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

Bev Nelson

Bev Nelson, 67, of Mentor passed away on Wednesday, May 25, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 6, at Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor with the Rev. Mike Sletto officiating. Interment will be in Faith Lutheran Cemetery, Mentor. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, June 5, at Faith Lutheran Church. Family will also greet friends for one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Read MoreBev Nelson

Janet Erie

Janet (Jan) C. Erie, 92, died on February 17, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church in Crookston, Minnesota. Pastor Michael Ozaki and Pastor Rod Anderson will officiate. Inurnment at Oakdale Cemetery will be held immediately following a luncheon at the church.

Read MoreJanet Erie

Fisher teacher Laura Brekken retires after 34 years

Had Laura Brekken not been convinced otherwise more than three decades ago, her entire teaching career might have lasted all of one day. Fresh off earning her degree from the University of North Dakota and being hired as the first-grade teacher at Fisher Public School two weeks before the start of the school year, after one day - the first day of school that fall - Brekken, 22 at the time, was ready to be done.

Read MoreFisher teacher Laura Brekken retires after 34 years