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

UMN Crookston Blood Drive brings 33 volunteers

The University of Minnesota Crookston hosted a blood drive February 7 with Vitalant at the university which helped collect a total of 31 units of blood products for patients in need. A total of 33 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 27 individuals were able to successfully donate. A total of five donors also came forward to donate Power Red Cells (2RBC) which collects two units of red blood cells while returning platelets, plasma and a saline solution back to the donor. There were 13 people who volunteered for the first time.

Read MoreUMN Crookston Blood Drive brings 33 volunteers

Fisher robotics team advances to state competition

The Fisher School Robotics Team is coming off what has become the norm for the program, another successful season. After a first-place score in the “skills” portion of a recent competition in Valley City, North Dakota, the Arctic Knights recently learned that they have once again advanced to the state robotics competition. The state event will begin in St. Cloud on Thursday, March 3. The Polar Knights, Fisher School’s elementary robotics team, has also earned a trip to the state competition.

Read MoreFisher robotics team advances to state competition

Danelle Trandem is RiverView Health’s 2021 Employee of the Year

The news is out - not only is Danelle Trandem an amazing activities assistant at RiverView Memory Care, but she's also RiverView Health's 2021 Employee of the Year! "I wasn't expecting to receive Employee of the Year," she shared. "I was shocked! I'm honored to work for such a great company." Trandem, who went to nursing school, has worked at Memory Care for 5 1/2 years.

Read MoreDanelle Trandem is RiverView Health’s 2021 Employee of the Year

City Council moves forward with search for new administrator

Crookston City Council formally approved the resignation of City Administrator Amy Finch at their February 14 meeting and agreed to move forward with David Drown & Associates (DDA) in the search for a new administrator. Mayor Dale Stainbrook mentioned that the city was "well aware" that there was a clause in the previous contract with DDA that says if the city administrator left within a two-year period DDA would do another search for the city to fill the position, plus the cost of travel and lodging.

Read MoreCity Council moves forward with search for new administrator

Northern Valley Youth Orchestra to host ‘Kaleidoscope’ concert March 6

Northern Valley Youth Orchestras’ will present a “Kaleidoscope” concert on March 6 at 4 p.m. in the Chester Fritz Auditorium at the University of North Dakota. The two NVYO student symphony orchestras will present a variety of symphonic music including familiar favorites and lesser-known masterpieces by composers from numerous countries.

Read MoreNorthern Valley Youth Orchestra to host ‘Kaleidoscope’ concert March 6

RiverView Auxiliary to sponsor blood drive February 25

RiverView Health Auxiliary, in cooperation with Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, is sponsoring a blood drive on Friday, February 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the RiverView Home Care building at 721 S Minnesota Street. To be a donor, you must be at least 16 years old, weigh more than 110 lbs and be able to show an ID containing your legal name and one of the following: birth date, social security number, USB donor number, or photo ID.

Read MoreRiverView Auxiliary to sponsor blood drive February 25