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

Boy who got new heart inspires tribe to boost organ donation

A boy from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians has inspired his community to try to boost organ donor numbers. Greyson Parisien's journey to correct an irregular heart led the tribe to add the option of organ donation to tribal IDs. And the tribe hopes it will inspire others. The IDs were unveiled during a November ceremony. The rate of organ donations among Native Americans is much lower than other ethnic groups. For some tribes, cultural beliefs are a factor. In rural communities, time, distance and spotty access can hinder the process.

Read MoreBoy who got new heart inspires tribe to boost organ donation

Shannon Jesme named senior Vice President for Finance and Administration at Northwest Minnesote Foundation

Shannon Jesme has joined the staff at Northwest Minnesota Foundation as the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration. The Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration is a new position for NMF. In this role, Jesme will oversee NMF’s facilities, information technology, contract management, and investment funds.

Read MoreShannon Jesme named senior Vice President for Finance and Administration at Northwest Minnesote Foundation

CFPB to issue $95M in restitution to consumers harmed by fraudulent student-loan debt-relief companies

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, in a joint prosecution with the States of Minnesota and North Carolina and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office on behalf of the People of the State of California, will be distributing over $95 million in restitution to more than 87,000 consumers nationwide who were harmed by Consumer Advocacy Center Inc., d/b/a Premier Student Loan Center, and related companies. This includes just over $1 million to 912 Minnesota consumers who were defrauded by Premier.

Read MoreCFPB to issue $95M in restitution to consumers harmed by fraudulent student-loan debt-relief companies

Tax Delinquency List Updated

The Minnesota Department of Revenue has updated its online posting of Minnesota businesses prohibited from purchasing liquor, beer or wine to resell. The department updates the list each month to reflect companies that have failed to pay taxes to the state.

Read MoreTax Delinquency List Updated

Minnesota Association of Townships announces 2023 Scholarship Program for high school juniors

The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) is proud to announce its 2023 Scholarship Program, which will award up to five $2,000 scholarships to high school juniors. All students currently enrolled in 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial school, or a home-study program, are eligible to apply for this program. Since its inception in 2001, the MAT Scholarship Program has had over 2,500 submissions and 97 winners.

Read MoreMinnesota Association of Townships announces 2023 Scholarship Program for high school juniors