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

Minnesota Crookston Announces Tu Lynn Sommerfeld’s Return as Director of ECDC

University of Minnesota Crookston The University of Minnesota Crookston announced that Tu Lynn Sommerfeld has returned as director of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC). Sommerfeld previously served as the director for 11 years, before leaving last fall to take a position at Sacred Heart School in East Grand Forks, Minn.

Read MoreMinnesota Crookston Announces Tu Lynn Sommerfeld’s Return as Director of ECDC

Sora and Virginia Rail

My relationship with two birds that I’m very fond of first began in the summer of 1998, which was the beginning of my graduate research work studying bird diversity on various wetlands in North Dakota. These wetland dependent species of birds—the Virginia rail and sora—are more often heard than seen, though catching sight of them is not impossible.

Read MoreSora and Virginia Rail

Easter event proceeds benefit Shriner’s Children’s Hospital

Crookston Area Shriners Bob Heggs, Chris Boushey and Lester Wilkens accepted a donation check from the NW MN Cancer Crusaders for the Shriner's Children's Hospital in the Twin Cities after a successful Easter event held April 16 at the Crookston Sports Center. Money was raised at the event for the Shriners, Ronald McDonald House in Fargo and Trails to Treatments cancer grant program.

Read MoreEaster event proceeds benefit Shriner’s Children’s Hospital

School Board approves contract for interim superintendent

Crookston School Board approved the contract for incoming interim Superintendent Dave Kuehn during their May 23 meeting. Three board members, Frank Fee, Mike Theis and Dave Davidson, mentioned they met to work on the contract for the interim superintendent and agreed to a $102,000 salary for the year, 75% work time with Wednesday and Friday afternoons off, plus insurance, cell phone and other standard items - all adding up to a $63,000 savings over what would have been paid out to outgoing superintendent Jeremy Olson.

Read MoreSchool Board approves contract for interim superintendent