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.

Crookston Takes Second in Fertile-Beltrami

Crookston's 16U volleyball team traveled to Fertile-Beltrami Tuesday, where they finished second in the silver bracket. The Pirates defeated the Thunderbirds 25-17 and 25-15 in pool play for their only win.

Removal of the temporary clay levee by the fire hall started

Removal of the temporary clay levee, as shown here on South Main Street in front of the Crookston Fire Department, began Monday, June 20 causing a brief road closure. Crews will continue to work on the area and on-and-off closures may occur. Previously, Public Works Director Brandon Carlson said in order for the city to be reimbursed for the temporary levee during the spring flooding of the Red Lake River they would have to remove it but the city may consider re-adding a temporary levee if there are additional high water concerns. (Photo by Jess Bengtson)

Ox Cart Days kicks off their summer cookouts at Hugo’s

Crookston Ox Cart Days festival kicked off their summer cookouts at Hugo's Family Marketplace on June 21 by selling brats, chips and a drink for $5 as part of a fundraiser. Pictured are American Federal Bank volunteers Stephanie Overgaard, Dan Erdman (who is also part of the festival executive committee) and Stacy Montalvo. Other cookouts will be held July 19 and August 16. (Photo by Jess Bengtson)

Otter Tail Power Company: What extreme summer temperatures could mean for you

Summer is here and forecasted higher-than-average temperatures may lead to increased energy demand. “Otter Tail Power has enough resources to serve our customers, though expected summer weather challenges could mean we’ll need to take additional steps to help maintain reliability of the energy grid,” said Otter Tail Power Asset Management Vice President JoAnn Thompson.

Polk County responds to quonset fire near Oklee

On June 18 at approximately 12 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Oklee Fire Department and Oklee Ambulance were dispatched to 32125 220th ST SE in Chester Township for a report of a quonset fire. The fire was started from a lightning strike to the northwest corner of the quonset.

Lake Agassiz Regional Library to Close July 4 for Independence Day

All Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) branches and LINK sites will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of Memorial Day, with regular hours of operation resuming Tuesday, July 5. LARL’s branch libraries are located in Ada, Bagley, Barnesville, Breckenridge, Climax, Crookston, Detroit Lakes, Fertile, Fosston, Hawley, Mahnomen, McIntosh and Moorhead.

Crookston Fire Department fire calls

A fire call came in June 7 at 9:28 p.m. to the 200 block of North Minnesota Street for a CO detector sounding due to needing new batteries.

Bemidji man injured after freightliner leaves roadway in Polk County

Minnesota State Patrol reported a crash on Highway 92 in Polk County's Chester Township on 350th Avenue SE after a 2013 Freightliner Cascadia, driven by Douglas Scott Lindsey, 60, of Bemidji, left the roadway. The freightliner was eastbound on Highway 92 when it left the roadway during wet road conditions.