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

Education and American Democracy

Well, Dear Readers, as you would have expected, this week’s discussion had to be submitted to the publisher prior to the election results that were at stake. Tough as it is to address an event before it has occurred, nonetheless we always have to be aware that something as fragile as democracy, if not adequately grounded and cared for, is always at risk of destruction. Our found-ers were alerted to this from the beginning, but, as discussed at the beginning of our series, some of them were themselves complicit in actions which promoted the possibility: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, etc. and their Po’white Episcopal Church. Are there still wealthy elitists around who exploit the poor or uneducated for their own strength and wealth? Could a mega- trillionaire, who made a fortune transporting billionaires on outer space adventures, buy an established business and immediately “fire” a huge portion of its employees?

Read MoreEducation and American Democracy

“ASK A TROOPER”

Question: When I come across a cattle crossing sign in the road, does that mean I yield to the farmer crossing his cattle similar to a pedestrian crossing sign? Answer: If you come across anyone crossing the road you would need to yield. It’s always important to scan the road ahead for pedestrians and hazards.

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Shirkes of Minnesota

The Minnesota firearms deer hunting season is here once again. Close to a half a million hunters will take to the field and forest to sit vigil waiting for a deer. While many hunters will not harvest a deer, many will. One thing is for certain, though: everyone will observe something interesting in the great outdoors—be it a spectacular sunrise or sunset, different species of wildlife, or unique deer behavior never before seen— there is always something that hunters experience that they will never forget.

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Education and American Democracy

While we have been concentrating on immigration and the continuing advancement of “America” to the plains and frontier, a major development in our history was brought to life by one “exposed” comment by a here-to-fore obscure history professor from the University of Wis-consin by the name of Frederick Jackson Turner. The occasion was a gathering at the Art Insti-tute of Chicago, July 12, 1893, where Turner’s speech was just one segment of the “World Co-lumbian Exposition.

Read MoreEducation and American Democracy

Beyond Reason

October was a lot of skeletons and zombies and ghosts and it made me realize that Halloween omits an important step before the afterlife. The transition.

Read MoreBeyond Reason

“ASK A TROOPER”

Question: I see school busses that do not use their flashing lights or extend the stop arm as they’re picking up kids. Cars are passing them from behind and from the front. What are the requirements for bus drivers to use their safety lights? Thank you for your time.

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The Richardson’s Ground Squirrel

Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife recently launched its new “Window On Wildlife” outdoor camera to capture wildlife and their activities, live, for public viewing and streaming on the DNR website. The first viewing opportunity involved a hen wood duck inside her nesting box incubating eggs and later hatching them. The month-long spectacle was a hit.

Read MoreThe Richardson’s Ground Squirrel