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.

Minnesota Crookston Volleyball announces signing of Williston State College transfer Labatte

The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball team announced the signing of Sydney Labatte (OH/RS, 5-9, Froid, Mont./Williston State College (N.D.) to a National Letter of Intent. Labatte is the third signee for the Golden Eagles for the 2022 class joining Audrey Cariveau (OH, 5-9, Kevil, Ky./Graves County H.S.) and Makenna Frazier (OH, 5-8, Nevis, Minn./Nevis H.S.) as incoming student-athletes for Minnesota Crookston volleyball.

OpEd: Improve Our National Security, Step Away From Fossil Fuels

As Putin’s heavy hand uses Russia’s power over oil and natural gas as a weapon against Europe and the people of Ukraine, it’s impossible not to wonder how we can mitigate the damages he’s causing. Simultaneously, it’s a devastating reminder of the freedom we so often take for granted and a warning to increase our energy independence as a nation. There are many ways we can, but one of the best is to follow the lead of the European Union and quicken our transition to green and renewable energies.

Mackay Column: Patience really is a virtue

There is a wonderful Japanese word, “nemawashi,” whose rough translation is to “prepare the roots.” Although the word was borrowed from famously patient Japanese gardeners, every Japanese businessperson understands its meaning.

Washington and Highland hosting Community Ed summer mini camps in 2022

Community Education is offering "mini" summer camp classes for children in kindergarten through grade 5 at Washington and Highland Elementary School in June. Summer Arts Safari and Crookston Community Theater will also present "Matilda Jr." in August with performances at Highland on August 19 and 20.

Area churches help pack 280,000 meals for children in Haiti and Honduras

Churches in northwestern Minnesota, including Polk County, helped pack 280,000 meals for children in Haiti and Honduras March 25-26 in the Minnkota Building in Grand Forks. Meals were sent to locations of greatest need and distributed by Christian organizations already organized for food distribution.

Crookston Classic Cruisers make donation to Oakdale Cemetery columbarium

The Crookston Classic Cruisers recently made a donation to the Oakdale Cemetery for their new columbarium. Pictured here is cemetery board rep Lester Wilkens, left, and Cruisers member Scott Maves with the donation check. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the columbarium project, contact the cemetery office at 218-281-3991 or Lester at 218- 289-1956. (Photo by Jess Bengtson)

Polk County Sheriff’s Office recognizes National Police Week

May 15th is Peace Officer’s Memorial Day - It is a day for law enforcement and the public to pay respect and homage to officers who have given their lives in the line-of-duty. It is a day that is spent honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers killed while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy.

Local students graduate from Bemidji State, MSU Mankato

Local students, Katelyn Wagner and Susan Wilkens, have recently graduated from the nursing program at Bemidji State University. Graduates from the nursing program were formally admitted into the profession during the pinning ceremony, held on May 5.

Crookston Police Department accident report

An accident was reported on May 10 at approximately 4:25 p.m. when a 2017 Subaru, driven by Darrel Montieth of Crookston, struck a 2009 Subaru, driven by Sharon Munter of Warba, MN. Both drivers were transported by ambulance to Riverview Hospital and both vehicles were totaled.

Riverview Health’s blood drive brings in 35 volunteers

Riverview Health hosted a blood drive with Vitalant on April 22 at Riverview Health which helped collect a total of 39 units of blood products for patients in need. A total of 35 individuals volunteered to donate blood and 31 individuals were able to successfully donate.