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.

USDA OpEd: ‘Meating’ Processor Expectations

After serving 25 years on the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners and eight years as Rural Development State Director under President Obama, my passion for getting to know and represent the needs of rural communities continues to grow. Armed with this knowledge and drive, I look forward to helping build back a better rural America under President Biden’s leadership.

IDEA Competition names winners

The 14th season of the IDEA Competition has named its winners. Megan Pederson of Fertile is the overall winner of this season’s competition.

Self defense class held for CHS seniors

Crookston police officer Loren Edevold works with Crookston High School seniors Hayden Winjum and Jazmine Doyea during the self defense class (Photo by Jess Bengtson) Claire Oman practices self defense moves with Emma Osborn while instructor Cathy LaJesse monitors (Photo by Jess Bengtson) Crookston police officer Loren Edevold demonstrates a move at the self defense class (Photo by Jess Bengtson) Mallorie Sundeen and Aleah Bienek work with Cathy LaJesse at the self defense class (Photo by Jess Bengtson) Crookston police officer Don Rasicot performs a pretend neck grab on Cathy LaJesse during the self defense class at the high school (Photo by Jess Bengtson) Clara Meyer and Olivia Huck perform a move during self defense class at the high school with Linda Morgan there for assistance (Photo by Jess Bengtson) Crookston Public Schools employees Tina Mason and Dawn Brusoe perform a self defense move as police officer Don Rasicot advises (Photo by Jess Bengtson) .

NW MN Arts Council names artists, advocate of the year

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council has announced their 2022 artists and advocate of the year which include Ross Hier of Crookston, LaVonne Forsberg of Thief River Falls and Philip McKenzie of Thief River Falls. Hier was named the Northwest Artist of the Year and received a $500 cash award, Forsberg was named the Northwest Minnesota Star Artist of the Year and received a $5,000 cash award, and McKenzie was named the Arts Advocate of the Year and received a $500 cash award.

Jared Davidson named new market president of United Valley Bank in Grand Forks

Jared Davidson has joined United Valley Bank in Grand Forks, North Dakota, as its Market President. Davidson will be responsible for overseeing all daily procedures and practices regarding financial services offered to customers in the Grand Forks market and surrounding area. He brings more than 25 years of banking and finance experience, including Retail Banking, Residential Real Estate Lending, Treasury Management, and Commercial and Agribusiness lending.

Klemek Outdoors: Firebird Sharp-Tailed Grouse

If ever you’ve had the pleasure of observing dancing sharp-tailed grouse, then surely you’ve enjoyed one of Nature’s finest shows. Indeed, each spring across parts of northern Minnesota an avian dance is performed by a very special, native species of bird.

UMN Extension to offer Tractor and Farm Safety Certification for Youth in 2022

University of Minnesota Extension will be offering Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Certification at six locations across the state in 2022. The youth tractor and farm safety certification program provides youth 14 years and older the opportunity to learn about safe equipment operation and general farm safety.

Minnesota moms fish free May 7-8

During Take a Mom Fishing Weekend Saturday, May 7 to Sunday, May 8, moms who live in Minnesota can fish without purchasing a license. The Minnesota State Legislature established this special weekend in 1988 to coincide with Mother’s Day.