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.

Local Students Graduate from Bemidji State University

Local students earned degrees from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minn., during the 2021-2022 school year including: - Katelyn Wagner of Crookston, bachelor of science degree in nursing Susan Wilkens of Crookston, bachelor of science degree in nursing "Bemidji State University educates people to lead inspired lives," said BSU in a media release. "From a serene campus located among the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, BSU offers world-class education in arts, sciences and select pre-professional programs.

Wildlife in Crookston

A deer joined frolfers (frisbee golf players) at Castle Park Monday, June 27 during their league time (Photo by Natalie Dillon) At least two raccoons found a temporary home inside a tree knot near the University of Minnesota Crookston the week of June 20 (Photo by Jess Bengtson) A robin laid eggs on the deck of former longtime Times employee Lynn Oakes and she's been following their growth posting updates on Facebook (Submitted) The robins on the deck of Lynn Oakes are growing rapidly (Submitted) .

Austin Richard Schwede

Austin Richard Schwede, 26, of Fosston passed away unexpectedly in his home Friday evening, June 24, 2022. Austin was born on May 22, 1996, in Grand Forks, N.D.

Douglas “Carl” Mark Melbye

Douglas “Carl” Mark Melbye, 65, of Crookston died Thursday afternoon, June 23, 2022, in the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo with his family by his side, listening to his favorite song. Carl had been battling poor health for the past several months but was known for always having a smile, joke, or encouraging word for anyone he met.

Marie Heinitz

Marie Heinitz, 97, of Crookston, formerly of Mountain Lake, passed away on June 25, 2022, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston.

Viola Ricard

Viola Ricard, 92, of Crookston passed away on June 22, 2022, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston with her children at her side.

Wilmer Sevigny

Wilmer Sevigny, 89, of Crookston passed away on May 16, 2022, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D. The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Wilmer Sevigny will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. David Baumgartner officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to Mass. The funeral will be livestreamed by going to www.crookstoncathedral.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Burial will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery at Gentilly. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Jude’s, or another organization of your choice.

School Board approves breakfast and lunch price increase, 2022-23 preliminary budget

Crookston School Board discussed and approved a number of items at their June 27 meeting including breakfast and lunch price increases for the 2022-23 school year and the coming year's preliminary budget. Food Services Director Anna Brekken explained to the board that the last time students/parents were charged for breakfast and lunch was 2020 due to the pandemic and the price increases will be 10 cents for lunch and five (5) cents for breakfast based on the prices from the 2019-2020 school year.