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.

April 2023

Finches

All winter long (and one of the longest and snowiest ever) there has been a surprising lack of bird diversity at my backyard bird feeders—until recently. Finches have been showing up! American goldfinches, purple finches, and a handful of pine siskins and common redpolls, too.

Read MoreFinches

Minnesota Crookston Announces Moynihan as Next Women’s Basketball Coach

The University of Minnesota Crookston women’s basketball program announced the hiring of Natalie Moynihan as head women’s basketball coach. Moynihan most recently served as assistant coach for the past two seasons at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Conn. Moynihan was a heralded player at Franklin Pierce University and professionally in Germany, Luxembourg, and Scotland.

Read MoreMinnesota Crookston Announces Moynihan as Next Women’s Basketball Coach

THE BEARCAT IS FAMILY

Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” God told mankind to have dominion over the fish, the birds and other animals (Genesis 1: 26).

Read MoreTHE BEARCAT IS FAMILY

ASK A TROOPER

Question: I have noticed an increasing number of U.S. branded vehicles (mostly pickups/ SUV) driving with no daytime running lights. At first I assumed they were just burned out or whatever, but I’m seeing way too many for that to be true. On a recent foggy morning I almost pulled out in front of one. I believe car manufacturers were required to put DRLs on their vehicles sometime around the early ‘70s. What’s the story on this?

Read MoreASK A TROOPER

PREVENT CUTS. PROTECT AGING IN THE GREATER MINNESOTA

Without your voice greater Minnesota stands to lose critical support for community-based services. The Minnesota Board on Aging is tasked to create an equitable funding formula. The outcome of the proposed formula would mean funding cuts to greater Minnesota; this includes northwest and west central Minnesota. The existing formula is heavily weighted on population and not need. We need a formula that works for rural Minnesota. Locally, the cuts would affect organizations such as senior meals, and other senior programs. We need your help to prevent these cuts. Protecting aging in our communities assures that our neighbors, families, and friends can age well at home. When aging in place is supported, the entire community benefits. Beyond the health and wellness benefits, community members can benefit from the wisdom that older adults can share from their life experiences.

Read MorePREVENT CUTS. PROTECT AGING IN THE GREATER MINNESOTA

MARY LOUISE VIND LESSARD

Mary Louise Vind Lessard, 84, of Crookston passed away Tuesday morning, April 18, 2023. Throughout Mary’s life she was determined and courageously battled many difficult health issues but always came back with “I’m

Read MoreMARY LOUISE VIND LESSARD