SYSTEM MOVING IN ON FRIDAY, ESPECIALLY STARTING IN THE AFTERNOON, CONTINUING FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY WITH SEVERAL INCHES OF ACCUMULATION POSSIBLE.

QUIETER, JUST SOME PATCHY LIGHT RAIN OR SNOW ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY, HIGHS NEAR 40 ON SUNDAY.

BACK TO YOU.

>> Dennis: ALL RIGHT, THANKS STACY.

MILES WALKER IN FOR CHARLIE YAEGER TONIGHT.

BRAINERD TENNIS TEAM IS UNDERWAY THIS YEAR.

>> Miles: I GOT TO SEE THEM BEFORE THE WEATHER GOT SO AWFUL.

GOT TO THEM THIS PAST MONDAY, I'LL HAVE MORE AFTER THE BREAK.

[♪♪♪] [♪♪♪] >> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS ON LAKELAND NEWS AT 10:00.

[♪♪♪] >>> BRAINERD BOYS TENNIS KICKED OFF THEIR 2026 CAMPAIGN WITH A 1-2 SHOWING IN THE QUADRANGULAR AT BECKER THIS PAST WEEKEND.

AFTER SHOWCASING A YOUNG ROSTER LAST SEASON, FEATURING JUST ONE SENIOR, THE WARRIORS HOPE THAT THE THE EXTRA YEAR OF EXPERIENCE, WILL BEAR FRUIT IN THIS SEASON'S RUN.

>> Reporter: FOLLOWING LAST YEAR'S 6-15 RECORD, A SECTION 7A FIRST ROUND LOSS TO GRAND RAPIDS, THE WARRIORS HAVE HIT THE COURT WITH A CHIP ON THEIR SHOULDERS.

>> THE BOYS WERE REALLY YOUNG LAST YEAR.

SO IT'S GETTING A LOT OF EXPERIENCE.

I THINK THEY'RE HAPPY WITH A LOT OF THE WINS WE GOT.

THIS YEAR, WE WANT A LOT MORE WINS AND I THINK WE CAN.

>> YOU GAIN THE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE SAME PARTNERS AND CHEMISTRY IS GOING TO BUILD AND BUILD.

SO, I'M HOPING TO SEE THE BOYS CONTINUE TO GROW TOGETHER.

>> WHILE THE WARRIORS RETURN 8 OF THEIR 10 STARTERS FROM LAST YEAR, THE TEAM BOASTS PLENTY OF VIEWS, WITH SENIOR AND NUMBER ONES SINGLES PLAYER OWEN ROBINSON REPRESENTING ONE OF FOUR SENIORS ON THE TEAM.

>> WE TRAINED A LOT LAST YEAR AND THERE IS A LOT OF NEW EXPERIENCE, BUT THIS YEAR WE ALL COME IN, WE KNOW WHAT WE'RE COMING INTO.

IT'S A LOT LESS OF A JUMP AND WE CAN GET A LOT MORE WINS, I THINK.

>> Reporter: THE HEAD COACH SEES HIS JUNIOR CLASS DISPLAYING A LOT OF IMPROVEMENTS EARLY ON, WITH SHAWN LEADING THE CHARGE.

>> HAVING FUN AND ENJOYING THE GAME OF TENNIS, AND GETTING BETTER IN THAT COMPETITIVE CATEGORY.

WE'RE GOING TO KEEP BUILDING OUR STRATEGY AND OUR TOOLKIT TO GET TO THE NET.

HOPEFULLY, IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS OF PRACTICE, WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE ON THOSE STRATEGIES, KEEPING OUR TOOL BOX, AND USE THEM ON THE COURT.

>> Reporter: THE DECIDING FACTOR ON WHICH DIRECTION BRAINERD BOYS TENNIS'S SEASON WILL GO, OVER 20 DIFFERENT KIDS, AND THE COACH WILL BE LOOKING TOWARDS THEM TO PROPEL THE WARRIORS TO THE FOREFRONT OF SECTION 7-2A.

>> WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE'RE TEACHING THEM THE RIGHT TECHNIQUES AND ATTITUDES, AND STEPPING UP IN THE POSITIONS WE NEED.

A LOT OF KIDS ALREADY HAVE STEPPED UP AND WE'RE HOPING THEY CONTINUE TO STEP UP, CONTINUE TO BUILD GOOD ENERGY.

>> Reporter: AND THEIR NEXT DAY WILL COME TUESDAY WHEN THEY HOST ALEX -- ALLEN ALEXANDRIA.

>>> RICK HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RESIGNATION FROM THE TEAM.

HE WILL BE PURSUING A TEACHING OPPORTUNITY IN URUGUAY.

TOWARD SPENT 31 YEARS LEADING THE LUMBERJACK BOYS ON THE PITCH.

DURING HIS TIME, BEMIDJI CLINCHED FOUR STATE TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES, INCLUDING A THREE-YEAR STRETCH WHERE THE JACKS SECURED THREE STRAIGHT SECTION EIGHT-ONE-A TITLES FROM 2016 TO 2018.

THE JACKS ALSO EARNED A CLASS ONE-A RUNNER-UP FINISH IN 2018.

TOWARD HAS RECEIVED SECTION 8-3A COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD HONORS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AS WELL AS THE MSHSL CLASS ONE-A COACH OF THE YEAR IN 2016.

TOWARD'S IMPACT IN BEMIDJI SPANS FAR BEYOND SOCCER.

HE HAS ALSO TAUGHT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR OVER 32 YEARS, AND EARNED THE W-E-M OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD BACK IN 2020.

WE WILL HEAR MORE FROM TOWARD ON HIS DECISION THIS UPCOMING FRIDAY.

>>> AND IN THE MLB, TWINS TRYING TO SNAP A TWO GAME SKID TAKING ON THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS.

PICKING UP HIS FIRST OF THE SEASON, THE TWINS NARROW THE GAP.

THE ROYALS WERE A LITTLE TOO MUCH TONIGHT.

DUCKS ON THE POND FOR JONATHAN, AND MASHES ONE INTO THE SEATS, HIS FIRST OF THE SEASON, ROYALS EXTEND THE LEAD.

HOWEVER, IT LOOKS LIKE THE TWINS MADE IT A LITTLE TOO COMFORTABLE FOR THE ROYALS AS THEY LOST 13-9 TONIGHT.

THEY WILL LOOK TO -- EXCUSE ME, THEY WILL LOOK TO AVOID THE SWEEP TOMORROW AS THEY HAVE BRADLEY OUT ON THE MOUND.

>> Dennis: ALL RIGHT, A LITTLE FOGGY THERE AS WELL.

>> Miles: YEAH, FOGGY TONIGHT FOR THEM.

>> Dennis: THANKS MILES.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN AS THE WEATHER GETS WARMER, TICKS WILL BE OUT FOR BLOOD AND SINCE THEY SPREAD GERMS THAT CAN MAKE PEOPLE SICK, YOU DON'T WANT THEM ON YOUR BODY.

IN TODAY'S HEALTH MINUTE, MANDY GAITHER TALKS TO AN EXPERT ABOUT WHY THE 2026 TICK SEASON IS CONCERNING AND WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.

>> Reporter: AFTER A SIGNIFICANTLY SEVERE TICK SEASON LAST YEAR, EXPERTS ARE BRACING FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF THIS GROWING THREAT AS FAMILIAR TRENDS ARE BEING TRACKED.

>> WE EXPECT THIS SEASON TO BE LIKELY WORSE THAN LAST YEAR, DEFINITELY NOT MUCH BETTER.

>> Reporter: NICOLE BAUMGARTH SAYS LAST MAY, THERE WAS A 30% RISE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEARS IN EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS FOR TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES.

SHE SAYS IT'S DUE TO A WARMING CLIMATE AND EXPANDING TICK POPULATION TO PROTECT AGAINST TICKS, SHE SAYS USE BUG SPRAY AND COVER YOUR SKIN.

>> YOU WANT LONG SLEEVES, LONG PANTS, BE A LITTLE DORKY AND PUT YOUR TROUSERS INTO YOUR SOCKS, WEAR A HAT.

>> Reporter: AFTER BEING OUTDOORS, BAUMGARTH SAYS DO A BODY CHECK AND TAKE A HOT SHOWER.

IF YOU FIND ONE ON YOUR BODY, CAREFULLY REMOVE IT AND TO PLACE IT IN A PLASTIC BAG IN THE REFRIGERATOR IN CASE YOU START TO DEVELOP TICK-BORNE ILLNESS SYMPTOMS 3 TO 30 DAYS AFTER A TICK BITE, THAT CAN INCLUDE FEVER, CHILLS, HEADACHE, FATIGUE, MUSCLE AND JOINT ACHES, AND SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES.

WITH LYME DISEASE, YOU CAN HAVE A RASH LIKE THIS.

LYME DISEASE TRANSMISSION FROM THE TICK TAKES ABOUT TWO DAYS AFTER IT ATTACHES ITSELF.

>> YOU HAVE SOMETIME AND THAT IS WHY IT'S NOT RECOMMENDED TO GO AND SEE THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU FOUND A TICK, PARTICULARLY IF YOU JUST CAME IN FROM A HIKE OR SOMETHING.

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

>> Dennis: ALL RIGHT, WE'RE HAVING SOME WINTER WEATHER IN THE AREA.

WE'LL GET AN UPDATE FROM STACY.

>> Stacy: MOST OF THE AREA ARE UNDER A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY.

THE SNOW WILL CONTINUE INTO TOMORROW EVENING IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA AND FRIDAY MORNING IN THE NORTH.

WE COULD SEE 3 TO 6, MAYBE 7 INCHES OF SNOWFALL WITH THAT.

IN ADDITION, WE HAVE A WINTER STORM WATCH.

THIS WILL INCLUDE ALL OF THE VIEWING AREA, EXCEPT THE FAR SOUTHERN AREA OF LAKELAND COUNTRY.

THAT ROUND COULD BRING MORE SNOW TO THE AREA.

>> Miles: AND BEMIDJI BOYS TENNIS WILL BE HOSTING CROOKSTON.

>> Dennis: WE'RE OUT OF TIME.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT EVERYBODY, WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

>> Miles: GOOD NIGHT.

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