Bergen Bakke and Abby Bokovoy supplied the other two goals while Mya Thompson and Raeghan Baird recorded assists for the Lumberjacks (4-1). Brynn Klaers and Arden Strowbridge combined on a five-save shutout to ensure back-to-back clean sheets defensively.
Brynn Klaers parries away an early threat for Grand Rapids:
Stella Schoonover shoots Bemidji ahead in the 8th minute following Mya Thompson’s tackle to win possession in the final third:
Schoonover doubles Bemidji’s lead two minutes later after an incisive through-ball by Raeghan Baird:
Schoonover completes her hat-trick by taking advantage of a misplayed clearance by the Thunderhawks’ defense:
A free kick from Schoonover is punched into the path of Bergen Bakke, who promptly converts the rebound to increase the lead to 4-0 in the 24th minute:
Abby Bokovoy slots in Bemidji’s fifth goal just two minutes into the second half off another assist by Schoonover:
Arden Strowbridge shuts down a close-range chance to preserve the Jacks’ clean sheet in defense:
Bemidji will return home to face St. Cloud in a Central Lakes Conference match on Thursday at 5pm at the Bemidji Middle School. Pregame is scheduled for 4:45 on The BUN Sports Radio 104.5 and the Lumberjack Radio Network channel on YouTube.(opens in new tab)
Postgame interview with Bemidji head coach Logan Larsen:
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Two turnovers proved costly for the Lumberjacks against the two-time defending Section 7AAAAA champions, including a fumble on the second play from scrimmage that set the Elks up in the red zone to add to their opening-drive touchdown with another one. Bemidji out-gained Elk River 356-287 on offense, but could only find the end zone three times behind two Jack Zellmann rushing touchdowns and another on the ground from quarterback Owen Vandermeer.
FULL GAME STATS(opens in new tab)
Jackson Davis goes to the air for the first time to hit Carsyn Kleffman for a 27-yard touchdown that puts Elk River on the board first:
Bemidji fumble on the second play from scrimmage sets the Elks up in the Jacks’ red zone:
AJ Skogqust caps a short Elks drive with a 1-yard touchdown keep:
Jude Nyhusmoen delivers a decisive tackle as the Lumberjack defense turns Elk River over on downs:
Nyhusmoen hauls in a 22-yard reception from Owen Vandermeer to put the Lumberjack offense into gear:
Jack Zellmann takes a 4th-down option toss to the edge and rumbles for an 18-yard touchdown that gets Bemidji within 16-8 after a 2-point conversion:
Elk River answers on its next drive with a rushing touchdown by Caleb Healy:
Vandermeer finishes a lengthy Bemidji drive with a 2-yard touchdown run just over a minute before halftime:
The Elks take advantage of a short field and facemask penalty to finish the half with one more Davis-to-Kleffman connection through the air to the end zone:
Vandermeer is intercepted and David Balisidya’s long return puts Elk River deep into Bemidji territory early in the second half:
Healy tacks on his second rushing touchdown of the night to increase the Elk River lead to 38-14:
Zellmann dashes through the Elks defense for his second touchdown of the night:
Braedon Becker breaks through Bemidji’s line for a 60-yard touchdown gallop to cap the scoring:
Bemidji (0-1) will stay on the road to visit Grand Rapids on Friday for a 7pm kickoff. Pregame is scheduled for 6 on KBUN-FM 104.5 and the Lumberjack Radio Network channel on YouTube.
Postgame interview with Bemidji head coach Kyle McMartin:
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Tyler Gast and Eric Kolo both scored off assists from Ibrahim Abdi for the Spuds, who forced six saves out of Bemidji goalkeeper Birk Chaffee. The Lumberjacks’ spells in attack created threats but failed to produce consistent chances as the visitors dropped to 1-2 to open the season.
Brecken Holte’s blocked shot yields Bemidji its first corner of the night:
Ani Novak draws a save from Rylan St. Marie on a sharp-angled shot:
Tyler Gast caps a storming run with a sharp finish to put Moorhead in front in the 24th minute:
Ozzie Hanks swings in a superb free kick to level the match in the 35th minute:
Gast forces a save onto the post by Chaffee as the Spuds press to begin the second half:
Eric Kolo’s quick break into the penalty area leads to the match-winning strike for Moorhead in the 62nd minute:
Postgame interview with Bemidji head coach Jeff Mitchell:
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The Lumberjacks (0-2) were bolstered by 19 serving aces and a pair of close wins in the first two games of the match. But Elk River put together strong finishes to the third and fourth sets before holding on down the stretch in the fifth to deny Bemidji a winning start to the new season on home floor.
Eliana Frank delivers her second ace during Bemidji’s 5-0 start to the first set:
Norah Jacobson powers in a vital kill to edge the Jacks to a 24-23 lead in the first:
Berkley Anderson’s ace gives Bemidji a narrow first-set victory:
Consecutive aces help the Lumberjacks to a 24-22 edge in the late stages of the second set after trailing by as many as seven:
Stella Wilde finishes Bemidji’s second-set victory with a final kill:
Jacobson puts another point on the board as the Jacks knot the score in the third:
Anderson and Jacobson deliver aces during the tight late stages of the fourth set:
Elk River strings together a run of five points out of six to build a lead in the decisive fifth set:
Jacobson’s bid to tie the score flies long as the Elks prevail on the final point of the match:
]]>(Minneapolis, MN) — A mass shooting in Minneapolis is leaving three people dead and six injured. Police are identifying the suspected gunman as Carlton Neal Johnson Junior of Minneapolis. According to court records, Johnson was fighting an eviction proceeding based on a series of threatening incidents at the apartment complex. Among the wounded were three Minneapolis police officers. Interim Police Chief Bill Peterson said law enforcement was “familiar with who this individual was.”
>>Report Of Gun At Falls High School Investigated
(International Falls) According to the International Falls School District, police responded to a report, which came in after school, of a student that brought a “gun” to Falls High School.
Officers were able to locate the student at Falls High School with an “Airsoft BB Handgun” Wednesday evening. Law enforcement retrieved the “Airsoft BB Handgun” and say there is no threat to the public. The incident was against school policy, and disciplinary measures will be taken through the school.
>>Man Dies While Paddleboarding On Ely Lake
(Ely) According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, a 43-year-old man fell in the water and became unresponsive while paddleboarding on Ely Lake in Fayal Township with his juvenile daughter on Tuesday evening.
The Sheriff’s office and the Eveleth Police Department responded to reports of a possible drowning around 7pm.
The daughter brought the victim to the shore, where bystanders were able to start rendering aid. Despite lifesaving efforts by witnesses and first responders, the man was declared dead on the scene. The victim was not wearing a life preserver at the time of the incident.The name of the victim is being held as the family is notified. The cause of death remains under investigation.
>>Boelter Pleading Not Guilty in State Murder Case
(Minneapolis, MN) — Vance Boelter is pleading not guilty to state murder charges in Hennepin County. A judge kept his bail at five-million dollars and scheduled his trial for November 2nd. The charges include first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and animal cruelty. Boelter is already serving federal life sentences for killing Melissa and Mark Hortman and shooting John and Yvette Hoffman. The judge has not ruled on prosecutors’ request to restrict Boelter’s access to evidence.
>>Minnesota Voters Deciding on More School Funding Without Tax Increase
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota voters are deciding whether to increase public school funding without raising taxes. The amendment would increase annual withdrawals from the state’s Permanent School Fund. This fund holds over two-billion dollars and distributed around 58-million dollars to schools last year. This proposal would raise the distribution rate from two-point-five-percent to four-point-five-percent of the fund’s three-year average. If voters approve the amendment on November 3rd, each district and charter school would receive more money starting July 1st, 2027.
>>Four Bills Seeking to Roll Back Federal Hemp THC Ban
(Washington, DC) — Four congressional bills are seeking to delay, replace or reshape a federal hemp THC ban. The ban would outlaw products containing more than point-four milligrams of Delta-Nine THC per container. Minnesota officials expect local sales to continue, but businesses could lose banking access and interstate sales. A spending bill awaiting President Trump’s signature would delay the ban until December 12th. Other proposals would establish FDA oversight, allow state or tribal regulation or regulate hemp beverages like alcohol.
>>Hallmark Christmas Towns Voting Ends This Week
(Bemidji) This Friday is the last day to vote in Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns Contest. Bemidji is one of 25 finalists for the designation. One vote per email per day can be submitted. The winning town will get the national designation, and an opportunity for a Hallmark Christmas movie to be set in Bemidji. The link for voting can be found at VisitBemidji, the Paul Bunyan Broadcasting social media sites, and HallmarChannel.com.
]]>(Duluth, MN) — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is putting an end to its contract with the company Flock Safety. The action was taken after five of their ten license plate reader devices were stolen this summer. The Flock cameras have also created controversy nationwide over security and privacy concerns. Duluth officials cut its contract with the same company earlier this month. Several other Minnesota cities have also canceled their contract for license plate readers devices, including Columbia Heights and West St. Paul. Meanwhile, St. Paul removed its cameras after facing public pressure, and Winona chose not to replace its cameras after several were stolen.
>>Itasca Inmate Who Died Is Identified
(Grand Rapids) The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office has now identified the woman who dies in custody at the Itasca County jail late last week as 54 year olde Diedre Lynn Mason of Coon Rapids. Mason had been booked into the jail on August 18th for probation violation after a drug conviction. An official cause of death has not yet been determined, but natural causes are suspected. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is conducting the inquiry into Mason’s death.
>>FDA Warning of Safety Risk With Medtronic Reflux Device
(Fridley, MN) — Federal regulators are warning about a safety risk involving a Medtronic reflux-monitoring device. The FDA says the Bravo CF capsule may fail to attach to a patient’s esophagus or detach from its delivery device. Medtronic reported around 184 serious injuries and no deaths as of August 10th. The company is recalling affected devices and directing medical providers to stop using and return them. Medtronic is operated from Minnesota, although the affected device is manufactured by its Israeli subsidiary, Given Imaging.
>>Officials Launching Blatnik Bridge Replacement
(Duluth, MN) — Minnesota and Wisconsin officials are launching the Blatnik Bridge replacement project. Hundreds attended Monday’s groundbreaking for the one-point-eight-billion-dollar project. Each state is contributing 400-million dollars, while the federal government is providing one-point-zero-five-billion dollars. The existing bridge will remain open until early 2027, with the replacement expected to open in fall 2031. Officials say the project will strengthen Upper Midwest supply chains and connections to global markets.
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The Jacks took down the team that ended their season in the Section 8AAA quarterfinals a year ago with a stubborn defensive performance that survived several big chances, while converting at the other end of the field with a brilliant finish from Wright. The win was also a debut victory for new head coach Jeff Mitchell after his elevation from assistant status following the retirement of longtime boys soccer coach Rick Toward.
Birk Chaffee regathers loose ball off a cross into the penalty area during the first half:
Chaffee smothers a rebound after a crowd of players converge in the 18-yard box:
Rovi Camacho heads over at close range for STMA in the second half following Femi Omotayo’s effort off the crossbar:
Ashtin Wright breaks through on a ball by Brecken Holte but cannot put Bemidji ahead:
Defender Mike Folland denies Omotayo with a decisive block in front of an empty net:
Wright strikes in the 62nd minute off an assist by Jackson Heuer:
The Jacks preserve the 1-0 margin in the final moments to secure Jeff Mitchell a debut win as head coach:
Postgame interview with Bemidji head coach Jeff Mitchell:
The Lumberjacks were defeated 5-1 at Buffalo on Saturday and will now visit Moorhead in a third consecutive Section 8AAA match to start the new season on Tuesday at 7pm. Pregame is scheduled for 6:45 on KBUN-FM 104.5 and the Lumberjack Radio Network channel on YouTube.
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The Lumberjacks’ season opener featured a hat-trick for junior Mya Thompson and two goals each for Stella Schoonover and Riella Ceballos–with the latter scoring her first varsity goals. The pile of goals more than offset an early free-kick tally after 70 seconds by the visiting Spartans and a sloppy stretch of finishing for the Jacks in the first 15 minutes.
Ashley Storms gives Rocori the lead with a 2nd-minute free kick:
Stella Schoonover equalizes in the 18th minute following a throw-in by Taylor Merschman:
Schoonover strikes again in the 20th minute with a skilled finish off Halle Hofstad’s assist:
Mya Thompson tallies her first goal of the game in the 22nd minute on a second effort:
Thompson scores again in the 32nd minute:
Abby Bokovoy rounds off a 5-1 halftime scoreline with a first-time finish of Merschman’s cross:
Riella Ceballos scores her first varsity goal with a storming run assisted by Schoonover in the 43rd minute:
Ceballos scores again just three minutes later off another feed from Hofstad:
Thompson completes her first varsity hat-trick in the 54th minute with a third second-effort strike of the game:
Ella Willford turns in a cross from Bokovoy in the 60th minute to finish the scoring:
Following a first-ever victory over Buffalo–a 2-1 margin on the road Saturday–the Jacks will next visit Brainerd on Tuesday for a 7pm matchup of Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AAA foes.
]]>(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Supreme Court is rejecting a governor candidate’s request for a recount of the Republican primary. The court says Lindell declined to pay the 825-thousand dollars required and missed the funding deadline of August 24th. Lisa Demuth defeated Lindell by 45-thousand votes and remains the Republican nominee for governor. Lindell paused his recount payments after claiming Minnesota’s process was unlawful. Lindell says he plans to appeal the decision
>>MnDOT Installing More Than 300 Speed-Feedback Signs on Rural Highways
(Undated) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is installing more than 300 speed-feedback signs on rural highways. The signs display a driver’s speed as they approach towns and lower speed limits. According to the department, speeding contributed to about one-third of Minnesota’s fatal crashes last year, killing over 100 people. A federal study found the signs can reduce speeds by two to four miles per hour.
>>Couple Facing Charges After Crash Kills Cohasset Mother of Three
(Grand Rapids, MN) — More details are emerging as charges have been filed against a couple involved in a truck crash killed a Cohasset mother of three. Janelle Marie Swenson died at the scene of the head-on collision on August 22nd. Jack Drumbeater is charged with murder and manslaughter, while Kerri Hart faces criminal vehicular homicide. Charges allege Hart sped away during a domestic dispute before Drumbeater jumped into the truck bed and broke the rear window before crawling inside the truck cab.
>>State Fair Drawing Record Crowds During Opening Days
(Falcon Heights, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair is drawing record crowds during its opening days. More than 155-thousand people attended Thursday, setting a new opening-day record. Friday drew more than 204-thousand visitors, setting another daily record. Then, on Saturday, nearly 199-thousand people attended, pushing the three-day total to over 558-thousand. Fair officials will release Sunday’s attendance total Monday afternoon.
>>Motley Soldier Missing for 82 Years Finally Coming Home
(Motley, MN) — A Motley, Minnesota, soldier missing since World War Two is finally returning home after 82 years. Private Duane Payne was wounded and reported missing near Alsdorf, Germany, on October 9th, 1944. The Army declared him killed one year later and deemed his remains unrecoverable in 1950. DNA provided by Payne’s grandsons helped officials identify remains recovered from an American cemetery in the Netherlands. Payne will be buried with honors on September 11th at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery.
]]>(Remer) Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that two individuals have been charged in connection with a structure fire in April of 2025 that claimed The Pub, an establishment on Highway 200 in Remer. Arrest warrants were issued for 52-year-old Kory Alvin Wagner of Hill City, and 36-year-old Heather Pero of Grand Rapids. Both individuals were arrested in Itasca County and transported to the Itasca County Detention Center.Wagner is charged with Aid and Abet First-Degree Arson, Aid and Abet Second-Degree Arson, and Attempted Insurance Fraud.Pero is charged with Aid and Abet First-Degree Arson and Aid and Abet Second-Degree Arson.
Formal court appearances are pending in Cass County District Court.
>>Minnesota Will Benefit From META Settlement
(St. Paul) On Wednesday, August 26th, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, Meta, announced that they had reached a settlement agreement with the Attorneys General of all but two states regarding a federal lawsuit over social media addiction in youth.
Meta will pay up to $17.1 billion to the coalition of states, with Minnesota set to receive at least $214 million and up to $307 million.
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison said the payments to Minnesota will be distributed in installments over nine years, and the legislature could designate the funds for specific purposes, such as youth mental health or internet safety.
>>Bemidji 197 Renewal Update
(Bemidji) mnDOT has provided an update on the Highway 197 renewal project in Bemidji. Landscaping and final touches on the current stage of the project continue this week. Beginning Monday, traffic will move from the temporary bypass onto the new 197 pavement and through the new roundabout. Drivers should expect delays during the transition, and the 197/71 traffic light will be in flashing red mode, meaning drivers should treat the intersection like a 4-way stop. Lights and signing will be completed before the switch. Once the switch is complete, crews will begin constructing the north leg of the roundabout and extending Gillette Drive, with work anticipated to last through mid-September.
>>Cass County Warns Of Bail Scam
(Walker) Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk is warning of a recent scam where residents receive a text or phone call from scammers posing as members of the sheriffs office. Scammers refer to the newly posted jail roster, asks family members for money, then family assumes the call is legitimate based on the roster. The sheriff stressed that law enforcement will never ask for bail to be posted with PayPal or gift cards. If A citizen receives a call of this type, do not reveal any financial information, hang up, and verify any requests by calling the Sheriff’s office at the number you will find at the official website.
>>Former St. Cloud Cemetery Leader Being Accused of Embezzlement
(St. Cloud, MN) — The former leader of a St. Cloud cemetery is being accused of embezzlement. Roger Robinson is facing one felony theft charge involving more than 350-thousand dollars. He also faces a civil lawsuit from the North Star Cemetery Association. Court documents allege Robinson opened undisclosed bank accounts and used cemetery funds for personal expenses. Robinson’s attorney for the civil lawsuit has denied the allegations.
>>Final Section of 165-Mile Mesabi Trail Is Complete
(Tower, MN) — The final section of the 165-mile Mesabi Trail is complete. Minnesota’s longest paved trail now stretches uninterrupted from Grand Rapids to Ely after 30 years of construction. The newest six-point-five-mile section connects Tower and Embarrass. A group ride is planned on September 12th, followed by an official ribbon-cutting on September 15th. The trail and its spurs pass through 28 communities across the Iron Range.
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