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.

Klemek Outdoors: The Northern Cardinal

Few songbirds garner as much attention as northern cardinals do. If cardinals were the color of any dozens of sparrow species, would they be as popular? Indeed, the beautifully red-colored northern cardinal is epitomized on major league baseball and national football uniforms, are reasons people buy expensive fruit-filled birdseed mixes, and are the official state bird for seven states—more than any other species of bird.

oneCourtMN Hearings Initiative Policy Takes Effect

The Minnesota Judicial Branch order of April 19, 2022, and the oneCourtMN Hearings Initiative policy providing the framework for how remote and in-person hearings will take place, became effective June 6. Going forward, all hearings scheduled and hearing notices issued will follow the policy. Case participants will find the most accurate information about how their court hearings will take place on their hearing notices.

Run Wild at Castle Park this Summer

Kids at Castle events are back at Crookston’s nature-based play area, Castle Park, beginning next week! Events will be held throughout the summer and early Fall on the 2nd Monday of each month June – October from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Castle Park is located off Castle St and Summit Ave S near the Dog Park.

Eat United summer food program kicks off

Kids enjoy their food under the shelter at Ray Ecklund Complex during the Eat United summer food kickoff. (Photo by Jess Bengtson) Volunteers serve food under the shelter at Ray Ecklund Complex during the Eat United summer food program kickoff.

Crookston School District award teachers and staff at end of the year gathering

Crookston School District recently held its 2022 OSPY (Outstanding Service to Pirate Youth) and Service Award Ceremony, and has announced this year's winners and honorees: OSPY award winners: Washington Elementary: Monica Parenteau, Janise Dorman Highland Elementary: Andrea Ingersoll, Cathy Trandem Crookston High School: Whitney Rupprecht, Dana Kuchan Extracurricular/Advisor/ Coach: Linda Morgan, Harley Stahlecker Community: Victoria Ramirez, Greg Garmen (Coach) Service awards: 20 years - Laurie Awender Amy Boll Kristin Funk Lynette Nordine-Goosen John Panzer Kristi Swanson Laurie Wavra 25 years - Jennifer Solie Shelly Thomforde Cathy Trandem Cindy Tyler 30 years - Sara Geist Wanda Proulx Chris Trostad 2022 retirees: Greg Garmen Mike Hajostek Kenny Olson Kenny Winger .

Crookston area students named to NDSU Dean’s List

Area Minnesota students were among the 3,330 North Dakota State University students to be placed on the spring 2022 dean’s list. A student must earn a 3.50 grade point average or higher and be enrolled in at least nine class credits to qualify for the summer list.

Local Students Named to MSU Moorhead Dean’s List

The following students have been named to the Minnesota State University Moorhead dean’s list in recognition of academic achievement spring semester 2022. Students must maintain a 3.25 or higher grade point average and carry 12 graded credits to qualify for the honor.

Crookston student receives MSU Moorhead scholarship

Sarah Ryan, Crookston, Minn., has received the Delsie Holmquist Memorial Scholarship for $2,500 from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Sarah is a graduate of Crookston High School. Sarah’s parents are Chad and Joanne Ryan.