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.

News

Central Park campground open for season, update on construction provided

Crookston Parks and Recreation has opened the Central Park campground for the season and Parks & Rec Director Jake Solberg provided an update to the City Council at their June 27 meeting. The Council also approved a resolution to amend the State of Minnesota grant contract with respects to improving sites along the Red Lake River Corridor including Central Park and named interim City Administrator Corky Reynolds as the fiduciary on behalf of the city.

Read MoreCentral Park campground open for season, update on construction provided

School Board approves breakfast and lunch price increase, 2022-23 preliminary budget

Crookston School Board discussed and approved a number of items at their June 27 meeting including breakfast and lunch price increases for the 2022-23 school year and the coming year's preliminary budget. Food Services Director Anna Brekken explained to the board that the last time students/parents were charged for breakfast and lunch was 2020 due to the pandemic and the price increases will be 10 cents for lunch and five (5) cents for breakfast based on the prices from the 2019-2020 school year.

Read MoreSchool Board approves breakfast and lunch price increase, 2022-23 preliminary budget

Wildlife in Crookston

A deer joined frolfers (frisbee golf players) at Castle Park Monday, June 27 during their league time (Photo by Natalie Dillon) At least two raccoons found a temporary home inside a tree knot near the University of Minnesota Crookston the week of June 20 (Photo by Jess Bengtson) A robin laid eggs on the deck of former longtime Times employee Lynn Oakes and she's been following their growth posting updates on Facebook (Submitted) The robins on the deck of Lynn Oakes are growing rapidly (Submitted) .

Read MoreWildlife in Crookston

Local Students Graduate from Bemidji State University

Local students earned degrees from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minn., during the 2021-2022 school year including: - Katelyn Wagner of Crookston, bachelor of science degree in nursing Susan Wilkens of Crookston, bachelor of science degree in nursing "Bemidji State University educates people to lead inspired lives," said BSU in a media release. "From a serene campus located among the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, BSU offers world-class education in arts, sciences and select pre-professional programs.

Read MoreLocal Students Graduate from Bemidji State University