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

Following Too Closely

Question: What are the laws or rules when it comes to drivers who tailgate? What can a person do to keep them from putting lives in danger? I haven't heard or read anything for a long time about the 3 second rule, is that still a recommendation?

Read MoreFollowing Too Closely

Make your message matter

A young man, fresh from receiving his MBA, went back to visit his old college professor to ask him a question that had always puzzled him. He asked, “What do you think is the most important quality for someone who wants to become a business leader?”

Read MoreMake your message matter

What’s in a Name

Due to the overwhelming response (glad you liked it, Mom) to a recent column about nautical terminology, this is a kind of follow-up. Thus, I give you boat names. [Warning. This column contains more than your recommended daily allowance of puns. This is not my preference. This is how it must be.] Let’s start with the question: Why name your boat? Most people don’t name their bikes? I guess a few folks name their cars. (Speed Racer: Mach Five; Goofy: Bessie; Etc.) But a boat? Well, for one, there’s more space on the back/side of your boat for a name. But in olden days, boats were named after goddesses and saints because it was thought ensure safe voyage. After a while, the close observer noticed there was no correlation, let alone causation between a good name, a bad name, and the outcome. Thus, names of goddesses and saints were set aside and mariners started getting “creative”.

Read MoreWhat’s in a Name

Beyond Reason

The phrase “back to school” means different things to different people. To some, Back To School is a 1986 comedy starring Rodney Dangerfield where he goes well, back to school. Robert Downey Jr. is in the film. And Sam Kinison is a professor who, if you remember the comedian, is always SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS!! The gutsiest thing the film tries to pull off is to make diving a spectator sport.

Read MoreBeyond Reason

Ask a Trooper:

Sgt. Jesse Grabow Minnesota State Patrol Question: I really enjoy seeing these on Facebook and I am hoping you can shed some light on bike laws.

Read MoreAsk a Trooper:

Klemek Outdoors:

Two years ago, I called a friend and colleague of mine, Kurt Svendsgaard, who is a private lands biologist for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to see if he would be interested in restoring two drained wetlands on my property. The tiny basins linked together by a ditch that had been dug decades ago through the center of the wetlands, effectively drained both wetlands into nearby Assawa Lake.

Read MoreKlemek Outdoors:

Brevity is the soul of wit

Just for fun, I reread the recent columns I’ve written during the past few years. It’s a practice I find very helpful: identifying trends, examining the topics that are reader favorites, and looking for ideas for the years ahead.

Read MoreBrevity is the soul of wit