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.

Lee Nielson

Lee Nielson, 91, of Erskine passed away on Thursday, April 21, at Essentia Health Living Center in Fosston. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine with Pastor Mike Sletto and Pastor Randy Reimer officiating. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Mentor. Family will greet friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. The service will be live-streamed on the Carlin Facebook Page and also recorded for later viewing on the Carlin website. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the maintenance of the Rose Hill Cemetery. Donations can be mailed to; Rose Hill Cemetery, P.O. Box 32, Mentor, MN 56736.

James “Jim” Earl Gustafson

James “Jim” Earl Gustafson, 78, of Crookston passed away Wednesday evening, May 4, 2022, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D. with his loving family at his side.

Humane Society of Polk County changes name to Scruffy Tails Humane Society

The Humane Society of Polk County, the no-kill animal shelter in Crookston, has announced they will now be doing business as Scruffy Tails Humane Society. In celebration of their progressive changes and new management and board of directors, the name Scruffy Tails Humane Society was created and followed by the implementation of a new database and website.

City Council calls off city administrator candidate interviews

Following a lengthy discussion, Crookston City Council came to a consensus at their May 9 meeting that they would call off the scheduled city administrator candidate interviews and go back to the drawing board with a new search and a new firm. Ward 1 Council Member Kristie Jerde led the conversation saying she felt hesitation with the candidates and wondered if they would be the right way forward for the city.

Matt Torgerson appointed new high school principal

After a consensus was reached by the majority of Crookston School Board members during a special meeting Monday, May 9, Assistant Principal Matt Torgerson has been promoted to the high school principal position following Nicki Martinez's recent resignation. Torgerson has been assistant principal for two years and prior to that was dean of students.