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.

Minnesota DNR shares 2023 accomplishments

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a year-end list of some of its major accomplishments in 2023 (files.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/minnesota-dnr-2023-accomplishments.pdf).From supporting the return of rare species and connecting more people to the outdoors, to conserving and managing the state’s natural resources and providing for commercial uses of natural resources in ways that create a sustainable quality of life in Minnesota, the DNR made significant advances toward the mission and priorities laid out in the agency’s strategic plan (mndnr.gov/conservationagenda).“I am so proud of all that Minnesota DNR accomplished in 2023 and how that work benefits conservation and outdoor recreation in Minnesota as well as the health of people, the environment and the economy,” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said.

The Northern Saw-Whet Owl

Silent throughout much of the year, Minnesota’s smallest owl, the northern saw-whet owl, will soon begin its monotone vocalization, usually from March until May during the breeding season.

MDA Announces Additional Farmland Succession Support

Farmers and agricultural landowners looking for assistance in creating succession plans for their properties have a new support available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).The MDA has hired Jim Molenaar as its farmland access and succession teams coordinator.

Aspirations for the new year . . .

As the pages of 2024 lay blank before us with uncharted adventures and experiences, there are a few things I wish for all of us in the upcoming year.I wish that creativity will be our sidekick in the coming year in order to sharpen our existing talents and allow new ways of thinking to lead us to new aptitudes.I hope we will have the courage to stand up for ourselves and on the side of humanity, for the unfortunate, the weak, the elderly and our children when the occasions arise that we need champions.