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.

May 2022

Ralph Mark LeBlanc

Ralph Mark LeBlanc, 87, of Fertile died Saturday, April 23 at Fair Meadow Nursing Home. Ralph was born on the home farm near Erskine on October 31, 1934. He was one of 11 children born to Philip and Clara LeBlanc. He attended country school and Erskine High School before leaving home at 16 and moving to Minneapolis. He eventually landed a job at Honeywell.

Read MoreRalph Mark LeBlanc

Charlene Stromstad

Charlene “Tootsie” Harriet Stromstad, 95, Fertile passed away quietly in the early evening of Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile. Tootsie was born in Crookston on July 20, 1926 and was the daughter of Lawrence and Ellen (Moe) Walters.

Read MoreCharlene Stromstad

Red Lake River crests in major flood stage for second time in a week

The Red Lake River in Crookston crested in the major flood stage category for the second time in a week after rainy weather and incoming water from other areas elevated river levels to 25 feet Sunday, May 1 into Monday, May 2. The city's Emergency Operation Center was opened and certain ward posts were manned as well as volunteers recruited to walk and monitor the river levees in those wards.

Read MoreRed Lake River crests in major flood stage for second time in a week