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.

June 2022

Thanks to those that contributed to the 2022 flood fight in Crookston

On behalf of Crookston, I would like to thank everyone that contributed to the efforts of saving our town from the rising waters of the Red Lake River. Many residents from town came together to shovel sand, fill sandbags, carry sandbags, transport them, place them on the dikes, etc. Coaches cancelled practices and encouraged the athletes to help with the sandbags. Restaurants sent food to the city shop to feed people that worked tirelessly through mealtimes or bedtimes. Skidster drivers, truck and semi drivers, people with trailers all came together to assist in the efforts. Residents dropped off food and snacks. There were dike walkers, phone callers, people that manned operation centers that all helped in the efforts.

Read MoreThanks to those that contributed to the 2022 flood fight in Crookston

Klemek Outdoors: The Northern Cardinal

Few songbirds garner as much attention as northern cardinals do. If cardinals were the color of any dozens of sparrow species, would they be as popular? Indeed, the beautifully red-colored northern cardinal is epitomized on major league baseball and national football uniforms, are reasons people buy expensive fruit-filled birdseed mixes, and are the official state bird for seven states—more than any other species of bird.

Read MoreKlemek Outdoors: The Northern Cardinal

oneCourtMN Hearings Initiative Policy Takes Effect

The Minnesota Judicial Branch order of April 19, 2022, and the oneCourtMN Hearings Initiative policy providing the framework for how remote and in-person hearings will take place, became effective June 6. Going forward, all hearings scheduled and hearing notices issued will follow the policy. Case participants will find the most accurate information about how their court hearings will take place on their hearing notices.

Read MoreoneCourtMN Hearings Initiative Policy Takes Effect

Run Wild at Castle Park this Summer

Kids at Castle events are back at Crookston’s nature-based play area, Castle Park, beginning next week! Events will be held throughout the summer and early Fall on the 2nd Monday of each month June – October from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Castle Park is located off Castle St and Summit Ave S near the Dog Park.

Read MoreRun Wild at Castle Park this Summer

Crookston School District award teachers and staff at end of the year gathering

Crookston School District recently held its 2022 OSPY (Outstanding Service to Pirate Youth) and Service Award Ceremony, and has announced this year's winners and honorees: OSPY award winners: Washington Elementary: Monica Parenteau, Janise Dorman Highland Elementary: Andrea Ingersoll, Cathy Trandem Crookston High School: Whitney Rupprecht, Dana Kuchan Extracurricular/Advisor/ Coach: Linda Morgan, Harley Stahlecker Community: Victoria Ramirez, Greg Garmen (Coach) Service awards: 20 years - Laurie Awender Amy Boll Kristin Funk Lynette Nordine-Goosen John Panzer Kristi Swanson Laurie Wavra 25 years - Jennifer Solie Shelly Thomforde Cathy Trandem Cindy Tyler 30 years - Sara Geist Wanda Proulx Chris Trostad 2022 retirees: Greg Garmen Mike Hajostek Kenny Olson Kenny Winger .

Read MoreCrookston School District award teachers and staff at end of the year gathering