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

Lek and Sharp-Tailed Grouse

Old Man Winter is wearing out his welcome, but to dancing sharp-tailed grouse, it doesn’t matter. Indeed, one of Nature’s most remarkable annual events is occurring once again on open-brushland landscapes across areas of northwest Minnesota.

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The Brown Creeper

I have always been drawn to so-called secretive species of wild birds. This group of birds is characterized as birds more often heard than seen, tending to occur in dense habitats, and are otherwise shy in behavior. A suite of other characteristics can apply, too: cryptic plumage patterns, sometimes small in body size, rare in numbers, and so on. One such bird that fits the bill here in Minnesota’s forests and woodlands is the diminutive brown creeper.

Read MoreThe Brown Creeper

Education and American Democracy

Part III: “Has a new ‘Cold War’ come home to America?” We have spent much time talking about worldwide “warring”, but, dear readers, we need to turn our attention to other kinds of “warring” that threaten American democracy. Just as I am writing in comes news of threats to kill the Jewish Attorney General in Michigan.

Read MoreEducation and American Democracy

ASK A TROOPER

Question: Is it illegal for a vehicle pulling a trailer to have a ladder or ramp hanging from the side of the trailer? Answer: You are able to have ladders or ramps secured to the side of an enclosed trailer as long as you do not exceed the width of 8 feet 6 inches. This is the maximum dimension that may be operated on Minnesota roadways without a special permit.

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The Pink Thing

The sleepy male bear that was recently extricated from a frozen, roadside culvert near Wannaska, Minnesota by DNR staff and volunteers, was a story that ended well for the bear. The groggy bear was transported to a secluded spot on a nearby state wildlife management area where it could sleep the rest of the winter in peace. The story got me thinking about some of my own stories.

Read MoreThe Pink Thing