 Celebrating 20 years of Lakeland News is a special milestone and calls for a celebration. Josh Peterson takes us to the party. When it comes to local news, you're telling the community's story. That's why Lakeland PBS opened its doors today to invite the community in and celebrate with those who watched, supported and sponsored. When I'm out in the community talking to folks, Lakeland News is one of the first things that people always talk to me about, about how they appreciate having local news and, oh, I saw my grandson, you know, we're out there, we're doing things and people really do appreciate that. For those who have watched Lakeland News from day one, the anniversary party was a chance to meet familiar faces, both in front and behind the camera. I want to meet everybody. You see them on TV all the time, you know, you just kind of want to see them and actually meet them and stuff and they seem so warm and friendly on TV and that's what I like watching about it. Out of the 170 licensed PBS stations across the country, only a small percentage provide local news. A service Lakeland PBS is proud to offer. You know, Lakeland PBS is kind of unique. There are a few PBS stations around the country that are doing a real nightly newscast, but not very many. And they're typically big stations. The cost of doing local news is significant and today's party was also an opportunity to thank those who have been proud supporters of the broadcast from the very start. The mission of Lakeland News supporting this region and highlighting all the many good things that are going on, important things that are going on is key and what a great asset for this community and this region to have. With support from viewers, sponsors and volunteers both in front and behind the camera. Lakeland News is set for success for another 20 years and beyond. In Bemidji, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.