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 sheriffs unite to help Ukraine

The Minnesota Sheriff's Association along with sheriff offices all over Minnesota including Polk County have donated bulletproof vests and helmets to help the people of Ukraine. Over 650 bulletproof vests, 55 helmets and 4 shields were collected in just a few days.

School Board news and notes: Safe school signage on Fisher/Central to get enhancement; 2022-23 academic calendar changes approved

- Crookston School Board approved the purchase of Safe Schools Zone signage for Fisher Avenue and Central Avenue at their March meeting as the district has been working with the City of Crookston and Polk County to add flashing lights on a timer to help indicate when speed zones are enforceable. Superintendent Jeremy Olson said he has received commitment from the city and county to pay for half of the project and sought $8,000 from the school board.

Greenhouse fire in rural Fosston causes moderate damage

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to 27372 430th St SE in rural Fosston on April 12 at approximately 5:13 a.m. for a report of a greenhouse fire. Upon investigation, the fire appeared to have been caused by a wood burning stove that was used to heat the greenhouse.

Lillian F. Hulst

Lillian F. Hulst, 99, of Crookston passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community of Crookston. Lillian was born Lillian Florine Pierce in Euclid October 12, 1922, to Leon and Bertha (Veenstra) Pierce.

John “Jack” Ellsworth Robinson

John “Jack” Ellsworth Robinson, 75, of Sugar Grove, Ill., left this earth at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Amita Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, Ill. He and his loving family had been together battling his pancreatic cancer for many months.

Evelyn M. (Solie) Hagen

Evelyn M. (Solie) Hagen, 97, of Willmar went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar. Her memorial service will be 1 p.m., Monday, April 25, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 402 6th Street East, Beltrami. Burial will be at Scandia Cemetery, approximately one mile south of Beltrami. Arrangements are with West Central Cremation Service in Willmar, www.hafh.org.

Highway 2 Crookston corridor study open house on April 28

The City of Crookston, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), is conducting a corridor study to evaluate existing conditions and potential improvements that could be made along Highway 2 (Broadway and Main Street) in downtown Crookston. The open house will be held on Thursday, April 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Crookston City Hall at 124 N Broadway in Crookston, Minnesota.

City Council forgives commercial rehab loan for Theede family

After a lengthy discussion, Crookston City Council agreed during their last meeting to forgive a commercial rehabilitation loan for the family of Craig Theede - a local chiropractor who passed away in April 2021 after a car accident. The $13,399 rehab loan would have been totally forgiven through the program after a five-year period had the business, Aspen Chiropractic, remained open but the agreement time period had only lapsed by two-and-a-half years.