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.

A Word of Thanks

On behalf of the Polk County Salvation Army, we would like once again say thank you to our friends and supporters who have given donations and their time to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign. The Christmas Kettle Campaign is the county’s Salvation Army’s most vital fundraiser accounting for nearly 75% of its annual fund raising totals. It is vital because we depend on this support to fund yearround programs. Also, we would like to put out a SPECIAL THANKS to our local United Way in Crookston for their financial support assistance. Also, to Walmart, Hugo’s, M and H Gas, Ampride, Crookston LEO Club, Fosston Lions, Fertile Lions, St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Allan and Judy Dragseth, Ray Nelson, Fertile, Sheriff Jim Tadman, Chief Deputy Mike Norland, and Police Chief Darren Selzer, for assisting with our annual Kettle Program. Also, to those who have sent financial contributions via mail.

Sand Earns MOP in Horsemanship as Golden Eagles Fall 10-3 to Baylor

The University of Minnesota Crookston equestrian was defeated by Baylor University 10-3 in Fresno, Calif. The Golden Eagles won three points and tied three points against the Bears. UMN Crookston was guided by Belle Sand (So., Spicer, Minn.), who made it back-to-back MOP (Most Outstanding Performance) honors, as she earned it in horsemanship.

SOLOMON’S COMPASSION FOR THE OPPRESSED

Ecclesiastes 4: 1 “So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.”

Education and American Democracy

Preamble: Dear Readers, before we proceed to conflicts between China and the United States, a quick follow-up to our discussions of MLK Jr. and the black rights movement: Nikole Hannah-Jones, a gifted journalist has converted her history of black slaves into a TV series, running on Hulu.

The Paper Plane

Recently my friend Chris suggested something radical: the Paper Plane. That got me thinking.

February community letter from UMN Crookston Chancellor Holz-Clause

Dear Community Members, As winter progresses up here in the north, it is important for both our mental and physical health to remain active and moving. Being active provides a better quality of life for everyone, from the littles to those that are in my age group and above. The UMN Crookston campus was recently recognized for our efforts on creating a culture of wellness, which has also pushed us to host even more activities.