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.

February 2023

Education and American Democracy

Preamble: Dear Readers, before we proceed to conflicts between China and the United States, a quick follow-up to our discussions of MLK Jr. and the black rights movement: Nikole Hannah-Jones, a gifted journalist has converted her history of black slaves into a TV series, running on Hulu.

Read MoreEducation and American Democracy

February community letter from UMN Crookston Chancellor Holz-Clause

Dear Community Members, As winter progresses up here in the north, it is important for both our mental and physical health to remain active and moving. Being active provides a better quality of life for everyone, from the littles to those that are in my age group and above. The UMN Crookston campus was recently recognized for our efforts on creating a culture of wellness, which has also pushed us to host even more activities.

Read MoreFebruary community letter from UMN Crookston Chancellor Holz-Clause

SISTER FRANCELLA GUST

Sister Francella Gust, 90, died on February 2, 2023, at Villa Saint Vincent, Crookston. Sister Francella was born at home on October 10, 1932, in Tabor, the tenth of 11 children of John Jacob Gust and Frances Ann (Kotrba) Gust.

Read MoreSISTER FRANCELLA GUST

RAYMOND ERNEST “RAY” ECKLUND

Raymond Ernest “Ray” Ecklund, 88, of Crookston passed away at his home early Wednesday afternoon, February 1, 2023, with his loving wife, Pam, at his side. A Mass of Christian Burial honoring the life of Ray Ecklund will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. Msgr. David Baumgartner presiding. Visitation with the family will be for one prior to the service. The Mass will be livestreamed by logging on to www.crookstoncathedral.com and clicking on the prompt to view.

Read MoreRAYMOND ERNEST “RAY” ECKLUND

RANDY DAVID GOOSEN

Randy David Goosen, 62, of Fisher passed away early Thursday morning, February 2, 2023, in the Benedictine Living Community Crookston. The memorial service for Randy Goosen will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, in Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, with The Rev. Steve Bohler officiating. Visitation with his family will be for one hour prior to the service. To view a livestream of the funeral, go to Randy’s obituary page at www. stenshoelhouske.com and click on the prompt to view.

Read MoreRANDY DAVID GOOSEN

Crookston Rotary Club awards UMN Crookston student scholarships for Fall 2022

Crookston Rotary Club recently awarded their Fall 2022 scholarships to University of Minnesota Crookston Students of the Month Braden Letourneau, Annjelica Moreno- Englebrecht, Samantha Olek, and John LaCoursiere. The students were recognized and awarded on January 27 at halftime of the basketball game in Lysaker Gymnasium.

Read MoreCrookston Rotary Club awards UMN Crookston student scholarships for Fall 2022