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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.

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

>> Announcer: LAKELAND PBS IS PROUD TO PRESENT LAKELAND NEWS AT 10.

WE'RE 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.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BEMIDJI AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT WERE IN SAINT PAUL LAST WEEK FOR BEMIDJI'S 19th ANNUAL DAY AT THE CAPITOL.

SOME ITEMS ON THE SCHOOL BOARD'S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES INCLUDED MAINTAINING STABLE FUNDING FROM THE STATE, AS WELL AS ASKING FOR SOME HELP FUNDING CURRENT UNFUNDED MANDATES.

OUR REPORTER MATTHEW FREEMAN HAS MORE DETAILS.

>> Matthew: IF YOU WOULD HAVE ASKED THE BEMIDJI AREA SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT HOW MANY MANDATES HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BY THE STATE, HE COULD CLAIM TO HAVE LOST COUNT.

>> TALKING ABOUT THE ECONOMIC IMPACT, IT'S OVER $100 MILLION OF EXPENSES.

>> Matthew: REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BEMIDJI AREA SCHOOL BOARD LOBBIED WITH STATE LEGISLATORS DURING THEIR DAY AT THE CAPITOL AND PLEADED FOR NO NEW UNFUNDED MANDATES AND HELP FUND THE CURRENT MANDATES IN PLACE, ONE BEING THE COMURM TIME UNEMPLOYMENT TO HOURLY WORKERS THAT REPORTEDLY COSTS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT $150,000 PER YEAR.

>> THERE'S ONE-TIME DOLLARS AND ONCE THOSE RUN OUT, THE COSTS ARE BORNE BY THE DISTRICT, SO WE'RE ASKING FOR THE STATE TO PICK UP THE TAB OR THE STATE TO ALLOW US TO DO A LEVY FOR IT TO COVER THE COST IF THIS PROGRAM REMAINS.

>> Matthew: THE SCHOOL BOARD CLAIMS THESE MANDATED LED TO THE CLOSURE OF AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIVE YEARS AND ONE OF THE REASONS WII THE CLOSURE OF J.W.

SMITH ELEMENTARY IS BEING PROPOSED THIS YEAR.

>> WE CAN'T OPERATE WITH A $3.5 MILLION BUDGET DEFICIT.

>> Matthew: THE SCHOOL BOARD ALSO LOBBIED TO RETURN GOVERNMENTAL CONTROL TO LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS VERSUS HAVING A STATEWIDE APPLICATION OF LAWS.

SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDED K-3 SUSPENSION AND THE SECLUSION ROOM PROHIBITION.

>> WHY DON'T WE GIVE YOU THE SCHOOL BOARD, YOU THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE ABILITY TO DICTATE WHERE ITS DOLLARS CAN GO.

WE'RE NOT USING THIS FUND AS MUCH, BUT MAYBE WE CAN USE SOME OF THAT TO -- YOU GUYS ARE CLOSE TO IT AND WE CAN MANAGE THE BUDGET SO MUCH BETTER IF WE HAD NORTH TO ACTUALLY USE THOSE DOLLARS.

>> Matthew: ADJUSTMENTS TO REVENUE, ONCE ACCOUNTED FOR MINIMUM SPENDING REQUIREMENTS MEAN EVEN MORE LOST FUNDING FROM THE STATE AND MORE STRAIN ON THE SCHOOL BOARD'S BUDGET.

>> NEXT YEAR THAT'S GOING TO COST THE DISTRICT ABOUT 360,000 AND THAT'S GOING TO HURT.

>> Matthew: REPORTING FROM SAINT PAUL, I'M MATTHEW FREEMAN, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> Dennis: SOME OTHER ITEMS ON THE BEMIDJI SCHOOL BOARD'S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES INCLUDED LOBBYING FOR INCREASES TO THE SCHOOL SAFETY LEVY AND ASKING LEGISLATORS TO BRING BACK FULLY FUNDED SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION.

>>> THE CASS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS WARNING OF DETERIORATING AND DANGEROUS ICE ON AREA LAKES.

OFFICIALS SAY NUMEROUS LARGE HOLES HAVE DEVELOPED ON AREA LAKES, ESPECIALLY ON LEECH LAKE AS SHOWN IN THESE PHOTOS TAKEN YESTERDAY.

UNSEASONABLY WARM TEMPERATURES HAVE LED TO THE CHANGING ICE CONDITIONS.

OFFICIALS SAY FREEZE-THAW CYCLES CAN MAKE THESE AREAS LOOK VERY DECEIVING AND IN SOME CASES, LAKES TRANSITION FROM SOLID ICE TO OPEN WATER IN JUST A FEW DAYS.

CONDITIONS CAN VARY WIDELY ACROSS A SINGLE LAKE DUE TO CURRENTS, SPRINGS, SNOW COVER, AND CHANGING TEMPERATURES.

>>> THE FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF LITTLE FALLS ORGANIZATION IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING A FUTURE LEGACY PLANNING INITIATIVE.

THE UPDATE BEGAN IN 2025 WITH THE INTENTION TO ADDRESS VARIOUS NEEDS WITHIN THE REGION.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS HAVE CITED MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SUPPORT, AFFORDABLE AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND MORE.

FRANCISCAN SISTERS COLLECTED THE DATA VIA A COMMUNITY OUTREACH PHASE.

FOLLOWING THAT, IT HAS BEEN EXPLORING THE COMMUNITY-INSPIRED IDEAS WITH POTENTIAL STRATEGIC PARTNERS, INCLUDING MORRISON COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, NORTHERN PINES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND THE INITIATIVE FOUNDATION.

>> AS A COMMUNITY, WE WANT TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE.

WE KNOW WE'RE GETTING SMALLER.

WE WANT TO SET IT UP SO IT SERVES THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA IN A WAY THAT WE'VE DONE THE LAST 135 YEARS.

>> THE COMMUNITY TOLD US WHAT THOSE NEEDS ARE, AND NOW WE'RE TRYING TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS THAT WORK IN THOSE FIELDS TO SEE HOW THESE RESOURCES MIGHT BE MARTIALED FOR THOSE PURPOSES.

>> Dennis: THE FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF LITTLE FALLS EXPECT THE LONG-RANGE PLANNING UPDATE TO CONTINUE OVER THE NEXT YEAR.

>>> IN AN EFFORT TO HELP COMMUNITY MEMBERS BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR HEART HEALTH, THE SANFORD BEMIDJI HEART AND VASCULAR CENTER IS HOSTING A HEART AND VASCULAR SCREENING EVENT LATER THIS WEEK.

SANFORD HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY HEART AND VASCULAR SCREENINGS CAN OFFER VALUABLE INSIGHT INTO YOUR CURRENT HEALTH AND HELP DETECT RISK FACTORS EARLY, SUPPORTING A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE.

THE $35 SCREENING IS OPEN TO ADULTS AGES 40 TO 75 AND INCLUDES PAINLESS TESTS AND CHECKS TO ASSESS THE CONDITION OF THE HEART, VEINS, AND ARTERIES.

SCREENINGS WILL TAKE PLACE MARCH 12th AND 13th.

APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED, AND SPACE IS LIMITED.

THE FIRST PATIENT WILL BE SEEN AT 8:15 A.M.

AND THE LAST AT 3:15 P.M.

TO SCHEDULE YOUR SCREENING, CALL THE NUMBER ON THE SCREEN.

IF A CT HEART SCORE IS RECOMMENDED, AN ADDITIONAL SCAN WILL BE OFFERED FOR $50.

THIS WILL BE THE THIRD OF THREE SCREENING EVENTS.

THE OTHER TWO WERE HELD IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.

>>> TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS GAVE UPDATES ON DAY 11 OF OPERATION EPIC FURY.

THE U.S.-ISRAELI WAR IN IRAN TODAY.

AS OF NOW, THE WAR HAS NO END IN SIGHT.

THE DEATH TOLL HAS RISEN TO MORE THAN 1300 CIVILIANS KILLED INARIAN AND MORE THAN 570 PEOPLE IN LEBANON SINCE THE START OF THE WAR.

THE PENTAGON ALSO SAID APPROXIMATELY 140 U.S.

SERVICE MEMBERS HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES.

SHERRELL HUBBARD HAS MORE ON WHAT THE WHITE HOUSE AND PENTAGON HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE ONGOING CONFLICT NOW IN ITS SECOND WEEK.

>> TODAY WILL BE YET AGAIN OUR MOST INTENSE DAY OF STRIKES INSIDE IRAN.

>> Sherrell: AT A PENTAGON BRIEFING ON TUESDAY, U.S.

SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH SAID THE U.S.

WILL NOT RELENT UNTIL THE ENEMY IS TOTALLY AND DIE CIVIL DEFEATED, THE WHITE HOUSE DOUBLING DOWN ON THAT MESSAGING, SAYING THE WAR'S TIMELINE IS ACCORDING TO PRESIDENT TRUMP'S CLOCK.

>> WHEN THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF HAS DETERMINED THE MILITARY OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN MET AND THAT IRAN IS IN A POSITION OF COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.

>> Sherrell: TRUMP TOOK TO TRUTH SOCIAL MONDAY NIGHT AND THREATENED TO ESCALATE FURTHER, SAYING IRAN WOULD BE HIT 20 TIMES HARDER IF IT BLOCKED THE FLOW OF OIL THROUGH THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ.

TWO SOURCES FAMILIAR WITH U.S.

INTELLIGENCE TELLING CNN IRAN HAS BEGUN LAYING MINES IN THE STRAIT IN RECENT DAYS.

THE WAR SPIKING OIL AND GAS PRICES.

>> IT'S TEMPORARY AND THIS OPERATION WILL RESULT IN LOWER GAS PRICES IN THE LONG TERM.

>> Sherrell: KEY SENATE DEMOCRATS EMERGED FROM A CLASSIFIED BRIEFING ON THE WAR.

THEY ARGUED THAT AMERICANS CANNOT AFFORD TO BE INVOLVED IN ANOTHER WAR.

>> THERE'S NO TIME TO PAY ATTENTION TO HOW FAMILIES ARE PAYING MORE, BUT THERE'S A BILLIONS DOLLARS A DAY TO GO TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND DROP BOMBS ON IRAN.

>> WE THINK THIS WAR IS ILLEGAL.

AMERICAN TROOPS ARE BEING INJURED, MORE THAN 100 INJURED, SEVEN DIED.

>> Sherrell: AND THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS THE PRESIDENT ISN'T RULING OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PUTTING BOOTS ON THE GROUND.

I'M SHERRELL HUBBARD REPORTING.

>> Dennis: SENATE DEMOCRATS ARE DEMANDING TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MAKE ITS CASE PUBLICLY FOR IT'S CONTINUE MILITARY CAMPAIGN.

AT LEAST ONE LAWMAKER SAID THEY WERE UNDER A GAG, BUT SAID THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE TRANSPARENCY REGARDING THE WAR.

>> Announcer: STILL TO COME ON LAKELAND NEWS AT 10: >> Stacy: WE'RE SEEING SOME SNOW IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA ONCE AGAIN TONIGHT.

IT SHOULD CLEAR UP TOMORROW GIVING US A QUIET DAY, BUT ANOTHER WEATHER SYSTEM COULD MEAN ACCUMULATING SNOW BEGINNING ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

I'LL HAVE YOUR FORECAST IN A FEW MINUTES.

>> Miles: AND COMING UP AFTER THE BREAK IN THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BE GATHERED IN THE WEIGHT ROOM >>> AND NOW, MORE NEWS WITH DENNIS WEIMANN.

>> Dennis: AFTER FINISHING THEIR COMPETITIVE SEASON AND EARNING MAJOR AWARDS LAST SATURDAY, THE BEMIDJI MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL SHOW CHOIRS ARE PREPARING FOR THEIR FINAL PERFORMANCES OF THE YEAR THIS COMING WEEKEND.

THE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER HELPS FUND THEIR COSTUMES AND TRANSPORTATION TO THEIR COMPETITIONS.

THE FINAL SHOW OF THE YEAR IS ALWAYS ONE BIG SHOW THAT BRINGS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL, JUNIOR VARSITY, AND VARSITY SHOW CHOIRS, AND ONE SPECIAL GUEST.

THIS YEAR, THE SHOW WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES FROM "THE STRING SHOWDOWN."

>> OUR THEME IS NEW YEAR'S DAY, SO IT'S ABOUT CHANGING OURSELVES FOR THE NEW YEAR AND, LIKE, OUR GOALS FOR WHAT'S TO COME.

MY PART HAS BEEN IS CONNECTIONS WE'VE MADE ON THE TEAM.

I'VE NEVER BEEN SO CLOSE TO A TEAM IN MY LIFE AND IT'S NICE TO HAVE THAT FAMILY.

>> OUR SHOW IS IN THE WILDERNESS, SO IT'S FOCUSED ON EMPOWERING WOMEN AND THAKING WOMEN THAT CAME BEFORE US AND BEING THAT WOMAN FOR THE GENERATION NEXT.

>> Dennis: EACH SHOW CHOIR TEAM HAS ONE PERFORMANCE THAT THEY USE ALL YEAR FOR COMPETITIONS, AND THIS WEEKEND IS THE LAST TIME THAT THESE THEMES WILL BE SHOWN ON STAGE.

AND FOR ALL OF THE GRADUATING SENIORS, IT WILL BE THEIR LAST TIME ON STAGE EVER AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL.

>> I DID NOT THINK I WOULD BE THIS SAD ABOUT IT.

THERE'S BEEN SO MANY EMOTIONS THROUGHOUT THIS SEASON, AND IT'S JUST -- I HAVE NO WORDS FOR IT.

>> IT'S LIKE A BITTERSWEET MOMENT.

LIKE I REALLY LOVE SHOW CHOIR AND IT'S A SUPER BIG PART OF MY LIFE, SO I'M GOING TO BE SAD THAT IT'S OVER, BUT I'M ALSO EXCITED TO START MY NEXT CHAPTER.

>> Dennis: STUDENTS WILL TAKE THE STAGE AT THE BEMIDJI HIGH SCHOOL THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, MARCH 13th AND 14th, AT 7 P.M.

TO WRAP UP THE 2025-26 BEMIDJI SEASON.

>>> SOMETIME FOR WEATHER.

STACY IS HERE.

WE SAW SOME SNOW IN PARTS OF THE VIEWING AREA TODAY.

>> Stacy: WE DID, A LITTLE BIT OF SNOW MAINLY IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA WITH THIS SYSTEM AND THE ONE THAT'S MOVING IN TONIGHT WILL IMPACT MAINLY THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE.

AGAIN, WE COULD PICK UP ANOTHER INCH OR TWO OF ACCUMULATION.

MAINLY QUIET WEATHER, THOUGH, AS WE HEAD INTO WEDNESDAY, BUT ANOTHER SYSTEM COULD BEGIN TO IMPACT THE AREA ALREADY STAR >>> AND NOW THE WEATHER WITH STACY CHRISTENSON.

>> Stacy: WELL, SOME OF US DID WAKE UP TO SOME SNOW THIS MORNING, ESPECIALLY ACROSS THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE, AND ONCE AGAIN, SNOW IS MOVING ACROSS CENTRAL MINNESOTA TONIGHT AND THERE COULD BE ANOTHER INCH OR TWO OF ACCUMULATION.

IT'S DOES CLEAR UP TOMORROW, MAINLY QUIET WEATHER TOMORROW, AND THEN AS WE HEAD INTO THURSDAY, WE'LL START TO SEE WINDS PICKING UP AND WE HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE OF SOME RAIN AND SNOW STARTING THURSDAY AFTERNOON WITH POSSIBLE ACCUMULATIONS AS IT CONTINUES INTO FRIDAY MORNING.

RIGHT NOW IN BEMIDJI, IT IS 28 DEGREES AT THE AIRPORT.

WE HAVE A LIGHT SOUTHEAST WIND AT OUR STUDIO WITH A DEWPOINT OF 23.

IN BRAINERD, WE ARE SEEING SOME LIGHT SNOW THIS EVENING AS WELL AS AREAS OF FOG.

IT'S 25, DEWPOINT IS 22, AND WINDS ARE NORTH AT 10 MILES PER HOUR.

ON OUR SATELLITE AND RADAR, WE CAN SEE A LOT OF CLOUD COVER IN THE AREA, AND HERE IS THAT SNOW THAT IS IMPACTING THE CENTRAL PART OF THE STATE, AND IT IS LIKELY WE'LL WITH CONTINUE TO HAVE SNOW OVERNIGHT TONIGHT WITH AN ADDITIONAL INCH OR TWO OF ACCUMULATION POSSIBLE.

MOST OF IT WILL CLEAR OUT BY THE TIME WE HEAD INTO TOMORROW AND WE SHOULD ENJOY SOME SUNSHINE TOMORROW, AND AS WE HEAD INTO THURSDAY, FEN, THAT NEXT WEATHER SYSTEM BEGINS MOVING AND IT COULD BRING SOME ACCUMULATING SNOW TO THE AIR.

WEATHER SHOTS TO SHARE WITH YOU TONIGHT.

ARLENE IN MENAHGA, ARLENE IN LONGVILLE AND CHRISTY AT DEERWOOD WITH A LOOK AT SOME OF THE NEW SNOW.

YOLANDA SPOTTING THE MOON IN THE SKY THIS MORNING.

GARY SEEING THE ICE STARTING TO FILE UP ON THE LAKES IN DEERWOOD, AND ANGELA SPYING A BALD EAGLE IN THE CLOUDY SKIES THERE IN CASS LAKE, AND TAMARA TAKING THIS PICTURE OF THE BEAUTIFUL COLORS JUST AFTER SUNSET OVER LOWER RED LAKE.

SO THANK YOU, EVERYWHERE, FOR SHARING THOSE TONIGHT.

FOR OUR EAGLE EYE REPORTS, ARLENE IN MENAHGA DID REPORT MORE THAN AN INCH OF SNOW.

BSH, CLOUDY WITH THREE INCHES OF SNOW LAST NIGHT.

ARLENE IN LONGVILLE, ALSO THREE INCHES OF SNOW OVERNIGHT.

STEPHANIE IN BRAINERD, FOUR INCHES OF SNOW OVERNIGHT AND SEEING MORE SNOW THIS EVENING.

CHRISTY AT DEERWOOD WITH THREE INCHES OF SNOW THIS MORNING AND ANGELA AT CASS LAKE, JUST ISOLATED SNOW SHOWERS WITH A HIGH OF 35.

ON THE ALMANAC, 31 AS THE HIGH TODAY IN BRAINERD, SO WE FELL SHORT OF THE AVERAGE HIGH.

25 WAS THE LOW, SUNSET AT 7:17.

BEMIDJI TOPPING OUT AT 30, THAT IS FIVE DEGREES BELOW AVERAGE.

WE HAD A LOW OF 16 AND 7:18 FOR THE SUNSET.

HERE'S A LOOK AT OUR FORECAST FOR TOMORROW.

THERE'S A SLIGHT CHANCE A LITTLE BIT OF SNOW COULD LINGER IN PARTS OF EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

OTHERWISE WE START THE DAY WITH VARIABLE CLOUDS AND HEADING THROUGH THE DAY, WE SHOULD SEE PLENTY OF SUNSHINE.

TEMPERATURE-WISE, COLDER IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA WITH HIGHS NEAR 27 IN WARROAD, BUT A LOT OF MID 30s ACROSS THE REST OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA WITH TEMPERATURES RANGING 35 TO 40 FOR HIGHS IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA.

FOR OUR FORECAST TONIGHT, SNOW IS LIKELY IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA WHERE THERE IS AN INCH OR TWO OF ACCUMULATION AND THERE IS AT LEAST A SMALL CHANCE THAT A FEW OF THOSE SNOW SHOWERS COULD LINGER OR COULD PUSH INTO PARTS OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA.

LOWS NEAR 16 AND TOMORROW, SKIES BECOME PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SNOW IN EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA IN THE MORNING WITH HIGHS NEAR 34.

ANOTHER WEATHER SYSTEM WILL BE MOVING IN AS WE HEAD INTO THURSDAY, ESPECIALLY AFTER NOON AND EVENING.

WE COULD SEE SOME ACCUMULATING SNOW AS IT MOVES THROUGH.

IT EXITS TO THE EAST ON FRIDAY AND THERE'S A POTENTIAL FOR MORE SNOW THIS WEDNESDAY AND TEMPERATURES WILL BE TAKING A DOWNTURN WITH HIGHS ONLY NEAR 18 ON SUNDAY.

BACK TO YOU.

>> Dennis: THANKS, STACY.

CHARLIE IS HERE WITH OUR SPORTS.

THE NORTHOME KELLIHER GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM HAVE A CHANCE TO DO WELL AT STATE.

>> Charlie: THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF TALK ABOUT THEM THIS YEAR.

THEY ONLY HAVE ONE LOSS ALL SEASON AND THEY'RE FRESH OFF A SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP LAST FRIDAY.

NOW THEY'RE HEADING TO STATE.

WE >>> AND NOW YOUR LOCAL SPORTS WITH CHARLIE YAEGER.

>> Charlie: FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY, NORTHOME-KELLIHER GIRLS BASKETBALL IS HEADED TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT.

THE MUSTANGS AVENGED LAST YEAR'S LOSS TO SACRED HEART IN THE SECTION 8-A TITLE GAME, BEATING THE EAGLES BY A HEALTHY MARGIN OF VICTORY, 66-45.

THE HISTORIC WIN WAS A CULMINATION OF SEVERAL YEARS OF HEARTBREAK AND FALLING SHORT OF THEIR GOAL OF RAISING THE TROPHY.

THIS SEASON, THE MUSTANGS SCHEDULED BIG TIME TEAMS AT BIG TIME VENUES TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR BIG TIME GAMES IN THE SECTION TOURNAMENT AND BEYOND, A MOVE THAT PAID OFF LAST FRIDAY.

>> I MEAN, BEFORE LAST YEAR'S GAME, WE HADN'T REALLY PLAYED TOO MANY HIGH STRESS GAMES, SO BEING ABLE TO PLAY AGAINST MOUNTAIN IRON-BUHL AND DULUTH MARSHALL AND LIKE A LOT OF LOCAL FANS THERE TO SUPPORT US, LIKE IT JUST ADDED A LOT OF PRESSURE TO IT AND HELPED US PREPARE.

>> IT WAS SO EXCITING TO FINALLY BE ABLE TO WIN THAT GAME AND MOVE ON TO STATE.

IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE WHOLE TEAM BE THERE AND JUST EVERYONE BEING SO EXCITED FOR US TO WIN.

>> IT'S A GREAT WAY TO END OUR BASKETBALL CAREERS TO GO TO STATE AND END LIKE THAT.

I'M REALLY EXCITED TO SPEND IT WITH THIS TEAM.

>> Charlie: WITH THE SECTION TITLE GAME IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR, THE MUSTANGS ARE NOW SHIFTING THEIR GAZE TOWARDS THE STATE TOURNAMENT.

THEY WERE PICKED TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP BY THE STRIB-VARSITY, BUT THE GIRLS ARE TRYING TO AVOID THE OUTSIDE DISTRACTIONS AND JUST FOCUS ON THE THINGS THEY CAN CONTINUE TO IMPROVE HEADING INTO THEIR QUARTERFINAL MATCHUP.

>> I THINK JUST TRYING TO BE ABLE TO STAY CALM AND THOSE HIGH-STRESS GAMES, STAY UNDER CONTROL.

THERE'S TIMES WE'LL START RUNG AWNING AND THROWING UP SHOTS WE DON'T NEED TO AND BEING ABLE TO PRACTICE AND STAY CALM.

>> EVERY TEAM THERE HAS WON THEIR SECTION.

EVERYONE IS COMING OFF A SECTION TITLE, SO EVERYONE WANTS TO WIN IT ALL.

I THINK WE'RE WORKING ON JUST STAYING CALM, TAKING IT ALL IN AND WE DESERVE TO BE THERE AS MUCH AS ANY OTHER TEAM.

SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO JUST TAKING THE LAST COUPLE BASKETBALL GAMES OF MY HIGH SCHOOL CAREER WITH MY TEAM.

>> Charlie: NORTHOME-KELLIHER FINISHED THE REGULAR SEASON 25-1 AND AS THE 2nd-RANKED TEAM IN CLASS-A.

THEY WERE AWARDED THE THREE SEED AND WILL PLAY CENTRAL MINNESOTA CHRISTIAN OUT OF SECTION 3.

MOUNTAIN IRON-BUHL IS THE TOP SEED IN THE TOURNAMENT.

THEY ARE THE MUSTANGS LONE LOSS THIS YEAR.

>>> WELL, THE FALL OF 2026 WILL MARK THE 100th ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF BSU FOOTBALL AND THE BEAVERS HAVE RELEASED THEIR SLATE OF 11 GAMES.

FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR AND FOR THE SECOND TIME AT HOME, THEY WILL OPEN WITH NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENT MICHIGAN TECH.

THE REMAINING 10 GAMES WILL BE NSIC MATCHUPS.

THIS SEASON BEMIDJI STATE DROPS THEIR GAME WITH AUGUSTANA BUT RENEWS THEIR RIVALRY WITH MINNESOTA STATE, ALBEIT ON THE ROAD.

THEY WILL HOST RIVALS MINNESOTA STATE-MOORHEAD AND MINNESOTA DULUTH ON BACK-TO-BACK WEEKENDS FOR THEIR FINAL TWO HOME GAMES OF THE REGULAR SEASON.

IT'S THE FIRST TIME THE BEAVERS WILL HOST THE DRAGONS IN THREE YEARS AND FOUR YEARS SINCE HOSTING THE BULLDOGS.

>>> SINCE RETURNING FROM THE OLYMPIC BREAK, THE WILD HAVE GONE A MEDIOCRE 3-3.

DESPITE THE SLOW RESTART, MINNESOTA STILL HAS THE FOURTH MOST POINTS IN THE NHL.

UNFORTUNATELY, TWO OF THE THREE TEAMS IN FRONT OF THEM SHARE THEIR DIVISION.

THEY'RE 10 POINTS BEHIND COLORADO, BUT ONLY 3 POINTS BACK OF DALLAS.

TONIGHT THE WILD ARE HOSTING THE MAMMOTH.

THEY HAVE YET TO BEAT UTAH IN TWO MEETINGS THIS SEASON.

MAYBE THIRD TIME'S A CHARM.

LATE FIRST PERIOD, KARILL "THE THRILL" KAPRIZOV CHASING HIS OWN REBOUND.

RIDICULOUS.

HIS 37th OF THE SEASON MAKES IT 1-0.

IN THE SECOND, SAME SCORE.

MATT BOLDY BURIES THE ONE-TIMER.

MARCUS JOHANSSEN WITH THE FEED.

36th FOR BOLDY.

IT'S 2-ZIP.

THEN EARLY THIRD, BOBBY BRINK, FIRST GAME BACK HOME IN MINNESOTA WITH THE WILD, SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL FOR THE WILD.

THEY GO ON TO BEAT THE MAMMOTH 5-0.

PHILIP GUSTAVSON WITH THE SHUTOUT.

THE TEAM'S EIGHTH OF THE SEASON, TIES THEIR FRANCHISE RECORD.

THEY'VE DONE IT FIVE TIMES BEFORE.

MOST RECENTLY IN 2016.

UNFORTUNATELY, DALLAS WON TONED.

WE'RE ONLY A COUPLE MINUTES INTO THIS ONE, 6-4 TIMBERWOLVES LEAD THE LAKERS.

A TWO-POINT LEAD, THAT'S TOUGH TO HOLD TO.

>> Dennis: THANKS, CHARLIE.

>>> BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GATHERED IN THE WEIGHT ROOM THIS PAST WEEK FOR THE 36th ANNUAL SERTOMA SUNRISE WARRIOR LIFTATHON.

REPORTER MILES WALKER LEARNED MORE ABOUT WHAT THE EVENT MEANS TO BOTH THE KIDS AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY IN THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE.

>> Miles: 72 STUDENTS HIT THE SQUAT RACK, BENCH PRESS AND POWER CLEAN STATION, AND FOR MANY, THIS IS FAR FROM THEIR FIRST GO-AROUND IN THE SER POEM THAT LIFT-A-THON.

>> IT'S FUN TO SEE YOUR FRIENDS AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS.

IT'S A COOL THING FOR EVERYONE TO EXPERIENCE AND DO.

>> AS THE YEARS HAVE GONE ON DOING IT MULTIPLE TIMES, IT'S BEEN FUN TO FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOURSELF AND WATCH OTHER PEOPLE.

>> Miles: THE TOTALS FROM THE THREE LIFTS ARE ADDED TOGETHER AND DIVIDED BY THE PARTICIPANTS' RESPECTIVE WEIGHT AND POUNDS TO RECEIPT AN MPPO, OR MOST POUNDS PER OUNCE, AND THAT MEASURE IS WHERE THE COMPETITION BEGINS.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF COMPETITIVENESS, BUT IT'S FRIENDLY BECAUSE WE'RE ALL FRIENDS HERE.

IT'S GOOD FOR US BECAUSE WE PUSH EACH OTHER TO DO BETTER IN OUR OWN LIFTS AND JUST GET BETTER ALL-AROUND.

>> Miles: THE KIDS HAVE THEIR OWN MOTIVATIONS FOR TAKING ON THE LIFT-A-THON, WHETHER FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS PERSONAL TRAINING OR CAMARADERIE, BUT THEY HELP TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MAIN CHARITABLE KORTIONS WITHIN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA AS THE LIFTATHON HAS RAISED OVER $500,000 COMING INTO THIS YEAR.

>> I HOPE NEXT YEAR AND THE YEARS AHEAD, WE HAVE MORE AND MORE PEOPLE.

I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE JUST NERVOUS TO DO IT AND THEY TOTALLY DON'T NEED TO BE.

SO IT'S POSITIVE AND FUN HERE.

>> IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEARTNY AND THE COMBINATION BETWEEN SERVING THEIR COMMUNITY AND STAYING ON THE THREE-LEGGED GAUNTLET HAD CULTIVATED AN ATMOSPHERE ALL THOSE INVOLVED LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY SINGLE YEAR.

>> EVEN IF YOU DON'T KNOW THEM, THEY STILL CHEER YOU ON AND THAT FEELS AMAZING.

IT FEELS GOOD TO MOTIVATE THEIR PEOPLE AND CHEER THEM ON TOO IF THEY'RE NEW OR DOING IT A LONG TIME.

>> IT'S JUST BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TYPE OF EVENT THAT'S SO EXCITING TO SEE THEM SUCCEED AND EVERYONE FEELS LIKE A FAMILY.

THAT'S MY FAVORITE PART.

>> Miles: REPORTING IN BRAINERD WITH THIS WEEK'S NORTHWOODS EXPERIENCE, MILES WALKER, LAKELAND NEWS.

>> Dennis: THE SERTOMA LIFTATHON'S TOP MALE AND FEMALE LIFTING HONORS WENT TO TRAVIS ALBRECHT AND SOPHIA WHITE.

>>> WELL, STACY, REAL QUICK, WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT QUARTER?

>> Stacy: WE'LL CONTINUE TO HAVE SNOW IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA OVERNIGHT TONIGHT WITH AN INCH OR TWO OF ACCUMULATION.

>> Dennis: HAVE A GREAT NIGHT, EVERYONE.

WE'LL SEE YOU SEEM.

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