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.

Opinion

The True Distinction

Fans and critics alike have called Beyond Reason many names but one thing they have never called Beyond Reason is: a Pulitzer Prize winning column. Yes, this week the winners for the Pulitzer’s were announced and I’m happy to report that Beyond Reason remains neither a finalist nor the winner of this year’s Pulitzer Prize in Commentary! Not winning a Pulitzer in Commentary evokes many feelings but mostly it makes me relieved.

Read MoreThe True Distinction

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds return

One of our most beloved seasonal avian residents has arrived, and right on time. Here where I live in the Northland, ruby-throated hummingbirds show up each year around Mother’s Day weekend. So, on the morning of May 11 outside my house, it didn’t surprise me when I observed my first hummingbird— a male—zipping by the windows undoubtedly looking for a feeder that wasn’t there. “Darn”, I thought, “I should’ve had a feeder out for you. Sorry! I’ll get on it.”

Read MoreRuby-Throated Hummingbirds return

THE WORLD IS CHOOSING SIDES

Proverbs 12: 15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkens unto counsel is wise.” Growing up in a small Western Kentucky town in the 1950’s and 60’s was much different from today. I now live in a county with a population of 150,000.

Read MoreTHE WORLD IS CHOOSING SIDES

“ASK ATROOPER”

Question: I have a small utility trailer and I keep having to replace my license plate because it gets wrecked or torn off when I am traveling. Can I put it sideways on the wheel fender? Answer: If the trailer is 3,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight (GVW) with lifetime registration, the numbered plate or sticker must be adhered to the side of the trailer frame tongue near the hitch.

Read More“ASK ATROOPER”

Phoebes

Earlier this spring during a brief period when Old Man Winter was losing the annual tug-o-war with Lady Spring, I heard an eastern phoebe singing near my house. I remember thinking, oh, good; the phoebes are back! A few days later, however, winter came back with a vengeance, followed quickly by massive reverse migrations of songbirds and waterfowl alike. Now, weeks later, the phoebes appear to be back for good.

Read MorePhoebes

The County Line

The roofs on Polk County buildings have been a big a problem in recent years… especially those flat roofs that don’t do well in our north country. Here’s some of the ongoing roof story: In fall of 2019, the county sold a $2.5 million bond to replace the elevator in Government Center in Crookston and to remodel County’s Human Center in East Grand Forks. The work in East Grand Forks included replacing the roof along with the installation of a new heating and cooling system and a redesign of the floor space.

Read MoreThe County Line

Springtime Ruffed Grouse

I was eleven years old when I first heard the sound. Exploring our woods north of the barn during a sunny April afternoon, I remember stopping what I was doing to listen. The repetitive thumping was as curious a sound as I had ever heard.

Read MoreSpringtime Ruffed Grouse

The Derby

When I was little I thought the Kentucky Derby was a bowler hat with a rounded crown and a narrow brim made in the Bluegrass State. No, no.

Read MoreThe Derby