By Lisa Drafall

This month, as we prepare to launch our new Crookston Times on Nov. 29, it has been about having conversations. As dumb as it sounds, most of life’s problems can be solved with good conversations. Where people find ways to create win-win partnerships that make us better as a whole. I’ve been something of a hippie my whole life, but I grew up in Oak Park, California in the 1980’s. Bloods on one side, Crips on the other…me walking around with hair parted down the middle and flowers tucked behind my ear. When a gang banger asked what I claimed, I said “Arthritis” and showed them a claw hand. They let me be, and I would shoot them the peace sign.

I think that upbringing taught me that you can be optimistic, but you also must be bold. Having bold conversations with people in the community about local journalism will help the Crookston Times rebuild as the exact type of local journalism our community needs, with the type of support that will keep it going strong for years to come. That is also why Anna and I are hosting a Virtual Town Hall on Nov. 15.

Now, my biggest fear of using technology to have a local conversation is that it can be confusing. I used Microsoft Teams “Town Hall” feature. This means you don’t have to register beforehand, which I worry will confuse people. The link needs to be saved and at 4 pm on Nov. 15 the link will put you directly into the meeting…like a key to the door. I have posted the link on the website and included a QR code attached to the ad in the paper, but as anyone who has ever hoped anyone comes to anything, you worry that it will be too complicated or not important enough. I suppose that’s why (as I write this on Election Day) the focus is on getting out the vote. Sentiment doesn’t get you far.

So, I hope you guys voted, and I hope you save the QR code or visit the crookstontimes.com at 4 pm on Nov. 15 so you can be a part of the conversation. Who knows what the world will be like on Friday, when this gets published in the newspaper. I do know one thing for sure, regardless of the outcome; local matters. Local is where your friends, your family, your job, your grocery store is. Local affects us all, and local journalism that serves the community deserves a bold conversation.

I invite you to participate in an important community conversation. This meeting represents an opportunity to engage with your local newspaper team as we share our vision for community-centered journalism. We’re eager to discuss the strategies behind our community reporting and introduce you to ways you can play a key role in shaping the stories we tell.

Local news matters more than ever, and we believe that telling the full story of Crookston means working closely with our readers. That’s why we’re launching a Community Advisory Board, a collaborative effort to bring our neighbors’ voices and perspectives into our newsroom. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a new member of the community, your insights are invaluable in helping us stay connected to the issues that matter most to Crookston.

During the town hall, we’ll delve into how we are refining our reporting strategy to serve you better. Our coverage aims to reflect the unique concerns and interests of Crookston, and your input helps us achieve that goal. We’ll explain how we identify and cover key topics, such as business developments, community initiatives, local events, and issues that impact our everyday lives here in Crookston. Our mission is to build a stronger, more engaged community through stories that inspire, inform, and connect.

The virtual town hall is also a platform for us to hear directly from you. We’ll set aside time to answer questions and gather your thoughts on what’s working and what we can improve. If you’re passionate about ensuring Crookston’s stories are told accurately and authentically, consider joining our Community Advisory Board. This board is open to everyone in the community, from young adults to long-time leaders and serves as a bridge between our newsroom and the residents we serve. Your involvement could range from sharing story ideas to providing feedback on our coverage – all with the goal of making our paper a true reflection of Crookston’s voice.

Mark your calendar, bring your questions, and join us on Nov, 15. We look forward to a productive, open conversation and can’t wait to connect with you.

Click this link on November 15 at 4pm and we’ll talk.