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

MEMBER FDIC.

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

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.

>>> THE BEMIDJI SCHOOL BOARD VOTED THIS WEEK TO RECITE THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AT THE BEGINNING OF ITS MEETINGS.

TWO YEARS AGO, THE BOARD HAD THIS SAME CONVERSATION AND IT ENDED IN A 3-3 DECISION.

THE TIE VOTE CAUSING THE PLEDGE TO BE SHUT DOWN.

OUR REPORTER SYDNEY DICK HAS MORE.

>> Reporter: I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WORDS THAT ARE UTTERED ACROSS THOUSANDS OF SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY EVERYDAY, AND WORDS THAT WILL SOON BE UTTERED BEFORE EVERY BEMIDJI SCHOOL BOARD MEETING.

>> THE LOCAL V.F.W.

'S MEMORIAL DAY PRESENTATION LAST SPRING, WATCHING THOSE VETERANS RECITE THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WAS A MOVING THING.

IT MADE ME THINK THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU GIVEN IT CREDIT FOR TODD.

>> Reporter: BEFORE CASTING THE ACTUAL VOTE, BOARD MEMBERS WERE ABLE TO SPEAK WHY OR WHY NOT THEY BELIEVE THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BELONGED IN THE MEETING ROOM.

MANY HAD ISSUE WITH THE WORDS UNDER GOD.

>> MY CHOICE IS NOT TO RECITE THE PLEDGE AND IT REFLECTS ON OUR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE IN THE CONSTITUTION AND REFLECTS THE OATH OF OFFICE I AM SWORN TO.

I ALSO VALUE THE INDIVIDUAL CHOICE THAT THE MINNESOTA STATUTE REFLECTS.

>> Reporter: AND SOME MEMBERS TAKE IT FURTHER THAN THAT, BELIEVING NOT ONLY DOES THE PLEDGE NOT BELONG IN BOARD MEETINGS, BUT SHOULDN'T BE IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AT ALL.

>> IT'S PROPAGANDA, IT'S DEFINITELY GOVERNMENT CONTROL, IT'S BORDERING THE LINE OF INDOCTRINATION, AND IT TAKES AWAY PARENTAL CHOICE.

>> Reporter: BUT NOT EVERY MEMBER WAS ON THE SAME SIDE.

>> ARE SOME DENIED LIBERTY AND JUSTICE?

YES.

ARE LIBERTY AND JUSTICE STILL IDEALS WORTH HONORING AND COMMITTING OURSELVES TO TODAY?

YES.

THIS IS WHY WE SAY THE PLEDGE.

>> Reporter: AND IT CAME DOWN TO THE FINAL VOTE.

>> I WILL MOVE TO VOTE, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF IMPLEMENTING THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, PLEASE SAY AYE.

[AYES EXPRESSED] >> ALL THOSE OPPOSED SAY NAY.

SO THAT'S 4-2, THE MOTION PASSES.

>> THE FINAL 4-2 VOTE MEANS THAT THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WILL BE SAID BEFORE EVERY BEMIDJI SCHOOL BOARD MEETING FROM HERE ON OUT BUT NO ONE IS OBLIGATED TO SAY IT, AND THE CHOICE TO SIT OR STAND IS UP TO THE MEMBERS.

>>> IN OTHER LOCAL NEWS TONIGHT, THE MAN WHO WAS FOUND DEAD INSIDE A BURNED DOWN SHED IN BAXTER IN DECEMBER HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED.

ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE BAXTER POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE VICTIM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS 50-YEAR-OLD JASON LEE HOOPMAN.

BAXTER POLICE OFFICERS AND BRAINERD FIRE FIGHTERS RESPONDED TO THE SCENE OF THE FIRE ON MEMORYWOOD DRIVE AROUND 6:30 A.M. ON DECEMBER 22ND.

IT WAS FULLY ENGULFED WHEN THEY ARRIVED AND AFTER THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED HOOPMAN'S BODY WAS FOUND INSIDE THE SHED.

THE STATE FIRE MARSHALS OFFICE CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

>>> A SCHOOL BUS CRASH IN NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA THIS MORNING SENT TWO STUDENTS TO THE HOSPITAL AFTER THE BUS LANDED IN A DITCH.

THE BUS WAS CARRYING 31 STUDENTS FROM NORTH WOODS SCHOOL AND HAPPENED NEAR THE SCHOOL IN COOK AROUND 8:15 THIS MORNING.

THE SCHOOL BUS SLID OFF THE ROAD, STRUCK TWO TREES, BEFORE COMING TO A STOP AGAINST A LIGHT POLE.

THE TWO INJURED STUDENTS WERE TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO A NEARBY HOSPITAL WITH NON-LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES.

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND MINNESOTA STATE PATROL ARE INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT.

ROAD CONDITIONS WERE ICY AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH.

>>> A WOMAN IN MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS WAS SAFELY ESCORTED OFF A BELTRAMI COUNTY OVERPASS TODAY.

THE WOMAN WAS REPORTED TO AUTHORITIES TO BE STANDING ON THE RAILING OF THE US HIGHWAY 71 OVERPASS AT US HIGHWAY 2 ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF BEMIDJI AT 12:18 THIS AFTERNOON.

BELTRAMI COUNTY DEPUTIES, BEMIDJI POLICE OFFICERS AND MINNESOTA STATE TROOPERS RESPONDED TO THE LOCATION.

NEGOTIATORS WERE REQUESTED AND RESPONDED TO THE SCENE AND AFTER ABOUT TWO HOURS THE WOMAN WAS SAFELY ESCORTED OFF THE BRIDGE.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING OR IN CRISIS, YOU CAN CALL THE SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE AT 9-8-8.

>>> AND BREAKING NEWS NOW FROM THE EAST COAST.

A PASSENGER JET HAS COLLIDED WITH AN ARMY HELICOPTER WHILE LANDING AT RONALD REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT NEAR WASHINGTON.

THAT'S ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, WHICH SAYS THE COLLISION REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE WORD ON CASUALTIES, BUT ALL TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS FROM THE AIRPORT NEAR WASHINGTON HAVE BEEN HALTED.

INFLATABLE RESCUE BOATS WERE BEING LAUNCHED INTO THE POTOMAC RIVER FROM A POINT NEAR THE AIRPORT.

THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION SAID THE MIDAIR COLLISION OCCURRED WHEN A REGIONAL JET THAT HAD DEPARTED FROM WICHITA, KANSAS, SMASHED INTO A MILITARY BLACKHAWK HELICOPTER WHILE ON APPROACH TO AN AIRPORT RUNWAY.

OF COURSE WE'LL HAVE MORE ON THAT AS IT DEVELOPS.

>>> DEMOCRATS CONTINUE TO BOYCOTT THE 2025 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES' LEGISLATIVE SESSION AS REPUBLICANS HOLD A 67-66 MAJORITY, PENDING A SPECIAL ELECTION IN MARCH IN A DISTRICT THAT HAS VOTED STRONGLY FOR DEMOCRATS IN THE PAST.

LAST WEEK, THE MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT SIDED WITH HOUSE DEMOCRAT LEADERS, WHO ARGUED THAT A QUORUM IN THE HOUSE IS 68 MEMBERS UNDER THE STATE CONSTITUTION, NOT THE 67 THAT THE G.O.P.

CLAIMED.

HOUSE 2B REPRESENTATIVE, MATT BLISS, SAYS HE WAS DISAPPOINTED BY THE RULING, AND IS URGING DEMOCRATS TO JOIN REPUBLICANS SO THEY CAN CONTINUE THEIR WORK.

>> WE'LL ABIDE BY THAT.

WE MAY DISAGREE WITH IT BUT WE WILL ABIDE BY IT.

THERE ARE 67 OF US THAT WILL BE ON THE FLOOR AT 3:30, SIGNING IN, AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA CAN HAVE A LEGISLATURE AGAIN.

THIS IS A BUDGET YEAR.

WE'RE CONSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A BUDGET.

THEIR GOAL IS TO STAY OUT UNTIL MARCH 11th AND THAT'S HALF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION ALREADY GONE.

THAT'S BRINGING UP BILLS, SELLING YOUR PRIORITIES FOR YOUR DISTRICT, SO THEY'RE REALLY DOING A DISSERVICE TO THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

JUST COME ON INTO WORK AND LET'S GET GOING.

>> BLISS ALONG WITH SENATOR STEVE GREEN OF FOSSTON INTRODUCED A MEASURE LAST WEEK THAT WOULD REQUIRE A LEGISLATIVE SUPERMAJORITY FOR LAND TRANSFERS.

WE WILL HAVE MORE FROM BLISS ON WHAT EXACTLY THAT ENTAILS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

>>> IT HAS BEEN OVER A DECADE NOW SINCE THE CITY OF BEMIDJI FIRST LAID ITS VISION TO REDEVELOP THE HISTORIC RAIL CORRIDOR SITE IN BEMIDJI'S DOWNTOWN AREA.

AFTER MANY, MANY ATTEMPTS, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH PLANS ARE MOVING FORWARD AFTER A WORK SESSION WITH THE CITY COUNCIL, WHERE THEY WERE PROVIDED WITH UPDATES THAT SHOW A SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WHILE REMAINING FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE.

THE PLANS WOULD INCLUDE A CLEANUP OF THE RAIL CORRIDOR SITE, WHICH HAS BEEN CONTAMINATED WITH PETROLEUM AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS.

IT ALSO INCLUDES THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 60,000-FOOT COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTER TO BE OPERATED BY THE YMCA.

GREATER-BEMIDJI TOLD THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE WELLNESS CENTER WILL EXPAND CHILDCARE FOR THE COMMUNITY, PROVIDE FREE MEALS FOR KIDS AND SENIORS ANNUALLY ALL WHILE INCREASING THE CITY'S TAX BASE AND REVENUE.

>> I FEEL LIKE I WANT TO KNOCK ON WOOD BECAUSE THESE ARE THE TWO OF THE MAJOR THINGS THAT OUR COMMUNITY HAS BEEN STRIVING FOR, FOR DECADES.

ONE IS THE WELLNESS CENTER, WHICH WE SOUGHTS AFTER FOR MANY YEARS AND THE SECOND IS TO CLEAN UP A CONTAMINATED SITE IN THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY.

WE KNOW FOR SURE THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SITE WORK, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND CLEAN UP.

WE ALSO KNOW THE STATE FUNDS THAT WE RECEIVED 1.6 MILLION IN STATE FUNDS TO GO WITH IT.

AT THAT POINT, THE COUNCIL GETS TO MAKE A DECISION IF WE MOVE FORWARD OR NOT.

>> GREATER-BEMIDJI SAYS THE GOAL IS TO HAVE A $35 MILLION WELLNESS CENTER WITH YMCA COMMITTING $10 MILLION TOWARDS THE PROJECT.

THE CITY AND GREATER-BEMIDJI HAVE RAISED JUST OVER 19 MILLION OF THE REMAINING 25 MILLION, BUT SAY THEY ARE CONFIDENT THEY CAN REACH THEIR GOAL.

>>> NEVIS SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT GREGG PARKS HAS ANNOUNCED HE PLANS TO RETIRE FOLLOWING THIS SCHOOL YEAR.

IN A MEMO HE WROTE TO THE NEVIS SCHOOL BOARD PARKS SAID HE WILL RETIRE EFFECTIVE JUNE 30TH OF THIS YEAR AFTER 11 YEARS OF LEADING THE DISTRICT.

THE DISTRICT WILL BEGIN A SEARCH FOR A NEW SUPERINTENDENT THROUGH THE MINNESOTA SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION.

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

[♪♪♪] >> Stacy: WE'LL SEE SUNNY SKIES RETURN TO THE AREA TOMORROW AND IT LOOKS LIKE TEMPERATURES WILL BE A LITTLE BIT WARMER ONCE AGAIN.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK, A CONTENTIOUS CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR ROBERT F. KENNEDY JUNIOR, PRESIDENT TRUMP'S PICK TO LEAD THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN >> 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.

[♪♪♪] >>> A CRITICAL CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR ROBERT F. KENNEDY JUNIOR KICKED OFF WEDNESDAY.

KENNEDY IS PRESIDENT TRUMP'S PICK TO LEAD THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

IVAN RODRIGUEZ BREAKS DOWN THE QUESTIONS FROM SENATORS AND HIS STANCES ON KEY HEALTH CARE ISSUES.

>> Reporter: TESTIFYING DURING A FINANCE COMMITTEE, HE FACED HOURS OF QUESTIONING, WITH MANY FOCUSING IN ON HIS STANCE ON VACCINES.

>> HE HAS MADE IT HIS LIFE'S WORK TO SOW DOUBT AND DISCOURAGING PARENTS FROM GETTING THEIR KIDS LIFESAVING VACCINES.

>> HE DOWNPLAYED HIS ANTI-VACCINE RHETORIC.

>> VACCINES PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN HEALTH CARE.

ALL OF MY KIDS ARE VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: THESE STATEMENTS DIFFER FROM ONES HE MADE IN THE PAST.

>> THERE IS NO VACCINE THAT IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE.

>> Reporter: THOSE CLAIMS ARE UNSUBSTANTIATED BY THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY.

R.F.K.

JUNIOR DID ADD -- ACKNOWLEDGE VACCINES.

>> I AM NOT GOING TO APOLOGIZE FOR THAT.

WE HAVE MASSIVE HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THIS COUNTRY THAT WE MUST FACE HONESTLY.

>> Reporter: IN FACT, KENNEDY SAYS HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE HIGH DUE TO CHRONIC DISEASES, A VIEW SUPPORTED BY SOME DEMOCRATIC SENATORS.

>> THE C.D.C.

SAYS 90% OF HEALTH CARE SPENDING GOES TOWARDS MANAGING CHRONIC DISEASE, WHICH HITS LOWER INCOME AMERICANS THE HARDEST.

>> Reporter: HE REASSURED REPUBLICAN SENATORS THAT STATES SHOULD HAVE CONTROL.

>> I AGREE WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP THAT EVERY ABORTION IS A TRAGEDY.

I AGREE THAT WE CANNOT BE A MORAL NATION IF WE HAVE 1.2 MILLION ABORTION AS YEAR.

>> Reporter: I'M IVAN RODRIGUEZ REPORTING.

>> IF CONFIRMED, KENNEDY WILL COMMAND A BUDGET OF MORE THAN $1 TRILLION TO REGULATE FOOD AND DRUGS, APPROVE AND RECOMMEND VACCINES AND MANAGE THE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE INSURANCE TO MILLIONS OF AMERICANS.

>>> TIME FOR WEATHER, STACY IS HERE, IT'S BEEN A NICE REPRIEVE FROM THE COLD TEMPERATURES THIS WEEK.

>> Stacy: YES, IT HAS.

WE ARE GOING TO SEE WARMER TEMPERATURES IN THE AREA TOMORROW.

A LOT OF SUNSHINE TO GO WITH IT AND FOR A CHANGE, WE'RE NOT GOING TO SEE THE STRONG WINDS.

SO IT'S A NICE DAY FOR US TOMORROW.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE ABOVE AVERAGE TEMPERATURES THROUGH MOST OF THE WEEK, A LITTLE BIT OF A COOL DOWN, BUT CHANCES OF SNOW SHOULD RETURN FOR THE >> 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 HAVE A MIX OF CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE ACROSS THE AREA TODAY AND TEMPERATURES WERE A LITTLE BIT COOLER THAN WHAT WE HAD YESTERDAY.

THOSE TEMPS WILL BE BACK IN THE 30s AND EVEN LOW 40s TOMORROW, WE'RE GOING TO ENJOY SOME BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE OUT THERE.

WE HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF A COOL DOWN ON FRIDAY AND CHANCES OF SNOW WILL RETURN AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

RIGHT NOW IN BEMIDJI, IT'S 28 AT THE AIRPORT.

WINDS AT THE SOUTHEAST AT 6 MILES PER HOUR, HUMIDITY IS AT 73%.

IN BRAINERD, PARTLY CLOUDY AND 28, WITH THE DEW POINT AT 18.

PRESSURE IS FALLING AND WINDS ARE SOUTH AT 6 MILES PER HOUR.

NOW AS YOU LOOK AT THE RADAR, WE HAVE UPPER LEVEL MOISTURE MOVING THROUGH THE AREA, NOT SEEING REPORTS OF SNOW REACHING THE GROUND, ALTHOUGH THERE MAY BE AN ISOLATED SNOW SHOWER WITHIN THIS.

THIS WILL BE MOVING OUT OVERNIGHT TONIGHT.

IT WILL LEAVE US WITH VARIABLE CLOUDS OVERNIGHT TONIGHT, BUT THE CLOUDS SHOULD BREAK UP TOMORROW LEAVING SUNSHINE AND WE WILL BE SEEING WARMER TEMPERATURES ONCE AGAIN.

SOME WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU, KAREN SENDING US THIS PHOTO OF A COUPLE OF SWANS ENJOYING THE MILD WEATHER.

SAMROSE WITH A PICTURE OF THE SKIES, THE CLOUDY SKIES NEAR THE NARROWS BETWEEN UPPER AND LOWER RED LAKE.

ANGELA SENDING US THIS PHOTO OF THE SUNSHINE THROUGH THE CLOUDS IN CASS LAKE.

CARRIE WITH THE NICE COLOR OF THE SUNSET OUT OF WALKER.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THOSE.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYES REPORTS, STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, OVERCAST, HIGH OF 31.

BOB IN BLUFFTON, TOPPING OUT AT 31.

ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, WIND GUSTS UP TO 19 MILES PER HOUR.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, A MIX OF CLOUDS AND SUN WITH A HIGH OF 32.

LOOKING AT OUR ALMANAC, BRAINERD REACHING A HIGH OF 34, A LITTLE BIT COOLER THAN YESTERDAY, BUT WE ARE STILL WELL ABOVE THAT AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 22.

25 WAS OUR LOW THIS MORNING, SUNSET TONIGHT AT 5:19.

BEMIDJI REACHING A HIGH OF 30, SO AGAIN VERY MILD, MORE THAN 10 DEGREES ABOVE THAT AVERAGE HIGH TEMPERATURE.

13 FOR THE LOW AND SUNRISE AT 7:48.

SO AS WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW MORNING, WE COULD SEE SOME LINGERING CLOUDS FROM THE OVERNIGHT.

AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE MORNING, WE WILL SEE THE CLOUDS BREAKING UP.

WE SHOULD ENJOY SOME NICE SUNSHINE AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE AFTERNOON HOURS BEFORE SOME CLOUDS START TO RETURN AS WE HEAD INTO LATE TOMORROW AND TOMORROW NIGHT.

TEMPERATURE-WISE, IT LOOKS WARM WITH HIGHS IN THE 30s IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA, A LOT OF US IN THE MID TO UPPER 30s, AND AS WE HEAD INTO CENTRAL MINNESOTA, WE WILL SEE 30s, AS WELL AS LOW 40s FOR OUR HIGHS.

SO HERE'S OUR FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, VARIABLE CLOUDS, LOWS NEAR 18, SOUTH WINDS 5 TO 15.

TOMORROW, MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES, HIGH TEMPS NEAR 37, AND WE'LL BE SEEING WINDS OUT OF THE WEST AT 5 TO 15.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR WEEKEND FORECAST, WE'LL SEE VARIABLE CLOUDS ON FRIDAY, A LITTLE BIT COOLER, HIGHS IN THE TEENS TO MID-20s.

AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND, THERE ARE SOME CHANCES OF SNOW, ESPECIALLY ON SATURDAY, BUT STILL A PRETTY DECENT CHANCE FOR MOST OF US ON SUNDAY.

TEMPERATURES WILL BE IN THE 20s TO LOW 30s THIS WEEKEND, BUT THAT COLDER AIR WILL START TO FILTER IN ON SUNDAY AND AS YOU CAN SEE, IT IS A BIG COOL DOWN AS WE START THE WORKWEEK ON MONDAY, PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES, HIGHS NEAR 5, AND LOWS WILL FALL BELOW 0 ONCE AGAIN.

BACK TO YOU.

>> Dennis: THANKS STACY, CHARLIE IS HERE.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS ARE GOING FOR A THREE-PEAT.

>> Charlie: YEAH, THEY ARE THE BACK TO BACK CHAMPS.

TWO OTHER GIRLS TEAM HAS DONE THAT, ONE BOYS TEAM BEFORE.

QUITE THE SEASON THAT THEY'RE HAVING SO FAR, THEY'RE THE FRONT RUNNERS AND WE GOT A CHANCE TO HEAR FROM THEM AHEAD OF THE SECTION TOURNAMENT COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK.

[♪♪♪] >> SPORTS ON LAKELAND NEWS IS SPONSORED IN PART BY PAUL BUNYAN COMMUNICATIONS POWERED BY THE GIGAZONE.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE GIGAZONE, TRANSFORMING HOW WE LIVE AND WORK.

>> 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.

>>> WARROAD GIRLS HOCKEY IS THE EPITOME OF A DYNASTY.

THEY'VE WON THE PAST THREE STATE TITLES, 5 IN TOTAL, ACCOMPANIED BY 5 STATE RUNNER UP FINISHES, 15 SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND HAVE APPEARED IN THE LAST 9 STRAIGHT STATE TOURNAMENTS.

THEY ARE ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL GIRLS HOCKEY TEAMS IN THE PAST 2-DECADES BUT WITH SUCCESS CAN COME PRESSURE.

LUCKILY PRESSURE IS JUST ANOTHER DAY ON THE ICE FOR THE WARRIORS.

>> Reporter: NO PRESSURE, NO DIAMOND, MAYBE THAT'S WHY IT'S WELCOMED BY WARROAD GIRLS HOCKEY, WHY THEY WON THE LAST THREE CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

>> IT FEELS GOOD TO HAVE THAT PRESSURE AND THE PRESSURE HELPS US PERFORM AND ALSO IT'S A NEW YEAR SO WE CAN'T DWELL ON PAST TEAMS AND LOOK AT WHAT'S AHEAD.

>> Reporter: WHAT LIES AHEAD IS A DIFFERENT PRESSURE, AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING THAT NO GIRLS TEAM HAS DONE IN THE STATE OF HOCKEY, WIN FOUR TITLES IN A ROW.

THEY FOCUS ON THE HERE AND NOW.

>> WHEN THE PUCK DROPS ON A NEW SEASON, YOU HAVE TO PROVE YOURSELF ALL OVER AGAIN.

EVERYONE WANTS A PIECE OF THE CHAMPION.

>> Reporter: WARROAD OVERCAME THE PRESSURE OF A 2-GOAL DEFICIT TO BEAT CROOKSTON AND KEEP THEIR THREE-PEAT WIN ALIVE.

>> I FEEL LIKE THERE IS ALWAYS A LITTLE BIT OF PRESSURE WHEN WE PUT THE JERSEY ON, BUT WE'RE A STRONG TEAM, WE HAVE STRONG WILLED GIRLS ON THE TEAM.

WE CAN FIGHT THROUGH ADVERSITY.

THAT'S A STRONG ASPECT, WE KNOW HOW TO WORK HARD WHEN WE DON'T ALWAYS WANT TO WORK HARD.

>> Reporter: BUT THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD, FROM THE SENIORS ON DOWN TO THE EIGHTH GRADERS WHO PLAY NOT FOR LACK OF DEPTH, BUT BECAUSE THE BEST PLAYER PLAYS.

THAT'S WHY A SOPHOMORE LEADS THE TEAM IN BOTH GOALS AND POINTS THIS SEASON, ALTHOUGH SHE ATTRIBUTES IT TO SOMETHING ELSE.

>> CHEMISTRY.

I WOULD SAY THIS YEAR WE HAVE SO MUCH CHEMISTRY BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN PLAYING WITH EACH OTHER FOR MULTIPLE YEARS.

WE HAVE THE SAME GIRLS, SO WE CAN'T FALL DOWN, WE HAVE TO KEEP BUILDING.

WE'RE DOING THE LITTLE THINGS TO BECOME A TEAM THAT'S BETTER THAN LAST YEAR.

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE].

>> Reporter: THE SENTIMENT THAT HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN FROM WARRIOR TO WARRIOR, YEAR AFTER YEAR, GENERATION TO GENERATION.

IT'S HOW THE WARROAD CULTURE STAYS ALIVE.

THE KIND THAT UNDERSTANDS NO PRESSURE, NO DIAMONDS.

>> THEIR EFFECT ON OUR HOCKEY CLUB TO THIS DAY IS STILL PRESENT.

THAT'S WHERE SANDY GETS IT FROM.

THEY UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH WORK IT WILL TAKE.

>> AFTER A 4-1 WIN OVER RIVAL ROSEAU YESTERDAY, WARROAD IMPROVED TO 20-AND-3 ON THE SEASON, HAVE NOW WON 13-STRAIGHT, AND CONTINUE TO SIT ATOP THE CLASS A STANDINGS.

THEY HAVE JUST 2-GAMES LEFT BEFORE THE SECTION 8A TOURNAMENT BEGINS NEXT WEEK.

>>> WELL, THE 2024-25 ALPINE SKIING SEASON IS IN THE BACK HALF AND THE WARRIORS ARE ENTERING THE HOME STRETCH SHREDDING THE SLOPES WITH THE GIRLS AND BOYS SWEEPING THREE OF THE LAST FIVE MEETS.

NOW UNDER A WEEK AWAY FROM THE SECTION 5 CHAMPIONSHIP, SPORTS REPORTER MILES WALKER HIT MOUNT SKI GULL TO SEE HOW THE WARRIORS ARE GEARING UP FOR THE GAUNTLET.

OOSHGS THEY.

>> Reporter: THEY SOARED INTO THE 2024-2025 SEASON.

>> WE HAVE BEEN A SUPER STRONG TEAM.

WE PUT IT TOGETHER ALMOST EVERY RACE THIS SEASON.

IT'S REALLY NICE, THE TEAM ASPECT OF IT.

JUST TAKING REPS AND GOING DOWN THE HILL, GETTING THE MIND MUSCLE MEMORY, IT'S SUPER IMPORTANT IN THIS SPORT.

>> Reporter: WHILE THE BOYS DO NOT HAVE THE STATE EXPERIENCE THAT THE GIRLS CARRY YET, THE COACH BELIEVES THEIR DEPTH CAN PUSH THEM FURTHER DOWN THE PIPELINE.

>> WE HAD A LOT OF HOT FINISHES AND SOME TEAMS HAVE THAT ONE STAR THAT CARIES THE TEAM.

WE HAVE OUR HOT SIX, WE WERE ALL WITHIN 0.5 OF EACH OTHER, WHICH IS REALLY CLOSE TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: HOWEVER, THERE IS ONE THING THAT THE WARRIORS HAVE THAT SPANS ACROSS THE ROSTER.

>> WE'RE RESILIENT.

IF WE FEEL DOWN, WE COME BACK WITH A PUNCH.

WE'RE SUPER STRONG THAT WAY.

IT'S A REALLY UNFORGIVING SPORT SO IF ONE PERSON FALLS, THAT'S WHERE THE OTHERS TAKE OVER.

IT'S NICE TO SEE.

>> Reporter: BRAINERD ALPINE SKIING IS MINIMIZING UNNECESSARY MOVEMENTS AS THE MAIN FOCUS FOR THE WARRIORS IS THE MENTAL GAME, WHICH THEY BELIEVE ENSURES THEIR BEST CHANCE TO THREAD THEIR WAY THROUGH THE OPPOSITION AND ONWARD TO STATE.

>> WE ARE TRYING TO STAY TALL DOWN THE HILL.

>> IT'S SUPER IMPORTANT.

YOU CAN'T GET RATTLED BY ANYTHING AT THE START.

IT'S A BIG MENTAL PART OF IT.

JUST BEING READY AND FOCUSED, THAT SETS THE STAGE FOR THE REST OF THE RUN.

>> Reporter: REPORTING IN EAST GULL LAKE, MILES WALKER, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> THE WARRIORS HAVE ONE MORE MEET AT THE AFTON ALPS THIS FRIDAY BEFORE THE SECTION 5A CHAMPIONSHIP GOES UNDERWAY NEXT TUESDAY.

THEY WILL BE AT THE WILD MOUNTAIN SKI, TIMES DETERMINED LATER.

>>> IN NORDIC SKI, THE BRAINERD BOYS WON THE CENTRAL LAKES CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ON TUESDAY WITH HELPS FROM JOE AND PATRICK.

THE GIRLS FINISHED THIRD OVERALL.

>>> ALSO, A COUPLE SCORES FROM TONIGHT, THE MINNESOTA WILD, JARED SCORED TWO GOALS IN THE LAST TWO GAMES.

THEY ARE ON A TWO GAME WIN STREAK.

IN THE NBA, THE TIMBERWOLVES TRYING TO HOLD OFF THE SUNS DOWN THE STRETCH.

IT WOULD BE THEIR FIFTH WIN IN A ROW.

THEY ARE A GAME AND A HALF BACK OF THE SIXTH SPOT SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLAY THAT DREADED PLAY IN GAME.

>> Dennis: RIGHT.

THANKS CHARLIE.

>>> IT'S AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE CAUSED BY A TYPE OF BACTERIA WHICH PRIMARILY IMPACTS THE LUNGS, BUT TUBERCULOSIS CAN SPREAD TO OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY AND RIGHT NOW KANSAS HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE TRYING TO GET A HANDLE ON WHAT'S BEING CALLED AN UNPRECEDENTED T.B.

OUTBREAK IN THAT STATE.

IN TODAY'S HEALTH MINUTE, MANDY GAITHER HAS THE LATEST CASE DATA AND EXPLAINS HOW THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY ILLNESS IS SPREAD AND WHO IS AT HIGHEST RISK.

>> Reporter: IT'S THE LARGEST OUTBREAK OF TUBERCULOSIS IN THE U.S.

SINCE MONITORING BEGAN IN THE 1950s, A WAVE OF CASES HAS HIT KANSAS, BEGINNING IN JANUARY OF 2024.

AS OF FRIDAY, THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 67 PEOPLE BEING TREATED FOR CONFIRMED ACTIVE T.B.

INFECTIONS.

THERE ARE 79 OTHER CONFIRMED LATENT CASES WHERE T.B.

IS DETECTED IN THE BODY BUT IS NOT MAKING THE PERSON SICK.

2 DEATHS LINKED TO THE OUTBREAK WAS ALSO REPORTED LAST YEAR.

>> T.B.

IS CAUSED BY A BACTERIA THAT PRINCIPALLY INVOLVE IT IS LUNG.

IT IS USUALLY TRANSMITTED PERSON TO PERSON WITH PROLONGED CONTACT.

>> Reporter: THE OUTBREAK IS STILL ON GOING, SO THERE COULD BE MORE CASES, BUT THE C.D.C.

SAYS MOST U.S.

RESIDENTS ARE AT MINIMAL RISK FOR T.B.

AS THE COUNTRY HAS SOME OF THE LOWEST T.B.

RATES IN THE WORLD.

THE KANSAS STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HASN'T SAID WHAT CAUSED THE OUTBREAK BUT EXPERTS SAY PEOPLE WITH A HIGHER RISK OF T.B.

EXPOSURE INCLUDING THOSE WHO TRAVEL TO THE COUNTRIES WHERE THE DISEASE IS COMMON AND THOSE WHO LIVE IN LARGE GROUP SETTINGS, PEOPLE WHO WORK IN PLACES WHERE T.B.

IS MORE LIKELY TO SPREAD, INCLUDING HOSPITALS, SHELTERS, CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, AND NURSING HOMES ARE ALSO AT HIGHER RISK.

>> IF THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES WHO ARE CONCERNED AND THEY GO OUT INTO THE PUBLIC, WELL, PUT ON YOUR MASK.

YOU WILL BE PROTECTED AGAINST T.B.

AND YOU WILL ALSO HAVE SOME PROTECTION AGAINST FLU, WHICH IS OUT THERE EVERYWHERE STILL.

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

>> ALONG WITH SCREENING, T.B.

CAN BE PREVENTED WITH PROTOCOLS SUCH AS VACCINATION AND MAKING SURE PEOPLE WHO ARE INFECTED FINISH THEIR COURSE OF TREATMENT.

THE VACCINE IS NOT GENERALLY USED IN THE U.S. BECAUSE OF ITS LOW T.B.

INCIDENCE RATE.

>>> WE HAVE TIME FOR ANOTHER LOOK AT OUR WEATHER.

WE GO BACK OVER TO STACY.

>> Stacy: WE WILL BE SEEING VARIABLE CLOUDS THROUGHOUT THE AREA TONIGHT, SOUTH WINDS AT 5 TO 15.

NICE SUNSHINE FOR US TOMORROW, MILD TEMPERATURES ONCE AGAIN, OUR HIGHS WILL BE NEAR 37 AND WINDS FROM THE WEST AT 5 TO 15.

A LITTLE BIT OF A COOL DOWN THERE ON FRIDAY, AND CHANCES OF SNOW WILL RETURN FOR THE WEEKEND BEFORE A BIG COOL DOWN EARLY NEXT WEEK.

>> Charlie: AND WE HAVE A FULL SLATE OF HIGHLIGHTS TOMORROW.

BEMIDJI BOYS HOCKEY TAKING ON DULUTH EAST, A BIG GAME FOR THEM AS THEY ARE PREPARING FOR SECTIONS.

>> Dennis: WE ARE OUT OF TIME.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

>> Charlie: GOOD NIGHT.

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