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.

Care and Share receives donation from Warren Lions Club

Tony Gullikson form the Warren Lions Club recently presented a cash donation to Care and Share of Crookston. Pictured left to right are Gullikson, Aurora Serrano (C&S Kitchen Manager) and Brian Halos (C&S Executive Director.) Submitted photo

Sandra “Sandy” Marie Waxvik

Sandra “Sandy” Marie Waxvik, age 64, formerly of Crookston, MN passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Arrangements are pending.

Polk County Board grants two ARPA fund requests to Mentor and Climax

Polk County Board of Commissioners approved two requests from Mentor Fire Department and the City of Climax at their June 7 meeting for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for their projects. County Administrator Chuck Whiting told the Times the commissioners committed $28,000 to Mentor for their request and committed $250,000 to Climax towards their rural water project with the possibility that additional funds could be allocated to Climax's project later.

City answers questions on transient merchant license, food trucks

Following the City of Crookston’s announcement Friday, June 3 that outlined the present ordinance in effect for transient merchants like food trucks and the city’s statement that said a license would be needed prior to operating in the city, the Times sat down with interim City Administrator Corky Reynolds to get answers to questions on the license fee and timeframe, if there were/are any exceptions and how the announcement came about. The top three reasons for the renewed enforcement of the ordinance, Reynolds said, was for public health and safety, appeasing to brick and mortar restaurants, and to keep the interests of the mobile food vendors balanced.

Bittner retiring from Polk County DAC after 37 years

She was there in the 80s, the 90s, the 2000s, the 2010s and the 2020s, and she's hanging up her hat after 37 years. Polk County Developmental Achievement Center Director Jo Bittner is retiring this summer and will be moving to Duluth to be closer to family.

Strandell’s The County Line

It was 25 years ago at about this time of year when Bill Green, then a Social Service supervisor, came to the County Board with an absolutely crazy idea: Hire five new people to become Family Based Service Providers.