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

District Long Range Planning discusses proposed athletic complex

January 31, 2022

Crookston Public Schools' Long Range Planning Committee met January 26 to discuss building planning and financial status, and the upcoming August 9 referendum on the proposed Pirate athletic complex at Crookston High School was at the heart of the conversation. A timeline of public meetings, election notices, and the various methods of relaying information about the project were talked through plus the committee advised Superintendent Jeremy Olson to offer a "shameless plug" whenever he published articles in the newspaper or was on the radio.

New full-time firefighter

January 26, 2022

New full-time firefighter Garett Bengtson took his oath to serve and protect the community during this week's City Council meeting. He's congratulated by Fire Chief Tim Froeber.

January 26, 2022

During the open forum portion of the Crookston School Board meeting this week, a mother of three pleaded with the board to allow online learning for her children for the remainder of the school year after detailing racist comments from other students and ignored issues at the high school. The mother, Mildred, described herself as a person of color and said her kids do not feel safe at CHS.

January 26, 2022

The City Council Ways & Means Committee discussed the Golden Link Senior Center and using city resources for public purpose during their meeting this week, and heard that, according to state statute, they were allowed to appropriate money to support facilities but not provide in-kind services. The Golden Link, which falls under nonprofit Crookston Area Senior Association (CASA), Inc., receives an annual stipend from the city and has also received snow removal and garbage collection from the city which allegedly violates the city's own policies.

United Way Dine Out Week through January 30

January 26, 2022

United Way of Crookston's "Dine Out Week" will be held through January 30 with seven restaurants participating including Scobey's Pub & Grub, Joe's Diner, Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream, RBJ's Restaurant, Mugoo's Pizza, Irishman's Shanty and Drafts Sports Bar & Grill. Participating restaurants have pledged to make a donation to the United Way from sales earned during Dine Out Week.

Family of first baby of 2022 glad it made the switch to RiverView

January 26, 2022

The wait wasn't long for RiverView's first baby of 2022. Elijah Zae Facundo made his way into the world on Jan.

McCleary named CEO of American Federal Bank

January 26, 2022

Dean McCleary has been named President and CEO of American Federal Bank. McCleary has served as Senior Vice president and Chief Financial Officer of American Federal for the past 19 years. Prior to that he was the Vice Chancellor for Finance at University of Minnesota in Crookston, and also spent 14 years with Bremer as Senior Vice President of Finance.

Crookston Rotary Club welcomes new members

January 26, 2022

Crookston Rotary Club recently inducted new members Amy Finch, pictured second from left, Brandon Carlson, third from left, and Robert Barnes, second from right. They're shown here with Rotary President George French, left, and their membership sponsor Don Cavalier, right. Interested in learning more about Rotary? They meet on the second and third Wednesday of each month at noon at the Crookston Inn. JESS BENGTSON

Crookston Rotary Club Students of the Month

January 26, 2022

Crookston Rotary Club recently celebrated their Students of the Month from Crookston High School and University of Minnesota Crookston including Kristine Cotten (UMC) and Claire Oman and Emma Osborn (CHS.) Each Student of the Month receives a $100 scholarship with the high school students receiving theirs during the annual Triple A Banquet towards the end of the school year.

January 26, 2022

University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development educators and partners are facilitating webinars, providing information and resources for families and those who serve families to make informed decisions leading to greater health, resilience and well-being.