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.

Raymond Sidney “Ray” Neil

Raymond Sidney “Ray” Neil, 86, of Grand Forks, N.D., and formerly of Mentor, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, June 12, 2022, at the Wheatland Terrace Assisted Living Center. The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Ray will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 2022, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly with The Rev. Joe Richards presiding. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. The Mass will be livestreamed by going to Ray’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Burial will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Club Kid visits Benedictine Living Community residents during second week

Club Kid participants decorated Father's Day cards with Benedictine Living Community residents during their second week of activities. Each Monday BLC-C will be hosting 10-12 club kid students to do an activity with the residents. (Submitted by Benedictine Living Community Crookston)

City Council discusses current and proposed transient merchant ordinance

While it was for discussion only, the current transient merchant ordinance specifically regarding food trucks and the proposed ordinance changes took up most of the June 13 City Council meeting with multiple stakeholders and a food truck owner coming to the podium to ask questions, offer information or share their opinions on future amendments. Ultimately, interim City Administrator Corky Reynolds and City Clerk Ashley Rystad were tasked by the council to make requested changes to the draft proposed ordinance and to bring the proposed ordinance back to a future meeting.

Golden Link, Boy Scouts host flag retirement ceremony

Crookston Boy Scouts hosted a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day Tuesday, June 14 in the Golden Link Senior Center parking lot where they retired flags that were no longer serviceable. The United States Flag Code states, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." Pie and coffee was served inside the senior center after the flag retirement event. (Photo by Garett Bengtson)

Fisher toddler found after reported missing

On June 12, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing 20 month old child who walked from a residence in Fisher Township. It was reported that the child had possibly walked into the nearby woods that surround the property. Law enforcement and first responders responded to the area.