 Minnesota authorities are urging families of missing persons to provide DNA samples in an effort to match their DNA to unidentified remains. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension exhumed the remains of three men and two women last summer. Their identities were not known when they were buried. Now BCA officials say a DNA sample from a close family member could be the first step in getting some answers. The disappearance of a family member is extremely difficult because the loss is accompanied by so many unanswered questions. While a match like this is not the result families hope for, information may help them move forward. It's a process that takes less than a minute to complete and can answer a lifetime's worth of questions. The BCA will hold events statewide where close family members of missing persons can provide DNA samples. The first of these collection events is Saturday at the BCA headquarters in St. Paul. One of the events is set for Bemidji on July 19th from 4.30 to 6.30 p.m. at the BCA Bemidji Regional Office. The BCA began a larger effort to identify remains in 2013. Since then five people have been identified through DNA testing. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.