To The Crookston Times readers,

It is with regret that CherryRoad Media announces the closing of The Crookston Times

Our company is dedicated to the preservation of community journalism. Since the purchase of our 1st paper in late-2020 to today, we have prided ourselves on our ability to fight the difficult battle that newspapers face in today’s digital society. Unfortunately, that battle cannot always be won.

The Crookston Times has struggled in recent years to find its footing in this community. Since purchasing The Crookston Times, CherryRoad Media has been unable to avoid financial losses every month. The paper was losing money when we bought it, and it continued to do so. We must now come to terms with the fact that we do not have a path forward to sustainability.

And we thank those who have supported us.

April 2022

City of Crookston declares high water emergency

The City of Crookston declared a high water emergency after a special City Council meeting Saturday, April 23 at City Hall. The declaration allows the city to act on "the employment of temporary workers, by the rental of equipment, by the purchase of supplies and materials and by entering into contracts and agreements for the performance of public works as may be required to meet the emergency, the repair, maintenance and safe guarding of essential public services, emergency health, fire and safety regulations, drills or practice periods required for preliminary training, and all other matters which are required to protect public safety, health and the welfare in this emergency all without regard to those time consuming procedures and for malities normally prescribed by law, mandatory constitutional requirements excepted."

Read MoreCity of Crookston declares high water emergency

Persistence paves the road to success

When Paulo Coehlo’s novel “The Alchemist” was first published in 1988, it went unnoticed. He sold only one copy the first week. Unperturbed, Coelho confidently waited for more sales to come in, but he waited a long time. Six months later a second copy was sold – to the same person who purchased the first copy. By the end of that first year, Coelho’s publisher decided to cancel his contract.

Read MorePersistence paves the road to success

Rotary Wine & Beer Fundraiser held April 22 at the Inn

Annette Thompson celebrates her win during the game of musical chairs against Mary Holz-Clause at the Rotary Wine & Beer Fundraiser event. (Photo by Megan Benoit) A table full of happy guests at the event (Photo by Megan Benoit) Bobbie Torkelson enters the wine raffle at the Rotary event with assistance from Tracy Buker (Photo by Megan Benoit) The Torgersons were one of the wine raffle winners at the Rotary event (Photo by Megan Benoit) Rick Thompson was one of the beer raffle winners at the Rotary event.

Read MoreRotary Wine & Beer Fundraiser held April 22 at the Inn

Our Savior’s third and fourth grade students gather donations for Ukraine

The third and fourth grade classes at Our Savior’s Lutheran School spear-headed a gathering of items for Ukrainian refugees last month. They found that The Orphan Grain Train was taking a collection in mid-April so they advertised within the school and church and then worked with the organization to pack everything and send it to Wisconsin.

Read MoreOur Savior’s third and fourth grade students gather donations for Ukraine