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.

Rita Trandem

Rita Trandem, 83, of Erskine passed away on Thursday, November 10 at her home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 17 at Rodnes Lutheran Church, rural Erskine, with Rev. Joel Smeby officiating. Interment will be in Rodnes Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com. Hazel “Rita” Trandem of Erskine passed away peacefully in her home on the 10th of November surrounded by her family. Rita was born on December 3, 1938, to Mable (Martin) and Edward Solberg in her parents’ home in Knute Township. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine. All of Rita’s education was in Erskine. Rita met her future husband James (Sheldon) Trandem after a basketball game at the Ness Café. Sheldon offered to drive her home. Rita was unsure about the offer and called parents to see if Sheldon could give her a ride home. Her father said yes, and the rest was history. Following high school, Rita moved to Minneapolis and worked at the telephone company. She married Sheldon on September 5, 1959, in a double wedding with her sister Joan “Patsy” and David Vick at Grace Lutheran Church Erskine. Rita and Sheldon enjoyed 63 years of marriage, and were blessed with two children, Sheri and Scott. Rita had a special talent with all types of hand work, such as knitting dozens of sweaters and dresses for family and herself, crocheting, Hardanger, and creating a graduation quilt for each grandchild. Her hands were rarely idle. Each year, Rita would plan which projects to bring to the Fertile Fair, resulting in many Grand Champion ribbons. There were several years in which she received Grand Champion ribbons for every item she entered! Rita worked for many years in the Crookston School District, and at Polk County and Bremer Banks in Crookston. She and Sheldon

Rita Trandem

 Rita Trandem, 83, of Erskine passed away on Thursday, November 10 at…

A Veteran Visits Highland Elementary

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, Frank Lindgren (Vietnam Veteran) visited his grandsons' classrooms to read a Veteran's Day story. He was able to talk to the students about his experiences during the war and he answered questions that the students had.

Celebrating Contributions to Cattle and Country

Cattle producers from every corner of the country support veterans and active-duty military. Whether they have family members in the military or have served themselves, honor and patriotism is abundant in rural America. As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 and honor those who served, we recognize their contributions to cattle and country. Here is one story of a Minnesota beef producer making a difference.

Tell us what you are thankful for

The past couple of years headlines have been heavy with items that put pressure on families - pandemic, inflation, drought and other crisis. That’s why the Crookston Times is turning to its readers to provide some lighter reading for the holidays.

IS IT REALLY THANKSGIVING?

Colossians 3:15-17 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”